187s] Hostile Reception at Inishkea. 245 



to infer (as was actually done) that he was the writer of 

 the offensive letter, returning to concoct materials for 

 another ! 



Meanwhile, not dreaming of these gathering perils, the 

 two naturalists quietly walked over the island, botanized, 

 inspected the shell-mound, and made some pencil sketches, 

 one representing the stone cross, and another the ruined 

 church, which is supposed to be of great antiquity. They 

 then returned to the village, and Mr. Dillon, going on a 

 mission of exploration to one end, left Mr. More alone 

 with the rods and guns at the other. 



Whether or not such opportunity had been watched for 

 cannot be said ; but in a few minutes a group of angry 

 islanders were round Mr. More, and before he could gather 

 the meaning of the situation, a blow from a heavy piece 

 of timber had stretched him on the ground. He was 

 stunned ; and the assailants, leaving him unconscious, 

 ran off towards the shore. 



Frequently, in later years, Mr. More avowed the belief 

 that he owed the preservation of his life at this juncture in 

 no small degree to the promptitude and resolution of his 

 friend Sir John Dillon, who, as he returned through the 

 village, saw the people hastening to the shore, and was 

 horrified to find his companion lying on the ground. 

 Further molestation was plainly promised ; for a crowd 

 gathered near the harbour, and when Mr. More, with his 

 friend's assistance, was able to walk towards the boat, a 

 shower of stones assailed them. Verbal remonstrance was 

 useless, and Mr. Dillon raised his breech-loader, warned 

 the people that he meant to protect his comrade, and shot 

 two sea-gulls by way of illustration. The effect of the 

 poor birds' fate was instantaneous. The islanders, who 

 had never seen a breech-loader before, were filled with 

 amazement, and needed no further warning. 



Still, the adventures of the day were not over. His 

 journal, after briefly mentioning that on this date he 

 " sailed to Inishkea, got drawings of ruin, and was 

 lynched," proceeds : " And returned in a gale of wind, to 

 anchor at 12 of night under Slieve More. Sat in cabin till 

 daylight, and wind abating were at last landed at grey 



