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diff --git a/16010-h/16010-h.htm b/16010-h/16010-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8a53480 --- /dev/null +++ b/16010-h/16010-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14654 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Tithe-proctor, by William Carleton + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Tithe-Proctor, by William Carleton + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Tithe-Proctor + The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two + +Author: William Carleton + +Illustrator: M. L. Flanery + +Release Date: June 7, 2005 [EBook #16010] +Last Updated: March 2, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TITHE-PROCTOR *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + THE TITHE-PROCTOR. + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By William Carleton + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/destruct_castle.jpg" alt="Frontispiece " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/tilepage2.jpg" alt="Titlepage " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE.</a> <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I.</a> The Chapel Green of + Esker Dearg. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II.</a> The + Proctor's Principles and His Family. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> + CHAPTER III.</a> Mountain Legislation, and its Executive of + Blood. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV.</a> Mirth + and Murder—A Tithe-Proctor's Office. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V.</a> A Hang-Choice Shot—The + “Garrison” on Short Commons. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER + VI.</a> Unexpected Generosity—A False Alarm. <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII.</a> A Shoneen + Magistrate Distributing Justice. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> + CHAPTER VIII.</a> An Unreformed Church <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX.</a> Sport in the Mountains. + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X.</a> The Sport + Continued. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI.</a> The + Sport Still Continued. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII.</a> Out + of the Frying-Pan into the Fire. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> + CHAPTER XIII.</a> Strange Faces—Dare-Devil O'Driscol + Aroused <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV.</a> State + of the Country <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> CHARTER XV.</a> Scene + in a Parsonage—Anti-Tithe Ringleader. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XVI.</a> Massacre of + Carrickshock <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVII.</a> Midnight + Court of Justice <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + List of Illustrations + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Frontispiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Titlepage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> Page 374— the Priest Interfered, and + Prevented A Conflict </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> Page 421— Just Trust Yourself to Me + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> Page 445— Alarmed at the Appearance of + a Lawless Whiteboy </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> Destruction of the Castle </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + After the reader shall, have perused the annexed startling and + extraordinary narrative, on which I have founded the tale of the + Tithe-Proctor, I am sure he will admit that there is very little left me + to say in the shape of a preface. It is indeed rarely, that ever a + document, at once so authentic and powerful, has been found prefixed to + any work of modern Irish Fiction—proceeding as it does, let me add, + from the pen of a gentleman whose unassuming character and modesty are + only surpassed by the distinction which his name has already gained in one + of the most difficult but useful departments of our native literature. + </p> + <p> + I trust that there will be found nothing in the work which follows that is + calculated to give any serious offence. Yet, when we look back upon the + contentions, both political and polemical, by which this unhappy country + in connection with tithe especially, has been so frequently and so + bitterly distracted, we can hardly hope, that any writer, however anxious, + nay studious, to avoid giving offence, can expect to treat such a subject + without incurring animosity in <i>some</i> quarter. Be this as it may, I + have only to say, on behalf of myself, that in composing the work I was + influenced by nothing but a firm and honest determination to depict the + disturbances arising from the tithe impost with a fair and impartial hand: + and if any party shall feel hurt by observations which the necessity of + rendering full justice to a subject so difficult have imposed upon me in + the discharge of a public duty, I beg them to consider that such + observations proceeded from no wish to offend existing prejudices, but are + to be looked upon as arising inferentially from those stern and + uncompromising claims of truth and justice, which equally disregard the + prejudices of any and every party. After all, I am of opinion that the + spirit in which the work is written will be found, whilst it correctly + delineates the state and condition of the country during the fearful + tumults and massacres of the Tithe Rebellion, to have left little, if + anything, to be complained of in this respect. + </p> + <p> + In