“She yes, and I feel that, unless we can get Shawn-na-Middogue taken off by some means or other, your life will not, cannot, be safe.”
“She won't betray him, then? But I need not ask, for I have pressed her upon that matter before.”
“She is very right in not doing so,” replied the conjurer; “because, if she did, the consequence would be destruction to herself and her family. In addition to this, however, I don't think it's in her power to betray him. He never sleeps more than one night in the same place; and since her recent conduct to him—I mean since her intimacy with you—he would place no confidence in her.”
“He certainly is not aware of our intimacy.”
“Of course he is not; you would soon know it to your cost if he were. The place of your rendezvous is somewhat too near civilization for him; you should, however, change it; never meet twice in the same place, if you can.”
“You are reaping a tolerably good harvest here, I suppose. Do they ever place you in a difficulty?”
“Difficulty! God help you; there is not an individual among them, or throughout the whole parish, with whose persons, circumstances, and characters I am not acquainted; but even if it were not so, I could make them give me unconsciously the very information they want—returned to them, of course, in a new shape. I make them state the facts, and I draw the inferences; nothing is easier; it is a trick that every impostor is master of. How do you proceed with Miss Goodwin?”
“That matter is hopeless by fair means—she's in love with that d——d brother of mine.”
“No chance of the property, then?”
“Not as affairs stand at present; we must, however, maintain our intimacy; if so, I won't despair yet.”