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WAYSIDERSStoriesofConnacht
by
SEUMASO'KELLY
Authorof"TheShuiler'sChild,""TheLadyofDeerpark,""TheBribe,"&c.
NewYork
MCMXVIII
Contents
TheCanwiththeDiamondNotch
BothSidesofthePond
TheWhiteGoat
TheSickCallTheShoemaker
TheRector
TheHome-Coming
AWaysideBurial
TheGrayLake
TheBuilding
THECANWITHTHEDIAMONDNOTCH
I
Thenamestoodoutinchastewhitelettersfromtheblackbackgroundofthesignboard.Indeedthenamemightbesaidtospringfromthelandscape,forthisshopjumpedfromitsruralsettingwithanairof
aggression.Itwasacommercialoasisonadesertofgrass.Itproclaimedtheclashoftwocivilisations.Therewerethehills,pitchedrounditlikethegalleriesofsomevastamphitheatre,risingtierupontiertotheblueofthesky.Therewastheyellowroad,fantasticinitsfrolicdowntothevalley.Andatoneofitswaywardcurveswastheshop,theshopofFestusClasby,aforeigngrowthuponthelandscape,itsonelongwindowcrowdedwithsombremerchandise,itsairthatofestablished,cob-webrespectability.
InsidetheshopwasFestusClasbyhimself,likesomegreatmasterpiece
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initsancientframe.Hewastheproductofthetwocivilisations,acharioteerwhodrovethetwofierysteedsofAgricoloandTradewithahandofauthority.Hewasamanoflandsandofshops.Hisdarkface,framedindarkerhairandbeard,wasmassiveandsquare.Behindtheluxuriousgrowthofhairtherichbloodglowedontheclearskin.Hischesthadbreadth,hislimbsweregreat,showinggirthatthehipsandpoweratthecalves.Hiseyeswerelargeanddark,smoulderinginsoftvelvetytones.Thenosewaslong,thenostrilsexpressiveofacertainanimalism,themouthlookedeloquent.Hisvoicewaslow,ofanagreeableevenquality,floatingovertheboxesandbarrelsofhisshoplikeachant.Hiswordsneverjarred,hisviewswerevaguelycomforting,basedonacceptedconventions,expressedinround,soft,lullingplatitudes.Hismannerwasserious,hismovementsdeliberate,thegreatbulkoftheshouldersloomingupinunconsciousbutdramaticposesinthecuriouslyunevenlightingoftheshop.Hishandsgavetheimpressionofslownessandamoderateskill;theycouldmakeupaparcelonthecounterwithoutleavinguglylaps;theycouldperformaminorsurgicaloperationonabeastinthefieldswithoutdegeneratingtobutchery;andtheywouldalwaysbedoingsomething,evenifitwereonlyrollingupaballoftwine.Hisclothesexudedafaintsuggestionofcinnamon,nutmegandcarawayseeds.
FestusClasbywouldhavelookedthepartinanynotoriouspositioninlife;hisshoulderswouldhavecarriedwithdignitythegoldenchainof
officeofthemayoraltyofaconsiderablecity;hewouldhavelookedaperfectchairmanofajuryataCoroner'sinquest;astheHeadofapiousGuildinachurchhemightalmostbeconfusedwiththefiguresofthestainedglasswindows;marchingattheheadofabrassbandhewouldsymbolisetheconqueringhero;asanundertakerhewouldhavereconciledonetodeath.Therewasnotechnicaltrustwhichmenwouldnothavereposedinhim,soperfectlywashewroughtasahumancasket.Asitwas,FestusClasbyfilledthemostfatalofalloccupationstodignitywithoutlosinghistremendousillusionofrespectability.Thehandswhichcutthebaconandthetobacco,turnedthetapsoverpintmeasures,scoopedbranandflourintoscales,tookherringsoutoftheirbarrels,rolledupsugarsticksinshredsofpaperforchildren,werehandswhosemovementstheeyesofnosaucycustomerdaredfollowwithagleamof
suspicion.Notonceinalifetimewasthatcaskettarnished;thenearestheeverwenttoitwaswhenheboughtup--verycheaply,aswashiscustom--abrokenman'sinsurancepolicyadayafterthelawmadesuchapracticeillegal.TherewasnohagglingatFestusClasby'scounter.Therewasonlyconversation,agreeableconversationaboutthingswhichFestusClasbydidnotsell,suchastheweather,thediseasesofanimals,theresultsofraces,andthescandalsoftheRoyalFamiliesofEurope.Theseconversationswerenothurriedoryetprotracted.TheycametoahappyendingatmuchthesamemomentasFestusClasbymadetheknotonthetwineofyourparcel.Buttostandinthedevotionallightsinfrontofhiscounter,wedgedinbetweendivisionsandsubdivisionsofhisboxesandbarrels,andtoscentthegoodscentswhichexhaledfromhisshelves,andtogetservedbyFestusClasbyinperson,wastofeel
thatyouhadbeenindeedserved.
Thesmallfarmersandherdsandthehardylittledarkmountainymenhadthisreverentialfeelingaboutthegoodmanandhisshop.Theyapproachedtheestablishmentasholypilgrimsmightapproachashrine.Theystoodathiscounterwiththeairofdevotees.FestusClasbywaitedonthemwithpatienceandbenignity.Hemightbesomewarm-bloodedgodhandinggiftsoutoverthecounter.Whenhebroughtforthhisgreataccountbookandentereduptheirpurchaseswithacarpenter'spencil--havingfirstmoistenedthetipofitwithhis
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flexiblelips--theyhadstrongly,deepdownintheirsouls,theconvictionthattheywerethenandforalltimedebtorstoFestusClasby.Which,indeedandintruth,theywere.Fromyear'sendtoyear'sendtheiraccountsremainedinthatbook;inthecourseoftheirlivesvariousfiguresroseandfadedaftertheirnames,recordingtheupsanddownsoftheirfinancialhistories.ItwasonlywhenFestusClasbyhadsuppliedthematerialsfortheirwakesthatthegreatpencil,withonemightystrokeofterriblefinality,ranlikeaswordthroughtheirnames,wipingtheirverymemoriesfromthehillsides.AllpurchaseswereenteredupinFestusClasby'smightyrecordwithoutvulgardiscussionsastoprice.Thebusinessoftheestablishmentwasconductedonthebasisofabeliefinthemanwhosoldandacquiescenceinthatbeliefonthepartofthemanwhopurchased.ThecustomersofFestusClasbywouldassoonhavethoughtofquestioninghispricesastheywouldofquestioningtherightoftheearthtorevolveroundthesun.FestusClasbywastheplanetaroundwhichthisconstellationofsmallfarmers,herds,andhardylittledarkmountainymenrevolved;fromhisshoptheydrewthelightandheatandfoodwhichkeptthemgoing.Theirveryemotionswereregisteredathiscounter.Tothemanwithareligiousturnhewasable,ataprice,tohanddownfromhisshelvestheKeyofHeaven;theothersideoftheboxhecomfortedthemanwhocamepantingtohistapstodrownthememoryofsomechronicimpertinence.Hegaveaverylongcredit,andaverylongcredit,inhisphilosophy,justifiedavery,verylongprofit.Astosecurity,ifFestusClasby'scustomershad
notagreatdealofmoneytheyhadgrasswhichgreweveryyear,andthebeastswhichFestusClasbyfattenedandsoldatthefairshadsometimestoeathisdebtorsoutofhisbook.Ifhisbullockswerenotabletodoeventhis,thenFestusClasbytalkedtothesmallfarmeraboutamortgageontheland,sothatnowandagainsmallfarmersbecameherdsforFestusClasby.Inthiswaywasheabletomaintainhispositionwithhisbacktothehillsandhistoesinthevalley,stridinghisterritorylikeaColossus.Whenyousawhisnameonthesignboardstandingstarkfromthelandscape,andwhenyousawFestusClasbybehindhiscounter,youknewinstinctivelythatbothhadalwaysstoodforatleasttwentyshillingsinthepound.
II
Now,itcametopassthatonacertaindayFestusClasbywaspassingthroughtheoutskirtsofthenearestcountrytownonhishomewardjourney,hiscartladenwithprovisions.AtthesamemomentthesparefigureofatinkerwhosenamewasMac-an-Ward,theSonoftheBard,veeredaroundthecornerofastreetwithanewtincanunderhisarm.ItwastheCanwiththeDiamondNotch.
Mac-an-WardapproachedFestusClasby,whopulleduphiscart.
"Well,mygoodman?"queriedFestusClasby,aphraseusuallyaddressedacrosshiscounter,hishandsoutspread,tolongstandingcustomers.
"Thelastofararelot,"saidMac-an-Ward,deftlypoisingthetincanonthetopofhisfingers,sothatitstoodlevelwithFestusClasby'sgreatface.FestusClasbytookthisasabusinessproposition,andthesoulofthetraderrevolvedwithinhim.Whynotbuythetincanfromthistinkerandsellitataprofitacrosshiscounter,evenashewouldselltheflitchesofbaconthatwerewrappedinsackinguponhiscart?Hewasinmellowmood,andlaiddownthereinsinthecartbesidehim.
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"Andsosheisthelast?"hesaid,eyeingthetincan.
"SheistheCanwiththeDiamondNotch."
"Oddsandendsgocheap,"saidFestusClasby.
"Sheisthelast,butthefloweroftheflock."
"Remnantsmustgoasbargainsorelseremainasremnants."
"Mywallet!"protestedMac-an-Ward,"youwoundme.Don'tspeakasifIpickeditoffascrapheap."
"Iwillnot,butIwillsaythat,beingatailendandanoddone,itmustgoatasacrifice."
TheSonoftheBardtappedthesideofthecangentlywithhisknuckles.
"Listentohim,thehardmanfromthecountry!Hehasnoregardformyfeelings.Ihadthesolderingironinmyhandinfaceofitbeforethelarksstirredthismorning.IhadmybacktotheEast,butthroughthebottomofthatcanthereIsawthesunriseinitsglory.Thebrightnessofitisastheharvestmoon."
"Idon'twantitforitsbrightness."
"Dearheart,listentothemanwhowouldnothavebrightness.Hewouldpluckthelightfromthemoon,quenchtheheatintheheartofthesun.Hewoulddrawascreenacrosstheauroraborealisandpaintouttherainbowwithlampblack.Hemightdosuchthings,buthecannotdenythebrightnessofthiscan.Lookuponit!Whentheworldiscomingtoanenditwillshineupattheskyanditwillsay:'Ah,whereareallthegreatstarsnowthatmadeaboastoftheirbrightness?'Andtherewillbenostarlefttoanswer.Theywillallbedeadthingsintheheaven,buriedintheforgottengravesoftheskies."
"Don'tmindtheskies.Letmeseeiftheremaynotbealeakageinit."FestusClasbyheldupthecanbetweenhishandsomefaceandthebrightsky.
"Leakages!"exclaimedMac-an-Ward."AleakageinacanthatIsolderedasifwithmyownheart'sblood.HolyKilcock,whatamindhasthismanfromthecountry!Heseesnovalueinitsbrightness;nowhewilltellmethatthereisnovirtueinitsmusic."
"Ilikemusic,"saidFestusClasby."Nofiddlerhaseverstoodatmydoorbuthadthegoodwordtosayofme.Notoneofthemcouldeversaythathewentthirstyfrommycounter."
SaidtheSonoftheBard:"Fiddlers,whatarefiddlers?Whatsoundhavetheylikethemusicofthesweetmilkgoingintothatcanfromtheyellowteatsoftheredcow?Morningandeveningtherewillbeahymnplayeduponitinthehaggard.WasnotthefinestsongevermadecalledCailindeascridhtenambo?Music!Doyouthinkthatthewaterintheholywellwillnotimproveinitssparkletohavesuchacanasthisdippedintoit?Itwillbewelcomeeverywhereforitsclearnessanditscleanness.HeavenlyFather,lookatthemannerinwhichIroundedtheedgeofthatcanwiththeclippers!Cutcleanandclever,solderedatthedawnofday,thedewfallinguponthehandsthatmouldedit,the
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paringsscatteredaboutmyfeetlikejewels.Andnowyouwouldbargainoverit.Iwillnotsellittoyouatall.Iwillputitinaholyshrine."
FestusClasbyturnedthecanoverinhishands,alittlebewildered."Itlooksanordinarycanenough,"hesaid.
"ItistheCanwiththeDiamondNotch,"declaredMac-an-Ward.
"Woulditbeworthashillingnow?"
"Heputsapriceuponit!Itisblasphemy.Themanhasnoreligion;hewilllosehissoul.Thedevilswillhavehimbytheheels.Theywilltearhisredsoulthroughtheroof.Givemethecan;don'tholditinthosehandsanylonger.Theyarecoarse;thehairisstandingaboutthepurpleknuckleslikestubblesinanill-cutmeadow.ThatcanwasmadeforthehandsofadelicatewomanorfortheangelsthatcarrywatertotheCourtofHeaven.IsawitinavisionthenightbeforeImadeit;itwasontheheadofamaidenwithgoldenhair.Herfeetwerebareandlikeshells.Shewalkedacrossafieldwheredaisiesroseoutofyounggrass;shehadthecanrestingonherheadlikeonecomingfromthemilking.SoIroseupthenandsaid,'Now,Iwillmakeacanfitforthismaiden'shead.'AndImadeitoutoftherisingsunandthefallingdew.Andnowyouaskmeifitisworthashilling."
"Forallyourtalk,itisonlymadeoftin,andnotsuchgoodtin."
