arms-Ermine, a chevron sable; crest, a dolphin naiant embowed upon. rocks, proper; motto, Malo mori quam fœdari—was quickly hoisted on the highest tower of their residence, to acknowledge the salute.

"Weigh anchor," said De Tourville, in a loud voice; "man the yards and set all sail."

The order was immediately obeyed; the sailors fell to work at the windlass, and soon brought the heavy anchor on board, and the sails were spread; while William O'Shaughnessy and Moylan stood on the deck, gazing intently on the mountains of their fatherland. The freshening gale, as it swelled her white canvas, made the vessel move swiftly through the disturbed waters of the broad Atlantic, the white foam dashed over her bows, and after the lapse of a short time the Flying Eagle stood well out to sea. As the spectators caught the last glimpses of her hull they observed De Tourville, De Merville, O'Shaughnessy, and Moylan standing on the quarter-deck, waving their hats.

When the ship's boat had taken the exiles on board, a deep melancholy seized their friends. The grief of O'Shaughnessy, as he gazed with straining eyes on the fast-receding vessel, was silent, though most intense, and was fully participated in by the Chief of Clooneene; while the followers of the O'Shaughnessy sept gave vent to their sorrow in loud lamentations. When the Flying Eagle had vanished in the distance, the Chief of Cineal Aodh became extremely weak. Dermot Oge earnestly endeavoured to console him, and at length all mounted their horses, and sorrowfully rode back to Gortinsiguara, most of them, in consequence of their friend's grief, having declined the hospitable invitation of the Chief of Duras. Here the Captain remained until evening, and then returned to Clooneene, accompanied by his party.

When alone with O'Shaughnessy, Dermot Oge said, "You must learn to forget your grief, as it is a duty you owe your family to attend to the proper management of your affairs. For the next month great efforts should be made to cultivate the lands, as it is more than probable provisions will be very scarce during the war, which is certain to be a desperate one, from the great preparations that are being made on both sides."

"I leave that in your hands," said the Chieftain, "and give you full authority to act in all matters as you may deem proper."

Dermot Oge replied that he would judiciously use the power invested in him, and shortly after departed for Lissine, where he was kept busily employed during the greater part of the ensuing month in agricultural pursuits.

CHAPTER XII.

THE ENROLMENT.

AFTER the Chief of Clooneene returned from Gortinsiguara, a fortnight was passed in quietude, no event worth recording having taken place; but at the expiration of that period further intelligence was received from Dublin of the entry of the King into that city, and also of five proclamations having been issued by his Majesty, one of which was to summon a Parliament; and that the Duke of Tyrconnell, CaptainGeneral of the forces in Ireland, was using every exertion to raise an army to take the field, and that the Catholic nobility and gentry were requested to enrol their tenantry to form a force sufficient to defend the King's authority in Ireland. A letter was received from young Captain Forster, stating he would soon have the pleasure of visiting his relatives, and that he was sorry to say, although the Irish were heart and soul in the cause of their religion and country, he feared it would be impossible to enrol the entire of the number of patriotic volunteers who daily offered their services, in consequence of the Government not having a sufficient quantity of arms, clothes, and ammunition at their disposal to supply them with. It also stated that the King had formed a council in Dublin, consisting of the Duke of Tyrconnell, Count d'Avaux, the French Ambassador, and the Earl of Melfort, and that the latter was directed to report upon the condition of the magazines throughout the country; the result of which was very unsatisfactory, as it was found that there were only 6 mortar pieces, 188 guns mounted, 79 guns unmounted, 399 barrels of powder, 196 barrels of ball, 421 bundles of matches, 878 serviceable muskets, 896 unserviceable, 1,152 pistols in pairs, 1,029 carabines, 2 petards and covers, 7 waggons, 9 tumbrels, with 1,449 cannon ball, 190 tents for horse, 335 for foot, 100 pickaxes, 100 shovels and 100 spades, 5 hand-screws, 200 baskets, 145 wheel-barrows, 170 hand-barrows, 1,398 pikes, 138 yards of caddows, 54 yards of canvas, 12 axle-trees, and 789 iron balls. The efforts of the Duke of Tyrconnell to recruit the army were eagerly responded to by the people, and 100,000 men offered their services; but, unfortunately, only about half could be furnished with arms, and even that number with a very inferior description.

In a few days after the receipt of this rather discouraging intelligence the Chief of Cineal Aodh and Dermot Oge came on a visit, and while

sitting in the drawing-room, on the evening of their arrival, with the Chief of Clooneene and John, they were agreeably surprised by the unexpected appearance of the Chief of Moyriesk, and his relative Captain, Florence Mac Namara.

"I have brought you pleasing news, my friends," said the former. "A complete victory has been gained by our soldiers at Dromore-Ivagh, where Brigadier-General Richard Hamilton, the son of Colonel Sir George Hamilton, of Donnalong, at the head of about 2,500 men, totally defeated, with great slaughter, 8,000 Northern Williamites, and then advanced, with little or no opposition, to Hillsborough. The garrison of this place was so terrified, on hearing of his victory and rapid approach, that although they well knew Sir Arthur Rawdon was marching from Lisburn, at the head of a force consisting of about 4,000 men, to reinforce them, they nevertheless surrendered the town, and were dismissed by Hamilton. When this news spread abroad, Sir Arthur's forces were seized with fear dispersed and fled in all directions, some taking refuge in England, while others quickly submitted to the successful Irish General. Colonel Stewart was seized with the general panic, and fled from Dungannon, while the remainder of the Williamite forces, who were still with difficulty kept together, were compelled to take refuge in Coleraine. General Hamilton, however, having applied to Dublin for an extra supply of troops, to enable him to attack their place of refuge, a reinforcement, consisting of the regiments of Gormanstown, Bellew, Louth, Nugent, and Moore, the Duke of Tyrconnell's regiment of horse, and Captain Burke's troop of horse, with another detachment, were ordered to the North, comprising 165 horse, 100 dragoons, and 560 foot, under the command of our friend Sir Toby Butler's kinsman, Lord Galmoy, and the King has dispatched the Duke of Berwick with an army to the North."

