302 WHEAT AND WOMAN 



that contract. I don't think much of the people 

 who sent you out on those lines ; but the point is 

 that, having taken it on, the least you could do was 

 to see the thing through." 



Whether the news spread that I was no longer 

 sympathetic or " agin the Government," or that 

 Thomas was in control of my neighbour's kitchen, 

 I don't know, but my cottage was no longer the 

 selected stopping-house. One morning in passing 

 through the precincts of my neighbour's shack, on 

 my way to the Mazeys', I saw a son of Erin in the 

 doorway, and when I returned my neighbour said 

 he thought among the visitors of Thomas there was 

 one who might suit me as hired man. 



Patrick O'Hara had a shock of auburn curls, blue 

 eyes, and eyelashes which he fluttered in a heart- 

 softening manner. 



" I followed the plough as a boy in Ireland, lady, 

 and, faith ! though the farmer would not have me milk 

 because he caught me having just one drink out of 

 the can on a thirsty morning, shure it'll all be 

 coming back to me." 



" I have a teamster," I explained, " and your 

 work would be chores for the first month at least ; 

 and I want the stable roof returfed, and the stables 

 kept clean and comfortable. Also there is a great 

 deal of stoning to be done, and fencing ; in fact, 

 you would have to do anything I required, and the 

 pay is only fifteen dollars for the first month. If 

 you suit me later, you might take the teamster's 

 place ; and I want a really reliable man as care- 

 taker for the winter. Mr. Dennison tells me you 

 have a wife and child whom you are anxious to 

 bring out." 



