The Life Of Charles Stewart Parnell - Ii

JEx, 42] THE MANAGER OF THE ' TIMES' 20.9
the very night, indeed, of his confederates' arrival—the precious letters in his hand. ' Here they are/ said he. * The men who have given them to me are downstairs and want to be paid immediately. I must bring down the money or bring back the letters.' Houston took the letters to his colleague, Dr. Maguire, in the adjoining room. They held a consultation, and in a few minutes came to the conclusion that the letters were genuine and that Pigott should bo paid. Dr. Maguire advanced the money—85(M. in Bank of England notes. Houston returned to his own room and handed Pigott 605?.— 5002. for letters, the price demanded by the 'men downstairs,* and 105/, for a bonus for the industrious ambassador himself. Mr. Houston did not ask to see the 'men downstairs/ did not even ask their names. He took * Dick* Pigott on trust. Hastening back to England ho went, letters in hand, straight to Lord Hartington. 'I submitted them to him/ says Mr. Houston, ' and stated it would bo desirable he should know of their existoneo. I asked him if he could give me any advice as to their use.' Lord Hartington, however, declined to * advise.* Then the persistent young of tho 4 Loyal and Patriotic Union'
went baek for the third time to Mr. Buckle.
Mr. Buckle now referred him to Mr. John Cameron Macdonald, the of the * Times.* In October
1886 Mr, Houston brought the letters to Mr. Mac-donalcL Mr. Macdonald said that they should be submitted to the legal advisors of tho * Times/ and that if they were genuine) Tlmtfiton should be paid for them. Mr. Macdonald did not ask Houston from whom he had got the letters. * 1 asked him no questions/ said the manager of tho 'Times1 before the Special Commission. 4. . . I took IUB word throughout.' 'Had
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