“Every dog praises his own tail,” said Cæsar.

“I'm not denying it, the man isn't fit—he has sold himself to the devil, that's a fact——”

“No, he hasn't,” said Cæsar, “the devil gets the like for nothing.”

“But he's a Christian for all, and the Christians have been Dempsters time out of time——”

“Is he the only Christian that's in, then, eh?” said Cæsar. “Go on, Kate; twist away.”

“Is it Mr. Philip? Aw, I'm saying nothing against Mr. Philip,” said the postman.

“You wouldn't get lave in this house, anyway,” said Cæsar.

“Aw, a right gentleman and no pride at all,” said the postman. “As free and free with a poor man, and no making aisy either. I've nothing agen him myself. No, but a bit young for a Dempster, isn't he? Just a taste young, as the man said, eh?”

“Older than the young Ballawhaine, anyway,” said John, the clerk.

“Aw, make him Dempster, then. I'm raising no objection,” said Mr. Kelly.