endently in
life; and Flanagan was too slightly acquainted with human character to
see through this flimsy apology for extortion. He took it for granted
that Fardorougha spoke truth, and his resolution received a bias from
the impression, which, however, his better nature determined to subdue.
In this uncertain state of mind he turned about almost instinctively,
to look in the direction which Fardorougha had taken, and as he observed
his diminutive figure creeping along with his great coat about him, he
felt that the very sight of the man who had broken up their hearth and
scattered them on the world, filled his heart with a deep and deadly
animosity that occasioned him to pause as a person would do who finds
himself unexpectedly upon the brink of a precipice.

Connor, on seeing him enter the meadow with the rake, knew at once that
the terms had been concluded between them; and the excellent young man's
heart was deeply moved at the destitution which forced Flanagan to seek
for service with the very individual who had occasioned it.

"I see, Bartle," said he, "you have agreed."

"We have," replied Bartle. "But if there had been any other place to be
got in the parish--(an' indeed only for the state I'm in)--I wouldn't
have hired myself to him for nothing, or next to nothing, as I have
done."

"Why, what did he promise?"

"Three pounds a year, an' out o' that I'm to pay him fifteen shillings
that my father owes him still."

"Close enough, Bartle, but don't be cast down; I'll undertake that my
mother an' I will double it--an' as for the fifteen shillings I'll pay
them out o' my own pocket--when I get money. I needn't tell you that
we're all kept upon the tight crib, and that little cash goes far with
us; for all that, we'll do what I promise, go as it may."

"It's more than I ought to expect, Connor; but yourself and your mother,
all the counthry would put their hands undher both your feets."

"I would give a great dale, Bartle, that my poor father had a little of
the feelin' that's in my mother's heart; but it's his way, Bartle, an'
you know he's my father, an' has been kinder to me than to any livin'
creature on this earth. I never got a harsh word from him yet. An' if he
kept me stinted in many things that I was entitled to as well as other
persons like me, still, Bartle, he loves me, an' I can't but feel great
affection for him, love the money as he may."

This was spoken with much seriousness of manner not