The crowd immediately dispersed, and in a few minutes the melancholy group were admitted to the welcome shelter of the magistrate’s hospitable roof; for such, in fact, it was.

We do not intend to dwell upon this melancholy meeting of the neighboring families, nor upon the heart-rending details which were given of the dreadful circumstances that made that night so hideous.  All the O’Driscols were present, and deeply participated in the affliction of the late proctor’s family with the exception of the magistrate himself, who, much to their astonishment, was not forthcoming.  Every successive moment, however, he was looked for; but as he did not, after an unusual period of expectation, make his appearance, some alarm began to be felt, which gradually increased, especially on the part of his daughter, until she proposed that a search should be made for him.  This was accordingly done, when—­but let it not reach the ears of his friend the Castle, he was discovered somewhat in the position of Philosopher Square, behind Molly Seagrim’s curtain, squatted upon his hunkers, as they say, in the furthest and darkest corner of the coal hole.

In about half an hour after this discovery, a knock came to the door, and it was intimated to Alick Purcel and M’Carthy, that the Cannie Soogah wished to see them for a minute or two,—­but that he declined coming in.

“Gentlemen,” said he, when they came to the hall-door, “I have made up my mind since I left you awhile ago, and I’m come to bid you both farewell.  This at present is not a paceful country to live in, and I’m tired of the work that’s goin’ on in it.  I’m now come to bid you both farewell, and my brother is goin’ along wid me.  The other will be laid in his grave this night.  I wish, Mr. Purcel, I could a’ done more for your family; but what’s done can’t be undone.  Farewell, then,” said he, and, as he spoke, his voice was filled with deep but manly emotion—­“Farewell to you both!  When you think of me, let it be kindly, for from this night out you will never see the Cannie Soogah more.”

He put his two hands upon his face, gave a sob or two, and immediately departed at a rapid pace, and never was seen in the country afterwards.

It is necessary to say now that Alick Purcel and his beloved Miss O’Driscol were united;—­that M’Carthy, in due time, after having been called to the bar, was made happy in the possession of Julia Purcel; and that Jerry Joyce, in imitation of his betters, was blessed by the hand and honest heart of Letty Lenehan.