AN IRISHMAN'S CHIVALRY.
William Smith O'Brien, the leader of the National party of Ireland, who was transported in 1849, had none of the gifts which attract the multitude. He was not an orator, his manners were not winning, and he made few intimacies. But his character and his well poised head put him at tbe head of ihe Nationalistf, whose purpose was to secure the independence of Ireland. An anecdote related in Sir Charles Gavan Duffy's book of reminiscences, ' My Jjife in Two Hemispheres, 'shows the chivalry of tho man.
He bad a duel in the days when that savage method of settling disputes was the cuatom, and the two men were placed opposite each other. Just aa' the signal, ' One, two, three, fire! ' was about to be given, O'Brien cried: 'Stop ? No signal, I pray. ' His opponent's second stepped forward and said with asperity, 'This is very irregular, sir. What do you wish to pay ?'. 'I wish,' answered O'Brien.'to caU your attention to the fact that the gentleman opposite me has let the cap fall off the pistol.
Excited Lady (at the telephone) ! T want my husband, please, at once. Voice from the exchange : Number, please ? Excited Lady (snappishly) ; UDly the iourtbj you impadent thing.
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Bibliographic details
Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9642, 14 January 1899, Page 3
Word Count
206AN IRISHMAN'S CHIVALRY. Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9642, 14 January 1899, Page 3
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