When my brother had got thus far in his narrative, a tap came to the parlor-door, and immediately a stout-looking man, having the appearance of a laborer, entered the room. “Well, Lachlin,” said my brother, “what's the matter?” “Why, sir,” said Lachlin, scratching his head, “I had a bit of a favor to ax, if it would be plaisin' to you to grant it to me.” “What is that,” said my brother. “Do you know, sir,” said he, “I haven't been at a wake--let us see--this two or three years, anyhow; and, if you'd have no objection, why, I'd slip up awhile to Denis Kelly's; he's a distant relation of my own, sir; and blood's thicker than wather you know.” “I'm just glad you came in, Lachlin,” said my brother, “I didn't think of you; take a chair here, and never heed the wake to-night, but sit down and tell us about the attack on Vesey Vengeance, long ago. I'll get you a tumbler of punch; and, instead of going to the wake to night, I will allow you to go to the funeral to-morrow.” “Ah, sir,” said Lachlin, “you know whenever the punch is consarned, I'm aisily persuaded; but not making little of your tumbler, sir,” said the shrewd fellow, “I would get two or three of them if I went to the wake.” “Well, sit down,” said my brother, handing him one, “and we won't permit you to get thirsty while you're talking, at all events.” “In troth, you haven't your heart in the likes of it,” said Lachlin. “Gintlemen, your healths--your health, sir, and we're happy to see you wanst more. Why, thin, I remember you, sir, when you were a gorsoon, passing to school wid your satchel on your back; but, I'll be bound you're by no means as soople now as you were thin. Why, sir,” turning to my brother “he could fly or kick football with the rabbits.--Well, this is raal stuff!” “Now, Lachlin,” said my brother, “give us an account of the attack you made on Vesey Vengeance's house, at the Long Ridge, when all his party were chased out of the town.” “Why, thin, sir, I ought to be ashamed to mintion it; but you see, gintleman, there was no getting over being connected wid them; but I hope your brother's safe, sir!” “Oh, perfectly safe, Lachlin; you may rest assured he'll never mention it.” “Well, sir,” said Lachlin, addressing himself to me, “Vesey Vengeance was--.” “Lachlin,” said my brother, “he knows all about Vesey; just give an account of the attack.”