"Is this what you feared ?" said the Scotchman.

"Is this what you wanted protection against?
No; you're in league together to torture me, and all this time you've been laughing up your sleeves at my expense!" "At your expense ?" growled Harrigan, rising in turn.

"Is it at your expense that I've been sittin' here breakin' me heart with singin' love tunes for you an' the girl ?" She sprang up in an agony of fear.
"Go! Go!" she begged of McTee.

"If you doubt me, go, and when you come back calm, I will explain." He brushed her to one side and made a step toward Harrigan.
"Love songs for _me ?_" he repeated incredulously.
"Aye, love songs for you.

Ye black swine, ye could not be happy till I was brought in to be the piper while you an' Kate danced!" "While I and Kate danced ?" thundered McTee.