"Keegan, now, wouldn't be a bad master," said Ussher.
"And what puts him in your head, Captain Ussher?"
"Only they say he pays well to a sharp fellow like you."
"'Deed I don't know who he pays. They do be saying you pay a few of the boys too an odd time or two yourself."
"Is it I? What should I be paying them for?"
"Jist for a sight of a whiskey still, or a little white smoke in the mountains on a fine night or so. They say that same would be worth a brace of guineas to a boy I could name."
"You're very sharp, Mr. Brady; but should I want such assistance, I don't know any I'd sooner ask than yourself."
"Don't go for to throuble yourself, for I don't want to be holed of a night yet; and that's what'll happen them that's at that work, I'm thinking; and that afore long—not that I'm blaming you, for, in course, every one knows it's only your dooty."
"You're very kind; but when will Mr. Thady be here?"
"'Deed I wonder he a'nt here, Captain; but war you wanting him?"