It is no part of our intention to describe the fierce sensation which this victory created among the greater portion of the people.  The tumult occasioned by their indignation and fury was outrageous and ruffianly as usual; but as the election had now terminated, it soon ceased, and the mobs began to disperse to their respective homes.  Bryan for some three hours or so was under the protection of the military, otherwise he would have been literally torn limb from limb.  In the mean time we must follow Hycy.

This worthy and straightforward young gentleman, having now accomplished his purpose, and been the means of M’Mahon having exposed himself to popular vengeance, took the first opportunity of withdrawing from him secretly, and seeking Vanston’s agent.  Having found him, and retired out of hearing, he simply said—­

“I will trouble you for three hundred.”

“You shall have it,” replied that honest gentleman; “you shall have it.  We fully acknowledge the value of your services in this matter; it is to them we owe our return.”

“There is no doubt in the matter,” replied Hycy; “but you know not my difficulty, nor the dexterous card I had to play in accomplishing my point.”

“We are sensible of it all,” replied the other; “here,” said he, pulling out his pocket-book, “are three notes for one hundred each.”

“Give me two fifties,” said Hycy, “instead of this third note, and you will oblige me.  By the way, here is the major.”  With this the other immediately complied, without the major having been in any way cognizant of the transaction.

On entering the inner room where they stood, Vanston shook hands most cordially with Hycy, and thanked him in very warm language for the part he took, to which he had no hesitation in saying he owed his return.

“Look upon me henceforth as a friend, Mr. Burke,” he added, “and a sincere one, who will not forget the value of your influence with the young man whose vote has gained me the election.  I have already served him essentially,—­in fact saved him from ruin, and I am very glad of it.”

“I really feel very much gratified, Major Vanston, that I have had it in my power,” replied Hycy, “to render you any service of importance; and if I ever should stand in need of a favor at your hands, I shall not hesitate to ask it.”

“Nor I to grant it, Mr. Burke, if it be within the reach of my influence.”

“In the mean time,” said Hycy, “will you oblige me with a single franc?”

“Certainly, Mr. Burke; with half a dozen of them.”

“Thank you, sir, one will be quite sufficient; I require no more.”

The major, however, gave him half a dozen of them, and after some further chat, and many expressions of obligation on the part of the new M.P., Hycy withdrew.

CHAPTER XIX.—­Bryan Bribed—­is Rejected by Kathleen.