-charge bayonets--present--halt--to the
right about--double quick--:bravo--you see what I could do, if placed in
a military position."

"We do, sir," said Fergus, laughing; "not a doubt of it." The latter
then whispered something to Purcel, who smiled, and immediately turning
to the doughty magistrate, said:--

"Well, sir, since you insist upon protecting me home--"

"Good--that's the word, Alick--steady boys--shoulder omes."

"I will feel very happy, sir, in your escort."

"Yes, Alick--yes--exactly so--but then we are time enough, man--the
night's but young yet--we must have another tumbler before we go--if it
is only to put terror into these villains."

"I am exceedingly sorry that it is out of my power to wait, sir. My
father and John may possibly come over here, and if they do it is
difficult to say what these blood-thirsty villains, who care so little
about human life--especially, sir, when that life belongs to either a
tithe-proctor or a magistrate, may do. You will oblige me very much,
sir, by coming with me now. I wish to heavens I had your courage, Mr.
O'Driscol, and that I-was such a wicked and desperate dare-devil as you
are."

"Good, Alick, upon my honor and conscience, you've hit me off
there--hallo--what is this?--put these pistols and that blunder-bush
aside, and be d--d to you, we don't want them yet awhile;" this was
addressed to the servant who had brought them at Fergus's suggestion. "I
am a hospitable man, Alick--a convivial man--and I tell you that I don't
wish a guest to leave my house with dry lips--and what is more, I won't
allow it--sit down then, and take your punch, or if you're afraid of
these fellows why didn't you say so?"

"I am then, sir," replied Alick, who thought that by admitting the fact,
he might the sooner bring matters between himself and the magistrate to
a crisis.

"What!" exclaimed the latter, "you admit your cowardice, do you?--Well,
upon my honor and reputaytion, Alick, I'm extremely surprised at you--a
young fellow like you--and a coward! Now I'll tell you what, Alick, I
hate a coward--I despise a coward, and d--n me if any man who is mane
enough to acknowledge himself to be one, shall have the benefit of
my escort this night. Then stay where you are, sir, and take your
punch--but you are not entitled to any protection; no, confound me if
you are! A nice office for a man of my mettle to escort a coward!--no,
no--take your punch, I say--you are safe under this roof