ssal,
which was brief, stern, and peremptory--or as the phrase goes--short,
sharp, and decisive. It was written by Lord Cumber's own hand, and to
give it all due authenticity, had his seal formally attached at the
bottom. Harman now entered, accompanied by Darby, Poll Doolin, and a
number of those persons among the tenantry, whom M'Clutchy had robbed
and persecuted. On looking at them, after having twice perused the
letter of dismissal, his hands and knees trembled as if he were about to
fall, and on attempting to fold the letter, it was visible to all that
he could scarcely accomplish it.

"Now," proceeded Mr. Topertoe, "I may as well inform you that I have
made myself thoroughly and most intimately acquainted with your conduct
in all its revolting phases; I have read and transmitted to my brother
two letters which passed between you and this pious gentleman, Mr.
M'Slime, here, upon the subject of Messrs. M'Loughlin and Harman's
property--than which, nothing more flagitious could--in the way of
business, or in the performance of any public duty--enter the heart of
man. Just Heaven! a poor creature, perhaps prompted by the cravings of
hunger, will steal some paltry matter, not worth half a crown--perhaps
a pocket-handkerchief--and forthwith out comes justice, oh, not Justice,
but Law in her stead, with sword in hand, and scales most iniquitously
balanced; and, lo! the unfortunate wretch is immediately dragged to a
prison, and transported for life to a penal colony; whilst at the same
time, rapacious villains like you, will plunder by wholesale--will wring
the hearts of the poor, first by your tyranny, and afterwards rob them
in their very destitution. The unhappy, struggling widow, without a
husband to defend her, you would oppress, because she is helpless, and
your scoundrel son would corrupt her, were she not virtuous. You would
intoxicate an aged man that he might, in the unguarded moments of
inebriety, surrender a valuable lease into your keeping. You would
not receive your rents, except in gold, or which you made the wretched
people pay, ruinous, murderous premium, by selling it but to them from
day to day. You--in fact have now neither time nor patience to enumerate
your monstrous corruptions and robberies, although I know them all,
as you shall find ere long. There is one act, however, so refined
in diabolical depravity, so deeply narked by a spirit of cowardice,
revenge, and cruelty, that I might almost question