Cuthbert adieu, he merrily trotted off, followed by his clerk, Owen Gar, and his valet, Felim Creena.

"I think, Cuthbert and I may as well proceed at once to the Lake of Loughcutra, grandfather," said John. "We can go by the short way through Laughtyshaughnessy."

"Yes," replied the Chief, "and be sure to bring Kelly back with you."

"To prevent unnecessary delay, we ought to walk to the yard, and mount our horses there," said Fenwick. So saying, they went to the stables where two grooms awaited them with their splendid bay horses. After inspecting the kennel, they quickly mounted and rode off at a brisk trot through the demesne, followed by a mounted retainer, leading another horse with the hampers containing the present for Kelly. When they emerged from the narrow road leading by Gurtmugga and Laughtyshaughnessy (38), they turned to the right, and crossed the woody hill of Dunconarta, and then the picturesque lake was full in view. It was a mild March day, and as the beautiful Lougheutra lay before them not a wave ruffled the bright blue surface of its calm waters, which reflected the surrounding forests and hills, and the wood-clad islands. Vast flocks of wild fowl were sporting on its bosom, some of which at times rose high in the air, and winged their course towards the distant mountains, while an eagle might be seen hastening with its timid prey firmly grasped in its talons to its eyry in one of the islands. To the south lay the lofty sky-blue mountains of Clare; on the east the hill of Ballyturn, and the wood surrounding its ancient castle; while the view was bounded by the Slieve Boughta mountains, extending towards Loughrea. A deathlike stillness prevailed over the whole scene, and nothing gave indication of its being inhabited, save the smoke from the Island Castle where Kelly resided.

"The scenery is indeed magnificent!" exclaimed Cuthbert. How picturesque are the venerable ruins of the old church on that island before us."

"Yes," said John, "it is a very ancient one, and in all probability was erected by St. Fachnan, the founder of Kilfenora Cathedral, whose 'blessed well' is on the bank of this lake; but I think we might as well fire off one of our pistols. Kelly will hear the report, and bring over a boat for us."

Taking a pistol from the holster, he discharged it in the air, and in a few minutes after Kelly was seen, accompanied by a youth, rowing rapidly across the lake.

Kelly was a stout, well-built man, with a good-humoured, ruddy countenance, and large fair whiskers. He wore a close-fitting shootingfrock and large boots. From a broad belt round his waist was suspended his sword, and his manners were gentlemanly. His father was one of the O'Kellys who were formerly Chieftains of the territory of Hy Maine. When a young man he married and settled in the county of Mayo. Shortly afterwards the Insurrection of 1641 broke out, and after many years of war and confusion Kelly found himself deprived of his property, and consequently experienced great privations. On the restoration of Charles II. he entertained hopes that his claim to his lands might be taken into consideration.

The Court of Claims sat in Dublin in 1662-3. The claimants were about four thousand in number, but by the artifices of Orrery and Coote the duration of the court was limited to twelve months. Sir Richard Rainsford, the presiding judge, who was an Englishman, and in 1668 one of the Barons of the Court of Exchequer in England, acted fairly, it is said by some, and allowed, after having sat for six months, about six hundred claims, or heard the cases. This alarmed Orrery and Coote, lest more should be declared worthy of being restored their properties; and they procured an order from England that the court should be closed without hearing any more claimants. Thus were the rights of thousands disregarded, and, in the words of the Earl of Ormonde, in one of his able letters, they became "undone men." Sad was Kelly's lot, struggling with poverty; but in a short time death released him from his many sufferings, when his son went to reside with his mother's relatives, who were in good circumstances. He received a sound education through their kindness, and grew up a fine, stout, hardy young man. He became particularly fond of the sports of the field, and was considered one of the best anglers on the Moy, and also one of the most celebrated marksmen in the county. The Chief of Clooneene first met him while on a visit to his properties in Mayo, and, pitying him for being amongst the unfortunate, invited him to Clooneene. Young Kelly remained here for some time, where he formed an acquaintance with O'Shaughnessy, and many of the neighbouring Chieftains and gentlemen. After some months' sojourn between Clooneene and Gortinsiguara, one evening, after having dined with the Chief of Cineal Aodh and Dermot Oge Cloran, he said to the former

“O'Shaughnessy, I wish to become a tenant of yours.'

Why, are you tired of my company already ?" said the Chieftain. "You have time enough yet to settle yourself in the world."

"If you will not have me as a tenant," answered Kelly, "I will leave to-morrow for Mayo, and never return."

"No, no, indeed, you shall not," exclaimed O'Shaughnessy; "I like your society very much, and lament your position as an orphan, unjustly deprived of your property. Say what part of my land you purpose taking."

"Not much, indeed," replied Kelly: "the Church and Castle Islands in Loughcutra.”

"How could you think of living in that solitary place, without even a house near it? Why, you shall hear nothing there but the hooting of the owls and the cackling of the wild-geese and other wild-fowl," said the Chieftain.

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"I am determined to try it, as I am particularly fond of shooting, and that place would just suit me. Name your rent," said Kelly.

"Why, as to that," said the Chief, "the small castle has been for some time unoccupied, and therefore requires some repairs. It was built many centuries ago, as a place of security in time of danger for the Chiefs of Cineal Aodh to take refuge in. As to the Church Island, my shepherds in summer time graze some sheep on it. Let me see for the two islands, and, I suppose, you wish also to include the right of fishing and shooting on the lake, I presume you will think twenty shillings a year and twelve pike not an exorbitant rent."

