Spare no labour in cultivating it," said the Chieftain. "Money is valuable at all times, except when there are no provisions to be obtained for it; but, at all events, the country that cannot supply itself with corn is always at the mercy of some other. Therefore, take care to have all my granaries filled this year, and spare no expense. I will now proceed to your office, and remain until dinner-hour looking over the accounts."

In the afternoon of the next day the Chief, accompanied by his guests, proceeded to Crushnahawn, where they found Costellan, O'Halloran, and Power attentively engaged in broaching casks of wine and ankers of brandy, and making other necessary preparations for the reception of the troops. They remained in the house until the shouts of the peasantry, who had assembled in great numbers, announced the approach of the popular Lord Clare and his regiment. In a few minutes the sound of martial music was heard, and the Chief and his guests hastened to the hall-door. Lord Clare rode up on a dashing white horse, at the head of his dragoons, and, on beholding his friend, gave the order to halt; and, giving his horse in charge to his orderly, advanced, saying

"My dear friend, how rejoiced I am to see you looking so well," at the same time shaking him warmly by the hand.

He then greeted all his other friends, and the Chief, addressing his Lordship, said

Clare, I have prepared a repast in this house for yourself and your officers, knowing it would be out of your way to turn down to Clooneene."

"I feel grateful, indeed," replied Lord Clare, " for your kindness." And, turning to his officers, he desired them approach, all of whom were well known to the Chieftain, who was rejoiced to meet them.

"I find," continued Lord Clare, "that I will have to give the men an hour's rest here, as I perceive by these large vessels that you have not forgotten them. Please, Captain Magrath, give them the order to dismount while we retire."

In a short time the dragoons were gathered in groups around Costellan, Power, O'Halloran, Donal Bran, and the others, who plentifully distributed amongst them the brandy and ale. When luncheon was over, Lord Clare, looking through one of the windows, said

Captain, I fear my men are a source of great trouble to you." "Not at all," replied the Chief, "I am delighted to have an opportunity of assisting in anything that can be of service to the King's troops."

"I perceive a dragoon very busily employed among mine filling their cups," said Lord Clare; "and a dashing-looking young fellow he is indeed."

"That is Nicholas Power," said John, "and one of my brother's troop."

"If all his dragoons are like him," returned Lord Clare," he should, indeed, feel proud of being their Captain."

After some further conversation they left the mansion, and Lord Clare, addressing the Chieftain, said—

"As my men have now fully partaken of your generous hospitality, and have enjoyed their smoke, it is my duty to take care that they do not exceed the bounds of sobriety; so, Captain Bourke, direct them to fall in."

In a moment the trumpets sounded to horse, the dragoons mounted, and Lord Clare, accompanied by the Chief, inspected them. The Captain highly complimented his Lordship on the fine appearance of his men, who, after expressing his thanks, placed himself at the head of his regiment and proceeded on his way; not, however, until both officers and men united in giving three hearty cheers for the Chief of Clooneene, who, taking off his cocked hat, acknowledged the compliment.

CHAPTER XI.

THE FAREWELL BANQUET.

THE announcement that Lord Clare and the Yellow Dragoons were to arrive, caused the greatest excitement all day in the neat little hamlet of Gortinsiguara. The comfortable houses, which were newly whitewashed, were ornamented with evergreens, and many of the older ones were covered with luxuriant ivy. All the musicians for miles around were collected, and vast crowds assembled from different parts of the county to greet the soldiers, and when they appeared entering Gortinsiguara, by the Tubberindony road, the great concourse rushed forward to meet them, and, cheering loudly for Lord Clare, accompanied them until they halted at the gate of the mansion of Gortinsiguara.

The officers, on dismounting, were received by O'Shaughnessy and his son.

"You need not trouble yourself, Clare, by waiting to see your men

billeted," said the Chieftain; "Taggert and Clayton will arrange that matter without difficulty. All my stables are at your service, and whatever horses we cannot accommodate will be taken care of in the town and neighbourhood."

Lord Clare was very glad to find his favourite sister, Lady Helena, in such good health, and held a long private conversation with her on family affairs, while O'Shaughnessy went to show the officers the Castle of Gortinsiguara, which stood on one of the islands.

As dinner hour approached several of the neighbouring gentry began to arrive at the mansion, amongst whom was a party of horsemen, at the head of which rode the Chief of Clooneene, his son, the High Sheriff, John, Cuthbert, and Kelly, with many others following. Next came Charles O'Shaughnessy, of Ardemilevan Castle, accompanied by Oliver Martyn, of Tillyra Castle, who was on a visit with him; Pierce Lynch, of Rafiladown; Thomas Butler, of Bunnahow; and Pierce Butler, of Ballygegan, with his son Theobald. This party was followed by Martin D'Arcy, of Clonuane Castle, son-in-law of Sir Richard Blake, of Ardfry, Speaker of the Supreme Council of the Confederate Catholics of Ireland. Then came the Burkes of Corker, Tiernevin, and Lisbrien; Captain D'Arcy, of Kiltulla, near Athenry, who was accompanied by his four accomplished daughters, and his eldest son, Hyacinth. Another party consisted of Dominick Browne, Mayor of Galway; Francis Blake and Dominick Bodkin, the two Sheriffs of the county of the town; and Thomas Fitz Isadore Lynch, the Recorder; Ulick Burke, of Ower, beside whom rode Lord Athenry, Premier Baron of the Kingdom of Ireland, a Captain in the Earl of Clanricarde's Infantry regiment, and nearly related to the Chief of Cineal Aodh; Captain Redmond Dolphin, of Corr; James Lally, of Tullinadaly, Sovereign of Tuam; and several of the D'Arcys. O'Hynes of Kinvara and his family next appeared, and were shortly after followed by Colonel The O'Donnellan, of Ballydonnellan; The O'Kelly, of Mullaghmore; Colonel Burke, of Tyaquin; Marcus Ffrench, of Duras; the Stacpooles, and many ladies and gentlemen from the neighbourhood of Corofin, in Clare, amongst whom were the O'Hogans and O'Briens. The most conspicuous among the latter was Sir Donough O'Brien, Baronet, of Lemenagh Castle and Dromoland. In fact, all the relatives and friends of the O'Shaughnessy sept, in the counties of Galway and Clare, were present on this occasion. The numerous guests were all most graciously received by the Chief of Cineal Aodh and Lady Helena, with every manifestation of welcome, and were soon seated in the large banqueting hall.

