to be made for the right. I therefore lay quiet, going royalist army, under the Duke of Berwick and General forth from my lodgings but little, and that chiefly under Boisleau, occupied the city of Limerick, with a determicover of the dusk, and conversing hardly at all, except with nation to hold that fortress against the Prince's forces, and those whom I well knew. I had like once to have paid that a French fleet of great power, and well freighted with dearly for relaxing this caution; for going into a tavern arms, ammunition, and men was riding in the Shannon, one evening near the Tholsel, I had the confidence to under the walls of the town; but this last report was, like throw off my hat, and sit there with my face quite ex- many others then circulated, untrue, there being, indeed, posed, when a fellow coming in with some troopers, they a promise and expectation of such assistance, but no fell a-boozing, and being somewhat warmed, they began arrival of it till too late. The army of the Prince of to drink "confusion to popery," and the like, and to com- Orange was said to be rapidly approaching the town, in pel the peaceable persons who happened to sit there, to order to commence the siege. On hearing this, and being join them in so doing. Though I was rather hot-blooded, made as certain as the vagueness and unsatisfactory nature I was resolved to say nothing to attract notice; but, at the of my information, which came not from any authentic same time, if urged to pledge the toasts which they were source, would permit; at least being sure of the main compelling others to drink, to resist doing so. With the point, which all allowed, namely, that Limerick was held intent to draw myself quietly from the place, I paid my for the king, and being also naturally fond of enterprise, reckoning, and putting on my hat, was going into the and impatient of idleness, I took the resolution to travel street, when the countryman who had come in with the thither, and, if possible, to throw myself into the city, in soldiers, called out, "stop that popish tom-cat," and run- order to lend what assistance I might to my former comning across the room, he got to the door before ine, and, panions in arms, well knowing that any man of strong shutting it, placed his back against it, to prevent my going constitution and of some experience, might easily make out. Though, with much difficulty, I kept an appearance himself useful to a garrison in their straitened situation. of quietness, and turning to the fellow, who, from his When I had taken this resolution, I was not long in putaccent, I judged to be a northern, and whose face I knew, ting it into execution, and as the first step in the matter, though, to this day, I cannot say where I had seen him I turned half of the money which remained with me, in before, I observed very calmly

"Sir, I came in here with no other design than to refresh myself, without offending any man. I have paid my reckoning, and now desire to go forth. If there is any thing within reason that can satisfy you, and to prevent trouble and delay to myself, name your terms, and if they be but fair, I will frankly comply with them."

He quickly replied:

"You are Hardress Fitzgerald, the bloody popish captain, that hanged the twelve men at Derry."

I felt that I was in some danger, but being a strong man, and used to perils of all kinds, it was not easy to disconcert me. I looked then steadily at the fellow, and, in a voice of much confidence, I said,

"I am neither a papist, a royalist, nor a Fitzgerald, but an honester protestant, mayhap, than many who make louder professions."

"Then, drink the honest man's toast," said he, " damnation to the pope, and confusion to skulking Jemmy and his runaway crew."

"Yourself shall hear me," said I, taking the largest pewter pot that lay within my reach.. "Tapster, fill this with ale; I grieve to say, I can afford nothing better."

all about seventeen pounds, into small wares and merchandize, such as travelling traders use to deal in, and the rest, excepting some shillings which I carried home for my immediate expenses, I sewed carefully in the lining of my breeches waistband, hoping that the sale of my commodi. ties might easily supply me with subsistence upon the road.

