“'How is the O'Donoghues—don't they live hereabouts?”
“'Yes,' says I, 'a few miles down that way.'
“'Is the eldest boy at home,” says he.
“'Maybe he is, and maybe he isn't,' says I, for I wouldn't tell him where you were.
“'Could you give him a message,' says he, from a friend?'
“'Av it was a friend,' says I.
“'A real friend,' says he. 'Tell him—just tell him——'
“There it is now—divil a one o' me knows what he said.”
Mark suffered no sign of anger to escape him, but sat without speaking a word, while Terry recapitulated every sentence in a muttering voice, to assist him in remembering what followed.
“I have it now,” said he at last; and clapping his hands with glee, he cried out, “them's the very words he said—