About three o'clock in the morning
the Bridge boys for ever ! '' They then commenced , in a tone of mock gravity , to lecture him upon his future duties -- detailing the advantages of his situation , and the comforts he would enjoy among them -- although they might as well have addressed themselves to the stone on the other side . In this manner they got along , amusing themselves at Mat 's expense , and highly elated at the success of their undertaking . About three o'clock in the morning they reached the top of the little hill above the village , when , on looking back along the level stretch of road which I have already described , they noticed their companions , with Mat 's wife and children , moving briskly after them . A general huzza now took place , which , in a few minutes , was answered by two or three dozen of the young folks , who were assembled in Barny Brady 's waiting for their arrival . The scene now became quite animated -- cheer after cheer succeeded -- jokes , laughter , and rustic wit , pointed by the spirit of Brady 's poteen , flew briskly about . When Mat was unsacked , several of them came up , and shaking him cordially by the hand , welcomed him among them .