"No, no, if you do, they will suspect, and will not hesitate to search. Your mother bids you."
The poor girl was burning with shame and confusion.
"Nay," replied I, "if Kathleen does not wish it, I will not buy my safety at the expense of her feelings."
"Yes, yes," replied Kathleen, "I don't mind now; those words of yours are sufficient. Come in, quick."
Chapter XLV
Petticoat interest prevails, and I escape; but I put my head into the lion's den.
There was no time for apology, and stepping over Kathleen, I buried myself under the clothes by her side. The mother then hastened downstairs, and arrived at the door just as they had succeeded in forcing it open, when in pounced a dozen men armed, with their faces blackened. "Holy Jesus! what is it that you want?" screamed the landlady.
"The blood of the tithe proctor, and that's what we'll have," replied the O'Tooles.
"Not in my house—not in my house!" cried she. "Take him away, at all events; promise me to take him away."