CONSTABLE
An' what about me catchin' the pair o' ye hidin' in
the coal hole o' the same licensed premises, an' a
strong smell o' whiskey from ye?
HEAD
'Tis from yourself that, you smells the whiskey.
CONSTABLE (_takes an onion from his pocket, peels it, and
eats it slowly_)
I defy you or any one else to find the smell o' whiskey
from me.
HEAD (_to the Sergeant_)
Well, don't that beat Banagher?
SERGEANT
The Devil himself couldn't do better.
CONSTABLE
Well, gentlemen, I'm sorry for troublin' ye, but duty
is duty. I'll now place ye under arrest an' send for
the Inspector.
HEAD (_in a rage_)
No more o' this nonsense! You'll pay for this night's
work, believe me.
CONSTABLE (_smiling_)
I'll pay for a drink for both o' ye for the sake of old
times, an' the less said about this night's work the
better. (_All remain silent for a short time_) Well, are
ye goin' to have the drink?
SERGEANT (_to Head_)
We might as well take it, for 'tis the first time he
ever offered to stand, an' it may be the last.
HEAD (_after much consideration_)
Very well, then, I'll have a drop o' the best.
SERGEANT
An' I'll have the same.
CONSTABLE
Three glasses o' "Wise's," Mrs. Cotter.
MRS. COTTER _(from the bar)_
Certainly, Constable.
[_The Head and Sergeant remain silent, and the Constable
paces up and down with his hands in his pockets,
whistling some popular tune, until Mrs.
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