I left Dublin upon a Friday morning in the month of September, with a tolerably heavy pack upon my back. I was a strong man and a good walker, and one day with another travelled easily at the rate of twenty miles in each day, much time being lost in the towns of any note on the way, where, to avoid suspicion, I was obliged to make some stay, as if to sell my wares. I did not travel directly to Limerick, but turned far into Tipperary, going near to the borders of Cork. Upon the sixth day after my departure from Dublin, I learned, certainly, from some fellows who were returning from trafficking with the soldiers, that the army of the Prince was actually encamped before Limerick, upon the south side of the Shannon; in order, then, to enter the city without interruption, I must needs cross the river, and I was much in doubt whether to do so by boat from Kerry, which I might have casily done, into the Earl of Clare's land, and thus into the beleagured I took the vessel of liquor in my hand, and walking up city, or to take what seemed the easier way, one, however, to him, I first made a bow to the troopers who sate laugh- about which I had certain misgivings, which, by the way, ing at the sprightliness of their facetious friend, and then afterwards turned out to be just enough; this way was to another to himself, when saying, "G- damn yourself cross the Shannon at O'Brien's Bridge, or at Killaloe into and your cause," I flung the ale straight into his face, and the county of Clare. I feared, however, that both these before he had time to recover himself, I struck him with passes were guarded by the Prince's forces, and resolved, my whole force and weight with the pewter pot upon the if such were the case, not to essay to cross, for I was not head, so strong a blow, that he fell, for aught I know, dead fitted to sustain a scrutiny, having about me, though pretty upon the floor, and nothing but the handle of the vessel safely secured, my commission from King James, which, remained in my hand. I opened the door, but one of the though a dangerous companion, I would not have parted dragoons drew his sabre, and ran at me to avenge his from but with my life. I settled then, in my own mind, companion. With my hand I put aside the blade of the that if the bridges were guarded, I would walk as far as sword, narrowly escaping what he had intended for me, Portumna, where I might cross, though at a considerable the point actually tearing open my vest; without allowing sacritice of time; and having determined upon this course, him time to repeat his thrust, I struck him in the face I turned directly towards Killaloe. I reached the foot of with my clenched fist so sound a blow that he rolled back the mountain, or rather high hill, called Keeper-which into the room with the force of a tennis-ball. It was well had been pointed out to me as a landmark, lying directly for me that the rest were half drunk, and the evening between me and Killaloe, in the evening, and having asdark, for otherwise, my folly would infallibly have cost me cended some way, the darkness and fog overtook me. The my life. As it was, I reached my garret in safety, with a evening was very chilly, and myself weary, hungry, and resolution to frequent taverns no more until better times. much in need of sleep, so that I preferred seeking to cross My little patience and money were well nigh exhausted, the hill, though at some risk, to remaining upon it when, after much doubt and uncertainty, and many throughout the night; stumbling over rocks and sinking conflicting reports, I was assured that the flower of the into bog mire, as the nature of the ground varied, I slowly MUSEUM-SEPTEMBER, 1840. 14

me.

