Characters:

William John Granahan, a farmer.
Mrs. Granahan, his wife.
Samuel James, } their sons.
Robbie John, }
Ellen, their daughter.
Thomas Granahan, father of Wm. John Granahan.
John Graeme, a farmer.
Jane, his daughter.
Mr. Taylor, a Creamery Manager.
A tramp fiddler.

The scene throughout is laid in the Kitchen of William John Granahan’s house in the County of Down.

Time. The Present Day.

A month elapses between Scenes I. and II.

Scene I.

A farm kitchen of the present day. Door at back, opening to yard, and window with deal table on which are lying dishes and drying cloths with basin of water. A large crock under table. A dresser with crockery, etc., stands near to another door which opens into living rooms. Opposite there is a fireplace with projecting breasts, in which a turf fire is glowing. Time, about eight of a summer evening in July. Mrs. Granahan and Ellen are engaged at table washing and drying the plates after the supper. Thomas Granahan, the grandfather, is seated at fire place and has evidently just finished his stirabout. The strains of a quaint folk-air played on a violin, sound faintly from the inner room.

Mrs. Granahan.

Is that the whole of them now Ellen?

Ellen.

Yes that’s all now but one.

[She goes across to grandfather and lifts the plate.]

Have you finished granda?

Grandfather.

Yes dearie I have done.

[He pauses and fumbles for his pipe, &c.]

Is’nt that a fiddle I’m hearing?

Ellen.

Yes. Robbie’s playing the fiddle in the low room.

Mrs. Granahan.

[Arranging plates on dresser and turning round.]

I wish some one would stop that boy’s fool nonsense wi’ his fiddle. He’s far too fond o’ playin’. It would stand him better to mind his work.

[Calls.]

Robbie!

[Louder.]

D’you hear me Robbie?

Ellen.

Oh, let the boy be, mother. Its the first time I’ve heard him at it this week.

Grandfather.

Och aye. Let the boy enjoy himself. You’re only young wanst you know, Mary.

Ellen.

I think it must be a great thing to be a great musician. Sometimes I believe Robbie should try his luck with that fiddle of his. Somehow I know I feel he is a genius at it.

Mrs. Granahan.

What notions you do have to be sure. To think of a big grown man like Robbie John spending his life-time at an old fiddle.

[Sharply.]

Blathers and nonsense. Its time that boy was out lookin’ at the cattle.

[Calls.]

Are you there Robbie?

[Louder.]

Robbie John.

Robbie John.

[From without. The fiddle ceases suddenly and he comes and stands with it in his hand at the door.]

Aye.

Mrs. Granahan.

You’d better go down to the low field and see the cattle haven’t broken through into Aura Boyd’s corn. You couldn’t keep them beasts in when the flies gets at them.

Robbie John.

Just one second till I try this again.

Mrs. Granahan.

Now, will you go when I tell you. You and your ould fiddle. It’ll be the death of you yet. Mind what I say.

Robbie John.

[Coming through door and standing there.]

Bad cess to the cattle and Aura Boyd.

Grandfather.

He’s a tarr’ble unneighbourly man.

Mrs. Granahan.

He’s a cross grained man right enough, but it wouldn’t do to have the cattle trampin’ and eatin’ his corn.

Robbie John.

I was down there only ten minutes ago when you sent me, and they were eatin’ there quite peaceable.

Mrs. Granahan.

Now will you go Robbie John when your mother wants you. Aura Boyd sent over here this forenoon to say if that Kerry cow broke into his field again he’d have the law agin us.

Robbie John.

Och, he’s a cross ould cratur. Sure, she had only one foot through the hedge when he turned her.

[He sees mother is getting impatient.]

All right; I’m away.

[He goes back into room, leaves fiddle there, comes into kitchen again and goes out by door to yard.]

Mrs. Granahan.

He’s as ill to drive as the ould mare to meetin’ a Sundays.

[She goes and looks through door into room.]

Look at the time it is and your father and Samuel James niver back yet Ellen. They’re terrible late o’ comin’.

Ellen.

Och, I suppose they’ve met some dealer at the fair and are driving a hard bargain as usual.

