Not only had Crazy Jane been secured, but there were
strong symptoms of his being in cash. In a few days after the incident
of the stable, he contrived to see Philip Hogan, with whom he appointed
a final meeting in Cavanagh's kiln on the night of the Kemp; at which
meeting, Teddy Phats and the other two Hogans were also to be present,
in order to determine upon the steps which he ultimately proposed to
take, with a view to work out his purposes, whatever those purposes may
have been.
CHAPTER VII.--The Spinster's Kemp.
A kemp, or camp, is a contest of industrial skill, or a competition
for priority in a display of rustic labor. Among men it is principally
resorted to in planting potatoes or reaping of corn, and generally only
on the day which closes the labor at each for the season; but in the
sense in which it is most usually practised and contested, it means a
trial of female skill at the spinning of linen yarn. It is, indeed,
a very cheerful assemblage of the fair sex; and, although strong and
desperate rivalry is the order of the day, yet it is conducted in
a spirit so light-hearted and amicable that we scarcely know a more
laudable or delightful recreation in country life. Its object is always
good, and its associations praiseworthy, inasmuch as they promote
industry, a spirit of becoming emulation, and principles of good will
and kindness to our neighbor.
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