spotless and perfect as that of Mogue Moylan.  Mogue was also a good deal subject to the influence of the pathetic, especially when he alluded to the misfortune, glory be to God, which had befallen the family, in the person of a lone line of ancestors, and especially in that of big poor, simple father, whose word, as every one knew, was as good as his oath; and, indeed, very few doubted that remarkable fact, but who, notwithstanding had been transported during the space of seven years for suspicion of perjury; “for didn’t the judge tell him, when he passed sentence upon him, that if he had been found guilty all out, or of anything beyant suspicion of it, he would be transported for life; ‘an’ instead of that,’ said the judge, ’bekaise I persave,’ says he, ‘that you’re an honest man, an’ has been sworn against wrongfully in this business, and bekaise I see clearly that you love the truth, the sentence of the coort is,’ says he, sheddin’ tears, ‘that you’re to be transported only for seven years, an’ you lave the coort an’ the counthry,’ says he, ’widout at stain upon your character—­it’s only the law that’s against you—­so, God be wid you,’ the judge went on, wipin’ his eyes, ’and grant you a safe and pleasant voyage acrass,’ says he, an’ he cried for some minutes like a child.  That an’ the unjust hangin’ of my poor, simple ould grandfather for horse-stearin’—­that is, for suspicion of horse-stealin’—­is the only two misfortunes, thank God, that has been in our family of late days.”

So much for the character of worthy Mogue, whom we must now permit to resume the delivery of his message.

The last words were uttered with so peculiar and significant a gravity, not without a good deal of dry sarcastic humor, that the men could not avoid laughing heartily.

“But,” he proceeded, “I have better news still for yez.  Sure Masther John desired me to let you all know that his father won’t ax a penny o’ tithe from one o’ yez:  all you have to do is to call at the office there in a few minutes, and you’ll get aich o’ you a receipt in full; (* By this he means a horse-whipping.) that is, if you don’t keep civil tongues in your heads.”

One of Mogue’s qualities was the power of gravely narrating a fact with such peculiar significance, that the very reverse of it was conveyed to the hearer; for the fellow was a perfect master of irony.

“Ah! well done Mogue; many a day o’ reckoning he has had wid us, but maybe our day o’ reckonin’ wid him will come sooner than he expects, or wishes.”

“Don’t be thinkin’ ill,” said Mogue, “but keep yourselves always free from evil.  What does Scripthur say?  ‘One good turn desarves another,’ says Scripthur.  Boys, always keep Scripthur before you, and you’ll do right.  ‘One good turn deserves another,’ says Scripthur! and you know yourselves, I hope, that many a good turn you received at his hands.  That I may be happy, but it’s good advice I’m givin’ you!”