Simpson's snipe 63 



hand, or rather endeavouring to grasp it, for the 

 new gloves would admit of no loving contact. 



" There's likker over beyant at the rifrishmint- 

 bar," observed Billy, whose invariable habit it was 

 to cut into the conversation with such comments or 

 observations as suggested themselves to him at the 

 moment. 



Perceiving an inclination on the part of my guest 

 to profit by the hint, I interposed by informing him 

 that the refreshment was of the meanest possible 

 character, in addition to its possessing a very in- 

 flammatory tendency. 



" Thrue for ye, sir. The sperrits is that sthrong 

 that it wud desthroy warts, or burn the paint off av 

 a hall dure." 



" That will do, Billy," I said, as Simpson's face 

 bore silent tokens of wonder at the garrulity of 

 my retainer. " We don't require your opinion at 

 present." 



" Och, that's hapes, as Missis Dooley remarked 

 whin she swallird the crab," said Billy very sulkily, 

 as he mounted behind. 



" How is our friend De Britska ? " I asked. 



" Oh, very well indeed. He quite envied me my 

 trip. He says your shooting is about the best thing 

 in this part of the world." 



"Oh, it's not bad," I replied, assuming an in- 



