The Confessor, by the Author of 'Michael Cassidy'.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXIII. It was now I sincerely rejoiced that Tunes was at hand; for, though I had already prospered to a miracle, still my perplexities were innumerable, and to go on acting alone was quite out of the question. Here was Andre, a snake in the grass--a thorn in my sleeve--a spy on my actions--an incumbrance which I knew not how to get rid of. Were I to accuse him of breaking open my writing desk, where now was my witness? Could I produce any proof? Bourke had gone off; and, as to the language-master, he would be sure not to betray his employer. The abstracted papers had been restored to their places. I could expect nothing but worry; and perhaps run a great risk in making an accusation which there were no means of supporting. Besides, one step injudiciously taken, might--as Bourke often warned me--undo all I had done, and check my proceedings on the eve of success. Ten months had elapsed since the incident at Saumur--time enough to transport Clotildo to the antipodes: and as for the child, though aware of its destination, we might not, without being legally authorised, have the power to withdraw it from the guardianship of its ecclesiastical protectors. But Innes, as I have said, was happily near me, and putting the Journal, with Mary Trevillion's manuscript into my pocket--safe out of reach of skeleton keys--I forthwith set out to consult with, and tell him my story. It was, of course, only a very brief outline; but his zeal and indignation were sufficiently roused. I told him my plan of sending or going to Paris. He strongly advised, as a preliminary step, that we should put an end to the intermeddling of my courier or sketching-master, by laying an embargo on his personal liberty--the circumstance of the writing-desk furnishing us with power. I ur...