Grandfather.

I wonner if they got that foal red off their hands yet. It’ll be a job I’m thinkin’. He was a miserable baste, and tarr’ble broken in the wind.

Ellen.

Och, trust father to make that all right. I heard Mr. Taylor, of the creamery, say that father could sell you skim milk for cream, better than any man he knew.

Mrs. Granahan.

[Seating herself at chair beside table at back.]

Oh, aye. It’s easy for him to talk, but money’s hard o’ makin’, and if people’s soft it’s their own fault. Only I hope they’ve no’ taken any drink.

Grandfather.

It’s no fault in a good man if he does take a half-un.

Mrs. Granahan.

Now, don’t you be startin’ to talk that way. It’s always the way with them dailers. Muddle the good man’s head with whiskey, and then do him.

Ellen.

[Standing nonchalantly at table facing front with hands resting on it.]

They’ll not muddle father much I’m thinkin’. Besides, Samuel James is with him.

Grandfather.

Samuel James is a cunnin’ rascal.

Mrs. Granahan.

Don’t you miscall my son Mr. Granahan. He’s a canny good son and works hard, and is worth more than half-a-dozen men like Robbie John. They’ll no put their finger in his eye.

[Goes to door back.]

Bliss my heart there’s that sow among the kale. Shoo!

[She goes out and is heard shouting.]

Ellen.

[Laughing.]

That poor sow. It has the times of it.

[Robbie John enters and sits down near grandfather.]

Grandfather.

Well, son; what about the cattle?

Robbie John.

[Weariedly.]

Och, they’re all right. I knowed they’d be all right. It’s always the way.

Grandfather.

[Soothingly.]

They are a terrible newsance, indeed, Robbie.

Robbie John.

But that’s not what troubles me. Why can’t mother leave me alone for just a few minutes till I get some time to myself at the fiddle. I niver touch it but I’m taken away and sent off somewhere.

Ellen.

[Seating herself at chair beside Robbie John.]

Don’t be cross with her Robbie, dear. She’s anxious about the cattle.

Robbie John.

But, Ellen, look here. Any time I can get to have just a tune on that fiddle, someone’s sure to take me away from it. Father sends me out to mend gaps that were mended, or cut turf that was cut, or fodder horses that were foddered. And when he’s away and I might have some chance, mother does the same. Here I’ve been workin’ for the past week, day in and day out, and the very first chance I get, I must run after the cattle or somethin’.

[Despondently,]

Nobody has any feelin’ for me here at all.

Grandfather.

Now, now; Robbie. It’s all for your own good, son, she does it.

Ellen.

And we feel for him, don’t we Grand-da? You mustn’t look so cross, Robbie. You know that they think you’re too much wrapped up in that fiddle of yours, and they want to break you off it.

Robbie John.

[Determinedly.]

That they never will; never.

Ellen.

[Coaxingly.]

Oh! look grandfather at the cross Robbie.

Grandfather.

[Gazing amusedly at Robbie John.]

Indeed, Robbie, you look like them prize fightin’ men ye see up in the town.

Robbie John.

Well, there; is that any better.

[He smiles half bitterly.]

Ellen.

A wee bit. I wish Jennie Graeme seen you with that face. You wouldn’t get your arm round her so easy then; would he Grand-da?

Grandfather.

A bonny wee girl she is, and has a fine farm and land comin’ till her.

[Aside.]

Boys a dear but these musicians gets the fine weemin.

Robbie John.

There, there; and creamery managers sometimes gets them too, Grand-da.

Grandfather.

Indeed, that Taylor man will get a body can cook sowans anyway.

Ellen.

[Looking through window.]

Here’s mother.

Mrs. Granahan.

[Enters and sits down exhausted on chair at side of table next door.]

That sows a torment. I just had her out and back she doubles again. She just has me fair out of wind turnin’ her out.

Robbie John.

[Rising and making toward door into room.]

I can go and have some practisin’ now.

Mrs. Granahan.

Robbie John, I seen the carts comin’ up the loanin’. Your father will be in, in no time. He’ll no be pleased to see you han’lin’ that,

[pointing to the fiddle.]

just when he comes back.

