When we say, however,
that Lamh Laudher was the head of his party, we beg to be understood as
alluding only to his personal courage and prowess; for there were in it
men of far greater wealth and of higher respectability, so far as mere
wealth could confer the latter.
"Lamh Laudher," said Meehaul, "whenever a Neil spakes to you, you may
know it's hot in friendship."
"I know that, Meehaul Neil, without hearin' it from you. Spake, what
have you to say?"
"There was a time," observed the other, "when you and I were enemies
only because our cleaveens were enemies but now there is, an' you know
it, a blacker hatred between us."
"I would rather there was not, Meehaul; for my own part, I have no
ill-will against either you or yours, all you know that; so when you
talk of hatred, spake only for yourself."
"Don't be mane, man," said Neil; "don't make them that hates you despise
you into the bargain."
Lamh Laudher turned towards him fiercely, and his eye gleamed with
passion; but he immediately recollected himself, and simply said--
"What is your business with me this night, Meehaul Neil?"
"You'll know that soon enough--sooner, maybe, than you wish. I now ask
you to tell me, if you are an honest man, where you have been?"
"I am as honest, Meehaul, as any man that ever carried the name of Neil
upon him, an' yet I won't tell you that, till you show me what right you
have to ask me.
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