He thought his daredevil character had been sufficiently known; but since it seemed that it was not, he would teach them a lesson of intrepidity--the scoundrels.

His practice was, on such occasions, to get a case of pistols, mount his horse, and, in defiance to all entreaty to the contrary, proceed to the place of danger, which he rode past, and examined with an air of pompous heroism that was ludicrous in the extreme.
One morning, about this time, he sat at breakfast, reading the Potwollopers' Gazette, or the No-Popery Advocate, when, as usual, he laid it down, and pushing it over to Fergus, he resumed his toast and butter.
"Well, now," said he, upon my honor and conscience, it is extraordinary how these matters creep into the papers.

At all events, Fergus, my friend the Castle will persaive what kind of stuff it's best supporters consist of." "Very appropriate, sir," replied Fergus--"stuff is an excellent word." "And why is it an excellent word, Fergy ?" "It is so significant, sir, as an illustration ?" "Well, I dare say it is," returned the father; "don't we say of a game man, such a fellow has good stuff in him?
but, setting that aside, do look at the paragraph about that attack! My friend Swiggerly has done me full justice.

Upon my word, it is extramely gratifying, and especially in such critical times as these, read it for Kate there, will you ?" "What is it, papa ?" "An account, my dear, of the attack made upon us, and of--but Fergus will read it out for you." Fergus accordingly read as follows:-- EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE AND INTREPIDITY--SEVERAL HUNDRED WHITEBOYS MOST SPIRITLY REPULSED--FITZGERALD O'DRISCOL, ESQ.

J.P.
"On the night of the 24th ultimo, the house of this most active and resolute magistrate was attacked by a numerous band of ruffianly Whiteboys, amounting to several hundreds--who, in defiance of his well-known resolution, and forgetting the state of admirable preparation and defence in which he always maintains his dwelling-house, surrounded it with the intention, evidently, of visiting upon him the consequences of his extraordinary efforts at preserving the peace of the country, and bringing offenders to justice.