(A slow-footed mule that must have been the offspring of an ass and a Morgan paces it's way up the trail, coming to a halt before the post. A largish man in a black greatcoat slides off the worn saddle and pulls at the blunderbuss that hangs by his side. It is balanced by the drum and tipper that hang from the other shoulder. )

(He pauses in the doorway, smiling at the scene before him. Then he waits until the song ends, and lifts his drum to play;)

As I was going over, the far-famed Kerry mountains, I spied Coronel Farrel and his money he was countin' I snatched up me pistols and I rattled me saber sayin' Stand and deliver for I am a bold deceiver! Hus a ring a ma do ama da Whack fol the dady oh Whack fol the dady oh There's whiskey in the jar….

Rum! Trader I say rum for the lads and lasses here! I've thirty two crowns late of His Majesties payroll that slipped into my hand! I've took the kings shilling, then took the paymaster's mule about five days ago. I am sure they will look as best they can for me.

(He lays a saber on the table, then pulls both smoothbore horse pistols out and eases down the flints.)

If the rum is hot, I'll sit and sing a spell. There's a good lad!

Now is there a fair young lass that knows a tune or two here? I've a song inside me that has been straining all the way around the last two passes!

Oh some takes delight in the fishin' and the bowlin' And some takes delight in the carriage wheels a rollin' But I takes delight in the juice of the barley! And courtin' pretty ladies in the mornin' bright and early!

Mikal