Joseph Antony looked long and carefully at Mr. Pennefather.
“What about the other young gentleman?” he said, “the one that has the sore leg?”
“He doesn’t want to set foot on Inishbawn,” said Priscilla.
“And the young lady,” said Joseph Antony, “that does be taking the water in the little boat along with Jimmy?”
“She’ll let Jimmy row her off to any corner of the bay you like,” said Priscilla, “if you’ll allow the other two to land.”
Joseph Antony looked at Mr. Pennefather again.
“I wouldn’t say there was much harm in him,” he said.
“There’s none,” said Priscilla, “absolutely none. Isn’t he paying £4 a week for that old boat of Flanagan’s. Doesn’t that show you the kind of man he is?”
“Unless,” said Joseph Antony, “it could be that he’s signed the pledge for life.”
“Have you signed the pledge for life, Barnabas?” said Priscilla. “Let go of her hand for one minute and answer the question that’s asked you.”