It appeared to Herbert that the young engineer seemed to be rather
bewildered by the job of work before him, and therefore he rode on,
not stopping to embarrass him by any inspection of his work. In
process of time no doubt so much of the top of Ballydahan Hill was
carried to the bottom as made the whole road altogether impassable
for many months. But the great object was gained; the men were fed,
and were not fed by charity. What did it matter, that the springs of
every conveyance in the county Cork were shattered by the process,
and that the works resulted in myriads of wheelbarrows?

And then, as he rode on towards Gortnaclough, Herbert was overtaken
by his friend the parson, who was also going to the meeting of the
relief committee. "You have not seen the men at Ballydahan Hill,
have you?" said Herbert.

Mr. Townsend explained that he had not seen them. His road had
struck on to that on which they now were not far from the top of the
hill. "But I knew they were to be there this morning," said Mr.
Townsend.

"They have sent quite a lad of a fellow to show them how to work,"
said Herbert. "I fear we shall all come to grief with these road-
cuttings."

"For heaven's sake don't say that at the meeting," said Mr.
Townsend, "or you'll be playing the priests' game out and out.
Father Barney has done all in his power to prevent the works."

"But what if Father Barney be right?" said Herbert.