constructing narratives of this sort, it is to be understood that + certain allowances are always made for small anachronisms that cannot be + readily got over. The murder of the Bolands, for instance, occurred in the + year 1808, and the massacre of Carrickshock, as it has been called, in + 1832. It was consequently impossible for me to have availed myself of the + annexed “Narrative” and brought in the “Massacre” in the same story, + without bringing down the murder of the Bolands to a more recent date. + </p> + <p> + It may be objected that I have assumed, as the period of my story, one + which was calculated to bring into light and action the worst feelings and + the darkest criminals of my country. This, however, was not my fault. If + they had not existed, I could not have painted them; and so long as my + country is disgraced by great crimes, and her social state disorganized by + men whoso hardened vices bring shame upon civilization itself, so long, I + add, these crimes and such criminals shall never be veiled over by me. I + endeavor to paint Ireland, sometimes as she was, but always as she is, in + order that she may see many of those debasing circumstances which prevent + her from being what she ought to be. In the meantime, I trust the reader + will have an opportunity of perceiving that I have not in the <i>Tithe-Proctor</i>, + any more than in my other work, forgotten to show him that even in the + most startling phases of Irish crime and tumult, I have by no means + neglected to draw the warm, generous, and natural virtues of my + countrymen, and to satisfy him that a very few guilty wretches are quite + sufficient, however unjustly, to blacken and degrade a large district. + </p> + <p> + There is, however, a certain class of pseudo-patriots in this country, who + are of opinion that every writer, professing to depict our national + character and manners, should make it a point of conscience to suppress + all that is calculated “to lessen us in the eyes of the world,” as they + are pleased to term it, and only to give to the public the bright and + favorable side. It is unnecessary to dwell upon the moral dishonesty and + meanness of a principle, at once so disgraceful to literature and so + repugnant to truth. These thin-skinned gentlemen are of opinion that the + crime itself is a matter of trivial importance compared to the fact of its + becoming known, and that provided the outside of the platter is kept + clean, it matters not how filthy it may be within. + </p> + <p> + In the days of my boyhood and early life, the people of Ireland were, + generally speaking, an honest, candid, faithful, and grateful people, who + loved truth, and felt the practical influence of religious feeling + strongly, but so dishonest and degrading has been the long curse of + agitation, to which forms of it their moral and social principles have + been exposed, that there probably could not be found in any country, an + instance in which the virtues of the whole people have been so completely + debauched and contaminated (I do not say voluntarily), as those of the + Irish have been by the leading advocates of repeal. The degeneracy of + character, occasioned by those tampering with our national virtues, is + such as we shall not recover from these thirty years to come. Many of our + best, mellow-toned, old virtues, that pass in an unbroken link of + hereditary beauty from father to son, and from family to family, like some + sacred and inestimable heirloom, at once reverenced and loved, are all + gone—such as our love of truth, our simple devotion and patriarchal + piety, our sincerity in all social intercourse, and others of the same + stamp; whilst little else is left us but a barren catalogue of broken and + dishonest promises, and the consciousness of having been at once fleeced + and laughed at. And it would be well if we could stop here, but truth + forces us onward. The Irishman of the present day—the creature of + agitation—is neither honest, nor candid, nor manly, nor generous, + but a poor, skulking dupe, at once slavish and insolent, offensive and + cowardly—who carries, as a necessary consequence, the principles of + political dishonesty into the practices of private life, and is + consequently disingenuous and fraudulent. + </p> + <p> + Let me not be misunderstood. I love truth; and have never been either + afraid or ashamed to speak it; and I trust I never shall. I now allude to + the principles of Conciliation Hall, and the system by which they were + led. I feel bound, however, to exempt the party called Young Irelanders + from having had any participation in bringing about results so disastrous + to the best moral interests of the country. It is true, that, as + politicians, they were insane; but then they were at least sincere and + honest; and I am satisfied that there is not a man of them, who would not + have abandoned the object he had in view, sooner than accomplish it by + sacrificing the popular virtues and moral character of the country for its + attainment. I have myself been a, strong anti-repealer during my whole + life, and though some of the Young Irelanders are my personal friends, yet + none know better than they do, that I was strenuously opposed to their + principles, and have often endeavored—need I say unsuccessfully?—to + dissuade them from the madness of their agitation. + </p> + <p> + Having made these few necessary observations, I now beg to introduce to my + readers the extraordinary narrative already spoken of—a narrative + whose force and graphic power will serve only to bring shame upon the + feeble superstructure which I have endeavored to erect upon it. It is + termed— + </p> + <p> + THE MURDER OF THE BOLANDS. