rse up and
down the avenue, so as that he must necessarily come in Hourigan's way,
and if they refuse to speak in my presence you may accompany me down
the avenue if you wish--we may take it for granted that there is an
understanding between them and on this account we will say nothing on
our return, but that we failed to see or trace any one, which will be
the truth, you know."

Whilst this conversation took place between the two young men, our
worthy magistrate, now that he had an opportunity of recruiting his
courage, withdrew for a moment, accompanied by his servant and clerk,
Sam Finigan. "Sam," said he, in undisguised trepidation, "my life's not
worth a week's purchase."

"That was a threatening letter you received, sir?" said Sam,
inquiringly.

"The same, Sam. Upon my honor and conscience, they have threatened me
with the fate of Tandrem of Tavnibeg, who got five bullets into him, not
fifty yards from his own door. Get me the brandy then quick, and another
bottle of soda-wather. Good Lord! Sam, see what it is to be an active
and determined magistrate."

"Well," said Sam, after he had placed the brandy and soda-water before
him, "it's one comfort, plaise your honor, that if they shoot your
worship, government will take a glorious revenge upon them. The three
kingdoms will hear of it."

"Ay, but, Sam--good Lord!--here's God grant us a long life in the
manetime! but upon my honor and conscience it's not revenge upon my own
murdherers I want, but to be made a Stipendiary. Revenge! Good Lord!
what is revenge to a murdhered man, Sam, maybe with five bullets in him!
Now, Sam, this is not want of courage in me--but--but--mere distress
of mind on looking at the state of the country. A suspicious-looking
villain to be lurking in my own shrubbery, with the very pistols
sticking out of his pocket! Good Lord! I believe I'll take another
half-glass, Sam; I think I feel somewhat more intrepid--more relieved.
Yes, pour me out another half-glass, or a whole one, as your hand is in,
Sam, and take another for yourself."

"Thank your worship," said Sam, who never called him anything else when
exercising, or about to exercise his functions as a magistrate, "here's
the same, your worship--God grant us both--your worship at any rate--a
long life!"

"And a happy death, Sam; there is no harm to add that to it."

"And a happy death, your worship!"

"Well, Sam, here's the same! And now I think in a few minutes my natural
coura