d, besides, the flood
rolled terrifically two or three yards below them, which might be apt to
beget a megrim that would not be felt if there was no flood.

"When this expedient had been hit upon, several young men volunteered
themselves to put it in practice; and in a short time a considerable
number of both sexuals crossed over, without the occurrence of any
unpleasant accident. Paddy O'Hallaghan and his family had been stationed
for some time on the bank, watching the success of the plan; and as
it appeared not to be attended with any particular danger, they also
determined to make the attempt. About a perch below the planks stood
John O'Callaghan, watching the progress of those who were crossing
them, but taking no part in what was going forward. The river, under the
planks, and for some perches above and below them, might be about ten
feet deep; but to those who could swim, it was less perilous, should any
accident befall them, than those parts where the current was more rapid,
but shallower. The water here boiled, and bubbled, and whirled about;
but it was slow, and its yellow surface unbroken by rocks or fords.

"The first of the O'Hallaghans that ventured over it was the youngest,
who, being captured by the hand, was encouraged by many cheerful
expressions from the young men who were clinging to the planks. She got
safe over, however; and when she came to the end, one who was stationed
on the bank gave her a joyous pull, that translated her several yards
upon terra firma.

"'Well, Nancy,' he observed, 'you're safe, anyhow; and if I don't dance
at your wedding for this, I'll never say you're dacent.'

"To this Nancy gave a jocular promise, and he resumed his station, that
he might be ready to render similar assistance to her next sister. Rose
Galh then went to the edge of the plank several times, but her courage
as often refused to be forthcoming. During her hesitation, John
O'Callaghan stooped down, and privately untied his shoes, then
unbuttoned his waistcoat, and very gently, being unwilling to
excite notice, slipped the knot of his cravat. At long last, by the
encouragement of those who were on the plank, Rose attempted the
passage, and had advanced as far as the middle of it, when a fit of
dizziness and alarm seized her with such violence, that she lost all
consciousness--a circumstance of which those who handed her along were
ignorant. The consequence, as might be expected, was dreadful; for as
one of t