't dhrink I'll knock your head agin the wall,
you gommoch!"

* Mass, humorously so called, from the fact of those
who attend it beating their breasts during their
devotions.

"Why, thin, by all that's beautiful, it's a good spree; and we'll stick
to you like pitch."

"Be the vartue o' my oath, you don't desarve to be in it, or you'd
dhrink dacent. Why, here's another bottle, an' maybe there's more where
that was. Well, let us finish what we have, or be the five crasses, I'll
give up the whole business."

"Why, thin, here's success to us, any way; an' high hangin' to them that
'ud desart you in your skame this blessed an' holy night that's in it!"

This was re-echoed by his friends, who pledged themselves by the most
solemn oaths not to abandon him in the perpetration of the outrage which
they had concerted. The other bottle was immediately opened, and while
it lasted, the details of the plan were explained at full length. This
over, they entered the barn one by one as before, except Frank and Rody,
who as they were determined to steal another bottle from the father's
stock, did not appear among the dancers until this was accomplished.

The re-appearance of these rollicking and reckless young fellows in
the dance, was hailed by all present; for their outrageous mirth was in
character with the genius of the place. The dance went on with spirit;
brag dancers were called upon to exhibit in hornpipes; and for this
purpose a table was bought in from Frank's kitchen on which they
performed in succession, each dancer applauded by his respective party
as the best in the barn.

In the meantime the night had advanced; the hour might be about
half-past ten o'clock; all were in the zenith of enjoyment, when old
Frank M'Kenna addressed them as follows:--

"Neighbors, the dickens o' one o' me would like to break up the
sport--an', in throth, harmless and dacent sport it is; but you all
know that this is Christmas night, and that it's our duty to attind the
Midnight Mass. Anybody that likes to hear it may go, for it's near time
to be home and prepare for it; but the sorra one o' me wants to take any
of yez from your sport, if you prefer it; all I say is, that I must lave
yez; so God be wid yez till we meet agin!"

This short speech produced a general bustle in the barn; many of the
elderly neighbors left it, and several of the young persons also. It was
Christmas Eve, and the Midnight Mass had from time immemo