He also said that himself and his relatives had enrolled a great number of their tenantry, but were unable to supply them with the necessary arms.

The discourse was here interrupted by the appearance of Shane O'Halloran, who informed his Chief that a dragoon had come to give notice that young Captain Forster was to arrive in a short time with his troop, on their way to Limerick.

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'Shane," said the Chief, "send Costellan directly to me, and when the dragoons arrive take good care of them, and see that all their wants are immediately attended to."

When Costellan made his appearance he was desired by the Chief to provide lodging for the men and provender for their horses, and was told that all who could not obtain beds at Clooneene could be accom

modated at Ballinascagh and Park-na-crawn, and also to have some ankers of brandy and ale rolled out of the cellars; to have the large brew-pan filled with beef, and the fires ready to cook the dinner.

In an hour after, the sound of trumpets and trampling of horses were heard in the courtyard, and the Chief at once went to welcome his grandson. The young Captain alighted, and hastened to greet his grandfather and brother. His handsome uniform became his manly figure. His lip was shaded by a brown moustache; his curling hair of the same colour, flowed from beneath his helmet; and his whole appearance was that of a youthful warrior, cool, manly, and brave. The Chief warmly embraced him, and was proud of his warlike appearance.

John welcomed his brother with manifestations of delight, and said— "Francis, I am rejoiced to see you looking so well, and have no doubt but you are greatly pleased with your military life. We have made every necessary preparation for the accommodation of your troop, and you may feel certain that Costellan and O'Halloran will see their wants attended to."

"I am sure they will do so," said his brother, "for my men are much fatigued; but by-the-bye, John, how is our cousin Cuthbert? Does he like this country, or has he any intention of returning to Northumberland? If I do not mistake his character, he is a very manly sort of fellow, and will remain to take part in the coming war."

"Cuthbert is certainly very courageous, and a great lover of adventure. I have lately often heard him consult our grandfather as to whether he ought or not apply to the Lord Lieutenant for a commission in the army. He is now on a fishing tour with our friend Kelly; but your cousins, the Mac Namaras, with O'Shaughnessy and Dermot Oge, who are at present staying here, will be delighted to see you."

Captain Forster then commanded his troop to dismount, and his grandfather, going amongst them, spoke to each, remarking that he was glad to see them again at Clooneene, and complimented them highly on their soldier-like appearance."

"Come here, Ralph Malbrough," said he, to a stout, well-made young dragoon, with laughing blue eyes and ruddy cheeks; "your father was a brave soldier, and I have heard the best reports of your own good conduct."

"I hope, my Chief," replied Malbrough, "I shall always deserve your approbation, and that of my young Captain also.'

"Not a better dragoon in my troop than Ralph," said Captain Forster, "and his skill in all matters relating to horses is very great, while his strong arm shows it will make the King's foes feel its weight."

The long tables were now laid in the retainers' hall, which was quickly filled with the dragoons; and the Chief, having desired them to enjoy themselves, left them, and, accompanied by his grandson, returned to O'Shaughnessy and the Mac Namaras, who were delighted to see the young Captain. When dinner was over, he commenced to tell the latest news from Dublin.

"The Duke of Berwick, who displays great military talent," said he, "has taken Coleraine, and the King has advanced to Londonderry, which town has refused him admittance. On the 8th of April, the King left Dublin to join his army in the North, and on the 10th the Duke of Tyrconnell departed from the metropolis to organise and inspect the newly-raised regiments of Leinster and Munster, where, believing that nothing but a large army was essential to forward the speedy success of the royal cause, and trusting for its support to Providence rather than finance, he enrolled more soldiers than there were means to arm or clothe, being under the mistaken impression that, no matter how badly armed they might be, they were still necessary to encounter the difficulties which were hourly increasing in the North. However, the King's ardour soon cooled, and he returned to Dublin; while Marshal the Count de Rosen now commands at the siege. Colonel Sarsfield, who is already a favourite with the army, keeps the Enniskillen Williamites in check, and I am directed by Tyrconnell to enlist all the men I can here, as he has the greatest faith in their attachment to our cause."

"Indeed, all the people in the neighbourhood of Gortinsiguara only require to be armed, and to have themselves disciplined, as they are willing to join the army," said the Chief of Cineal Aodh.

"Hamilton's forces," said Captain Forster, "though so victorious in their engagements with the Williamites, were mostly composed of irregulars, particularly at Dromore-Ivagh. They have taken the name of 'Rapparees,' which is derived from an Irish word signifying a short or half-pike, and are armed some with muskets and pistols, and others only with pikes, spears, and skeins; still they did very good service, and are likely to be of great assistance to the regular army during the war." Though the peasantry are poor, they are resolute, and can be depended on," said his grandfather; "but to-morrow you can see how many are willing to enrol their names in the King's service, and, according as they are required, they can join the regulars, or may act as Rapparees." "How are affairs going on in Dublin at present ?" inquired the Chief of Moyriesk.

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"All that I have met are anxious for the Parliament to meet without delay, and repeal the Act of Settlement. Our friend Sir Toby