O'CLEARY. NO, Sirr.     

       THE GOVERNOR. You're an old hand; you ought to know better.     

       O'CLEARY. Yes, I've been through it all.     

       THE GOVERNOR. You've got a youngster next door; you'll upset him.     

       O'CLEARY. It cam' over me, your honour. I can't always be the same steady man.     

       THE GOVERNOR. Work all right?     

       O'CLEARY. [Taking up a rush mat he is making] Oh! I can do it on me head. It's the miserablest stuff—don't take the brains of a mouse.       [Working his mouth] It's here I feel it—the want of a little noise       —a terrible little wud ease me.     

       THE GOVERNOR. You know as well as I do that if you were out in the shops you wouldn't be allowed to talk.     

       O'CLEARY. [With a look of profound meaning] Not with my mouth.     

       THE GOVERNOR. Well, then?     

       O'CLEARY. But it's the great conversation I'd have.     

       THE GOVERNOR. [With a smile] Well, no more conversation on your door.     

       O'CLEARY. No, sirr, I wud not have the little wit to repeat meself.     

       THE GOVERNOR. [Turning] Good-night.     

       O'CLEARY. Good-night, your honour.     

CONTENTS

         He turns into his cell. The GOVERNOR shuts the door.       

       THE GOVERNOR. [Looking at the record card] Can't help liking the poor blackguard.     

       WOODER. He's an amiable man, sir.     

 Prev. P 60/85 next