esty and
law, or a blessed union between light and darkness; by Solomon M'Slime,
attorney at law.

"Which tract," continued Val, "was written for the sole purpose of
recommending himself to the notice of the religious world aforesaid,
more, by the way, as an attorney than as a Christian. And a very good
speculation it proved, for, whereas he was then scarcely able to make
both ends meet by mere professional roguery, and dressed in a black
gown--which you know he always wears in court--yet he no sooner threw
the cloak of religion over that, than he advanced rapidly--and the
consequence is that he is now privately a usurious discounter of bills."

"Faith and honor, now, father, do you,tell me so?"

"It's a fact, Philip, my son, and what is more--but the truth is, that
neither he nor I can afford to quarrel with each other."

"Why, father? what's that 'more' you were going to add?"

"At this present time, Phil, it must bo secret--but it is arranged
between him and me, that he is to succeed Harman in Beleveen; whilst you
are to come in for M'Loughlin's holding."

"For which I shall have the pleasure,to drink your health to-night, my
old boy--upon my honor and soul you are an excellent old cock, and I'm
very proud of you."

"Go ahead, Phil; no nonsense. But stay, are those fellows of mine come
yet?--I shall receive their informations, and have Harman in the stone
jug before night. It is a bad case of murder committed upon a man in the
execution of the law, do you see, Phil, and consequently I cannot take
bail."

"No, certainly not, captain--as Darby says, certainly not, plaise your
worship--ha, ha!"

"Come, Phil, keep quiet; it is now time that operations should seriously
commence. I have gained most of my points, thank--Valentine M'Clutchy,
at all events. I am head agent; you are my Deputy-master of an Orange
Lodge--a Magistrate, and write J.P. after my name--Captain and Paymaster
in the Castle Cumber cavalry, and you lieutenant; and though last, not
least, thanks to my zeal and activity in the Protestant cause, I am at
length a member of the Grand Panel of the county. Phil, my boy, there is
nothing like religion and loyalty when well managed, but otherwise--"

"They are not worth a feather," replied Phil; "right, captain--there's
an oracle again."

"And, Phil, my son; what is there wrong in this? In fact there is
scarcely a better capital to trade on than religion and loyalty. You
know what I mean, Phil;--not