in what is called a false position
here, and 'twere far better to escape from it at once."

"That would be the making of us, all out, if ye could come, Mr. Cregan!"
said Joe.

"Let me interrupt you one moment," said I. "If I should accompany you on
this journey, there is one condition only upon which I would consent to
it."

"Whatever you like; only say it," said he, over whom I had established a
species of magnetic influence.

"It is this, then," said I, "that you treat me on terms of perfect
equality,--forget my birth and rank in life; regard me exactly as one of
yourselves. Let me be no longer anything but 'Con Cregan.'"

"That's mighty handsome, entirely!" said the old man,--a sentiment
concurred in by the whole family in chorus.

"Remember, then," said I, "no more 'Mr. Cregan.' I am 'Con'--nothing
more!"

Joe looked unutterable delight at the condescension.

"Secondly, I should not wish to go back to my lodgings here, after what
has occurred; so I 'll write a few lines to have my trunks forwarded to
Montreal, until which time I 'll ask of you to procure me a change of
costume, for I cannot bear to be seen in this absurd dress by daylight."

"To be sure; whatever you please!" said Joe, overjoyed at the projected
arrangement.

After some further discussion on the subject, I inquired where their
luggage was stored, and learned that it lay at the Montreal Steamer
Wharf, where it had been deposited the preceding day; and by a bill of
the packets, which Joe produced, I saw that she was to sail that very
morning, at eight o'clock. There was then no time to lose; so I advised
my companions to move silently and noiselessly from the house, and to
follow me. With an implicit reliance on every direction I uttered, they
stole carefully down the stairs and issued into the street, which was
now perfectly deserted.

Although in total ignorance of the locality, I stepped out confidently;
and first making for the Harbor, as a "point of departure," I at last
reached the "New Wharf," as the station of the river steamers was
called. With an air of the most consummate effrontery, I entered the
office to bargain for our passage; and although the clerks were not
sparing of their ridicule both on my pretensions and my costume, as the
conversation was carried on in French, my companions stared in wonder
at my fluency, and in silent ecstasy at the good fortune that had thrown
them into such guidance.

It was a busy morning f