The Russellville Democrat., 1877-06-28
THE LEGEND OF THE LAMP

A TALE OF THE LAKES OF KILLARNEY
 I cannot speak with certainty as to the exact period of time to which the story l am about to relate appertains but it was in those days long gone by when the fair land was divided among many rulers, and during time when a dreadful pestilence made the stoutest heart quail with fear. Late on win. ter's evening young chieftain, accom-. panied by several armed followers, stop, ped before the habitation of an aged man, who had sought and found protec. tion for himself and child upon the hos. pitabe shore of Innisfallen. The island was then held by an O'Donough, prince of Loch Tein, chieftain who was (like several others) exempt from the payment of tribute to the great Mccarthy. The leader of the daring band that had ven- tured to invade the island of Innisfallen was Scanlan of the Glen, and the fugi. tive before whose habitation they stood was one el the once powerful race of the O'Sullivans. The story goes that the old man had failed to aid [" The Ma earthly" in recent quarrel with neigh boring chief, consequently had broken the tenure by which he held his domains, and tearing the vengeance of the mighty monarch, had fled, with all his wealth, to the O'Donoghue for protection.
 The armed party were clamorous in their demands for admission, and, as the door of the old mans dwelling was not immediately opened, they were prepar- ing to force it. when the bars were re. tc rt admitted. Upon their entrance there rushed from an adjoining aparment a young ana lovely maiden, who flung her self into Scanian's arms, exclaiming in joyful accents:
 '"Is it you, my dear Desmond? An have so long expected you, and watched your coming from the western shore, long after sundewn."
 The words had scarcely escaped her lips, when she started back in terror, for the bright steel of the chieftain's sword caught her eye and sent chill through her young heart. She looked at the stranger, and sinking upon a seat, ex- claimed:
 "Great heaven, it is not Desmond We are betrayed"
 IIldlucD, I dili HOt yOuuR Desmond, the handsome hunter of the hills, neither do bring rich presents te my affianced bride, the beauteous Saova. am Scanlan of the Glen, and am here to execute the orders of my feudal sov- ereign, the great Mccarthy Mor."
 "To thy chamber, daughterW ex. claimed O'Sullivan, who had been unob- served by the party |" l am sufficient, should think, to do the honors of the house to this base minion of basei tyrant."
 Reproaches are but as words given idly to the wind," replied the young chettain; " for from this moment neither you nor any that claim your kindred can call house or land your own. bear a commission to seize your persons, and your goods are cOnfscated. '
 You must be mad, young man T vociferated O'Sullivan, raising his lamr to the face of the dcnouncer. Know you not that we are under the protection Of the Prince ODonoghue, who ha: already punished more than one proud chief who has dared to molest those tc whom he grants protection |? Home boy, nor dare to put this foolish trick upon me, or I may punish you as you deserve"
 We'll, Sir Traitor, we must cen put your threats to the proof; so do you duty, comrades seize that old dotard he is your prisoner, and his wealth thu booty due our liege lord as idemni6ca tion for his refusal to aid his caus against the Red O'Connor."
 The followers of Scanlan obeyed, an' bound the old man hand and foot, an' iancied the whole affair must be q dream for the proceedings had been conducte' with so much secrecy and quiet that tn reality fell like thunderbolt upon it victim.
 Saova, who had crept to her father side during the loud war of wordS, aF peared rooted to the spot, and bent a eye Of vacancy upon the mailed figure C the chieftain Scanlan, while her fathe from time to time uttered cries of agon and despair, exclaiming, " Just heaven