r. Harman, that these fellows were primed
with whiskey at M'Clutchy's and they gave me provoking language that
I couldn't bear; it's well for them that I didn't take the butt end
of that," said he, holding up the horse-pistol in his left hand, "but
you'll find ten for one that would rather have a taste of it than of
this;" shutting his right--which was a perfect sledgehammer, and, when
shut, certainly the more formidable weapon of the two.

The two ruffians had now gathered themselves up, and appeared to be
considerably sobered by Harvey's arguments. They immediately retired
to a corner of the room, where they stood with a sullen but vindictive
look--cowardly and ferocious, ready to revenge on M'Loughlin's family
the punishment which they had received, but durst not resent, at the
hands of Harvey--unquestionably one of the most powerful and generous
Orangemen that was ever known in Castle Cumber. Let us not for a moment
be mistaken. The Orangemen of Ireland contained, and still contain among
them, men of great generosity, courage, and humanity. This is undeniable
and unquestionable; but then, it is well known that these men never took
any part in the outrages perpetrated by the lower and grosser grades,
unless to prevent outrage. In nothing, indeed, was the lamentable state
of the Irish Church Establishment more painfully obvious than in the
moral ignorance and brutal bigotry, which want of Christian instruction
and enlightened education had entailed upon men, who otherwise have been
a high-minded, brave, and liberal class, had they not been corrupted by
the example of the very pastors--ungodly, loose, convivial, political,
anything but Christian--from whom they were to expect their examples and
their precepts. But to return. Harman having given a significant glance
to Harvey, left the room, and the latter immediately followed him.

"Harvey," said he, "I have overheard the whole conversation; give me
your hand, for it is that of an honest man. I thank you, I thank you--do
try and prevent these ruffians from insulting the family."

"I don't think the same thing will happen a second time, Mr. Harman,"
replied the gigantic Orangeman; "but, the truth is, the men are half
drunk, and were made so before they came here."

"Well, but I thank you, Harvey; deeply and from my soul, I thank you."

"You needn't, Mr. Harman; I hate a dirty and ungenerous thing. Phil's a
brother Orangeman, and my tongue is tied--no doubt I'll be ex