d her out
of them--God in his mercy pity her!"

Raymond, however, adopted the first suggestion, without knowing why; and
said in a loud voice--

"Ay is it; my name is Val the Vulture, that commands the blood-hounds."

The creature started--became for a moment as if convulsed--then
proceeded at a speed that was incredible, screaming frightfully, across
the dark and desolate scenery that surrounded the house. It was vain to
pursue her; for there was none there capable of doing it with success,
unless Raymond, who understood not that she had become insane.

CHAPTER IX.--A Dialogue, exhibiting Singular Principles of Justice

--Solomon's Tracts and Triumph--A Sincere Convert--Darby's Views of
Religion--Poll Doolin's Honesty--Solomon's Christian Generosity to a
Man in Difficulty--M'Loughlin and his Family.

The extraordinary scene which we have just detailed as occurring in the
mountain hut, took place on Saturday morning and about twelve on the
subsequent Monday, the following dialogue passed between honest Val! and
his son, Philip the graceful.

"That was a most unlucky accident that happened Harpur on Saturday,"
said Val, dryly, and looking with a good deal of significance at the
other.

"Unlucky," said Phil, "faith and honor, my good father, I don't know
what to think."

"You don't, Phil!" replied Val; "why, what the deuce could you deem more
unlucky than to be shot stone dead, without a moment's notice."

Phil's color went a little at the bare notion of such a fate; but on
observing an expression of peculiar complacency lurking in his father's
eye, it returned again, and after a little assurance settled down into
its original hue.

"To himself certainly," said Phil, "it was a bad business; no one can
deny that."

"But, my excellent son, Phil, it may turn out a very lucky incident for
us in the mean time. He is, Phil, a wise man in this world who can
turn the misfortunes or crimes of others to his own advantage. There
is Harman for instance, Phil; now I believe you are not excessively
attached to him."

"I hate him as I do hell," replied Phil.

"Very good--you hate him as you do hell--well, on the other hand, there
is M'Loughlin, his partner in the manufactory, and his joint lessee in
their farm--now I hate him as I do--I was about to say the devil--but I
feel loth to render that misrepresented gentleman an injustice--that
is, if there be such a gentleman--which, with my worthy father, I much
do