the Castle
of Kilfinnan, where they hoped to find a supply of arms and a large
amount of booty. They expected also to extract a considerable sum for
the ransom of the prisoners they might capture in the castle, and, if
not, they proposed putting them all to death, in revenge for the
execution of their fellow-rebels, which had taken place in other parts
of the country.

The chief impediment to their plan was the continuance of the frigate on
the coast. They were anxious to devise some plan by which she might be
drawn off to another part of Ireland, or induced, at all events, to put
to sea. Some of the boldest of the party proposed collecting a flotilla
of boats, and taking possession of her, in the belief that they could
land her guns and other arms, and thus obtain the means of better
competing with the royal troops.

These and many other schemes were freely discussed by the rebels. After
some time another person entered the cavern. Dermot looked up and saw
by the light of the lamp, which fell on his countenance, that the new
comer was no other than Father O'Rourke. He and the O'Higgins greeted
each other warmly. It was evident that they were looked upon as the
leaders of the undertaking. The one active in a spiritual capacity,
urging on the infatuated men the justice of their cause and promising
them his own prayers and the protection of heaven, and telling them to
go on and conquer; the other inviting them to follow him, and promising
them the victory. Father O'Rourke particularly advocated the most
energetic measures. He even advised that they should at once march
towards the castle, and, exposing the young lord to view, threaten to
hang him if the gates were not opened to admit them.

This plan was, however, overruled by others, who declared that the
frigate still lay in the bay, and that whatever the Earl might do, their
appearance on the shore would certainly bring the shot of her guns about
their ears.

"And what are you afraid of, comrades?" exclaimed Father O'Rourke. "If
they do, cannot I give each of you the blessed picture of Saint Patrick,
and won't that, worn about your neck, guard you from the shot of the
enemy? Ah, if you knew the value of those blessed amulets, you would
all of you be anxious to purchase them. No soldier should ever think of
going into battle without such a safeguard. Have I not been offering up
prayers day and night for the last month for your success, and are you
suc