274 DEATH OF THE OTTER-KILLER. 



The ancient retainer of an Irish family generally estab- 

 lishes a bond upon the affections of the wild household, that 

 causes his loss to make a greater sensation, than so humble 

 an event might be supposed to occasion. Antony for half a 

 century had been attached to this family. Three generations 

 have passed since he first settled beneath the roof-tree ; 

 and he has been associated with every earlier recollection 

 of the present master. No wonder I found my kinsman in 

 considerable distress. The old man was dying and youthful 

 scenes, and youthful days, when the stormier passions had 

 not broken " the sunshine of the breast," were now vividly 

 recalled by the approaching dissolution of his ancient and 

 devoted follower. 



The summons to the priest was instantly attended, 

 Father Andrew returned with the messenger, and was im- 

 mediately closeted with the penitent. Poor Antony's simple 

 life had few dark recollections to harrow his parting hour. 

 His shrift was short and satisfactory ; and at his own request, 

 when the rites of the Roman Catholic church had been duly 

 celebrated, my cousin and myself were summoned to his bed- 

 side. 



The old man was supported by Hennessey, as a difficulty 

 in breathing obliged him to be raised up ; and the scene was 

 at once simple and imposing. The early monitor of his 

 youthful fishing-days the being who had in mountain pastimes 

 been so frequently his companion, possibly recalled softer 

 recollections, and a deep shade of sorrow overspread the 

 countenance of the "stem homicide." The black-eyed girl, 

 who held a teaspoon to his lips, vainly endeavouring to intro- 

 duce some nourishment, wept over him like a lamenting child. 

 His faithful terrier sat at the bed-foot, and the fixed and 

 melancholy look that the poor animal turned on her dying 

 master, would have half persuaded me that Venom knew 

 she was about to lose him. Dim as his eye was, it 

 lighted as my kinsman's tall figure darkened the entrance 

 of the chamber; and feebly putting forth his hand, he 

 clasped that of his beloved master with affection, arid while 

 weakness and imperfect breathing sadly interrupted his "last 

 farewell," we could with some difficulty thus collect his 

 words. 



"I'm going, Master Julius, and may the blessing of the 

 Almighty attend ye ! Sure I should be thankful, with all 



