124 WHAT I HAVE SEEN WHILE FISHING 



When the daughter explained to them that I was 

 thirsty they both spoke again, "What would the 

 gintleman wish for most ? " I replied, " Thank 

 you, I should like some milk," and, after drinking it 

 and again thanking them, I was about to leave 

 them to their dinner-preparing and love-making. 

 But I was not to go until much had been said about 

 Ireland and its needs. 



Not altogether dissociating himself from his 

 neighbours Mr. Ryan remarked, " We are always 

 waiting for Land Bills and Land Bills. It's lead 

 the same are putting in our brogues. Who 

 amongst the mighty spakers can give us back the 

 hours of sunshine we have lost in blathering ? How 

 shall it help us if we get the land entoirely if we are 

 too long lazily waiting for the same ? " I ventured 

 to ask this intelligent representative of the largest 

 class, the small farmer, if, in his opinion, laws could 

 be better made in Dublin ? The old gentleman's 

 eyes flashed at me, and, fearing I had made a 

 mistake, I was quick to hold up my hand before 

 he could answer, and then I assured him I knew 

 nothing of politics, being only a countryman and 

 a fisherman longing to see the country look lovely 

 and prosperous, and therefore he need only forget 

 my question. 



His answer came in a raised, excited tone that 

 caused me to look for explanation in the wife's 

 face ; but her eyes were fixed on her husband and, 

 as he spoke, her pride was evidently very great. 



