But whatever it is, it
isn't so good as the stuff me poor father used to brew.
Maybe the constable could tell us. He comes from
Castletownballymacreedy, where they make the best
poteen in Ireland.
_[Hands a glassful to the constable._
CONSTABLE O'RYAN (_after drinking_)
There's not a shadow of a doubt about it being
poteen, your Worship, and as fine a drop as I have
tasted for many a long day.
MR. O'CROWLEY
Are you satisfied now, Mr. Cassidy?
MR. CASSIDY
I think it would be as well to have the opinion of some
one else.
MR. O'CROWLEY
Constable McCarthy, let you take a toothful out of
that decanter and tell us what it is.
CONSTABLE MCCARTHY
Though I am a League of the Cross man, I suppose as
a matter of duty I must break me pledge.
[_Pours out a glassful and drinks._
MR. O'CROWLEY
Well, what is it?
CONSTABLE MCCARTHY
Poteen, your Worship.
MR. O'CROWLEY
Now we have conclusive evidence that this liquor is
poteen, and no more serious charge could be brought
against any man than to be found guilty of using such
obnoxious stuff by a court of justice. As with the law
of nature, so with the law of the land. He who transgresses
any of nature's laws gets duly punished according
to the nature of his offence. And so also
with the law of the country.
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