"He did so: we continued play; and, though he lost ahead, he recovered his temper, and seemed to bear it like a gentleman. It was quite clear that the boot had made him cranky. No wonder: an angry corn and tight shoe would try the patience of a bride. "Well, the last of his bundle of bank-notes was in due course transferred to me, and I fancied I had him 'polished off;' but, dipping his hand into his big-coat pocket, he produced a green silk purse, half a yard long, and stuffed, apparently, with sovereigns. I lighted a cigar, and offered him another, but he declined it; and, after groping his _cotamore_ for half a minute, produced a _dudheen_,[67] which he lighted at the candle. I have smoked tobacco here these ten years,--Persian or pigstail were all the same to me;--but the first whiff of Magan's pipe I thought would have smothered me on the spot. "'Holy Bridget!' says I, gasping for breath. 'Arrah! what stuff is that you're blowing?' "'It's rather strong,' says he, 'but beautiful when you're used to it. Cut the cards; and, as they say in Connaught, 'if money stands, luck may turn.' "Just then Judy come in to ask Mr. Magan if he would have a second pair of blankets on his bed. "'Will you come with me?' says he, putting his arm round her jokingly. "'God take ye, if possible!' cried Judy: 'pheaks! ye'r not over well honest man, for your hand's in a fever!' "'It's the liker my heart, Judy,' and he gave her a coaxing smile. "'Sorrow one of me liked his making so free. 'Go on with your game,' says I, 'and don't be putting your _comether_[68] over my housekeeper.' "At the moment a horse-tramp was heard in the yard, and Judy ran to the window. "'Who's that?' says I. 'Devil welcome him, whver he is;' for I thought he would interrupt us. "'It's a short man on a grey pony,' says Judy, 'with a big blue cloak about him.' "'Phew!' and I whistled. 'It's Father Paul Feaghan.' "'Father Paul!' ejaculated Mr. Magan, turning pale as a shirt-frill, and dropping the _dudheen_ on the floor. "'Oh, death and nouns! the carpet will be ruined!' roared Judy, plumping down upon her knees, and snatching at the pipe; but, before she reached it, she gave a wild scream, as if she saw a ghost, and began blessing herself busily. But, scarcely had she made the sign of the [cross], when a thunderclap shook the lodge; a blaze lightened through the supper-room, and Mr. Magan, taking with him the black bank-notes, and the hand of cards he was playing with, vanished up the chimney. No doubt he would have taken the roof away into the bargain, had not Father Paul been fortunately so near us." "And," said I, "did no other evil consequences attend this unhallowed visit?"