He informed him that he would
have to leave Skibbereen by stage which would depart in a couple of
hours. This stage would convey him to the first railway station, some
ten or twelve miles away where he could get a train in the afternoon for
Cork. He urgently requested him to remain over for a few days and
enjoy the hospitality of Skibbereen. Paul, being anxious to reach Cork,
declined. He requested the landlord to send Andy in to settle up. As
the hero was ushered in, it was easy to observe that the people had been
filling him as well as pumping him.
"Here are your six shillings, I believe that is what you asked me."
"That's roight, sur," said Andy as he reached his hand, "that's fur
meself, but how about me mare?"
"What have I got to do with your mare?"
"Shure, sur, ye don't want the poor baste to starve to death."
"Certainly not, she is yours and you ought to feed her."
"But, sur, Oi niver had a traveller yet as didn't pay fur the mare's
eatin' an' drinkin' as well as moine."
Paul was amused at this new rule, but was informed by Mr. Jolly that
such was the custom in that part of Ireland.
"Well, Andy," said he, "how much do you think it will take to keep your
mare from starving until you get back to Baltimore? Here's your two
shillings more.
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