156 BEATING THE SPRINGS AND THE WOOD. 



I went down to the office of the 6 Eagle/ 

 and without hesitation related the circumstances 

 to Mr. O'Brien. 



"Bedad, it's an ugly business," said that 

 gentleman. " Does Margaret like you ?" 



"She does," I answered, and was almost 

 sorry for speaking so abruptly, the good 

 fellow's face showed so much genuine sadness. 



"Well, she's a sweet girl," he remarked after 

 a pause. " Look here, when are you to leave ?" 



" To-morrow, if you will resume your old 

 post." 



"I'll do anything for you, my boy," said 

 this thoroughly loyal-hearted Irishman, " any- 

 thing for you and Miss Margaret," he added 

 with a slight effort ; " but I see nothing for it, 

 except for you to run away with her." 



" That won't do. I deceived her mother 

 already ; I'll not take her daughter from her in 

 a sneaking fashion now." 



" Then let me think over it. I can always 

 consider best with the gun under my arm ; and 

 I'm going out for a crack at the plover now. 

 In the evening I'll tell you my plans." 



I spent the day packing up ; and when that 



