"Mr. Hickman again, sir. The divil sweep the same Hickman, any way,"
said Darby, in an aside, which he knew the other could easily hear. "Out
of the whole townland, sir, all I got was two men for the aveny--a goose
from Barney Scadden, and her last ten, along wid half-a-dozen eggs, from
that dacent creature, widow M'Murt. Throth four fine little clildre she
has, if they had anything on them, or anything to keep body and sowl
together."

"You warned them all, of course?"

"Every sowl in the townland of Ballymackt 'ud; and there's the upshot.
But it's all Mr. Hickman, sir; for he tould them--'I will have none of
this work,' says he; 'the tenants musn't be harrished and fleeshed
in this manner,' says he. Yes, your honor, that's the upshot from
Ballymackfud--two day's work--a sick goose (for I disremembered
to mention that Barney said, wid a wink, that she'd require great
attintion, as she was in a delicate state of health)--one ould hen, and
a half-a-dozen eggs; which wouldn't be the case, only for Hickman--not
but he's a very respectable gentleman--by all accounts."

"I told you before, sirra, that I will have nothing offensive to him
mentioned in my presence. Give this letter to Mr. M'Slime, and bring me
an answer as soon as you can. Will you have a glass of spirits?"

"Would it be intherfairin' wid my duty, sir?"

"If you think so, don't take it; you ought to know best."

"Well, then, for this one time, in regard of a _Lhin-roe_* or the red