. His brow was, if possible, darker than
usual; his eye was quicker and more circumspect, but his complexion,
notwithstanding this, was not merely pale, but absolutely white as
ashes. The morning came, however, and the assies were opened with the
usual formalities. The judge's charge to the grand jury, in consequence
of the famine outrages which had taken place to such an extent, was
unusually long; nor was the "King against Dalton," for the murder
of Sullivan, left without due advice and comment. In this way
a considerable portion of the day passed. At length a trial for
horse-stealing came on, but closed too late to allow them to think
of commencing any other case during that day; and, as a natural
consequence, that of Condy Dalton was postponed until the next morning.

It is an impressive thing; and fills the mind with a reverend sense of
the wisdom manifested by an over-ruling Providence, to reflect upon the
wondrous manner in which the influence of slight incidents is made to
frustrate the subtlest designs of human ingenuity, and vindicate the
justice of the Almighty in the eyes of his creatures, sometimes for the
reward of the just, and as often for the punishment of the guilty. Had
the trial of Dalton, for instance, gone on, as had been anticipated,
during the first day, it is impossible to say how many of the characters
in our humble drama might have grievously suffered or escaped in
consequence. At all events it is not likely that the following dialogue
would have ever taken place, or been made instrumental in working out
purposes, and defeating plans, with which the reader, if he is not
already, will very soon be made acquainted.

Donnel Dhu had returned from the assizes, and was sitting, as usual,
poring over the fire, when he asked the old woman who nursed Sarahif
there had been any persons inquiring for him since nightfall.

"Three or four," she replied; "but I said you hadn't come home yet; an'
divil a one o' them but was all on the same tune, an' bid me to tell you
that it was a safe night."

"Well, I hope it is, Biddy," he replied, "but not so safe," he added to
himself, "as I could wish it to be. How is Sarah?"

"She's better," replied the woman, "an' was up to-day for an hour or
two; but still she's poorly, and I think her brain isn't right yet."

"Very likely it isn't," said the Prophet. "But, Biddy, when were you at
Shanco?"

"Not this week past."

"Well, then, if you like to slip over for a