A LAD of the O'FRIELS CHAPTER I Around TOAL A-GALLAGHER's CANDLE L a IFE at Knockagar was so placid that any little pebble cast into the stream made welcome disturbance. There was much excitement when the word went round that a little stranger from the dimly known world which lay beyond our great wild mountain barrier was coming in to find a home amongst us. There was not anyone half so excited as I, Dinny O'Friel; nor anyone half so glad. And that was not because I had any lack of pleasure in my life, or any lack of company; for the bird in the bush and the trout in the burn, not less than the hills and the streams, were my companions, as well as the other barefooted, gay-hearted lads of Knockagar, who ran with me when I chose. But these latter I did not always choose; for, though they appreciated the nests of mavis and leverock and partridge I showed them, and the trout pool I discovered them, and the den of wild cherries I disclosed to them, and the tales I told |