all night by yourself?"

"The holy heavens forbid! Is it me stay here all night? No, your
honor: I tether the boat at siven o'hlyock, and lave Brimstone
Billy--God forgimme!--to take care of it t'll mornin."

"It will be stolen some night, I'm afraid."

"Arra, who'd dar come next or near it, let alone stale it? Faith, I'd
think twice before lookin at it meself in the dark. God bless your
honor, an gran'che long life."

I had given him sixpence. I went on to the reprobate's grave and stood
at the foot of it, looking at the sky, gorgeous with the descent of
the sun. To my English eyes, accustomed to giant trees, broad lawns,
and stately mansions, the landscape was wild and inhospitable. The
ferryman was already tugging at the rope on his way back (I had told
him that I did not intend to return that way), and presently I saw him
make the painter fast to the south bank; put on his coat; and trudge
homeward. I turned to the grave at my feet. Those who had interred
Brimstone Billy, working hastily at an unlawful hour and in fear of
molestation by the people, had hardly dug a grave. They had scooped
out earth enough to hide their burden, and no more. A stray goat had
kicked away the corner of the mound and exposed the coffin. It
occurred to me, as I took some of the stones from the cairn, and
heaped them to repair the breach, that had the miracle been the work
of a body of men, they would have moved the one grave instead of the
many. Even from a supernatural point of view, it seemed strange that
the sinner should have banished the elect, when, by their superior
numbers, they might so much more easily have banished him.

It was almost dark when I left the spot. After a walk of half a mile I
recrossed the water by a bridge and returned to the farm house in
which I lodged. Here, finding that I had enough of solitude, I only
stayed to take a cup of tea. Then I went to Father Hickey's cottage.

Kate was alone when I entered. She looked up quickly as I opened the
door, and turned away disappointed when she recognized me.

"Be generous for once," I said. "I have walked about aimlessly for
hours in order to avoid spoiling the beautiful afternoon for you by my
presence. When the sun was up I withdrew my shadow from your path. Now
that darkness has fallen, shed some light on mine. May I stay half an
hour?"

"You may stay as long as you like, of course. My uncle will soon be
home. He is clever enough to talk to you."

"What!