We
took the way that turns up the Quarry, an' afther gettin' into one of
the little fir groves off the road, he made a stab at my neck, as I
stooped to tie my shoe that happened to be loose. As God would have it,
he only tore the skin above my forehead. I pursued the villain on the
spot, but he disappeared among the trees, as if the earth had swallowed
him. I then went into Darby Kavanagh's, where I got my breakfast; an'
as I was afraid that you might by pure force prevent me from meetin' the
black, I didn't stir out of it till the proper time came."
This startling incident occasioned much discussion among his friends,
who of course were ignorant alike of the person who had attempted his
assassination, and of the motives which could have impelled him to such
a crime. Several opinions were advanced upon the circumstance, but as
it had failed, his triumph over the Dead Boxer, as unexpected as it was
complete, soon superseded it, and many a health was given "to the best
man that ever sprung from the blood of the Lamh Laudhers!" for so
they termed him, and well had he earned the epithet. At this moment an
incident occurred which considerably subdued their enjoyment. Breen, the
constable, came to inform them that Nell McCollum, now weltering in her
blood, and at the point of death, desired instantly to see them.
Our readers have been, no doubt, somewhat surprised at the sudden
disappearance of Nell.
Pages:
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111