be killed as livin' in disgrace. I'll thank you, sir, as the head of the
town, to let the black know that Lamh Laudher Oge will fight him."

"For heaven's sake, reflect a moment upon the----"

"My mind's made up to fight," said the other, interrupting him. "No
power on earth will prevent me, sir. So, if you don't choose to send the
challenge, I'll bring it myself."

The Sovereign shook his head, as if conscious of what the result must
be.

"That is enough," said he; "as you are fixed on your own destruction,
the challenge will be given; but I trust you will think better of it."

"Let him know, if you please," added Lamh Laudher, "that on to-morrow at
twelve o'clock we must fight."

The magistrate nodded, and Lamh Laudher immediately took his leave. In a
short time the intelligence spread. From the sovereign it passed to his
clerk, from the clerk to the other members of the corporation, and, ere
an hour, the town was in a blaze with the intelligence.

"Did you hear what's reported?" was the general question.

Lamh Laudher Oge has challenged the Dead Boxer!

The reader already knows how bitterly public opinion had set in against
our humble hero; but it would be difficult to describe, in terms
sufficiently vivid, the rapid and powerful reaction which now took place