"Listen, sir," said Mr. Jinks.
"I'm all ears," returned Ralph.
"Three days from this time," said Mr. Jinks, "these people have determined to have a great parade, and each of them, the Dutch and Irish, to exhibit the images of the Saints—"
"Yes—ah?" said Ralph.
"It is fixed for the time I mention; and now, sir, a few words will explain how, without damage to myself, or endangering my person—considerations which I have no right to neglect—my revenge on the hound, O'Brallaghan, will come out right! Listen, while I tell about it; then, sir, judge if the revenge is likely to be nice and good!"
And Mr. Jinks scowled, and gulped down some rum. He then paused a moment, stared the fire-place out of countenance, and scowled again. He then opened his lips to speak.
But just as he uttered the first words of his explanation, a knock was heard at the door, which arrested him.
Ralph rose and opened it.
A negro handed him a note, with the information, that the bearer thereof was waiting below, and would like to see him.
Ralph opened the letter, and found some money therein, which, with the signature, explained all.