142 A LIFE'S WORK TN IRELAND. 



my head, ' By , if I miss him, it's all up with 



me.'" 



Whenever the law is enforced, it is vastly power- 

 ful for good, all appearances to the contrary notwith- 

 standing. The common saying among themselves 

 when quarrelling and before it comes to blows, " I'll 

 forgive you the law, if you'll strike me," is conclusive 

 proof how strong a deterrent the law is, and how 

 every man keeps it before his eyes. The influence in 

 Ms neighbourhood of an active magistrate, who is just 

 and determined, is another strong proof. The un- 

 mixed and unvarying hatred shown in Parliament by 

 all Irish patriots, to the law, and police, and to all 

 that helps to make these efficient, shows that they 

 know who are their real enemies. The curious readi- 

 ness to go security for neighbours who borrow money, 

 or in any way want security, comes from this same 

 clan feeling. It is nothing short of folly, and ends in 

 the ruin of numbers. 



It is sadly certain, too, that untruth towards all the 

 rest of the world grievously prevails. It is the most 

 painful part of living in Ireland. It meets one at 

 every turn, and among all sorts and classes. One is 

 forced to become as hard as the nether millstone, and 

 simply believe nothing at all, if one would not be the 

 prey of every schemer. No doubt there are indi- 

 viduals who speak the truth. God forbid there should 

 not be. And there are degrees of truth (or untruth) 

 that one learns to recognise. There is a common 



