Bellasyse is a bigoted and intolerant Williamite, and had applied for an order to hold courts-martial, for the purpose, as he alleged, of punishing all who caused riots or disturbances in the town; but his real motive was, to have authority to dispose of any Catholic, in a summary manner, against whom a charge might be brought by the Williamites. On the 1st of last August, which was a Saturday, an election for a new Mayor took place, my term of office having expired. The Catholic citizens were all determined to vote, as the right of so doing was secured to them by the treaty agreed to on the surrender of the town to the Baron de Ginckell. The bigoted Protestant party most shamefully objected to this, in defiance of the Articles of Surrender, and unanimously resolved, although they were in the minority, to elect a Mayor themselves; and their illegal conduct was encouraged by the Government. This resolution of theirs caused a frightful uproar in the town, but the garrison being Williamites, and knowing their Governor did not favour the Catholic party, took the Protestant side, and many of the citizens were killed in the tumult which ensued. After a great deal of confusion and loss of blood, Sir Henry Bellasyse, though Governor, was elected Mayor, and two of his minions, named John Gibbs and Richard Wall, Sheriffs."

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Oh," exclaimed the Chief, "what a wretched state our unhappy country is reduced to! With such men as the tyrant Bellasyse in the town, and others equally notorious in the county, the Catholics will be exterminated."

"They will not interfere with the aristocracy," said Dermot Oge, "for the present at all events; but I pity the poor unfortunate people, for they will be treated as slaves."

"The conduct of the Governor is shameful," said Arthur Ffrench, "and on the 2nd of August, Colonel Purcell, who is himself a Williamite, after publicly upbraiding the Governor, in the presence of many Catholics, wrote to the Lords Justices that as long as they allowed Sir Henry Bellasyse to remain in Galway, they could expect nothing but disturbances in the town, as his unpopularity, cruelty (139), and covetousness would always be productive of mischief. He also recommended their Lordships to issue a proclamation of security to encourage the peasantry to bring provisions into town, as they were then afraid of doing so, in consequence of the terrible name the Governor bore."

At ten o'clock Dermot Oge returned to Lissine, and no news of any importance reached Clooneene until the 28th of the month (October), when Donal Bran arrived in a great state of excitement, and, being

admitted to the presence of the old Chief and Arthur Ffrench, passionately exclaimed

"Sir, when I departed for Limerick, to render all the assistance I could during the siege, I left a party of my men in this province, for the purpose of skirmishing with whatever English, Dutch, or other Williamite stragglers they might chance to fall in with. They performed their difficult duties as brave men should; and on one occasion, some of them meeting an equal number of dragoons, captured their horses, but spared the lives of the men, as the cowardly fellows made no resistance. In some time after my men were taken prisoners, carried to Galway, tried by court-martial, sentenced to death, and immediately shot, on the 25th of last August, by order of that blood-thirsty villain, Bellasyse. However, Sir Henry was afraid to put Father Gregory Ffrench of Duras (140) to death, who was in their company for protection; but I am sworn to rescue his Reverence, and to revenge the cruel slaughter of my men. Sir, I am determined to spend the remainder of my life, whether long or short, in persecuting the English and Dutch settlers in this country."

"Are you aware, Donal," said the Chief, "that on the 14th of this month a proclamation was published, offering pardon to all the Rapparees who would submit within a month ?"

"Yes, sir, and I am sorry to say that I was informed on yesterday, that my old friend, Galloping O'Hogan, on whom I so much depended, and his whole band, have availed themselves of it, laid down their arms, submitted to Baron de Ginckell, and recognised the Dutch Prince of Orange as king of this country (141). I also received intelligence, sir, last night, that some of the peasantry of the county of Limerick have resolved to slay the wretch on the first opportunity, for his treachery, and that the Castle and Island of Bophin, which were in charge of Colonel Timothy O'Royrdan, surrendered on the 19th of August by capitulation; and that the enemy knowing the great importance of the castle, which was erected by Oliver Cromwell, have placed a strong garrison in it, so that if the Chevalier de Tourville ever again attempts to land, either at Galway or Duras, as I think he may, he will have a hard struggle to do so."

"I do not consider, Donal, that De Tourville will try to do so, for some time at all events," said the Chief, "as O'Shaughnessy informed my grandson Francis, while in Limerick, that the Chevalier has received a commission from Louis XIV. in the French navy."

"I am glad to hear it, sir," replied Donal; "for I know he will do

all in his power to make the French invade Ireland; and if he succeeds in doing so, we may yet defeat our Williamite enemies."

Donal Bran now rose to depart, saying, "You must excuse me, gentlemen, as I have an appointment with Conor O'Shaughnessy Torlough O'Nee, and Ronald Scott, which I must keep."

The Rapparee then retired, having assured the Chieftain he would always continue to inform him of the latest news.

CHAPTER XLI.

AN IRISH WEDDING.

