“Is it pin an’ ink at this time o’ day, sir?” demanded the sleepy handmaiden.
“Yes; here’s half a crown for you. Open your eyes and hurry up.”
He wrote the following note to the O’Byrne, and despatched it by a ragged gossoon, who started on his errand, up the hill that leads by the Dargle, like a mountain deer. He also forwarded an order for his luggage to the landlord of the Derralossory Arms.
Sir: As you would permit me no explanation last night, I insist upon making it now. I did not know that you were the possessor of the lands of my forefathers until you yourself announced it. In thanking you for your hospitality I cannot refrain from saying that I wish I had never enjoyed it, as it has been a source of intense pleasure and likewise of bitter pain.
I am, sir,
Your obedient servant,
Philip Redmond.
The messenger returned in a few hours with his luggage.
“Did you deliver my letter at Coolgreny?”
“I gev it to wan av the boys, sir.”