It was altogether sheer madness, for the old boat was barely fit for a day's fishing in fine weather, and though Barney nearly killed himself overhauling her, and patching her sails, I doubt if he knew very well what he was after.

I've been thinking, Jack, that his mind was not what it was.

He was always a bit obstinate, if he got a notion into his head, but of late the squire himself couldn't turn him.
When he wanted to do a thing about the place that Barney didn't approve, if he didn't give in (as he was apt to do, being easy-tempered) I can tell ye he had to do it on the sly.

That was how he ordered the new ploughs that nearly broke Barney's heart, both because of being new-fangled machines, and ready money having to be paid for them.

'I'll see the ould place ruined before ye come to your own, Master Dennis,' he told me.