she
dreaded an attack--a look which, in Hourigan's case, combined as much
ferocious vengeance and sullen hang-dog cowardice as could well be
brought together on the same features.

"Well, Jack," said the pompous distributor of justice, addressing young
Purcel, "how do you do? Take a seat--by the way, is it true that your
father and my excellent friend, Dr. Turbot, were shot at yesterday?"

"True enough," replied John; "the bullet whistled right between them,
and so close that each felt the wind of it."

"The country is getting into a frightful state, friend Purcel, eh? Upon
my honor now, yes! it is so--it is so."

"Why there is no question of it," replied John; "it is already in a
frightful state."

"It is, Mr. Purcel, and in my opinion, the _crame_ of the matter will be
blood--blood--my dear John--that is what it will come to."

"Certainly you speak, Mr. O'Driscol, like a man that knows the country,
and can feel the pulse of the public officially--I mean, of course, as a
magistrate--for it is now, and in times of such turbulence, that men--I
mean magistrates--of your stamp--will prove themselves serviceable to
the government of the country, and to the country itself; intelligent
and determined men--I mean magistrates--who know not what fear is, and
who will do their duty at the risk of their lives."

"True, John, it is such men, or rather magistrates, who can render
the most important services to government. The duties of a loyal and
attached magistrate are not a mere raycrayation during these times. And
yet, John," he added, sinking his voice into a confidential whisper,
"I protest to my honor that the life of a man--I mane, as you say, a
magistrate--who resolves firmly to perform his duty, is not extramely
safe; why then should a man--I mane a magistrate--unnecessarily expose
himself to the fate of Going,* when he might much more safely remain
snug and quiet, without putting either himself or his neighbors to
inconvanience by an over-strict discharge of his duty?"

[* The name of a magistrate and clergyman, I think, who was
assassinated.]

"If everything be true that I have heard," said John, "the government
would scarcely expect to hear such sentiments from the intelligent and
determined Mr. O'Driscol."

"Ha! ha! ha!--well done, John,--I drew you out. Upon my honor, I am glad
to find that you are loyal, at all events, and that is a rare virtue
among most persons of your creed;--excuse me, but,