His fame increased, and business came thick upon him. Many a man who was half inclined to die soft before, without one effort to save himself, took courage now, and hastened to avail himself of the prowess and protection of this new and unhoped-for auxiliary; until, at length, in all desperate cases the first step taken was to secure his services. In process of time his sons grew to manhood, fitted in every respect to co-operate with such a father; and of course the extent and boldness of his operations increased along with his family. The local authorities connived at him; many of them probably having received the benefit of his assistance already, while the rest of them knew not what day would fling them upon his protection. Touch Connell!--they would as soon touch the apples of their own eyes; they might as well yield themselves at once to the hated touch of the bailiffs. Gratitude for past services, and a prudent view to those which he might ere long be called to render, procured him an immunity from the harassing regulations which were made for the control of gentlemen of his kidney; and, accordingly, under this reciprocal patronage he grew and flourished, and waxed famous. Gradually he became enabled to form a gang, and, that point gained, he became irresistible. The beauty and simplicity of his system caused it to triumph every where. Debts were at a discount--judgments were condemned--incumbrances ceased to be a burden--and, alas for the mutability of mortal greatness, the sheriff, the very sheriff, was so lightly regarded that not a soul in the place would be bothered bribing him!