"Notgoodtin!Ihelditinmyhandinthepiecebeforeevertheclipperswaslaiduponit.Ibentitanditcurved,suppleasayoungsnake.Ishookit,andtheripplesrandownthelengthofitlikesilverwavesinalittlelake.Thestrengthoftheageswasinitsvoice.Ithasgathereditspowerinthewomboftheearth.ItwassmeltedfromthepreciousmetaltakenfromtheminesofthePeninsulaofMalacca,anditwillhaveitsgleamwhenthesparkleofthediamondisspent."
"I'llgiveyouashillingforit,andholdyourtongue."
"No!Iwillnothaveitonmyconscience.Godismyjudge,Iwillbreakitupfirst.Iwillcutitintopieces.Fromoneofthemwillyetbemadeabreastplate,andintimetocomeitwillbenailedtoyourowncoffin,withyournameandyourageandthedateofyourdeathpainteduponit.Andwhenthepaintisfadeduponititwillshineoverthedustoftheboneofyourbreast.Itwillbedugupandpreservedwhenallgraveyardsareabolished.Theywillsay,'Wewillkeepthisbreastplate,forwhoknowsbutthatitborethenameofthemanwhorefusedtobuytheCanwiththeDiamondNotch.'"
"Howmuchwillyoutakeforit?"
"Nowyouarerespectful.Letmeputapriceuponit,foritwasIwho
fashioneditintothisshape.Itwillholdthreegallonsandahalffromnowuntilthetimethatswallowswearshoes.ButforallthatIwillpartwithit,becauseIampoorandhungryandhaveadelicatewife.Itbreaksmyhearttosayit,butpayintomyhandstwoshillingsanditisyours.PayquicklyorImayrepent.Itgallsmetopartwithit;inyourcharitypayquicklyandbegone."
"Iwillnot.Iwillgiveyouone-and-six."
"Assassin!Youstabme.Whatamindyouhave!Lookatthegreedofyour
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eyes;theywoulddevourthegrassofthefieldsfromthisplaceuptotheDevil'sBit.Youwouldlockuptheairandsellitingaspingbreaths.Youaredisgusting.Butgivemetheone-and-sixandtoConnachtwithyou!Iamdamningmysoulstandingbesideyouandyourcart,smellingitscontents.Howcanamantalkwiththesmelloffatbacongoingbetweenhimandthewind?One-and-sixandthedewthatfellatthemakinghardlydryuponmyhandsyet.Farewell,alongfarewell,myShiningOne;wemaynevermeetagain."
TheshawlofMac-an-Ward'swifehadbeenblowingaroundthenear-bycornerwhilethisdiscussionhadbeeninprogress.Itflappedagainstthewallinthewindlikealoosesailintherigging.Theheadofthewomanherselfcamegraduallyintoview,oneeyespyingaroundthemasonry,half-closingasitmeasuredthecomfortableproportionsofFestusClasbyseateduponhiscart.Astheone-and-sixwascountedoutpennybypennyintothepalmofthebrownhandoftheSonoftheBard,thefigureofhiswifefloatedoutontheopenroad,tossingandtackingandundecidedinitsdirectiontotheeyeofthosewhounderstoodnotthelanguageofgesturesandmotions.Byaseriesofgiddyevolutionsshearrivedatthecartasthelastofthecopperswascountedout.
"Ihavepartedwithmyinheritance,"saidMac-an-Ward."Ihavesoldmysoulandtheangelshavefoldedtheirwings,weeping."
"Inotherwords,Ihaveboughtatincan,"saidFestusClasby,andhisframeandtheentirecartshookwithhischuckling.
Thetinker'swifechuckledwithhiminharmony.Thenshereachedoutherhandwithagesturethatclaimedasympatheticexaminationofthepurchase.FestusClasbyhesitated,lookingintotheeyesofthewoman.Wasshetobetrusted?Hereyeswereclear,grey,andopen,almostbabyishintheirroundedinnocence.FestusClasbyhandedherthetincan,andsheexamineditslowly.
"WhosoldyoutheCanwiththeDiamondNotch?"sheasked.
"Themanstandingbyyourside."
"Hehaswrongedyou.Thecanisnothis."
"Hesayshemadeit."
"Liar!Henevercurveditinthepiece."
"Idon'tmuchcarewhetherhedidornot.Itisminenow,anyhow."
"Itismybrother'scan.Nootherhandmadeit.Look!Doyouseethisnotchonthepieceofsheetironwherethehandleisfastenedtothesides?"
"Ido."
"Isitnotshapedlikeadiamond?"
"Itis."
"BythatmarkIidentifyit.Mybrothercutsthatdiamond-shapednotchinalltheworkheputsoutfromhishands.Itishisprivatemark.Theshopkeepershaveknowledgeofit.Thereisavalueonthecanswiththatnotchshapedlikeadiamond.Thismanheremakescanswhenheisnot
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drunk,butthenotchtothemissquare.Theshopkeepershaveknowledgeofthem,too,fortheydonotlast.Thehandlesfalloutofthem.Hehasnevergivenhistimetotheart,andsodoesnotknowhowtorivetthem."
"Shevilifiesme,"saidMac-an-Ward,sottovoce.
"ThenIamgladhehasnotsoldmeoneofhisown,"saidFestusClasby."Ihaveafancyforthelastingarticle."
"Youmaybeabletobuyityet,"saidthewoman."Mybrotherislyingsickofthefever,andIhavehisrighttoselltheCanswiththeDiamondNotchonthehandleswheretheyareriveted."
"ButIhaveboughtitalready."
"Thisman,"saidthedamsel,inatonewhichdiscountedthehusband,"hadnorighttosellit.Ifitisnothisproperty,butthepropertyofmybrother,won'tyousaythathenornoothermanhasarighttosellit?"
FestusClasbyfeltpuzzled.Hewasunaccustomedtodealingwithpeoplewhoraisedquestionsoftitle.Hisblackbrowsknit.
"Howcanamanwhodoesn'townathingsellathing?"shepersisted."Isitahabitofyourstosellthatwhichyoudonotown?"
"Itisnot,"FestusClasbysaid,feelingthatanassaulthadbeenwantonlymadeonhisintegrityasatrader."Noonecouldeversaythatofme.Honestvaluewasevermymotto."
"Andthemottoofmybrotherwhoissickwiththefever.Iwillgotohimandsay,'Imetthemostrespectable-lookingmaninallEurope,whoputavalueonyourcanbecauseofthediamondnotch.'Iwillpayintohishandstheone-and-sixwhichisitsprice."
FestusClasbyhad,whentakenoutofhisownpeculiarprovince,aheavy
mind,andthetypeofmindthatwillrangealongside-issuesandgetlostinthemiftheyareraisedoftenenoughandlongenough.Thediamondnotchonthehandle,thebrotherwhowassickofthefever,theallegednon-titleofMac-an-Ward,theinterpositionofthewoman,thecanswiththehandleswhichfallout,andthecanswiththehandleswhichdonotfallout,theequityofsellingthatwhichdoesnotbelongtoyou--allthesethingschasedeachotheracrossFestusClasby'smind.TheSonoftheBardstoodsilentbythecart,lookingawaydowntheroadwithapensivelookonhislong,narrowface.
"Paymetheone-and-sixtoputintothehandsofmybrother,"thewomansaid.
FestusClasby'smindwasbroughtbackatoncetohispocket."No,"hesaid,"butthismancangiveyoumymoneytopayintothehandofyourbrother."
"Thisman,"shesaidairily,"hasnointerestforme.Whatevertookplacebetweenthetwoofyouinregardtomybrother'scanIwillhavenothingtosayto."
"Thenifyouwon't,"saidFestusClasby,"Iwillhavenothingtodowithyou.Ifhehadnorighttothecanyoucanputthepoliceontohim;
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that'swhatpolicearefor."
"Anduponyou,"thewomanadded."Thepolicearealsoforthat."
"Uponme?"FestusClasbyexclaimed,hischestswelling."Mynamehasnevercrossedthemindofapoliceman,except,maybe,forwhathemightowemeattheendofthemonthforpigs'heads.Ineverstoodintheshadowofthelaw.AndtothismanstandingbyyoursideIhavenothingtosay."
"Youhave.Youboughtfromhimthatwhichdidnotbelongtohim.Youreceived,andthereceiverisasbadastherogue.Sothelawhasit.Theshadowofthelawisgreat."
FestusClasbycamedownfromhiscart,hisfacetroubled."Iamnotusedtothis,"hesaid.
"Youareahandsomeman,amanthoughtwellof.Youhavegreatprovisionsuponyourcart.Thismanhasnothingbuttheunwashedshirtwhichhangsonhisslackback.Itwillnotbecomeyoutomarchhandcuffedwithhislike,goingbetweentwopolicementothebridewell."
"Whatareyousayingofme,woman?"
"Itwillbenotokenofbusinesstoseeyourcartandtheprovisionsitcontainsdrivenintotheyardofthebarracks.Allthepeopleofthistownwillseeit,fortheyhavemanyeyes.Thepeopleoftradewillbecomingtotheirdoors,speakingofit.'Aman'spropertywasmolested,'theywillsay.'Whatproperty?'willbeasked.'TheCanwiththeDiamondNotch,'theywillanswer;'themanofsubstanceconspiredwiththethieftomakeawaywithit.'Thesearethewordsthatwillbespokeninthestreets."
FestusClasbysetgreatstoreonhisname,thenamehehadgotpaintedfortheeyeofthecountryoverhisdoor.
"Iwillbeknowntothepoliceasoneextensiveinmydealings,"he
said."Theywillnotcouplemewiththismanwhoisknownasonelivingoutsideofthelaw."
"ItisnotforthePeelerstoputthehonestmanononesideandthethiefontheother.Thatwillbeforthecourt.Youwillstandwithhimuponmycharge.ThePeelerswillsaytoyou,'Weknowyoutobeamanofgreatworth,andthelawwillupholdyou.'Butthelawisslow,andaman'sgoodnamegoesfast.'"
FestusClasbyfingeredhismoneyinhispocket,andthetouchofitmadehimstruggle."Thecanmaybethisman'sforallIknow.Youhavenobrother,andIbelieveyoutobeafraud."
"That,too,willbeforthelawtodecide.IfIhaveabrother,thelawwillproducehimwhenhisfeverisended.IfIhavenobrotherthelawwillsodeclareit.IfmybrothermakesaCanwiththeDiamondNotch,thelawwillhearofitsvalue.IfmybrotherdoesnotmakeaCanwiththeDiamondNotchyouwillknowmeasonedeficientintruth.Thereisnopointunderthestarsthatthelawcannotbegottodeclareupon.Butasisright,thelawisslow,andwillwaitforamantocomeoutofhisfever.Beforeitcandecide,anotherman'sgoodname,likealittlecloudridingacrossthesky,isgonefromthememoryofthepeopleandwillnotcomeridingbackuponthecrestofanywind."
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"Itwillbeagreatpricetobepayingforatincan,"saidFestusClasby.Hewasturningaroundwithhisfingersthecoinsinhispocket.
Thewomanputthecanonherarm,thencovereditupwithhershawl,likeahentakingachickundertheprotectionofherwing.
"Ihavegivenyoumanywords,"shesaid,"becauseyouareamansizeableandgoodtotheeyeofafoolishwoman.IfIhadnotasickbrotherImightbeinducedtoletsliphisrightintheCanwiththeDiamondNotchforthepleasureIhavefoundinthelookofyourface.WhenIsawyouonthecartIsaid,'Thereisthebuildofamanwhichistomyfancy.'WhenIheardyourvoiceIsaid,'Thatisgoodmusictotheearofawoman.'WhenIsawyoureyeIsaid,'Thereisdangertotheheartofawoman.'WhenIsawyourbeardIsaid,'Thereisagreatgrowthfromthestrengthofaman.'WhenyouspoketomeandgavemeyourlaughIsaid,'Ah,whataplacethatwouldbeforawomantobeseated,drivingtheroadsofthecountryonacartladenwithprovisionsbesideonesomuchtothefemaleliking.'Butmysickbrotherwaits,andnowIgotodothatwhichmaymakeawaywiththegoodnessofyourname.Imustseekthosewhowillthrowtheshadowofthelawovermany."
Shemovedaway,sighingaquicksigh,asonemightwhowassettingoutonadisagreeablemission.FestusClasbycalledtoherandshecame
back,hereyespainedastheysoughthisface.FestusClasbypaidthemoney,abrightshillingandtwothreepennybits,intoherhand,wonderingvaguely,butvirtuously,ashedidso,whathardylittledarkmountainymanhewouldlaterchargeupthecantoatthedoubleprice.
"Now,"saidthewifeofMac-an-Ward,puttingthemoneyaway,"youhavepaidmeformybrother'scanandyouwouldbewithinyourrightingettingbackyourone-and-sixfromthisbadman."ShehitchedhershawlcontemptuouslyinthedirectionofMac-an-Ward.
FestusClasbylookedattheSonoftheBardwithhisvelvetysofteyes."Come,sir,"saidhe,histonealittlenervous."Mymoney!"
Mac-an-Wardhitchedhistrousersatthehipslikeasailor,spatthroughhisteeth,endeyedFestusClasbythroughaslitinhishalf-closedeyes.TherewasalittlepatterofthefeetontheroadonthepartofMac-an-Ward,andFestusClasbyknewenoughoftheworldanditswaystogatherthatthesewerescientificmovementsinventedtothrowamaninastruggle.HedidnotlikethelookoftheSonoftheBard.
"IwillgohomeandleavehimtoGod,"hesaid."HandmethecanandIwillbeshorteningmyroad."
Atthismomentthreesmallboys,ragged,eager,theirfaceshardandweather-beaten,boundeduptothecart.Theywerebreathlessastheystoodaboutthewoman.
"Mother!"theycriedinchorus."Themaninthebigshop!Heislookingforacan."
"Whatcan?"criedthewoman.
Thethreeyoungvoicesroselikeagreatcry:"TheCanwiththeDiamondNotch."
