Good Lord! it is awful! Haven't I this moment a threatening notice on my table?
Well," he added, "if ever a man suffered in the cause of government as a public man and an active resolute magistrate, I do; indeed, Sam, if I had known the cares, and troubles, and responsibilities of my official situation, I am not certain whether I would not have preferred a private station; but you see government will find out men of talent and public spirit.

If I had less of either, it isn't threatening letters I'd be resaving this day.

Come, then, let us go to the discharge of our duty, Sam, fearlessly and impartially, as a man entrusted with great public authority." He accordingly proceeded to the office, a good deal recruited in courage by the brandy, but by no means altogether relieved from the apprehensions consequent upon the receipt of the notice and Hourigan's narrative.
Fergus and Purcel, on their way from the shrubbery to the house, fell upon a simpler plan by which to detect Hourigan's falsehood, and ascertain whether there existed any personal acquaintance or understanding of any sort between him and the new-comer.
"Well, John," said O'Driscol, after once more placing himself with his usual pomp in his magisterial chair, "have you been able to find any account or trace of the assassin ?" "None whatever, sir," replied Purcel; "neither tale nor tidings of him could I find." "When did you see him, Hourigan ?" asked Fergus; "was it on your way here ?" "Yes, sir." "In the avenue ?" "In the avenue, sir, about fifty yards inside the hedge, jist opposite the hollies." "Why did you not speak to him ?" "Troth, sir, he had too suspicious a look; for how did I know but it's a bullet I'd get into, me, if I was only seen obsarvin' or watchin' him ?" "Then you did not speak to him ?" asked Fergus.
"Faith, you may swear that, sir; that is not the time to pick up strange acquaintances." The two young friends were now satisfied of Hourigan's falsehood, and perhaps of his treachery; and a very slight but significant glance to that effect passed between them.
"Well, well," said the magistrate, "we--I mane myself, at any rate--are well able to protect ourselves.

I shall not in future travel unarmed, and he that--hem--ahem--he that will mistake me for a timid man will find out his error maybe when it's too late.

Come, Hourigan, what charge is this you have against Mr.Purcel ?" "Plaise your honor, he abused, and assaulted, and bate me until I didn't know for a time whether I was alive or dead." "How was that, Hourigan, sir ?" "Bekaise, your honor, I had not my tides for him." "Now that I look at you, you certainly have the marks of violence about you.