The first item of the battle worthy to be described, is the downward
movement of the noble saints from their high position.
Once in the melee, clutching at their enemies, the combatants become
oblivious of saintly affairs. The shoulders of the platform bearers
bend--the platforms tumble--St. Patrick grapples with St. Michael, who
smashes his pewter beer-pot down upon the shamrock.
The shamrock rises--wild and overwhelmed with terror, recreant to
Ireland, and quailing before Michael, who has stumbled over Sheeley.
Mr. Jinks retreats through the press before O'Brallaghan, who pursues
him with horrible ferocity, breathing vengeance, and on fire with
rage.
O'Brallaghan grasps Jinks' robe--the robe is torn from his back, and
O'Brallaghan falls backwards: then rises, still overwhelmed with rage.
Jinks suddenly sees a chance of escape--he has intrusted Fodder to a
boy, who rides now in the middle of the press.
He tears the urchin from the saddle, seizes a club, and leaping
upon Fodder's back, brandishes his weapon, and cheers on his men to
victory.
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