THE MAID of the MOUNTAIN 



like beacons. We sat silent for a few moments, 

 each, no doubt, filled with an emotion inspired by 

 the scene and the circumstance of our being there. 

 It was O'Scanlen who first spoke : 



" By my faith ! Maggie has made a grand fight, 

 and it's a beautiful place entirely." 



" She 'av' de great courage," said Charlo, simply. 



"And, man, but she's fine at the stumpin'," 

 replied McTavish. 



I made no remark, for something in the stillness 

 about the place jarred unpleasantly upon my nerves. 

 I tipped the horse with the whip, and we drove up 

 to the door. " I '11 rap," said I to O'Scanlen, 

 " not to cause too great surprise, and you follow 

 me in." There was no response, however, to my 

 rap, and I lifted the latch. The door opened and 

 I entered, closely followed by O'Scanlen. Sitting 

 before the table facing one of the windows, but 

 with her back turned to us, was the Maid, evidently 

 writing. She held a pen in her hand, and before 

 her on the table was spread a large sheet of paper. 

 She did not turn, however, at the noise of our 

 entrance. 



" Maggie, Maggie dear, I have come at last," 

 exclaimed O'Scanlen, reaching out his arms, as he 

 advanced towards the sitting figure. 



There was no response. 



3" 



