A CORPSE UNDER THE BED.

Dunstan Times, Issue 848, 19 July 1878, Page 3

A CORPSE UNDER THE BED.

—o— The following amusing story is told in the life of Charles Bianooni, just published by his daughter, Mrs Morgan J. O’Connell, which was related by Mr Bianconi to Mr William Barry of Bally Adam : About the year 183(5, Dan Heam and I were at the fair of Thurles, and remaining there late, we had to put up at a carman’s stage on the road home to Clonmel. On inquiring for beds and supper, wo wore told to step in and have something to eat, though it might bo doubtful whether we coaid get abed. So we went in, glad to find ourselves under any shelter, as the night was wet and stormy. In a few minutes some bacon and potatoes were put before us, to which we did ample justice. Then, after a little delay, we were shown upstairs into the only spare room in the house, and in the corner of the room there was a bed. we both got into it, but found that -we could not sleep. Wo became very restless, and we each said that the bed was very cold. At last Dan exclaimed “By Jove, I think there must be an iceberg under the bed.” And he put his hand under the bed as though to satisfy (himself. He suddenly withdrew his hand, and with one bound lie was in the middle of the room. Ho never waited to exchange a syllable with me, but darted down the narrow stairs into the kitchen, where a lot of carmen were drinking and smoking. Dan stood there with only his night shirt on, and called to mo—- “ Bloody wars ! Mr 8., come down out o’ that !” I immediately jumped out of bed and followed Dan downstairs. “ Did you sec it!” said he. “ See what ?” said I, “ The Devil," said Dan. “ Where T” “ Under the bed." At this time Dan and T were standing in the middle of the kitchen, quite unconscious of our want of clothing. Biddy Minehan, the hostess, came forward and said to me—* “ 1 had nowhere else to put it, yer honor.” “ Put *-hat ?” I replied. “ The corpse, yer honor.” “ Good heavens ! Do you mean there is a corpse under our bed

• ‘ Oh, yer honor, a wake was going on when you came into the house, and asked for a night’s lodging ; and I thought it would be hard to lose the chance of a few shillings, and, having no spare place in the house, I just slipped the corpse under the bed.”