oth? And this is only the beginning, let me tell you. There is a
university in College Green due to us, and a number of fine palaces that
their bishops once lived in, and grand old cathedrals whose very names show
the rightful ownership; and when we have got all these--as the Whigs will
give them one day--even then we are only beginning. And now turn the other
side, and see what you have to expect from the Nationalists. Some very hard
fighting and a great number of broken heads. I give in that you'll drive
the English out, take the Pigeon-House Fort, capture the Magazine, and
carry away the Lord-Lieutenant in chains. And what will you have for it,
after all, but another scrimmage amongst yourselves for the spoils. Mr.
Mullen, of the _Pike_, will want something that Mr. Darby McKeown, of the
_Convicted Felon_, has just appropriated; Tom Casidy, that burned the Grand
Master of the Orangemen, finds that he is not to be pensioned for life; and
Phil Costigan, that blew up the Lodge in the Park, discovers that he is not
even to get the ruins as building materials. I tell you, my friends, it's
not in such convulsions as these that you and I, and other sensible men
like us, want to pass our lives. We look for a comfortable berth and
quarter-day; that's what we compound for--quarter-day--and I give it to you
as a toast with all the honours.'

And certainly the rich volume of cheers that greeted the sentiment vouched
for a hearty and sincere recognition of the toast.

'The chaise is ready at the door, councillor,' cried the landlord,
addressing Mr. Miller, and after a friendly shake-hands all round, Miller
slipped his arm through O'Shea's and drew him apart.

'I'll be back this way in about ten days or so, and I'll ask you to present
me to your aunt. She has got above a hundred votes on her property, and I
think I can count upon you to stand by me.'

'I can, perhaps, promise you a welcome at the Barn,' muttered the young
fellow in some confusion; 'but when you have seen my aunt, you'll
understand why I give you no pledges on the score of political support.'

'Oh, is that the way?' asked Miller, with a knowing laugh.

'Yes, that's the way, and no mistake about it,' replied O'Shea, and they
parted.

CHAPTER XXXI

HOW THE 'GOATS' REVOLTED

In less than a week after the events last related, the members of the
'Goat Club' were summoned to an extraordinary and general meeting, by an
invitation from the vice-president,