Page 164 - The snake's pass

152 — " THE SNAKE'S PASS. a
It was no good trying to beat Andy at this game, so
I gave it up and sat silent. After a while he asked
me :
"Will I be dhrivin' yer 'an'r over to Knockcallte-
crore ?
"
" Why do yon ask me ?
•'I'm thinking it's glad yer 'an'r will be to see Miss
Norah."
" Upon my sonl, Andy, yon are too bad. A joke is
a joke, but there are limits to it ; and I don't let any
man joke with me when I prefer not. If yon want to
talk of your Miss Norah, go and talk to Mr. Sutherland
about her. He's there every day and can make use of
your aid! Why on earth do you single me out as your
father confessor ? You're unfair to the girl, after all,
for if I ever do see her I'm prepared to hate her."
" Ah ! What
! yer 'an'r would'nt be that hard har-
rum has the poor crathur done that ye'd hate her—
"
thing no mortial man iver done yit ?
" Oh, go on ! don't bother me any more ; I think it's
about time we were getting home. You go down to the
sheebeen and rattle up that old corncrake of yours I'll
;
come down presently and see how the work goes
on."
He went off, but came back as usual ; I could have
thrown something at him.
" Take me advice, surr— pay a visit to Shleenanaher,
an' see Miss Norah ! " and he hurried down the hill.
His going did me no good; no one came, and after a