rised, and not a little alarmed, to see a horse, without
a rider, struggling to extricate himself out of one of the ruts in
question. "What is this?" said Fergus. "Be on your guard."

"The horse," observed Reilly, "is without! a rider; see what it means."

Fergus approached with all due caution, and on examining the place
discovered a man lying apparently in a state of insensibility.

"I fear," said he, on returning to Reilly, "that his rider has been
hurt; he is lying senseless about two or three yards before the horse."

"My God!" exclaimed the other, "perhaps he has been killed; let us
instantly assist him. Hold this portfolio whilst I render him whatever
assistance I can."

As he spoke they heard a heavy groan, and on approaching found the man
sitting; but still unable to rise.

"You have unfortunately been thrown, sir," said Reilly; "I trust in God
you are not seriously hurt."

"I hope not, sir," replied the man, "but I was stunned, and have been
insensible for some time; how long I cannot say."

"Good gracious, sir!" exclaimed Reilly, "is this Mr. Brown?"

"It is, Mr. Reilly; for heaven's sake aid me to my limbs--that is, if
I shall be able to stand upon them." Reilly did so, but found that he
could not stand or walk without' assistance. The horse, in the meantime,
had extricated himself.

"Come, Mr. Brown," said Reilly, "you! must, allow me to assist you home.
It is very fortunate that you have not many perches to go. This poor man
will lead your horse up to the stable."

"Thank you, Mr. Reilly," replied the gentleman, "and in requital for
your kindness you must take a bed at my house tonight. I am aware of
your position," he added in a confidential voice, "and that you cannot
safely sleep in your own; with me you will be secure."

Reilly thanked him, and said that this kind offer was most welcome and
acceptable, as, in point of fact, he scarcely knew that night where to
seek rest with safety. They accordingly proceeded to the parsonage--for
Mr. Brown was no other than the Protestant rector of the parish, a man
with whom Reilly was on the most friendly and intimate terms, and a man,
we may add, who omitted no opportunity of extending shelter, protection,
and countenance to such Roman Catholics as fell under the suspicion or
operation of the law. On this occasion he had been called very suddenly
to the deathbed of a parishioner, and was then on his return home, after
having administered to the dying m