LIFE IN IRELAND 155 



whispered Brian, ' for by my honour but you have a 

 devilish hanging look.' 



The prisoner's counsel did not attend so regular as 

 he expected, and the bench and jury were quite tired 

 out, and seemed to be of opinion he had no one re- 

 tained in his service ; the Judge was upon the point of 

 pronouncing sentence, when Sir Shawn O'Dogherty 

 humanely offered to go in search of his friend. This 

 was agreed to, and Thady Muckmutton declared his 

 name to be Bob /oh?iston. ' I know him,' said the 

 baronet, ' but am doubtful of knowing where to prick 

 for his nob ; however, I '11 try to unkennel him some 

 way or other.' 



Away he went, and after traversing half the dirty 

 public houses in the vicinity, returned in despair. The 

 fellow's guilt was quite apparent to all, and he was, 

 from a recollection of his numberless offences, sentenced 

 to be hanged. Immediately after the performance of 

 this awful duty, who should make his appearance in 

 tag-rag and bob-tail, but Bob Johnston, reeling ripe 

 with the barley juice. 'Och hogh,' said Thady, fixing 

 his bleared eyes upon him, 'and so now you are after 

 coming to serve me for giving you the five taps as a 

 suspicious retainer.' ' No matter,' said Bob, ' time 

 enough,' as he received his wig and gown from the 

 ground porter's sky spraivlers^ ' time enough for me,' 

 said Bob, ' so it must be in good time for you.' ' Arrah, 

 big blood and 'ounds,' thundered poor Thady, as Bob 

 took his station by his side, ' don't you know I 'm 

 cast for death, and must be hang'd to-morrow ? ' ' Never 

 mind,' said Bob, ' don't fret, what must be must be, 

 let them hang you, let them hang you, and by Jasus, 