and laboriously plodded on, making very little way in pro- and talked in a low tone again with them for a considerportion to the toil it cost me. After half an hour's slow able time. I now felt very uncomfortable, not knowing walking, or rather rambling, for owing to the dark, I very what these savages, for they appeared nothing better, soon lost my direction, I at last heard the sound of run- might design against me. Twice or thrice I had serious ning water, and with some little trouble reached the edge thoughts of breaking from them, but the two guards who of a brook, which ran in the bottom of a deep gully; this were placed upon me, held me fast by the arms, and even I knew would furnish a sure guide to the low grounds, had I succeeded in shaking them off, I should soon have where I might promise myself that I should speedily meet been overtaken, encumbered as I was with a heavy pack, with some house or cabin where I might find shelter for and wholly ignorant of the lye of the ground, or else, if I the night. The stream which I followed flowed at the were so exceedingly lucky as to escape out of their hands, bottom of a rough and swampy glen, very steep and making I still had the chance of falling into those of some other many abrupt turns, and so dark, owing more to the fog party of the same kind. I therefore patiently awaited the than to the want of the moon, (for though not high, I be-issue of their deliberations, which, I made no doubt, affected lieve it had risen at the time,) that I continually fell over me nearly. I turned to the men who held me, and one fragments of rock, and stumbled up to my middle into the after the other asked them, in their own language, “why rivulet, which I sought to follow. In this way, drenched, they held me?" adding, "I am but a poor pedlar, as you weary, and with my patience almost exhausted, I was see. I have neither money nor money's worth, for the toiling onward, when turning a sharp angle in the winding sake of which you should do me hurt; you may have my glen, I found myself within some twenty yards of a group pack, and all that it contains, if you desire it—but do not of wild-looking men, gathered in various attitudes round a injure me." To all this they gave no answer, but savagely glowing turf fire. I was so surprised at this rencontre that desired me to hold my tongue. I accordingly remained I stopped short, and for a time was in doubt whether to silent, determined if the worst came, to declare to the turn back or to accost them. A minute's thought satisfied whole party, who, I doubted not, were friendly, as were me that I ought to make up to the fellows, and trust to all the Irish peasantry in the south, to the Royal cause, their good faith for whatever assistance they could give my real character and design; and if this avowal failed I determined then to do this, having great faith in me, I was resolved to make a desperate effort to escape, or the impulses of my mind, which, whenever I have been in at least to give my life at the dearest price I could. I was jeopardy, as in my life I often have, always prompted me not kept long in suspense, for the little veteran who had aright. The strong red light of the fire showed me plainly spoken to me at first, came over, and desiring the two men enough that the group consisted not of soldiers, but of to bring me after him, led the way along a broken path, Irish kernes, or countrymen, most of them wrapped in which wound by the side of the steep glen. I was obliged heavy mantles, and with no other covering for their heads willy nilly to go with them, and half-dragging, and halfthan that afforded by their long, rough hair. There was carrying me, they brought me by the path, which now nothing about them which I could see, to intimate whether became very steep, for some hundred yards without stoptheir object were peaceful or warlike, but I afterwards ping, when, suddenly coming to a stand, I found myself found that they had weapons enough, though of their own close before the door of some house or hut, I could not see rude fashion. There were in all about twenty persons which, through the planks of which a strong light was assembled around the fire, some sitting upon such blocks streaming. At this door my conductor stopped, and tapof stone as happened to lie in the way, others stretched at ping gently at it, it was opened by a stout fellow, with their length on the ground. "God save you, boys," said buff-coat and jack-boots, and pistols stuck in his belt, as I, advancing towards the party. The men who had been also a long cavalry sword by his side. He spoke with my talking and laughing together, instantly paused, and two guide, and, to my no small satisfaction, in French, which of them-tall and powerful fellows-snatched up each a convinced me that he was one of the soldiers whom Louis weapon, something like a short halberd with a massive had sent to support our king, and who were said to have iron head, an instrument which they called among them- arrived in Limerick, though, as I observed above, not with selves a rapp, and with two or three long strides they came truth. I was much assured by this circumstance, and up with me, and laying hold upon my arms, drew me, not, made no doubt but that I had fallen in with one of those you may easily believe, making much resistance, towards marauding parties of native Irish, who, placing themselves the fire. When I reached the place where the figures under the guidance of men of courage and experience, had were seated, the two men still held me firmly, and some done much brave and essential service to the cause of the others threw some handfuls of dry fuel upon the red em- king. The soldier entered an inner-door in the apartment, bers, which blazing up, cast a strong light upon me. which opening disclosed a rude, dreary, and dilapidated When they had satisfied themselves as to my appearance, room, with a low plank ceiling, much discoloured by the they began to question me very closely as to my purpose smoke which hung suspended in heavy masses, descending in being upon the hill at such an unseasonable hour, asking within a few feet of the ground, and completely obscuring me, what was my occupation, where I had been, and whi- the upper regions of the chamber. A large fire of turf ther I was going? These questions were put to me in and heath was burning under a kind of rude chimney, English, by an old half-military looking man, who trans-shaped like a large funnel, but by no means discharging lated into that language the suggestions which his compa- the functions for which it was intended. Into this inaunions for the most part threw out in Irish. I did not spicious apartment was I conducted by my strange comchoose to commit myself to these fellows, by telling them panions. In the next room I heard voices employed, as it my real character and purpose, and therefore I represented seemed, in brief questioning and answer, and in a minute myself as a poor travelling chapman, who had been at the soldier re-entered the room, and having said, "votre Cork, and was seeking his way to Killaloe, in order to prissonier-le General veut le voir," he led the way into cross over into Clare and thence to the city of Galway. the inner room, which in point of comfort and cleanliness My account did not seem fully to satisfy the men. I heard was not a whit better than the first. one fellow say in Irish, which language I understood, Seated at a clumsy plank table placed about the middle "may be he is a spy;" they then whispered together for of the floor, was a powerfully-built man, of almost colossal a time, and the little man, who was their spokesman, canie stature-his military accoutrements, cuirass and rich regiover to me and said, "do you know what we do with mental clothes, soiled, deranged, and spattered with recent spies-we knock their brains out, my friend." He then hard travel, the flowing wig, surmounted by the cocked turned back to them with whom he had been whispering, hat and plume, still rested upon his head-on the table

