'I'll be d--d if I be made a cock shot of!' "'What an awkward little thief it is in the hairy waistcoat!' said my father; 'he's lucky if he don't get shot himself!' "'May I never, if I'm not sick of you both!' ejaculated rabbit-skin, in a passion.

'I've moved you round every point of the compass, and the devil a nearer we are than ever!' "'Give us the word,' said one.
"'The word!' "'Downright murder,' said my father.
"'I don't care,' said the little man; 'we shall be here till doomsday.' "'I can't permit this,' said my father; 'allow me.' So saying, he stepped upon the window-sill, and leaped down into the field.
"'Before I can accept of your politeness,' said he of the rabbit-skin, 'may I beg to know your name and position in society ?' "'Nothing more reasonable,' said my father.

'I'm Miles O'Shaughnessy, Colonel of the Royal Raspers,--here is my card.' "The piece of pasteboard was complacently handed from one to the other of the party, who saluted my father with a smile of most courteous benignity.
"'Colonel O'Shaughnessy,' said one.
"'Miles O'Shaughnessy,' said the other.
"'Of Killinahoula Castle,' said the third.
"'At your service,' said my father, bowing, as he presented his snuff-box; 'and now to business, if you please, for my time also is limited.' "'Very true,' observed he of the rabbit-skin; 'and, as you observe, now to business; in virtue of which, Colonel Miles O'Shaughnessy, I hereby arrest you in the King's name.

Here is the writ; it's at the suit of Barnaby Kelly, of Loughrea, for the sum of L1,482 19s.

7-1/2d., which--' "Before he could conclude the sentence, my father discharged one obligation by implanting his closed knuckles in his face.