Duggin made no reply, but marching round and round the half-built boat, he made several slighting observations signifying his utter contempt for the plan, as well as its execution. “Why, blow it!” said he, “look at that. I tell you there’s no living use for that infernally outlandish keel. You might as well turn a lighter, as such a tub as that, in the water!” Poor William’s feelings were almost too great for words, so indignant was he at this coarse and vulgar attack on the object of his zealous labours. He, however, merely said, “She’s very unlike a tub, for the matter of that; and as for the keel, that will give her a sure grip of the water, and make her hold her way.” “Who’s the out-and-out judge that said them wise things, I’d like to know?” asked Duggin, with a mocking sneer on his lip. “Them that’s as fine judges as any in the harbour,” replied Collins; “there’s Dan Magrath, and Ned Desmond, and Mark Brien, down at the ferry; and there aren’t better men to be found at handling an oar.” “Bother!” said Duggin, “little I’d give for a score of ’em; and as for that fellow Magrath, he’s a regular _lubber_, that isn’t no more fit in a race than I’m fit to bite a piece out of this anchor at my feet!” “I know nothing about biting the anchor,” said Collins; “but I tell you what: the four of us will try you at the regatta for the ten-pound cup!” “Done! done! my hearty: mind ye don’t go back, and be forgetting yer promise!” said Duggin, with the air of one already certain of the prize. “Don’t be afraid of me,” Collins replied; “I never broke my word yet, and I don’t intend to begin now.” Again did Duggin criticise the boat, and declare himself dissatisfied with nearly every point about her. The temper of the young builder was severely tried; but rather than turn away a customer from his master’s yard, he with difficulty succeeded in curbing his rising passion. Scarcely had Duggin, however, left the yard, when a piercing shriek rang from the house, through which lay the general passage. William heard it, and flinging aside the plane he was then using, he rushed in to ascertain its cause. What was his amazement at beholding Sally struggling violently to release herself from the arms of the gallant Duggin, who was endeavouring in vain to snatch a kiss from the maiden’s rosy mouth! “Ha! you villain!--there, take that!” said Collins, as with one fierce spring he gripped him by the throat, and flung him headlong on the floor.