5
blood in the whole bloody tribe,"
Andrew, having failed to reply to some question of the
minister's or even raise his head, Sorleyson turned his
attention to the spectators who had suddenly retreated into
the churchyard or made their way out and about distance down
the road. After waiting patiently in the chill wind for a
glimpse of the newly-married pair, the country-foils: were
taken aback to find the Reverend Mr Sorleyson escorting them
from the church, so now, skulking along the truncated pillars
and crumbling doves, they fixed curious eyes on this Joyless
bridal procession, only withdrawing their glances when they
threatened to meet the angry and persistent stare of the
minister.
The sexton, who had trotted diagonally through the grave-
yard oinking and grimacing to his neighbours, passed out through
a side-gate, and crossing the road, disappeared into the
churchyard stable. He came out backwards in the shafts of a
light trap which he drew onto the road and lowered gingerly
until it rested on its step. "Rabbie!” he shouted at a little
boy in a ragged Jersey who stood with crossed legs against the
wall, "away and fetch Mr Echlin's pony!"
The horse being led out, with a relied neck and oat husks
on his muzzle, Site Andrew then took charge, and as the bit was
being adjusted, a pound-note passed into the sexton's hand.
A little distance down the road, beyond the church gates,
several men still lingered, and in the ditch two or three
