"Do you mean to tell me, you old humbug, that you could see rabbits, or any other moving thing, at this time of the night?" said the Colonel. "If I did not know you to be an Orangeman I would think you were a Jesuit, Kennedy, with a dispensation for telling lies. Man, do you ever speak the truth?" "Oh, ay, Cornel--always when it's to any person's advantage," said Kennedy; "and as for the Papishers, I hate the very name to my last drop of blood, as is nat'ral for a man of Derry born. I'm none ashamed of my lodge, nor my principles nouther. When I was a young lad, Cornel, the great Castlereagh, sir, he belounged to the same--and as for my eyes, a better sight, barring for the small print, does not beloung to a man of my years within twenty mile." "I've seen the day," said Colonel Sutherland, softening unconsciously towards his old fellow-soldier, "when neither small print nor half-light would have bothered either you or me; but we're getting old, Kennedy, and Providence has given us both rest, and comfort, and leisure to think before our end comes--a blessing that falls to but few." "Ay, Cornel, that's just what I say," echoed the ready sergeant; "not that I would even myself with my commanding officer, but a man that has seen the world is a great advantage to the young and onexperienced. Begging your pardon, Cornel, but I knowe your nephew, sir--I knowe Mr. Horry well." "And what do you know of him, pray?" cried the Colonel, turning sharp round upon his companion, who, startled by the sudden movement and sharpness of the tone, swerved aside a little, and in doing so made visible for a moment a mysterious something, hitherto concealed with great skill, which he swung from his further hand. "Eh?--what was it you were saying, Cornel?" said Kennedy, with confusion, drawing back his hand. "What do I knowe of him?--a fine young lad, sir, and very affable when he's in the humour, and a dale of judgment, and an oncommon reliance on himsel'. Many's the time, Cornel, he's said 'No' in my face, as bould as a lion, with no more knowledge of the matter, sir, nor a babe unborn. That's what I cal' courage, Cornel. Though he comes and goes in a rale friendly manner, there's ne'er a man in the village will use a freedom with Mr. Horry; but it's poor society for him, as I have seen many a day; and he said to me wance, says he, 'Sergeant, you're a wise man among a set of fools,' he says--'if it warn't for you the blockheads would have it all their own way; and as for me,' says the poor young gentleman, 'I've no business here.' I could see that, though I little thought he belounged to my honoured Cornel of the ould Hunderd, and a credit to his relations and al' his friends."