“Now, Finigan--I beg your pardon--O'Finigan,” said Hycy, when they were seated in the little back tap-room of the public-house with refreshments before them, “I think I have reason to be seriously displeased with you.” “Displeased with me!” exclaimed his companion; “and may I take the liberty to interrogate wherefore, Mr. Hycy?” “You misrepresented me to Bryan M'Mahon,” said Hycy. “Upon what grounds and authority do you spake, sir?” asked Finigan, whose dignity was beginning to take offence. “I have good grounds and excellent authority for what I say,” replied Hycy. “You have acted a very dishonorable part, Mr. Finigan, and the consequence is that I have ceased to be your friend.” “I act a dishonorable part. Why, sir, I scorn the imputation; but how have I acted a dishonorable part? that's the point.” “You put Bryan M'Mahon upon his guard against me, and consequently left an impression on his mind that I was his enemy.” “Well,” said the other, with a good deal of irony, “that is good! Have I, indeed? And pray, Mr. Burke, who says so?” “I have already stated that my authority for it is good.” “But you must name you authority, sir, no lurking assassin shall be permitted wid impunity to stab my fair reputation wid the foul dagger of calumny and scandal. Name your authority, sir?” “I could do so.” “Well, sir, why don't you? Let me hear the name of the illiterate miscreant, whoever he is, that has dared to tamper with my unblemished fame.” “All I ask you,” continued Hycy, “is to candidly admit the fact, and state why you acted as you did.” “Name your authority, sir, and then I shall speak. Perhaps I did, and perhaps I did not; but when you name your authority I shall then give you a more satisfactory reply. That's the language--the elevated language--of a gentleman, Mr. Burke.” “My authority then is no other than Bryan M'Mahon himself,” replied Hycy, “who told me that he was cautioned against me; so that I hope you're now satisfied.”