[Starts up as if suddenly reminded.]

I must go and get them eggs counted.

[Goes out again through door to yard.]

Ellen.

Aye, Robbie; don’t take it. He’ll just think you’ve been playin’ that all the time he was away. And he’s always that cross after markets, you couldn’t stand him.

Robbie John.

[Sitting down again.]

You’re right. I don’t want another talkin’ to like the last one; but its hard.

[He takes up a stick from fuel beside fireplace and starts whittling it. The rattle of carts is heard. Samuel James passes the window and walks in. He is partially intoxicated, enough only to make him talkative.]

Ellen.

Well, how did the fair go off?

[Samuel James takes off his overcoat, flings it on back of chair beside dresser and sits down heavily.]

Ah! you’ve been takin’ a drop, as usual.

Samuel James.

[Scowls at this but does not deny.]

The fair. Oh, it was great value. Sure grand-da he sould the foal for thirty poun’.

Grandfather.

[Astonished]

Boys a dear but William John Granahan bates the divil. And who took her?

Samuel James.

There was a cavalryman bought her. Boys but Da is the hard man to plaze. We stopped at Muc Alanan’s on the way home and met William John McKillop there, and he toul’ the oul’ man he was a fool to let a good horse go at that price, for he was lookin’ all roads to give him thirty poun’ for it; only he couldn’t get in time for the sale.

Grandfather.

[Incredulously.]

Who did you say? McKillop?

Samuel James.

[Laughing.]

Aye.

Robbie John.

[Smiling.]

Sure McKillop hasn’t two sov’rins in the wide world. He was only takin’ a rise out of Da.

Samuel James.

Sure I knowed the ould Yahoo hadn’t the price of a nanny-goat. But of course, Da tuk it all in for gospel. And me sittin’ listenin to him tellin’ ould McKillop what a grand action the foal had and the shoulders the baste had, and the way it could draw thirty hundred up Killainey hill without a pech.

Grandfather.

[Astonished.]

William John Granahan makes a tarr’ble fine Sunday School teacher.

Samuel James.

[Grinning.]

But to see ould McKillop sittin’ there as solemn as a judge, drinkin’ it all in as if gospel and winkin’ at me on the sly, the ould rascal, and cursin’ his luck at losin’ such a bargain.

[The voice of William John Granahan can be heard inviting some one to come on. The strains of a fiddle played by uncertain but unmistakeably professional hands, sounds from the same direction.]

Ellen.

[Looking out through window into yard.]

Who’s that father has got with him Samuel James? Oh such a dirty looking man!

Samuel James.

[Chuckling.]

Da got ahoult of him at Buckna cross roads and right or wrong he’d have him home wi’ him to show Robbie John what fiddlin’ brings a man till.

Ellen.

[Severely.]

Its my mind that you and father have been stayin’ too long in the public house, Samuel James.

[William John Granahan and tramp fiddler can be seen outside window.]

Look at them comin’ in! oh my; wait till mother sees the pair of them.

[William John Granahan comes in leading a ragged looking bearded tramp with an old fiddle tucked under his arm.]

William John Granahan.

Now we’re hame, and we’ll get a drop to drink and a bite to eat, Mr. Fiddler.

[He goes over to fireplace and stands with his back to the fire.]

Take a sate at the fire and warm yourself.

[No one offers a seat to the tramp who stands puzzled looking and swaying in a drunken manner in the kitchen, slightly in front of Samuel James, who remains seated beside dresser engaged in taking off his leggings.]

Ellen. Get us a drop o’ tay and give this poor misguided cratur somethin’ to eat.

Ellen.

[Moves over to dresser and then stands at door into room. She evidently disapproves of the tramp and does not offer to obey. The grandfather rises in disgust and moves his chair nearer the fireplace away from the tramp.]

Tramp.

[To Ellen.]

Your pardon noble lady, I intrude. Your pardon signor I incommode you. Times change and so do men. Ladies and gentlemen behold in me the one time famous leader of the Blue Bohemian Wind and String Band that had the honour of appearing before all the crowned heads of Europe.

William John Granahan.