"Certainly not," replied Kelly; "but I cannot express my gratitude for this as well as your many past favours to me."

"You will possess the islands as a yearly tenant, as I may require the castle hereafter. In case I do, however, I will give you some other place instead, and also permission to keep a horse and two cows gratis at Tyroloughan. Dermot Oge," the Chief continued, addressing Cloran, "draw up an agreement that we can both sign."

Dermot Oge accordingly called for writing materials, and in a short time the necessary document was written and signed.

Having become O'Shaughnessy's tenant, Kelly had the castle cleared out, put some furniture therein, and commenced housekeeping on his own account. He prevailed on He prevailed on a poor family who had previously resided in the neighbourhood to live with him and act as servants. His gun in winter provided them with more wild-fowl than they were able to consume, and his fishing-rod in summer was equally successful. He was always a welcome guest at Clooneene and Gortinsiguara, and was also a great favourite with all the young men in the neighbourhood, whom he instructed in the art of angling, while his unimpeachable conduct won for him the esteem of their parents.

Ere his boat touched the main-land, Kelly cried out

"Welcome, my friends. I knew at once who you were! How is the Captain ?-in the enjoyment of good health, I hope."

"My grandfather is well," said John, "and much surprised you have not paid him a visit for some time. He has sent me to ask you to Clooneene." Here Liam Bawn placed the hampers in the boat, and John continued-"These are sent you, Kelly, by my grandfather, in return for your kind present of trout and wild-fowl."

"I have received many tokens of his kindness already, any of which more than overbalance mine," replied Kelly.

They were all now in the little boat, and Kelly, addressing John, said

"I will take an oar, and while Mr. Fenwick and the others bear a hand you can steer."

They then arranged themselves, and quickly made the handsome little boat, which was painted green and white, ply rapidly through the waters of the lake. She soon rustled through the tall reeds and bulrushes which thickly lined the shore of the island, and landed at a rude quay of large stones in front of the castle.

The high-pointed gables of this ancient building were surmounted by tall chimneys, while the walls were covered with ivy. Huge clouds of smoke issued from the chimney of the apartment which had been fitted up as a kitchen. Entering the lower room, they perceived it was well furnished with strong oak chairs, some small tables of black bogwood, and a good supply of culinary utensils arranged along the walls; while flitches of bacon and dried fish were suspended from the ceiling. A large fire of peat and bog-dale lent an air of cheerfulness to the room, and the pleasant bubbling of two large iron pots showed the noonday meal was in course of preparation. These were diligently watched by the cook, who, with a "cead mille failthe" and a low courtesy, welcomed John and Cuthbert, and then, hastily dusting some chairs with her apron, requested them to be seated.

"No, not here, Winifred," said Kelly; "we will sit upstairs in my 'hall,' as I call it. Make haste with what is boiling, and fry some of the trout I killed on yesterday."

He then turned to the young gentlemen, and, requesting them to follow him, mounted the narrow staircase, and the three were soon seated in the hall. Some oak chairs and small square deal tables, capable of being joined together when required, were, with two black oak presses, its principal furniture. The walls had affixed to them the antlers of deer, and suspended from them were several skins of different

animals of the chase which Kelly had killed. The sword which his father had used during the disturbances of 1641, with two ancient-looking daggers, and various other articles, were hung over the fireplace. Leaning against the corners of the walls were some long-barrelled guns suitable for lake-shooting, and on the mantel-piece were placed an oldlooking watch, of a large size, and two silver-mounted pistols. Along one of the walls were some fishing-rods, and feathers from which he formed the artificial flies he used so successfully during his piscatory ex

cursions.

"This room," said Kelly, as they entered, "is not as well lighted as I would wish; but I do not like to spoil the antique look of the castle by making the windows larger."

So saying, he stirred up the fire into a blaze, opened one of the black oak presses, and placed on the centre table three bottles, containing, respectively, claret, brandy, and usquebaugh, and also some goblets. He then invited his guests to partake of the wine, saying it was as well not to be idle while luncheon was preparing. They declined, however, as they preferred waiting for lunch; and Cuthbert, rising, said that in the meantime he would like to ascend to the battlements of the castle, to view from thence the lake and islands. The three then mounted the narrow staircase, and, on reaching the summit, Fenwick, who very much admired Loughcutra, exclaimed

"The prospect is, indeed, charming. Do you know what the name of this lake is derived from ?"

"I find," said John, "by the oldest annals of the country, that the lake is called after Cutra, a leader of the Belgic tribe, who inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Milesians. He possessed this lake and the adjoining lands of Tyroloughan (39), and had his palace in the neighbourhood. Many places in this county derive their names from the Firbolg race, such as Ryndyffin, Molin, and Rintinane. This tribe were skilful artificers in the manufacture of brazen instruments, and formed the caves which in this country are so numerous. There is a vast cave at Boc, in the demesne of Clooneene, which, the peasantry say, extends to the lake here. I do not think, Cuthbert, the truth of the ancient history of this country can be disputed, when I see so many monuments of the various races who settled in it. Oh, how beautiful Illaun-na-pharsoon appears! What a contrast its woods present to the blue, placid waters which surround it! Look at that flock of divers near it. See how they dive, and, again rising, dimple the waters." After admiring the scenery, Fenwick said

"Kelly, have you had good fishing here lately ?"

E