e, the incredible large staff of
Spies that we have at work, and believe me, when I tell you that if you
make the proper disclosures to me I shall recommend you in the strongest
terms to Browbeater, who will have you placed high upon the list of
informers--a respectable class of men, let me tell you, and extremely
useful--so that you will be well and liberally paid for your treachery,
I mean that treachery which has _amor patriae_ to justify it. We
will not attempt to control your genius in any way; you can take to
ballad-singing again, if you like, or any other patriotic line of
serving the government which you choose. Having premised me this much,
allow me now to ask you your real name."

"For the present I must decline answering that question."

"Very proper--I see you know your business: and it is not my wish that
you should say anything to criminate yourself--certainly not. But in the
meantime, that you may see I am not at all in the dark, I tell you that
your name is Larry O'Trap, a decent journeyman carpenter by trade, but
as much a painter as I am a parson."

"I won't submit to a private examination," replied Easel; "examine me
publicly--that is, before the gentlemen in the next room, and I will
answer you to better purpose, perhaps; but I hate this hole and corner
work."

"You will give no information, then?"

"I don't exactly say that--it is probable I may."

"Think of it, then," said Val, "and let me tell you, there is little
time to be lost. I shall speak to you once again before I commit
you--that is, after I shall have punished this villain M'Loughlin,
whom I hate as I hate hell; and mark me, you scoundrel, and reflect on
this,--I am a man who never yet forgave an injury; therefore don't make
me your enemy. This M'Loughlin insulted me some years ago in Castle
Cumber, and it is that insult that I am this day revenging upon his
head--so think of my words."

"I shall think of them; I shall never forget them."

"Keep this fellow in close custody," said Val to the constables, as
they re-entered the parlor--"until the business of the day is over. Mr.
Sheriff, it is time now that you should do your duty."

"I countermand that order," said Easel. "You see, Mr. M'Clutchy," said
the sheriff, smiling, "that here is a countermand."

"Here is your rent in full, Mr. M'Clutchy," said M'Loughlin, "and lest
notes might not prove satisfactory, as they never do to you, there it is
in gold. You will find it right.