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1808, there lived near Croom, in the county of Limerick, a + farmer named Michael Boland. He was an intelligent and prosperous man, and + the owner of many hundred acres of the best land in that fine county. + </p> + <p> + He had two sons and two daughters, all grown up to manhood and womanhood, + in this year, and the parish chapel never saw, in their time, a finer + family for stature, symmetry, and comeliness, attend its mass than Michael + Boland, his wife, and children. With the growth of his family, his + ambition and desire of increased wealthiness grew; and, by the agency of + some hundred pounds, he became the tithe-proctor, or rector of several + patches of tithes throughout the county. + </p> + <p> + At first he was successful in this speculation, and with his increased + profits, himself and his children assumed a higher and more important tone + and bearing in society. In fact, his sons and daughters passed as ladies + and gentlemen, not only in external appearance, but in elegance of manners + and cultivation of mind; for he spared no expense on their education, as + well in his original as in his subsequent condition of life; besides that + at this period, and for a long time previous, the County of Limerick was + the great school-house, not only of Munster, but of all Ireland—vide + Carleton's “Poor Scholar.” + </p> + <p> + The sudden departure of the Bolands from the intercourse and intimate + acquaintance of their former companions and neighbors, as well as the long + brooding hatred and opposition of the people to the payment of tithes, + soon gave rise to loud murmurs and sarcastic retrospective observations + against them; and people far and near took every occasion to offend and + insult them—both men and women—-wherever and whenever an + opportunity of doing so, in a galling manner, offered. Often were the + Misses Boland asked, when mounted on their side-saddles, did they remember + when their mother used to be driving her cart-load of tankards of sour + milk to the market of Limerick, and sitting there for days retailing it at + a penny a gallon, &c.; and as often were the young brothers asked when + bursting over an old neighbor's fence, in scarlet and buckskin, if they + remembered when their father and mother bore an active hand and shoulder + to the carving out and spreading of the manure to the fields, &c. + </p> + <p> + Far from being abashed at all this, the Bolands only sought ampler + opportunities to annoy and exasperate their ill-wishers by more imperious + airs to them, and a closer attendance to the gentlemanly sports of the + country, but still they gave no tangible cause to quarrel broadly with + them. While matters were going on in this way, they received a nocturnal + anonymous letter, ordering them to send a few of their abundant stock of + arms to a certain lonely place, for the benefit, of the popular + legislators of that turbulent county. This summons the Bolands answered by + a letter of defiance, and a challenge to the parties to come and take them + forcibly if they durst. They were agan summoned for their arms, and + cautioned to lower their demand for tithes. To this they sent an + exasperating response of defiance, and a challenge, after which they + seriously went about fortifying their dwelling, and putting it into the + best posture of defence against the assault which they were very certain + would be made on them sooner or later. + </p> + <p> + They built a line of lofty strong stone walls around their house, offices, + and other property, and, thus secure, they awaited anxiously the expected + visit of their deadly enemies. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the messengers of vengeance passed through all the + counties of Munster, with an account of the rebellious designs of the + Bolands, against the majesty of midnight legislation; and to collect + levies of men, ammunition, army, and friends, for the purpose of making a + certain destructive attack upon them. + </p> + <p> + One evening, about the latter end of November, the roads and paths leading + to the little village of Kilteely, a few miles to the east of Boland's + house, was observed to be more than usually thronged with men, on foot and + on horseback, passing, as it were, to and from Limerick, and strangers, + apparently, to all the inhabitants and to each other. Shortly after + nightfall, the hill of Kilteely was seen covered with men and horses, and + within an old ruined house on the top of the hill a dim light was seen to + occasionally flitter. This ruin was full of respectably dressed men, and + at one end of it, on chairs, and at a table, provided for the occasion, + sat twelve of the most respectable of them, and a portly important-looking + gentleman on an elevated chair at the end of the table. Two or three + candies were burning, and some slips of paper were on the table. + </p> + <p> + After a silence of a few seconds, the judge asked, in an audible voice, if + there was any business to be brought before the court on that night? He + was immediately answered in a solemn tone, by more than one voice, that + there was a great deal of business, but that only one case, that of + Captain Right against Boland, should be brought before him at that present + time. The judge then desired that the case be gone into. Whereupon a + middle-sized well-set young man, about six-and-twenty years of age, whose + name we know, and who sat behind the judge, now brought his chair forward + to the table, on the judge's left hand, and unrolling a