on the carcase of the fallen enemy, exultingly explaining how he missed
the brute's head with the stirrup-iron, and claiming the tail.




Chapter IX.



Dave's Snakebite.


One hot day, as we were finishing dinner, a sheriff's bailiff rode up to
the door. Norah saw him first. She was dressed up ready to go over to
Mrs. Anderson's to tea. Sometimes young Harrison had tea at Anderson's--
Thursdays, usually. This was Thursday; and Norah was starting early,
because it was "a good step of a way".

She reported the visitor. Dad left the table, munching some bread, and
went out to him. Mother looked out of the door; Sal went to the window;
Little Bill and Tom peeped through a crack; Dave remained at his dinner;
and Joe knavishly seized the opportunity of exploring the table for
leavings, finally seating himself in Dad's place, and commencing where Dad
had left off.

"Jury summons," said the meek bailiff, extracting a paper from his
breast-pocket, and reading, "Murtagh Joseph Rudd, selector,
Shingle Hut...Correct?"