“I will, Misther John; but, troth, it's the worst word in their cheek they'd give me, if I deliver the last part of your message. 'Tis my head in my fist I'd get, maybe; however, Misther John, between you an' me, they're an ill-looking set, one an' all o' them, an' could pay their tides, every tail o' them, if they wished.” “I know that very well,” replied the young fellow, “but my father's not the man to be trifled with. We'll soon see whether they or the law's the strongest; that's all.” Moylan went over to where the defaulters were standing, and putting up his hand, he stroked down his cheek with great gravity. “Are yez in a hurry, good people?” said he. “Some of us is,” replied a voice. “Ay, all of us,” replied others; “and we're here now for an hour and a half, and no sign of seein' us.” “Yez are in a hurry, then?” “To be sure we are.” “Well, to them that's in a hurry I've a word to say.” “What is it, Mogue?” “Why, it is this, take your time--ever an' always, when you happen to be in a hurry--take your time.” “Maybe, Mogue,” they replied, “if you were widout your breakfast, as we are, you wouldn't say so.” “Why, did'nt yez get your breakfasts yet?” “Devil a morsel.” “Well, to them that didn't get their breakfasts I have another word to say.” “What is it, Mogue?” “Why, have patience--ever and always when you're hungry, have patience, and you'll find it a great relief; it'll fill you and keep you in good condition--that I mayn't sin but it will! But, sure, I've got news for yez, boys,” he added; “Masther John bid me tell you that, after about a month or so it'll be contrary to law to get hungry: there's an act o' parliament goin' to be made against it, you see; so that any villain disloyal enough to get hungry, if it's proved against him, will be liable to transportation. That I mayn't sin but it'll be a great comfort for the country--I mane, to have hunger made contrary to act o' parliament.”