God bless me, d’you say so mister? D’ye hear that Robbie John. There’s a fiddler for you and see what comes of it.

Tramp.

Perhaps with your permission I may venture to play you a few extracts from my repertoire. I can play to suit all tastes from a simple country ballad to a concerto by Brahms or the great Russian composer Tschaikouski.

William John Granahan.

[Openmouthed.]

Them Rooshians has the tarr’ble names!

Tramp.

Firstly I shall play that touching little ballad I heard Monsieur here warble so sweetly as we rolled homeward on his chariot. If I play he accompanies me with voice. Ne’st ce pas, Monsieur?

William John Granahan.

[Nervously.]

Is your mother out Ellen?

Ellen.

She’s lookin’ after the hens I think. She won’t hear you.

[William John Granahan starts singing two verses of a folk song, the tramp accompanying meanwhile with fiddle, always putting in an extra flourish. The rest all join, even the grandfather beats time with a stick. The door opens and Mrs. Granahan appears seemingly astonished at the uproar. All suddenly cease singing and try to appear innocent, except the tramp, who goes on playing. He suddenly notices the cessation.]

Tramp.

Bravo. A most exquisite little air and beautifully rendered.

[He stops short on seeing Mrs. Granahan who stands glaring at him arms akimbo.]

Your pardon madam. You are the mistress I take it of this most noble and hospitable house.

Mrs. Granahan.

[Ignoring him and going to centre of floor where she looks angrily at William John Granahan who endeavours to appear unconcerned.]

You should be well ashamed of yourself William John Granahan. What will they say about you in the Session I wonner next Sabbath day. D’you think my house is a home for all the dirt and scum of the country side?

Tramp.

Your pardon madam. You owe me an apology. Appearances belie me but scum I am not. I was at one time the well known and justly famous leader of the Blue Bohemian Wind and String

Mrs. Granahan.

Wind and string fiddlesticks. Out you go. Out you will go. I want no tramps in here upsettin’ my house and makin’ it the talk of the neighbours. Out you go at once.

Tramp.

[With drunken pride.]

I thrust my company on no man or woman uninvited.

Mrs. Granahan.

Out you go. I want no excuses. Put him out of this Samuel James.

[Samuel James eludes his mother’s eye and beckons the tramp to stay on.]

The drunken wretch comin’ in here. A nice place you’d have it William Granahan with your fine company.

William John Granahan.

I brought him home here as a tarr’ble and awful warnin’ to Robbie John what this sort of an occupation brings a man till. Yon see him Robbie John. There’s you’re great fiddlin’ for you. Be warned in time.

Robbie John.

[The tramp moves to the door. Robbie John rises and goes across to him and taps him on the shoulder.]

Here.

[Slips him money.]

God bless you poor wanderin’ soul and God forbid any Granahan should ever be treated as you have been.

Tramp.

Sir, I thank you.

[Coming back to him and confidentially.]

Perhaps I could yet please your ears with a romanza which I composed myself

Mrs. Granahan.

Away with you out of this. We want none of your music here.

Samuel James.

[To tramp.]

Why don’t you give up playin’ that fiddle of yours and turn your hand to honest work?

Tramp.

[Proudly.]

Desert my fiddle. The fiddle presented to me at Vienna by my orchestra! A genuine old Cremona 200 years old! Rather would I wander in Hades for ever. Never! Though cruel words stab and wound me.

[Half sobbing.]

Farewell.

[All remain quiet. The strains of a melancholy air like a serenade come from outside. It slowly dies away in the distance. Robbie John moves forward as if to go out.]

Mrs. Granahan.

[Sharply.]

Robbie John. Where are you going? Don’t dare to leave the house. My son going out to keep company with the likes of that dirty rapscallion.

Robbie John.

Ah mother pity the poor wretch. Every word you said to him cut and wounded me to the quick. Did you not see the tears in his eyes for all his fine talk. I should like to know more about him.

Samuel James.

If you went to the sergeant at the barrack, I warrant ye he could tell you more about him.

[He bends down as if to catch the sound of the fiddling which grows very faint.]

Listen!

[Robbie John moves to door and opens it.]

