* * * *
*
Upon examining the mill, which was a common oat-mill,
John Gray found that the upper mill-stone was lodged
upon the lower; and that this was all which prevented
the mill from going. No other part of it was damaged
or out of repair. As to the tan-yard, it was in
great disorder; but it was very conveniently situated;
was abundantly supplied with water on one side, and
had an oak copse at the back, so that tan could readily
be procured. It is true that the bark of these
oak trees, which had been planted by his careful uncle
O’Haggarty, had been much damaged since Simon
came into possession; for he had, with his customary
negligence, suffered cattle to get amongst them.
He had also, to supply himself with ready money, occasionally
cut down a great deal of the best timber before it
arrived at its full growth; and at this time the Grays
found every tree of tolerable size marked for destruction
with the initials of Simon O’Dougherty’s
name.
Before they said anything more about the mill or the
tan-yard to Simon, these prudent brothers consulted
their father: he advised them to begin cautiously,
by offering to manage the mill and the tan-yard, during
the ensuing season, for Simon, for a certain share
in the profits; and then, if they should find the
business likely to succeed, they might take a lease
of the whole. Simon willingly made this agreement;
and there was no danger in dealing with him, because,
though careless and indolent, he was honest, and would
keep his engagements. It was settled that John
and Robin should have the power, at the end of the
year, either to hold or give up all concern in the
mill and tan-yard; and, in the mean time, they were
to manage the business for Simon, and to have such
a share in the profits as would pay them reasonably
for their time and labour.
They succeeded beyond their expectations in the management
of the mill and tan-yard during their year of probation;
and Simon, at the end of that time, was extremely
glad to give them a long lease of the premises, upon
their paying him down, by way of fine, the sum of 150l.
This sum their father, who had good credit, and who
could give excellent security upon his farm, which
was now in a flourishing condition, raised for them;
and they determined to repay him the money by regular
yearly portions out of their profits.
Success did not render these young men presumptuous
or negligent: they went on steadily with business,
were contented to live frugally and work hard for
some years. Many of the sons of neighbouring tradesmen
and farmers, who were able perhaps to buy a horse
or two, or three good coats in a year, and who set
up for gentlemen, and spent their days in hunting,
shooting, or cock-fighting, thought that the Grays
were poor-spirited fellows for sticking so close to
business. They prophesied that, even when these
