When the cars reached Locust Gap, McKenna and his, by this time, maudlin companion, alighted, and went directly to the residence of Dennis F. Canning, the County Delegate of Northumberland, but learned from Mrs. Canning that her husband was absent, in Philadelphia, on business. They could not remain there, so adjourned to Scott’s tavern, where Donahue soon made himself ridiculous by quarreling with everybody, and the agent was pleased to lead him away on the road to Locust Gap Junction, near which place Hester resided. After a fatiguing walk, the drunken man rallied a little and was sufficiently himself to point out certain bridges that they had tried hard to burn. Donahue concluded, from their ill success, that kerosene oil was not sufficient for setting fire to heavy timbers. It might do with small trash, but utterly failed when applied to large beams and girders. The watchman at this bridge was a brother of Mrs. Hester, and Donahue said the structure would yet have to go. Had not the powder been mismanaged it must have met destruction some weeks before. At this period another well-timed query about Miss Hester set Donahue’s tongue running regarding the attack on Helfenstein’s, or Ben Franklin Breaker, which he pointed out. “It made a devilish fine blaze!” the Mollie said, in a tone of exultation, “an’ the cowardly watchmen made no show of resistance!” This breaker, after repeated notifications to its owners that it was in danger, had been left to the care of one or two useless and cowardly attendants, and was leveled to the ground. Donahue said that Enterprise would have been left standing, had not the bosses continued to put good miners out and blacklegs in, after notification to stop it. Then that structure had to go the way of the others. [Illustration: “_Here we are, at Pat. Hester’s, at last._”] “Here we are at Pat Hester’s at last,” said Donahue, as they gained the locality. They entered the house and McKenna was placed on friendly terms with Mrs. Hester and the boys—for Hester had a large family, several lads, and two blooming daughters. Presently Donahue retired to the sitting-room to visit the girls, leaving the operative to be entertained by the old lady. This was a joke that McKenna appreciated, but the tables were quickly turned upon Donahue, who was surprised, a moment later, to see his former companion walk into the parlor with Mrs. Hester, who gave him a favorable introduction to her daughters. They were both handsome misses, as McKenna had previously been informed, and received him very graciously. The conversation soon assumed a kindly and interesting phase, despite Donahue’s condition. Even that tough customer was somewhat sobered by his long walk on the railroad track. Hester came home to dinner. In the meantime, McKenna had talked his best to the fair one of his choice, whose name was Maria, and she seemed to take his blarney with a good grace, but really giving him, in joke, as good as he sent.