_Phil._ Sitting on the bench outside the door they were, when Randal came
up. "Up, Roonies, and at 'em!" cried he; and up, to be sure, they flew,
shillelahs and all, like lightning, daling blows on all of us McBrides: but
I never lifted a hand; and Randal, I'll do him justice, avoided to lift a
hand against me.

_Randal._ And while I live I'll never forget _that_ hour, nor _this_ hour,
Phil, and all your generous construction.

_Catty._ (_aside_) Why then it almost softens me; but I won't be made a
fool on.

_Mr. Carv._ (_who has been re-considering the examinations_) It appears to
me that you, Mr. Philip McBride, did, as the law allows, only _lay hands
softly_ upon complainant, Catherine Rooney; and the Rooneys, as it appears,
struck, and did strike, the first blow.

_Randal._ I can't deny, plase your honour, we did.

_Mr. Carv._ (_tearing the examinations_) Then, gentlemen--you
Roonies--_beaten men_, I cannot possibly take your examinations.

[_When the examinations are torn, the McBRIDES all bow and thank his
honour._

_Mr. Carv._ Beaten men! depart in peace.

_The ROONIES sigh and groan, and after turning their hats several times,
bow, walk a few steps away, return, and seem loath to depart. CATTY springs