[The Tithe-Proctor by William Carleton]@TWC D-Link book
The Tithe-Proctor

CHAPTER XIV
13/47

Manes! Why, what objections can you have to the manes?
A bit of a harmless paragraph that contains very little more than the truth.

I tell you that I threw it out as a hint to my friend the Castle, and I hope it will act on it, that's all." "Well, well," exclaimed the son, laughing, "take care you don't overdo the business; for my own part, I wish to obtain a magistracy only by honorable means;--that is, since you have put the matter into my head, for until last week I never once thought of it." "Neither did I until a couple of weeks ago; and between you and me, Fergus, the country's in a devil of a state--a very trying one for Stipendiaries," replied his father; "but it struck me that I am myself rather advanced in years for such an appointment, and, in the meantime, that something of the kind might be in your way, and it is for this rason that I am feeling the pulse of my friend the Castle." "But I am too young, sir, for such an appointment." "Not at all, you blockhead; although you get a magistracy in the paragraph, you don't imagine, I expect, you should get one directly.
No, no; there are gradations in all things.

For instance, now,--first a Chief Constableship of Police; next, a County Inspectorship; and thirdly, a Stipendiary Magistracy.

It is aisy to run you through the two first in ordher to plant you in the third--eh?
As for me I'm snug enough, unless they should make me a commissioner, of excise or something of that sort, that would not call me out upon active duty but, at all events, there's nothing like having one's eye to business, and being on the lookout for an opportunity." "You know, father," observed Fergus, "I don't now nor ever did approve of the system, or principle you pursue in these matters, and as I will not join you in them, I can only say if I do receive a government appointment, I shall not owe it to anything personally unbecoming myself." "Ah, you're young and green yet, Fergus, but time and expariance will, open your eyes to your own interests, and you'll live to acknowledge the folly of having scruples with the world--ay will you." "It may be so, sir; but I thank God the time you speak of has not come yet." "Well," continued his father, "now that we have talked over that matter, read this;",and, as he spoke, he handed Fergus a notice, evidently a friendly one, to the following; effect-- "Hunda.
"Mr.O'Driscol .-- It's said that ye're to goto Lisnagola on Shoosda next.
Now I tel ye there's a set upon yer life--don't go on that day, or it'll bee worser for ye--any way don't pass Philpot's corner betuxt 2 and fore o'cluck.
"A FRIEND THAT YEW WANST SAVED." "What do you think of that, Fergus ?" "Why, sir, it's a proof that you have friends among these turbulent people.

I hope you don't intend going to Lisnagola on that day; by the way it must mean this day, for this is Tuesday, and the note or notice, or whatever you call it, is dated on Sunday, I perceive.


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