thing from his manner, of his intention to send Charles, on that
disastrous night, in his stead. But Shawn, who knew Caterine and her
connections well, recommended Michael Casey to apprise his brother that
he could not keep too sharp an eye upon the movements of both, but,
above all things, to try and induce him to set Woodward in such a way
that he could repair the blow upon him, which, in mistake, he had dealt
to his innocent brother. Now, although Barney almost detested Woodward,
yet he was incapable of abetting Shawn's designs upon Suit Balor.

"No," said he to his brother, "I would die first. It is true I do not
like a bone in his body, but I will never lend myself to such a cowardly
act as that; besides, from all I know of Shawn, I did not think he would
stoop to murder."

"Ay, but think of our companions," replied hia brother, "and think too,
of what a notion they have of it. Shawn, however, is a different man
from most, if not all, of them--and he says he was urged on by a fit
of fury when he found the man, that he thought the destroyer of Grace
Davoren, speaking to her in such a lonely and suspicious place. It
was his intention to have bidden him to stand on his guard and defend
himself, but jealousy and revenge overcame him at the moment, and he
struck the blow. Thank God that it failed; but you may take my word
that the next won't--because Shawn now swears, that without preface or
apology, or one moment's warning, he will stab him to the heart wherever
he can meet him."

"It's a bad life," replied Barney, "that Shawn's leading; but, poor
fellow, he and his resaved hard treatment--their house and place torn
down and laid in rains, and instead of protection from government, they
found themselves proclaimed outlaws. What could he and they do?
But, Michael, it was a different thing with you. Our family were
comfortable--too much so, indeed, for you; you got idle habits and a
distaste for work, and so, rather than settle down to industry, you
should join them."

"Ay, and so would you, if you knew the life we lead."

"That might be," replied his brother, "if I didn't happen to think of
the death you die."

"As to that," said Michael, "we have all made up our minds; shooting and
hanging will get nothing out of us but the death-laugh at our enemies."

"Ay, enemies of your own making," said Barney; "but as to the
death-laugh on the gallows, remember that that is at your own expense.
It will be what we call on