Page 260 - The snake's pass

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248 — THE SNAKE'S PASS. — "
energy of your dastard soul! But whether this may be
or not, take you care how you cross her path or mine
again, or you shall rue it to the last hour of your life.
Come, Norah, it is not fit that you should contaminate
your eyes or your ears with the presence of this wretch !"
and I led her in. As we went I heard Joyce say :
"An' listen to me! Niver you dare to put one foot
across me mearin' again; or I'll take the law into me
"
own hands !
Then Dick spoke :
" An' hark ye, Mr. Murdock ! remember that you have
to deal with me also in any evil that you attempt !
Murdock turned on him savagely :
" As for you, I dismiss ye from me imploymint. Ye'll
"
niver set foot on me land agin ! Away wid ye !
" Hurrah ! " shouted Dick. " Mr. Joyce, you're my
witness that he has discharged me, and I am free." Then
he stepped down from the porch, and said to Murdock,
in as exasperating a way as he could :
"And, dear Mr. Murdock, wouldn't it be a pleasure
to you to have it out with me here, now? Just a
simple round or two—to see which is the best man ?
I am sure it would do you good—and me too ! I can
see you are simply spoiling for a fight. I promise you
that there will be no legal consequences if you beat
me, and if I beat you I shall take my chance. Do
let me persuade you ! Just one round ; " and he be-
gan to take off his coat. Joyce, however, stopped him,
king gravely :