"As these anticipations passed through my mind, I was startled by a sudden rustling near me. I raised my eyes to discover the cause, and fancy my surprise when I beheld 'the wife-catchers,' by some marvellous power, suddenly become animated, gradually elongating and altering themselves, until they assumed the appearance of a couple of tall gentlemen clad in black, with extremely sallow countenances; and what was still more extraordinary, though they possessed separate bodies, their actions seemed to be governed by a single mind. I stared, and doubtless so would you, Jack, had you been in my place; but my astonishment was at its height, when the partners, keeping side by side as closely as the Siamese twins, stepped gracefully over the fender, and taking a seat directly opposite me, addressed me in a voice broken by an irrepressible chuckle-- "'Here we are, old boy. Ugh, ugh, ugh, hoo!' "So I perceive, gentlemen," I replied, rather drily. "'You look a little alarmed--ugh, ugh, hoo, hoo, hoo!' cried the pair. 'Excuse our laughter--hoo! hoo! hoo! We mean no offence--none whatever. Ugh, hoo, hoo, hoo! We know we are somewhat changed in appearance.' "I assured the transformed 'tops' I was delighted in being honoured with their company, under any shape; hoped they would make themselves quite at home, and take a glass with me in the friendly way. The friends shook their heads simultaneously, declining the offer; and he whom I had hitherto known as the _right_ foot, said in a grave voice:-- "'We feel obliged, sir, but we never take anything but water; moreover, our business now is to relate to you some of the singular adventures of our life, convinced, that in your hand they will be given to the world in three handsome volumes.' "My curiosity was instantly awakened, and I drew my chair closer to my communicative friends, who, stretching out their legs, prepared to commence their recital." "'Hem!' cried the right foot, who appeared to be the spokesman, clearing his throat and turning to his companion--'hem! which of our adventures shall I relate first, brother?' "'Why,' replied the left foot, after a few moments' reflection, 'I don't think you can do better than tell our friend the story of Terence Duffy and the heiress.'