Mrs. Granahan.

[Angrily.]

Where are you going?

Robbie John.

[Rapt.]

Listen.

[He holds his hand for silence. Then quickly goes out.]

William John Granahan.

[To get into his wife’s good graces.]

Well Mary the foal’s sould at last.

Mrs. Granahan.

I’ve a crow to pluck wi’ you over that same foal, William Granahan. I suppose they did you as usual.

William John Granahan.

[Getting angry.]

Nine and thirty year ha’e I gone till market and no man, woman, child, dog or divil ever got the better of me in a bargain yet and right well you know it.

[With pride.]

I soul’ the foal for thirty poun’ not a ha’penny less.

Mrs. Granahan.

[Doubtfully.]

I hope you ha’e it all wi’ you.

William John Granahan.

I ha’e it all but two shillin’ and wan penny.

Mrs. Granahan.

And can you account for them?

William John Granahan.

Woman dear would you ha’e me go and come to market wi’out a ha’penny in my pocket? Have some gumption about ye.

[In a loud angry voice.]

I’m danged but the next time I make a good bargain, I’ll go and ha’e a week to myself in Newcastle or Belfast. I’m young enow yet.

Mrs. Granahan.

There. Stop your fool talk in front of the children and go and change your clothes.

Grandfather.

It was a good price indeed.

Samuel James.

[Slily.]

Yes. He soul’ it for thirty poun’ and William John McKillop lookin’ all roads to give him forty for it.

William John Granahan.

[Angrily and stamping his foot.]

Will you houl’ your tongue you blatterin’ blatherin’ idiot. Bad scran to ye for a meddle

[He goes forward to go into room and aims a box on the ears at Samuel James who retreats to table and watches him go through door followed by Mrs. Granahan. A noise of voices in angry argument is heard.]

Samuel James.

Now he’ll catch it. If I had been Da I would ha’e kept back five poun’ and toul’ her I soul’ it for twenty-five, but the ould man’s that honest, he knows no better.

[Robbie John enters. He goes to seat himself in his old position but stops a moment when spoken to, and then in a petulant manner takes his seat on hearing the speech.]

Well Robbie and what d’ye think of his great object lesson till ye. It was me put it intil Da’s head. I thought there might be a bit o’ value.

[Chuckles.]

Ellen.

There. I just thought it was you did it.

[She comes and sits down again beside table at left. Samuel James seats himself on table carelessly and swings his legs under.]

You’re a schemer that’s what you are.

Grandfather.

Aye. There’s a dale of the crook in ye Samuel James. You’re deeper nor one would think.

Samuel James.

[Suddenly to Robbie John.]

I seen Jenny Graeme at the market to-day Robbie.

[Robbie John does not answer, being evidently shy.]

Oh well, maybe you’re no interested in her.

[To Ellen.]

Man there was a fine lock o’ cattle at the fair, Ellen.

Ellen.

I’m sure there was. Who else did you see?

Robbie John.

[Unwillingly but unable to restrain his jealousy.]

Who was with her? Who left her home?

Samuel James.

[Nodding slily to Ellen.]

Young M’Donnell o’ the Hill head was looking after her pretty close.

Ellen.

[Glancing at Robbie and then at Samuel James and smiling.]

He’s a very nice young man.

Robbie John.

[Savagely.]

I wish her luck wi’ yon booby.

Samuel James.

There’s nothin’ the matter wi’ him. He has a nice place and a fine farm forbye.

Robbie John.

Farms and cattle and crops don’t make a fine man.

Grandfather.

Deed now Robbie, they goes a long ways.

Samuel James.

[To himself.]

Better nor bows and fiddles and such trash.

[To Robbie John.]

I heerd up at Bann to-day, that ye won three poun’ at the Feis at Newcastle a Monday.

Ellen.

I knew that on Tuesday. It was fine of Robbie wasn’t it?

Samuel James.

It all depends. Da heard it for the first time to-day and I can tell you it didn’t seem fine to him. Coorse a poun’ or two would ha’e made a differ o’ opinion same as it done wi’ you I expect.

Ellen.

