Page 155 - The snake's pass

VANISHED. 143
Sutherland has any act or part, good or bad—large or
small—in that dirty ruffian's dishonourable conduct,
that he is either a knave or a fool—at any rate he is
a liar ! Dick is simply a man of science engaged by
Murdock, as any other man of science might be, to look
after some operations in regard to his bog."
Andy's comment was made sotto voce, so I thought it
better not to notice it.
" Musha ! but the bogs iv all kinds is gettin' mixed
up quarely. Here's another iv them. Misther Dick is
engaged to luk afther the bogs. An' so he does, but
his eyes goes wandherin' among thim. There does be
bogs iv all kinds now all over these parts. It's quare
"
times we're in, or I'm gettin' ould !
With this Parthian shaft Andy took himself down the
hill, and presently I saw the good effects of his presence
in stimulating the workmen to more ardent endeavours,
for they all leaned on their spades whilst he told them
a long story, which ended in a tumult of laughter.
I might have enjoyed the man's fun, but I was in
no laughiDg humour. I had got anxious long ago because
she had not visited the hill-top. I looked all round,
but could see no sign of her anywhere. I waited and
waited, and the time truly went on leaden wings. The
afternoon sun smote the hill-top with its glare, more
oppressive always than even the noontide heat.
I lingered on and lingered still, and hope died within
me.
When six o'clock had come I felt that there was no