it had no more effect upon him than it had upon the cask from which it had been drawn, unless, indeed, to reduce him to greater sobriety and sharpen his prejudices. Be this as it may, the Rev. Samson Strong made his appearance in Smellpriest's house with a warrant, or something in the shape of one, which he placed in the gallant captain's hands, who was drunk. “What's this, oh, Samson the Strong? said Smellpriest, laughing and hiccuping both at the same time. “It's a hunt, my dear friend. One of those priests of Baal has united in unholy bands a Protestant subject with a subject of the harlot of abominations.” “Samson, my buck,” said Smellpriest, “I hope this Popish priest of yours will not turn out to be a wild-goose. You know you have sent me upon many a wild-goose chase before; in--in--in fact, you nev--never sent me upon any other. You're a blockhead, oh, divine Samson; and that--that thick head of yours would flatten a cannon-ball. But what is it?--an intermarriage between the two P's--Popish and Protestant?” “My dear,” said his wife, “you must be aware that the Popishers have only got liberty to clatter their beads in public; but not to marry a Popisher to a Protestanter. This is a glorious opportunity for you to come home with a feather in your cap, my dear. Has he far to go, Mr. Strong? because he never goes out after the black game, as you call them, sir, that I don't feel as if I--but I can't express what I feel at his dear absence.” Now we have said that Smellpriest was drunk, which, in point of fact, was true; but not so drunk but that he observed some intelligent glances pass between his wife and the broad-shouldered curate. “No, madam, only about two miles. Smellpriest, you know Jack Houlaghan's stripe?” “Yes--I know Jack Houlaghan's stripe, in Kilrudden.” “Well, when you g'et to the centre of the stripe, look a little to your right, and--as the night is light enough--you will see a house--a cottage rather; to this cottage bring your men, and there you will find your game. I would not, captain, under other circumstances, advise you to recruit your spirits with an additional glass or two of liquor; but, as the night is cold, I really do recommend you to fortify yourself with a little refreshment.”