You needn’t sneer at me. It was me told Robbie to keep it. He was goin’ to give it all up. I wouldn’t be so mean as to take it off him.

Samuel James.

Oh you’re an unusual sort of young woman I know but if Robbie John takes my advice, he better choose quick between playin’ the fiddle and stayin’ on here.

Robbie John.

Give up my fiddle. Never.

Samuel James.

Well you can plaze yourself. I suppose you could make as much by fiddlin’ as if you stayed on here and waited till we had the place divid among the three of us.

Ellen.

Why I heard from Mr. Taylor that father was worth four or five hundred pounds and then the two farms.

Grandfather.

Aye. You’d be a long time Robbie John earnin’ that wi’ your fiddle. Don’t heed his fool talk son. Stay at home and nivir mind the musicians.

Ellen.

Robbie dear, and I’m sure Mr. Graeme would never let his daughter marry a penniless fiddler even if she would herself. I don’t know. She might and she mightn’t.

Samuel James.

[Rising from table and stretching himself.]

Coorse if he made a name for himself he could marry the landlord’s daughter. I heerd the quality go mad after the musicianers.

[Makes to door.]

Well I’m going to wash my hands.

[Goes out to yard.]

Grandfather.

Robbie dear. Come here.

Robbie John.

Aye. What is it?

Grandfather.

Take heed till yourself. I know what’s going on better nor you. Take an ould man’s advice. Settle yourself down and give up that string instrument. Coorse I daresay you may go and become a great man wi’ it but you’re more like to become a cratur like thon that was in as not. There’s no good runnin’ risks. And your father, I heerd him say himself, if you make your bed, you’ll lie on it, for he’ll nivir help you out, once you take to the fiddlin’.

Ellen.

Aye Robbie. Its far better not to run the risk of becoming a beggar man.

Robbie John.

Well I’ll think over it Ellen. I’ll think over it.

Grandfather.

Robbie, come out wi’ me.

[The two go out by door into yard. William John and Mrs. Granahan come in arguing excitedly.]

Mrs. Granahan.

Well you can ha’e the poun’ if you like, but I can tell you its a sore pinch to make things do, what with the price of the sugar riz up and the flour.

[Samuel James comes in. He takes in the situation and seats himself again on the table near Ellen who remains still seated beside it.]

William John Granahan.

There. That’s enough to do about it.

[He goes over to armchair but does not sit down and remains facing Mrs. Granahan.]

Twenty nine poun’ you’ll get and no more.

[Emphatically.]

Min’ that.

Mrs. Granahan.

I’ll min’ it right enough William Granahan. And its a sore time I have trying to keep in wi’ one hand what you lavish out wi’ the other.

Samuel James.

[Nudging Ellen slily.]

I was talking by the way to Mrs. McCrum the milliner, mother, to-day, and she said to give you word she’d have your new tay gown ready for you a Tuesday week.

William John Granahan.

[Triumphantly.]

There you are ma’am. There you are. Keepin’ it in wi’ one hand were you? Faith if I know anything you lather it out wi both hands and feet. You want to rob me of me one poun’ do ye? And all for an ould tay gown!

[Contemptuously.]

A tay gown!

Ellen.

[Maliciously.]

A taygown’s not expensive.

William John Granahan.

Oh indeed now? Hach. You’ll be wantin’ one next I suppose. A nice house this is, where a man couldn’t get keepin’ as much as would buy him an ounce o’ tobaccy.

[Viciously.]

Man I do hate this hypockerisy.

Mrs. Granahan.

I’ll not talk any more till ye, William Granahan. You’re full o’ drink and bad tongued.

William John Granahan.

If you say any more till me, I’ll smash all the crockery in the house.

Mrs. Granahan.

Come out Ellen to the creamery and maybe when we come in, he’ll be a bit cooler in the head.

[She hurries out followed by Ellen through door to yard.]

William John Granahan.

[To Samuel James.]

She’s a tarr’ble woman your mother when she’s started. But I’m much obliged to you Samuel James for the mention o’ that tay gown. By me sang, but that turned the enemy’s flank.

[Laughs.]

I’m danged but you’re the boy.

[Gratefully.]

