When Denis had finished the oration from the chimney-corner, delivered
with suitable gesticulations while he stood drying himself at the fire
after the catastrophe of the swamp, a silence of some minutes followed.
The promise of the colt made to the priest with such an air of
authority, was a finale which the father did not expect, and by which he
was not a little staggered.

"I could like it all very well," replied the father, "save an' except
givin' away the coult that's worth five-an'-twenty guineas, if he's
worth a _'crona-bawn_. To tell the blessed thruth, Dinis, if you had
settled the business widout _that_, I'd be betther plased."

"Just exercise your contemplation upon it for a short period," replied
Denis, "and you will perceive that I stipulated to lend him before
witnesses; and if Father Finnerty does not matriculate me into Maynooth,
then do you walk down some brilliant morning or other, and take your
baste by the head, direct yourself home, hold the bridle as you proceed,
and by the time you're at the rack, you'll find the horse at the manger.
I have now stated the legality of the matter, and you may act as your
own subtility of perception shall dictate. I have laid down the law, do
you consider the equity."

"Why," said the father, "if I thought he would get you into"--

"Correct, quite correct: the cardinal point there is the if. If he
does, give him the horse; but if not, reclaim the quadruped without
hesitation. I am not to be kept back, if profundity and erudition can
substantiate a prospect. Still, father, the easiest way is the safest,
and the shortest the most expeditious."