“The Laud forget you for that!” replied Ted, with a grin; “my ould grandmudher might larn it from you—hach, ach, ha!”

“None of your d—d impertinence, Ted. I want to speak to you.”

“Fwhat would her be?” asked Ted, with a face in which there might be read such a compound of cunning, vacuity, and ferocity as could rarely be witnessed in the same countenance.

“Can you come down to me to-night?”

“No; I'll be busy.”

“Where are you at work now?”

“In Glendearg, above.”

“Well, then, if you can't come to me, I must only go to you. Will you be there tonight? I wish to speak to you on very particular business.”

“Shiss; you will, dhin, wanst more?” asked the other, significantly.

“I think so.”