“Proceed,” he replied, looking at him, as it were, with amazement; “proceed—­ha, ha, ha!”

“Truly that is unchristian mirth,” observed Solomon; “I must say as much—­even although your cause be a just cause, and one supported by the laws—­by our blessed laws, that protect the rights of the tenant and landlord with equal justice and impartiality; for it is a glorious privilege to live under a constitution that protects the tenant from the malignity and oppression of the landlord or his agents.  It is that,” said Solomon; “oh, it is that precious thing, indeed.”

As he spoke the words there was a slight upraising of the eyes, together with a side glance at M’Clutchy, which, though barely-perceptible, contained as much sanctified venom as could well be expressed.  He had scarcely concluded, when the sheriff, having pulled up his gig, entered.

Val, notwithstanding his excessive thirst for vengeance, could not avoid feeling the deepest possible mortification since his arrival at M’Loughlin’s.  There was observable in this honest fellow’s bearing something that vexed his oppressor sorely, and which consisted in a kind of easy, imperturbable serenity, that no threat could disturb or ruffle.  Nay, there appeared a kind of lurking good-humored defiance in his eye, which, joined to the irony of his manner, aggravated the resentment of M’Clutchy to the highest pitch.

“This is an unpleasant visit, Mr. Graham,” said M’Loughlin, when that official entered; “but it can’t be helped.”

“It is unpleasant to both of us, I assure you,” replied the sheriff; “on my part, of course, you know it is an act of duty, and, indeed, a very painful one, Mr. M’Loughlin.”

“I have experienced your civility, sir, before now,” returned M’Loughlin, “thanks to my friends,” and he eyed M’Clutchy; “and I know you to be incapable of an un-gentlemanly act.  But you must feel it a distressing thing to be made, in the discharge of that duty, the unwilling instrument of oppression on the unfortunate.”

“It is quite true,” said the sheriff, “and the case you speak of too frequently happens, as I have reason to know.”

“Pray, what are those carts for, Mr. M’Clutchy?” asked M’Loughlin.

“To remove your furniture, sir, and all your other movable property off the premises.  I act in this matter by the authority of the law, and Lord Cumber’s instructions.”

“Dear me,” said M’Loughlin, coolly, “why, you are very harsh, Mr. M’Clutchy; you might show a little forbearance, my good neighbor.  Upon what authority, though, do you remove the furniture? because I did believe that the tenant was usually allowed fourteen days to pay up, before the process of an auction, and even that, you know, must take place on the premises, and not of them.”

“There has been an affidavit made, that you intend to remove suddenly, that is, to make what is called a moonlight flitting, Mr. M’Loughlin, and upon that affidavit I proceed.  As I said, I have the law with me, my good neighbor.”