15t) 



Another local lo<:end Avliich I heard was a storj'- of the 

 late John Bright and his old fishing crony, Peabody, the 

 philanthropist. They used to fish the Shannon, at Castle 

 Connell, and one day they came up for a turn on the lough. 

 Two of the chief boatmen of Killaloe joined forces, and did 

 themselves the honour of rowing these distinguished 

 visitors. And a severe day's work these rowers had, for 

 their patrons trailed persistently for eight mortal hours, and 

 *' never a djop of tlie cratur had they brought with them " ! 

 Arrived at the landing-stage, late in the evening, there was 

 the inevitable policeman on the bank. John Bright, accost- 

 ing him, said, " What is the proper price to pay these boat- 

 men, constable ? " He replied, " Seven-and-sixpence, your 

 honour ; but some gentlemen give them ten shillings." 

 John Bright, turning to his chum, said, " I have no change, 

 Peabody ; have you three half-crowns ? " The millionaire 

 produced the coins, and gave them to the boatman nearest 

 to him. Holding them in the open palm of one hand, whilst 

 slowly scratching his head with the other, he said, "And 

 they calls ye Paybody, don't they? Well, I calls ye Pay- 

 nobody." 



