For a number of miles we followed the river Liffey, and it was easy to tell we were nearing the Capital City. Beautiful villas dotted the landscape, and many of these homes were evidently abodes of wealth and culture.
As we came nearer, we rose in the air until we were fully 600 feet high. From this lofty elevation I could see the great city of Dublin, stretching to the sea, and reaching out on both sides along Dublin Bay. Mr. O’Neill had described his home to us so clearly that we had no difficulty in finding it. He lived south of Dublin, near Blackrock, not far from the seaside.
We followed the river Liffey as we passed through the center of the city. To our left we saw Phoenix Park on the western outskirts. We passed Four Courts, a massive Government building. We could see the famed Dublin Castle, south of the river, and further on Trinity College with its large campus in the middle of the city.
Passing over Trinity College Park, we began to scan the landscape for Mr. O’Neill’s residence. We could see that we attracted great attention from the populace and we saw thousands of upturned faces of astonished Dublinmen. Mike’s quick eye discerned our landing place. The home of “The” O’Neill, as we heard him called in Dublin, was in the center of a large park, with a tall wall circling it completely. In front of the noble mansion there was a large lawn, which made a good place to alight.
It was only nine o’clock when we dismounted from our aeroplane at “Shaneville,” as the house was called. Mr. O’Neill and Miss Edith came out of the large front door, as we alit.
“Yankee birds, Yankee birds,” sang out the girl in gay greeting.
“Welcome, gentlemen,” said Mr. O’Neill, “welcome to ‘Shaneville’.”
With genuine Irish cordiality he ushered us into his beautiful and richly-furnished home.
CHAPTER XV
GUESTS IN AN IRISH HOME