hn and Grandfather enter. They
evidently understand from the looks of
those present that something important
is talked of.]

Where's that fiddle of yours Robbie John? Bring it to me.

[Robbie John looks curiously at him and
then at Samuel James. He goes into room
and brings it out. He holds it in his
hands and looks suspiciously at the
father.]

Now Robbie John listen to what I and your mother have thought about
this. For our sake and your own we want you to give up that accursed
thing and put it from you.

ROBBIE JOHN.

Why? What harm does it do you or me?

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

It makes you negleck your work. It makes you think o' things you
shouldn't think o'. It makes you loss slape o' nights sitting up an
playin' and then you can't rise in the mornin'. When you should be
polissin the harness, or mendin' a ditch, or watchin' the cattle, or
feedin' the poultry, you've got this thing in your hand and practisin'
on it.

ROBBIE JOHN.

[Indignantly.]

Its not true. I don't do these things. I--

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

Now will you atten' to your duties and give up this playin'. What good
will it ever do ye? Ye seen what it brought yon man till that was in
here. It's a tarrible warnin' till ye.

ROBBIE JOHN.

The fiddle didn't make him what he is. The drink did that.

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

[Scornfully.]

Aye. The leader of an ould circus band or somethin' like.

[Getting excited.]

I'd just do wi that as I'd do with a sarpint. Trample it under my
heels.

ROBBIE JOHN.

[Threateningly.]

Dare to put a hand on it. I'll kill the first man tries to.

WILLIAM JOHN GRANAHAN.

[Angrily.]

You dar' talk that way to your father!

[Soothingly.]

MRS. GRANAHAN.

Now Robbie dear. Don't be gettin' on that way.

GRANDFATHER.

Robbie my son mind what I was tellin' ye. Its better to bear it if you
can my son. Its a hard thing but you can take my word for it, you'll
no regret it.

WILLIAM JOH