In fact, he is a little better than a tyro--an ignoramus, who doesn't quarrel at least once a week, wid the fair object of his amorous inclinations, an' that for the sake of the reconciliaitons." Hycy and Hanna were now about to dance, when Philip Hogan came forward, and, with an oath, declared that Kathleen must dance--"He wouldn't see Mr.Burke insulted that way by any such airs--and by--she must dance.
Come," said he, "what stuff is this--we'll see whether you or I is strongest;" and as he spoke he seized her rudely by the arm, and was about to pull her out on the floor.
Bryan M'Mahon sprung to his feet.

"Let her go, you ruffian," he exclaimed; "let her go this instant." "No, I won't," replied the savage; "an' not for you, at any rate.

Come, Miss Kathleen, out you'll go:--for you indeed," he added, in a ferocious parenthesis, looking at Bryan; "it's you that's the cause of all this.
Come, miss, dance you must." The words were scarcely uttered when M'Mahon, by a single blow on the neck, felled him like an ox, and in an instant the whole place was a scene of wild commotion.

The Hogans, however, at all times unpopular, had no chance in an open affray on such an occasion as this.

The feeling that predominated was, that the ruffianly interference of Philip had been justly punished; and ere many minutes the usual harmony, with the exception of some threatening looks and ferocious under growls from the Hogans, was restored.