“With all my heart,” replied the other; “go into the dining-room.”
“Now, you scoundrel,” said Val, “that you may labor under no mistake, I think it fair to tell you that Browbeater and I know everything about you, and all the Protean shapes you have gone through for the last three years, in different parts of the kingdom Now listen to me, you d——d impostor; listen to me, I say—you have it in your power to become a useful man to the present government. They have revived the Spy system, and there is no doubt, from your acquaintance with the designs and proceedings of Whiteboyism, and of Popery in general, that you can afford very important information on the subject; if you can, your bread is baked for life. You know not the large, the incredible large staff of Spies that we have at work, and believe me, when I tell you that if you make the proper disclosures to me I shall recommend you in the strongest terms to Browbeater, who will have you placed high upon the list of informers—a respectable class of men, let me tell you, and extremely useful—so that you will be well and liberally paid for your treachery, I mean that treachery which has amor patriae to justify it. We will not attempt to control your genius in any way; you can take to ballad-singing again, if you like, or any other patriotic line of serving the government which you choose. Having premised me this much, allow me now to ask you your real name.”
“For the present I must decline answering that question.”
“Very proper—I see you know your business: and it is not my wish that you should say anything to criminate yourself—certainly not. But in the meantime, that you may see I am not at all in the dark, I tell you that your name is Larry O'Trap, a decent journeyman carpenter by trade, but as much a painter as I am a parson.”
“I won't submit to a private examination,” replied Easel; “examine me publicly—that is, before the gentlemen in the next room, and I will answer you to better purpose, perhaps; but I hate this hole and corner work.”
“You will give no information, then?”
“I don't exactly say that—it is probable I may.”
“Think of it, then,” said Val, “and let me tell you, there is little time to be lost. I shall speak to you once again before I commit you—that is, after I shall have punished this villain M'Loughlin, whom I hate as I hate hell; and mark me, you scoundrel, and reflect on this,—I am a man who never yet forgave an injury; therefore don't make me your enemy. This M'Loughlin insulted me some years ago in Castle Cumber, and it is that insult that I am this day revenging upon his head—so think of my words.”
“I shall think of them; I shall never forget them.”
“Keep this fellow in close custody,” said Val to the constables, as they re-entered the parlor—“until the business of the day is over. Mr. Sheriff, it is time now that you should do your duty.”