'I will take you to Willie,' said Doonan. 'Come with me.'
Sergeant Machinson saw Sal speak to Doonan, and when they walked away together he intercepted them, and, drawing the constable aside, said,—
'You know very well you ought not to be walking about with that woman. That is not part of your duty. Do you think it is?'
'Yes. She asked me where Willie Dennis was, and I thought there was no harm in showing her. She is Jim Dennis's housekeeper, and looks after his place well. She is a very decent woman, let me tell you.'
Sergeant Machinson laughed.
'Housekeeper, eh! He seems to pick out the best he can find. Does she come from about here?'
'Yes, I believe so, and she has been with him for some years.'
'Well, take her to Dennis, and be quick; but remember it's not the sort of thing to do here—people notice it,' said the sergeant.
'You go to the deuce,' said Doonan as he walked off, but the sergeant did not hear him.
He took Sal to the buggy, and when she saw Willie she looked frightened, he was so pale.