Upon putting all these things
together, it was resolved by these over-wise politicians that the best
thing that could be done for Hereford, and the only possible means of
preventing the immediate destruction of its cathedral, would be to take
Mr. O'Neill into custody. Upon recollection, however, it was perceived
that there was no legal ground on which he could be attacked. At length,
after consulting an attorney, they devised what they thought an admirable
mode of proceeding.
Our Irish hero had not that punctuality which English tradesmen usually
observe in the payment of bills; he had, the preceding year, run up a
long bill with a grocer in Hereford, and, as he had not at Christmas cash
in hand to pay it, he had given a note, payable six months after date.
The grocer, at Mr. Hill's request, made over the note to him, and it was
determined that the money should be demanded, as it was now due, and
that, if it was not paid directly, O'Neill should be that night arrested.
How Mr. Hill made the discovery of this debt to the grocer agree with his
former notion that the Irish glover had always money at command we cannot
well conceive, but anger and prejudice will swallow down the grossest
contradictions without difficulty.
When Mr. Hill's clerk went to demand payment of the note, O'Neill's head
was full of the ball which he was to give that evening.
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