"I am to get a memorial drawn up tomorrow, sir," proceeded Bryan, "and I
was thinking that by giving the Board of Excise a true statement of the
case, they might reduce the fine; if they don't, I am ruined--that's
all."
"Certainly," said his landlord, "that is a very good course to take;
indeed, your only course."
"I hope, sir," proceeded Bryan, "that as you now know the true
circumstances of the case, you'll be kind, enough to support my
petition; I believe your brother, sir, is one of the Commissioners;
you would sartinly be able to do something with him."
"No," replied Chevydaie, "I would not ask anything from him; but I
shall support your Petition, and try what I can do with the other
Commissioners. On principle, however, I make it a point never to ask
anything from my brother."
"Will I bring you the Petition, sir?" asked Bryan.
"Fetch me the Petition."
"And Bryan," said Fethertonge, raising his finger at him as if by way of
warning--and laughing--"hark ye, let this be the last."
"Fethertonge," said the landlord, "I see 'Pratt has been found guilty,
and the sentence confirmed by the Commander-in-Chief."
"You will insist on it," said Bryan, in reply to the agent, "but--"
"There now, M'Mahon," said the latter, "that will do; good day to you."
"I think it is a very harsh sentence, Fethertonge; will you touch the
bell?"
"I don't know, sir," replied the other, ringing as he spoke; "Neville's
testimony was very strong against him, and the breaking of the glass did
not certainly look like sobriety.
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