Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/121

Rh the three seas again, I think. England is as much too hot for me, as Holland for you!"

"You are a capital fellow!" cried mine host, shaking Clifford by the hand, "and when the lads come to know their loss, they will know they have lost the bravest and truest gill that ever took to the toby; so, good-bye, and be dd to you!"

With this valedictory benediction, mine host released Clifford; and the robber hastened to his appointment at the "Three Feathers."

He found all prepared. He hastily put on his disguise, and his follower led out his horse, a noble animal of the grand Irish breed, of remarkable strength and bone, and, save only that it was somewhat sharp in the quarters, (a fault which they who look for speed as well as grace will easily forgive,) of almost unequalled beauty in its symmetry and proportions. Well did the courser know, and proudly did it render obeisance to, its master; snorting impatiently, and rearing from the hand of the attendant robber, the sagacious animal freed itself of the rein, and, as it