On reaching home, John Purcel made no immediately inquiry about the blunderbuss, having taken it for granted that all was right, nor was Mogue's disappearance or treachery at all suspected, until late in 'the course of the night. Twilight was now setting in, when a strange man called at the proctor's and said he wished to speak with Mr. M'Carthy. M'Carthy came to the hall-door, and looking at him keenly inquired his business. “I don't know,” said the man; “I can only tell you what I was desired to say to you.” “Well, let us hear even that,” said the other. “I was bid to ax you, if you wish to sarve this family.” “I do, most certainly.” “In that case, then, you're to follow me,” said the man. “I have no such intention, I assure you, my good fellow,” replied the other. “Very well, then, I have done my duty,” said the man, turning to depart. “But,” said our friend, “will you not let me know who it was that sent you.” “I tell you,” replied the stranger, “that I don't know. I was bid to say to you that the hour is come, and the man, and that's all I know; barrin' that as I said you wor bid to come wid me, if you wish to sarve thia family. Now I must go.” “Stop a moment,” said M'Carthy, “till I return into the house, and let them know I'm going out.” “No,” replied the other; “if you do, you won't find me here when you come back. This instant, or never.” “To serve this family, you say?” “To sarve this family, I was bid to say. I know nothing, an' can say nothing about it myself.”