MARTIN RATTLER. 279

lessly about the office with him! This was the great
point which Barney had expected—it was the climax
to which he had been looking forward all the morn-
ing; and it did not come short of his anticipations,
for Mr. Jollyboy danced round Martin and embraced
him for at least ten minutes, asking him at the same
time a shower of questions, which he gave him no
time to answer. In the excess of his delight, Barney
smote his thigh with his broad hand so forcibly that
it burst upon the startled clerk like a pistol-shot,
and caused him to spring off his stool!

“Don’t be afear’d, young un,” said Barney, wink-
ing and poking the small clerk jocosely in the ribs
with his thumb. “Isn't it beautiful to see them ?
Arrah, now! isn’t it purty ?”

“Keep your thumbs to yourself, you sea-monster,”
said the small clerk angrily, and laying his hand on the
ruler. But Barney minded him not, and continued
to smite his thigh and rub his hands, while he per-
formed a sort of gigantic war-dance round Mr. Jolly-
boy and Martin.

In a few minutes the old gentleman subsided suffi-
ciently to understand questions.

“But my aunt,” said Martin anxiously; “you
have said nothing about Aunt Dorothy. How is

she ? where is she? is she well 2”