Charley, is that a gentleman I see far back in the crowd?
Yes, to be sure it is?
He's on a large horse--now he's pressing forward; so let--no--oh--ay, it's Godfrey O'Malley himself, and these are our own people." Scarcely were the words out when a tremendous cheer arose from the multitude, who, recognizing us at the same instant, sprang from their horses and ran forward to welcome us.

Among the foremost was the scarecrow leader, whom I at once perceived as poor Patsey, who, escaping in the morning, had returned at full speed to O'Malley Castle, and raised the whole country to my rescue.

Before I could address one word to my faithful followers I was in my uncle's arms.
"Safe, my boy, quite safe ?" "Quite safe, sir." "No scratch anywhere ?" "Nothing but a hat the worse, sir," said I, showing the two bullet-holes in my headpiece.
His lip quivered as he turned and whispered something into Considine's ear, which I heard not; but the count's reply was, "Devil a bit, as cool as you see him this minute." "And Bodkin, what of him ?" "This day's work's his last," said Considine; "the ball entered here.

But come along, Godfrey; Charley's new at this kind of thing, and we had better discuss matters in the house." Half-an-hour's brisk trot--for we were soon supplied with horses--brought us back to the Castle, much to the disappointment of our cortege, who had been promised a _scrimmage_, and went back in very ill-humor at the breach of contract.
The breakfast-room, as we entered, was filled with my uncle's supporters, all busily engaged over poll-books and booth tallies, in preparation for the eventful day of battle.

These, however, were immediately thrown aside to hasten round me and inquire all the details of my duel.