lay his sword-belt with its appendage, and a pair of long hap, all your strength and wits on the morrow" I applied holster pistols, some papers, and pen and ink, also, a stone myself, forthwith, to the homely fare which they had projug, and the fragments of a hasty meal; his attitude be- vided, and I confess that I never made a meal so heartily tokened the languor of fatigue; his left hand was buried to my satisfaction.

beyond the lace ruffle in the breast of his cassock, and the

"6

It was a beautiful, clear, autumn morning, and the level elbow of his right rested upon the table, so as to support beams of the early sun were slanting over the brown heath, his head; from his mouth protruded a tobacco pipe, which which clothed the sides of the mountain, and glittering in as I entered he slowly withdrew. A single glance at the the thousand bright drops which the melting hoar-frost honest, good-humoured, comely face of the soldier, satis- had left behind it, and the white mists were lying like fied me of his identity, and removing my hat from my broad lakes in the valleys, when, with my pedlar's pack head I said, "God save General Sarsefield;" the general upon my back, and General Sarsefield's precious despatch nodded. I am a prisoner here under strange circum-in my bosom, I set forth, refreshed and courageous. stances," I continued. "I appear before you in a strange As I descended the hill, my heart expanded and my disguise; you do not recognise Captain Hardress Fitz- spirits rose under the influences which surrounded megerald." "Eh, how's this," said he approaching me with the keen, clear, bracing air of the morning, the bright, the light. “I am that Hardress Fitzgerald," I repeated, sloping sunshine, the merry songs of the small birds, and "who served under you at the Boyne, and upon the day the distant sounds of awakening labour that floated up of the action had the honour to protect your person at the from the plains-all conspired to stir my heart within me expense of his own;" at the same time I turned aside the and more like a mad-cap boy, broken loose from school, hair which covered the scar, which you well know upon than a man of sober years upon a mission of doubt and my forehead, then much more remarkable than it is now. danger, I trod lightly on, whistling and singing alternately The general on seeing this, at once recognised me, and for very joy. As I approached the object of my early embracing me cordially, made me sit down, and while I march, I fell in with a countryman, eager, as are most of unstrapped my pack, a tedious job, my fingers being nearly his kind, for news. I gave him what little I had collected, numbed with cold, sent the men forth to procure me some and professing great zeal for the king, which indeed, I provision. The general's horse was stabled in a corner of always cherished, I won upon his confidence so far, that the chamber where we sate, and his war-saddle lay upon he became much more communicative than the peasantry the floor; at the far end of the room was a second door, in those quarters are generally wont to be to strangers. which lay half open-a bogwood fire burned on a hearth From him I learned that there was a company of dragoons somewhat less rude than the one which I had first seen, in William's service, quartered at Killaloe; but he could but still very little better appointed with a chimney, for not tell whether the passage of the bridge was stopped by thick wreaths of smoke were eddying with every fitful them or not; with a resolution, at all events, to make the gust, about the room. Close by the fire was strewed a attempt to cross, I approached the town-when I came bed of heath, intended I suppposed, for the stalwart limbs within sight of the river I quickly perceived that it was so of the general. "Hardress Fitzgerald," said he, fixing swollen with the recent rains, as, indeed, the countryman his eyes gravely upon me, while he slowly removed the had told me, that the fords were wholly impassable. I tobacco pipe from his mouth, "I remember you, strong, stopped then, upon a slight eminence overlooking the vil. bold and cunning in your warlike trade, the more despe- lage, with a view to reconnoitre and to arrange my plans rate an enterprise, the more ready for it, you-I would in case of interruption; while thus engaged, the wind gladly engage you, for I know you