“Why, O'Brien, you appear to be better acquainted with all this sort of thing than I, who am a landed proprietor.”
“By the by, sir, without meaning you any disrespect, it is the landlords of Ireland who know least about the great mass of its inhabitants; and I might also add, about its history, its literature, the manners of the people, their customs, and their prejudices. The peasantry know this, and too often practise upon their ignorance. There is a landlord's Vade mecum sadly wanted in Ireland, Colonel.”
“Ah! very good, O'Brien, very good! Well, I shall certainly inquire into this case, and if I find that Yellow Ham has been playing the oppressor, out he goes. I am now able to manage him, which I could not readily do before, for, by the by, he had mortgages on my property.”
“I would take it, Colonel, as a personal favor, if you would investigate the transaction I have mentioned.”
“Undoubtedly I shall, and that very soon. But about this outrage committed against the boy himself? We had better take his informations, and punish the follow.”
“Certainly; I think that is the best way. His conduct to the poor youth has been merciless and detestable. We must put him out of this part of the country.”
“Call the lad in. In this case I shall draw up the informations myself, although Gregg usually does that.”
Jemmy, assisted by the curate, entered the room, and the humane Colonel desired him, as he appeared ill, to sit down.
“What is your name?” asked the Colonel.
“James M'Evoy,” he replied. “I'm the son, sir, of a man who was once a tenant of yours.”