All the parties attended, the Prophet among the rest; and it might have been observed, that his countenance was marked by an expression of peculiar determination.  His brow was, if possible, darker than usual; his eye was quicker and more circumspect, but his complexion, notwithstanding this, was not merely pale, but absolutely white as ashes.  The morning came, however, and the assies were opened with the usual formalities.  The judge’s charge to the grand jury, in consequence of the famine outrages which had taken place to such an extent, was unusually long; nor was the “King against Dalton,” for the murder of Sullivan, left without due advice and comment.  In this way a considerable portion of the day passed.  At length a trial for horse-stealing came on, but closed too late to allow them to think of commencing any other case during that day; and, as a natural consequence, that of Condy Dalton was postponed until the next morning.

It is an impressive thing; and fills the mind with a reverend sense of the wisdom manifested by an over-ruling Providence, to reflect upon the wondrous manner in which the influence of slight incidents is made to frustrate the subtlest designs of human ingenuity, and vindicate the justice of the Almighty in the eyes of his creatures, sometimes for the reward of the just, and as often for the punishment of the guilty.  Had the trial of Dalton, for instance, gone on, as had been anticipated, during the first day, it is impossible to say how many of the characters in our humble drama might have grievously suffered or escaped in consequence.  At all events it is not likely that the following dialogue would have ever taken place, or been made instrumental in working out purposes, and defeating plans, with which the reader, if he is not already, will very soon be made acquainted.

Donnel Dhu had returned from the assizes, and was sitting, as usual, poring over the fire, when he asked the old woman who nursed Sarahif there had been any persons inquiring for him since nightfall.

“Three or four,” she replied; “but I said you hadn’t come home yet; an’ divil a one o’ them but was all on the same tune, an’ bid me to tell you that it was a safe night.”

“Well, I hope it is, Biddy,” he replied, “but not so safe,” he added to himself, “as I could wish it to be.  How is Sarah?”

“She’s better,” replied the woman, “an’ was up to-day for an hour or two; but still she’s poorly, and I think her brain isn’t right yet.”

“Very likely it isn’t,” said the Prophet.  “But, Biddy, when were you at Shanco?”

“Not this week past.”

“Well, then, if you like to slip over for an hour or so now, you may, an’ I’ll take care of Sarah till you come back; only don’t be longer.”

“Long life to you, Donnel; throth an’ I want to go, if it was only to set the little matthers right for them poor orphans, my grandchildre.”

“Well, then, go,” he replied; “but don’t be more than an hour away, mind.  I’ll take care of Sarah for you till you come back.”