get some one else to look afther his sheep. Ay! he's dead!--But that's
past. Meehaul, folly me; it's you I want, an' there's no time to be
lost."

She passed out as she spoke, leaving the waiter in a state of wonder
at the extent of her knowledge, and of the awful means by which, in his
opinion, she must have acquired it.

Meehaul, without uttering a syllable, immediately walked after her. The
pace at which she went was rapid and energetic, betokening a degree of
agitation and interest on her part, for which he could not account.
As she had no object in bringing him far from the house, she availed
herself of the first retired spot that presented itself, in order to
disclose the purport of her visit. "Meehaul Neil," said she, "we're now
upon the Common, where no ear can hear what passes between us. I ax have
you spirit to keep your sister Ellen from shame and sorrow?" The young
man started, and became strongly excited at such a serious prelude to
what she was about to utter.

"_Millia diououl!_ woman, why do you talk about shame or disgrace comin'
upon any sister of mine?" What villain dare injure her that regards his
life? My sisther! Ellen Neil! No, no! the man that 'ud only think of
that, I'd give this right hand a dip to the wrist in the best blood of
his heart."

"Ay, ay! it's fine spakin': but you don't know the hand you talk of.
It's one that you had better avoid than meet. It's the strong hand, an'
the dangerous one when vexed. You know Lamh Laudher Oge?"

Meelmul started again, and the crone could perceive by his manner that