Woodward had not been many minutes there when Grace Davoren joined him.

She seemed startled, and surprised, and disappointed, as Casey could perceive by her manner, or rather by the tones of her voice; but, whatever the cause of her disappointment may have been, there was little time left for either remonstrances or explanation on the part of her lover.

Whilst addressing her, a young and powerful man bounded forward, and, brandishing a long dagger--the dreaded middogue--plunged it into his body, and her companion fell with a groan.

The act was rapid as lightning, and the moment the work of blood and vengeance had been accomplished, the young fellow bounded away again with the same speed observable in the rapidity of his approach.

Grace's screams and shrieks were loud and fearful.
"Murdherin' villain of hell," she shouted after Shawn--for it was he--"you have killed the wrong man--you have murdered the innocent This is his brother." Barney was at her side in a moment.
"Heavenly Father!" he exclaimed, shocked and astounded by her words, "what means this?
Is it Mr.Charles ?" "O, yes," she replied, not conscious that in the alarm and terror of the moment she had betrayed herself, or rather her paramour--"innocent Mr.
Charles I'm afeard is murdhered by that revengeful villain; and now, Barney, what is to be done, and how will we get assistance to bring him home?
But, cheerna above! what will become of me!" "Mr.Charles," said Barney, "is it possible that it is you that is here ?" "I am here, Barney," he replied, with difficulty, "and, I fear, mortally wounded." "God forbid!" replied his humble but faithful friend--"I hope it is not so bad as you think." "Take this handkerchief," said Charles, "tie it about my breast, and try and stop the blood.