Morning journal and courier., 1880-04-06
CHAPTER III.
THE MUSIC OF A PIG's sQUEAL.

h the distance came the squeal of young pig.
 It was most welcome and cheering sound.
 The squeal of pig had not been heard in that hamlet for months past.
 All had risen to their feet and, with dllated eyes and ears strained, listened to the old-time music of young pigs squeal
 Nearer and nearer came tho music of that squeal.
 It was heard just without the door.
 There was no doubt now.
 It was joyous reality; young pig, alive and kicking, was actually within hearing.
 The door WAS burst opsn, and sceno of wild excitement and joyousness folio wed.
 In stalked Happy Pat with a lively little porker under his arm.
 The ruddy face of the local nomad was all aglow with excitement.
 tfGood evening, Mister O'Mara! Good evening, all of yees! Faith, but thought I'd give yees sorenads, and knsw of no better music than the squsAl of rasl pig at this time"
 ''One moment Pat Ranlsagh," exclaimed O'Marn. "Did ye come honestly by that
 ''Cris O'Mara, ye gre the only man could ask me that question and not get lug under the ear for an aspsrsion upon my charac- ter."
 Turning to woman present, who was known as good cook in her way, Pat said:
 ''Como, now, Mrs Martin, yell be afthsr making ready for the cooking of this pig; faith I brought him. in that ysss might hear him sing bit afors I cut the throat that could make such fine music for Irish ears about this tine."
 It was strange sight to watch the eager looks of that motley crowd of hungry people as they crowded around Pat.
 'Look here," cried Pat, Ego ye, Farrel, wid another of them hsrs, and fix ths pig Troth, his voice is gettin' hoarss, and we'll 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 in which his honest form was envolopsd, and drew forth loaf of bread.
 ''See this, will ySes?" hs cried, and his eyes danced with delight ''And look at this Faith, we'll go the whole pig this time, to be sure! And here's Q bit O tay, and here sup O sugar; and, begorra I've some oatmeal below here, tucked way down in me olothss."
 At this moment a most impressive scene oc- cured
 Tears were streaming down the faces of that happy gathering of psople-tears of joy-joy have known what it was to be raised suddenly from the very depths of despair to the pima cle of new hopes
 Cris O'NTara was strong man, and one who prided himself upon his stern dignity.
 He was weeping at that moment like great boy.
 Tears rolled down the furrows of his cheeks as, extending his hand to Pat, he exclaimed:
 ''Pat, my dear boy, ye hev heaped coals of fire upon my head indade! Faith, closed me door agin ye, and ye hev only returned to snatch me and mine from death-death by starvation 70
 'sArrah, go away!" cried Pat, drawing the sleeve of his coat across his honest face ''Ye niver did me harm, Cris O'Mara, and if ye make any allusion to the past, faith I'll go out in the storm and get all wet so I will !'
 When it is remembered that Pat was at the time drippiug like drenchsd blanket one can realize what Q 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. "Eere's bit O tobacky :; and now yees mustn't look solemn, as though it were smug- gled but if here aint bit O :whisksy, true Irish whiskey, may be kicked to death wid 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 ssrv- ed up.
 It was happy assemblage-
 True Irish nature was displayed upon the occasion.
 The misery of the past weeks was forgotten; all care for the lowering future was cast aside, and jollity and merriment prevailed on every side.
 T
 The brave lad was in the midst of 8 song in relation to keeping the wolf from the door, when steps were heard without.
 "Who comes now p asked one.
 'Fsith the odor of that pig has brought some poor divils to the door ?" exclaimed an other.
 ''Begorra, thin we must ask them inI" cried Cris OMara. ''Faith, the sup we hev tonight shall appease as many hungry stomachs as there's food to go round"
 moment later, and the door was burst open.
 It was not a half-starved intruder who stood across the threshold, but welI-fed consta- ble.
 Behind the constable peered the ugly face of Richard McMann.
 In moment Happy Pat was on his feet, and, going over to Cris O'Mara, he said:
 ''On my living soul, O'Mara, came hon estly by all that I've brought into yer cabin this night, Dick Mclienn and his lies to the contrary"
 ''There's yer man, constable!" said McMann in husky voice, pointing toward Pat.
 What's wantin' av me ?" asked Pat in a steady voice.
 s'Troth, yer wantin' on charge av stalin' !'' came the gruf answer.
 Each face became pale upon hearing these nnninnns yznrfia.