ad separated, Ned, whose curiosity respecting the stranger
was by no means satisfied, began to sift him in his own peculiar manner,
as they both sat at the fire.

"Well, sir," said Ned, "barring the long play-acther that tumbles upon
the big stage in the street of our market-town, here below, I haven't
seen so long a man this many a day; and, barring your big whiskers,
the sorra one of your honor's unlike him. A fine portly vagabone he is,
indeed--a big man, and a bigger rogue, they say, for he pays nobody."

"Have you got such a company in your neighborhood?" inquired the
stranger, with indifference.

"We have, sir," said Ned, "but, plase goodness, they'll soon be lashed
like hounds from the place--the town boys are preparing to give them a
chivey some fine morning out of the country."

"Indeed!--he--hem! that will be very spirited of the town boys," said
the stranger dryly.

"That's a smart looking horse your honor rides," observed Ned; "did he
carry you far to-day, with submission?"

"Not far," replied his companion--"only fourteen miles; but, I suppose,
the fact is, you wish to know who and what I am, where I came from and
whither I am going. Well, you shall know this. In the first place, I am
agent to Lord Non Resident's estate, if you ever heard of that
nobleman, and am on my way from Castle Ruin, the seat of his Lordship's
Incumbrances, to Dublin. My name you have already heard. Are you now
satisfied?"

"Parfitly, your honor," replied Ned, "and I am much obliged to you,
sir."

"I trust you are an honest man," said the stranger, "because for this
night I am about to place great confidence in you."

"Well, sir," said his landlord, "if I turn out dishonest to you, it's
more nor I did in my whole life to any body else, barring to Nancy."

"Here, then," said the stranger, drawing out a large packet, inclosed
in a roll of black leather--"here is the half year's rent of the estate,
together with my own property: keep it secure till morning, when I shall
demand it, and, of course, it will be safe?"

"As if it was five _fadom_, under ground," replied Ned. "I will put it
along with our own trifle of silver; and after that, let Nancy alone for
keeping it safe, so long as it's there;" saying which, Ned secured the
packet, and showed the stranger his bed.

About five o'clock the next morning their guest was up, and ordered a
snack in all haste; "Being a military man," said he, "and accustomed to
timely hours, I