the town and parish. The intelligence was first received by O'Rorke's
party with incredulity and scorn. It was impossible that he of the
Strong Hand, who had been proverbial for courage, could all at once turn
coward, and bear the blow from a Neil! But when it was proved beyond the
possibility of doubt or misconception, that he received a blow tamely
before many witnesses, under circumstances of the most degrading insult,
the rage of his party became incredible. Before ten o'clock the next
morning his father's house was crowded with friends and relations,
anxious to hear the truth from his own lips, and all, after having heard
it, eager to point out to him the only method that remained of wiping
away his disgrace, namely, to challenge Meehaul Neil. His father's
indignation knew no bounds; but his mother, on discovering the truth,
was not without that pride and love which, are ever ready to form an
apology for the feelings and errors of an only child.

"You may all talk," she said; "but if Lamh Laudher Oge didn't strike
him, he had good reasons for it. How do you know, an' bad cess to your
tongues, all through other, how Ellen Neil would like him after weltin'
her brother? Don't ye think she has the spirit of her faction in her as
well as another?"

This, however, was not listened to. The father would hear of no apology
for his son's cowardice but an instant challenge. Either that or to be
driven from his father's roof the only alternatives left him.

"Come out here," said the old man, for the son had not left his humble
bed-room, "an' in presence of them that you have brought to shame
and disgrace, take the only plan that s left to you, an' send him a
challenge."