From “Tales of the Irish Police – by one of themselves”; Dublin, 1888
In the days when Sir Duncan McGregor was Inspector-General, and Colonel Miller his deputy, there were very stringent orders in the force prohibiting the constabulary posted in stations near Dublin, from visiting the city without special leave, or on imperative duty. One day, as Sir Duncan and his deputy were walking along towards Drumcondra they met a policeman in uniform coming towards Dublin. Colonel Miller was a strict martinet, and he determined to ascertain whether or not the same man had authority to leave his situation. As he came close to him, therefore, the Colonel stopped the sub-constable and asked where he came from.
“ Rathfarnham,” was the answer.
“ Where are you going?” asked Colonel Miller.
“ Into Dublin,” shortly replied the policeman.
“ What do you want there?” demanded the D.I.G.
“ I'm going on duty,” replied the man.
“ What's your name and where are you stationed?”
“ Before answering any more questions” said the sub-constable, “ I'd like to know who I am talking to.”
“ This is Sir Duncan McGregor,” replied the Colonel in his severest tone, “ and I am Colonel Miller.”
“ Oh, by the Holy Moses, if that's the case, I'm long enough here,” cried the sub-constable turning to the right-about and making off at full speed.
Colonel Miller was lame, and, in his rage, he tried to hobble in pursuit of the offender, while Sir Duncan, overcome with the ridiculous aspect of the case, leaned against a wall and laughed heartily, Colonel Miller never discovered who the man was, but the story was too good to be kept quiet.
