“Well,” replied the other, “I am glad to hear it. However, I, now solemnly declare, as an honest man and an Irish, gentleman, that neither I, nor any one for me, with my knowledge, ever gave or sent any money to Bryan M'Mahon; but perhaps we may ascertain who did. M'Mahon, have you got the letter about you?”
“I have, sir,” replied Bryan, “and the bank-note, too.”
“You will find the frank and address both in your own handwriting,” said Hycy. “It was I brought him the letter from the post-office.”
“Show me the letter, if you plaise,” said Nanny, who, after looking first at it and then at Hycy, added, “and it was I gave it this little tear near the corner, and dhrew three scrapes of a pin across the paper, an' there they are yet; an' now I can take my oath that it was Mr. Hycy that sent that letther to Bryan M'Mahon—an' your Reverence is the very man I showed it to, and that tould me who it was goin' to, in the street of Ballymacan.”'
On a close inspection of the letter it was clearly obvious that, although there appeared at a cursory glance a strong resemblance between the frank and the address, yet the difference was too plain to be mistaken.
“If there is further evidence necessary,” said Vanston, looking at Hycy significantly, “my agent can produce it—and he is now in the house.”
“I think you would not venture on that,” replied Hycy.
“Don't be too sure of that,” said the other, determinedly.
“Sir,” replied Father Magowan, “there is nothing further on that point necessary—the proof is plain and clear; and now, Bryan M'Mahon, give me your hand, for it is that of an honest man—I am proud to see that you stand pure and unsullied again; and it shall be my duty to see that justice shall be rendered! you, and ample compensation made for all that you have suffered.”
“Thank you, sir,” replied Bryan, with an air of deep dejection, “but I am sorry to say it is now too late—I am done with the country, and with those that misrepresented me, for ever.”