ge will return; for indeed I'm too kind-hearted, Sam, and too
aisily made feel, as you persave, for the traisonable state of the
country, and of the misguided people. However, I only feel these things
as a man, Sam, as a kind-hearted man, but not as a fearless and resolute
magistrate, Sam: as a magistrate I don't know what fear is."

"That's well known, your worship; when you're at the head of a body
of polis or military, every one knows what you are; isn't dare-devil
Driscol, your worship, the best name they have for you?"

"True enough, Sam; d--n them; a man, especially a magistrate, couldn't
be courageous unknown to them--they'll be sure to find it out. I'm a
good deal relieved, Sam, and--hem--hem--let us proceed to investigate
this important matter of Hourigan's. These Purcels are--hem--ahem--too
much in the habit of violating the law, Sam, and that's not right--it's
illaygal--it's illay-gal, Sam, to violate the law; I say so, and I think
I can't allow such breaches of the"--here, however, the thought of the
conspiracy occurred, and swayed him in a moment against Hourigan. "To be
sure Hourigan's a scoundrel, and deserves a horsewhipping every day he
rises."

"True enough, sir; and sure if the Purcels break the law, it is only
upon the people, and arn't the people, your worship, as ready to break
the law as the Purcels! Sorra warrant, then, I'd grant against Misther
John this bout."

"And what would you do, Sam?"

"I'd bind Hourigan over to keep the pace."

"I believe you're right, Sam; he's a bad bird, Hourigan; so I think the
best thing to do is to tie his hands up for him."

"And if we could tie his tongue up too, your worship, it ought to be
done."

Here, on the other hand, the notice he had just received stuck in his
throat, and reduced him to a new perplexity.

"But then, Sam," he added, "think of the revengeful spirit that is
abroad. Good Lord! it is awful! Haven't I this moment a threatening
notice on my table? Well," he added, "if ever a man suffered in the
cause of government as a public man and an active resolute magistrate,
I do; indeed, Sam, if I had known the cares, and troubles, and
responsibilities of my official situation, I am not certain whether I
would not have preferred a private station; but you see government will
find out men of talent and public spirit. If I had less of either, it
isn't threatening letters I'd be resaving this day. Come, then, let us
go to the discharge of our duty