sting coward of the human species. In the one case,
it is _science_--in the other, _art_.
But still we shall not give too much space to Mr. Jinks, and shall
proceed to detail very briefly the result of his explorations.
The great conspirator had, by the hour of eventide, procured all the
information he wished. That information led Mr. Jinks to believe that,
on the following day, the opposing races would turn out in numbers,
far exceeding those on any previous occasion. They would have a grand
pageant:--St. Patrick would meet St. Michael in deadly conflict, and
the result would undoubtedly overwhelm one of the combatants with
defeat, elevating the other to the summit of joy and victory.
It was Mr. Jinks' object to ensure the success of the worthy St.
Michael, and prostrate the great St. Patrick in the dust. But this was
not all. Mr. Jinks further desired to procure an adequate revenge upon
his friend O'Brallaghan. To overwhelm with defeat and dismay the party
to which his enemy belonged, was not enough--any common man could
invent so plain a course as that. It was Mr. Jinks' boast, privately,
and to himself be it understood, that he would arrange the details
of an original and refined revenge--a revenge which should, in equal
degree, break down the strength and spirit of his enemy, and elevate
the inventor to the niche of a great creative genius.
By the hour of nine that night all was arranged; and, after laboring
for an hour or more at some mysterious employment, in the secresy of
his apartment, Mr. Jinks descended, and ordered Fodder to be saddled.
Under his arm he carried a bundle of some size; and this bundle was
placed carefully before him on the animal.
This done, Mr. Jinks went forth cautiously into the night.
Let us follow him.
He proceeds carefully toward the western portion of the town; then
suddenly turns a corner, and goes northward; then changes his course,
and takes his way eastward. This is to throw enemies off the track.
Half an hour's ride brings him in the neighborhood of Mistress
O'Calligan's.
What does he hear? A voice singing;--the voice of no less a personage
than Mr. O'Brallaghan.
The conspirator retraces his steps for some distance--dismounts--ties
Fodder to a tree-trunk; and then, with his bundle under his arm,
creeps along in the shadow toward the cabin.
At Mrs. O'Calligan's door, sitting upon the railing, he perceives the
portly figure of Mr. O'Brallaghan, who is singi
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