This dialogue was nearly lost in the loudness of a debate which had originated with Keenan and certain of his friends in the lower part of the still-house. Some misunderstanding relative to the families of the parties about to be united had arisen, and was rising rapidly into a comparative estimate of the prowess and strength of their respective factions, and consequently assuming a very belligerent aspect, when a tall, lank, but powerful female, made her appearance, carrying a large bundle in her hand. “More power, Kate!” exclaimed Hogan. “I knew she would,” he added, digging Teddy's ribs with his elbow. “Aisy, man!” said his companion; “if you love me, say so, but don't hint it dat way.” “Show forth, Kate!” proceeded her husband; “let us see the prog--hillo!--oh, holy Moses! what a pair o' beauties!” He then whipped up a horn measure, that contained certainly more than a naggin, and putting it under the warm spirits that came out of the still-eye, handed it to her. She took it, and coming up towards the fire, which threw out a strong light, nodded to them, and, without saying a word, literally pitched it down her throat, whilst at the same time one of her eyes presented undeniable proofs of a recent conflict. We have said that there were several persons singing and dancing, and some asleep, in the remoter part of the cave; and this was true, although we refrained from mingling up either their mirth or melody with the conversation of the principal personages. All at once, however, a series of noises, equally loud and unexpected, startled melodists, conversationalists, and sleepers all to their legs. These were no other than the piercing cackles of two alarmed geese which Hogan's wife had secured from some neighboring farmer, in order to provide a supper for our friend Hycy. “Ted,” said the female, “I lost my knife since I came out, or they'd be quiet enough before this; lend me one a minute, you blissed babe.” “Shiss, to be sure, Kate,” he replied, handing her a large clasp knife with a frightful blade; “an', Kate, whisper, woman alive--you're bought up, I see.” “How is that, you red rascal?” “Bekaise, don't I see dat de purchaser has set his mark upon ye?--hee! hee! hee!” and he pointed to her eye* as he spoke. * A black eye is said to be the devil's mark. “No,” she replied, nodding towards her husband, “that's his handy work; an' ye divil's clip!” she added, turning to Teddy, “who has a betther right?” She then bled the geese, and, looking about her, asked-- “Have you any wet hay or straw in the place?” “Ay, plenty of bote,” replied Teddy; “an' here's de greeshavigh ready.” She then wrapped the geese, feathers and all, separately in a covering of wet hay, which she bound round them with thumb-ropes of the same material, and clearing away a space among the burning ashes, placed each of them in it, and covered them up closely. “Now,” said she, “put down a pot o' praities, and we won't go to bed fastin'.”