ned with superstitions,
clogged by false principles. This was a text from which he never ceased
to preach. As a youth he was engaged in profitable business. Before he
reached his thirtieth year he had realized a handsome competency. He
retired from his occupation, and went abroad to found a city across the
ocean, with views that were unknown to man, and which, well carried out,
must prove infallible. He chose a spot removed from civilized
society--lived for three years amongst a tribe of savages, and came home
at last without a farthing in his scrip--beggared but not depressed. He
had dwelt for many months in a district of swamps, and he had discovered
a method of draining lands cheaper and more effectual than any hitherto
attempted. He contracted to empty some thousand acres--began his work,
succeeded for a time, and failed at last, from having falsely calculated
his expenses, and for lack of means to carry out his plans. There were
few public matters in which Mr Planner did not meddle. He wrote
pamphlets, and "hints," and "original views" by dozens. His articles on
the currency and corn-laws were full of racy hits and striking
points--his criticisms on the existing state of art worthy of the
artist's best attention. The temper of Mr Planner was such as might be
expected from such a mass of arrogance and conceit. A man who, in the
easiness of his heart, would listen humbly, patiently, approvingly to Mr
Planner, must pronounce the ardent character an angel. The remarkable
docility which Mr Planner evinced under such treatment, was only to be
equalled by the volubility and pleasure with which he communicated his
numerous and ingenious ideas. Sceptics--nay, men who had ventured only
to contend for the soundness of their preconceived ideas, and who had
been met with a torrent of vituperation and reproach in consequence--did
not hesitate to call Mr Planner--the devil incarnate. Such as he was, he
had become an agent and a tool in the hands of Allcraft's father.
Michael had been his friend for years, and Planner liked the boy who had
ever regarded him with awe and veneration. The youth had been taught by
his parent to note the faults and inconsistencies of his character; but
these had not rendered him insensible to the talents which had commanded
even that discerning parent's respect and admiration. It was this
personage, for some years the hanger-on at the bank, and the traveller
and negotiator of many things for Allcraft sen