HE SAW THE IRISHMAN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue VI, 10 August 1895, Page 184

HE SAW THE IRISHMAN.

He was a swellish looking little man, bnt he bad a loud voice, and evidently wanted every one to know what he said. He and a companion, who, be it said to his credit, seemed ashamed of the company be was in, stood in the hotel rotunda one Saturday night. The little fellow was talking about Ireland, and he said many hard things concerning the country and the people. A great big man stood by, listening to the little man’s vapourings He merely smiled, until the little fellow said in a very loud tone :— * Show me an Irishman ; and I’ll show you a coward.’ Then the big fellow slipped up, and touching the little fellow on the shoulder, said in a heavy bass voice. * What’s that you said ?’ * I said show me an Irishman, and I’ll show you a coward,’ said the little fellow, whose knees were shaking under him. ‘ Well, I’m an Irishman,* said the big fellow. * You are an Irishman ? Well,’ and a smile of joy flitted over the little fellow’s countenance as he saw a hole through which he could crawl. * I’m a coward. ’