"'God take ye, if possible!' cried Judy: 'pheaks! ye'r not over well honest man, for your hand's in a fever!'
"'It's the liker my heart, Judy,' and he gave her a coaxing smile.
"'Sorrow one of me liked his making so free. 'Go on with your game,' says I, 'and don't be putting your comether[68] over my housekeeper.'
"At the moment a horse-tramp was heard in the yard, and Judy ran to the window.
"'Who's that?' says I. 'Devil welcome him, whoever he is;' for I thought he would interrupt us.
"'It's a short man on a grey pony,' says Judy, 'with a big blue cloak about him.'
"'Phew!' and I whistled. 'It's Father Paul Feaghan.'
"'Father Paul!' ejaculated Mr. Magan, turning pale as a shirt-frill, and dropping the dudheen on the floor.
"'Oh, death and nouns! the carpet will be ruined!' roared Judy, plumping down upon her knees, and snatching at the pipe; but, before she reached it, she gave a wild scream, as if she saw a ghost, and began blessing herself busily. But, scarcely had she made the sign of the †, when a thunderclap shook the lodge; a blaze lightened through the supper-room, and Mr. Magan, taking with him the black bank-notes, and the hand of cards he was playing with, vanished up the chimney. No doubt he would have taken the roof away into the bargain, had not Father Paul been fortunately so near us."
"And," said I, "did no other evil consequences attend this unhallowed visit?"