or other hadn't made her appearance the entire
of the day. There he sat with his hand on his heart, and a heavenly
smile upon him for a good hour, sipping a little whisky-and-water
between times, to keep up his courage.

'"She must be out," said Bob to himself. "She 's gone to pass the day
somewhere. I hope she doesn't know any of these impudent vagabonds up at
the barracks. Maybe, after all, it's sick she is."

'While he was ruminating this way, who should he see turn the corner but
the widow herself. There she was, coming along in deep weeds, with her
maid after her--a fine slashing-looking figure, rather taller than her
though, and lustier every way; but it was the first time he saw her in
the streets. As she got near to her door, Bob stood up to make a polite
bow. Just as he did so, the widow slipped her foot, and fell down on the
flags with a loud scream. The maid ran up, endeavouring to assist
her, but she couldn't stir; and as she placed her hand on her leg, Bob
perceived at once she had sprained her ankle. Without waiting for
his hat, he sprang downstairs, and rushed across the street. '"Mrs.
Moriarty, my angel!" said Bob, putting his arm round her waist. "Won't
you permit me to assist you?"

'She clasped his hand with fervent gratitude, while the maid, putting
her hand into her reticule, seemed fumbling for a handkerchief.

'"I am a stranger to you, ma'am," said Bob; "but if Major Mahon, of the
Roscommon----"

'"The very man we want!" said the maid, pulling a writ out of the
reticule; for a devil a thing else they were but two bailiffs from
Ennis.

'"The very man we want!" said the bailiffs.

'"I am caught!" said Bob.

'"The devil a doubt of it!"

'At the same moment the window opened overhead, and the beautiful widow
looked out to see what was the matter.

'"Good-evening to you, ma'am," says Bob; "and I 'd like to pay my
respects if I wasn't particularly engaged to these ladies here." And
with that he gave an arm to each of them and led them down the street,
as if it was his mother and sister.'

'The poor Major!' said I. 'And where is he now?'' On his way to Ennis
in a post-chaise; for it seems the ladies had a hundred pounds for their
capture. Ah, poor Bob! But there is no use fretting; besides it would
be sympathy thrown away, for he 'll give them the slip before long. And
now, Captain, are you ready for the road? I have got a peremptory letter
from the bishop, and must be back in Murranakilty