roll of paper, + read in a low, solemn, but audible tone of voice, a series of charges + preferred by the said Captain Right against the said Michael Boland and + his sons. + </p> + <p> + The captain was then called up, and he deposed to different charges + against the defendants—such as taking beforehand, or in reversion, + several small farms over the heads of poor but solvent tenants, turning + them adrift on the world, and converting their small agricultural farms + into one or more large farms for grazing; thereby adding to the number of + the destitute, and contracting the supply of agricultural produce—the + payment to his laboring men of only eight-pence a day, which he compounded + for in kind—potatoes, milk, &c, at twice, at least, what those + commodities fetched him in the neighboring markets. These were only a few + of the many charges of petty tyranny preferred against Boland; but the + last and greatest of all was his Tithe Exactions. + </p> + <p> + Several witnesses were called up to prove these weighty offences, after + which it was asked if the accused party had been served with notices to + desist from those high misdemeanors; and if he had engaged any one to + speak for him, or in his favor. After a short pause, a man above the + middle size, with snaggy hair and beard, and of a sinister aspect, came up + to the table and said, that although he had not been employed or deputed + to appear for Mr. Boland and the young masters and misses, his fine sons + and daughters, yet justice to the accused compelled him to come forward, + and offer a few words in extenuation of the punishment, if any, which + should be inflicted for their alleged misdeeds. “First, then,” he asked, + “was it possible that they, the men then present, should be angry or + offended at seeing one of their own race and religion spring up from among + them, and take his station with the best of the Cromwellian Shoneens that + surrounded and oppressed them? And when he did so spring up, was it any + blame to him to avail himself of every means which The Law allowed him to + maintain his elevation, though it might be by standing on the shoulders + and necks of as good fellows as himself? What had Mr. Boland done but what + others had been doing for ages, and were doing still? As for the matter of + tithes, sure they should be paid to the minister who they never saw nor + cared to see, and if Mr. Boland had profit on them, so much the better, + because the less tithe that went into the absent minister's pocket the + more would they all be pleased. To be sure the tithe-proctor always + exacted to the last farthing, and more than the minister—and it is + believed that Mr. Boland was not behind any of the trade—and some + people say, indeed, that, from his knowledge of farming and the ins and + outs of people's little tillage, he sometimes exacted to within a trifle + of one-fifth of the produce. Indeed, in my own case—and I am but a + poor brogue-maker, with half-a-dozen acres of the |poorest lands of F———, + he took from me, between citations to the Bishop's Court and other costs, + with the original tithes, at least one-fourth of the entire produce of my + little farm; nor do I know any one in the parish that fares better than + myself, especially the poor people who don't understand the law, and who + are not able, or willing, to get into it. However, I confess, I never + regretted my own share of the loss, where I knew and thought that it all + went to the glory and grandeur of the Masters and Misses Boland. Nor shall + I ever forget the cutting-up which young Mick Boland gave me, with the + butt-end of his loaded whip, the day I went to their house to complain + that their driver had put all my sheep into the pound, for a debt of + sixteen shillings, tithe-money. And now, my Lord Justice, as I have said + so much of the truth in favor of Mr. Boland and his family, I hope your + lordship will pass a merciful and just sentence oh them, and that this + just jury won't find these friends to us, to our religion, and to our + country, guilty.” + </p> + <p> + There was a suppressed murmur of approbation, accompanied by an audible + stamping of feet, at the conclusion of this merciful harangue. But silence + being called, the jurors put their heads together across the table, and in + less than two minutes their foreman handed up the issue-paper to the + secretary, who sat by the side of the judge on receipt of which that + functionary arose and in a solemn, scarcely audible voice, read from the + paper a verdict of “guilty” against Michael Boland and his two sons. The + judge then immediately arose from his chair, and in a low, solemn, but + firm and distinct tone of voice, pronounced the verdict of the court to + be, “Death and Dark Destruction to Michael Boland and his two sons,” and + that the sentence should be executed that very night. On the announcement + of the verdict a low shriek of exultation arose from the audience, + followed by a simultaneous half-suppressed cry of, “Long life to our + Judge! Long life to Buck English!” + </p> + <p> + The judge stood up again and said: “Now, boys, I know that there is no man + here present but a man who has been often well tried in exploits of danger + and of death: every man of you is the leader of a party of brave fellows, + who, with yourselves, have sworn to sustain the oppressed; crush the + tyrant, and right the wronged. Your men are brave, bold, and hearty; keep + them to: their duty, and in perfect submission to your orders. Let the old + tyrant and his young cubs be cut off, at all hazards, but spare the women—nay, + make every possible exertion to save