"Well, the landlord went rearing an leaping and tearing, He jumped out the window and kicked in the door. When he could get no further he cried meela murder, These rats are eating me up by the score." (The Waterford Boys).

That's what I knew of this expression (and its spelling). I simply accepted it as one of those things I'd hardly find out more of. Thanks for the explanation: Late - but late isn't never.

:-)

Joerg