The Dead Boxer, in preparing for battle, observed a series of forms
peculiar to himself, which were certainly of an appalling character. As
a proof that the challenge was accepted, he ordered a black flag,
which he carried about with him, to wave from a window of the inn, a
circumstance which thrilled all who saw it with an awful certainty of
Lamh Laudher's death. He then gave order for the drums to be beaten,
and a dead march to be played before him, whilst he walked slowly up
the town and back, conversing occasionally with some of those who
immediately surrounded him. When he arrived nearly opposite the
market-house, some person pointed out to him a small hut that stood in a
situation isolated from the other houses of the street.

"There," added his informant, "is the house where Lamh Laudher Oge's
aunt lives, and where he himself has lived since he left his father's."

"Ah!" said the black, pausing, "is he within, do you think?"

One of the crowd immediately inquired, and replied to him in
affirmative.

"Will any of you," continued the boxer, "bring me over a half-hundred
weight from the market crane? I will show this fellow what a poor chance
he has. If he is so strong in the arm and active as is reported, I
desire he will imitate me. Let the music stop a moment."

The crowd was now on tiptoe, and all necks were stretched over the
shoulders of those who stood before them, in order to see, if possible,
what the feat could be which he intended to perform. Having received
the half-hundred weight from the hands of the man who brought it, he
approached the widow's cottage, and sent in a person to apprize _Lamh