"
"Listen to me, my honest friend--don't believe Fethertonge, nor don't
rely on Chevydale, who will do nothing more nor less than the agent
allows him. If you depend upon either or both, you are a ruined man, and
I am very much afraid you are that already. It has not been sent; but
observe that I mention this in confidence, and with an understanding
that, for the present, you will not name me in the matter."
"I sartinly will not," replied Bryan, who was forcibly struck with
the truth and warmth of interest that were evident in his language and
manner; "and here is a letter that I received this very mornin' from the
Secretary of Excise, stating that no memorial on my behalf has been sent
up to them at all."
"Ay, just so; that is the true state of the matter."
"What, in God's name, am I to do, then?" asked Bryan, in a state of
great and evident perplexity.
"I shall tell you; go to an honest man--I don't say, observe, that
Chevydale is not honest; but he is weak and negligent, and altogether
the slave and dupe of his agent. Go to-morrow morning early, about eight
o'clock, fetch another memorial, and wait upon Major Vanston; state
your case to him plainly and simply, and, my life for yours, he will
not neglect you, at all events. Get a fresh memorial drawn up this very
day."
"I can easily do that," said Bryan, "for I have a rough copy of the one
I sent; it was Hycy Burke drew it up.
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