The gauger after breakfast again resumed the conversation as follows:-- “Have you changed your mind, Harry, regarding the Excise? because if you have I think I may soon have an opportunity of getting you a berth.” “No, sir, I feel an insurmountable repugnance to the life of a Still--hem.” “Go on, man, to the life of a Still-hunter. Very well. Your father's death last year left you and your sister there dependent upon me, for the present at least; for what could a medical man only rising into practice, with a, family to support and educate, leave behind him?” “Unfortunately, sir, it is too true.” “In the mean time you may leave 'unfortunate' out, and thank God that you had the shelter of my roof to come to; and be on your knees, too, that I was a bachelor. Well, I am glad myself that I had and have a home for you; but still, Harry, you ought to think of doing something for yourself; for I may not live always, you know, and beside I am not rich. You don't relish surgery, you say?” “I can't endure it, uncle.” “But you like farming?” “Above every other mode of life.” “Very well, I think it's likely I shall have a good farm to put you into before long.” “Thank you, uncle. You may rest assured that both Maria and myself are fully sensible of the kindness we have experienced at your hands.” “Small thanks to me for that. Who the devil would I assist, if not my brother's orphans? It is true, I despise the world, but still we must make our use of it. I know it consists of only knaves and fools. Now, I respect the knaves; for if it were'nt for their roguery, the world would never work; it would stand still and be useless. The fools I despise, not so much because they are fools, as because they would be knaves if they could; so that, you see I return again to my favorite principle of honesty. I am going to Ballymacan on business, so good-bye to you both.” “Uncle,” said his nephew, “one word with you before you go.” “What is it?” “Would you suffer me to offer you a word of advice, and will you excuse me for taking such a liberty with a man of your experience?” “Certainly, Harry, and shall always feel thankful to any one that gives me good advice.” “If this is not good advice, it is at least well intended.” “Let us hear it first, and then we shall judge better.” “You say you will procure me a farm. Now, uncle, there is one thing I should wish in connection with that transaction, which is, that you would have no underhand--hem!--no private understanding of any kind with Mr. Hycy Burke.” “Me a private understanding with Hycy Burke! What in the devil's name has put such a crotchet as that into your head?” “I only speak as I do, because I believe you have received a private communication from him.” “Have I, faith! If so I am obliged to you--but I am simply ignorant of the fact you mention; for, with my own knowledge', I never received a line from him in my life.” “Then I must be wrong,” replied Harry; “that is all.”