A Pocket Full of Shells Read Online Free

would send one of his children to keep him informed on the progress. A big cheer rose from the crowded room as soon as Pat and James entered.
         "How did ye all know so soon?" asked James looking around the sea of faces.
         "That was the quickest labour I ever heard tell of, my poor young fella nearly ran the legs off himself spreading the news around the village before you got here," said Paddy Mac.
    The door opened and more well-wishers poured into the crowded parlour.
         James was touched by their kindness. Pat wasn't surprised by it. He knew the glimmer of hope a new life could bring to his neighbours at a time when many around them were sick, or dying, or leaving. There was a lot of friendly back slapping and congratulations going on while the men settled down to various low toned discussions about recent events. James, being a husband and father felt part of a unique circle. He now had a family to take care of and times were hard. There was strength in numbers, a well-known fact among fishermen. A boat with a crew was better than one man on his own.
         "The poor unfortunates at the workhouse are being fed Indian meal, as there's no potatoes," someone said.
         "Last month, thirty six starving people from the town admitted themselves in just one day. Things are getting worse. One year of blight was bad enough, if we have another one we are all finished," said Paddy Mac.
         A man standing next to Pat remarked, "That's not a place I would want to bring my family to. Only last week a twelve year old girl was brought before the magistrate and sentenced to a fortnight in Dundalk goal for absconding in workhouse clothes. Leaving the place isn't a crime, but taking the clothes with you is. Sure the poor mite didn't have a stitch to call her own."
         Listening to what the men were saying, James silently swore he would never let that happen to his daughter. Between Mary and himself, with the help of his aunt and uncle, they would get through the hard times.
         "Enough of this gloom and doom," said Pat, "My young nephew here and his good wife have brought a fine healthy child into our lives, with a pair of lungs that would shatter glass. No doubt she will keep the whole village awake over the next few months. I might be a more regular visitor from now on, Paddy Mac."
    The whole place erupted with laughter. James was made drink another glass of the clear liquid, its tingling heat spreading through his body, right down to his toes.
         Later that night, Pat and his young companion walked in silent contentment back to the cottage, through the still night air. James hiccupped as they entered, drawing a look of scorn from Annie. 
         "You two must be exhausted after all that celebrating. Go on up to bed, Pat, and don't make a sound, Mary and her little one are fast asleep. I'll be up as soon as I have finished here."
    While Annie was speaking to his uncle, James sat on the floor close to the bed where his young wife and new-born daughter lay. He couldn't take his eyes off the baby, she looked so peaceful and content. 
         "Make the most of her quiet moments, there won't be too many of those for a while," Annie said as if reading his thoughts. "James, son, come over here and sit by me, there's something I want to say to you."
    The young man had to drag himself away from his daughter's side, shocked at the strong pull she already had on his heart. 
         "What is it, Aunt Annie? Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry about the drink, I'm not used to it," he said.
    The old woman smiled and shook her head.
         "No, James, I'm not going to chastise you. I only want to give you a bit of advice. You can take it or leave it, I won't mind." 
    Annie pointed to the bed in the corner of the room where Mary lay, the baby nestled in her arms.
         "You picked a fine woman there for a wife, I hope you realize that."
    James nodded his head as she continued