There's no doubt about that; is there, Aby ?" "Can't say, I'm sure, not knowing the gentleman," said Aby.
"We holds land from Sir Thomas, we do; that is, me and my brother Mick, and a better landlord ain't nowhere," said Mr.O'Dwyer.
"Oh, you're one of the tenants, are you?
The rents are paid pretty well, ain't they ?" "To the day," said Mr.O'Dwyer, proudly.
"What would you think now--" Mr.Mollett was continuing; but Aby interrupted him somewhat violently.
"Hold your confounded stupid tongue, will you, you old jolterhead;" and on this occasion he put his hand on his father's shoulder and shook him.
"Who are you calling jolterhead?
Who do you dare to speak to in that way?
you impudent young cub you.

Am I to ask your leave when I want to open my mouth ?" Aby had well known that his father in his present mood would not stand the manner in which the interruption was attempted.

Nor did he wish to quarrel before the publican and his daughter.

But anything was better than allowing his father to continue in the strain in which he was talking.
"You are talking of things which you don't hunderstand, and about people you don't know," said Aby.

"You've had a drop too much on the road too, and you 'ad better go to bed." Old Mollett turned round to strike at his son; but even in his present state he was somewhat quelled by Aby's eye.