Page:Oruddy Romance - Crane and Barr.djvu/36

26 When he heard me, he came well enough; but I could not help but feel from his manner that he had made a great concession.

"And so they would be taking me for the King of Ireland, and, sure, 't is an advantage to be thought a king whatever, and if your honour would be easy 't is you and me that would sleep in the finest beds in Bristol the night, and nothing to do but take the drink as it was handed andI'll say no more."

A rabble followed us on our way to the inn, but I turned on them so fiercely from time to time that ultimately they ran off. We made direct for my chamber, where I ordered food and drink immediately to be served. Once alone there with Paddy I allowed my joy to take hold on me. "Eh, Paddy, my boy," said I, walking before him, "I have done grand. I am, indeed, one of the finest gentlemen in the world."

"Aye, that's true," he answered, "but there was a man at your back throughout who"

To his extreme astonishment I buffeted him heavily upon the cheek. "And we'll have no more of that talk," said I.