Mr. Burke is to ride him.'

'Musha! but I am sorry for it!'

'And why so? You seem to think highly of his horsemanship.'

'There's no mistaken that, ay it was fair; but then, you see, he has
as many tricks in him as the devil. Sometimes he 'll break his stirrup
leather, or he 'll come in a pound too heavy, or he'll slip the snaffle
out of the mouth; for he doesn't care for his neck. Once I see him stake
his baste, and bring him in dead lame.'

Here ended our conversation; for by this time we entered the town,
and proceeded to Mrs. Doolan's. The house was full, or the apartments
bespoke; and I was turning away in disappointment, when I accidentally
overheard the landlady mention the two rooms ordered by Captain O'Grady.
A little explanation ensued, and I discovered, to my delight, that these
were destined for me by my friend, who had written sometime before to
secure them. A few minutes more saw me comfortably installed in the
little inn, whose unpretending exterior and cheerful comfort within
doors were the direct antithesis to the solemn humbug I had left at
Shannon Harbour.

Under Joe's auspices--for he had established himself as my own man--tea
and rashers made their appearance. My clothes were unpacked and put by;
and as he placed my dressing-gown and slippers in readiness before
the fire, I could not help observing the servant-like alacrity of his
manner, perfect in everything, save in his habit of singing to himself
as he went, which I can't say, however, that I disliked, and certainly
never dreamed of checking. Having written a few lines to Mr. Burke,
expressing my desire for a few minutes' interview the following morning,
I despatched the note, and prepared for bed.

I had often listened with apathy to the wise saws of people who, never
having felt either hunger or fatigue, are so fond of pronouncing
a glowing eulogium on such luxuries, when the period of their
gratification has arrived; but, I confess, as I lay down that night in
bed, and drew the clothes around me, I began to believe that they
had underrated the pleasures they spoke of. The house clock ticked
pleasantly in the room without; the cheerful turf-fire threw its mild
red light across the room; the sounds from the street were those of
happy voices and merry laughter, and when I ceased to hear them I had
fallen into a sound and peaceful sleep.

It was after about a dozen efforts, in which I had gone through all the
usual formula on such occas