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ON KNOCKNACAR.
105

"The view from the top is lovely beyond compare," I said, as an evasive reply.

"Is what ye see there more lovelier nor what ye see at Shleenanaher?" said Andy with seeming gravity.

"Far more so!" I replied instantly and with decision.

"I tould yer 'an'r there was somethin' worth lukin' at," said he. "An' may I ask if yer 'an'r seen any bog on the mountain?"

I looked at him with a smile. I seemed to rather like his chaff now. "Begor I did, yer 'an'r," I answered, mimicking his accent.

We had proceeded on our way for a long distance, Andy apparently quite occupied with his driving—Dick studying his note-book, and I quite content with my thoughts—when Andy said, apropos of nothing and looking at nobody:—

"I seen a young girrul comin' down the hill beyant, a wee while before yer 'an'r. I hope she didn't disturb any iv yez?"

The question passed unnoticed, for Dick apparently did not hear and I did not feel called upon to answer it.

I could not have truthfully replied with a simple negative or positive.