Cracks in the wall

'' Usually looking after a baby, or saving the hay, or making the turf.'' Rita spoke in a matter of fact way. She didn't sound bitter about the book learning missed, the years of childminding, growing old before her time, culminating in going out to mind other people's children and clean their houses for them.

Not long after tea, Mr Sullivan saw devils everywhere. In the fading light he noticed them creeping with pitchforks into the houses along the street, including the chemist's.

Maybe they had gone in trough the floorboards and trough cracks in the wall. Kit and Emmet listened, giggling, from the top of stairs to their father remonstrating with Mr Sullivan, while issuing orders out of the corner of his mouth.

''You're all right Billy. There isn't a devil here except yourself and myself.''

''Helen, ring Peter will you.''

''Now sit down, Billy, here, and we'll talk the thing out, man to man.''

''Helen, let him know how bad it is.''

''Billy, listen to me. Am I a man who'd let fellows with pitchforks into my house?''

''As quick as he bloody well can, with any kind of tranquilliser he can get into a syringe.''

They sat on the stair top and waited until Clio's father arrived. The cries, and shouts of panic, and the hunt for devils stopped. They heard Dr. Kelly saying to their father that it was the Country Home now. Billy was a danger to himself and everyone else.

''What'll happen to the business?'' Dad asked.

'' One of those fine sons he threw out will come back and learn to run it for him. At least the uncle sent the boys to school. They may be able to turn it into something rather than the doss house it is.'' said Dr. Kelly, who did not share Sister Madeleine's view that we were all different and that's what made us special.

Emmet was sitting with his chin in his hands.