"Your ears never deceive you," said Shane Oge Killerna. hark! the sentinel calls us to our posts."

"But,

"Taggert," said Emun Laider, "you, as our commander, had better question the horseman on his arrival-not that there is any danger that he could take the castle by storm, but merely to show him how much we have improved of late on the points of war and parley."

Taggert was of that class who, like the Mac Sweeneys and Mao Sheeheys, made it his profession to engage in the service of Irish chieftains, for the purpose of training their retainers in military tactics. His family were for a long time in the service of the Chiefs of Cineal Aodh, and, in consequence of their faithfulness and skill, were rewarded with a grant of land, as were also the descendants of a gentleman named Clayton, who likewise served under O'Shaughnessy, and had at this time a residence adjacent to the Castle of Gortinsiguara. The tribes of Taggert and Clayton had increased since their settlement in Cineal Aodh, so that now their fighting men amounted to more than seventy, and were in the full possession of manly strength and courage, and well versed in all the military manœuvres of the time. Taggert was about forty years of age, but still he could easily bound over every wall and ditch that came before him, and with his long-barrelled Spanish gun in his hand he seldom failed to bring down any object that he fired at. In his habits, though kind and affectionate to his family and friends, he was, nevertheless, a strict disciplinarian, and insisted on all occasions that the soldiers under his command should perform even the most trivial movements of their drill with regularity and exactness. He now seized the opportunity of putting his men through the military evolutions of the day, having more facility for doing so than before the entire body were concentrated.

On reaching the battlements, Taggert ordered Emun Laider to tell some of the men to be prepared to raise the portcullis and let down the drawbridge, while himself ascended to the parapet. From thence he observed that the horseman had checked his speed; but, notwithstanding this, was still stoutly approaching. When he arrived at the gateway, taking in his hand a small bugle which was suspended at his side, he blew loudly the first few notes of an old Irish air, called "Tha me ma culla," or "I am asleep." Taggert then called aloud

"Who comes there ?" To which the horseman replied-

"I am an express from Athlone, with despatches, and am one of Colonel Clifford's dragoons, of Captain Forster of Rathorpe's troop❞ (12). "Cead mille failthe!" said Taggert. "If I mistake not, you are Nicholas Power, who joined that regiment about two years ago; but you have grown so much that I did not recognise you at first. Lig sios!" he continued, and in a moment the chains were unloosed that held up

the drawbridge, which fell with a loud report. The portcullis was then raised, and the massive iron doors flew back, revolving on their tremendous hinges, with a dull and heavy sound against the inner walls of the vaulted apartment, and Power, dismounting from his horse, entered the archway.

Two large torches of bog-dale were now lighted, which, emitting a bright glare, illuminated all around, and revealed the guard drawn up in order, who were furnished with long-barrelled muskets, and having in their belts daggers of highly-polished steel, which were made to fit their guns when required (13). Their ammunition was contained in bandoleers suspended from the shoulder, and their heads were covered by the Barred, a conical cap worn by the Irish. A trousers and tight-fitting jacket, with a large, loose frieze cloak, completed their dress. Taggert now put them through several military manoeuvres, until he was fully satisfied Power had formed a high opinion of his skill as a disciplinarian. The young dragoon, having assured him that his men were as well disciplined as the regular troops in Athlone-which, of course, reflected great credit on their commander-he desired them to leave by their arms and greet their friend. This they did not fail to do in the warmest manner, and Shane Oge produced a large bottle of usquebaugh, or poteen, which he requested him to partake of. Power, however, declined, saying— "I must first take care of my good charger."

"Give yourself no trouble about your horse," said Conor Buighe; "I will bring him to the stables, and take good care to provide the best provender the place affords for him."

"In that case, Conor," said Power, "I will resign my horse to your care, and proceed with you, Taggert, to the castle, in order to deliver my dispatch to O'Shaughnessy, your Chief."

He then wished the guard good-night, and, accompanied by the warder, proceeded to the Keep. When they arrived at the door, Power sent one of the retainers to acquaint the Chief of Cineal Aodh of his arrival. The result of this message was that he was immediately admitted. On entering the room he beheld O'Shaughnessy, sitting at a round table near the fireplace. He was middle-aged, of fair complexion, and his long brown hair fell loosely over his shoulders. He wore a moustache, and his beard was slightly trimmed; while his look, though calm, betokened a great deal of anxiety. He wore a green coat, with a standing collar and large silver buttons. His waistcoat was long, and furnished with ample pockets. His smallclothes were of buckskin, and his large French boots were ornamented with gold spurs. The ruffles of his shirt sleeves covered his wrists, and on his fingers were several rings inlaid with precious stones. His broadsword, which he had previously taken off, was placed alongside the chimney-piece; whilst

his holster pistols, adorned with silver mounting and the family arms, were suspended from the wall, beneath the portrait of Rory More Dearg O'Shaughnessy (14), and his three-cornered cocked hat lay on a chair, near the door. On the table were placed some large account-books and other papers, which he threw aside when the courier entered. On the opposite side of the table sat Dermot Oge Cloran, Esquire, his secretary and confidential friend, with a pen in his hand, and apparently busily engaged over some accounts. Cloran's family were for a long time previously in the confidence of the Chiefs of Cineal Aodh, and anciently held considerable property in their extensive territory.

Power, after saluting the Chieftain, said—

"Sir, I received at Athlone a letter for you from my officer, Captain Forster."

So saying, he unbuckled his sabertache, and took from it the epistle, which he presented to O'Shaughnessy, who, having read it, laid it on the table, and, turning to Dermot Oge, said—

"Cloran, please leave by your papers until we hear what news the courier brings from Athlone. I hope my young friend Captain Forster," he continued, addressing the dragoon, "is well ?"

