The Washington herald., 1913-03-09

The little group in the taproom of Dal
Riordans inn gathered shudderingl!
around the turf fire as they listened t
lie terrifying blast that swept across tn
fish Sea and dashed the spray agains
le easement like volleys of shot. Dan
powerfully built man of perhaps fiftI
years, walked upand down like q caget
on. now and then peering out into thu
arkness of the night through the chinf
n the window blinds. Aged Father
p'Kelly, from his seat near the fire
lis rosary, looked up now and then a
Dan went to the window and questioned
With his eyes any discovery made by the
-nnkeeper. The third member OF the
rarty. kathleen, the daughter of the
rouse, busted herself clearing away the
fishes left from the supper. now and
hen stopping to give expression to a
1ious exclamation as an unusually VI
tious blast shook the little cottage.
There was more than usual cause for
he state of gloom that pervaded the
title household that night. Not one
the storm for a single moment. Their
thoughts were centered on splendid
vessel that was struggling to ride out
the storm, a vessel that was bringing
to them their beloved young leader.
Gerald O'Donnell, and supplies enough
perhaps to turn the tide of the rebel
lion against England in favor of the in
surgents. The great emeute of 119S was
then at its heights and Wicklow and
Kildare were the centers of action. At
the time of our story the insurection was
at its most critical stage. Theobald
Wolfe Tone and Lord Edward F1tzger-
aid had been captured and things looked
dark for the rebels. Gerald O'Donnell
had gone to France as an emmisary Of
the insurgents and succeeded in obtain
ing a shipload of arms and ammunition
from Napoleon's government and with
these he was trying to effect landing
on the Wicklow coast. near the inn OF
Riordan, one of the most trusted Of his
lieutenants.
Treachery was abroad and the military
commander at Dublin had been advised
OF the coming expedition. Troops We're
rushed down to Shamus Cove where the
landing was expected to be effected and
as the Fresh brig was struggling for
life against the furious waves the shore
was patroled by half a regiment of
regular soldiers. The anxiety of Riordan
and his party was. therefore. hardly
likely TO cause wonder. Finally Dan. who
could stand the suspense no longer, flung
his great coat over his shoulders and
darted out OF the house. Kathleen
pereed throug the window blind after
him.
Can We see anything. Kathleen" asked
Father O'Kelly. anxiously.
Dickens a thing" she replied. IT'S
as dark out there as the inside of a
DIT 70 shnr ha plE
again"
Dan opened the door. casting glance
behind him at the sea.
She's dhraggin' her anchor. I'm
afeard she won't last till mornin, he
cried. Bad luck to it for a night. 1t
would make 4 dog bate his father"
Have none of thin landed" asked
the daughter.
"Troth, they're well off if they don't
land tonight" muttered Dan, for their
only chance for their lives is to stay
afioat"
May God help them calculated Faith
er O'KeIly. They will be drowned II
they stay on board and if they come
ashore they will be shot"
1T will break the heart of Lady Moya.
if anything happens to Masther Gerald
cried Kathleen.
Dan lighted his pipe with a coal from
the blazing turf and looked at her
as he replied
That's the worst of gettin' fond of
anyone. Ye pay dear for it whin the
time comes for him to go to heaven.
The priest arose and picking up his
hat went TO the door.
Il can't sit down here while those poor
fellows out there are struggling for
their lives" he said. Il must go down
20 the shore" Pulling his hat down over |
his eyes to shield them from the sea
wrack and spray, and buttoninG up his
coat he passed out into the storm, |
leaving Dan and his daughter behind.
did We get e'er glimpse OF Lady |
Nova Thin We were out there?" asked |
Kathleen.
..Divil a glimpse replied the father. |
IT hope she won't be so foolish as To |
come over from Ballymara on night |
like this"
She'll be here, never fear. And whin |
she comes she won't be herself.
What dye name? Who will she be?'
Somebody else
A knock at the door stopped all fur
ther questions. Dan Grasped the arm
Of his daughter.
whist. II that's any of the redcoats
or Brian Burke remember that m deaf
as a post. It may be useful in gather
ing up some Information. Go see who
il is"
ted no less parsonage than Mai. Grim
ston, the officer in charge of the Eng
lish troops of the district.
Good evening" he said. as he un-
fastened his cloak which Kathleen hung
or, a peg near the fire. It's an awful
night, I wouldn't send a dog out in such
a storm. Give me a good hot drink,
my girl" He stretched himself out be-
tow 49, ere which burned merrily with
that roared UP the chimney,
pod red Dan. who could not keep
.-e. the window.
"Tu rench brig is in a bad way"
b. rsr ed.
v.- answered Dan. I'm afeard the
aaz-e will die
..,rsor. looked puzzled. II am talk
.. rr,r the brig" he added in a louder
...- Gar smiled.
-Nag- / thought ye said pig"
GOD clip the poor creatures on board
p, her" exclaimed Kathleen as she laid
he .-r. Of punch in front OF Grimston.
are in bad spirits, surely" Tho
a upped his punch renectively.
..a. ou know Katie, that there Is a
-Sun- rebel leader on board Of that
IN. ed, sire and who is that?'
Gerald O'Donnell, they call him
Kathleen started back in alarm.
Gerald O'Donnellr' she cried. "Oh,
hat cannot be, sir. Sure he is no rebel"
.'yTell, it makes very little difference
ow?" replied the Major. Rebel or 10y
list, he will answer the roll call in
Ieaven tonight. By the way, Riordan,
) it far to Ballmara Castle from here?"
Its just over the border Of the Coun-
v Kildare"