After dinner, O'Shaughnessy, addressing his guests in respect of the

intended departure of his son, said it was a cause of pleasure to him that William could pass the eve of his departure among so many friends

and relatives.

Lord Clare, who proposed William's health, advised him to bear manfully his exile, and said he hoped it would not be of long duration.

William O'Shaughnessy, who appeared deeply affected, thanked his noble uncle, and said that many sad emotions, no doubt, filled his breast at the idea of leaving the home of his forefathers, particularly when he saw the great danger they were placed in. His thoughts, he assured them, would always revert to the dear old land of his birth while abroad, and he would anxiously expect letters from home. He requested his friends not to grieve for him that night at all events, but to enjoy themselves, as of old, in the festive halls of Gortinsi

guara.

Many were the toasts which were drunk during the night, and both Mac Brody and O'Donoghue exerted their utmost skill in performing on their harps, which added much to the amusement of the guests, who did not break up until it was very late.

Early next morning the Yellow Dragoons were aroused by the sound of the trumpet, and assembled in the broad street of Gortinsiguara. Lord Clare and his officers, having taken leave of their friends, soon after departed on their way to Athlone. Some few hours afterwards, crowds of the O'Shaughnessy clan collected at the gate of the mansion, to witness the departure of their Chief's son and heir, who ordered several casks of ale and spirits to be distributed amongst them; but they felt no inclination to partake of the refreshment which was so generously supplied, so intense was their sorrow. For some time, William O'Shaughnessy remained secluded in a room with his sorrowing parents. Although his heart was troubled, still he endeavoured to conceal his grief. He was not a person calculated to droop under difficulties, and now began to display those qualities of determination and firmness which distinguished his after life.

"My parents," said he, "give me your blessing ere I depart. Comfort my sister, and pray for me."

Kneeling down, he received the benediction of his disconsolate father and mother, and continued

"Nothing now remains for me but to depart; yet, ere I do so, let us descend to the hall, and take the stirrup cup with our friends."

In the hall, they found young Moylan and his uncle, who had just come from Laughtyshaughnessy. Taking Father Moylan with him,

William and he held a short interview in an adjoining room. After some time, they returned to the hall, where William called on those assembled to drink to his speedy return, and, having wished them every happiness in life, and success in the coming war, he said

"Come, now, De Tourville, I will not detain you any longer from your ship." So saying he led the way to the hall-door. On seeing him, the crowd who were waiting outside gathered round him to grasp his hand, and bid him farewell, and long he continued to give each a kind word, but at last mounted his horse, and, accompanied by his father and friends, amid the wailing of his clan, rode off from Gortinsiguara.

After some hours, they passed through Kinvara, and soon entered the great wood of Duras. Leaving behind them the Druid Altar, which was on their right, and the fine old ivy-clad residence of the Ffrenchs, on the left, they arrived at that part of the coast of Duras where the Flying Eagle lay at anchor. The ship's boats were busily engaged in taking ashore the sailor's friends, who had come on board to take leave of the crew.

The Second Lieutenant, Léopold de Trushnot, a stout, blackhaired Breton, of gentlemanly appearance, stood on the beach, and was introduced by De Tourville to his friends.

"Savez-vous des nouvelles? We expected you before this, Captain," said the Lieutenant. "Dépêchez-vous je vous en prie, no time is to be lost the tide serves, and the wind is favourable."

William now bade all his friends adieu, and embraced his father, whose grief was truly heartrending. O'Shaughnessy then unclasped his sword, and handed it to his son, saying-" This sword was used by your ancestors; never let it be drawn in a bad cause; and when you return, if necessary I hope you will be ready to unsheathe it in behalf of your country."

William once more embraced his father and friends, and then, accompanied by Moylan, stepped into the boat.

"En avant!" said the Chevalier de Tourville, who steered, and soon the stalworth seamen brought the light craft alongside the Flying Eagle. After mounting the companion, De Tourville left his friends on the quarter-deck, and exclaimed-"De Merville, load three of the starboard guns, and fire a farewell salute." The Lieutenant immediately obeyed, and in a few minutes the loud report of the heavy cannon was heard reverberating until it was lost in the dark woods of Duras and the neighbouring mountains; while the standard of the ancient Norman-Irish family of Ffrench, on which was emblazoned the