I intend, sir; and he has been spakin' to me about comin' forrid
publicly, in regard of an intention he has of writin' a new tract
consarning me, to be called the Converted Bailiff, or a Companion to
the Religious Attorney; and he says, sir, that he'll get us bound up
together."

"Does he?" said Val, dryly; "strung up, I suppose he means."

"Troth your honor's right," replied Darby; "but my own mimory isn't what
it used to be--it was strung up he said, sure enough, sir."

"Very well," said Val, "but now to business. Phil, my boy, you move off
for a little--Darby and I have a small matter to talk over, that nobody
must hear but ourselves."

"All right," replied Phil; "so take care of yourselves;" and accordingly
left the room.

Now the truth was, that M'Clutchy, who perfectly understood the
half-witted character of his son--for be it known that worthy Phil was
considered by those who had the honor of his acquaintance, as anything
but an oracle--did not feel himself justified in admitting the said Phil
to full confidence in all his plans and speculations.

"You see now," said he, addressing Darby sternly--"you see the opinion
which I entertain of your honesty, when I trust you more than I do my
son."

"Troth I do your honor--and by the same token did I ever betray you?"

"Betray, you scoundrel! what had you to betray?" said Val indignantly,
whatever I do is for the benefit of the country in general, and for Lord
Cumber's property in particular: you know that."

"Know it! doesn't the whole world know it, sir?"

"Well, then"--said Val, softening---"now to business. In the first place
observe my words--listen."

Darby said nothing, but looked at him in the attitude of deep and
breathless attention.

"Whenever you happen to execute a warrant of distress--that is, when
removing furniture or any other property off the premises, keep a sharp
look out for any papers or parchments that happen to come in your way.
It would do no harm if you should slip them quietly into your pocket and
bring them to me. I say quietly, because there is a spirit abroad among
the people that we must watch; but if they once suspected that we were
on the look out for it, they might baffle us; these papers, you know can
be returned."

"I see, your honor," said Darby--"there you are right, as, indeed, you
always are."

"Very well, then. Is the night dark and stormy?"

"So dark, sir, that a blind man could see it."

Val then approache