“Well, acushla, an' if you do, your only so much the wiser.”

“Oh, I understand,” continued Bryan, “it's a private affair, or intended to be so—an' Mr. Hycy has made you promise not to spake of it.”

“Sure you know all about it, Bryan; an' isn't that enough for you? Only what answer am I to give him?”

“None at present, Peety; but say I'll see himself in a day or two.”

“That's your answer, then?”

“That's all the answer I can give till I see himself, as I said.”

“Well, good-bye, Bryan, an' God be wid you!”

“Good-bye, Peety!” and thus they parted.

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CHAPTER III.—Jemmy Burke Refuses to be, Made a Fool Of