as evident enough to him what
the object of that journey was; it needed no clew to track his path.
It was strange; but now, when the deed was not to secure any future
benefits to himself, it appeared before his eyes in all the glaring
colors of its criminality. It was a cold-blooded and useless crime, and
he actually shuddered as he thought upon it.

Although he well knew that it would not be possible to connect him in
any way with the act, his conscience made him restless and uneasy, and
he would have given much that he had never mooted it. It was too late,
however, now, to think of these things; were he to mount his horse and
follow the fellow Keane, the chances of coming up with him were few. The
man would inevitably have concealed himself till the very moment came;
and were Linton to be present at such a time, the fact of his presence
might, in such a remote and unfrequented spot, give rise to the very
worst suspicions. "Be it so," said he, at length, and with the tone of
one who left the issue to fortune. He found himself now upon the high
road, and remembering that he was not far from Tiernay's house, resolved
on making a visit to the doctor in person. It might so happen hereafter
that a question would arise where he had passed the morning. There was
no saying what turn events might take, and it would be as well were he
able to show that he had spent some time in Tiernay's company; and as,
in such a critical moment, it would have been far from wise to discuss
any matter connected with Cashel's property, it were safest to make
the object of the visit appear an effort to obtain Dr. Tiernay's kind
mediation in the difference with Mr. Corrigan.

To pass half an hour in his company, under any pretext, would be to
put on record his occupation on that morning; and with this resolve, he
knocked at the door.

It was with a start of surprise Tiernay received Linton as he entered
his study. The doctor arose from the chair where he had been sitting,
and stood in the attitude of one who desires by his very air and
deportment to express that he does not mean that the other should be
seated.

"This is an honor, sir," said he, at last, "so undeserved on my part,
that I am at a loss how to acknowledge it."

"A little patience and a little courtesy are all I ask for, Dr.
Tiernay," replied Linton, while he placed a chair and seated himself
with the most perfect unconcern. "You may easily guess that I do not
intrude my presence