“He was an agent on this property,” replied Darby; “but Mr. M’Clutchy came afther him; and, indeed, the tenants is mighty well satisfied wid the change.  Hickman, sir, was next to a hathen—­made no differ in life between an idolather and a loyal Protestant, but Mr. M’Clutchy, on the other hand, knows how to lean to his own, as he ought to do.  And in regard o’ that, I’d advise you when you see Mr. Hickman, jist to be on your guard as to what he may say about the Castle Cumber property, and them that’s employed an it.  Between you and me, he’s not over scrupulous, and don’t be surprised if he lays it hot and heavy on Mr. M’Clutchy and others, not forgettin’ your humble sarvant, merely in regard of our honesty and loyalty, for I’m a staunch Protestant, myself, glory be to God, and will support the Castle Cumber inthrest through thick and thin.  Now, sir,” he added, “there’s two ways to Hickman’s; and between you and me agin’ Mr. Hickman is a real gentleman, exceptin’ his little failings about M’Clutchy; but who is widout them?  I dunna, but it would be as well if he had remained agent still; and when you see him, if you happen to say that Darby O’Drive tould you so, I think he’ll understand you.  Well—­there’s two ways, as I said, to this place—­one by this road, that turns to the right—­which, indeed, is the shortest—­the other is by Constitution Cottage, which is M’Clutchy’s place, where I am goin’ to.”

The stranger, after thanking Darby for his information, took the shorter road, and in about an hour or so reached Springfield.

It is not our intention to detail his interview with Mr. Hickman.  For the present it is sufficient to say, that he produced to that gentleman a letter of introduction from Lord Cumber himself, who removed all mystery from about him, by stating that he was an English artist, who came over on a foolish professional tour, to see and take sketches of the country, as it appeared in its scenery, as well as in the features, character, and costume of its inhabitants.  He had also introductions to M’Clutchy, M’Slime, Squire Deaker, M. Lucre, and several other prominent characters of the neighborhood.

As this gentleman amused himself by keeping an accurate and regular journal of all events connected with the Castle Cumber property, or which occurred on it, we feel exceedingly happy in being able to lay these important chronicles before our readers, satisfied as we are, that they will be valued, at least on the other side of the channel, exactly in proportion to the scanty opportunities he had of becoming acquainted with our language, manners, and character.  The MS. is now before us, and the only privilege we reserve to ourselves is simply to give his dialogue an Irish turn, and to fill up an odd chasm here and there, occasioned by his ignorance of circumstances which have come to our knowledge through personal cognizance, and various other sources.  The journal now in our possession is certainly the original one; but we