MEMOIR OF HENNESSEY. 297 



some bride, Kathleein was hurrying to the shore with her 

 young and daring suitor. 



" An attempt so boldly and so fortunately begun, was, 

 however, doomed to end unhappily. One of the Malleys had 

 discovered the interview, and witnessed the elopement. Having 

 silently observed the route of the fugitives, he apprized the 

 parties within, that their negotiations were likely to become 

 nugatory, and a fierce and vindictive pursuit was instantly 

 commenced. The distance, however, to the beach was short : 

 the companion of the bold abductor had run forward ; the 

 bride was won the boat was launched the oars were dipping 

 in the water when, alas ! the rush of rapid footsteps were 

 heard, and oaths and threats announced that the fugitives 

 were closely followed. Two or three of the Malleys had far 

 outstripped the rest ; but a minute more, and pursuit would 

 have been hopeless. One man had passed the others far, and 

 on the brink of the tide he caught the fair runaway in his 

 arms, while the companions of the gallant were actually pull- 

 ing her on board. The chase was hard at hand twenty feet 

 were heard rushing over the loose shingle not a moment was 

 to be lost, or the bride was gone for ever. Like lightning 

 Hennessey caught up a stretcher from the bottom of the boat, 

 discharged one murderous blow upon the man who held back 

 his beloved mistress, a deep-drawn moan was heard, and the 

 unhappy Kearne, for it was himself, sank upon the beach 

 without life or motion ! Off went the boat off went the lady 

 and the athletic crew pulled through the sparkling water, 

 little dreaming that their exulting leader was for the third time 

 a homicide ! Great God ! I cannot tell you what I suffered 

 next morning, when the tragical result of an attempt I had 

 myself encouraged was told me. My first care was to look to 

 the safety of my foster-brother and his bride ; and until pur- 

 suit was over, I had them conveyed by Pattigo in the hooker 

 to Innisboffin. There they remained in safe concealment, and 

 for six months it was not deemed prudent to permit them to 

 return, as the clan of the deceased were numerous and vin- 

 dictive. 



" Time flew. They came back, and for some time remained 

 here unmolested. Kathleein was near her confinement, when 

 one day we received information that the Malleys had pro- 

 cured a warrant with a civil force to execute it, and were de- 

 termined at every hazard to arrest my foster-brother. I, a 



