said--

"Thank you, Mr. English: we feel much obliged for your gallant
intentions; quite as much, indeed, as if you had carried them into
effect."

This joke, so soon played off after that which had preceded it, and
upon the same person, too, occasioned another very general laugh at the
Buck's expense; and, beyond a doubt, filled him with a double measure of
mortification and resentment.

"There you go," he muttered, "and it was well said before Mass, that if
you set a beggar on horseback he'll ride to the divil."

"To whom do you apply that language?" asked Alick Purcel.

"To one Michael Purcel, a tithe-proctor, an oppressor and a grinder of
the poor," returned Buck, fiercely.

"And, you insolent scoundrel, how dare you use such language to my
father?" said the other. "I tell you, that if it were not from a
reluctance to create an unbecoming quarrel so near the house of God, and
so soon after his worship, I would horsewhip you, you illiterate, vulgar
rascal, where you stand."

"I would be glad to catch you making the attempt," replied the Buck,
with a look of fury; "because I would give you such a lesson as you
would never forget. I would let you know that it isn't your father's
unfortunate tenants and day-laborers you have before you--and that you
scourge like hounds in a kennel."

Purcel was actually in the act of springing at him, whip in hand, when,
fortunately, the priest interfered, and prevented a conflict which, from
the strength and spirit by which the parties were animated, must have
been a fearful one.

[Illustration: PAGE 374-- The priest interfered, and prevented a
conflict]

"What is this?" said the worthy man; "in God's name, what does this
scandalous conduct, in such a place, and on such an occasion, mean? Come
between these madmen," he proceeded, addressing the crowd, which had now
collected about them. "Keep them asunder!"

The two men were separated; but as each felt himself under the influence
of strong resentment, they glared at one another with looks of fiery
indignation.

"You had better keep out of my way, you impudent scoundrel," said
Purcel, shaking his whip at him; "and hark ye, make no more attempts to
pay attention to any of my sisters, or, by the heavens above me, I will
trace you through all your haunts, and flog you as I would a dog."

"I'll take care to give you the opportunity before long, Squire Purcel,
or rather Squireen Purcel," replied the Buck; "and what is more,