Very shortly after this none of them required pressing to go to the
workhouse. Every building that could be arranged for the purpose was
filled to overflowing as soon as it was ready. But the worst of the
famine had not come upon them as yet. And then Herbert rode back to
Castle Richmond.






CHAPTER XVII

FATHER BARNEY





Mick O'Dwyer's public-house at Kanturk was by no means so
pretentious an establishment as that kept by his brother in South
Main Street, Cork, but it was on the whole much less nasty. It was a
drinking-shop and a public car office, and such places in Ireland
are seldom very nice; but there was no attempt at hotel grandeur,
and the little room in which the family lived behind the bar was
never invaded by customers.

On one evening just at this time--at the time, that is, with which
we have been lately concerned--three persons were sitting in this
room over a cup of tea. There was a gentleman, midddle-aged, but