During this conversation between the two reverend worthies, the group
around the fire were utterly astonished at the erudition displayed in
this learned dispute.

"Well, to be sure, larnin's a great thing, entirely," said M'Roarkin,
aside, to Shane Fadh.

"Ah, Tom, there's nothing like it: well, any way, it's wonderful what
they know!"

"Indeed it is, Shane--and in so short a time, too! Sure, it's not more
nor five or six years since Father Pether there used to be digging
praties on the one ridge with myself--by the same token, an excellent
spadesman he was--and now he knows more nor all the Protestant parsons
in the Diocy."

"Why, how could they know any thing, when they don't belong to the thrue
church?" said Shane.

"Thrue for you, Shane," replied M'Roaran; "I disremimbered that
clincher."

This discourse ran parallel with the dispute between the two priests,
but in so low a tone as not to reach the ears of the classical
champions, who would have ill-brooked this eulogium upon Father Peter's
agricultural talent.

"Don't bother us, Pether, with your arguing to-night," said Father
Ned, "it's enough for you to be seven days in the week at your