n
woman, dressed in black, issue out of it, and approach her with somewhat
of caution in her manner. Mary M'Loughlin was a girl of strong mind and
firm character, and not likely to feel alarmed by any groundless cause
of apprehension. She immediately recognized the woman, who was no other
than our old friend Poll Doolin, and in the phrases peculiar to the
country, made the usual kind inquiry after her health and welfare.

"It's a very unusual thing, Poll," she proceeded, "to see you in this
part of the neighborhood!"

"It is," returned Poll, "I wasn't so near the mountains this many a day;
an' I wouldn't be here now, only on your account. Miss M'Loughlin."

Now, Mary was by no means ignorant of the enmity which this woman
entertained against her father and family, in consequence of having
prosecuted and transported her profligate son. Without the slightest
apprehension on that account, she felt, however, a good deal puzzled
as to the meaning which could be attached to Poll's words. "How, on my
account, Poll? I don't understand you."

"Neither you nor yours desarve it at my hands; but for all that, I am
here to do you a good tarn."

"I hope I never deserved any evil at your! hands, Poll."

"No, but you're your father's daughter for all that, an' it's not usual
to hate the tree and spare the branches."

"I suppose you allude to the transportation of your son; but remember,
Poll, that I was only a child then; and don't forget that had your son
been honest, he might I still be a comfort and a credit to you, instead
of a shame and a sorrow. I don't I mean, nor do I wish to hurt your
feelings, Poll; but I am anxious that you should not indulge in such
bitterness of heart against my father, who only did what he could not
avoid."

"Well," said Poll, "never mind that--although it isn't aisy for a mother
to forget her child wid all his faults; I am here, as I said, on your
'account--I am here to tell you, that there is danger about you and
before you, and to put you on your guard against it. I am here, Miss
Mary M'Loughlin, and if I'm not your friend--I'm not sayin' that I am
not--still I'm the friend of one that is your friend, and that will
protect you if he can."

"That is very strange, Poll, for I know not how I can have an enemy.
What danger could a simple inoffensive girl like me feel? I who have
never knowingly offended anybody."

"I have said the truth," replied Poll, "and did my duty--you're now
warned, so b