If Mr. Davenport Dunn had passed a day of unusual happiness and ease, the night which followed was destined to be one of intense labor and toil. Scarcely had the quiet of repose settled down upon the Hermitage, than the quick tramp of horses, urged to their sharpest trot, was heard approaching, and soon after Mr. Hankes descended from his travelling-carriage at the door. Dunn had been standing at his open window gazing into the still obscurity of the night, and wondering at what time he might expect him, when he arrived. “You have made haste, Hankes,” said he, not wasting a word in salutation. “I scarcely looked to see you before daybreak.” “Yes, sir; the special train behaved well, and the posters did their part as creditably. I had about four hours altogether in Dublin, but they were quite sufficient for everything.” “For everything?” repeated Dunn. “Yes; you'll find nothing has been forgotten. Before leaving Cork, I telegraphed to Meekins of the 'Post,' and to Browne of the 'Banner,' to meet me on my arrival at Henrietta Street. Strange enough, they both were anxiously waiting for some instructions on the very question at issue. They came armed with piles of provincial papers, all written in the same threatening style. One in particular, the 'Upper Ossory Beacon,' had an article headed, 'Who is our Dionysius?'” “Never mind that,” broke in Dunn, impatiently. “You explained to them the line to be taken?” “Fully, sir. I told them that they were to answer the attacks weakly, feebly, deprecating in general terms the use of personalities, and throwing out little appeals for forbearance, and so on. On the question of the Bank, I said, 'Be somewhat more resolute; hint that certain aspersions might be deemed actionable; that wantonly to assail credit is an offence punishable at law; and then dwell upon the benefits already diffused by these establishments, and implore all who have the interest of Ireland at heart not to suffer a spirit of faction to triumph over their patriotism.'” “Will they understand the part?” asked Dunn, more impatiently than before. “Thoroughly; Browne, indeed, has a leader already 'set up'--” “What do I care for all these?” broke in Dunn, peevishly. “Surely no man knows better than yourself that these fellows are only the feathers that show where the wind blows. As to any influence they wield over public opinion, you might as well tell me that the man who sweats a guinea can sway the Stock Exchange.” Hankes shook his head dissentingly, but made no reply. “You have brought the Bank accounts and the balance-sheet?” “Yes, they are all here.” “Have you made any rough calculation as to the amount--” He stopped. “Fifty thousand ought to cover it easily--I mean with what they have themselves in hand. The first day will be a heavy one, but I don't suspect the second will, particularly when it is known that we are discounting freely as ever.” “And now as to the main point?” said Dunn.