The boys were filing out of the room, when, 'Mr.O'Gree!' cries Pendy.--'Sir!' I reply.--'The boys were called late this morning, I hear.'-- 'No such thing, sir,' I assure 'um.

'Half-past six to the minute, by my watch.'-- 'Oh, _your_ watch, Mr.O'Gree,' cries the old reprobate.

'I fear your watch doesn't keep very good time.'-- 'Sure, you're in the right, sir,' said I;' it's been losing a little of late; so only last night I stopped it at half-past six, to make sure it would show me the right calling-time this morning.' And, when I'd said that, I just nod my head, as much as to say, 'There's one for ye, me boy!' and walk off as jaunty as a Limerick bantam." Then, after a burst of merriment, O'Gree suddenly fixed his face in a very grave expression.
"I'm resolved, Waymark, I'm resolved!" he exclaimed.

"At midsummer I break my chains, and stand erect in the dignity of a free man.

I've said it often, but now I mean it.