"That went home to him," said the father; "an' as sure as death, the
Neils are in it, whatever it is. But by the crass that saved us, if he
tuck an affront from any of them, without payin' them home double, he is
no son of mine, an' this roof won't cover him another night. Howsomever
we'll see in the morn-in', plase God!"

The mother, who was proud of his courage and prowess, scouted with great
indignation the idea of her son's tamely putting up with an insult from
any of the opposite faction.

"Is it he bear an affront from a Neil! arrah, don't make a fool of
yourself, old man! He'd die sooner. I'd stake my life on him."

The night advanced, and the family had retired to bed; but their son
attempted in vain to sleep. A sense of shame overpowered him keenly.
He tossed and turned, and groaned, at the contemplation of the disgrace
which he knew would be heaped on him the following day. What was to be
done? How was he to wipe it off? There was but one method, he believed,
of getting his hands once more free; that was to seek Ellen, and gain
her permission to retract his oath on that very night. With this purpose
he instantly dressed, himself, and quietly unbolting his own door,
and that of the kitchen, got another staff, and passed out to seek her
father's inn.

The night had now become dark, but mild and agreeable; the repose of man
and nature was deep, and save his own tumultuous thoughts every thing
breathed an air of peace and rest. At a quick but cautious pace he soon
reached the inn, and without much difficulty passed into the garden,
from which he hoped to be able to make himself known to Ellen. In this,