marching down the country. The _Capitaine_ of militia, who was the
_curé's_ next door neighbour, was immediately sent for, and by their
joint influence and authority a considerable number of _habitans_ were
soon assembled under arms, such as they were. The Father then
shouldering his musket, and placing himself at the head of his
parishioners, led them into his garden, which was enclosed by a picket
fence, and bordered on the highway. Here the loyal band took their
stand under cover of the fence, waiting to give Jonathan a warm
reception the moment he came within reach. The supposed Americans
proved to be a small detachment of British troops, and thus the affair
ended.

On another occasion during the same period the Padre's loyalty and
good humour were manifested, though in a different manner. While
amusing himself in the garden one day, he overheard two Irish soldiers
engaged in conversation to this effect:--

"You know that the ould boy asks every body afore he gives any
praties, if they belong to St. Patrick; well, is it a hard matter to
tell him we do, agrah?"

"Sure you'd be telling a lie, Paddy!"

"Never mind that," said Paddy, "I'll spake."

The old gentleman immediately returned to the house, and entering by a
back door, was snugly seated in his arm-chair, book in hand, when the
two Hibernians were admitted.

"Well, my boys, what is your business with me?"