ill be no more,"
said Mark. "But I have received intelligence that makes it necessary for
me to remain in concealment for a short time. You see, Herbert," said
he, laughing, "that your theory has the advantage on the score of
prudence. Had I followed it, the chances are, I should not have occupied
the attention of his Majesty's Privy Council."

"The Privy Council! I don't understand this, Mark."

"Perhaps this is the easiest mode of explaining it," said Mark, as he
unfolded a printed paper, headed "Treason--Reward for the apprehension
of Mark O'Donoghue, Esq., or such information as may lead to his
capture." "Is that enough? Come, come--I have no time for long stories
just now. If you want to hear mine about the matter, you must visit
me at my retreat--the low shealing at the west of Hungry Mountain. At
least, for the present I shall remain there."

"But is this necessary, Mark? Are you certain that any thing more is
meant than to threaten?" said Kate.

"I believe that Carrig-na-curra will be searched by a military force
to-night, or to-morrow at farthest--that the bribe has tempted three or
four--none of our people--don't mistake me--to set on my track. If my
remaining would spare my father's house the indignity of a search--or if
the country had any better cause at heart than that of one so valueless
as I am, I would stay, Kate----"

"No, no, Mark. This were but madness, unworthy of you, unjust to all who
love you."

The last few words were uttered so faintly, as only to be heard by him
alone; and as she spoke them a heavy tear rolled down her cheek, now
pale as marble.

"But surely, Mark," said Herbert, who never suspected any thing of his
brother's intrigues, "this must proceed on mere falsehood. There is no
charge against you--you, whose life of quiet retirement here can defy
any calumny."

"But not deny the truth," said Mark, with a sorrowful smile. "Once for
all, I cannot speak of these things now. My time is running fast; and
already my guide, yonder, looks impatient at my delay. Remember the
shealing at the foot of the mountain. If there be any mist about, you
have but to whistle."

"Is poor Terry your guide, then?" said Kate, affecting to smile with
some semblance of tranquillity.

"My guide and my host both," said Mark, gaily, "It's the only invitation
I have received for Christmas, and I accept it most willingly, I assure
you."

An impatient gesture of Terry's hand, as he stood on a small pinn