them, but, more especially, and by + all means, let the eldest daughter, Miss Anna, be saved, secured, and + brought to me, as you all know how long I have vainly endeavored to make + her mine. And now, boys, every man to his post, and I, your commander, + shall lead you on.” + </p> + <p> + Buck English is a real character—his real name was Ryan, and he had + been respectably reared, but gave himself up to the intoxicating + excitement of the French Revolution—he also fought in '98, and + subsequently, for his intelligence and daring spirit, became the leader of + all the lawless and disaffected parties in his native County of Limerick, + and, indeed, of all Munster. + </p> + <p> + The parties within the old ruin now made their appearance on the hill, and + every man of them going to the head of his own body, they marched first to + Hospital, a contiguous village, where they boldly beat a drum, the sound + of which called up, as by enchantment, such a concourse of armed men as + frightened the parties themselves. They marched from that, westwards, to + Knockany, where they dug up several extensive fields (of grass) belonging + to Mr. O'Grady. They marched on then, in the same direction, towards the + residence of the Bolands, their numbers increasing as they went along, by + voluntary and involuntary parties. + </p> + <p> + The Bolands, ever on the watch, soon learned that they were to be visited + that night by those parties whom they had so long defied, but they never + calculated that they Should be attacked by such a strong force as they now + learned was approaching them—for it is believed that the actual + number could not have been less than five thousand men, contributed by the + Counties of Limerick Clare, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, and + Kilkenny. + </p> + <p> + However, they were not daunted, but immediately put themselves in order of + battle. They first sent out (off their premises) all their servants, men + and women, lest there should be a spy or a traitor among them. They then + carried up all their arms and ammunition to the top floor of their + (two-story, long, thatched) house. The father and the younger sons planted + themselves at one of the window's facing the front. The elder son and the + family tutor, a young man of the neighborhood, who would not abandon them + in their hour of danger, took their stand at the window which looked + directly at the narrow strong door of the wall which inclosed the house. + The two daughters, with their mother, took up their places between the two + windows, under cover of the wall, and having been well practiced for som, + weeks previous, stood prepared to load and hand up the arms to their + heroes when the occasion should arrive. About the hour of one o'clock in + the morning, the barking of dogs, and an odd random shot, gave the Bolands + certain and unmistakable notice that their hour of terror was at hand. And + soon they could hear a monotonous sound of moving feet and suppressed + voices, under the outer walls of their fortress. A horn was then sounded, + and the besieged were called upon to open their gates and surrender at + discretion. But no answer was received from within, where all was total + darkness and apparent inactivity. Several attempts were now made to burst + the strong yard door, but without effect. The assailants then began to + fire at the thatch of the dwelling house, as well as on the out-offices, + with the intent of setting them in flames; and after several attempts, + they ultimately succeeded in igniting the thatch of a detached cow-house, + which stood out from the other buildings, and the wind, unfortunately + happening to blow from that quarter to the other offices, carried the fire + to them, by which they were soon in a blaze. In the meantime, they + procured two sledges from a neighboring forge, with which they assaulted + the yard door, which they soon broke in. Now there was a dead pause on the + part of the assailants—for they knew very well, that to pass on the + threshold of this door was certain death. However, the pressure from the + rear was so great, that suddenly several men were involuntarily pushed in + through the doorway. And now the work of death commenced, for no sooner + had the first batch been pressed in, than there was such a well-directed + shower of bullets poured out on them from four well-charged blunderbusses, + as levelled every man of them with the earth. A moment's pause ensued, and + the door was again filled with new aspirants for “fame in the cannon's + mouth,” who, however, fared as badly as the preceding batch. During this + time the assailing party had been busy with crowbars and other + instruments, in making several breaches in the yard walls. At length they + succeeded in opening entrances in three different places at the same time, + and thus in a few minutes several hundred men were precipitated into the + yard. And now commenced the work of death in earnest. The assailants were + shot down in scores, while the upper windows of the house, from which the + deadly firing was so ably kept up, received fifty discharges to the one + that issued from them. The house was immediately surrounded, and guards of + chosen faithful men were placed at its doors and lower windows, with + strict orders to let no one, especially the “old fox,” escape, with the + exception only of the women. + </p> + <p> + To add to the dreadful condition of the Bolands, the assailants had now + succeeded in igniting the thatch of the dwelling-house, and it was + immediately in a blaze. The Bolands and their tutor, ably served by their + mother and sisters, still continued to