r----"

"Lanty Lawler, did you say?"

"Yes. You know him, then?"

"To be sure I do. We've had many dealings together. He's a shrewd
fellow, and not over-scrupulous in the way of his trade; but, apart from
that, he's a true-hearted, honest fellow, and a friend to the cause."

"You think so, Mark," said Talbot, with a smile of significant meaning.

"I know it, Talbot. He is not an acquaintance of yesterday with me. I
have known him for years long. He is as deep in the plot as any, and
perhaps has run greater risks than either of us."

"Well, well," said Talbot, sighing, as though either weary of the
theme, or disinclined to contradict the opinion; "let us think of other
matters. Shall we go to this ball or not? I incline to say nay."

"What! Not go there?" said Mark, starting back in astonishment.
"Why, what in heaven's name have we been waiting for, but this very
opportunity?--and what reason is there now to turn from our plans?"

"There may be good and sufficient ones, even though they should be
purely personal to myself," said Talbot, in a tone of ill-dissembled
pique. "But come; we will go. I have been walking over a mine too long
to care for a mere petard. And now, let us lose no more time, but dress
at once."

"Must I really wear this absurd dress, Talbot? For very shame's sake, I
shall not be able to look about me."

"That you must, Mark. Remember that your safety lies in the fact that we
attract no notice of any kind. To be as little remarked as possible is
our object; and for this reason I shall wear the uniform of an English
militia regiment, of which there are many at every Levee. We shall
separate on entering the room, and meet only from time to time; but as
we go along, I'll give you all your instructions. And now to dress, as
quickly as may be."

CHAPTER XXXIII. THE ST. PATRICK'S BALL

Much as O'Donoghue marvelled at the change effected in his own
appearance by the court dress, he was still more surprised at finding
what a complete transformation his friend Talbot had undergone. The
scarlet uniform seemed to make him appear larger and fatter; while
the assumption of a pair of dark whiskers added several years to his
apparent age, and totally changed the character of his countenance.

"I see by your face, Mark," said he, laughing, "that the disguise
is complete. You could scarcely recognise me--I may safely defy most
others?"

"But you are taller, I think?"

"About an inch and a-half