“Could it be possible,” he added, “that the hint Hycy Burke threw out about young Clinton has any truth in it—'Harry Clinton will do you an injury;' but more he would not say. I will now watch him well, for I certainly cannot drame why he should be my enemy.”
He met Clinton on the way, however, to whom he delivered the message.
“I am much obliged to you,” said he, “I was already aware of it; but now that I have met you, M'Mahon, allow me to ask if you have not entrusted a memorial to the care of Mr. Chevydale, in order that it might be sent up strongly supported by him to the Board of Excise?”
“I have,” said Bryan, “and it has been sent, if I am to believe Mr. Fethertonge.”
“Listen to me, my honest friend—don't believe Fethertonge, nor don't rely on Chevydale, who will do nothing more nor less than the agent allows him. If you depend upon either or both, you are a ruined man, and I am very much afraid you are that already. It has not been sent; but observe that I mention this in confidence, and with an understanding that, for the present, you will not name me in the matter.”
“I sartinly will not,” replied Bryan, who was forcibly struck with the truth and warmth of interest that were evident in his language and manner; “and here is a letter that I received this very mornin' from the Secretary of Excise, stating that no memorial on my behalf has been sent up to them at all.”
“Ay, just so; that is the true state of the matter.”
“What, in God's name, am I to do, then?” asked Bryan, in a state of great and evident perplexity.
“I shall tell you; go to an honest man—I don't say, observe, that Chevydale is not honest; but he is weak and negligent, and altogether the slave and dupe of his agent. Go to-morrow morning early, about eight o'clock, fetch another memorial, and wait upon Major Vanston; state your case to him plainly and simply, and, my life for yours, he will not neglect you, at all events. Get a fresh memorial drawn up this very day.”
“I can easily do that,” said Bryan, “for I have a rough copy of the one I sent; it was Hycy Burke drew it up.”