solicitations less urgent. With tears and grief which could not be
affected, she besought him not to rush upon certain death--said that
Ellen could not survive it--pleaded the claims of his aged parents,
and left no argument untouched that could apply to his situation and
conduct. Lamh Laudher, however, was inexorable, and she relinquished an
attempt that she felt to be ineffectual. The direction of her husband's
attention so unexpectedly to widow Rorke's I cabin, at that moment,
and his discovery of her interview with Lamh Laudher, determined her,
previously acquainted as she had been with his jealousy, to keep out of
his reach, until some satisfactory explanation could be given. Ellen,
however, could not rest; her grief had so completely overborne all
other considerations, that she cared little, now, whether her friends
perceived it or not. On one thing, she was fixed, and that was, to
prevent Lamh Laudher from encountering the Dead Boxer. With this purpose
she wrapped herself in a cloak about ten o'clock, and careless whether
she was observed or not, went directly towards his aunt's house. About
two-thirds of the way had probably been traversed, when a man, wrapped
up in a cloak, like herself, accosted her in a low voice, not much above
a whisper.

"Miss Neil," said he, "I don't think it would be hard to guess where you
are going."

"Who are you that asks?" said Ellen. "No matter; but if you happen to
see young O'Rorke to-night, I have a message to send him that may serve
him."

"Who are you?" again inquired Ellen. "One that cautions you to beware of
the Dead Boxer; one that pities and respects his unfortunate wife; and
one who, as I said, can serve O'Rorke."