Heth you saved me a poun’ anyway.

Samuel James.

[Rising and going over sheepishly to him.]

You’ll not forget me Da? will you?

William John Granahan.

[Suspiciously.]

Na.

Samuel James.

Well ye might gie us a part o’ it.

William John Granahan.

How much dy’e want?

Samuel James.

Twelve shillin’.

William John Granahan.

Would you take the very boots off me feet. Where would I get ye twelve shillin’.

Samuel James.

Out o’ the poun’ o’ coorse. Where else?

William John Granahan.

[Grumblingly.]

You’re askin’ ower much. If it was a saxpence

[Samuel James shrugs his shoulders.]

or a shillin’

[Samuel James shrugs more emphatically.]

or two shillin’?

Samuel James.

No.

William John Granahan.

or half a crown?

Samuel James.

No.

William John Granahan.

I’d think nothing of lendin’ them till ye. But twelve shillin’! Would three shillin’ no’ do?

Samuel James.

No. It won’t. Either give me the twelve shillin’ or I’ll tell her about your conduck

William John Granahan.

There. There it is an bad scran to ye. To think o’ me walkin’ ten mile to the fair and back and arguin’ wi’ dailers and chates of all kinds and gettin thirty poun’ for a baste I wouldn’t buy myself for thirty shillin’ and only gettin’ eight shillin’ out o’ it.

Samuel James.

[Whistling and counting money delightedly.]

Aye. Its a hard world and no mistake.

William John Granahan.

[Excitedly.]

I’ll go down to the shough and drown myself I will.

Samuel James.

Na. Go to MucAlanan’s and drown yerself.

William John Granahan.

I’m danged but you’re right. Na. Na. She’ll hear me goin’ out by the gate.

Samuel James.

Boys but you’re the poor hearted man. Well I’m away.

[He makes to door.]

William John Granahan.

Where now?

Samuel James.

To Courdy Williamson’s for the loan of a monkey wrinch for the new machine. The hay’s for cuttin’ the morrow.

William John Granahan.

Oh aye. An you’ll be for coortin’ that young imp of a daughter o’ his I warrant ye. Were you there yisterday forenoon?

Samuel James.

[Somewhat taken aback.]

Yis. Why d’ye ask?

William John Granahan.

Oh nothin’. Only I hadn’t a sowl to help me wi’ them cattle.

Samuel James.

Well wasn’t Robbie John at home? What ailed him he couldn’t help ye?

William John Granahan.

Look you here Samuel James.

[Samuel James comes back nearer.]

I’ve been worried wi’ that boy this long time.

[Samuel James nods approvingly.]

I’ve made up my mind to-day after seein’ yon scarecrow we met at Buckna cross roads, Robbie John aither mends himself or he goes out o’ this.

Samuel James.

You’re right Da. You hae stud his goings on a long time. I think ye do well to stop him. It’s only doin’ him a kindness.

William John Granahan.

I’ll just ask him to burn it when he comes in. If he won’t, he can just plaze himself. I’ll hae no more to do wi’ him.

[Suddenly.]

I wunner what his mother would say to that?

Samuel James.

She’ just as tired of it as you are. Wait; I’ll call her in.

[Goes to door back and shouts.]

Are you there ma’am?

Mrs. Granahan.

[Without.]

Aye.

[She comes to door, opens it and stands looking inquiringly at both of them.]

Well?

Samuel James.

Da’s just been talkin’ about Robbie John, and he wants you to hear what he says.

William John Granahan.

Robbie John’s an idle useless paghle. He’ll aither mend himself or go out o’ this.

Mrs. Granahan.

[Sharply.]

Mend yourself first, me good man.

William John Granahan.

Its not like as if he tuk a drop o’ drink or fell in wi’ bad company, for you’ll get quet o’ drink and bad company if you hae no money.

Samuel James.

[Slily.]

It was mother and I larnt you that.

William John Granahan.

[Snappishly.]

Will you hould your tongue.

[To Mrs. Granahan.]

When he might ha’ been lookin after the cattle or the pigs or somethin else, where is he? Up in the loft playin that damnation fiddle o’ his. Night an mornin’ he’s at it.

