wingly be found corresponding with
any but gentlemen. I have only now simply to say, that I repel with
great coolness--for indignation I feel none--the charges that have
been brought against me, both in the resolutions, and the letter which
accompanied them. Neither shall I take further notice of any letters
or resolutions you may send me, as I have no intention in future of
corresponding with any one on the subject, with the exception of Lord
Cumber himself, with whom I have had recent communications touching this
matter.

"I am, sir, &c, "Henry Hartley."

Our readers are, no doubt, a good deal surprised, that Phil, knowing,
from sad experience, the courage for which all the Hartley family were
so remarkable, should have ventured to undertake the post of chairman,
on an occasion where such charges were advanced against the gentleman
in question. And, indeed, so they ought to be surprised, as upon
the following morning no man living felt that sensation so deeply or
painfully as did worthy Phil himself, who experienced the tortures of
the damned. The whole secret of the matter, therefore, is, that Phil
had lately taken to drink--to drink at all hours too--morning, noon, and
night. In vain did his father remonstrate with him upon the subject; in
vain did he entreat on one occasion and command on another. Phil, who
was full of valor under certain circumstances, told his father he did
not care a curse for him, and d--d his honor if he would allow him
to curb him in that manner. The fact is, that Phil was at the present
period of our tale, as corrupt and profligate a scoundrel as ever walked
the earth. His father had no peace with him and received little else
at his hands than contempt, abuse, and threats of being horsewhipped.
Perhaps if our readers can remember the extermination scene at Drum Dhu,
together with the appearance of Kate Clank, they will be disposed to
think that the son's conduct now, was very like judicial punishment
on the father for what his own had been. Be this as it may--on the
following morning after the meeting at Castle Cumber, Phil's repentance,
had it been in a good cause, ought to have raised him to the calendar.
In truth, it rose to actual remorse.

"Damn my honor, M'Clutchy"--for that was now the usual respectful tone
of his address to him--"were you not a precious old villain to allow me
to take the chair yesterday, when you knew what cursed fire-eaters these
Hartleys are?"

"That, Phil,