GRIEF the most poignant does not always last for ever, and the Chief of Clooneene, who was naturally good-humoured, after the lapse of some time, again regained his wonted vivacity, though at first he keenly felt the absence of his grandson young Captain Forster, O'Shaughnessy the youthful Chief of Cineal Aodh, the Chief of Cratloe, Colonel Lally of Tullinadaly, and other friends. John and Cuthbert, accompanied by Kelly of Loughoutra, also resumed their favourite field sports. Donal Bran still kept possession of the cave in Bunnacippaun Wood; and Sergeant Power, as soon as he recovered from the effects of his wounds, daily visited the house of old George Malbrough, as he said himself, for the purpose of consoling him for the absence of his son Ralph, who had accompanied Captain Forster to France, and to obtain the latest news concerning him, Taggert, Clayton, and the rest of his exiled countrymen. But the intelligent villagers, not believing that a gay young fellow of Nicholas Power's lively disposition, who had served for over three years in a dragoon regiment, could find much pleasure in the old man's society, soon began to form shrewd conjectures as to his real motive in being attentive to Malbrough. They were not, however, left long in suspense; for Sergeant Power, who had been paying his addresses to George Malbrough's eldest daughter, Nuala, before the breaking out of the late war, now renewed his suit, and, having proposed for her hand, was gladly accepted by her parents, but not without some blushing hesitation on her own part. The marriage was accordingly arranged to come off in a week.

On the day the ceremony was to take place, Nicholas Power arose at an early hour and rode to Durragh, accompanied by Donal Bran and some other friends. On arriving at Malbrough's house, he was received with great kindness by his intended father-in-law, and himself and his friends were then handed cups of whiskey, according to a very ancient custom among the Irish. Several of the bride's female relatives who were present were busily engaged arranging the tables, which were placed in the large barn adjoining the house. This place was selected on account of its size, which made it best suited to entertain their numerous friends. In the centre was placed a table for the use of the neighbouring young gentlemen who were to attend at the wedding. About ten o'clock Cuthbert Fenwick, John Forster, and Kelly arrived, to the delight of the whole party.

Cuthbert, who was of a merry disposition, was a general favourite with the ladies. He admired the character of the Irish people, and took great delight in taking part in all their amusements. On being handed his dram, he looked provokingly at Power, and drank it off to the health of the bride. The young Northumbrian liked a good joke, and when he had indulged in one or two at Power's expense, who already felt a little embarrassed at his position, he made a wager in his presence with John that, come what may, he would have the first kiss. His merriment was, however, interrupted by the announcement that Father Dermot had arrived to perform the ceremony.

"As we rode from Clooneene," said he, addressing Mrs. Malbrough, "I was told by Kelly that the customs of this country do not permit the mother to be present at the marriage of a daughter."

“It is true, sir. I must retire immediately; for, if I witnessed Nuala's marriage, she would never after have any good luck in this world." So saying, Mrs. Malbrough withdrew.

Shane O'Halloran, who was to act as best man, now approached Cuthbert, presented him with the bride's favour,' and informed him that the ceremony was about to take place. Both then hurried to the upper end of the apartment, where they observed John and Kelly, and when O'Halloran had taken his place by the side of the bridegroom, the marriage commenced. While the ceremony was being performed, all the young men present eagerly watched for its termination, each seeking to obtain the marriage kiss; but Nicholas Power, who was an adept in such matters, frustrated their utmost efforts, and, before the priest had time to divest himself of his stole, succeeded in obtaining the kiss they so much coveted, though not without some resistance from his bashful bride. Although all the young men were disappointed, none felt more so than

Cuthbert, particularly as he observed the triumphant glance which Power gave at him, and the smiling countenances of John and Kelly.

The landlord being absent, John, as his representative, congratulated the bride and bridegroom, in which he was followed by Cuthbert Fenwick and Kelly.

When the ceremony was over, Mrs. Malbrough returned to the apartment, and many were the kindly greetings and congratulations she received from all present on this happy occasion. The bride then retired, and the younger portion of those present continued to amuse themselves by leaping, and other athletic sports. After about an hour spent in this way, they proceeded to the barn, where a substantial repast was prepared for them. John having taken his seat at the head of the centre table, and Cuthbert at the foot, the rest of the company took their respective places, determined to do every justice to the good things before them. When the meal was over, all the young men set busily to work in removing the dishes, plates, tables, &c. to the adjoining dwelling-house. The barn having been cleared, two pipers and as many fiddlers entered, and took their seats at each end of the room. The musicians then struck up the 'Clooneene Foresters' Jig,' and the dance was opened by Donal Bran, in conformity with an unanimous wish that he should do so, who, with an air of gallantry, led forth the handsomest of the bridesmaids, who, on this occasion, happened to be the bridegroom's youngest sister, Finola, a lively young girl of sixteen. Cuthbert and John, having selected partners, soon followed, and the remainder of the young people present then joined. In the next dance, John had for his partner the bride, and the bridegroom had Donal's wife, Nora. Having spent a few pleasant hours in this way, they were reminded by the elders that it was time to convey the bride home. The cry then arose among all the guests-Prepare to mount,' and each man rushed off in the greatest haste to procure his horse from among over fifty of them that were pent up in a neighbouring field. When they returned they found their wives and sweethearts waiting for them ready muffled in their warm woollen cloaks, and fortunate were those amongst them whose companions had pillions behind the saddle for their comfort and ease. All the arrangements were carried out under the direction of Donal Bran, but when the cavalcade was prepared to start, he observed that Finola Power was still standing near him, as no one had yet offered to be her escort. The Rapparee, seeing that all the horsemen were already provided with companions, and as he could not think of leaving Nora behind, was at a loss what to do, when the gay Cuthbert Fenwick rode up, and courteously offered to be