"Now, sirrah," said the old nurse, as I did the like service for her, "be happy for a year and a day! You have broken a sweet heart among you, and what matters it to you, so you be rid of us? Mark my word; some heads shall ache for this! What is to become of us, do you suppose, in this O'Neill's house? Little trouble to you to send us from one cruel fate to a worse! Be proud that you, a soldier, forsooth, and calling yourself an honest man, thus betray my poor maiden to her step- dame and your English Captain." "He is dead by now," said I. "Not he," said she. "What is to become of us, dost thou hear? Who is to help us now?" "Dame," said I, "is there no God in heaven that you chide thus? Farewell, we shall meet again, I think, in a happier season." Then I stepped once more to the maiden and said: "Lady, that maiden's name we spoke of is young Mistress Walgrave, the printer's daughter in London. Should chance bring you thither, she will be your friend for my sake. If it be possible, pray send us word presently of your welfare by this English fellow." Thus that maiden left Dunluce; and still the days passed and no tidings of Ludar. But one evening, as I watched at the gate, a haggard figure crossed the bridge, scarce dragging one foot after another for weariness. "Ludar!" said I, as I admitted him. "What news?" "No news!" said he between his teeth, and he flung his sword with what little strength was left him to the earth. Then he himself fell beside it; and, when we carried him within, he was in a fever and raving. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. HOW A DOG'S HEAD WAS SET ON DUBLIN GATE. Three months after, as the February snow lay deep on roof and road, Ludar and I walked in a strange procession through the streets of Dublin. In front went three trumpeters on horseback, with the pennon of England drooping from their trumpets. Behind them rode a picked troop of English horse, gaily caparisoned and very brave with ribbons and trappings. Then, alone, went Sir John Perrott, the Lord Deputy, a smirking man who seemed to doubt the whole business. He was mounted too, and at his tail rode three officers of his house, and after them more trumpeters and troopers. Then came the strange part of the procession, for at the heels of these English cavaliers stalked fifty huge redshanks with the McDonnell's heather in their bonnets, and their hands on their sword-hilts.