Mrs. Granahan.

Deed and he’s doin badly by it and no mistake. He’s not been worth a ha’ penny till us, this last six months. I think you do right just to stop him.

Samuel James.

I heerd he won three poun’ at the Feis last Monday at Newcastle.

William John Granahan.

There you are. And he never offered me one ha’penny o’ it. Me that brought him up and raired and fed him. Them that plays the fiddle comes to no good end, I can tell ye.

[Reminiscently and with a sort of shame-faced pride.]

Not but I wasn’t the great man at it myself wanst. And you were the girl that could ha’ danced to it Mary. But thank God I quet it.

Samuel James.

[Curiously.]

Why?

William John Granahan.

I might ha took to drink and bad company and the like.

Mrs. Granahan.

You’re no rid o’ that yet William Granahan. Ye mind what way ye come home last Bann Fair on top o’ the bread cart.

Samuel James.

[Slily.]

Yis. And the way the Scarva man done him out o’ the price o’ the two pigs.

Mrs. Granahan.

That’s one thing I can’t get over. Was it in a public house ye met him?

William John Granahan.

There. There. Thats enough to do about it. I hear enough about drinkin’ from John Graeme every session day without you etarnally at it.

[Robbie John and Grandfather enter. They evidently understand from the looks of those present that something important is talked of.]

Where’s that fiddle of yours Robbie John? Bring it to me.

[Robbie John looks curiously at him and then at Samuel James. He goes into room and brings it out. He holds it in his hands and looks suspiciously at the father.]

Now Robbie John listen to what I and your mother have thought about this. For our sake and your own we want you to give up that accursed thing and put it from you.

Robbie John.

Why? What harm does it do you or me?

William John Granahan.

It makes you negleck your work. It makes you think o’ things you shouldn’t think o’. It makes you loss slape o’ nights sitting up an playin’ and then you can’t rise in the mornin’. When you should be polissin the harness, or mendin’ a ditch, or watchin’ the cattle, or feedin’ the poultry, you’ve got this thing in your hand and practisin’ on it.

Robbie John.

[Indignantly.]

Its not true. I don’t do these things. I

William John Granahan.

Now will you atten’ to your duties and give up this playin’. What good will it ever do ye? Ye seen what it brought yon man till that was in here. It’s a tarrible warnin’ till ye.

Robbie John.

The fiddle didn’t make him what he is. The drink did that.

William John Granahan.

[Scornfully.]

Aye. The leader of an ould circus band or somethin’ like.

[Getting excited.]

I’d just do wi that as I’d do with a sarpint. Trample it under my heels.

Robbie John.

[Threateningly.]

Dare to put a hand on it. I’ll kill the first man tries to.

William John Granahan.

[Angrily.]

You dar’ talk that way to your father!

[Soothingly.]

Mrs. Granahan.

Now Robbie dear. Don’t be gettin’ on that way.

Grandfather.

Robbie my son mind what I was tellin’ ye. Its better to bear it if you can my son. Its a hard thing but you can take my word for it, you’ll no regret it.

William John Granahan.

[Sadly.]

I had o’ coorse a will drawn up and signed by ’torney McAllan and was for lavin’ ye nice an’ comfortable when I was to be takin’ away.

[He breaks down.]

Robbie, Robbie, my son, sure its not my heart you’re for breakin’.

Samuel James.

Coorse I heerd from one o’ the judges, Robbie, at the Feis that you had the touch o’ a master, and all that sort o’ thing; but I advise ye

[Here the grandfather shakes his stick at him threateningly.]

I advise ye of coorse its hard to know.

Grandfather.

[Looking angrily at Samuel James.]

Don’t think o’ that Robbie. Sure every man that plays a fiddle, thinks he’s a genius. Don’t be led astray son.

William John Granahan.

[Coaxingly.]

Aye. Your grand-da has sense wi’ him Robbie. After all what about it. Man there’s that bonny wee lass waitin’ for you over at Graemes. To the fire wi’ it.

[Robbie John hesitates. The grandfather pats him approvingly. With bowed head he goes forward to place it on the fire.]

Curtain.