And, as he admitted it, his ears rang again with the plaints of his stranded fellow-countryman, a wheedler from the South Country, off whose tongue the familiar brogue had dripped like honey.

His recommendation, he explained, had been made out of charity; he had not forced the agent to engage the man; and it would surely be a gross injustice if he alone were to be held responsible.
To his relief Ocock did not seem to attach importance to the fact, but went on to ask whether any written agreement had existed between the parties.

"No writing?
H'm! So ...

so!" To read his thoughts was an impossibility; but as he proceeded with his catechism it was easy to see how his interest in the case grew.

He began to treat it tenderly; warmed to it, as an artist to his work; and Mahony's spirits rose in consequence.
Having selected a number of minor points that would tell in their favour, Ocock dilated upon the libellous aspersion that had been cast on Mahony's good faith.