“Well, sir, I grant that you may have been misled in that instance. However, from what I've observed, the two great faults of Irish landlords are these:--In the first place, they suffer themselves to remain ignorant of their tenantry; so much so, indeed, that they frequently deny them access and redress when the poor people are anxious to acquaint them with their grievances; for it is usual with landlords to refer them to those very agents against whose cruelty and rapacity they are appealing. This is a _carte blanche_ to the agent to trample upon them if he pleases. In the next place, Irish landlords too frequently employ ignorant and needy men to manage their estates; men who have no character, no property, or standing in society, beyond the reputation of being keen shrewd, and active. These persons, sir, make fortunes; and what means can they have of accumulating wealth, except by cheating either the landlord or his tenants, or both? A history of their conduct would be a black catalogue of dishonesty, oppression, and treachery. Respectable men, resident on or-near the estate, possessing both character and property, should always be selected for this important trust. But, above all things, the curse of a tenantry is a percentage agent. He racks, and drives, and oppresses, without consideration either of market or produce, in order that his receipts may be ample, and his own income large.” “Why, O'Brien, you appear to be better acquainted with all this sort of thing than I, who am a landed proprietor.” “By the by, sir, without meaning you any disrespect, it is the landlords of Ireland who know least about the great mass of its inhabitants; and I might also add, about its history, its literature, the manners of the people, their customs, and their prejudices. The peasantry know this, and too often practise upon their ignorance. There is a landlord's _Vade mecum_ sadly wanted in Ireland, Colonel.” “Ah! very good, O'Brien, very good! Well, I shall certainly inquire into this case, and if I find that Yellow Ham has been playing the oppressor, out he goes. I am now able to manage him, which I could not readily do before, for, by the by, he had mortgages on my property.” “I would take it, Colonel, as a personal favor, if you would investigate the transaction I have mentioned.” “Undoubtedly I shall, and that very soon. But about this outrage committed against the boy himself? We had better take his informations, and punish the follow.” “Certainly; I think that is the best way. His conduct to the poor youth has been merciless and detestable. We must put him out of this part of the country.” “Call the lad in. In this case I shall draw up the informations myself, although Gregg usually does that.” Jemmy, assisted by the curate, entered the room, and the humane Colonel desired him, as he appeared ill, to sit down. “What is your name?” asked the Colonel. “James M'Evoy,” he replied. “I'm the son, sir, of a man who was once a tenant of yours.”