every word of it. So I responded to him in what is called in the books,
the _argumentum ad crumenam_; although I question but it ought to be
designated here the _argumentum ad bestiam_. Said I, 'Father Finnerty,
the colt, my paternal property, which you are pleased to eulogize so
highly, is a good one; it was designed for myself when I should come
out on the mission; however, I will undertake to say, if you get me
into Maynooth, that my father, on my authority, will lend you the colt
tomorrow, and the day of his claiming it will be dependent upon the
fulfilment of your promise or _votum_.'

"'_Signatum et sigttlatum est_,' said he--for, indeed, the best part
of the discussion was conducted in Latin; 'and now,' he continued, 'my
excellent Dionysius, nothing remains but that the colt be presented--'

--"'Lent,' I responded, correcting him, 'you see, even although he was
the priest--'lent,' said I; 'and your Reverence will be good enough to
give the _votum_ before one or two of my friends.'

"He looked at me sharply, not expecting to find such deep logic in one
he conjectured to be but a tyro.

"'You will be a useful man in the church,' he added, 'and you deserve to
be pushed on at all events. In the meantime, tell your father that I'll
ride up and breakfast with him to-morrow, and he can have a friend or
two to talk over the _compactum_.'

"So, father, there's the state of the question at present; the
accomplishment of the condition is dependent upon yourself."

My readers may perceive that Denis, although a pedant, was not a fool.