Page 183 - The snake's pass

MY NEW PROPERTY. 171
and there was no going back now; indeed I did not
wish to go back, for I thought that it would be a
fine opportunity for Dick to investigate the subject. If
we could succeed in draining the bog and reclaiming it,
it would be a valuable addition to the property.
That night I arranged to go over on the following
day to Galway, my private purpose being to consult
a solicitor; and I wrote to my bankers in London, direct-
ing that an amount something over the sum required to
effect my purchase should be lodged forthwith to an
account to be opened for me at the Galway Bank.
Next day I drove to Galway, and there, after a little
inquiry, found a solicitor, Mr. Caicy, of whom every
one spoke well. I consulted him regarding the purchase.
He arranged to do all that was requisite, and to have
the deed of purchase drawn. I told him that I wished
the matter kept a profound secret. He agreed to meet
my wishes in this respect, even to the extent that when
he should come to Carnaclif to make the final com-
pletion with Murdock, he would not pretend to know
me. We parted on the best of terms, after I had dined
with him, and had consumed my share of a couple of
bottles of as fine old port as is to be had in all the
world.
Next day I returned to Carnaclif in the evening and
met Dick.
Everything had gone right during the two days. Dick
was in great spirits ; he had seen his Norah during
the day, and had exchanged salutations with her. Then