Thewomancaughtherfaceinherhandsasifsometerriblethinghad
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beensaid.Shestaredattheyoungstersintently.
"Hewantsonemoretomakeupanorder,"theychanted."Hesayshewillpay--"
Thewomanshrankfromthemwithacry."Howmuch?"sheasked.
"Half-a-crown!"
ThewifeofMac-an-Wardthrewoutherarmsinawildgestureofdespair."MyGod!"shecried."Isoldit.Iwrongedmysickbrother."
"Wheredidyousellit,mother?"
"Here,tothishandsomedarkman."
"Howmuchdidhepay?"
"Eighteen-pence."
Thethreeyoungstersraisedtheirhardfacestotheskyandraisedalonghowl,likebeagleswhohadlosttheirquarry.
Suddenlythewoman'sfacebrightened.ShelookedeagerlyatFestus
Clasby,thenlaidthehandoffriendship,ofappeal,onhisarm."Ihaveit!"shecried,joyfully.
"Havewhat?"askedFestusClasby.
"Awayoutofthetrouble,"shesaid."Ameansofsavingmybrotherfromwrong.AwayofbringinghimhisownfortheCanwiththeDiamondNotch."
"Whatwaymightthatbe?"askedFestusClasby,hismannergrowingsceptical.
"Iwillgototheshopmanwithitandgetthehalf-crown.Havinggotthehalf-crownIwillhurrybackhere--oryoucancomewithme--andIwillpayyoubackyourone-and-six.InthatwayIwillmakeanothershillinganddoyounowrong.Isthatagreed?"
"Itisnotagreed,"saidFestusClasby."Givemeoutthetincan.Iamdonewithyounow."
"It'srobbery!"criedthewoman,hereyesfullofablazingsuddenanger.
"Whatisrobbery?"askedFestusClasby.
"Doingmeoutofashilling.Wrongingmysickbrotheroutofhisearnings.Amanworthhundreds,maybethousands,tostandbetweenapoorwomanandashilling.Iamdeceivedinyou."
"Outwiththecan,"saidFestusClasby.
"Letthewomanearnhershilling,"saidMac-an-Ward.HisvoicecamefrombehindFestusClasby.
"Ourmothermustgethershilling,"criedthethreeyoungsters.
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FestusClasbyturnedabouttoMac-an-Ward,andashedidsohenoticedthattwomenhadcomeandsettheirbacksagainstawallhardby;theyleanedlimply,casually,againstit,buttheywere,henoticed,ofthesametribeastheMac-an-Wards.
"Itwasalwayslucky,theCanwiththeDiamondNotch,"saidthewoman."Thisofferofthemaninthebigshopisasignofit.Iwillnotallowyoutobreakmybrother'sluckandhelyinginhisfever."
"Byheaven!"criedFestusClasby."Iwillhaveyouallarrested.Iwillhavethelawofyounow."
Hewheeledaboutthehorseandcart,settinghisfaceforthepolicebarrack,whichcouldbeseenshininginthedistanceintheplumageofamagpie.Thetwomenwhostoodbycameover,andfromtheothersideanothermanandthreeoldwomen.WithMac-an-Ward,Mrs.Mac-an-Ward,andthethreeyoungMac-an-Wards,theygroupedthemselvesaroundFestusClasby,andhewasvaguelyconsciousthattheyweregroupedwithsomemilitaryart.Alowmurmurofadisputearoseamongthem,risingsteadily.Hecouldonlyhearsnatchesoftheirwords:'Giveitbacktohim,''Hewon'tgetit,''HowcanhebetravellingwithouttheCanwiththeDiamondNotch?''IsittheCanwiththeDiamondNotch?''No,''Maybeitis,maybeitisnot,''Whoknowsthat?''Isayyes,''Holdyour
tongue,''Beoff,youslut,''Rattleaway.'Peoplefromthetownwereattractedtotheplace.FestusClasby,thedisputestirringsomethinginhisownblood,shookhisfistinthelongnarrowfaceofMac-an-Ward.Ashedidsohegotatipontheheelsandapressureuponthechestsenthimstaggeringafewstepsback.Oneoftheoldwomenheldhimupinherarmsandanotheroldwomanstoodbeforehim,strikingherbreast.FestusClasbysawthewispsofhairhangingaboutthebonyfaceandfrothatthecornersofhermouth.Vaguelyhesawtheworkingofthebonesofherwastedneck,andbelowitalongV-shapedgleamoftheyellowtannedbreast,whichshethumpedwithherfist.Afterwardsthememoryofthisuglyoldtrollopremainedwithhim.Theyoungsterswereshootinginandoutthroughthegroup,sendingup
unearthlyshrieks.Twoofthemenpeeledofftheircoatsandweresparringateachotherwickedly,shoutingallthetime,whileMac-an-Wardwasmakingatumultuouspeace.Thecommotionandthestrife,ortheillusionofstrife,increased."Oh,"anonlookercried,"thetinkersaremurderingeachother!"
Thepatienthorseatlastraiseditsheadwithatossandasnortovertherabble,andthenwheeledabouttobreakaway.Withtheinstinctofhiskind,FestusClasbyrushedtotheanimal'sheadandheldhim.Ashedidsothestripedpetticoatsandthetossingshawlsofthewomenflashedabouttheshaftsandthebodyofthecart.Themenraisedahoarseroar.
AneighbourofFestusClasby,drivingupthestreetatthismoment,wasamazedtoseethegreatmanoflandsandshopsinthemidstofthewranglingtinkers.Hepulledup,marvelling,thenwenttohim.
"Whatisthis,Festus?"heasked.
"Theyhaverobbedme,"criedFestusClasby.
"Robbedyou?"
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"Ay,ofmoneyandofproperty."
"GoodGod!Howmuchmoney?"
"Idon'trightlyknow--Iforget--someshillings,maybe."
"Oh!Andofproperty?"
"Nomatter.Itisonlyonearticle,butproperty."
"Comehome,Festus;inthenameofGodgetoutofthis,"advisedthegoodneighbour.
ButFestusClasbywasstrangelymoved.Hewasbehavinglikeamanwhohaddrinktaken.Somethinghadhappenedwoundingtohissoul."Iwillnotgo,"hecried."Imusthavebackmymoney."
Thetinkershadnowceaseddisputingamongthemselves.Theyweregroupedaboutthetwomenasiftheywereonlyspectatorsofaninterestingdispute.
"BackImusthavemymoney!"criedFestusClasby,hisgreathandgoingupinamightythreat.Thetinkersclickedtheirtonguesontheroofsoftheirmouthsinasoundofamazement,asmuchastosay,"Whata
terriblething!Whatawonderfulandamightyman!""Iadviseyoutocome,"persuadedhisneighbour.
"Never!Godismyjudge,never!"criedFestusClasby.
Againthetinkersclickedtheirtongues,lookedateachotherinwonder.
"Youwillbethankfulyoubroughtyourlifeoutofthis,"saidtheneighbour."Letitnotbesaidofyouonthecountrysidethatyouwereseenwranglingwiththetinkersinthistown."
"Shame!Shame!Shame!"brokeoutlikeashockedmurmuramongthe
attentivetinkers.
FestusClasbyfacedhisaudienceinallhissplendidproportions.Neverwasheseensomoved.Neverhadsuchagreatpassionseizedhim.Thesofttonesofhiseyeswerenolongersoft.Theyshoneinfierywroth."IwillatleasthavethatwhichIboughttwiceover!"hecried."Iwillhavemytincan!"
Immediatelythegroupoftinkersbrokeupinthegreatestdisorder.Hoarsecriesbrokeoutamongthem.Theybehavedlikepeopleuponwhomsomefearfuldoomhadbeensuddenlypronounced.Theoldwomenthrewthemselvesabout,rackedwithpainandterror.Theybeattheirhandstogether,threwwildarmsindespairinggesturestothesky,raisinga
harrowinglamentation.Themengrowledinsullengutturals.Theyoungsterskneltontheroad,givingoutthewildbeagle-likehowl.Voicescriedabovetheuproar:"Whereisit?WhereistheCanwiththeDiamondNotch?GethimtheCanwiththeDiamondNotch!HemusthavethecanwiththeDiamondNotch!HowcanhetravelwithouttheCanwiththeDiamondNotch?He'lldiewithouttheCanwiththeDiamondNotch!"
FestusClasbywasendeavouringtodeliverhissoulofimpassionedprotestswhenhisneighbour,assistedbyabystanderortwo,forciblyhoistedhimuponhiscartandhewasdrivenawayamidagreathowling
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fromthetinkers.
Itwastwilightwhenhereachedhisplaceamongthehills,andthegoodwhitelettersunderthethatchshowedcleartohiseyes.Pullinghimselftogetherhedrovewithanairaboutthegableandintothewideopenyardattheback,fowlsclearingoutofhisway,asheep-dogcomingtowelcomehim,acalfmewingmournfullyoverthehalf-doorofastable.FestusClasbywassoothedbythishomely,thisworshipful,environment,andgotoffthecartwithasigh.Insidethekitchenhecouldhearthefaithfulwomentrottingaboutpreparingthegreatmaster'smeal.Hemadereadytocarrytheprovisionsintotheshop.Whenheunwrappedthesackingfromthebacon,somethinglikeasuddenstabwentthroughhisbreast.Perspirationcameoutonhisforehead.Severallargelongsliceshadbeencutoffinjaggedslashesfromtheflitches.Theylaylikewoundedthingsonthebodyofthecart.Hepulleddowntheotherpurchasesfeverishly,horrorinhisface.Howmanyloaveshadbeentornoffhisbatchofbread?Wherewereallthepacketsofteaandsugar,thecurrantsandraisins,theflour,thetobacco,thecream-of-tartar,thecarawayseeds,thenutmeg,thelemonpeel,thehairoil,the--
FestusClasbywipedtheperspirationfromhisforehead.Hestumbledoutoftheyard,satuponaditch,andlookedacrossthesilent,peaceful,innocentcountry.Howgooditwas!Howlovelywerethebeastsgrazing,
fattening,inthefields!Hissoftvelvetyeyesweresuddenlyfloodedwithabitteremotionandhewept.
TheloavesofbreadwereundertheshawlofthewomanwhohadsupportedFestusClasbywhenhestumbled;thebaconwasunderanotherbrightshawl;thetobaccoandflourfelltothelotofherwhoseyellowbreastshowedtheplayofmuchsunandmanywinds;theteaandsugarandthenutmegandcarawayseedswereunderthewingofthewifeoftheSonoftheBardintheCanwiththeDiamondNotch.
BOTHSIDESOFTHEPOND
I
Mrs.Donohoemarkedtheclearnessofthesky,thenumberandbrightnessofthestars.
"Therewillbeashareoffrostto-night,Denis,"shesaid.
DenisDonohoe,herson,adjustedaprimitiveboltonthestabledoor,thensniffedattheair,hisbroadnostrilsquiveringsensitivelyasheraisedhishead.
"Thereisiceinthewind,"hesaid.
"Makeastartwiththeturftothemarketto-morrow,"hismotheradvised."Peopleintownwillbewantingfiresnow."
DenisDonohoewalkedovertothedimstackofbrownturfpiledatthebackofthestable.Itwastheresincetheearlyfall,thedryearthcutfromthebog,theturfthatwouldmakebrightandpleasantfiresintheopengratesofConnachtforthewintermonths.Awayfromitspreadthe
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levelbogland,asweepofcountrythathad,theysaid,intheinfancyoftheearthbeenagreatoakforest,acrosswhichinlatertimeshadrovedpacksofhungrywolves,andwhichcouldatthisdayclaimthemostprimitiveformofindustryinWesternEurope.Outintothisboglandinthesummerhadcomefromtheircabinsthepeasantry,menandwomen,DenisDonohoeamongthem;theyhaddugupslicesofthespongy,wetsod,cutitintopiecesratherlargerthanbricks,lickeditintoshapebystampinguponitwiththeirbarefeet,stackeditaboutinlittlerowstodryinthesun,onesodleaningagainsttheother,lookinginthemoonlightlikeagreathostofweebrownfairiesgroupedincouplesforamidnightdanceonthecarpetofpurpleheather.Nowthetimehadcometoconvertitintosuchmoneyasitwouldfetch.
DenisDonohoewhistledmerrilythatnightashepiledthedonkeycart,or"creel,"withthesodsofturf.Longbeforedaybreaknextmorninghewasabout,hismovementsquicklikeonewhohadgreatbusinessonhands.Thekitchenofthecabinwasilluminatedbyarushlight,theraysofwhichdidnotgomuchbeyondasmalldealtable,scrubbedwhite,wherehesatathisbreakfast,anunusuallygoodrepast,forhehadtea,home-madebreadandaboiledegg.Hismothermovedaboutthedimkitchen,waitingonhim,herbarefeetalmostnoiselessontheblackearthenfloor.Heateheartilyandsilently,makingtheSignoftheCrosswhenhehadfinished.Hismotherfollowedhimoutonthedarkroadtobidhimgoodluck,standingbesidethecreelofturf.
"Thereshouldbeabriskdemandnowthatthewinterisuponus,"shesaidhopefully."Godbewithyou."
"GodandMarybewithyou,mother,"DenisDonohoemadeanswerashetookthedonkeybytheheadandledhimalongthedarkroad.Thelittleanimaldrewhisburdenveryslowly,thecartcreakingandrockingnoisilyovertheunevenroad.NowandthenDenisDonohoespoketohimencouragingly,softly,hisgazeatthesametimegoingtotheeast,searchingtheblankskyforahintofthedawntocome.
