“Jack accordingly departed, after bidding his mother and brother farewell.
“When the old woman came in, she asked her son if there was anything wrong with his brother, but he replied that there was not.
“'Nothing at all,' said he—'but will you get up airly in the morning, plase God, and tell Vesey Johnston that I want to see him; and—that—I have a great dale to say to him?'
“' To be sure I will, Micky; but, Lord guard us, what ails you, avourneen, you look so frightened?'
“'Nothing at all, at all, mother; but will you go where I say airly to-morrow, for me?'
“'It's the first thing I'll do, God willin',' replied the mother. And the next morning Vesey was down with the invalid very early, for the old woman kept her word and paid him a timely visit.
“'Well, Micky, my boy,' said Vengeance, as he entered the hut, 'I hope you're no worse this morning.'
“'Not worse, sir,' replied Mick; 'nor, indeed, am I anything better either, but much the same way. Sure it's I that knows very well that my time here is but short.'
“'Well, Mick, my boy,' said Vengeance, 'I hope you're prepared for death—and that you expect forgiveness, like a Christian. Look up, my boy, to God at once, and pitch the priests and their craft to ould Nick, where they'll all go at the long-run.'
“'I b'lieve,' said Mick, with a faint smile, 'that you're not very fond of the priests, Mr. Johnston; but if you knew the power they possess as well as I do, you wouldn't spake of them so bad, anyhow.'