I suppose Dennis heard it, too, for he took one bound to my side in a way that almost made me laugh to feel how ready he was for a row.

But I knew that, after all, I had no right over the man's private affairs, warm as was my zeal for old Biddy.
"And you think I might mind my business and leave you to yours, Mr.
Macartney ?" I said.

"But you see your mother was very kind to me, very kind indeed; and when I left Liverpool I promised her if ever I came across you, you should hear of her, and she should hear of you." "And why not ?" he answered in mollified tones.

"It's mighty good-natured in ye too.

But come in, all the three of ye, and have somethin' to eat and drink for the sake of the old country." We followed him into a back parlour, where there were several wooden rocking-chairs, and a strong smell of stale tobacco.