The Tithe-Proctor: The Works of William Carleton, Volume TwoCarleton, William
General
The Tithe-Proctor: The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two
Carleton, William
Ireland -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
“Come, then,” said M'Carthy, resolutely, and thinking of the note he had
received in college, “I trust you, or rather I will trust the man
that sent you;” and having uttered these words, he departed with the
stranger. The scene now changes to a hill, three or four miles distant
from the proctor's house, called Crockaniska, at the foot of which was
a small but beautiful lake or tarn, from which a graceful little stream
fell down into a green and picturesque valley, that lay to the south
below it. The shades of evening were beginning to deepen, but for a
considerable time before, the road that went past it was observed to
be more than usually-thronged with men, some on foot and others on
horseback; all presenting a solemn and determined aspect, as if bent
upon some dangerous enterprise that must be accomplished, and all
apparently strangers to the inhabitants of the place, and to each other.
On the brow of the hill stood a picturesque ruin, and the hill itself
was literally covered with men and horses; for it was evident, by the
fatigued and travel-stained appearance of both, that they had come from
a far distance. After dusk had set in, the crowd assumed an appearance
of stern repose, but at the same time, and somewhat contrasting with
this dreadful stillness, pale lights might be seen flitting from time
to time through the ragged apertures, and vacant windows of the ruin.
Inside this dreary old building were those who, from the greater
respectability of their dress, appeared to be their leaders; men of
trust and authority among them, by whose will and opinions they were to
be guided. A table and chairs, provided on this occasion, were placed
for the transaction of business, and on these, after some proceedings,
conducted with a good deal of form, had been transacted, twelve
comfortably, if not well-dressed looking farmers sat, whilst on another
chair, considerably elevated above the rest, a person in the garb at
least of a gentleman, seemed to preside over, and regulate the business
of the night.
After a short silence, the judge asked, in an audible voice, if there
was any business to be brought before “The Court of Right,” on that
occasion. He was immediately answered, in a solemn and almost melancholy
tone of voice, that there was a great deal of business before the court,
but that only one case, that of Captain Right against Purcel Senior and
sons, was for hearing and adjudication on that occasion.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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