"I do--and do you know why?"

"I cannot indeed conceive," said the little man, with a bitter grin.

"It is, sir, because I myself know a case that occurred in this very
country of a similar nature."

"Do you want to make me believe you knew a fox that spoke, sir?" said the
mannikin, almost rising into anger.

"Many, sir," said Murphy, "many."

"Well! after that!" said the little man.

"But the case I immediately allude to is not of a fox, but a cat," said
Murphy.

"A cat? Oh, yes--to be sure--a cat speak, indeed!" said the little
gentleman.

"It is a fact, sir," said Murphy; "and if the company would not object to
my relating the story, I will state the particulars."

The proposal was received with acclamation; and Murphy, in great enjoyment
of the little man's annoyance, cleared his throat, and made all the
preparatory demonstrations of a regular _raconteur_; but, before he
began, he recommended the gentlemen to mix fresh tumblers all round that
they might have nothing to do but listen and drink silently. "For of all
things in the world," said Murtough, "I hate a song or a story to be