deal death and destruction on the + parties outside, without being yet fatigued or disabled. But at length the + upper floor became too hot, and the old man, with his wife and daughters, + retreated to the lower floor. The brothers and the tutor, however, + remained above, but doing less execution, because, when the assailants saw + the house on fire, they retreated outside the yard wall, excepting the + guard who were placed round the house, and these stood so close to the + walls that the party above had not power of injuring them, without fully + exposing their own persons at the windows. + </p> + <p> + While both parties were thus in a fearful state of suspense, the burning + roof of the house fell in on the three young men above, and immediately + buried them for ever in its destructive flames. The assailing crowds set + up a terrific shout of triumph. The floor above now began to crackle, and + so dense was the smoke below, that the old man and the woman were in a + state little short of suffocation. At last the Proctor became desperate, + and opening one of the ground windows, and taking his poor wife by the + hand, he attempted to throw himself and her out through it. No sooner, + however, had they appeared at the window, than the old man was riddled + with bullets from without, and thrown back into the now blazing room from + which he had been endeavoring to escape. + </p> + <p> + The three young men and the old man being now destroyed, a voice in the + rear of the crowd called out, in a fierce commanding them, to rescue the + women at all hazards, whereupon the sledges were applied to the front door + of the house; but while they were thus engaged, the young women unbarred + the back door, and rushing out with their mother, uttering the most + piercing shrieks, they ran into a stable which was near, before they could + be laid hold of. Here, however, the two daughters were immediately seized + on by order of the commander of the siege, Buck English, and carried out, + but not violently, until they came to the stable-door, where the eldest + daughter laid hold of the iron bolt staple of the door-post, and so + desperately did she hold it, that she did not let it go till her shoulder + was dislocated. They were both carried off then to the Galtee mountains, + the usual resort of the Buck, who retained the eldest during pleasure. I + forget what became of the younger girl, but the other became deranged, and + in that melancholy state was subsequently taken into the “protection,” as + it is called, of a certain banker of Limerick, who shot himself in that + city, to my own knowledge, in 1815. * * * + </p> + <p> + The scene at the residence of the Bolands, on the morning after the + attack, was truly horrifying. The remains of the four men, almost burned + to cinders, were dug out of the still burning ruins, nor was the spectacle + in the yard and on the neighboring road less frightful; from the multitude + of dead bodies with which they were strewn; for most of their stranger + assailants who were killed were left on the spot—the party not + choosing to be seen carrying them off by daylight. But such of the people + of the neighboring parishes as fell, were carried off by friends and + acquaintances, and hid during that day, but buried at night at remote + distances from their houses, in the newly-ploughed and in the wheat-sown + fields. The inquest, &c, being over, the government and the gentry of + the county offered a large reward for any information that would lead to + the apprehension or knowledge of the actors, especially the commander, in + this fearful tragedy. A strong military force was stationed in the + neighborhood, and all the bad and suspicious characters of the district + were taken up, and committed to gaol on suspicion. However, the original + concocters of the murder made their escape, either to England or to the + remote parts of Clare, Kerry, and Cork; whilst terror reigned throughout + the whole County of Limerick among the farmers at seeing the numbers that + were arrested, and the largeness of the reward. + </p> + <p> + One morning, as a well-known active magistrate of the county was sitting + at his breakfast, a strange woman came to his door, and requested to see + him on business of importance. He immediately called up two of his servant + men, and ordered them to go to the door and see that the woman was really + a woman, and that she had no arms about her. This was soon done, and the + woman, a real one, was ushered into his worship's presence. She then told + him—the room being first cleared of all other people—that, she + was the wife of D—— A———, the brogue-maker + of F——, that her husband was an honest, industrious man, who + knew his own trade and business well, and who knew a great deal about the + business of other people, too, and of what was going on in the country—that + he was a man of upright and Christian principles, who would always feel it + a conscientious duty to aid the laws of his country to preserve social + order and punish crime—that he was not a man to be terrified or + bribed by any amount of punishment or reward; but that if he were properly + managed and kindly treated, he might be found able to give a good deal of + useful information. + </p> + <p> + His worship had the good-natured poor woman taken good care of for that + day—and at a late hour of the same night he took and put her + comfortably sitting on a horse, behind one of his constables, and, + surrounded by a strong military body, horse and foot, marched her in + safety; she showing the way to her own house. They found honest Darby + sitting by his fire, reading his