Buster and Lord Castlereagh retired to a safe distance and watched proceedings with eager eyes.
"Plaster you?" repeated Moore, meditatively, then suddenly laying hands upon her, he twirled the old lady gently around. "Why should I plaster you when nature has covered your laths so nicely?"
"Don't touch me, you young divil," Mrs. Malone ejaculated. "How dare you take such liberties?"
"Mine is only a friendly interest," protested Moore.
"I wants no impudence."
"Who said you were wanting in impudence?" demanded Moore. "Tell me the wretch's name, and I 'll attend to his business."
"Nivir mind," replied the landlady, picking up the mate to the boot she had hurled at Buster. "It's high time you had new boots. I 'll have no tramps or ragbags lodging here."
"Mrs. Malone," said Moore, cheerfully, "I quite agree with you. I am pleased to say I shall have a new pair to-day."
"You will, will you?" retorted the old woman. "We hear ducks."
"I don't hear either ducks or geese. Do you, Buster?"