I saw the people around me rush forward; I caught two or three glances thrown at me with an expression of revengeful passion; I felt some one grasp me round the waist, and hurry me from the spot; and it was at least ten minutes after, as we were skimming the surface of the broad Shannon, before I could well collect my scattered faculties to remember all that was passing, as Considine, pointing to the two bullet-holes in my hat, remarked, "Sharp practice, Charley; it was the overcharge saved you." "Is he killed, sir ?" I asked.
"Not quite, I believe, but as good.

You took him just above the hip." "Can he recover ?" said I, with a voice tremulous from agitation, which I vainly endeavored to conceal from my companion.
"Not if the doctor can help it," said Considine; "for the fool keeps poking about for the ball.

But now let's think of the next step,--you'll have to leave this, and at once, too." Little more passed between us.

As we rowed towards the shore, Considine was following up his reflections, and I had mine,--alas! too many and too bitter to escape from.
As we neared the land a strange spectacle caught our eye.

For a considerable distance along the coast crowds of country people were assembled, who, forming in groups and breaking into parties of two and three, were evidently watching with great anxiety what was taking place at the opposite side.