Cork is a city of 76,000 people. According to one authority it had a
beginning in the seventh century. Think of that now, and compare its
growth with that of Kansas City, for instance."

"I have always associated this city with the small article used as
stoppers for bottles," said Chester.

"You thought perhaps the British needed a cork to stop up their harbor,"
said Lucy, gravely; "but you are entirely mistaken. The book says the
name is a corruption of Corcach, meaning a marsh. The town has, however,
long since overflowed the water, and now occupies not only a large
island in the river, but reaches up the high banks on each side."

They were evidently in Ireland.

"A most noticeable peculiarity of Cork is its absolute want of
uniformity, and the striking contrasts in the colors of the houses. The
stone of which the houses in the northern suburb is built is of reddish
brown, that on the south, of a cold gray tint. Some are constructed of
red brick, some are sheathed in slate, some whitewashed; some reddened,
some yellowed. Patrick may surely do as he likes with his own house. The
most conspicuous steeple in the place, that of St. Ann, Shandon's, is
actually red two sides and white the others,

'Parti-colored, like the people,
Red and white stands Shandon steeple.'

and there it is before us," said Lucy.

The tower loomed from a low, unpretentious church. The two visitors