Handy Andy: A Tale of Irish Life. Volume 2

CONTENTS

List of Illustrations
Etched by W. H. W. Bicknell from drawings by Samuel Lover

The night was pitch dark, and on rounding the adjacent corner no vehicle could be seen; but a peculiar whistle from Dick was answered by the sound of approaching wheels and the rapid footfalls of a horse, mingled with the light rattle of a smart gig. On the vehicle coming up, Dick took his little mare, that was blacker than the night, by the head, the apron of the gig was thrown down, and out jumped a smart servant-boy.
“You have the horse ready, too, Billy?”
“Yis, sir,” said Billy, touching his hat.
“Then follow, and keep up with me, remember.”
“Yis, sir.”
“Come to her head, here,” and he patted the little mare's neck as he spoke with a caressing “whoa,” which was answered by a low neigh of satisfaction, while the impatient pawing of her fore foot showed the animal's desire to start. “What an impatient little devil she is,” said Dick, as he mounted the gig; “I'll get in first, Murphy, as I'm going to drive. Now up with you—hook on the apron—that's it—are you all right?”