prayer-book, and in great grief at the + unaccountable absence of his wife. He was dreadfully agitated when he + found himself arrested, and strongly protested that he was an honest, + industrious tradesman, who knew nothing of the wickedness of the world; + and wondered much what this was all about. + </p> + <p> + His worship advised him to be calm—that all should be well, but that + he should accompany himself to his house. After Darby had spent several + usefully employed days with his new friend, he was transmitted to Limerick + gaol, with orders that he should be well treated, and be allowed to see + his wife as often as she desired it. The wife soon found that it would be + more convenient for her, and perhaps somewhat safer, to be living near her + husband, and therefore went to reside in Limerick. The news of Darby's + arrest caused no little alarm through the county, and it was soon + whispered about that persons were now arrested, of whose participation in + the Boland affair no human being could give any hint except himself alone. + His wife's rooms became crowded every day with the wives, daughters, and + sisters of the men arrested,—and others not arrested, or suspected + by any living being; money in hundreds of pounds was poured into her lap + to purchase the ignorance, the silence, or the perjury of Darby—and + every one went away apparently satisfied with Darby's promises through his + faithful wife. + </p> + <p> + The assizes came down at last. Darby lost all recollection of any money + but the large public reward, and on that occasion over twenty men were + hanged chiefly on his evidence—though it was very difficult for the + crown counsel to bring the poor reluctant man to the point; but when he + did make a convicting admission, he took care that it should be a + clincher, wrung from him, as he wished it to appear, by a cunning counsel. + The gallows at Limerick continued for years after to be fed by Darby with + victims for this crime; and several hundred were transported, or went into + voluntary banishment on account of this fearful butchery. The writer of + this knew well, and was at school with the secretary of the Court of + Kilteely Hill. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I.—The Chapel Green of Esker Dearg. + </h2> + <p> + The chapel of <i>Esker Dearg</i>, or the Red Ridge, was situated in a rich + and well-cultivated country, that for miles about it literally teemed with + abundance. The Red Ridge under which it stood was one of those long + eminences, almost, if not altogether, peculiar to Ireland. It was, as the + name betokens, a prolonged elevation that ran for nearly a mile and a half + in a north-eastern direction without appearing to yield to, or be + influenced by, the natural position or undulations of the country through + which it went. The epithet of red which was attached to it, originated, + according to popular tradition, in a massacre which had taken place upon + it during one of the Elizabethan wars, others imputed it to a cause much + more obvious and natural, viz., its peculiar appearance during all seasons + of the year, owing to the parched and barren nature of the soil, which, in + consequence of its dry and elevated Position, was covered only with furze + and tern, or thin, short grass that was parched by the sun into a kind of + red-brown color. + </p> + <p> + Under that end of this Esker which pointed nearest to the south-west, + stood the chapel we have just mentioned. It was a rather long building + with double gables and a double roof, perfectly plain, and with no other + ornament, either inside or out, if we except a marble cross that stood + against the wall upon the altar, of which the good priest was not a little + vain, inasmuch as it had been of his own procuring. A public road of + course ran past it, or rather skirted the green unenclosed space, by + which, in common with most country edifices, it was surrounded. Another + road joined that which we have mentioned, within a few perches of it, so + that it stood at what might be nearly considered a cross-road. One or two + large trees grew beside it, which gave to its otherwise simple appearance + something of picturesque effect, especially during the summer months, when + they were thickly covered with leaves, and waved and rustled in the sun to + the refreshing breezes of that delightful season. + </p> + <p> + It was Sunday in the early part of March—we will not name the year—when + our story commences. The Red Ridge Chapel was as usual surrounded by the + greater portion of the congregation that had assembled to hear Mass. + Within its walls there were only a few classes of youngsters, male and + female, formed into circles, learning their catechism from the + schoolmaster of the neighborhood, the clerk, or some devotee who possessed + education enough to qualify himself for that kind office. Here and there + in different parts of the chapel were small groups of adult persons, more + religiously disposed than the rest, engaged in saying the rosary, whilst + several others were performing solitary devotions, some stationary in a + corner of the chapel, and others going the circuit around its walls in the + performance of the Fourteen Stations of the Cross. Now, all these + religious and devotional acts take place previous to the arrival of the + priest, and are suspended the moment he commences Mass; into the more + sublime majesty of which they appear, as it were, to lose themselves and + be absorbed. + </p> + <p> + The great body of the congregation, however, until the clergyman makes his + appearance, are to be found outside, on what is called the Chapel Green. + Here