MEMOIR OF HENNESSEY. 361 



handsome 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 apprised 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 

 pulling 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 ! I cannot tell you what 

 I suffered next morning, when the tragical result 



