Bryan paused and seemed a good deal struck with the truth of Hycy's observation—“There's raison, sure enough in what you say, Hycy,” he observed. “I don't know that I have a single enemy—unless the Hogans themselves—that would feel any satisfaction in drivin' me to destruction.”
“And besides,” continued Hycy, “between you and me now, Bryan, who the devil with an ounce of sense in his head would trust such scoundrels, or put himself in their power?”
Bryan considered this argument a still more forcible one than the other.
“That's stronger still,” Re replied, “and indeed I am inclined to think that after all, Hycy, it happened as you say. Teddy Phats I think nothing at all about, for the poor, misshapen vagabone will distil poteen for any one that employs him.”
“True,” replied the other, “I agree with you; but what's to be done, Bryan? for that's the main point now.”
“I scarcely know,” replied Bryan, who now began to feel nothing but kindness towards Hycy, in consequence of the interest which that young fellow evidently took in his misfortune, for such, in serious truth, it must be called. “I am the only proprietor of Ahadarra,” he proceeded, “and, as a matter of course, the whole fine falls on my shoulders.”
“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.”