Page:Annalsoffaminein00nich.djvu/156

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150
ANNALS OF THE

teen years; he stood as if in a struggle of feeling, till the people had gone from his sight, and the "drivers" were descending the hill on the other side. Instantly he rushed between the "drivers" and flock, and before the mouth of these loaded pistols he ran among the cattle, screaming, and put the whole flock in confusion, running hither and thither, the astonished "drivers" threatening death. The boy heeding nothing but the main point, scattered and routed the whole flock; the people heard the noise and ran, the "drivers," whether in astonishment, or whether willing to show lenity, (let their own hearts judge,) rode away, the inhabitants exulted, and the flock were soon in the inclosures of the owners. But that noble-minded heroic boy was the wonder; facing danger alone, and saving for a whole parish what a whole parish had not dared to attempt! His name should never be forgotten, and a pension for life is his due.

A letter is here inserted, which will show faintly the manner of distributing donations, and the habits of the people.

"Belmullet, October 30th, 1847.

"My Dear Sir:—Please prepare yourself. I am about applying some of those "offensive points" in my character, which I so eminently possess; and which may require not only your true charity, but untiring patience, to plod through. I have been riding and walking through desolate Erris, and in worse than despair, if possible, have sat down, asking, What am I to do? What can I do?