"No fear of that; if it does, you know how to run it?"
"Have ye 'nough gas in the b'iler?"
"Oh, keep still and don't show yourself, or I shall tell your father you are here and waiting for the licking he is saving for you."
Mike dropped down out of sight, and though he immediately thought of several important questions to ask, did not do so. He must now wait with all the patience he could summon for the signal that it was prudent for him to show himself.
It was only a brief walk to the care-taker's house, and the light shining through the window and the sound of voices told that the couple were at home. But in the very act of opening the door, the boys paused.
"What does that mean?" asked Alvin of his companion.
"I don't understand it," was the reply.
Mrs. Murphy was sobbing and lamenting like a woman distracted. Her husband seemed to be silent, as if holding himself in better control. Finally they caught some of her wailing exclamations:
"Poor Micky! the darlint is drowned and it's me heart that is broke! Wurrah! wurrah! woe is me!"