n the very question at
issue. They came armed with piles of provincial papers, all written
in the same threatening style. One in particular, the 'Upper Ossory
Beacon,' had an article headed, 'Who is our Dionysius?'"

"Never mind that," broke in Dunn, impatiently. "You explained to them
the line to be taken?"

"Fully, sir. I told them that they were to answer the attacks weakly,
feebly, deprecating in general terms the use of personalities, and
throwing out little appeals for forbearance, and so on. On the question
of the Bank, I said, 'Be somewhat more resolute; hint that certain
aspersions might be deemed actionable; that wantonly to assail credit is
an offence punishable at law; and then dwell upon the benefits already
diffused by these establishments, and implore all who have the interest
of Ireland at heart not to suffer a spirit of faction to triumph over
their patriotism.'"

"Will they understand the part?" asked Dunn, more impatiently than
before.

"Thoroughly; Browne, indeed, has a leader already 'set up'--"

"What do I care for all these?" broke in Dunn, peevishly. "Surely no man
knows better than yourself that these fellows are only the feathers that
show where the wind blows. As to any influence they wield over public
opinion, you might as well tell me that the man who sweats a guinea can
sway the Stock Exchange."

Hankes shook his head dissentingly, but made no reply.

"You have brought the Bank accounts and the balance-sheet?"

"Yes, they are all here."

"Have you made any rough calculation as to the amount--" He stopped.

"Fifty thousand ought to cover it easily--I mean with what they have
themselves in hand. The first day will be a heavy one, but I don't
suspect the second will, particularly when it is known that we are
discounting freely as ever."

"And now as to the main point?" said Dunn.

"All right, sir. Etheridge's securities give us seventeen thousand; we
have a balance of about eleven on that account of Lord Lackington; I
drew out the twelve hundred of Kellett's at once; and several other
small sums, which are all ready."

"It _is_ a bold stroke!" muttered Dunn, musingly.

"None but an original mind could have hit upon it, sir. I used to
think the late Mr. Robins a very great man, sir,--and he _was_ a great
man,--but this is a cut above him."

"Let us say so when it has succeeded, Hankes," said Dunn, with a
half-smile.

As he spoke, he seated himself at the table, and, opening