“We must think over this a little,” said Tiernay, musing. “Con is a difficult fellow to deal with; there must be something which shall give it the semblance of a loan; he must be made to believe it is only a change of creditors.” “Could not we arrange it without his knowledge, while you could affect to have made some settlement which has satisfied the others?” “Too late,--too late, for that; he has seen Hoare himself.” “Hoare!--the money-lender from Dublin?” said Cashel, blushing at the recollection of his own acquaintance with him. “Ay, sir, of course you know him! A man cannot enjoy such distinguished friendships as you have without the aid of usurers?” Cashel smiled good-humoredly, and went on,-- “Where is this gentleman at present.” “Yonder,” said Tiernay, pointing to the cottage; “but he intends shortly returning to the inn at the village, where perhaps it would be better to meet him than here. If you 'll permit me, I 'll just step in and say as much, and then we can stroll that way together.” Cashel consented, and his companion left him to do his errand. It was only as he stood alone, and had time for reflection, that he remembered his conversation with Kennyfeck in the morning, and learned that, with regard to ready money at least, he stood in a very different position from what he supposed. That there would be difficulties and legal obstacles innumerable made by Kennyfeck to any sale of property, he well knew; but he had made up his mind as to his course, and would not be thwarted. He had but space for these reflections, when Tiernay joined him, saying,-- “So far all is well. Hoare will follow us in a few minutes, and, for privacy' sake, I have made the rendezvous at my house.” “And Corrigan,--how have you left him?” asked Cashel. “Like one in a dream. He seems neither to know whether it be misfortune or the opposite which impends him. Were it not for Mary, his poor heart had given way long since. Ay, sir, there is more true heroism in one day of that humble life, than in the boldest deed of bravery even you have ever witnessed.” Cashel did not speak, but, in the pressure of his arm against Tiernay's the other felt how the theme had touched him.