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142 as our case is, theirs is worse. But for your saying it, I would not believe a word of it. But I am sure you have the truth of it. What else would have taken her out like a fool, walking the fair with him in that red cloak, but that she was quite sure that the match was made?"

"The wedding was to be in Dublin," said the big tinker. "No place nearer home would do. Good gracious me! I have been a long time in the world, and many a clever trick has been played upon me in my time, but such a trick as that I never saw played until to-day, and I don't suppose I shall ever see again."

"Which were the more, the tricks played on you or the tricks played by you?" said he of the colt.

"Really and truly," said the tinker, "I do not remember ever playing a trick upon anyone. No, really."

He said it so innocently that they all laughed out. Sive heard the laugh. She at once concluded that the fun was at herself, for she had heard Shiana telling all about the match. She had heard him with shame and anger; but when she heard the laugh from the people on the road, she lost her temper completely. She rushed out and began at them. She heaped abuse on Shiana again, because he had not spoken in time, before she had given her money to Sheeghy. Then she heaped abuse on the big tinker because he was laughing at her.

"You thick-speaking clown of the broken pots!" said she, "you never had the right nor any one of your race during seven generations, to be making fun of me." Then she turned on him of the colt because he burst out laughing when he saw the