resumed Mike, "it was pitch dark when the columns
moved up, and a cold, raw night, with a little thin rain falling. Have you
that down?"

"Yes. Pray go on."

"Well, just as it might be here, at the corner of the trench, I met Dr.
Quill. 'They're waiting for you, Mr. Free,' says he, 'down there. Picton's
asking for you.' 'Faith, and he must wait,' says I, 'for I'm terrible
dry.' With that, he pulled out his canteen and mixed me a little
brandy-and-water. 'Are you taking it without a toast?' says Doctor Maurice.
'Never fear,' says I; 'here's Mary Brady--'"

"But, my dear sir," interposed Mr. Meekins, "pray _do_ remember this is
somewhat irrelevant. In fifteen minutes it will be twelve o'clock."

"I know it, ould boy, I know it. I see what you're at. You were going to
observe how much better we'd be for a broiled bone."

"Nothing of the kind, I assure you. For Heaven's sake, no more eating and
drinking!"

"No more eating nor drinking! Why not? You've a nice notion of a convivial
evening. Faith, we'll have the broiled bone sure enough, and, what's more,
a half gallon of the strongest punch they can make us; an' I hope that,
grave as you are, you'll favor the company with a song."

"Really, Mr. Free--"

"Arrah, none of your blarney! Don't be misthering me! Call me Mickey, or
Mickey Free, if you like better."

"I protest," said the editor, with dismay, "that here we are two hours at
work, and we haven't got to the foot of the great breach."

"And wasn't the army three months and a half in just getting that far, with
a battering train and mortars and the finest troops ever were seen? And
there you sit, a little fat creature, with your pen in your hand, grumbling
that you can't do more than the whole British army. Take care you don't
provoke me to beat you; for I am quiet till I'm roused. But, by the Rock o'
Cashel--"

Here he grasped the brass trumpet with an energy that made the editor
spring from his chair.

"For mercy's sake, Mr. Free--"

"Well, I won't; but sit down there, and don't be bothering me about sieges
and battles and things you know nothing about."

"I protest," rejoined Mr. Meekins, "that, had you not sent to my office
intimating your wish to communicate an account of the siege, I never should
have thought of intruding myself upon you. And now, since you appear
indisposed to afford the information in question, if you will permit me,
I'll wish you a very good-night."

"Faith, and so you shall,