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184 a few days, in the King's name, I would be conferring a favour on the King, and that it would not go unreported to him; that I gave my three hundred to the gentleman in the King's name; and that that left myself and my father absolutely penniless, unless it is in the power of the King to remedy the mischief that was done in his name.'

"'All right,' said Cormac. 'Don't tell anyone living this plan that you have in mind. When you have done telling your story, tell the King that you would recognise this Sheeghy if you could see him, and that if it would be his majesty's pleasure to send a body of men with you, that you would go in search of him and bring him to justice.'

"'I'd know the scoundrel's head,' said she, 'if it was twenty-four hours boiling in a pot of porridge, and I'll knock the affectation out of him, I promise you!'

"Cormac went and found a lodging for her; then he went and spoke to the man who was master of the King's household. He knew them all.

"'There is a young woman here from Munster,' said he, 'and she says that someone has stolen three hundred pounds from her, and that she cannot get at him; and that she has come to lodge a complaint against him before the King.'

"'It is hard for the King to find them all,' said the master. 'There is a hunt all over Ireland,' said he, 'for the past three weeks and more, after some other thief, and I think it was in Munster he committed the crime, whatever it was, of which he has been guilty. We are tormented and worried and plagued by Munster people.'

"Cormac did not say a word.