O'Brien with a note from his master, intimating a wish to see him.
He lost no time in waiting upon that gentleman, who was then preparing
to visit the estate which he had so long neglected.
"I am going," said he, "to see how my agent, Yellow Sam, as they call
him, and my tenants agree. It is my determination, Mr. O'Brien, to
investigate the circumstances attending the removal of our protege's
father. I shall, moreover, look closely into the state and feelings of
my tenants in general. It is probable I shall visit many of them, and
certain that I will inquire into the character of this man."
"It is better late than never, Colonel; but still, though I am a friend
to the people, yet I would recommend you to be guided by great caution,
and the evidence of respectable and disinterested men only. You must
not certainly entertain all the complaints you may hear, without clear
proof, for I regret to say, that too many of the idle and political
portion of the peasantry are apt to throw the blame of their own folly
and ignorance--yes, and of their crimes, also--upon those who in no
way have occasioned either their poverty or their wickedness. They are
frequently apt to consider themselves oppressed, if concessions are not
made, to which they, as idle and indolent men, who neglected their own
business, have no fair claim. Bear this in mind, Colonel--be cool,
use discrimination, take your proofs from others besides the parties
concerned, or their friends, and, depend upon it, you will arrive at the
truth.
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