The Life Of Charles Stewart Parnell - Ii

204 CHARLES STEWAET PAHNELL [1888
done real good, and I shall be sincerely sorry if your papers come to an end. But, coming to your actual proposal, I am obliged to say I cannot make the advance you suggest. . . . Allow me to add that, though I must still differ from you greatly, and though we approach Irish matters from very different points of view, yet I most sincerely appreciate the patriotism which has induced you to some extent to modify your views.'
In the same year Pigott wrote to ' My dear Egan/ saying he had been offered 500Z. to publish documents, mainly 'fabricated/ but which would nevertheless be injurious to the League, even if there were only a few grains of truth mixed up with the bushel of falsehood. • *
' I think,' he said, ' that the Castle people are the prime movers [in the matter].' Then he threatens the treasurer of the League. ' To come to the point, I am in dreadful straits. I must have money somehow, or throw up the sponge at once. I cannot afford to let slip so lucky a chance for saving myself literally from ruin. No matter what the consequences are, I must and will take this offer. Unless you come to my assistance I will close with these people.'
Mr. Egan, who knew his man, replied sharply and decisively:
'As I understand your letter, it is a threat that, unless I forward you money by Monday next, you will close with the Government, and in consideration of a sum of 5001. publish certain documents which you believe to be false against the Land League. Under any circumstances, I have no power so to apply any of the funds of the League, but even if I had the power I would not under such circumstances act upon it. * The whole