"
"Don't lay the blame upon the Hogans," replied Kate, fiercely--"the
Hogans, bad as people say they are, only acted under Hycy Burke. It was
Hycy Burke."
"But," said Chevydale, probably out of compassion for the old man, "you
must know we are not now investigating Mr. Burke's conduct."
"Proceed, gintlemen," said his father, firmly but sorrowfully; "I have
heard it said too often that he was at the bottom of the plot that
ruined Bryan M'Mahon, or that wint near to ruin him; I wish to have that
well sifted, gintlemen, and to know the truth."
"I can swear," continued Kate, "that it was him got up the whole plan,
and gave them the money for it. I seen him in our house--or, to come
nearer the truth, in Gerald Cavanagh's kiln, where we live--givin' them
the money."
"As you are upon that subject, gentlemen," observed Harry Clinton, "I
think it due to the character of Bryan M'Mahon to state that I am in a
capacity to prove that Hycy Burke was unquestionably at the bottom--or,
in point of fact, the originator--of his calamities with reference to
the act of illicit distillation, and the fine which he would have been
called on to pay, were it not that the Commissioners of Excise remitted
it."
"Thank you, Mr. Clinton," replied Hycy; "I find I am not mistaken in
you--I think you are worthy of your accomplices"--and he pointed to Kate
and Nanny as he spoke--"proceed.
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