At any rate, Claire could
not be offended at his writing; besides, he might arrange some plan by
which he might get news from Larry's friend, Pat Ryan.
As he went down to the village he heard roars of laughter, and, passing a
cottage, saw Larry with five or six of the troopers round him. Larry was
seated on the ground, making a framework in the shape of a saucer four
feet in diameter.
"And what are you wanting a boat for, Larry?"
"Sure, I am mighty fond of fishing," Larry said. "Didn't you know that?"
"I know you are a fisherman at home, Larry; but if it's fishing you want,
there are two large boats hauled up on the bank."
"They are too big," Larry said. "I should want half a dozen men to launch
them, and then you would want to go with me, and the bare sight of you
would be enough to frighten away all the fish in the Shannon. But I will
have a look at the boats. The captain might want a party to cross the
river, and it's as well to see that they are in good order, and have got
the oars and thole pins handy. I will see to them myself, for there are
not half a dozen of ye know one end of the boat from the other."
When Walter reached his quarters, he at once sat down to write. After
many attempts he finished one as follows:
"Dear Miss Conyers:
"After the kindness shown to us by Mrs.
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