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CHAPTER XVIII.

CORMAC TELLS HIS STORY.

The night was passing and Cormac was not returning, nor any exact account from him. Those who had lost their horses began to feel troubled and ashamed. They had heard what Sive said to the owner of the colt, and they knew she was right. There was not one of them to whom her remarks did not apply as aptly as to him of the colt. They felt that no one had much pity for them, and they had not much pity for each other. When the big sums were offered to them they knew they were getting more than their right—and they took it. By and by, when the truth came out, they felt in their hearts that they had got what they deserved because they had consented to what was wrong. They slipped away home, gloomy and sore at heart, sad and disappointed, disgusted with themselves and with their day's work.

Sheila.—Now you see there are many ways of making false money besides making it of little slate flags, by witchcraft.

Kate.—There are, to be sure. And see also that it seldom happens that a man is found honest enough to come a week later and put the right money instead of the false, as Michael Redmond did.

Abbie.—And as usually happens, see how little he was thanked. He saved both his character and his property.