Chapter 4 : Stone Heart
The soldiers formed a line in the centre of the village. Mr. Graystone's men began to start work. First, they threw everything out of the cottages. They made a huge mountain in the middle of the village with all the things from the cottages. Then, they began to destroy all the cottages. They pulled all the doors out and made a big fire with them. Next, they destroyed the straw-roofs.
Patrick watched theh men empty his own home. The only furniture he had was an old table, two chairs and a chest with some of his father's clothes. His family members were all dead. Patrick did not feel too sad in parting with his belongings.
It was a heart-rending sight. Almost all the women and children were crying. Many of the men were crying like children. Mr. Graystone's men carried on working like they were deaf and blind. The men showed no compassion to the villagers' grief. They all have hearts of stone.
The destruction of the cottages went on all day into the evening. The men could only watched helplessly. There was no fight in them. As a boy, Patrick had been told old stories about the brave men of Skullgoraph who fight the Vikings who invaded Ireland. But now they could do nothing to save the village.
The soldiers did not enjoy their 'work'. As soon as they were given the order to stand at ease, the soldiers spent their time smoking and talking. They talk to each other in low voices. They could feel the grief of the villagers who had just lost their homes.
Old mother O'daughertytook handfuls of straw and tried to repair the roof of her cottage. It was hopeless. Big Finn laughed at her futility. He grabbed her by the arm and began to drag her away.
Suddenly, two soldiers jumped up and stop him. One of the soldiers shouted at Big Finn and warned him not to disturb the old folks and children. Big Finn let the old woman go. He stared hard at the two soldiers. Patrick was afraid a fight would start.
The tall muscular sergeant ordered the soldiers back. He went over to the old woman. He helped her to sit on an old chair. He felt very sorry for her.
It was late evening. The sun was sinking in the west behind the hills. There were still many cottages standing. Mr. Graystone gave the order to burn them to save time. The little village was soon burning from end to end. It was very sad sight.
Patrick saw the look of horror on the faces of some of the soldiers. There was certainly 'no glory' in burning people's homes. One soldier took his helmet off and collected some money for mother O'Daugherty. Another soldier gave her a piece of bread and a lump of cheese.
At once, some of the children ran to mother O'Daugherty to beg for food. She gave all the food to the children. She had nothing left for herself.
Pstrick leaned back against the tree and watched the cottages burning. He was very depressed. He closed his eyes to shut off the actual sight. He felt he had 'fallen down to hell'.
When Patrick finally opened his eyes, everything was over. Mr. Graystone was smiling broadly. He was very pleased. He told the people they were given only two days to leave Lord Egham's ;and. They were not to return.
It began to rain heavily. However, it was not heavy enough to put out the flames. Patrick walked back to the old oak tree. He slept there until sunrise. He had nowhere else to go.
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