The fine is certain, and Ahadarra is most undoubtedly in for
it."
CHAPTER XV.--State of the Country
--Hycy's Friendship for Bryan M'Mahon--Bryan's Interview with his
Landlord.
M'Mahon's last interview with Fethertonge was of so cheering a nature,
and indicated on the part of that gentleman so much true and sterling
kindness towards the young man and his family, that he felt perfectly
satisfied on leaving him, and after having turned their conversation
over in his mind, that he might place every confidence in the assurance
he had given him. His father, too, who had never for a moment doubted
Feathertonge, felt equally gratified at Bryan's report of their
interview, as indeed did the whole family; they consequently spared
neither labor nor expense in the improvements which they were making on
their farms.
The situation of the country and neighborhood at this period was indeed
peculiar, and such as we in this unhappy country have experienced
both before and since. I have already stated, that there was a partial
failure of the potato crop that season, a circumstance which uniformly
is the forerunner of famine and sickness. The failure, however, on that
occasion was not caused by a blight in the haulm, or to use plainer
words, by a sudden withering of the stalks, but by large portions of the
seed failing to grow.
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