“They are vouchers for your claim on Mr. Corrigan,” said Hoare.
“His word will suffice,” said Cashel; and, gathering them up, he hurled them into the fire.
“A costly blaze that,” said Hoare, as he watched the conflagration.
“Speak to him, doctor; learn what you can of Rica for me. If money will do it, I 'll not quarrel with the price,” said Cashel to Tiernay, in a low tone. “Another point,—I was nigh forgetting it,—you 'll not tell Mr. Corrigan how the matter has been arranged. Promise me this. Nay, I have a reason for it,—a reason you shall hear to-morrow or next day, and will acknowledge to be good. Keep my secret for a month; I ask no longer.”
“For a month, then, I am silent,” said Tiernay.
“Let me see you to-morrow early,” said Cashel. “Will you breakfast with me?”
“No; I 'll not risk my character by going twice to your grand house in the same week; besides, I am going to Limerick.”
“Good-night, then,” said Cashel; “good-night, sir.” And with a formal bow to Hoare, Roland left the room, and took his way homeward alone.