With a stifled groan he leaped to his feet, and rushing from the kitchen, bolted himself up in his bed-room.
His parents, after he had withdrawn, exchanged glances.
"That went home to him," said the father; "an' as sure as death, the Neils are in it, whatever it is.

But by the crass that saved us, if he tuck an affront from any of them, without payin' them home double, he is no son of mine, an' this roof won't cover him another night.

Howsomever we'll see in the morn-in', plase God!" The mother, who was proud of his courage and prowess, scouted with great indignation the idea of her son's tamely putting up with an insult from any of the opposite faction.
"Is it he bear an affront from a Neil! arrah, don't make a fool of yourself, old man! He'd die sooner.

I'd stake my life on him." The night advanced, and the family had retired to bed; but their son attempted in vain to sleep.

A sense of shame overpowered him keenly.
He tossed and turned, and groaned, at the contemplation of the disgrace which he knew would be heaped on him the following day.