trustworthy, to perform blowing gently from the west, in which quarter Limerick a piece of duty, requiring it may be, no extraordinary lay, I distinctly heard the explosion of the cannon which quality to fulfil, and yet perhaps, as accidents may happen, played from and against the city, though at a distance of demanding every attribute of daring and dexterity which eleven miles at the least. I never yet heard the music belongs to you." Here he paused for some moments. I that had for me half the attractions of that sullen sound, own I felt somewhat flattered by the terms in which he and as I noted again and again the distant thunder that spoke of me, knowing him to be but little given to compli- proclaimed the perils, and the valour, and the faithfulness ments, and not having any plan in my head, farther than of my brethren, my heart swelled with pride and the tears the rendering what service I might to the cause of the rose to my eyes, and lifting up my hands to heaven, I King, caring very little as to the road in which my duty prayed to God that I might be spared to take a part in the might lie, I frankly replied, "Sir, I hope if opportunity righteous quarrel that was there so bravely maintained. I offers, I shall appear to deserve the honourable terms in felt, indeed, at this moment a longing, more intense than which you are pleased to speak of me. In a righteous I have the power to describe, to be at once with my brave cause I fear not wounds or death; and in discharging my companions in arms, and so inwardly excited and stirred duty to my God and my king, I am ready for any hazard up, as if I had been actually within five minutes' march or any fate-name the service you require, and if it lies of the field of battle. It was now almost noon, and I had within the compass of my wit or power, I will fully and walked hard from the morning, across a difficult and faithfully perform it-have 1 said enough?" "That is broken country, so that I was a little fatigued, and in no well, very well, my friend-you speak well, and manfully," small degree hungry. As I approached the hamle! I was replied the general, "I want you to convey to the hands glad to see in the window of a poor hovel, several large of General Boisleau, now in the city of Limerick, a small cakes of meal displayed, as if to induce purchasers to enter. written packet; there is some danger, mark me, of your I was right in regarding this exhibition as an intimation falling in with some outpost or straggling party of the that entertainment might be procured within, for, upon Prince's army. If you are taken unawares by any of the entering and inquiring, I was speedily invited by the poor enemy you must dispose of the packet inside your person, woman, who, it appeared kept this humble house of rerather than let it fall into their hands, that is, you must freshment, to lay down my pack and seat myself by a poneat it; and if they go to question you with thumb screws, derous table, upon which she promised to serve me with a or the like, answer nothing; let them knock your brains dinner fit for a king-and, indeed, to my mind, she amply out first," in illustration, I suppose of the latter alterna- fulfilled her engagement, by supplying me abundantly tive, he knocked the ashes out of his pipe upon the table with eggs, bacon, and wheaten cakes, which I discussed as he uttered it. "The packet," he continued, " you shall with a zeal which almost surprised myself. Having dis have to-morrow morning; mean time comfort yourself posed of the solid part of my entertainment, I was prowith food and afterwards with sleep; you will want, may-ceeding to regale myself with a brimming measure of

strong waters, when my attention was arrested by the "A phial of perfume," continued another, tumbling over sound of horses' hoofs in brisk motion upon the broken the farrago which I had submitted to them; "washballs, road, and evidently approaching the hovel in which I was combs, stationary, slippers, small knives, tobacco, by; at that moment seated. The ominous clank of sword this merchant is a prize, mark me, honest fellow, the man scabbards and the jingle of brass accoutrements, an- who wrongs thee shall suffer, fore Gad he shall, thou shalt nounced, unequivocally, that the horsemen were of the be fairly dealt with," (this he said while in the act of pocket. military profession.