Buttheyhadgonerockingandswayingalongthewindingroadforalongtimebeforethedaydawned.DenisDonohoemarkedthespreadofthe
light,theslowloomingupofarangeofhills,thesweepofbrownpatchesofbog,thengreyandgreenfields,brokenbytheglimmerofbluefakes,slopesofbrownfurzemakingforthemadullframe.
"Nowthatwehavetheblessedlightwewon'tfeelthejourneyatall,"DenisDonohoesaidtothedonkey.
Theassdrewthecreelofturfmorebriskly,shookhiswinkersandswishedhistail.WhentheystruckverysharphillsDenisDonohoegottothebackofthecart,puthishandstotheshafts,and,loweringhishead,helpedtopushuptheload,themusclesspringingtautatthebackofhisthicklimbsashepressedhardagainstthebrightfrostyground.
Astheycamedownfromthehillshealreadyfeltveryhungry,hisfingerstenderlyfondlingtheslicesofoatenbreadhehadputawayinthepocketofhisgreyhomespuncoat.Buthecheckedtheimpulsetoeat,thelongjawofhisswarthyfaceset,hisstrongteethtighttogetherawaitingtherighthourtoplaytheireagerpart.Ifheatealltheoatenbreadnow--splendid,dry,hardstuff,madeofoatmealandwater,bakedonagridiron--itwouldleavetoolongafastafterwards.DenisDonohoehadbeenbroughtuptopractisecautioninthesematters,tosubjecthisstomachtoarigorousdiscipline,forlifeonthevergeofabogisanexactingbusiness.InsteadofobeyingtheimpulsetoeatDenis
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Donohoeblewwarmbreathsintohispurplehands,beathisarmsabouthisbodytodeadenthebittercold,whistled,tooksomestepsofanodddancealongtheroad,andwentontalkingtothedonkeyasifheweremakingpleasantconversationtoacompanion.Theonlysignoflifetobeseenonearthorairwasathinlineofwildduckhighupinthesky,onegroupmakingwidecirclesoveravividmountainlake.
HalfwayonhisjourneytothecountrytownDenisDonohoepulleduphislittleestablishment.Itwasoutsidealonelycottageexactlylikehisownhome.Therewasthesamebrownthatchontheroof,agarlandofverdantwildcreepersdroopingfromaspotatthegable,thesametwosmallwindowswithoutanysashesinthefrontwall,thesamenarrowruttypathwayfromtheroad,thesamesortofyellowhencacklingheatedly,herlegsquiveringassheclutchedthedrabhalfdoor,thesamescentofdecayedcabbageleavesintheair.DenisDonohoetookasackofhayfromthetopofthecreelofturf,andspreadsomeofitonthesideoftheroadforthedonkey.Whilehedidsoawomanwhoworeawhitecap,agreybodice,athickwoollenredpetticoat,underwhichherbareleanlegsshowed,cametothedoor,wavingtheyellowhenoffherperch.
"Gooddaytoyou,Mrs.Deely,"DenisDonohoesaid,showinghisstrongteeth.
"Welcome,Denis.Won'tyoustepinandwarmyourselfatthefire,forthedayissharp,andyouareearlyontheroad?"
DenisDonohoesatwiththewomanbythefireforsometime,theirexchangeoffamilygossipquietandagreeable.Theyoungmanwas,however,uneasy,glancingaboutthehousenowandthenlikeonewhomissedsomething.Thewoman,droppinghercalmeyesonhim,divinedhisthoughts.
"Agnesisnotabout,"shesaid."ShestartedofffortheCappaPostOfficeanhourgone,forwehadtidingsthataletteristhereforusfromSydney."
"Aletterfromhersister?"
"Yes,Maryismarriedthereanddoingwell."
DenisDonohoeresumedhisjourney.
Attheappointedspotheravenouslydevouredtheoatenbread,thenstretchedhimselfonhisstomachonthegroundandtooksomedraughtsofwaterfromaroadsidestream,drawingitupwithaslowsuckingnoise,histeethchattering,hiseyesonthebrightpebblesthatglitteredbetweensomegreencressatthebottom.Whenhehadfinishedthedonkeyalsolavedhisthirstatthespot.
Hereachedthemarkettownwhileitwasyetmorning.Heledthecreelofturfthroughthestragglingstreets,wheresomepeoplewiththesleepintheireyesweremovingabout.Theonlysoundhemadewasalowwordofencouragementtothedonkey.
"Howmuchforthecreel?"amanasked,standingathisshopdoor.
"Sixshilling,"DenisDonohoereplied,andwaited,foritwasabovethebusinessofadecentturf-sellertopraisehiswaresorpressforasale.
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"Goodlucktoyou,son,"saidthemerchant,"Ihopeyou'llgetit."Hesmiled,foldedhishandsoneovertheother,andretiredtohisshop.
DenisDonohoemovedon,sayinginanundertonetothedonkey,"Gee-up,Patsy.Thatoldfellowisnogood."
Therewereotherinquiries,butnobodypurchased.Theysaidthatmoneywasveryscarce.DenisDonohoesaidnothing;moneywastooremoteathingforhimtoimaginehowitcouldbeeveranythingelseexceptscarce.Hegrewtiredofgoingupanddownpastshopswheretherewasnosignofbusiness,sohedrewthesidestreetsandlaneways,placeswherechildrenscreamedabouttheroad,wheretherewasascentofsoapywater,wherewomencametotheirdoorsandlookedathimwitheyesthatexpressedaslowresentment,theirarmsbareabovetheelbows,theirhairhangingdanklyabouttheirears,theirvoices,whentheyspoke,monotonous,andalwayssoundinganoteoftiredcomplaint.
OntheriseofalittlebridgeDenisDonohoemetared-hairedwoman,afamilyofchildrenskirmishingabouther;therewasabattlelightinherwolfisheyes,heridlehandswerefoldedoverherstomach.
"Howmuch,gossoon?"sheasked.
"Sixshilling.""Sixdevils!"Shewalkedovertothecreel,handlingsomeofthesodsofturfDenisDonohoeknewshewassearchingaconstitutionallyabusivemindforsomewordcontemptuousofhiswares.Shefounditatlast,forshesmackedherlips.ItwasintheGaelic."Spairteach!"shecried--awordthatwaseloquentofbadturf,stuffdugfromthefirstlayerofthebog,amerecoveringforthecorrectveinbeneathit.
"It'sgoodstoneturf,"DenisDonohoeprotested,alittlenettled.
Thewomanwasjoinedbysomepeoplewhowerehangingabout,anxioustotakepartinbargainingwhichinvolvednopersonalliability.They
argued,madejokes,shouted,andfinallybegantobullyDenisDonohoe,thewomanleading,hervoicehalfascream,herstomachheaving,hereyesdancingwithexcitement,ayellowfrothgatheringatthecornersofherangrymouth,herhandgrippingasodoftheturf,fortheonlydissipationlifenowofferedherwasthishagglingwithandshoutingdownofturfsellers.DenisDonohoestoodimmovablebesidehiscart,patientashisdonkey,hisswarthyfacestolidundertheshadowofhisbroad-brimmedblackhat,hisintelligenteyesquietlymeasuringhisnoisyantagonists.Whenthewoman'sangerhadquitespentitselftheturfwaspurchasedforfiveshillings.
DenisDonohoecarriedthesodsinhisarmstothekitchenofthepurchaser'shouse.Itentailedagreatmanyjourneysinandout,the
sodsbeingpileduponhishookedleftarmwithacertainskill.Hisroutelaythroughasmallshop,downasemi-darkhallway,acrossakitchen,thesodsbeingstowedunderastairwaywherecockroachesscamperedfromthethuddingofthefallingsods.
Womenweremovingaboutthekitchen,talkingincessantly,fumblingabouttables,alwaysappearingtosearchforsomethingthathadbeenlost,onecrooningoveracradlethatsherockedbeforethefire.Thesmellofcooking,thesoundofsomethingfattyhissingonapan,broughtasenseoffaintnesstoDenisDonohoe,forhewasravenouslyhungryagain.
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HestumbledawkwardlyinandoutoftheplacewithhisarmfulsofbrownsodsThewomenmovedwithreluctanceoutofhisway.Onceaservantgirlraisedthemostmelancholypairofwidebrowneyeshehadeverseen,sayingtohim,"Italwaysgoesthroughmetoheartheturffallinginthestair-hole.ItremindsmeofthedayIheardtheclayfallingonmefather'scoffin,Godbewithhimandforgivehim,forhediedinthehorrors."
BythetimeDenisDonohoehaddeliveredthecartloadofturfthelittledonkeyhadeatenallthehayinthesack.InthesmallshopDenispurchasedsomebacon,flourandtea,sothathehadonlysomecopperstobringhomewithhim.Aftersomehesitationhehandedbackonepennyforsomebiscuits,andtheseheateassoonashesetoutonthereturnjourney.
Thelittledonkeywentovertheroadthroughthehillsonthewaybackwithspirit,fordonkeysaregoodhomers.DenisDonohoesatuponthefrontofthecart,hislegsdanglingdownbesidetheshaft.Thedonkeytrotteddowntheslopesgayly,theharnessrattling,thecartswaying,jolting,makinganamazingnoise.
Thedonkeycockedhisears,fleckedhistail,evenindulgedinoneortwobuck-jumps,asherattleddownthehillyroads.DenisDonohoeonce
ortwiceleanedoutovertheshaft,andbroughthisopenhanddownonthehaunchofthedonkey,butitwasmoreacaressthanawhack.
Thelightbegantofade,thelandscapetogrowmoreobscure.SuddenlyDenisDonohoebrokeintosong.Theyweregoingoveralevelstretchofground.Thedonkeywalkedquietly.Thequiveringvoicerangoutoverthedarkeninglandscape,gaininginqualityandinsteadiness,aclearlightvoice,thenotescomingwiththeinstinctiveintonation,theperfectorderofthebornfolksinger.ItwassomeoldGaelicsong,arefrainthathadbeenpreservedlikethetrunksoftheprimevaloaksinthebogs,sucharefrainasmightclaimkinshipwiththeDresdenAmen,sungbygenerationsofGermanpeasantsuntilatlastitreachedtheearsofRichardWagner,givingbirthtoaclassic.AshesangDenisDonohoe
raisedhisswarthyface,hisprofilesharpagainstthepalesky,hiseyes,halfinrapturelikeallfolksingers,rangingoverthehills,hislongthroatpalpitating,swellingandslackeninglikethethroatofabirdquiveringinsong.Thenalightfromthesash-lesswindowsofMrs.Deely'scabinshonefaintlyandsilenceagainbroodedovertheplace.WhenhereachedthecabinDenisDonohoedismountedandwalkedintothekitchen,hiseyesbright,hisstepssoeagerthathebecameconsciousofitandpulledupatonce.
Mrs.Deelywassittingbythefire,herknittingneedlesbusy.DenisDonohoesatdownbesideher.Whiletheywerespeakingayounggirlcamefromtheonlyroominthehouse,and,crossingthekitchen,stoodbesidetheopenfireplace.
"AgneshadgreatnewsfromAustraliafromMary,"Mrs.Deelysaid."SheenclosedthepriceofthepassagefromthisplacetoSydney."
"Iwillbemakingthevoyagetheendofthismonth,"thegirlherselfadded.
Therewasanawkwardsilence,duringwhichMrs.Deelycarefullypilotedoneofherneedlesthroughanintricateturnintheheelofthesock.
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"Well,Iwishyouluck,Agnes,"DenisDonohoesaidatlast,andthengaveaqueeroddlittlelaugh,alittlelaughthatmadeMrs.Deelyregardhimquicklyandseriously.Shenoticedthathehadhiseyesfixedontheground.
"Itwillbeagreatchangefromthisplace,"thegirlsaid,fingeringsomethingonthemantelpiece."MarysaysSydneyisawonderfulbigcity."
DenisDonohoeslowlyliftedhiseyes,takingintheshapeofthegirlfromthebarefeettothebrightribbonthatwastiedinherhair.Whathesawwasaslimgirl,herlimbsshowingfaintlyinthefoldsofacheap,thinskirt,aloose,smallshawlrestingontheshoulders,herbosomheavinggentlywheretheshawldidnotmeet,herprofiledelicateandfaintinthelightofthefire,hereyes,suddenlyturneduponhim,beingtheeyesofagirlconsciousofhiseyes,herlowbreaththesweetbreathofagirlsteppingintoherwomanhood.
"Well,Godprosperyou,AgnesDeely,"DenisDonohoesaidaftersometime,androsefromhisseat.
Thetwowomencameoutontheroadtoseehimoff.Hedidnotdally,jumpedontothefrontofthecartandrattledaway.
Overheadtheskywaswinterclear,thestarsmerry,eternal,thewholeheavenbrilliantinitssilent,stupendoussong,itsperpetualMagnificat;butDenisDonohoemadetherestofthejourneyinablacksilence,gloomintherigidfigure,thestoopingshoulders,thedanglinglegs;andthehillsseemedtodrawtheirgrimshadowsaroundhistragicridetothelonelylightinhismother'scabinonthevergeofthedeadbrownbog.
II
Therewasacontinuousclatterofconversationthatroseandfellandbrokelikethewavesonthebeach,therewasthedullshufflingof
uneasyfeetontheground,thetinklingofglasses,therattleofbottles,andoveritallthehalfhystericallaughofatipsywoman.Abovetheracketapenetrating,quiveringvoicewasraisedinsong.
