"That's very true, Peter; and I've thought of it myself, but it is my creed nevertheless. We all know what's right, but we don't always follow it. The fact is, I begin to think that it is absolutely necessary to fight the world with it own weapons. I spoke to Father McGrath on the subject, and he replied, `That if any one, by doing wrong, necessitated another to do wrong to circumvent him, that the first party was answerable, not only for his own sin, but also for the sin committed in self-defence.'" "But O'Brien, I do not fix my faith so implicitly upon Father McGrath; and I do not much admire many of his directions." "No more do I, Peter, when I think upon them; but how am I to puzzle my head upon these points? All I know is, that when you are divided between your inclination and your duty, it's mighty convenient to have a priest like Father McGrath to decide for you, and to look after your soul into the bargain." It occurred to me, that I myself, when finding fault with O'Brien, had, in the instance of both the letters from Lord Privilege, been also guilty of deceit. I was therefore blaming him for the same fault committed by myself; and I am afraid that I was too ready in consoling myself with Father McGrath's maxim, "That one might do evil, that good might come." But to return to O'Brien's interview. After some little conversation, the First Lord said, "Captain O'Brien, I am always very ready to oblige Lord Privilege, and the more so as his recommendation is of an officer of your merit. In a day or two, if you will call at the Admiralty, you will hear further." O'Brien wrote to us immediately, and we waited with impatience for his next letter; but instead of this letter, he made his appearance on the third day, and first hugging me in his arms, he then came to my sister, embraced her, and skipped and danced about the room. "What is the matter, O'Brien?" said I, while Ellen retreated in confusion. O'Brien pulled a parchment out of his pocket. "Here, Peter, my dear Peter; now for honour and glory. An eighteen-gun brig, Peter. The _Rattlesnake_--Captain O'Brien--West India station. By the holy father! my heart's bursting with joy," and down he sank into an easy chair "A'n't I almost beside myself?" inquired he, after a short pause. "Ellen thinks so, I daresay," replied I, looking at my sister, who stood in a corner of the room, thinking O'Brien was really out of his senses, and still red with confusion.