The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1897-03-05

OppOHtHtS, dult parties lldklHS
every preparation that might aid a
favorable issue at the coming
contest.
CHAPTER y.
'The constable, with a mighty watch, is at the
! door"
"Botheration! Master Ernest, but
she's an ould heifer!" said a well
known voice, which we recognized
as that Pat McCleary. 81 have
some ould scores to settle with that
limb o. the divil before | die"
"Ah," returned Ernest, as he
paced the floor with his hands
thrust carelessly into his pockets,
and maintained Il miscellaneous
conversation with the several
members of the family, in pleasant
and flippant vein, "has this terror
of the present valiant age, an old
lady, not suffered you to escape
unscathed, Mr.. McCleary? Troth,
Master Ernest, an I'll not agree
she's just Teddy, as your honor
spakes it. By my soul, she bears
herself more like ould Scratch him
self in petticoats, than a crather of
the human species.'
"Pshaw, pshaw, Mr.. McCleary,
you've got prejudiced against Mrs.
Darby" Ernest persisted. smiling
at the odium the Irishman seemed
to entertain for the lady.
"Oh, Pat" put in "a pert little
girl, who had been listening to the
discourse for some time with ill
suppressed mirth, "you needn' t
attempt weaving over brother
Ernest to your interest. He is
always at variance with his friends,
at any rate, for the sake of opposi-
ton, and, when he sees the pretty
daughter, Pm sure he'll form a
league offensive and defensive
with Mrs. Darby"
"BeSt. Pathrick! the daughters a
Jewel for such an ould cab-stick to
possess" replied Pat.
81 should like most exceedingly
to see this fair dulcinea, whose
beauty Fame has So trumpeted
abroad" )" Ernest said, stopping in
the middle of the floor, and turning
towards the speakers. "This little
simple country maid must be con
sidered by you home reared simple
tons a kind of modern Cleopatra in
beauty"
"Egypt's Queen was never halt
so pretty, I don't think" said the
girl.
"Pshaw, Mary, you've turned
connoisseur in female beauty" re
piled the brother, "and | am be-
ginning to doubt the incompatible
charms of this Venus of the Wallo-
wish, when hear the gentle sex
sound her praise so highly. They
are apt to envy perfection in their
own sex rather than admire it.n
"Troth, when yer honor sees the
jewel, yell be afther sayin' the
same thing" added Pat, "but the
lass is the only ornament the ould
shanty can boast of, an she's more
like an angel than a crather of this
troublesome earth.n
"Well, | must try to catch a
glimpse of this paragon of beauty
and then she'll prove petate enough
in that respect | have no doubt"
half musingly, with a smile, as he
resumed his promenade.
A vehement conversation with
out, now attracted the attention OF
the parties.
"Well, sir, this day an insult has
been offered to the dignity Of the
law, unprecedented in the annals
of Our government-yes, sir, un-
eNampled by anything on record"
"Why, Mr.. StuyveSant," for the
first speaker was no less person
age than our old friend the dapper
little sheriff, "what all has hap.
penedF" Mr.. Greenberry asked, in
some surprise at the demeanor OF
the excited officer.
"Sir, have not |, bearing the
broad insignia of the State, and
executing its edicts with a scrupu-
lous and impartial justice, been
manned, maltreated and repulsed
by violent and offensive means,
while in the execution of my trust,
the fulfflment of my obligations,
and the pursuit of my bounden
duty-and, through its faithful
servant, has not the majesty of the
law been wantonly outraged and
insulted, sirF' pursued this worthy
of the law, waxing warmer as he
proceeded.
"Who has assaulted you, Mr..
Stuyvesant, and denied your
authority" Greenberry inquired,