Darby, who never omitted an opportunity of impressing the people with a belief in his own sanctity, and in that of his crucifix came out among them, and answered their inquiries by a solemn shake of his head, and a mysterious indication of his finger to the crucifix, but said nothing more.  This was enough.  The murmur of reverence and wonder spread among them, and ere long there were few present who did not believe that Reillaghan had been restored to life by a touch of Darby’s crucifix; an opinion which is not wholly exploded until this day.

Peggy Gartland, who fortunately had not heard the report of her lover’s death until it was contradicted by the account of his revival, now entered, and by her pale countenance betrayed strong symptoms of affection and sympathy.  She sat by his side, gazing mournfully on his features, and with difficulty suppressed her tears.

For some time before her arrival, the mother and sisters of Mike had been removed to another room, lest the tumultuous expression of their mingled joy and sorrow might disturb him.  The fair, artless girl, although satisfied that he still lived, entertained no hopes of his recovery; but she ventured, in a low, trembling voice, to inquire from Darby some particulars of the melancholy transaction which was likely to deprive her of her betrothed husband.

“Where did the shot sthrike him, Darby?”

“Clane through the body, avillish; jist where Captain Cramer was shot at the battle o’ Bunker’s Hill, where he lay as good as dead for twelve hours, and was near bein’ berried a corp, an’ him alive all the time, only that as they were pullin’ him off o’ the cart, he gev a shout, an’ thin, a colleen dhas, they began to think he might be livin’ still.  Sure enough, he was, too, an’ lived successfully, till he died wid dhrinkin’ brandy, as a cure for the gout; the Lord be praised!”

“Where’s the villain, Darby?”

“He’s in the mountains, no doubt, where he had thim to fight wid that’s a match for him—­God, an’ the dark storm that fell awhile agone.  They’ll pay him, never fear, for his thrachery to the noble boy that chastised him for your sake, acushla oge! (* my young pulse) sthrong was your hand, a Veehal, an’ ginerous was your affectionate heart; an’ well you loved the fair girl that’s sitting beside you!  Throth, Peggy, my heart’s black with sarrow about the darlin’ young man.  Still, life’s in him; an’ while there’s life there’s hope; glory be to God!”

The eulogium of the pilgrim, who was, in truth, much attached to Mike, moved the heart of the affectionate girl, whose love and sympathy were pure as the dew on the grass-blade, and now as easily affected by the slightest touch.  She remained silent for a time, but secretly glided her hand towards that of her lover, which she clasped in hers, and by a gentle and timid pressure, strove to intimate to him that she was beside him.  Long, but unavailing, was the struggle to repress her sorrow; her bosom heaved; she gave two or three loud sobs, and burst into tears and lamentations.