ery pleasing intelligence this, doctor," said the moneylender, rubbing
his hands, "and I am free to own, very surprising also! Am I to enter
into an explanation of the peculiar causes of these liabilities, doctor,
or to suppose," said he, "that Mr. Cashel is already conversant with
them?"

"You are to suppose, sir," interposed Cashel, "that Mr. Cashel is
aware of every circumstance upon which he does not ask you for further
information." There was a sternness in the way he spoke that abashed the
other, who, opening a huge pocket-book on the table, proceeded to scan
its contents with diligence; while Tiernay, whose agitation was great,
sat watching him without speaking.

"The transactions," said Hoare, "date from some years back, as these
bills will show, and consist, for the most part, in drafts, at various
dates, by Mr. Leicester, of South Bank, New Orleans, on Cornelius
Corrigan, Esq., of Tubbermore. Some of these have been duly honored;
indeed, at first, Mr. Corrigan was punctuality itself; but bad seasons,
distress at home here, greater demands, the consequence of some
commercial losses sustained by Mr. Leicester in the States, all coming
together, the bills were not met as usual; renewals were given--and,
when it comes to that, Mr. Cashel, I need scarcely say difficulties
travel by special train." No one joined in the little laugh by which Mr.
Hoare welcomed his own attempt at pleasantry, and he went on: "At first
we managed tolerably well. Mr. Corrigan devoted a portion of his income
to liquidate these claims; he made certain sales of property; he reduced
his establishment; in fact, I believe he really made every sacrifice
consistent with his position--"

"No, sir," broke in Tiernay, "but consistent with bare subsistence."

The violent tone of the interruption startled the moneylender, who
hastened to concur with the sentiment, while he faltered out--

"Remember, gentlemen, I speak only from hearsay; of myself I know
nothing."

"Go on with your statement, sir," said Cashel, peremptorily.

"My statement," said Hoare, provoked at the tone assumed towards
him, "resolves itself into a debt of three thousand seven hundred and
forty-eight pounds some odd shillings. There are the bills. The sums
due for interest and commission are noted down, and will, I believe, be
found duly correct."

"Three thousand seven hundred pounds in less than five years!"
ejaculated Tiernay. "What iniquity!"

"If your expression is