"In good health, sir, thanks to Providence, and there is no officer in the garrison more respected. Kind and affable to his soldiers, he still upholds the dignity becoming his noble descent. His purse is always at the command of his troop when they require it, and whenever letters arrive for any of us he personally delivers them. He is most attentive to our drill, and very often instructs us in the sword exercise, which he acquired while at college in France. He is a great favourite with the veteran Colonel Grace, Colonel Sheldon, and other distinguished officers. The Captain has obtained leave to come to Clooneene, for the purpose of recruiting men for the army from amongst his father's and grandfather's tenantry, and I am sure he will be most successful."

"How can you know that ?" said O'Shaughnessy.

"I suppose you do not recollect me, sir. My name is Nicholas Power, and I was born on the Clooneene estate."

"What!" said O'Shaughnessy, "son of Power of Park-na-attinagh ?"

“Yes, sir; I am his son, and you may recollect he fought against the Cromwellians, under my Chief, Frincheas More na Fion" (15).

"Yes, I know him well," said O'Shaughnessy-"a trusty, honourable, and venerable old soldier; and, inasmuch as I esteem him, I insist on your remaining here to-night, where you are welcome to the best entertainment my castle affords."

"I could not think of doing myself the injustice of not accepting your invitation," said the dragoon, "though, I must confess, I was anxious to see my father to-night."

"Dermot Oge," said O'Shaughnessy, "open the closet door, and take out some bottles of the claret which my father, Sir Dermot, received from Bordeaux, in 1666, and which the captain of the fast-sailing brig 'The Outlaw,' landed at Duras, not being over-particular about putting into Galway to pay the king's duty (16). Now, Dermot Oge, three cups if you please," he continued, after Cloran had brought the wine from the closet.

Dermot Oge, in obedience, opened a small oak press in a recess near the fireplace, from which he took three silver goblets, with the armorial bearings of the O'Shaughnessy sept emblazoned on them. On a shield argent a castle, triple-towered, azure; crest, an arm embowed, holding a spear; supporters, two lions or, with the motto Fortis et stabilis; and, placing them on the table, filled them to the brim with the rich, red wine of France.

"Come," said O'Shaughnessy, taking one of the goblets in his hand, "let us drink the health of King James the Second. God restore to its hereditary rights the House of Stuart!"

Power drew his sword from its scabbard, and, flourishing it over his head, with his whole heart responded to the toast. Then, after laying his goblet on the table, and sheathing his blade, he bowed, and retired to his quarters in the outer buildings of the castle.

When alone with O'Shaughnessy, Dermot Oge said, “I am exceedingly glad to hear that young Captain Forster is well, for I knew him from his childhood, and no better officer exists. I assure you, O'Shaughnessy, that, next to yours, I esteem the Clooneene family, and will, in my last hours, leave to you and them the disposal of all my worldly goods and chattels" (17).

"I am sure you have a high opinion of that sept," said O'Shaughnessy," and my father, Sir Dermot, had the same. After my marriage he made Captain Francis Forster of Clooneene one of the trustees to the deed confirming my marriage settlement."

"Oh, yes," said Dermot Oge, "I remember the deed very well; it is dated 10th of September, 1668, and is here among the papers. I brought it for your perusal.”

Dermot Oge then drew forth, from under some of the papers, a large volume of parchment tied with red tape, and commenced to read"This Indenture, made between Sir Dermot O'Shaughnessy, William O'Shaughnessy, and Captain Francis Forster, of the first part, and

Conor Lord Viscount Clare, the Honourable Colonel Daniel O'Brien his son, Mark Lynch, and Donough O'Brien, of the second part—”

"You need not read further, Dermot," said O'Shaughnessy, who feared Dermot Oge would not cease until he had read over all the long recitations of remainderships and covenants therein, commenting on the several clauses and provisoes as he went over each parchment. "What I wished to look at in the deed were the clauses as to the remaindership of the property, in case of failure of heirs male in my family."

"In that case," said Dermot Oge, "the reversion and remainder of all and of each and every one of the aforesaid thirty-five quarters of Gortinsiguara

"You may skip over long recitals," said O'Shaughnessy, "as the hour is rather late. I know you and your ancestors always took care that the deeds required by my family should be most correctly drawn up, and minute in their limitations, provisoes, and so forth."

"Indeed, you are quite correct, O'Shaughnessy; myself and my ancestors always took particular pains with every document connected with your family, and used our best endeavours to lead them into a knowledge of the nature of their deeds and agreements with other parties."

"Fill your goblet, Dermot Oge, and let us finish this magnum ere we read over the deed," said O'Shaughnessy.

Dermot, who was rather thirsty, drank the contents of the goblet at a draught, and then said

"Sir, I have studied this settlement and its clauses well, and my poor father's opinion thereon. The words are-The remainder to all that and those the twelve quarters of the castle and island of Fidane

Here O'Shaughnessy, who did not relish the perusal of so voluminous a manuscript, interrupted him by saying

"Come, Dermot, fill your goblet; the wine is de premiere classe, and we can look over the deed at some other time."

"To sum all up," Dermot Oge continued, "in case you or your sons, or their descendants, should fail in male issue, the reversion goes to your brother, Charles O'Shaughnessy, of Ardemilevan Castle, or his descendants; and my opinion is that this deed will hold good, both in law and equity, as long as justice rules the land; but we can see Captain Forster at Clooneene on to-morrow, and get his opinion on the subject," at the same time filling up once more O'Shaughnessy's and his own goblet.

"You are right, Dermot," responded the Chieftain, "for he, as trustee, has a copy of the deed; but, at all events, he ought to be a solid opinion