PODGERS' POINTER 95 



" 1 had no idea that the O'Eooiieys were such 

 swells," observed my companion as we entered, 

 through the massive and gilded gates, to the 

 avenue which sweeps up to Ballybawn House. 

 " Somehow or other, I wish I hadn't fetched Alba- 

 tross, or that you hadn't spoken about him ; " and 

 Podgers threw a gloomy glance in the direction of 

 the pointer, who lay at our feet in the bottom of 

 the trap, looking as if he had been on the rampage 

 for the previous month, or had just emerged from 

 the asylum for the destitute of his species. 



" He won't do us much credit as regards his 

 appearance," I said ; " but if he is all that you say 

 as a sporting dog — of which I have my doubts — it 

 will make amends for anything." 



Podgers muttered something unintelligible, and I 

 saw dismal forebodings written in every line of his 

 countenance. 



" Mr O'Eooney received us at the hall-door. 

 Beside him crouched two magnificent setters, with 

 coats as glossy as mirrors, and a bearing as aristo- 

 cratic as that of Bethgellart. 



" AVhere's the dog ? " asked our host, after a 

 warm greeting. " I hope that you have brought 

 him." 



I must confess that I would have paid a con- 

 siderable sum of money to have been enabled to 



