, Sam, fearlessly and impartially, as a
man entrusted with great public authority."

He accordingly proceeded to the office, a good deal recruited in
courage by the brandy, but by no means altogether relieved from the
apprehensions consequent upon the receipt of the notice and Hourigan's
narrative.

Fergus and Purcel, on their way from the shrubbery to the house,
fell upon a simpler plan by which to detect Hourigan's falsehood,
and ascertain whether there existed any personal acquaintance or
understanding of any sort between him and the new-comer.

"Well, John," said O'Driscol, after once more placing himself with his
usual pomp in his magisterial chair, "have you been able to find any
account or trace of the assassin?"

"None whatever, sir," replied Purcel; "neither tale nor tidings of him
could I find."

"When did you see him, Hourigan?" asked Fergus; "was it on your way
here?"

"Yes, sir."

"In the avenue?"

"In the avenue, sir, about fifty yards inside the hedge, jist opposite
the hollies."

"Why did you not speak to him?"

"Troth, sir, he had too suspicious a look; for how did I know but it's a
bullet I'd get into, me, if I was only seen obsarvin' or watchin' him?"

"Then you did not speak to him?" asked Fergus.

"Faith, you may swear that, sir; that is not the time to pick up strange
acquaintances."

The two young friends were now satisfied of Hourigan's falsehood, and
perhaps of his treachery; and a very slight but significant glance to
that effect passed between them.

"Well, well," said the magistrate, "we--I mane myself, at any rate--are
well able to protect ourselves. I shall not in future travel unarmed,
and he that--hem--ahem--he that will mistake me for a timid man will
find out his error maybe when it's too late. Come, Hourigan, what charge
is this you have against Mr. Purcel?"

"Plaise your honor, he abused, and assaulted, and bate me until I didn't
know for a time whether I was alive or dead."

"How was that, Hourigan, sir?"

"Bekaise, your honor, I had not my tides for him."

"Now that I look at you, you certainly have the marks of violence about
you. Well, but did you give no provocation, sir? It's not likely
Mr. Purcel would raise his hand to you if he had not resaved strong
provocation at yours."

"Sorra word, then, your honor, ever I said to him,--barrin' to tell him
that I hoped he'd have compassion on me and my little family, and not
drive us to ruin for what I wasn't a