A HIBERNIAN JURYMAN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XX, Issue 1356, 1 June 1887, Page 5

A HIBERNIAN JURYMAN.

Pat Donovan, having been empanelled in a case ' Out West,' was, with the rest of the jury, cautioned by the judge, as they were about to adjourn for dinner, not to speak to any person, nor allow any person to speak to them concerning the case in progress. Pat was impressed with this warning. On turning the first corner he encountered Mike O'Hogarty, who wanted to speak to him about digging a well. Pat gave him a wild glance and passed on. Mike followed him, and, seizing him by the arm, said :

' Man alive, what is the matter with you ? Are you crazy ?' Pat freed himself from Mike's vicelike grip, and, planting a terrible blow between Mike's eyes, hurried home to his frugal meal. His troubled look alarmed his wife.

'In the name of all the saints, Patrick dear, what's the matter with ye?'

He made no reply, but, shaking his head, looked more distressed than ever, and commenced eating in a hurried and most voracious manner. She ran to a neighbour to have him come and see her husband. As they entered the back door, Pat shot out at the front. The neighbour followed. Pat started on the run, reached the court-room four lengths ahead, and ensconced himself in the jury-box greatly relieved. A moment after court was re-opened in came poor Mike, both eyes closed, accompanied by a constable with a writ for Pat. Not daring to serve the process there the officer called the attention of the sheriff to the matter. The sheriff in turn notified tbe judge. The judge asked Pat to explain. Pat rose with trepidation, and said :

' May it plaze your honour, didn't you tell us not to shpake to anyone, nor allow anyone to shpake wid me? And sure Mike was bound to shpake to me, and the only way I could get out of it was to give him a mild whack between the eyes, for wasn't I bound to obey the orders of the court ?'

Of course he was. The judge was sound, and Pat was allowed to be a wise juror, and permitted to go his way.