The crowd ceased its noise when the two Squires were seen engaged in exchanging smart words, in the hopes of catching what they said.
"It is a disgraceful uproar," said the sheriff.
"Then it is your business, Mister Sheriff," returned Egan, "to suppress it—not mine; they are quiet enough now."
"Yes, but they'll make a wow again," said Furlong, "when Miste' O'Gwady begins."
"You seem to know all about it," said Dick; "maybe you have instructed them."
"No, sir, I didn't instwuct them," said Furlong, very angry at being twitted by Dick.
Dick laughed in his face, and said, "Maybe that's some of your electioneering tactics—eh?"
Furlong got very angry, while Dick and Murphy shouted with laughter at him—"No, sir," said Furlong, "I don't welish the pwactice of such di'ty twicks."
"Do you apply the word 'dirty' to me, sir?" said Dick the Devil, ruffling up like a game-cock. "I'll tell you what, sir, if you make use of the word 'dirty' again, I'd think very little of kicking you—ay, or eight like you—I'll kick eight Furlongs one mile."
"Who's talking of kicking?" asked O'Grady.