in gangs on the road. Never. They have not been accustomed to be
driven like droves of sheep."

"But droves of sheep don't work on the road," said Mr. Townsend.

"I know that, Mr. Townsend," continued Mr. M'Carthy. "I am quite
well aware of that. But droves of sheep are driven, and these men
won't bear it."

"'Deed an' they won't," said Father Columb, having altogether laid
aside his bland smile now that the time had come, as he thought, to
speak up for the people. "They may bear it in England, but they
won't here." And the sternness of his eye was almost invincible.

"If they are so foolish, they must be taught better manners," said
Mr. Townsend. "But you'll find they'll work just as other men do--
look at the navvies."

"And look at the navvies' wages," said Father Columb.

"Besides, the navvies only go if they like it," said the parish
priest.

"And these men need not go unless they like it," said Mr. Somers.
"Only with this proviso, that if they cannot manage for themselves
they must fall into our way of managing for them."

"What I say, is this," said Mr. O'Leary. "Let 'em manage for
'emselves. God bless my sowl! Why, we shall be skinned alive if we
have to pay all this money back to Government. If Government chooses