Hospitality is no word for the overflowing welcome which was invariably extended to a stranger, and the sincerity of the men was only equalled by the fascination of the softer sex. The ready repartee, the quick appreciation of wit or satire, were ingredients which gave zest to conversation and piquancy to a society unlike that which may be met with in any other country. In the same degree, the peasantry, as far as their humble means would permit, were ever ready to display their kindly feeling towards a stranger, no matter of what social grade. As a soldier in those days I had some disagreeable duties to perform, but these were frequently rendered less painful by the very people against whom these duties were directed. I allude, for example, to "still-hunting." It was the rule in those days for the gauger, whose duty it was to hunt up all illicit stills in the country, to make a requisition for a party of military, to supervise and surround the suspected spot, prevent the escape of those concerned in the manufacture, and secure, if possible, the worm of the still. The latter part of the triumph was seldom achieved; a small steel worm, which would go into a man's hat, would take a party of gaugers a long night to hunt for, and often wind up with a blank after all. [Illustration: "THE PUBLIC CAR."] * * * * * I was detached from the headquarters of my regiment at the town of Ballingarry, Limerick. I had been out as usual with my gun in the bogs, which, in that neighbourhood, abounded in snipe, and having dined in my snug quarters (the lodge at the gate of the Protestant minister's demesne), had just finished my tumbler of "hot stoppings," when the thump of an open palm against my door announced a visit from my sergeant-major. * * * * * "Here's the gauger, sir; and he wants our men to capture a still." * * * * * A cold frosty night outside, and a clear turf fire within, with other pictures of comfort, did not help to inflame my soul with military ardour in the prospect of a still-hunt among the mountains five miles off. I was bound, however, to interview the gauger, and thereupon there entered a stout man, with a very blossomy nose, dressed in rusty black, who, at my invitation, seated himself by the fire. * * * * * "I have a requisition for twelve rank and file to assist in capturing a still in the neighbourhood, and here, sir, is the fee."[12] "When do you propose to make the expedition?" "We should leave this at eleven to-night, and as no suspicion is aroused, we shall probably capture the lot, still and all."