id nothing, but
he looked very sharply indeed. He now knew well who this man was,
and guessed with tolerable accuracy the cause of his visit. But,
nevertheless, at the moment he said nothing.

"Come along, then, Mr. Mollett. I hope your affair is not likely to
be a very long one also. Perhaps you'll excuse my having a cup of tea
sent in to me as you talk to me. There is nothing like saving time
when such very important business is on the tapis. Donnellan, send
Thady in with a cup of tea, like a good fellow. Now, Mr. Mollett."

Mr. Mollett rose slowly from his chair, and followed his host. He
would have given all he possessed in the world, and that was very
little, to have had the coast clear. But in such an emergency,
what was he to do? By the time he had reached the door of the
drawing-room, he had all but made up his mind to tell Fitzgerald
that, seeing there was so much other business on hand this morning at
Hap House, this special piece of business of his must stand over. But
then, how could he go back to Cork empty-handed? So he followed Owen
into the room, and there opened his budget with what courage he had
left to him.

Captain Donnellan, as he employed himself on the broiled bones,
twice invited Mr. Prendergast to assist him; but in vain. Donnellan
remained there, waiting for Owen, till eleven; and then got on his
horse. "You'll tell Fitzgerald, will you, that I've started? He'll
see nothing of to-day's hunt; that's clear."

"I don't think he will," said Mr. Prendergast.

CHAPTER XXIV.

AFTER BREAKFAST AT HAP HOUSE.

"I don't think he will," said Mr. Prendergast; and as he spoke,
Captain Donnellan's ear could detect that there was something
approaching to sarcasm in the tone of the old man's voice. The
Captain was quite sure that his friend would not be even at the heel
of the hunt that day; and without further compunction proceeded to
fasten his buckskin gloves round his wrists. The meet was so near
to them, that they had both intended to ride their own hunters from
the door; and the two nags were now being led up and down upon the
gravel.

But at this moment a terrible noise was heard to take place in
the hall. There was a rush and crushing there which made even Mr.
Prendergast to jump from his chair, and drove Captain Donnellan to
forget his gloves and run to the door.

It was as though all the winds of heaven were being driven down the
passage, and as though each separate wind was shod