uick and lightning glance was bestowed upon her
lover, which, brief though it was, he felt as a sufficient consolation
for the enmity of her father.

The prophet had not yet spoken; nor indeed had time been given him to do
so, had he been inclined. He looked on, however, with' surprise, which
soon assumed the appearance, as well as the reality, of some malignant
satisfaction which he could not conceal.

He eyed Dalton with a grin of peculiar bitterness.

"Well," said he, "it's the general opinion that if any one knows or
can tell what the future may bring about, I can; an', if my knowledge
doesn't desave me, Dalton, I think, while you're before me, that I'm
lookin' at a man that was never born to be drowned at any rate. I
prophecy that, die when you may, you'll live to see your own funeral."

"If you're wise," replied the young man, "you'll not provoke me now
Jerry Sullivan may say what he wishes--he's safe, an he knows why; but I
warn you, Donnel Dhu, to take no liberty with me; I'll not bear it.

"Troth, I don't blame Jerry Sullivan," rejoined the prophet. "Of coorse
no man would wish to have a son-in-law hanged. It's in the prophecy that
you'll go to the surgeons yet."

"Did you foresee in your prophecies this mornin' that you'd get yourself
well drubbed before night?" asked Dalton, bristling up.

"No," said the other; "my prophecy seen no one able to do it."

"You and your prophecy are liars, then," retorted the other: "an' in
the doom you're kind enough to give me, don't be too sure but you meant
yourself. There's more of murdher an' the gallows in your face than
there is in mine. That's all I'll say, Donnel. Anything else you'll get
from me will be a blow; so take care of yourself."

"Let him alone, Donnel," said Sullivan; "it's not safe to meddle with
one of his name. You don't know what harm he may do you."

"I'm not afeard of him," said the prophet, with a sneer; "he'll find
himself a little mistaken, if he tries his hand. It won't be for me
you'll hang, my lad."

The words were scarcely uttered when a terrific blow on the eye, struck
with the rapidity of lightning, shot him to the earth, where he lay for
about half a minute, apparently insensible. He then got up, and after
shaking his head, as if to rid himself of a sense of confusion and
stupor, looked at Dalton for some time.

"Well," said he, "it's all over now--but the truth is, the fault was my
own. I provoked him too much, an' without any oc