Nowandagainblearyeyeswereraisedto,thestage,shadowyinafogoftobaccosmoke.Thefigureontheboardsstruttedabout,madesomefantasticsteps,thefacepallidinthestreakylight,themouthscarletasatulipforamomentasitopenedwide,themusclesaboutthelipswiryanddistinctfrommuchpractice,thewordsofthesongcominginavehementnasalfalsettoandinabrogueacquiredintheBowery.Thewhitefaceofthemanwhoaccompaniedthesingeronthepianowasraisedforamomentinatiredgesturethatwasalsoaprotest;intheeyesofthesingerastheymetthoseoftheaccompanistwasanexpressionof
cynicalCeltichumour;inthesmoulderinggazeofthepianistwasthepatient,stubbornsouloftheSlav.Thelookbetweentheseentertainers,onefromConnachttheotherfromPoland,wasalittleactofmutualcommiserationandamutualexpressionofcontemptforthenoisydescendantsoftheLostTribeswhomademerryintheplace.
ACockneywhohadexchangedHoundsditchfortheBoweryleeredupbroadlyattheCeltprancingaboutthestage.Heturnedtothecompanionwhosatdrinkingwithhim,atall,bonyhalf-caste,herblackeyesdancinginaheadthatquiveredfromanagueacquiredinIllinois.
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"'E'sallryght,isPaddy,"saidthevoicefromHoundsditch.Hepointedathumbthatwasacertificateofvillainyinthedirectionofthestage.
"Sure,"saidthecolouredlady,whoseancestryrambledbackawayAlabama.Shelookedupatthestagewithherboldeyes.
"Iknowhim,"shesaid,thoughtfully."AndIlikehim,"sheaddedgrinning."Wealllikehim.He'soneoftheboys."
"Wotpriceme?"saidtheHoundsditchman.
"Oh,you'regood,too,"saidthecolouredlady."Blowinanothercocktail,honey."Shestruckherbreastwheretheuneasyboneshowedthroughtheduskyskin."I'veafearfulthirstrightthere."
Littlepuckersgatheredaboutthesmall,humorouseyesoftheCockneyashelookedather."My,"hesaid,"you'avegotathirstandacapacity,OleSahara!"
Thecolouredladyraisedthecocktailtoherfatlips,andasshedidsotherewasasuddenracket,menshouting,womenclappingtheirhands,thevoiceofthetipsywomandominantinitshysteriaovertheuproar.
Thesingerwasbowingprofuseacknowledgmentsfromthestage,hiseyes,slyintheircynicalhumour,uponthefaceoftheSlavatthepiano,hisheadthrownback,thepallorofhisfaceghastly.
TheladyfromAlabamajoinedinthetributetothesinger.
"'Core,'core,"criedOleSahara,raisingherglassinthedimvapour."Here'stoDenisDonohoe!"
THEWHITEGOAT
I
Thewhitegoatstoodinalittleclearingclosedinbyaringofwhinsonthehillside.Herheadswayedfromsidetosideliketheslowmotionofthependulumofagreatclock.Thelegswerealittlespread,thekneesbent,thesidesslack,thesnoutgreyanddry,theudderlimp.
TheHerdknewthewhitegoatwasingreatagony.Shehadrefusedtheshareofbranhehadbroughther,hadturnedawayfromthearmfuloffreshivyleaveshislittledaughterheldouttoher.Hehaddesistedfromthemilking,shehadmoanedsocontinuously.
SomedaysbeforetheHerdhadfoundtheanimalinjuredonthehill;thepreviousnighthehadheardthelabourersmakinganoise,shoutingandsinging,astheycrossedfromthetillagefields.Heknewwhathadhappenedwhenhehadseenthemarksoftheirhob-nailedbootsonherbody.Shewasalwaysasensitivebrute,ofabreedthatcamefromthelowlands.ThesombreeyesoftheHerdglowedinasmoulderingpassionashestoodhelplesslybywhilethewhitegoatswungherheadfromsidetoside.
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Hegatheredsomedrybrackenandspreadabedofitnearthewhitegoat.Itwouldbeunkindtoallowhertolieonthewetgrasswhenthetimecamethatshecouldnolongerstand.Helookedupattheskyandmarkedthedirectionofthewind.Ithadgoneroundtothewest.Cloudswerebeginningtomoveacrossthesky.Therewasavividlightbehindthemountains.Theairwasstill.Itwouldraininthenight.Hehadthoughtforthewhitegoatstandingthereinthedarkness,swayingherheadinagony,thebrackengrowingsoddenatherfeet,therainbeatingintohereyes.Itwasacoldplaceandwind-swept.Wheneverthewhitegoathadbrokenhertethershehadflownfromittothelowlands.Herememberedhow,whileleadingheracrossafieldonce,shehaddrawnbackinsometerrorwhentheyhadcometoapoolofwater.
TheHerdlookedathislittledaughter.Thechildhaddrawnsomedistanceaway,theivyleavesfallenfromherbarearms.Hewasconsciousthatsomefearhadmadehereyesroundandbright.Whatwasitthatthechildfeared?Heguessed,andmarvelledthatachildshouldunderstandthestrangethingthatwasabouttohappenupthereonthehill.TheknowledgeofDeathwasshininginstinctivelyinthechild'seyes.Shewaspartofthestillnessandgreynessthatwascreepingoverthehillside.
"Wewilltakethewhitegoattotheshelterofthestable,"theHerdsaid.
Thechildnodded,thefearstilllingeringinhereyes.Heuntiedthetetherandlaidhishandonthehornofthegoat.Sheansweredtothetouch,walkingpatientlybutunsteadilybesidehim.
Afterawhilethechildfollowed,takingtheotherhorn,gently,likeherfather,forshehadallhisunderstandingofandnearnesstothedumbanimalsofthefields.Theycameslowlyandsilently.Thelightfailedrapidlyastheycamedownthehill.Everythingwasmergedinashadowyvagueness,thecolourofthewhitegoatbetweenthetwodimfiguresaloneproclaimingitself.Akidbleatedsomewhereinthedistance.Itwasthecryofayoungthingforitssuckle,andtheHerdsawthatforamomentthewhitegoatraisedherhead,theinstinctof
hernaturemovingher.Thenshetottereddownthehillinthedarkness.
Whentheyreachedthefrontofthestablethewhitegoatbackedpainfullyfromtheplace.TheHerdwaspuzzledforamoment.Thenhesawthelittlepoolofwaterinafaintglimmerbeforetheirfeet.Hebroughttheanimaltooneside,avoidingit,andshefollowedthepressureofhisdirectinghand.
Hetookdownalanternthatswungfromtheraftersofthestableandlightedit.Inacornerhemadeabedoffreshstraw.Theanimalleanedoveralittleagainstthewall,andtheyknewshewasgratefulfortheshelterandthesupport.Thentheheadbegantoswayinawearyrhythmfromsidetosideasifthepaindroveiton.Herbreathquickened,
brokeintolittlepants.Henotedthethinvapourthatsteamedfromaboutherbody.TheHerdlaidhishandonhersnout.Itwasdryandredhot.Heturnedawayleadingthechildbythehand,thelanternswingingfromtheother,throwinglongyellowstreaksoflightaboutthegloomofthestable.Heclosedthedoorsoftlybehindhim.
II
ItwaslatethatnightwhentheHerdgotbackfromhisroundsofthe
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pastures.Hisbootssoakedinthewetgroundandtheclothesclungtohislimbs,fortherainhadcomedownheavily.Arumbleofthundersoundedoverthehillsasheraisedthelatchofhisdoor.Hefeltgladhehadnotleftthewhitegoattetheredinthewhinsonthehill.
Hislittledaughterhadgonetosleep.Hiswifetoldhimthechildonbeingputtobedhadweptbitterly,butrefusedtoconfessthecauseofhergrief.TheHerdsaidnothing,butheknewthechildhadweptforthewhitegoat.Thethoughtofthechild'semotionmovedhim,andheturnedoutofthehouseagain,standinginthedarknessandtherain.Whyhadtheyattackedthepoorbrute?Heaskedthequestionoverandoveragain,butonlytherainbeatinhisfaceandaroundhimwasdarkness,mystery.Thenheheardthevoiceshigheruponthesideofthehill,firstalaugh,thensomeshoutsandcries.Athickvoiceraisedtherefrainofasong,anditcameboomingthroughthemurkyatmosphere.TheHerdcouldhearthewords:
Wherearethelegswithwhichyourun?Hurroo!Hurroo!Wherearethelegswithwhichyourun?Hurroo!Hurroo!WherearethelegswithwhichyourunWhenfirstyouwenttocarryagun?Indeed,yourdancingdaysaredone!
Och,Johnny,Ihardlyknewye!Andthencamethechoruslikearoardownthehills:
Withdrumsandguns,and,gunsanddrumTheenemynearlyslewye;Mydarlingdear,youlooksoqueer,Och,Johnny,Ihardlyknewye!
Thevoicesofthelabourerspassingfromthetillagefieldsdiedaway,andtherumbleofthundercamedownmorefrequentlyfromthehills.TheHerdcrossedhisgarden,hisbootssinkinginthesoftground.Halfwayacrosshepaused,foraloudcryhaddominatedthefuryofthebreaking
storm.Hisearswerequickforthecriesofanimalsindistress.Hewentonrapidlytowardthestable.
Thegroundgrewmoresloppyandathinstreamofwatercamefromtherimofhissoftblackhat,streamingdownhisface.Henotedtheflashesoflightningoverhead.Throughitallthecryofthewhitegoatsounded,withthatweird,vibrating"mag-gag"thatwasthetraditionalnoteofherrace.IthadapowerfulappealfortheHerd.Itstirredafeelingofpassionwithinhimashehurriedthroughtherain.
Howtheymusthavelaceratedher,apoorbrutechainedtothesod,atthemercyoftheirabuse!Theredrowofmarksalonghergams,rawandterrible,sprangtohissightoutofthedarkness.Vengeance,vengeance!
Hegrippedhispowerfulhands,openingandclosingthefists.Thenhewasconsciousofsomethinginthestormandthedarknessthatrobbedhimofhiscravingforpersonalvengeance.Allthatbelongedtotheprimitivemanwelledupinhim.Heknewthatintheheartofthefuturetherelurkedareckoning--something,somebody--thatwouldcountthetallyattheappointedtime.Thenhehadturnedroundthegableofthestable.Hesawtheghostlywhitething,shadowyintheblackness,lyingprostratebeforethedoor.Hestoodstill,hisbreathdrawninward.
Therewasamovementinthewhiteshape.Hecoulddiscerntheblurred
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outlineoftheheadoftheanimalassheraiseditupalittle.Therewasalowmoanfollowedbyagreatcry.TheHerdstoodstill,terrorinhisheart.Forheinterpretedthatcryinalltheterribleinarticulateconsciousnessofhisownbeing.Thatcrysoundedinhisearslikeanappealtoallthegenerationsofwrongeddumbthingsthathadevercomeunderthelashofthetyrannyofmen.Itwastheprotestofthebrutecreationagainsthumanity,andtotheHerditwasajudgment.Thenhiseyescaughtamurkygleambesidethefallenwhiteshape,andthephysicalsenseofthingsjumpedbacktohismind.
Herememberedthatinwetweatherapoolofwateralwaysgatheredbeforethestabledoor.Herememberedthattherewasaglimmerofittherewhenhehadledthewhitegoatintothestable.Herememberedhowshehadshownfearofit.
Hestoopeddownoverthewhitegoatwhereshelay.Thinwispsofherhairfloatedaboutlookinglikedimwraithsagainsttheblacknessofthepool.Hecaughtalookofthebrowneyesandwasawarethattheudderandteatsbulgedupfromthewater.Hesankdownbesideher,thewatermakingasplashashiskneesdroppedintotheplace.Theanimalraisedherheadalittleandwithpain,forthehornsseemedtoweighlikelead.Butitwasanacknowledgmentthatshewasconsciousofhispresence;thentheheadfellback,agurglesoundingoveroneoftheears.
TheHerdknewwhathadhappened,anditwasallverytragicaltohismind.Hiswifehadcomeouttothestableforsomething,andhadleftthedooropenbehindher.Thewhitegoat,goadedbythegrowingpain,hadstaggeredoutthedoor,perhapsfeelingsomedesirefortheopenfieldsinheragony.Thenshehadseenbeforethethresholdofthedoorthatwhichhadalwaysbeenahorrortoher--apoolofwater.TheHerdcouldseehertotteringandswayingandthenfallingintoitwithacry,fulfillingherdestiny.Hewonderedifhehimselfhadthesameinstinctforthethingsthatwouldprovefataltohim?Whywashealwayssonervouswhenhestoopedtoorlayupontheground?Whydiditalwaysgivehimafeelingthathewouldbetrampledunderthehoovesofstampedingcattleroundedupfortreatmentforthewarblefly?He
trembledasheheardthebeatofhoovesonthegroundbehindhim.Hepeeredaboutandforawhiledidnotrecognisetheshapethatmovedrestlesslyaboutinthedarkness.Heheardtheneighofthebroodmare.Heknewthenshehadbeenhoveringaboutthestableafraidtogoinoutofthestorm.Shewasafraidtogoinbecauseofthethingthatlaybeforethestabledoor.Heheardtheansweringcalloftheyoungfoalinthestable,andheknewthatit,too,wasafraidtocomeoutevenatthecallofitsdam.Deathwasaboutinthatnightofstorm,andallthingsseemedconsciousofit.
Hestoopeddownoverthewhitegoatandworkedhishandsunderhershoulders.Heliftedherupandfeltthestrainalloverhisframe,themusclesspringingtenseonhisarms.Shewasadeadweight,andhehad
alwayspridedonhersize.Hiskneesdugintothepuddleinthebottomofthepoolashefeltthepressureonhishaunches.Hestrainedhardashegotoneofhisfeetunderhim.Withaquickefforthegottheotherfootintopositionandroseslowly,liftingthewhiteformoutofthepool.Theshaggyhairhungfromthewhitegoat,limpandreeking,numerousthinstreamsofwatermakingalittlerippleastheyfell.ThelimbsoftheHerdquiveredundertheweight,hestaggeredback,hisheavybootsgrindinginthegravel;thenhesethisteeth,thelimbssteadiedthemselves,heswayeduncertainlyforamoment,thenstaggeredacrossthestabledoor,consciousofthehammerstrokesoftheheartof
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thewhitegoatbeatingagainsthisownheart.Helaidherdowninthebedofstrawandheardtheyoungfoalboundingoutofthestableinterror.TheHerdstoodintheplace,thesweatbreakingoutonhisforehead,thendroppingingreatbeads.
