“Ay, that’s the devil of it; but at all events, Bryan, there is nothing got in this world without exertion and energy.  Mr. Chevydale, the Member, is now at home:  he has come down to canvass for the coming-election.  I would recommend you to see him at once.  You know—­but perhaps you don’t though—­that his brother is one of the Commissioners of Excise; so that I don’t know any man who can serve you more effectually than Chevydale, if he wishes.”

“But what could he do?” asked Bryan.

“Why, by backing a memorial from you, stating the particulars, and making out a strong case, he might get the fine reduced.  I shall draw up such a memorial if you wish.”

“Thank you, Hycy—­I’m obliged to you—­these, I dare say, will be the proper steps to take—­thank you.”

“Nonsense! but perhaps I may serve you a little in another way.  I’m very intimate with Harry Clinton, and who knows but I may be able to influence the uncle a little through the nephew.”

“It’s whispered that you might do more through the niece,” replied Bryan, laughing; “is that true?”

“Nonsense, I tell you,” replied Hycy, affecting confusion; “for Heaven’s sake, Bryan, say nothing about that; how did it come to your ears?”

“Faith, and that’s more than I can tell you,” replied the other; “but I know I heard it somewhere of late.”

“It’s not a subject, of course,” continued Hycy, “that I should wish to become the topic of vulgar comment or conversation, and I’d much rather you would endeavor to discountenance it whenever you hear it spoken of.  At all events, whether with niece or nephew,” proceeded Hycy, “you may rest assured, that whatever service I can render you, I shall not fail to do it.  You and I have had a slight misunderstanding, but on an occasion like this, Bryan, it should be a bitter one indeed that a man—­a generous man at least,—­would or ought to remember.”

This conversation took place whilst Bryan was proceeding to Fethertonge’s, Hycy being also on his way home.  On arriving at the turn of the road which led to Jemmy Burke’s, Hycy caught the hand of his companion, which he squeezed with an affectionate warmth, so cordial and sincere in its character that Bryan cast every shadow of suspicion to the winds,

“Cheer up, Bryan, all will end better than you think, I hope.  I shall draw up a memorial for you this evening, as strongly and forcibly as possible, and any other assistance that I can render you in this unhappy difficulty I will do it.  I know I am about ninety pounds in your debt, and instead of talking to you in this way, or giving you fair words, I ought rather to pay you your money.  The ‘gentleman,’ however, is impracticable for the present, but I trust—­”

“Not a word about it,” said Bryan, “you’ll oblige me if you’ll drop that part of the subject; but listen, Hycy,—­I think you’re generous and a little extravagant, and both is a good man’s case—­but that’s not what I’m going to spake about, truth’s best at all times; I heard that you were my enemy, and I was desired to be on my guard against you.”