Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-04-05
CHAPTER III.

In the distance came the squeal OF young
pig.
The Squeal of a pig had not been heard In
that hamlet for months past.
All had risen TO their feet and with ullated
eyes and ear strained, listened to the Old-tinn
music OF young pigs SQueal.
Nearer and nearer came the music of that
sQueal.
1t was heard Just without the door.
There was no doubt now.
II was joyous reality, young pig, alive and
kicking, was actually within hearing.
me door was burst open, and scene of wild
excitement and ioyousneSS followed.
In Stalked happy Pat with lively little
p0rker under his arm.
| The rudy face OF the local nOmad was all
Good evening. Meter O'Mara. Good even
Ing, all OF yees Fait,,. but thought I'd give
wees serenade and new of no better music
lone moment, Pat Ranleagh," exclaimed
OMara. Ibid We come honestly by that pig?"
Girls O'Mara, ye are the only man could ask
me that question and not get a lug under the
ear TO- an aSperSOn upon my character"
Turning to woman present who was known
as gooS cook In her way, Pat said:
Come. now, Mrs. Martin. ,-e'll be afther MAX
ing ready for the cooking CT this pig; faith
brought lin in that yees might hear him sing
bit afore cnt the throat that could make such
fine music i2r Irish ears about this time"
1t was strange sight to watch the eager
ooks OF thai motley crowd OF hungry people as
they crowded around Pat.
another Of thin here, and fix the pig! Troth,
his voice is gettin hoarse, and Well try and see
If he tastes as good as he squeals."
The men named took the pig without the
door, While Happy Pat plunged his hands down
in the great coat lie which his honest form was
env .ehg and nd, drew forth loaf o: bread.
danced with delight. And look at this Faith.
We'll go the whole pig this time TO be sure
And here's biz O. tay, and here a sup O. sugar:
and, begOrra Eve some oatmeal below here
tucked way down in me cOtheS.n
81 this moment most impressive scene oc-
CURED.
Tears were streaming down the faces of that
happy gathering OF people-tearS OF jOy-joy
such as only can be realized by those who have
known what it was to ebe raised suddenly from
the very depths OF despair to the pinnacle OF
new hopes
Girls OMaFa was strong man, and one who
plided himself upon his stern dignity.
He was weeping at that moment like great
boy.
Tears rolled down the burrows OF bis cheeks
as, extending bis hand to Pat, he exclaimed:
Is Pat, my dear boy, ye hey heaped Goals OF
door: agn ye. and ye hev only returned to
vatiOn.'
.'Arrah, 20 way :" cried Pat. drawing the
sleeve OF his coat across bis honest face .Ye
niver did me harm, Girls OMara, and If we
make any allusioH to The past, faith I'll go out
in the storm and get all wet so WILL"
When ii is remembered that Pat was at the
time dripping like drenched blanket one can
realize what terrible threat It was that he had
made.
And now look here" cried Pat, still plung
ing down into the pocket depths OF his great
coat Here's bit O tObacky; and now yeeS
mustn't look solemn. as though it were Snug
gled; but If here amt bit O whisky true Irish
whisky, may be kicked TO death wild crippled
spiders in cold weather.
The women folks were soon busy.
The fire was stirred up, and within an hour
good hot smoking meal was ready to be served
up.
It was a happy assemblage.
True irish nature was displayed upon the oc-
casiOn.
The misery OF the past weeks was forgotten:
all care for the lowering future was cast aside.
ana JolliIy and merrment prevailed on every
side.
The merriest of the merry was Happy Pat
The brave lad was In the midst OF song in
relation to keeping the wolf from the door. when
steps were heard without.
Who comes. MOVE" asked one.
Faith, the 0dor OF that pig has brought
some poor divis 10 the doors exclaimed an
other.
"BegoTa, thin we must ask them In" cried
Girls O'Mara. Faith, the sup we hev tonight
shall appease as many hungry stomachs as
there's food 10 go round
moment later, and the door was burst
open.
IL was not half-starved intruder who stood
across the threshold but a well-fed constable.
Behind the constable peered the ugly face OF
Richard McMann.
In moment Happy Pat was on his feet, and,
going over TO Girls OMara, he said:
ION my Twin Sowl, O'Mara, l came honestly
by all that I've brought into yer cabin this
night, DICK McMann and his lies to the contra
w. ,..,u
In husky voice, pointing toward Pat.
What's wantin' av me?" asked Pat, In a
steady voice.
"Troth, yer wantin' on charge av stalin'.."
came the gruf answer.
Each face became pale upon hearing these
: ominOus words.