Thewhitegoatbegantomoan.TheHerdwasawarefromtherustlingofthestrawthatherlimbswereworkingconvulsively.Heknewfromthenatureofherwoundsthatherdeathwouldbeprolonged,heragoniesextreme.Whatifheputheroutofpain?Itwouldbealloverinamoment.Hishandwenttohispocket,feelingitontheoutside.Hemadeouttheshapeoftheknife,buthesitated.
Oneofthehoovesofthewhitegoatstruckhimontheankleasherlimbsworkedconvulsively.Hishandwentintohispocketandclosedaroundtheweapon.Hewouldneedtobequickandsure,tohaveasteadyhand,tomakeaswiftmovement.Heallowedhimselfsomemomentstodecide.Thenthebladeoftheknifeshotbackwithasnap.
Thesoundseemedtoreachthewhitegoatinallitsgrimsignificance.Shestruggledtoherfeet,moaningmoreloudly.TheHerdbegantobreathehard.Hewasafraidshewouldcryoutevenasshehadcriedoutasshelayinthepoolbeforethestabledoor.TheterrorofthethingsthatmadeupthatcrybrokeinupontheHerd.Heshookwithfearofit.Thenhestoopedswiftly,hisfingersnervouslyfeelingoverthedelicate
courseofthethroatofthewhitegoat.Hishandsmovedalittlebackwardsandforwardsinthedarkness.Hefeltthehotstreamonhishands,thentheanimalfellwithoutasound,herhornsstrikingagainstthewall.Hestoodoverherforamomentandwasconsciousthathishandswerewet.Thenherememberedwithashudderthatthewholetragedyofthenighthadbeenoneofrainsandpoolsandwaterandclingingdampthings,ofpuddlesandsweatsandblood.Evennowtheknifeheheldinhisfingerswasdripping.Heletitfall.Itfellwithaqueerthud,soundingofflesh,ofadeadbody.Ithadfallenonthedeadbodyofthewhitegoat.Heturnedwithagroanandmadehiswayuncertainlyforthestabledoor.
Atthedoorhestood,thoughtscrowdinginuponhim,questionsbeating
uponhisbrainandgivingnotimeforanswer.Aroundhimwasdarkness,mystery,Death.Whatrighthadhetothrusthishandblindlyintotheheartofthismystery?Whohadgivenhimthepowertohastentheend,tosummonDeathbeforeitstime?HadnotNatureherownwayforcountingoutthehoursandtheminutes?Hadnotshe,orsomeotherpower,appointedanhourforthewhitegoattodie?Shewouldlive,eveninagony,untiltheycouldbearherupnolonger;andhavingdiedNaturewouldpassherthroughwhateverchannelherlawshadordained.Hadnotthewhitegoatmadeherlastprotestagainsthisinterferencewhenshehadrisentoherfeetinherdeathagony?Andifthewhitegoat,dumbbeastthatshewas,hadsufferedwrongatthehandsofman,thentherewas,theHerdnowknew,aPowerdeliberateandinexorable,scrupulousinitsdelicateadjustmentofrightandwrong,thatwouldbalancethe
accountattheappointedaudit.
Hehadaninarticulateunderstandingofthesethingsashemovedfromthestabledoor.Hetrippedoverabarrowunseeninthedarknessandfellforwardonhisfaceintothefield.Ashelaythereheheardthethuddingofhoovesontheground.Herose,dizzyandunnerved,toseethedimshapesofsomecattlethathadgathereddownabouttheplacefromtheupland.Hefelttherainbeatinguponhisface,theclotheshungdankandclammytohislimbs.Hisbootssoakedandsloppedwhenhestepped.Aboomofthundersoundedoverheadandavividflashof
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lightninglitupforaninstantagreatelmtree.Hesawallitsbranchesshiningwithwater,dropsglisteningalongathousandstraytwigs.Thenthevoicesofthelabourersreturningoverthehillsbrokeinuponhisears.Heheardtheirshouts,thesnatchesoftheirsongs,theirnoise,alltheribaldryofmenmerryintheirdrink.
TheHerdgropedthroughthedarknessforhishouselikeahalf-blindman,hisarmsoutbeforehim,andasuddengustofwindthatsweptthehillsideshriekedaboutthebloodofthewhitegoatthatwasstillwetuponhishands.
THESICKCALL
AmanwearingthegreyfriezecoatandthesoftblackhatofthepeasantryrodeuptotheMonasterygateonawiry,long-tailednag.Whenherangthebellatthehall-doortherewasaclatterofsandalsonaflaggedhallinside.
ThedoorwasopenedbyalayBrotherinabrownhabit,agirdleaboutthewaistfromwhichagreatRosarybeadswassuspended.Thepeasant
turnedasoftblackhatnervouslyinhishandsashedeliveredhismessage.TheFriarwhovisitedailingpeoplewas,hesaid,wanted.Ayoungmanwaslyingveryillawayuponthehills.Nothingthathadbeendoneforhimwasofanyaccount.Hewasnowverylow,andhispeopleweretroubled.MaybetheFriarwouldcomeandraisehisholyhandsoverKevinHooban?
Thepeasantgavesomeaccountofhowtheplacemightbereached.HalfanhourlatertheSpanishFriarwasonaside-caronhiswaytothemountain.Iwasontheothersideofthecar.TheSpanishFriarspokeEnglishbadly.Thepeasantry--mostofwhomhadwhattheycalledBarlabriste(brokenEnglish)--couldunderstandonlyanoccasionalwordofwhathesaid.AtmomentsofcompletedeadlockI,aMassserver,actedas
asortofinterpreter.Forthis,andforwhateverpoorcompanionshipIafforded,Ifoundmyselfonthesickcall.
Theroadbroughtusbyalakewhichgaveachillyairtothelandscapeinthewinterday,thenpastastripofcountrymeagrelywooded.Weturnedintoanarrowroadthatstruckthehillsatonce,skirtingaslopingplacecoveredwithscrubandquitedark,likeablackpatchonthelandscape.Afterthatitwasabarrenpasture,prolificonlyinbleachedbouldersofrocks,ofbrackenthatlaywasted,ofbroomthatwassere.Itwasaverystillafternoon,notabreathofwindstirring.Sheeplookingbulkyintheirheavyfleeceslayaboutinthegrass,somotionlessthattheymightbetheworkofavigoroussculptor.Thebranchesofthetreesweresostill,sodelicateintheiroutlines
againstthepalesky,thattheymadeoneuneasy;theyseemedtohavelosttheartofwaving,asifleavesshouldneveragainflutteruponthem.Anet-workoflowstonewallsputlooselytogether,markingofftheabsurdlysmallfields,straggledoverthefaceofthelandscape,lookinginthecuriouseveninglightlikeagreatgreywebfantasticallyspunbysomehumorousspider.Thebrownfigureofashepherdwithasheepcrookinhishandroseuponadistanthill.Hemightbeasacredfigureintheredchancelofthewesternsky.Inamomenthewasgone,leavingonedoubtfulifhehadnotbeenanillusion.Alongarmyofstarlingstrailedrapidlyacrossthehorizon,awrigglingmotionmarking
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theircourselikethemotioninthebodyofagiganticsnake.Everythingonthehillsseemed,asthelightreddenedandfailed,togrowvast,grotesque.Thesilencewhichreignedoveritallwasoppressive.
Straycabinsskirtedtheroadside.Somepeoplemovedaboutthem,leavingonetheimpressionofaremotenessthatwasmelancholy.ThewomenintheirbarefeetmadelittlecurtesiestotheFriar.Childreninlongdressesranintothecabinsatsightofthestrangers,likerabbitsscuttlingbacktotheirburrows.Havingfoundrefugetheylookedoutoverthehalf-doorsasthecarpassed,theireyessparkling,humorous,fullofanalertinquisitiveness,theirfacesfreshasthewind.
Agroupofpeopleswungalongtheroad,speakingvolublyinIrish,givingonetheimpressionthattheyhadmadeagreatjourneyacrosstherangeofhills.Theygaveusasalutationthatwasalsoablessing.WepulledupthecarandtheygatheredabouttheFriar,lookingupathimfromundertheirbroad-brimmedblackhats,thecountenancesforthemostpartdarkandprimitive,thetypemoreofFirbolgthanMilesianorigin.
WhentheFriarspoketothemtheypaused,shuffled,lookedateachother,puzzled.HalfunconsciouslyIrepeatedthepriest'swordsforthem.
"Oh,youareheadingforthehousewhereKevinHoobanislyingsick?"
"Yes."
"Thepriestisgoingtoreadoverhim?"
"Yes."
"Andmaybetheyareexpectinghim?"
"Yes."
"Wehearditsaidheisverylow,astrangenesscomingoverhim."
"Isthehousefar?"
"No,nottoofarwhenyouareoncea-pastthedemesnewall,withtheivyuponit.Keeponthestraightroad.Youwillcometoastreamandagulletandaroadclippingintothehillsfromittotheright;gopastthatroad.Westofthatyouwillseetwopoplartrees.Beyondthemyouwillcometoaboreen.Turndownthatboreen;itisverynarrow,andyouhadbestturnuponesideofthecarandbothsittogether,ormaybethethornyhedgeswouldbeslashingyouonthefaceinthedarknessoftheplace.Attheendoftheboreenyouwillcometoashallowriver,andithavingashinglebottom.Putthemaretoitandacrosswithyou.Willyoubeabletorememberallthat?"
"Yes,thanks."
"Verywell.Listennow.Whenyouareacrosstheriverwiththeshinglybottomdrawuponthebackmeadow.Youwillseealightshiningtothenorth.LetonebawloutofyouandPatchKeetlywillbeathandtotakethemarebythehead.HewillbringyoutothehousewhereKevinHoobanislyinginhistrouble.AndGodgrant,Father,thatyouwillbeabletoreachoutahelpinghandtohim,andtoputyourstrengthinholywordsbetweenhimandthemthathasaholdofhim;heisafineyoungmanwithoutfaultorblemish,andthegrandestmakerofmusicthateverput
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aliptothefideg.Keepaneyeoutforthepoplartrees."
"Verygood.Godbewithyou."
"Godspeedyoukindly."
Wedroveon.Aswedidsowetriedtopiecethedirectionstogether.ThetwopoplartreesappearedtotouchsomecuriousstrainofhumourintheSpanishFriar.Butitallcametopassastheprophethadspoken.Wecametotheivywall,tothestream,thegullet,theroadthatclippedintothehillstotheright,andalongwaybeyonditthetwopoplartrees,tall,shadowy,greatintheirlonelinessonthehills,sentinelsthatappearedtoguardsomemountainfrontier.Thelighthadrapidlygone.Thewholelandscapehadswoonedawayintoavague,darkchaos.Overheadthestarsbegantoshow,theairwascutting;itbitwithfrost.Andthenweturneddownthedarkboreen,themareventuringintoitwithsomemisgiving.IthinktheFriarwasprayinginanundertoneinhisnativeBasqueaswepassedthroughthenarrowmountainboreen.Attheendofitwecametotheshallowriverwiththeshinglybottom.Againthemarerequiredsomepersuasionbeforesheventuredin,thewheelscrunchingonthegravel,herfetlockssplashingtheslow-moving,chocolate-colouredwater.Ontheoppositebankwereachedasortofplateau,seenvaguelyinthelight.I"letabawloutofme."Itwaslikethecryofsomelonely,lostbirdonthewing.TheFriarshookwith
laughter.Icouldfeelthelittlerockofhisbodyonthespringsofthecar.Afigurecamesuddenlyoutofthedarknessandsilentlytookthemarebythehead.Thecarmovedonacrossthevaguebackmeadow.PatchKeetlywaspilotingustoalightthatshoneinthenorth.
Peoplewerestandingaboutthefrontofthelong,low-thatchedhouse.Lightsshoneinallthewindows,thedoorstoodopen.Thepeopledidnotspeakordrawnearaswegotdownfromthecar.Therewasafearfulsilenceabouttheplace.Thegroupingofthepeopleexpressedmystery.Theyeyedusfromtheircuriouslyaloofangles.Theyseemedasmuchapartoftheatmosphereofthehills,asfixedinthelandscapeasthelittleclumpsoffurzeorthetwolonelypoplarsthatmountedguardoverthemouthoftheboreen.
"Won'ttheholyFatherbegoingintothehouse?"PatchKeetlyasked."Iwillunyokethemareandgiveherashareofoatsinthestable."
TheFriarspoketomeinanundertone,andwecrossedtotheopendoorofthehouse.
Thedoorleddirectlyintothekitchen.Twowomenwerestandingwellbackfromthedoor,somethingrespectful,alittlemysteriousandalittlefearfulintheirattitude.TheireyeswereupontheFriar,andfromtheirexpressionstheymighthaveexpectedsomesortofapparitiontocrossthethreshold.Theymadeacurtesytohim,dippingtheirbodiesinalittlesuddenjerk.Nobodyelsewasinthekitchen,and,despite
thealmostoppressiveformalityoftheirattitude,theysomehowconveyedasenseofthepowerofwomeninthehouseholdintimeofcrisis.Theywereinsupremecommand,themenalloutside,whenalifehadtobebattledfor.Theelderofthewomencameforwardandspoketothepriest,biddinghimwelcome.Thereceptionlookedasifithadbeenrehearsed,bothwomenpainfullyanxioustodowhatwasright.
