"'You have the advantage of me, sir,' says I.
"'Faith, and that's odd enough,' says he, 'for you and I rode head and girth together at the stag-hunt at Rathgranaher.'
"'Death and nouns!' says I, 'is this Mr. Magan?'
"'I believe so,' says he, 'for want of a better.'
"'Ah! then,' said I, 'I'm glad I met you. Is that the black mare that carried you so brilliantly?'
"'The same,' he replied.
"'No wonder I didn't know ye: you wore at Rathgranaher a light-green coatee, and now you're black as a bishop.'
"'I buried an aunt of mine lately,' says he.
"'Maybe you could do as much for a friend,' replied I; 'I have a couple at your service; and, as I pay them a hundred a year, I wish them often at the devil.'
"'I'll make no objection on my part,' replied Mr. Magan. 'But how far is it to Templebeg? It will be late before I reach it, I fear.'