Even if her father was with the king, and had already returned home, he would frequently be absent in the camp, and who could tell but some band of plunderers might visit the house in his absence! The Protestants had been plundered and ill-used by William's men round Athlone, and might be here.
It would certainly be well to know what was going on across the water.
After the kindness they had received, surely it would be only civil to let the Conyers know where they were posted.

At any rate, Claire could not be offended at his writing; besides, he might arrange some plan by which he might get news from Larry's friend, Pat Ryan.
As he went down to the village he heard roars of laughter, and, passing a cottage, saw Larry with five or six of the troopers round him.

Larry was seated on the ground, making a framework in the shape of a saucer four feet in diameter.
"And what are you wanting a boat for, Larry ?" "Sure, I am mighty fond of fishing," Larry said.

"Didn't you know that ?" "I know you are a fisherman at home, Larry; but if it's fishing you want, there are two large boats hauled up on the bank." "They are too big," Larry said.

"I should want half a dozen men to launch them, and then you would want to go with me, and the bare sight of you would be enough to frighten away all the fish in the Shannon.