66

"The red coats will stop here undoubtedly," said the old woman, observing, I suppose, the anxiety of my countenance, they never pass it without coming in for half an hour to drink or smoke; if you desire to avoid them, I can hide you safely, but don't lose a moment, they will be here before you can count a hundred."

ing a small silver tobacco-box, the most valuable article in the lot,) "you shall come with me to head-quarters, the captain will deal with you, and never haggle about the price, I promise thee his good will, and thou wilt consider me accordingly-you'll find him a profitable customer, he has money without end, and throws it about like a gentle. man-if so be as I tell thee I shall expect, and my com. rades here, a piece or two in the way of a complimentbut of this anon-come then with us, buckle on thy pack, quickly friend."

inquired,

Is the captain in his quarters ?" "He is," replied the sentinel.

I thanked the good woman for her hospitable zeal; but I felt a repugnance to concealing myself as she suggested, which was enhanced by the consciousness that if by any accident I were detected while lurking in the room, my There was no use in my declaring my willingness to situation would of itself inevitably lead to suspicions and deal with themselves in preference to their master, it was probably to discovery. I, therefore, declined her offer, and clear that they had resolved that I should, in the most ex-awaited in suspense the entrance of the soldiers. I had peditious and advantageous way, turn my goods into time before they made their appearance to move my seat money, that they might excise upon me to the amount of hurriedly from the table to the hearth, where, under the their wishes. The worthy who had taken a lead in these shade of the large chimney I might observe the coming arrangements, and who, by his stripes, I perceived to be a visiters, with less chance of being myself remarked upon. corporal, having insisted on my taking a dram with him to As my hostess had anticipated, the horsemen drew up at cement our newly formed friendship, for which, however, the door of the hut, and five dragoons entered the dark he requested me to pay, made me mount behind one of his chamber where I awaited them, Leaving their horses at comrades, and the party, of which I thus formed an un. the entrance, with much noise and clatter they proceeded willing member, moved at a slow trot towards the quarters to seat themselves and call for liquor. Three of these fel- of the troop. They reined up their horses at the head of lows were Dutchmen, and indeed all belonged, as I after the long bridge, which at this village spans the broad wards found, to a Dutch regiment, which had been recruit- waters of the Shannon, connecting the opposite counties of ed with Irish and English, as also partly officered from the Tipperary and Clare. A small tower built originally, no same nations. Being supplied with pipes and drink, they doubt, to protect and to defend this pass, occupied the near soon became merry, and not suffering their smoking to extremity of the bridge, and in its rear, but connected with interfere with their conversation, they talked loud and it, stood several straggling buildings rather dilapidated. A quickly, for the most part in a sort of barbarous language, dismounted trooper kept guard at the door, and my conneither Dutch nor English, but compounded of both. ductor having dismounted, as also the corporal, the latter They were so occupied with their own jocularity that I had very great hopes of escaping observation altogether, and remained quietly seated in a corner of the chimney, leaning back upon my seat as if asleep. My taciturnity and And without more ado my companion shoved me into quiescence however, did not avail me, for one of these the entrance of the small dark tower, and opening a door fellows coming over to the hearth to light his pipe, per- at the extremity of the narrow chamber into which we ceived me, and looking me very hard in the face, he said, had passed from the street, we entered a second room in "What countryman are you brother, that you sit with a which were seated some half dozen officers of various ranks covered head in the room with the Prince's soldiers ?" At and ages engaged in drinking, and smoking, and play; I the same time he tossed my hat off my head into the fire; glanced rapidly from man to man, and was nearly satisfied I was not fool enough, though somewhat hot-blooded, to by my inspection, when one of the gentlemen whose back suffer the insolence of this fellow to involve me in a broil had been turned towards the place where I stood, suddenly so dangerous to my person and ruinous to my schemes, changed his position and looked towards me; as soon as I as a riot with these soldiers must prove. I, therefore, saw his face, my heart sunk within me, and I knew that quietly taking up my hat and shaking the ashes out of it my life or death was balanced, as it wore, upon a razor's observed, edge-the name of this man whose unexpected appearance thus affected me was Hugh Oliver, and good and strong reason had I to dread him; for so bitterly did he hate me, that to this moment, I do verily believe he would have compassed my death if it lay in his power to do so, even at the hazard of his own life and soul; for I had been, though God knows, with many sore strugglings and at the stern call of public duty, the judge and condemner of his brother, "Let us see them forthwith," said he, " mayhap I or my and though the military law, which I was called upon to comrades may want something which you can supply, administer, would permit no other course or sentence than where is thy chest, friend? thou shalt have ready money," the bloody one which I was compelled to pursue, yet even (winking at his companions) "ready money, and good to this hour the recollection of that deed is heavy at my weight, and sound metal, none of your rascally pinchbeck. breast. As soon as I saw this man I felt that my safety Eh, my lads? Bring forth the goods and let us see."

