which he had been dispossessed, and they knew him too well to doubt him: a council of war was held, and the question proposed, should the place be defended or evacuated? The latter alternative was adopted, not without good reason; but it was likewise determined that it should never again afford such protection to Connell as it had, or present an obstacle to the entry of the legitimate claimant, when fortune should so far favour him; and in pursuance of this policy the stately mansion was levelled to the ground--house and offices, even to the walled enclosures, every spot that could again harbour a freebooter. But it was not so easy to baffle that indefatigable customer: half of his resources were not yet expended; his followers, reanimated by his escape, gathered round him again; and before his dismayed antagonists recovered from their disappointment, he was strongly and securely entrenched in an earthen fort of his own construction, in which he displayed as much science and foresight as would have done credit to Carnôt. This was the period of his highest triumph: his insolence became unbounded; and he used, I am informed, to stalk through the streets of Thurles, on the most public occasions, armed to the teeth, and defying the best man in the town “to lay a wet finger on him.” It is not to be supposed that these extraordinary proceedings could fail of reaching the ears of the high functionaries who were called upon to decide upon the rights of the rival claimants, and who, not regarding Connell as the very fittest person to undertake the care of the litigated property, ordered him to be instantaneously dispossessed, and forwarded writs to that purport to the sheriff. That officer, no way astray as to the dangers and difficulties he should encounter in any attempt to dislodge such a desperado, collected as much of the civil and military force of the district as was available, and proceeded to execute his perilous behest. Of course he was resisted, and it was soon found that the most violent measures should be resorted to. An order was given to storm the fort, and the attempt was answered by a volley from within, that tumbled a couple of the assailants, and drove back the remainder. The conflict became deadly, but so securely were the banditti posted, that all the efforts of the besiegers made scarce any impression upon them: cannon alone could be effectual, and a dispatch was sent for it. In the meantime a general assault was given, with partial success, which seemed to dishearten Connell so far us that he attempted a sortie for the purpose of escaping. Two of his sons fell in the melée, but all the rest of the party succeeded in getting off, leaving some half dozen of the assailants half dead or dying. He was now, undoubtedly, within the reach of the law, and warrants were issued for his apprehension; but for a long time no one dared to attempt executing them, notwithstanding that very large rewards were offered.