At length O'Rorke heard a low gurgling sound proceed from her chest; it increased; she pressed his arm more tightly, and in a loud burst of ferocious mirth, which she immediately subdued into a condensed shriek that breathed the very luxury of revenge, she said-- "_Lamh Laudher Oge_, listen--ax the father of you, when you see him, what has become _of his own child_--of the first that ever God sent him; an' listen again--when he tells me what has become of mine, I'll tell him what has become of his, Now go to Ellen--but before you go, let me _cuggher_ in your ear that I'll blast you both.

I'll make the _Lamh Laudhers, Lamh Lhugs_.

I'll make the strong arm the weak arm afore I've done wid 'em." She struck the point of her stick against the pavement, until the iron ferrule with which it was bound dashed the fire from the stones, after which she passed on, muttering threats and imprecations as she left him.
O'Rorke stood and looked after her with sensations of fear and astonishment.

The age was superstitious, and encouraged a belief in the influence of powers distinct from human agency.

Every part of Ireland was filled at this time with characters, both male and female, precisely similar to old Nell M'Collum..