the magistrate's. Katherine
O'Driscol's face became deadly pale as she turned a glance upon young
Purcel, which he well understood. "Alick," said she, "under these
circumstances, it would, be absolute madness to attempt going home
to-night. It is very likely they have discovered that you are here, and
are watching for you."

"But if I do not return home," he replied, "it is equally probable that
John and my father, wondering at my delay, may come to look for me, and
in that case they might meet these ruffians--or rather might be waylaid
by them."

"Purcel, my dear fellow!" said the magistrate, who was now pretty deep
in his cups, and consequently somewhat pot-valiant--or at least disposed
to show them a touch of his valor--"Alick, my dear fellow, you are
courageous enough, I admit, but at the same time, you must put yourself
under the guidance of a brave and loyal old magistrate, who is not to be
cowed and intimidated by a crew of midnight cut-throats. You'll gee now,
Alick, my boy, what a touch of loyal courage can do. Upon my honor, and
conscience, I will myself escort you home."

"By no means, sir," replied Purcel, "I could not think of putting you to
such a risk, and inconvenience at this late hour."

"But I say by all manes, Alick--and as for inconvanience, it is none at
all."

"But Mr. Purcel will expose neither himself nor you, my dear father,"
said Katherine; "he will be guided by good sense, and remain here
to-night."

"Tut! you foolish cowardly girl, go to bed--you play loo very well, and
have won seven-and-sixpence from me to-night. That's your province.
No, upon my sowl and honor, I'll see him home. What! is it for the
intelligent and determined O'Driscol, as your brother John said--and who
is well known to be a very divil incarnate when danger's before him--is
it for such a man--the terror of evil-doers--to funk from a crew of
White-boys! What would my friend the Castle say if it knew it?--divil
resave the line ever it would correspond with me again. Get me my
pistols, I say--a case for each pocket, and the blunderbush under my
arm--then come on, M'Donough, as the play says, and blazes to him who
runs last." Here he gave a lurch a little to the one side, after which
he placed himself in something intended for a military attitude, and
drawing his hand down his whiskers, he inflated himself as if about to
give the word of command, "Soldiers, steady,"--here he gave another
lurch--"recover omes (arms)-