“Thank you, sir,” replied the Cannie, “but it is time enough--I am in no hurry at all--not the laist; it will do when I call again.. And now that that's settled--and many thanks to you, ma'am,” he added, bowing to Mrs. Temple, “for thinkin' of it, I'd be glad to have a word or two wid you, sir, if you plaise.” “Certainly,” said Mr. Temple, going to the hall-door, and opening it, “come in a moment; leave your pack in the hall there, and come this way.” He then proceeded to the library, whither the pedlar followed him; and after looking about him with something like caution, he said, “You know Mr. Purcel, the proctor, sir?” “Of course I do,” replied Mr. Temple. “I'm not askin' it as a question,” he proceeded; “but I wish to say, that as you do know him and his sons, it's possible you may save them from destruction. I was tould by a stranger that I never seen before, and that I didn't know from Adam, that his house is to be attacked either this night or to-morrow night.” “Can you not say which?” asked Mr. Temple. “No,” replied the Cannie Soogah; “I axed the stranger the same question, and he couldn't tell me. Now, sir, you know them, and I know how much they respect you; and the thing is this,--I think if you'd see them, and thry to get them to go to Lisnagola, or some safe place, takin' their lives and money along wid them, you'd save them from murdher; they'd be apt to listen to you; but as for me, or the likes o' me, they'd laugh at me; indeed, they're rather wishin' for an attack, in hopes they might get revenge upon the people, for, to tell you the truth, they've been foolish enough to say so; an' as their words has gone abroad, the people's determined, it seems, to let them know which o' them is strongest.” “Well,” replied the curate, “I am sorry to hear this--it is dreadful. That they are unpopular--nay, detested--I know; as I do, also, that they have latterly gone daring lengths--oppressive and unjustifiable lengths --in collecting tithes. I shall, however, see them, and endeavor to make them take refuge in some place of security.” “It will be a good act,” said the pedlar, “and if I can do anything, humble as I am, to save them, I'll do it.” “I think they ought to get a party of police to protect the house,” observed Mr. Temple. “I know they ought, sir,” replied the pedlar, “but the truth is, they're so proud and foolhardy, that the very mention of such a thing throws them into a fury.” “That is unfortunate,” said the other. “At all events, I shall leave nothing undone within my power to prevail on them to take steps for their security. You may rely on it,” he added, “that whatever I can do for that purpose, I shall do.” “Well, now,” said the Cannie, “my mind, thank God's, aisier. I'll lose no time myself in seein' what I can do to prevent this business; that is, I mane, their stayin' in the house,” he added, as if checking or correcting himself.