Isn't it said, that a Lamh Laudher needn't strike two blows,
when he sends his strength with one."
He stretched out his powerful arm, as he spoke, with a degree of pride,
not unbecoming his youth, spirit, and amazing strength and activity.
"Do not," he added, "either vex me, or sink my spirits. I'm sworn, an'
I'll fight him. That's my mind, and it will not change."
The whole party felt, by the energy and decision with which he spoke
the last words, that he was immovable. His resolution filled them with
melancholy, and an absolute sense of death. They left him, therefore, in
silence, with the exception of his parents, whose grief was bitter and
excessive.
When the Dead Boxer heard that he had been challenged, he felt more
chagrin than satisfaction, for his avarice was disappointed; but when he
understood from those members of the corporation who waited on him,
that Lamh Laudher was the challenger, the livid fire of mingled rage and
triumph which blazed in his large bloodshot eyes absolutely frightened
the worthy burghers.
"I'm glad of that," said he--"here, Joe, I desire you to go and get
a coffin made, six feet long and properly wide--we will give him room
enough; tehee! tehee! tehee!--ah! tehee! tehee! tehee! I'm glad,
gentlemen. Herr! agh! tehee! tehee! I'm glad, I'm glad."
In this manner did he indulge in the wild and uncouth glee of a savage
as ferocious as he was powerful.
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