“These Irish birds are rare creatures.”
“Watch the Irish dove and the American Eagle soar,” said Mike, as he started the motor. We waved goodbye as the aeroplane rose in the air, and disappeared over the trees.
While they were gone Mr. O’Neill took me for a final stroll over his pleasant grounds.
“I have never visited America,” he told me, “but I am anxious to cross the Atlantic, and see your marvelous country. America holds the future.” He expressed high admiration for the leaders in America, especially President Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryan.
“I met Mr. Bryan a few years ago here in Dublin,” he said. “We were all delighted with him. He is a great and good man. He told me there was Irish blood in his veins and he was proud of it.” Mr. O’Neill also expressed the highest admiration for Abraham Lincoln, and called him a benefactor to all the world.
I cordially invited him to visit the land of the Stars and Stripes.
In half an hour Edith and Mike returned. Mike circled over the house, in his usual way before alighting and then made a good landing just where he had started from.
With her face flushed and happy, Edith stepped lightly to the grass.
“Papa, papa,” she cried, as Mr. O’Neill came forward to greet her, “You must get an aeroplane.”
“My child,” said her fond parent, “I am afraid this old bird has walked too long to learn to fly now.”