Mary came to where
Dannie worked.
"Where's Jimmy?" she asked.
"I dinna, know" said Dannie. "He went away a while ago with some
boy, I didna notice who."
"And he didn't tell you where he was going?"
"No."
"And he didn't take either of his fish poles?"
"No."
Mary's lips thinned to a mere line. "Then it's Casey's," she said,
and turned away.
Dannie was silent. Presently Mary came back.
"If Jimmy don't come till morning," she asked, "or comes in shape
that he can't fish, will you go without him?"
"To-morrow was the day we agreed on," answered Dannie.
"Will you go without him?" persisted Mary.
"What would ~he do if it were me?" asked Dannie.
"When have you iver done to Jimmy Malone what he would do if he were you?"
"Is there any reason why ye na want me to land the Black Bass, Mary?"
"There is a particular reason why I don't want your living with
Jimmy to make you like him," answered Mary. "My timper is being
wined, and I can see where it's beginning to show on you. Whativer
you do, don't do what he would."
"Dinna be hard on him, Mary. He doesna think," urged Dannie.
"You niver said twer words. He don't think. He niver thought about
anybody in his life except himself, and he niver will."
"Maybe he didna go to town!"
"Maybe the sun won't rise in the morning, and it will always be
dark after this! Come in and get your supper."
"I'd best pick up something to eat at home," said Dannie.
"I have some good food cooked, and it's a pity to be throwin' it
away.
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