"Sir, I crave your pardon if I have offended you; I am a stranger in these quarters, and a poor, ignorant, humble man, desiring only to drive my little trade in peace, so far as that may be done in these troublesome times."

"And what may your trade be?" said the same fellow. "I am a travelling merchant," I replied, "and sell my wares as cheap as any trader in the country."

Thus urged, I should have betrayed myself had I hesi. tated to do as required, and anxious upon any terms, to quiet these turbulent men of war, I unbuckled my pack and exhibited its contents upon the table before them.

"A pair of lace ruffles, by the Lord," said one, uncere. moniously seizing upon the articles he named.

depended upon the accident of his not recognising me through the disguise which I had assumed, an accident against which were many chances, for he well knew my person and appearance.

It was too late, now, to destroy General Sarsefield's instructions, any attempt to do so would ensure detection; all then depended upon the cast of a die. When the first

moment of dismay and heart-sickening agitation had pass-instantly I was laid prostrate and senseless upon the floor, ed, it seemed to me as if my mind acquired a collectedness by a blow from the butt of a carbine. and clearness more complete and intense than I had ever I cannot say how long I continued in a state of torpor: experienced before. I instantly perceived that he did not know me, for turning from me to the soldier with an air of indifference, he said

"Is this a prisoner or a deserter? What have you brought him here for, sirra?"

but at length, having slowly recovered my senses, I found myself lying, firmly handcuffed, upon the floor of a small chamber, through a narrow loop-hole in one of whose walls the evening sun was shining. I was chilled with cold and damp, and drenched in blood, which had flowed in large Your wisdom will regard him as you see fit, may it quantities from the wound on my head. By a strong effort please you," said the corporal. "The man is a travelling I shook off the sick drowsiness which still hung upon me, merchant, and, overtaking him upon the road, close by old and weak and giddy I rose with pain and difficulty to my Dame MacDonagh's cot, I thought I might as well make feet. The chamber, or rather cell, in which I stood, was a sort of prisoner of him, that your honour might use him about eight feet square, and of a height very disproporas might appear most convenient; he has many commodi- tioned to its other dimensions-its altitude from the floor ties which are not unworthy of price in this wilderness, to the ceiling being not less than twelve or fourteen feet. and some which you may condescend to make use of yourself. May he exhibit the goods he has for sale, a'nt please you?"

66

Ay, let us see them," said he.

"Unbuckle your pack," exclaimed the corporal, with the same tone of command with which, at the head of his guard, he would have said, "recover your arms"-" unbuckle your pack, fellow, and show your goods to the captain-here where you are."

A narrow slit, placed high in the wall, admitted a scanty light, but sufficient to assure me that my prison contained nothing to render the sojourn of its tenant a whit less comfortless than my worst enemy could have wished. My first impulse was naturally to examine the security of the door-the loop-hole which I have mentioned being too high and too narrow to afford a chance of escape. I listened attentively to ascertain, if possible, whether or not a guard had been placed upon the outside. Not a sound was to be heard. I now placed my shoulder to the door, and sought with all my combined strength and weight to force it open; it, however, resisted all my efforts, and thus baffled in my appeal to mere animal power, exhausted and disheartened, however, long to submit to the apathy of despair, and in a few minutes I was on my feet again. With patient scrutiny I endeavoured to ascertain the nature of the fastenings which secured the door. The planks fortunately having been nailed together fresh, had shrunk considerably, so as to leave wide chinks between each and its neighbour. By means of these apertures, I saw that my dungeon was secured, not by a lock, as I had feared, but by a strong wooden bar, running horizontally across the door, about midway upon the outside.

