y insulted me. Ay, sir, I have but to open that window
and speak one word, and you would sorely repent this day's proceeding."

Linton sat calm and collected under this burst of anger, as though he
were actually enjoying the outbreak he had provoked. "You have a lawless
population here, it would seem, then," said he, smiling blandly, as
he rose from his seat. "I think the Government is badly rewarded by
bestowing its resources on such a neighborhood. A police-barracks would
suit you better than an hospital, and so I shall tell Mr. Downie Meek."

Tiernay grew suddenly pale. The threat was too papable to be mistaken,
nor was he sufficiently conversant with the world of policy to detect
its fallacy.

"Two hundred pounds a year," resumed Linton, "can be of no moment to one
who is surrounded by such generous devotion; while some respect for law
or order will be a good 'alterative,'--is n't that the phrase, doctor?"

Tiernay could not utter a word. Like many men who pass their lives in
seclusion, he had formed the most exaggerated ideas of the despotism of
those in power; he believed that for the gratification of a mere whim
or passing caprice they would not scruple at an act of oppression that
might lead to ruin itself; he felt shocked at the peril to which a hasty
word had exposed him. Linton read him like a book, and, gazing fixedly
at him, said, "Your craft has taught you little of worldly skill, Dr.
Tiernay, or you would have seen that it is better to incur a passing
inconvenience than run the risk of a severe and perhaps fatal
misfortune. Me-thinks that a science of expediencies might have
instilled a few of its wise precepts into every-day life."

The doctor stared, half in astonishment, half in anger, but never spoke.

"Reflect a little upon this point," said Linton, slowly; "remember, too,
that a man like myself, who never acts without an object, may be a very
good associate for him who has neither courage nor energy for action at
all; and lastly, bethink you that the subtlety and skill which can make
a useful friend, can become very readily the materials of a dangerous
enemy."

Linton knew well the force and significance of vagueness, either in
threat or promise; and no sooner had he done speaking than he left the
room and the house; while Tiernay, bewildered and terrified, sat down to
think over what had passed.

"He 'll come to terms, I see that!" cried Linton to himself, as he
entered the park of Tubbermo