Thereappearedsomelittlemisunderstanding,andIwastoodazedwiththecold--whichIhadonlyfullyfeltwhenIgotoffthecarandfoundmylegscramped--tocometotherescueasinterpreter.TheSpanishFriar
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wasaccustomedtotheselittleembarrassments,andhehadamannerofmeetingthemwithasmile.Themisunderstandingandtheembarrassmentseemedtothawtheformalityofthereception.Thewomenlookedrelieved.Theywereobviouslynotexpectedtosayanything,andtheyhadnofearnowthattheywouldbeputtotheordealofmeetingapossiblysuperiorperson,onewhomightpatronisethem,makeaflutterintheirhome,appalthembyexpectingagreatdealofattention,inshort,be"veryEnglified."TheSpanishFriarhadveryquickintuitionsandsomesubtlewayofhisownforconveyinghisemotionsandhisrequirements.HewasinspiritnearertothepeasantrythanmanyoftheFriarswhothemselvescamefromthefleshofthepeasantry.Andthesetwopeasantwomen,veryquickinboththeirintuitionsandtheirintelligence,seemedattheverymomentofthebreakdownofthefirstattemptatconversationtounderstandhimandhetounderstandthem.TheelderofthewomenledthepriestintoaroomoffthekitchenwhereIknewKevinHoobanlayill.
Theyoungerwomanputachairbeforethefireandinvitedmetositthere.WhileIsatbeforethefireIcouldhearthequickbutquietstepofherfeetaboutthekitchen,thelittleswishofhergarments.Presentlyshedrewneartothefireandheldoutaglass.Itcontainedwhatlookedlikediscolouredwater,verylikethewaterintheshallowriverwiththeshinglybottom.Imusthaveexpressedsomelittlesurprise,evendoubt,inmyface,forsheheldtheglasscloser,asif
reassuringme.Therewassomethingthatinspiredconfidenceinhermanner.Itooktheglassandsippedtheliquid.Itleftahalf-burned,peatytasteinthemouth,andsomehowsmackedverynativeinitsflavour.Ithoughtofthehills,thelonelybushes,theslowmovementofthechocolate-colouredriver,themenwiththeprimitivedarkfacesunderthebroad-brimmedhats,theirmysterious,evendramaticwayofgroupingthemselvesaroundthelightedhouse.Thepeatyliquidseemedabrewoutofthesameatmosphere.Iknewitwaspoteen.AndinamomentIfeltitcoursingthroughmybody,warmingmyblood.Theyoungwomanstoodbythefire,halfinshadow,halfintheyellowflameoftheturffire,herattitudequietbuttense,veryalertforanymovementinthesickroom.
Thedooroftheroomstoodslightlyopen,andthelowmurmuroftheFriar'svoicerecitingaprayerinLatincouldbeheard.Theyoungwomansighed,herbosomrisingandfallinginaquickbreathofpain.ThenshemadethesignoftheCross.
"Mybrotherisverylow,"shesaid,sittingdownbythefireafteratime.Hereyeswereuponthefire.HerfacewaslesshardthanthefacesIhadseenonthehills.Shelookedgood-natured.
"Ishelongill?"
"Thislongwhile.Buttolookathimyouwouldconceithewasassoundasatrout.Firsthewasmoody,mopingabouttheplace,andnoway
wishfulforcompany.Hourshewouldspendbelowatthebuttofthemeadow,nearbythewater,sittingunderthethornbushandheplayinguponthefideg.Thenhebegantolosetheuseofhislimbs,andcryingheusedtobewithinintheroom.Someofthepeoplewhohaveknowledgesayheislyingunderacertaininfluence.Hecannotspeaknow.TheholyFriarwillknowwhatisbesttobedone."
WhentheFriarcameoutoftheroomhewasdivestinghimselfoftheembroideredstolehehadputoverhisshoulders.
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Thewhite-cappedoldwomanhadexcitementinherfaceasshefollowedhim.
"Kevinspoke,"shesaidtotheother."Helookedupattheblessedmanandhemadeanoffertocrosshimself.Icouldnothearthewordshewasspeaking,thatsofttheycomefromhislips."
"Kevinwilllive,"saidtheyoungerwoman,catchingsomeoftheexcitementofhermother.Shestoodtensely,drawnupnearthefire,gazingvacantlybutintentlyacrossthekitchen,asifshewouldwillitsopassionatelythatKevinshouldlivethathewouldlive.Shemovedsuddenly,swiftly,noiselesslyacrosstheflooranddisappearedintotheroom.
Thepriestsatbythefireforsometime,theoldwomanstandingby,respectful,buthereyesriveteduponhimasifshewouldpluckfromhimallthesecretsofexistence.Thepriestwasconscious,alittleuneasy,andalittleamused,atthisabnormalscrutiny.Someshufflingsoundedoutsidethehouseasifadroveofshyanimalshadcomedownfromthemountainandapproachedthedwelling.Presentlythedoorcreaked.Ilookedatituneasily.Theatmosphereoftheplace,thefumesofthepoteeninmyhead,theheatofthefire,hadgivenmeamorepowerfulimpressionofthemysterious,theweird.Nothingshowedatthedoorforsometime,butIkeptmyeyeuponit.Iwasrewarded.Aclusterofheads
andshouldersofmen,swarthy,gloomy,someawfulforebodingintheexpressionoftheirfaces,hungroundthedoorandpeeredsilentlydownattheFriarseatedatthefire.AgainIhadthesensethattheywouldnotbesurprisedtoseeanysortofapparition.Theheadsdisappeared,andtherewasmoreshufflingoutsidethewindowsasifshyanimalswerehoveringaroundthehouse.Thedoorcreakedagain,andanotherbunchofheadsandshouldersmadeaclusteraboutit.Theylooked,asfarasIcouldseethem,thesamegroupofheads,butIhadthefeelingthattheywerefreshspectators.Theyweretakingtheirviewinturn.
Thepriestventuredsomeconversationwiththewomanofthehouse.
"DoyouthinkwillKevinlive,Father?"
"Heshouldhavemorecourage,"theFriarsaid.
"Wewillallhavemorecouragenowthatyouhavereadoverhim."
"Keepthefaith.ItisallinthehandsofGod.ItisonlywhatispleasingtoHimthatwillcometopass."
"BlessedbeHisHolyName."Thewomaninclinedherheadasshespokethewords.Thepriestrosetogo.
Theyounggirlcameoutoftheroom."Kevinwilllive,"shesaid."Hespoketome."Hereyeswereshiningasshegazedathermother.
"Couldyoutellwhatwordshespoke?"
"Icould.Hesaid,'InthemonthofApril,whenthewaterrunsclearintheriver,Iwillbeplayingthefideg.'ThatiswhatKevinsaid."
"Whentheriverisclear--playingthefideg,"theelderwomanrepeated,somelookoftrouble,almostterror,inherface."ThecrossofChristbetweenhimandthatfideg!"
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ThepriestwasmovingtothedoorandIfollowed.AsIdidsoIgotaglimpse,throughthepartlyopenroomdoor,oftheinvalid.Isawthelong,pallid,nervous-lookingfaceofayoungmanonthepillow.Alightfellonhisbrow,andIthoughtithadtheheight,andthearch,thegoodshapeslopingbackwardtothelonghead,ofamusician.Theeyeswereshiningwithanunnaturalbrightness.Itwasthefaceofanartist,anidealist,intensified,idealised,byillness,bysuffering,byexcitement,andIwonderedifthevisionwhichKevinHoobanhadofplayingthefidegbytheriver,whenitranclearinApril,wereavisionofhisheavenorhisearth.
Weleftthehouse.PatchKeetlywastakingtheloopfromatraceasheharnessedthemareintheyellowlightofastablelantern.Wemountedthecar.Thegroupsofmendrewaboutus,theirmovementsagainsoundingliketheshufflingofshyanimalsonthesod,andtheybrokesilenceforthefirsttime.
TherewasmoresaidaboutKevinHooban.Fromvariousallusions,vagueandunsubstantial,littletouchesinthekind,musicalvoices,IgatheredthattheybelievedhimtobeundertheinfluenceoftheGoodPeople.Thesenseofmysteryandill-omencamebacktome,andIcarriedawayamemoryofthedarkfiguresofthepeoplegroupedaboutthelonelylightedhouse,standingthereinsorrowfortheflute-player,thegrassattheirfeetsparklingwithfrost.
THESHOEMAKER
Obeyingadomesticmandate,Padnawrappedapairofbootsinpaperandtookthemtotheshoemaker,whooperatedbehindawindowinaquietstreet.
TheshoemakerseemedtoPadnaamelancholyman.Heworegreatspectacles,hadawhitepatchofforehead,andtwogreatbumpsuponit.
Padnaconcludedthatthebumpshadbeenencouragedbytheprofessionalnecessityofconstantlyhanginghisheadoverhisknees.
TheshoemakerinvitedPadnatositdowninhisworkshop,whichhedid.Padnathoughtitmustbeverydrearytosittherealldayamongoldandnewboots,piecesofleather,boxesofbrasseyelets,awls,knives,andpunchers.Nowondertheshoemakerwasamelancholy-lookingman.
Padnamaintainedadiscreetsilencewhiletheshoemakerturnedhiscriticalglassesuponthebootshehadbroughthimforrepair.SuddenlythegreatglasseswereturneduponPadnahimself,andtheshoemakeraddressedhiminavoiceofamazingpleasantness.
"Whendidyouhearthecuckoo?"heasked.
Padna,atfirststartled,pulledhimselftogether."Yesterday,"hereplied.
"Didyoulookatthesoleofyourbootwhenyouheardhim?"theshoemakerasked.
"No,"saidPadna.
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"Well,"saidtheshoemaker,"wheneveryouhearthecuckooforthefirsttimeinthespringalwayslookatthesoleofyourrightboot.Thereyouwillfindahair.Andthathairwilltellyouthekindofawifeyouwillget."
TheshoemakerpickedalonghairfromthesoleofPadna'sbootandhelditupinthelightofthewindow.
"You'llbemarriedtoabrown-hairedwoman,"hesaid.Padnalookedatthehairwithoutfear,favour,oraffection,andsaidnothing.
Theshoemakertookhisplaceonhisbench,selectedahalf-madeshoe,gotitbetweenhisknees,andbegantostitchwithgreatgusto.Padnaadmiredtheskilfulmannerinwhichhemadetheholeswithhisawlanddrewthewax-endwithrapidstrokes.Padnaabandonedtheimpressionthattheshoemakerwasamelancholyman.Hethoughtheneversatnearamansooptimistic,somentallyemancipated,sodetachedfromtheindignityofhisoccupation.
"Theseareverysmallshoesyouarestitching,"saidPadna,makinghimselfagreeable.
"Theyare,"saidtheshoemaker."Butdoyouknowwhomakesthesmallestshoesintheworld?Youdon't?Well,well!...Thesmallestshoesinthe
worldaremadebytheclurichaun,acousinoftheleprechaun.Ifyoucreepuponthewestsideofafairyfortafterthesunhassetandputyoureartothegrassyou'llhearthetappingofhishammer.Anddoyouknowwhotheclurichaunmakesshoesfor?Youdon't?Well,well!...Hemakesshoesfortheswallows.Oh,indeedtheydo,swallowswearshoes.Twiceayearswallowswearshoes.Theyweartheminthespring,andagainatthefalloftheyear.Theywearthemwhentheyflyfromoneworldtoanother.AndtheycrosstheDeadSea.DidyoueverheartelloftheDeadSea?Youdid.Well,well!...NobirdeveryetflewacrosstheDeadSea.Anyofthemthattrieditdroppedandsanklikeastone.Sotheswallows,whentheycometotheDeadSea,getdownonthebank,andtheretheclurichaunshavemillionsofshoeswaitingforthem.TheswallowsputontheirshoesandwalkacrosstheDeadSea,steppingon
brightyellowandblackstepping-stonesthatshineacrossthewaterlikealovelycarpet.Anddoyouknowwhatthestepping-stonesacrosstheDeadSeaare?Theyarethebacksofsleepingfrogs.Andwhentheswallowsareallsafeacrossthefrogswakenupandbegintosing,forthenitisknownthesummerwillcome.Didyouneverhearthatbefore?No?Well,well!"
Acat,friendlyastheshoemakerhimself,leaptontoPadna'slap.Theshoemakershiftedtheshoehewasstitchingbetweenhisknees,puttingtheheelwherethetoehadbeen.
"Doyouknowwheretheyfirstdiscoveredelectricity?"heasked.
"InAmerica,"Padnaventured.
"No.Inthebackofacat.HewasabigbuckChinesecat.Everyhaironhimwassevenincheslong,incolourgold,andthickascopperwire.HewastheonlycatwhoeverlookedonthefaceoftheEmpressofChinawithoutblinking,andwhentheEmperorsawthathecalledhimoverandstrokedhimontheback.NosoonerdidtheEmperorofChinastrokethebuckcatthanbackhefellonhisplushthrone,asdeadashisancestors.SotheycalledinsevenwisedoctorsfromthesevenwisecountriesoftheEasttofindoutwhatitwaskilledtheEmperor.And
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aftersevenyearstheydiscoveredelectricityinthebackboneofthecat,andsignedaproclamationthatitwasfromtheshockofittheEmperorhaddied.WhentheAmericansreadtheproclamationtheydecidedtodowhateverkillinghadtobedoneasthecathadkilledtheEmperorofChina.TheAmericansarelikethat--allforimitatingroyalfamilies."
"Hasthiscatanyelectricityinher?"Padnaasked.
