Page 103 - The snake's pass

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"
ON KNOCKNACAR. —— "
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track of the movement—unless it were built on the rock
would go down like a ship in a storm. Go down solid
and in a moment, without warning and without hope !
" Then with such a neighbour as a shifting bog, the
only safe place for a house would be on a rock."
Before my eyes, as I spoke, rose the vision of Murdock's
house, resting on its knoll of rock, and I was glad
for one reason that there, at least, would be safety for
Joyce—and his daughter.
" Exactly ! Now Murdock's house is as safe as a
church. I must look at his new house when I go up
to-morrow."
As I really did not care about Murdock's future, I
asked no further questions so we sat in silence and
;
smoked in the gathering twilight.
There was a knock at the door. I called " Come in."
The door opened slowly, and through a narrow opening
Andy's shock head presented itself.
" Come in, Andy ! " said Dick. " Come here and try if
you can manage a glass of punch !
11 Begor ! " was Andy's sole expression of acquiescence.
The punch was brewed and handed to him.
" Is that as good as Widow Kelligan's ? " I asked
him. Andy grinned :
" All punch is good, yer 'an'rs. Here's both yer good
"
healths, an' here's ' The Girls ' an' —turning to me,
" ' the Bog.' " He winked, threw up his hand—and
put down the empty glass. " Glory be to God " was his
grace after—drink.