We know that the safety of the empire is compromised by driving to a race meeting. We know that the King and his Army are in no way injured by our driving to market. Attendance at an auction stands midway between pleasure and business; and the use of motors in such matters is debatable. “It’s the D.I’s orders, sir,” said the sergeant apologetically. “All right,” said the Colonel, “but if the D.I. expects me to fine myself at the next Petty Sessions hell be disappointed.” James McNiece and Dan Gallaher touched their hats to the Colonel. “Morning, James,” said the Colonel. “Morning, Dan. Fine day for the sale, and a good gathering of people. I don’t know that I ever saw a bigger crowd at an auction.” He looked round as he spoke. The whole parish and many people from outside the parish had assembled. The yard was full of men, handling and appraising the outdoor effects. Women passed in and out of the house, poked mattresses with their fingers, felt the fabrics of sheets and curtains, examined china and kitchen utensils warily. “There’s the doctor over there,” said the Colonel, “looking at the stable buckets, and who’s that young fellow in the yellow leggings, James?” “I’m not rightly sure,” said James McNiece, “but I’m thinking he’ll be the new D.I. from Curraghfin.” “It is him,” said Dan Gallaher. “I was asking the sergeant this minute and he told me. What’s more he said he was a terrible sharp young fellow.” “That won’t suit you, Dan,” said the Colonel. “You and your friends will have to be a bit careful before you get up another rebellion.” “It may not suit me,” said Dan, “but there’s others it won’t suit either. Didn’t I see the sergeant taking the number of your motor, Colonel, and would he be doing the like of that if the new D.I. hadn’t told him?” The Colonel laughed. As commander of a battalion of the Ulster Volunteer Force, he was fully prepared to meet Dan Gallaher on the field of battle--Dan leading the National Volunteers. He looked forward with something like pleasure to the final settlement of the Home Rule question by the ordeal of battle. In the meanwhile he and Dan Gallaher by no means hated each other, and were occasionally in full sympathy when the police or some ridiculous Government department made trouble by fussy activity.