Quirk beside her, while she steered, was soothing to the girl's tired
spirit.

As they wound in and out of the river bends, now between the frowning
grey rocks that jutted out on each side of the river, and now through
green meadows, where the cows were contentedly browsing, the quiet and
stillness of the day was a sedative to her. Here and there they would
pause to explore a cave, its interior, moist and covered with moss,
extending far into the rocky hill, away out towards the ocean. Now and
again they could obtain a distant view of Grey Town, a blue smoke
hanging about its roofs and church towers.

Denis Quirk rowed steadily, but without undue exertion, and Kathleen
allowed one hand to trail in the water as she steered with the other. It
was a still day, and the river reflected the sky and the rocks as they
passed; even the cattle standing to drink in places knee deep in the
water were reduplicated. In silence the girl drank in the peacefulness
of the scene, while Denis Quirk cast an occasional remark at his mother
and her.

About mid-day they drew the boat up on a patch of sand, while they
picnicked on a piece of green meadow land. When that was ended they
drifted slowly down the stream, and returned in the motor to "Layton."

"Now," cried Denis, when he had assisted his mother and Kathleen out of
the car, "after a day of peace to return to war and strife. Don't you
feel better for the day off. Miss O'Connor?"

"Much better. Why is not every day like to-day?" Kathleen asked.

"We should not appreciate it properly. Work and play in thin slices
makes life an appetising sandwich. Good-night, and pleasant dreams."

He turned to the chauffeur and told him to drive him to the "Mercury"
office. There he flung off his coat, and directed the staff with an
energy that was almost superhuman. With Denis Quirk and Cairns to
control the paper, it was not to be marvelled at if the Grey Town people
boasted of their daily paper.

Sometimes Ebenezer Brown, smarting over an exceptionally vigorous
attack, vowed that he would start his old paper in opposition; but a
short reflection showed him the hopelessness of such an undertaking.

"Wait until Gerard returns!" he said, rubbing his thin hands together.
"Then we shall see Quirk crumble up and fall into pieces. Take away a
man's reputation and you destroy him here in Grey Town."

CHAPTER XII.

SYLVIA JACKSON.

"Marry? Why should I? I am perfectly happy as I am. M