and his daughter,
followed by the struggle in the swollen stream, had given such a shock
to his frame, that ere day broke the following morning, he was in a
fever. The mental excitement conspiring with fatigue and exhaustion, had
brought on the symptoms of his malady with such rapidity, that it was
evident, even to the unaccustomed observers around him, his state was
precarious.

Sir Archibald was the first person at the sick youth's bed-side.
The varied fortunes of a long life, not devoid of its own share of
vicissitude, had taught him so much of medical skill, as can give
warning of the approach of fever; and as he felt the strong and frequent
pulse, and saw the flushed and almost swollen features before him, he
recognized the commencement of severe and dangerous illness.

Vague and confused images of the previous night's adventure, or visions
of the dark valley and the tempest, occupied all the boy's thoughts; and
though he endeavoured, when spoken to, to preserve coherency and memory,
the struggle was unavailing; and the immediate impression of a question
past, his mind wandered back to the theme which filled his brain.

"How was it then?" said Sir Archy, who, as he sat beside the sick bed,
questioned the youth about his adventure. "You said something of a
horse?"

"Yes; she was riding. Oh, how bravely she rode too! It was fine to see
her as the spray fell over her like a veil, and she shook the drops from
her hair."

"Whence came she? Who was the lady?"

"Take care--take care," said the youth in a solemn whisper, and with a
steadfast look before him; "Derrybahn has given warning--the storm is
coming. It is not for one so tender as you to tempt the river of the
black valley."

"Be still, my boy," said the old man; "you must not speak thus; your
head will ache if you take not rest--keep quiet."

"Yes; my head, my head," muttered he vaguely, repeating the words which
clinked upon his mind. "She put her arm round my neck--There--there,"
cried he, starting up wildly in his bed, "catch it--seize it--my feet
are slipping--the rock moves--I can hold no longer; there--there," and
with a low moaning sigh he sunk back fainting on the pillow.

Sir Archibald applied all his efforts to enforce repose and rest; and
having partially succeeded, hastened to the O'Donoghue's chamber, to
confer with the boy's father on what steps should be taken to procure
medical aid.

It was yet some hours earlier than the accustomed t