If there was one thing in the world that would make Barney furious, it was the insinuation that he was Mick.
“Begorra, ye’ll take that back or I’ll have the heart av ye!” he roared, making a rush at Pomp.
“Hi, hi! Luk out dar, I’ish. I’se a dangerous pusson!”
Then down went Pomp’s head negro fashion.
It caught Barney full in the stomach. The Hibernian went down in a heap.
For a moment he was wholly unable to find his breath.
Then furiously he scrambled to his feet, but Pomp had taken advantage of the opportunity, and dodged out of the open door of the wagon.
Once outside he began to jeer Barney, to make him all the more furious. In this he succeeded well.
With an imprecation the Celt started in pursuit.
In the excitement of the moment neither thought of the danger of leaving the Steam Horse alone.