and experience took the liberty of pointing out to him many cases in which those who considered themselves quite secure, upon the same grounds, either dangled or crossed the water.  He remembered, too, some prophecies that had been uttered concerning him with reference both to hanging and matrimony.  Touching the former it was often said, that “he’d die where the bird flies”—­between heaven and earth; on matrimony, that there seldom was a swaggerer among the girls but came to the ground at last.

Now Phelim had a memory of his own, and in turning over his situation, and the prophecies that had been so confidently pronounced concerning him, he felt, as we said, rather queer.  He found his father and mother in excellent spirits when he got home.  The good man had got a gallon of whiskey on credit; for it had been agreed on not to break the ten golden guineas until they should have ascertained how the matchmaking would terminate that night at Donovan’s.

“Phelim,” said the father, “strip yourself, an’ put on Sam’s clo’es:  you must send him down yours for a day or two; he says it’s the least he may have the wearin’ o’ them, so long as you have his.”

“Right enough,” said Phelim; “Wid all my heart; I’m ready to make a fair swap wid him any day, for that matther.”

“I sent word to the Donovans that we’re to go to coort there to night,” said Larry; “so that they’ll be prepared for us; an’ as it would be shabby not to have a friend, I asked Sam Appleton himself.  He’s to folly us.”

“I see,” said Phelim, “I see.  Well, the best boy in Europe Sam is, for such a spree.  Now, Fadher, you must lie like the ould diouol tonight.  Back everything I say, an’ there’s no fear of us.  But about what she’s to get, you must hould out for that.  I’m to despise it, you know.  I’ll abuse you for spakin’ about fortune, but don’t budge an inch.”

“It’s not the first time I’ve done that for you, Phelim; but in regard o’ these ten guineas, why you must put them in your pocket for fraid they be wantin’ to get off wid layin’ down guinea for guinea.  You see, they don’t think we have a rap; an’ if they propose it we’ll be up to them.”

“Larry,” observed Sheelah, “don’t make a match except they give that pig they have.  Hould out for that by all means.”

“Tare-an’-ounze!” exclaimed Phelim, “am I goin’ to take the counthry out o’ the face?  By the vestments, I’m a purty boy!  Do you know the fresh news I have for yez?”

“Not ten guineas more, Phelim?” replied the father.

“Maybe you soodhered another ould woman,” said the mother.

“Be asy,” replied Phelim.  “No, but the five crasses, I deluded a young one since!  I went out!”