ravellers, and evidently one had come that day from Bristol, for
he suddenly nudged another and hurriedly whispered:

"'Tis him! The great Irish swordsman!"

Then the news spread like the wind, apparently, that the man who had
beaten the great Forister was arrived in good health at the inn. There
were murmurs, and a great deal of attention, and many eyes. I suddenly
caught myself swaggering somewhat. It is hard to be a famous person
and not show a great swollen chicken-breast to the people. They are
disappointed if you do not strut and step high. "Show me to a
chamber," said I splendidly. The servants bowed their foreheads to the
floor.

But the great hubbub over the Earl's loss continued without abatement.
Gentlemen clanked down in their spurs; there was much talk of
dragoons; the tumult was extraordinary. Upstairs the landlord led me
past the door of a kind of drawing-room. I glanced within and saw the
Earl of Westport gesturing and declaiming to a company of gentlemen.
He was propped up in a great arm-chair.

"And why would he be waving his hands that way?" said I to two
servants who stood without.

"His lordship has lost many valuable papers at the hands of a
miscreant, sir," answered one.

"Is it so?" said I. "Well, then, I would see his lordship."

But here this valet stiffened. "No doubt but what his lordship would
be happy to see you, sir," he answered slowly. "Unfortunately,
however, he has forbidden me to present strangers to his presence."

"I have very important news. Do not be an idiot," said I. "Announce
me. The O'Ruddy."

"The O'Ruggy?" said he.

"The O'Ruddy," said I.

"The O'Rudgy?" said he.

"No," said I, and I told him again. Finally he took two paces within
the room and sung out in a loud voice:

"The O'Rubby."

I heard the voice of the sick old Earl calling out from his great
chair. "Why, 'tis the Irishman. Bid him enter. I am glad--I am always
very glad--ahem!--"

As I strode into the room I was aware of another buzz of talk.
Apparently here, too, were plenty of people who knew me as the famous
swordsman. The Earl moved his jaw and mumbled.

"Aye," said he at last, "here is The O'Ruddy. And, do you know, Mr.
O'Ruddy, I have been foully robbed, and, among other things, have lost
your worthless papers?"

"I heard that you had lost them," I answered composedly. "But I refuse
to take your word that they are worthless."

Many people stared, and the Earl gave me a firm scowl. But