210 DAYS STOLEN FOR SPORT 



prosperous island, twelve miles south, which he visits 

 every other week. He was away, and, in consequence 

 of his absence, the male portion of his flock got through 

 the day's devotions very early, and as it is their 

 custom to say 'Good-evening,' after their worsliip, 

 it was 'Good-evening, yer honours,' soon after 

 eleven that day. By twelve there was a gathering 

 of men near the quay, some of whom I thought invited 

 questioning, so I ventured to ask if our going out in 

 a boat would be displeasing. 'Displaising ! it's our- 

 selves that would row yer honours round the island 

 if so it be plaising ye,' and it was then and there 

 arranged we would go round. 



Much was done in the hour and a half that inter- 

 vened between the chartering and our coming on 

 the quay to start. A long boat had been launched, 

 and a number of men stood ready to man her, and 

 were answering to their names as a military pohce- 

 man, Sergeant Davis, called them out. John Grady 

 was the first to say 'Here,' and then followed John 

 Malley, Pat Grady, Mike Malley, Peter Malley, and 

 Peter Scoffold, but, when Michael Burke's name was 

 called, it was Peter Malley who said, 'Here, sergeant ; 

 I see him coming.' The sergeant called Mr John 

 M'Cabe, who stood at attention vnth his rifle, and 

 answered 'Here'; then the sergeant called himself, 

 and answered 'Here,' as he pulled his rifle to his side ; 

 and after that he turned to us, saluted, and called, 

 'Two gentlemen to see our island that are taking rods 

 with thim.' It was a Httle sad to see the disappoint- 

 ment of those left behind, but hard to understand, 

 seeing that to be on the water could be no treat to 

 them. 



The first sight of the boat told me that my flask 

 would be a useless toy amongst such a ship's company, 

 so I whispered Harry to fetch a bottle, which, when 

 opportunity offered, I secretly handed to M'Cabe, 

 telling him the men would expect a taste during such 



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