The governor of the prison, on going that morning to conduct him to the bar, said: "I am sorry, Mr.Reilly, to be the bearer of bad news; but as the knowledge of it may be serviceable to you or your lawyers, I think I ought to mention it to you." "Pray, what is it ?" asked Reilly.
"Why, sir, it is said to be a fact that the _Cooleen Bawn_ has proved false and treacherous, and is coming this day to bear her testimony against you." Reilly replied with a smile of confidence, which the darkness of the room prevented the other from seeing, "Well, Mr.O'Shaugh-nessy, even if she does, it cannot be helped; have you heard what the nature of her evidence is likely to be ?" "No; it seems her father and Doldrum the attorney asked her, and she would not tell them; but she said she had made her mind up to attend the trial and see justice done.

Don't be cast down, Mr.Reilly, though, upon my soul, I think she ought to have stood it out in your favor to the last." "Come," said Reilly, "I am ready; time will tell, Mr.O'Shaughnessy, and a short time too; a few hours now, and all will know the result." "I hope in God it may be in your favor, Mr.Reilly." "Thank you, O'Shaughnessy; lead on; I am ready to attend you." The jail was crowded even to suffocation; but this was not all.

The street opposite the jail was nearly as much crowded as the jail itself, a moving, a crushing mass of thousands having been collected to abide and hear the issue.

It was with great difficulty, and not without the aid of a strong military force, that a way could be cleared for the judge as he approached the prison.

The crowd was silent and passive, but in consequence of the report that the _Cooleen Bawn_ was to appear against Reilly, a profound melancholy and an expression of deep sorrow seemed to brood over it.