opening to the outer air,—they piled the loose brushwood, and placed the heavier fuel systematically upon it, after which they approached the hapless victim, who seemed spell-bound as in a hideous nightmare.

His entreaties and struggles would have been alike in vain, but he was not fated thus to die; a sudden interruption occurred,the opening of the cave was darkened by warlike figures, the tramp of armed heels resounded, and several Roman soldiers who, it appeared, had marked the Druids, as they had marked the steps of Eachan, burst upon them.

A brief but furious struggle ensued, and when it terminated, the Druids themselves were the prisoners.

'What were they going to do with the boy; he is not one of them?' asked a Roman of a companion.

'They were going to sacrifice him to Pluto, I imagine.'

'Suppose we sacrifice one of them instead!' Here one of their comrades from without the cave interposed.

'What a precipice this is; how far is it to the water beneath?'

'Throw down a stone, and see how long it is falling.'

'No; throw down a Druid, that will be the thing,' interposed another.

A shout of hearty laughter signified approval of this suggestion; and despite his struggles, one of the Druids, who had been severely wounded, was dragged to the brink of the precipice.

They seized him by the head and feet, and tossed him over; and, stretching out their heads, counted the seconds as he fell down the fearful descent. They saw the body strike the rock and rebound, then disappear in the darkness, and soon a heavy splash told them that all was over. 'Had we not better finish them all that

way?'

Yes; but save the boy, he will be worth something in the slave market.'

'Perhaps he is the boy the Imperator bid us all to save if we found him.'

'Perhaps he isn't. I think if he is, we must hide him, for the sake of his value; he will be worth his weight in silver, if not in gold.'

'Well, but meanwhile, let us dispose of the others; they will be in our way; what shall we do with them, burn them, or drown them?'

'Oh, drown them; it will be less trouble, and is more amusing under present circumstances.'

In spite of their cries and struggles, Druid after Druid was hurled from the precipice into the lake. Broichan was the last, and as he stood on the brink, urged to the fearful plunge, he turned his eyes to Eachan, and raising his arms, bound as they were, imprecated a curse so fearful that even the Roman soldiers shuddered.

They cut it short, however, by thrusting him over, and his last look of hatred and anguish combined, long dwelt on the remembrance of Eachan.

The soldiers now prepared to return on their path, leading with them their prisoner, who offered no resistance; his physical and mental powers were completely subdued.

But when they ascended the wood towards the summit of the last hill, which overlooked the plain beneath, a sudden light overspread the skies before them, and the soldiers paused.

'The village must be on fire; our men have won the victory.'

They hurried forward, dragging the unhappy boy, and soon he stood on the spot he had so lately left.

All was plainly visible now; the whole village

was in flames, and the woods and mountains around were distinct in the blaze. The cries of the victims and triumphant shouts of the conquerors were distinctly heard, borne upon the night wind.

'What is the matter with the boy?' said one; 'he has fallen.'

Oh, he is only in a swoon, bring water,' said another; 'perhaps he has been wounded.'

'No, it must be fatigue; but he is too great a prize to be lost.'

Forming a litter from the boughs of some trees, they bore him along the ridge of the hills to a spot where a spring gushed forth from the mountain side, and while some of their number employed their leisure in restoring the captive to life, others, collecting wood, made a fire and prepared their supper.

The sounds of strife died away into an awful silence; the conquerors, save their watchful sentinels, slept, while the last long sleep enfolded hundreds in its embrace; and the birds and beasts of prey scented their banquet afar, scared as yet by the lurid but decaying light which glowed over the red ashes of the village.