voices would be of immense importance the next day; for the contest was
close, the county nearly polled out, and but two days more for the
struggle. Now, to intercept these plain unsuspecting men was the object of
Murphy, whose well-supplied information had discovered to him this plan of
the enemy, which he set about countermining. As they rattled over the
rough by-roads, many a laugh did the merry attorney and the untameable
Dick the Devil exchange, as the probable success of their scheme was
canvassed, and fresh expedients devised to meet the possible impediments
which might interrupt them. As they topped a hill Murphy pointed out to
his companion a moving light in the plain beneath.

"That's the coach, Dick--there are the lamps, we're just in time--spin
down the hill, my boy--let me get in as they're at supper, and 'faith
they'll want it, after coming off a coach such a night as this, to say
nothing of some of them being aldermen in expectancy perhaps, and of
course obliged to play trencher-men as often as they can, as a requisite
rehearsal for the parts they must hereafter fill."

In fifteen minutes more Dick pulled up before a small cabin within a
quarter of a mile of the inn, and the mounted servant tapped at the door,
which was immediately opened, and a peasant, advancing to the gig,
returned the civil salutation with which Dick greeted his approach.

"I wanted to be sure you were ready, Barny."

"Oh, do you think I'd fail you, Misther Dick, your honour?"

"I thought you might be asleep, Barny."

"Not when you bid me wake, sir; and there's a nice fire ready for you, and