dy succeeded in awaking her master
sufficiently to make him understand that Lord Ballindine, and Doctor
Colligan were downstairs, and that Parson Armstrong was just outside
the bed-room door. The poor girl tried hard to communicate her tidings
in such a whisper as would be inaudible to the parson; but this was
impossible, for Barry only swore at her, and asked her "what the
d---- she meant by jabbering there in that manner?" When, however, he
did comprehend who his visitors were, and where they were, he gnashed
his teeth and clenched his fist at the poor girl, in sign of his anger
against her for having admitted so unwelcome a party; but he was too
frightened to speak.

Mr Armstrong soon put an end to this dumb show, by walking into the
bed-room, when the girl escaped, and he shut the door. Barry sat up in
his bed, rubbed his eyes, and stared at him, but he said nothing.

"Mr Lynch," said the parson, "I had better at once explain the
circumstances which have induced me to make so very strange a visit."

"Confounded strange, I must say! to come up to a man's room in this
way, and him in bed!"

"Doctor Colligan is downstairs--"

"D---- Doctor Colligan! He's at his lies again, I suppose? Much I care
for Doctor Colligan."

"Doctor Colligan is downstairs," continued Mr Armstrong, "and Lord
Ballindine, who, you are aware, is a magistrate. They wish to speak to
you, Mr Lynch, and that at once."

"I suppose they can wait till a man's dressed?"

"That depends on how long you're dressing, Mr Lynch."

"Upon my word, this is cool enough, in a man's own house!" said Barry.
"Well, you don't expect me to get up while you're there, I suppose?"

"Indeed I do, Mr Lynch: never mind me; just wash and dress yourself as
though I wasn't here. I'll wait here till we go down together."

"I'm d----d if I do," said Barry. "I'll not stir while you remain
there!" and he threw himself back in the bed, and wrapped the
bedclothes round him.

"Very well," said Mr Armstrong; and then going out on to the
landing-place, called out over the banisters--"Doctor--Doctor Colligan!
tell his lordship Mr Lynch objects to a private interview: he had
better just step down to the Court-house, and issue his warrant. You
might as well tell Constable Nelligan to be in the way."

"D----n!" exclaimed Barry, sitting bolt upright in his bed. "Who says I
object to see anybody? Mr Armstrong, what do you go and say that for?"
Mr Armstrong returned into the roo