“Arrah, an’ it’s not far; but the governor doesn’t like to be kept waitin’; besides we’ve a power of work to do before we let in the British public—​that is, if they will come in, an’ bad luck to them.”

“Good luck to you and yours,” cried Peace; “and may you prosper, as I am sure you deserve to do. Any way, I have to return you my most heartfelt thanks for your kindness—​to say nothing of your company.”

“By jabers, you’re puttin’ the pot on in the blarney line, anyhow,” returned Macarty; “but we undherstand each other intirely, and good luck to you, and many on ’em.”

Peace laughed, and said—

“Well, I’m sorry to part with you, but there is, I suppose, no help for it?”

“Faix, an’ there is,” returned Macarty. “You can make shift wid the same sate ye had last night, and maybe ye’ll be a bit more on your journey when you raich Pocklington.”

“Pocklington!”

“Ah, shure. I don’t know where ye are bhound for, but maybe one place is as good as another to a hawker.”

“Oh it don’t much matter which road I travel for the matter of that, and since you are so pressing I’ll accept your kind offer.”

“An’ its welcome ye are—​as welcome as the flowers in May.”