CHAPTER IX.
THE RETURN.
O'Malley Castle lay about four miles from the spot we landed at, and thither accordingly we bent our steps without loss of time.

We had not, however, proceeded far, when, before us on the road, we perceived a mixed assemblage of horse and foot, hurrying along at a tremendous rate.

The mob, which consisted of some hundred country people, were armed with sticks, scythes, and pitchforks, and although not preserving any very military aspect in their order of march, were still a force quite formidable enough to make us call a halt, and deliberate upon what we were to do.
"They've outflanked us, Charley," said Considine; "however, all is not yet lost.

But see, they've got sight of us; here they come." At these words, the vast mass before us came pouring along, splashing the mud on every side, and huzzaing like so many Indians.

In the front ran a bare-legged boy, waving his cap to encourage the rest, who followed him at about fifty yards behind.
"Leave that fellow for me," said the count, coolly examining the lock of his pistol; "I'll pick him out, and load again in time for his friends' arrival.