The conclusions of his directions was suggested by my endeavouring to move round in order to get my back to wards the windows, hoping by keeping my face in the shade to escape detection. In this manœuvre, however, I was foiled by the imperiousness of the soldier, and in. I threw myself on the ground. It was not in my nature, wardly cursing his ill-timed interference, I proceeded to present my merchandize to the loving contemplation of the officers who thronged around me, with a strong light from an opposite window full upon my face.

As I continued to traffic with these gentlemen, I observed, with no small anxiety, the eyes of Captain Oliver frequently fixed upon me with a kind of dubious inquiring gaze.

"I think, my honest fellow," he said at last, "that I have seen you somewhere before this. Have you often dealt with the military?"

"I have traded, sir," said I, "with the soldiery many a time, and always been honourably treated. Will your worship please to buy a pair of lace ruffles ?-very cheap, your worship."

"Now," thought I, "if I can but slip my fingers through the opening of the planks, I can easily remove the bar, and then

My attempts, however, were all frustrated by the manner in which my hands were fastened together, each em"Why do you wear your hair so much over your face, barrassing the other, and rendering my efforts so hopesir?" said Oliver, without noticing my suggestion. "Ilessly clumsy, that I was obliged to give them over in depromise you, I think no good of thee; throw back your spair. I turned with a sigh from my last hope, and began hair and let me see thee plainly. Hold up your face, and to pace my narrow prison floor, when my eye suddenly look straight at me; throw back your hair, sir." encountered an old rusty nail, or holdfast, sticking in the

I felt that all chance of escape was at an end; and step- wall. All the gold of Plutus would not have been so welping forward as near as the table would allow me to him, come as that rusty piece of iron. I instantly wrung it I raised my head, threw back my hair, and fixed my eyes from the wall, and inserting the point between the planks sternly and boldly upon his face. I saw that he knew me of the door into the bolt, and working it backwards and instantly, for his countenance turned as pale as ashes with forwards, I had at length the unspeakable satisfaction to surprise and hatred; he started up, placing his hand in- perceive that the beam was actually yielding to my efforts, stinctively upon his sword hilt, and glaring at me with a and gradually sliding into its berth in the wall. I have look so deadly, that I thought every moment he would often been engaged in struggles where great bodily strength 'strike his sword into my heart. He said in a kind of whis- was required, and every thew and sinew in the system "Hardress Fitzgerald?" taxed to the uttermost, but, strange as it may appear, I per, "Yes," said I boldly, for the excitement of the scene never was so completely exhausted and overcome by any had effectually stirred my blood, "Hardress Fitzgerald is labour as by this comparatively trifling task. Again and before you. I know you well, Captain Oliver. I know again was I obliged to desist, until my cramped fingerhow you hate me. I know how you thirst for my blood; joints recovered their power; but, at length my persevebut in a good cause, and in the hands of God, I defy you." rance was rewarded, for, little by little, I succeeded in re"You are a desperate villain, sir," said Captain Oliver; moving the bolt so far as to allow the door to open suffi"a rebel and a murderer. Hollo, there, guard, seize him." ciently to permit me to pass. With some squeezing I sucAs the soldiers entered I threw my eyes hastily round ceeded in forcing my way into a small passage, upon which the room, and observing a glowing fire upon the hearth, my prison door opened. This led into a chamber, someI suddenly drew General Sarsefield's packet from my bosom, and casting it upon the embers, planted my foot upon it.

"Secure the papers," shouted the Captain, and almost

what more spacious than my cell, but still containing no furniture, and affording no means of escape to one so crippled with bonds as I was. At the far extremity of this room was a door which stood ajar, and, stealthily passing