otted more bogs and horses than ever I did."

"Well, never mind that, Morty. What did this end in?"

"End in!--why upon my conscience I don't think it's properly begun yet."

"Good-by," exclaimed Norton, rising to go, or at least pretending to do
so. "Many thanks in the meantime for your information--it is precious,
invaluable."

"Well, now, wait a minute. A few days ago I seen the same schemer
skulkin' about the house as if he was afeared o' bein' seen; and that
beef and mutton may be my poison, wid health to use them, but I seen
him stealin' out of his lordship's own room. So, now make money o' that;
only when you do, don't be puttin' it in circulation."

"No danger of that, Morty, in any sense. At all events, I don't deal in
base coin."

"Don't you, faith. I wondher what do you call imposin' Barney Bryan, the
horse-jockey, on his lordship, for Tom Norton, the gentleman? However,
no matther--that's your own affair; and so long as you let the good ould
lord alone among you--keep your secret--I'm not goin' to interfere wid
you. None of your travellers' tricks upon him, though."

"No, not on him, Morty; but concerning this forthcoming marriage, if
it takes place, I dare say I must travel; I can't depend upon Dunroe's
word."

"Why, unlikelier things has happened, Mr. Norton. I think you'll be
forced to set out."

"Well, I only say that if Mr. Norton can prevent it, it won't happen.
I can wind this puppy of a lord, who has no more will of his own than a
goose, nor half so much; I say I can wind him round my finger; and if I
don't get him to make himself, in any interview he may have with her,
so egregiously ridiculous, as to disgust her thoroughly, my name's not
Norton--hem--ha, ha, ha!"

"Well, your name's not Norton--very good. In the mane time more power
to you in that; for by all accounts it's a sin and a shame to throw away
such a girl upon him."

Norton now having gained all he could from his old acquaintance, got
up, and was about to leave the room, when Morty, looking at him
significantly, asked,

"Where are you bound for now, if it's a fair question?"

"I will tell you, then, Morty--upon an affair that's anything but
pleasant to me, and withal a little dangerous: to buy a horse for
Dunroe."

"Troth, you may well say so; in God's name keep away from horses and.
jockeys, or you'll be found out; but, above all things, don't show your
face on the Curragh."

"Well, I don't know. I believe, after all