In a couple of minutes Barney entered to know what was wanted.

"Barney," said his master, "can you inform us who or what the
_Shan-dhinne-dhuv_ is, or why he appears in this neighborhood? Damn the
fellow; he has that house of mine on my hands this many a long year, for
I cannot get it set. I've had priests and parsons to lay him, and for
some time we thought the country was free of him; but it was all to no
purpose; he was still sure to return, and no earthly habitation should
serve him but that unlucky house of mine. It is very odd that he never
began to appear until after my second marriage."

"Sir," replied Barney, "I heard something about it; but I'm not clear
on it. To tell you the truth, there's two or three accounts of him; but
anyhow, sir, you're in luck for the right one; for if livin' man can
give it to you, Bandy Brack, the peddler, is the man. He's now at his
breakfast in the kitchen; but I'll have him up."

"Not in the parlor," said his mistress; "a strolling knave like him.
Who ordered him his breakfast in the kitchen without my knowledge?" she
asked. "The moment I can find out the person that dared to do so, that
moment they shall leave my family. Must I keep an open house for every
strolling vagabond in the country?"

"If you choose to turn me out," replied her husband, "you may try your
hand at it. It was I ordered the poor man his breakfast; and, what is
more, I desire you instantly to hold your peace."

As he spoke, she saw that one of his determined looks settled upon his
countenance--a pretty certain symptom that she had better be guided by
his advice.