"Well; but the night was fine, and there was not a breath of wind."
"What about that? A little wind, more or less, a weathercock or so, some drops of rain, or a few flakes of snow, do not materially detract from the truth, whilst they heighten the color of the picture."
"And if some lightning tearing through the clouds were added?"
"Yes, that would most undoubtedly increase the effect; but go on with your story."
"I knew Phil to be an artful dodger, and was determined not to be foiled by a mere trick, so I laid hold of a lantern and closely examined the walls and flooring. My investigation was successful, for just under the coffin I detected traces of a trap-door."
"'Well, my good woman, what have you got down there?" inquired the lieutenant.
"'Is it underground, ye mane, yer honor? divil a hail's there, if it isn't the rats.'
"'Well, just remove the coffin a little aside; we shall see if we cannot pepper some of the rats for you.'
"Here the old woman appealed to a vast number of saints, and protested against Kathleen's remains being disturbed. The lieutenant, however, grew tired of this farce, and ordered the coffin to be shifted. A sailor accordingly laid hold of each end.
"'Blazes!' said one, 'here is a body that weighs.'