"Shehas,"saidtheshoemaker,drawinghiswax-end."Butshe'sacivilisedcat,notlikethevulgarfellowinChina,andcivilisedcatshidetheirelectricitymuchascivilisedpeoplehidetheirfeelings.ButonedaylastsummerIsawhershowingherelectricity.Amonstrousblackratcameprowlingfromthebrewery,abaldpatchonhisheadandapiecemissingfromhislefthaunch.Toseethatfellowcomingupoutofagulletandsteppingupthestreet,inthemiddleofthebroaddaylight,you'dimaginehewasthecountyinspectorofpolice."
"Anddidshefighttherat?"Padnaasked.
Theshoemakerputtheshoeonalastandbegantotapwithhishammer."Shedidfighthim,"hesaid."Shewentouttohimtwirlinghermoustaches.Helaydownonhisback.Shelaydownonherside.Theykeptgrinningandsparringateachotherlikethatforhalfanhour.Atlast
themonstrousratgotupinafuryandcomeather,thefangsstripped.Sheswungroundtheyard,doubledintwo,makingcircleslikeaCatherine-wheelabouthimuntiltheoldblackguardwasmesmerised.Andifyouweretoseethebulkofhertailthen,allherelectricitygoneintoit!Shecaughthimwithablowofitunderthejowl,andhefellinaswoon.Shestoodoverhim,herbacklikethebendofahoop,thetailbeatingabouther,andasmileonthesideofherface.Andthatwastheendofthemonstrousbreweryrat."
Padnasaidnothing,butputthecatdownonthefloor.Whenshemadesomeefforttoregainhislaphesurreptitiouslysuggested,withthetipofhisboot,thattheirententewasatanend.
Afewdropsofrainbeatonthewindow,andtheshoemakerlookedup,hisglassesshining,thebumpsonhisforeheadgleaming."DoyouknowthereasonGodmakesitrain?"heasked.
Padna,whohadbeenlisteningtotheconversationoftwofarmerstheeveningbefore,replied,"Ido.Tomaketurnipsgrow."
"Nonsense!"saidtheshoemaker,reachingoutforanawl."GodmakesitraintoremindusoftheDeluge.AndIdon'tmeantheDelugethatwasatallatall.ImeantheDelugethatistocome.Theworldwillbedrownedagain.Thebelly-bandoftheskywillgive,forthat'swhattherainbowis,anditonlymadeofcolours.Didyouneverknowuntilnowwhattherainbowwas?No?Well,well!...AsIwassaying,whenthe
belly-bandoftheskyburststheDelugewillcome.Inoneminuteallthevalleysoftheearthwillbefilledup.Inthesecondminutethemountainswillbetopped.Inthethirdminutetheskywillbeemptiedanditsskingone,andtheearthwillbenomore.Therewillbenoark,noNoah,andnodove.Therewillbenothingonlyonegreatwasteofgreywaterandinthemiddleofitonegreenleaf.ThegreenleafwillbeasignthatGodhasgonetosleep,thetroubleoftheworldbanishedfromHismind.Sowheneveritrainsremembermywords."
Padnasaidhewould,andthenwenthome.
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II
WhenPadnacalledontheshoemakerforthebootsthathadbeenleftforrepairtheywerealmostready.Thetipsonlyremainedtobeputontheheels.Padnasatdowninthelittleworkshop,andundertheagreeableinfluenceoftheplacehemadeboldtoasktheshoemakerifhehadgrownuptobeashoemakerasthegeraniumhadgrownuptobeageraniuminitspotonthewindow.
"What!"exclaimedtheshoemaker."DidyouneverheartellthatIwasfoundinthecountryunderaheadofcabbage?No!Well,well!Whatdotheytalktoyouathomeaboutatall?"
"Themostthingtheytellme,"saidPadna,"istogotobedandgetupinthemorning.Whatisthenameoftheplaceinthecountrywheretheyfoundyou?"
"Gobstown,"saidtheshoemaker."ItwasthemostmiserableplacewithintheringofIreland.Itlayundertheblightofagoodlandlord,nobetter.Thatwasitsmisfortune,andespeciallymymisfortune.IftheGobstownlandlordwasnotsuchagoodlandlordit'sdrivingontheboxofanempireIwouldbeto-dayinsteadofwhackingtipsontheheelsof
yourboots.Howcouldthatbe?I'lltellyouthat."InGobstownthetenantsroseupanddemandedareductionofrent;thegoodlandlordgaveittothem.Theyroseupagainanddemandedanotherreductionofrent;hegaveittothem.Theywentonrisingup,askingreductions,andgettingthem,untiltherewasnorentleftforanyonetoreduce.Thelandlordwasasgoodandaspoorasourbest.
"AndwhileallthiswasgoingonGobstownwassurroundedbyestateswheretherewerethemostferociouslandlords--rack-renting,absentee,evictinglandlords,landlordsaswildastigers.Andthesetigerlandlordswereleapingattheirtenantsandtheirtenantsslashingbackatthemasbesttheycould.Nothing,mydear,butbloodandthemusicof
grape-shotandshoutsinthenightfromthejungle.InGobstownwehadtositdownandlookon,pretending,moryah,thatwewereashappyasthedaywaslong.
"NotascalpwaseverbroughtintoGobstown.Nomanofuseverwentoutonanadventurewhichmightbringhimhomeagainthroughthemouthofthecountyjail.Notasecretenterprisethatmightbecomeagreatpublicexcitementwaseverhatched,nottospeakofbeinglaunched.Wehadnotasmuchasafife-and-drumband.Wedidnotknowhowtoplayatinwhistleorbeatuponthetintinnabulum.Weneverwavedagreenflag.Wehadnotabranchofanykindofaleague.Wehadnomenofskilltodraftaresolution,inditeathreateningletter,drawacoffin,skull,andcross-bones,fightapoliceman,orevenmakeaspeech.Wewerenever
adelegateataconvention,anenvoytoAmerica,adivisionalexecutive,adeputation,orademonstration.Wewerenothing.Wewiltedundertheblightofourgoodlandlordasthegreenstalkwiltsunderthefrostoftheblacknight....Handmethatknife.Theonewiththewoodenhandle.
"Indesperationweusedrouseourselvesandmarchintothedemonstrationsonotherestates.Wewereasmallandanunknowntribe.TheGobstowncontingentalwaysbroughtuptherearoftheprocession--agawky,straggling,bad-stepping,hay-foot,straw-footlot!Theonlookershardlyglancedatus.Westoodfornothing.Wehadnoname.Oncewe
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riggedupabannerwiththewordsonit,'GobstowntotheFront!'butstillwewereputtotheback,andwhenwewalkedthroughthistowntheservantgirlscameoutoftheirkitchens,laughedatus,andcalledout,'GobstowntotheBackoftheFront!'
"Thefightingmencametous,tookusaside,andaskeduswhatweweredoinginGobstown.Wehadnocasetomake.Weofferedtobringforwardourgoodlandlordasashiningexample,toleadourlambforwardinorderthathemightshowuptheman-eatersontheotherestates.Theorganiserswereallhostile.Theywouldnotallowusintotheprocessionsanymore.Ifwecouldbringforwardsomesortofroaringblackdevilwewouldbemorethanwelcome.Shiningexampleswerenotinfavour.Weweresenthomeindisgraceandbrokeup.Asthepreacherssay,ourlaststatewasworsethanourfirst.
"Webecamesullenanddrowsyandfatanddull.Wegottohatethesightofeachother,somuchsothatwebegantopayourrentsbehindeachother'sbacks,atfirstthereducedrents,then,galedaybygaleday,wegotbacktotheoriginalrent,andkeptonpayingit.Ourgoodlandlordtookhisrentsandsaidnothing.GobstownbecamethemostaccursedplaceinallIreland.Brothercouldnottrustbrother.Andtherewereourneighboursgoingfromonesensationtoanother.Theywereaslivelyastrout,asenterprisingasgoats,asintelligentasCorkmen.Theywerethinandeagerandgood-tempered.Theyatevery
little,drankwater,sleptwell,menwithhardknuckles,cleanbowels,andpaleeyes.Anythingtheyhitwentdown.Theywerealwaysreadytogotothegallowsforeachother.
"Ihadafamouscousinononeoftheseestates,andIsupposeyouheardofhim?Youdidn't!Whataretheyteachingyouatschoolatall?Latingrammar?Well,well!...Mycousinwasaclumsyfellowwithonlyalittleofmiddlingkindofbrains,butabitoffightinhim.Yetlookatthewayhegoton,andlookatme,shoddinglittleboyslikeyourself!Iwasbornunderaluckystarbutmycousinwasbornunderaluckylandlord--aferociousfellowwhogotintoagarretinLondonandkeptroaringacrossatIrelandformoreandmoreblood.EverytimeIthoughtofthatoldskinofamanhowlingintheLondongarretIsaidtomyself,'He'llbe
themakingofmycousin.'Andso,indeed,hewas.Threeagentswerebroughtdownonmycousin'sestate.Statetrialswererunninglikegreatplaysinthecourthouse.Bloodwasalwaysup.Theyhadsixfife-and-drumbandsandonebrassband.Theyhadgreenandgoldbannerswithharpsandstreamers,andmottoesinyellowlettering,thattookfourhardymentocarryonawindyday.TheheadsofthePeelerswerehardlyeveroutoftheirhelmets.Theresidentmagistrateroseonedayinthebosomofhisfamily,hiseyesclosed,tosaygracebeforemeals,andfromdintofhabithewaschantingtheRiotActoverthetableuntilhiswifeflewathimwith,'Howdareyou,George!Themuttonisquiteallright!'Littleboysnobiggerthanyourselfwalkingalongtheroadstoschoolinthatsplendidestatecouldjumpupontheditchandmakegoodspeeches.
"Mycousin'sminutebooks--hewassecretaryofeverything--wouldstockabook-shop,andwerenotedforbeautifulexpressions.Hewastheauthoroftenstylesofresolutionconstruction.AnenemychristenedhimResolvingKavanagh.Everytimeheresolvedtostandwherehealwaysstoodherevolved.Everybodyputupathishouse.HewasseeninmoretorchlightprocessionsthanBryanO'Lynn.AroominhishousewasdecoratedinabeautifulschemeofilluminatedaddresseswithborderdesignsfromtheBookofKells.Thehomesofthepeoplewerefullofthestumpsofburned-downcandles,theremainsofgreatilluminationsformycousinwheneverhecameoutofprison.ItellyounoliewhenI
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saythatthatclumsycousinofminebecamecleverandpolished,allthroughpurepractice.Hehadthebestoftutors.TheskinofalandlordintheLondongarret,hisagents,theirunderstrappers,removablemagistrates,judges,Crownsolicitors,countyinspectorsofpolice,sergeants,constables,secretservicemen,--alldrovehimfromfametofameuntilintheendtheychasedhimouttheonlygapthatwasleftopentothelikeofhim--theEnglishParliament.Thinkofthestreakofthatman'scareer!AndtherewasI,amanofcapacityandbrains,bornwiththegoldenspoonoftalentinmymouth,deadtotheworldinGobstown!Iwasrottinglikeaturnipunderthebestandthemostaccursedoflandlords.IntheendIcouldnotstandit--nomanofspiritcould.
"OnedayItookdownmyashplant,spatonmyfist,andsetoutformycousin'splace.Hegavemenowelcome.IinformedhimastohowthelandlayinGobstown.Isaidwemustbeallowedtomakeanameforourselvesastheproducersofashiningexampleofalandlord.Mycousinlethisheadlieoveralittletoonesideandthensaid,'Inthiscountryshiningexamplesoughtonlybeusedwiththegreatestmoderation.'Helookedoutthroughthewindowandaftersometimesaid,'ThatGobstownlandlordisthemostdangerouslunaticinallIreland.''Howisthat?'saidI.'Because,'saidmyfamouscousin,'hehasaperfectheart.'Heputhisheadovertotheotherside,lookedatmeandsaid,'IfGobstowndoesnotdosomethinghemaybethemeansofdestroyingusall.''How?'
saidI.'Hemaybecomecontagious,'saidmycousin.'OnlythinkofhisexamplebeingfollowedandIrelandturnedintoonevasttractofGobstowns!Wouldnotanyfateatallbebetterthanthat?'Iwhoknewsaid,'Godknowsitwould.'
"Mycousinsighedheavily.Heturnedfromme,leavingmestandingthereinthekitchen,andIsawhimmovingwithaladdertotheloftoverhead.Thishemountedanddisappearedintheblackrafters.Icouldhearhimfumblingsomewhereunderthethatch.Presentlydownhecametheladder,aguninonehand,andafistfulofcartridgesintheother.Hespokenoword,andIspokenoword.Hecametomeandputtheguninmyhandandthehandfulofcartridgesinmypocket.Hewalkedtothefireandstoodtherewithhisbackturned.IstoodwhereIwas,aGobstownmohawk,with
theguninmyhand.AtlastIsaid,'Whatisthisfor?'andgroundedthegunalittleonthefloor.Mycousindidnotansweratonce.Atlasthesaidwithoutmoving,'It'sforstirringyourtea,whatelse?'Ilookedathimandheremainedashewasand,thesweatbreakingoutonthebackofmyneck,Ileftthehouseandmadeacrossthefieldsforhome,thecartridgesrattlinginmypocketeveryditchIleapt,thefeeloftheguninmyhandbecomingmorefamiliarandmorefriendly.
"AtlastIcametothesummitofalittlegreenhilloverlookingGobstown,andthereIsatmedown.ThesightofGobstownrosethegorgeinme.Nothingcameoutofitbutweakpuffsofturfsmokefromthechimneys--littlepallidthinstreaksthatwobbledinthewind.There,saysI,istheheightofGobstown.Andnosoundcameupoutofit
exceptthecackleofgeese,andthenthebawlofanoldassinthebog.There,saysI,isthedepthofGobstown.AndrisingupfromthegreenhillI