The House by the Churchyard Chapter 9

In which the anxious Dan Loftus entrusts the delicate matter of an impending quarrel to the wise and peaceable Father Roach, who ponderously takes it upon himself to oversee the situation with cautious hope for a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, the dashing Mr. Pat Mahony, assuming grand airs of a gentleman-diplomat, attempts to mediate with florid speeches, yet is soon met with a resolute challenge that betrays the grave tensions beneath the surface.