they stand in groups, engaged in discussing the topics of the day, or + such local intelligence as may interest them; and it is to one of those + groups that we now beg to call the attention of our readers. + </p> + <p> + Under the larger of the two trees we have described stood a circle of the + country people, listening to, and evidently amused by, the conversation of + an individual whose bearing and appearance we must describe at great + length. + </p> + <p> + He was a person whom at first sight you would feel disposed to class with + young men. In other words, you might be led, from the lively flow of his + spirits and his peculiarly buoyant manner, to infer that he had not gone + beyond thirty or thirty-five. Upon a closer inspection, however, you could + easily perceive that his countenance, despite of its healthy hue, was a + good deal wrecked and weatherbeaten, and gave indications of those traces, + which not only a much longer period of time, but deep and violent + passions, seldom fail to leave behind them. His features were regular, and + at first glance seemed handsome, but upon a nearer approach you were + certain to find that their expression was heartless and disagreeable. They + betokened no symptom of humanity of feeling, but were lit up with a spirit + of harsh and reckless levity, which, whilst it made him popular with the + unthinking multitude, might have been easily understood as the + accompaniment, if not the direct exponent, of a bad and remorseless heart. + The expression of his mouth was at the same time both hard and wanton, and + his eyes, though full of a lively lustre, resembled in their brightness + those of a serpent or hyena. His forehead was constructive but low, and, + we may say, rather unintellectual than otherwise. He was without whiskers, + a circumstance which caused a wound on the back part of his jaw to be + visible, and one-half of the left-hand little finger had been shot off in + defence of his church and country, according to his own account. This was + a subject however, upon which he always affected a good deal of mystery + when conversing with the people, or we should say, he took care to throw + out such oracular insinuations of what he had suffered in their defence, + as, according to their opinion, almost constituted him a martyr. In size + he was somewhat above the middle height, compact, and exceedingly well + built. His chest was deep and his shoulders powerful, whilst his limbs + were full of muscular strength and great activity. + </p> + <p> + Having thus given a portrait of his person, it only remains that we + describe his costume as he appeared on the Sunday in question, and we do + so because it may be right to inform our readers, in the outset, that one + of his peculiarities was a habit of seldom appearing, for any lengthened + period, in the same dress, or indeed in the same locality. + </p> + <p> + On this occasion he had on a pair of tight buckskin breeches, top-boots + and spurs—for he mostly went on horseback—a blue body-coat, + with bright gilt buttons, a buff cassimere waistcoat, and a very + fashionable hat. + </p> + <p> + The cravat he wore was of green silk, and was tied in a knot, which might + be understood by the initiated as one that entitled him to their + confidence and respect. Our readers may not be surprised at this, for, + unfortunately so high and bitter have party prejudices and feelings in our + disturbed country run, that the very dress has been often forced to become + symbolic of their spirit and existence. + </p> + <p> + The chapel green, as we have said, was covered by the great bulk of the + peasantry who were waiting the arrival of the priest. Here was a circle in + which stood some rustic politician, who, having had an opportunity of + getting a glimpse at some newspaper of the day, was retailing its contents + to a greedy circle of listeners about him. There again stood some + well-known storyteller, or perhaps a live old senachie, reciting wild and + stirring legends to his particular circle. Some were stretched indolently + on the grass, or lying about the ditches in the adjoining fields, but by + far the greatest and most anxious crowd was assembled under the tree + against which Buck English—for by this name was he known—leaned. + We should say here, however, that he was not called Buck English, because + his name was English, but in consequence of his attempts at pronouncing + the English tongue in such a manner as he himself considered peculiarly + elegant and fashionable. The man's education was very limited, indeed he + had scarcely received any, but he was gifted at the same time with a low + vulgar fluency of language which he looked upon as a great intellectual + gift, and which, in his opinion, wanted nothing but “tip-top + prononsensation,” as he termed it, to make it high-flown and gentlemanly. + </p> + <p> + Our friend “the Buck,” as he was universally called, was no sooner + perceived in his usual station under the tree than there was a rapid + gathering of the assembled crowd to hear him. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo, Paddy! what's the matther? where are you goin' to in sich a hell + of a hurry?” + </p> + <p> + “Blood alive! man, sure Buck English is at his post to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “How at his post?” + </p> + <p> + “Why under the three where he always is when he comes here af a Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + “Hut! sure I know that; come, begad, let us hear him.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, it's he that's up to the outs and ins of everything. Sure the + Counsellor himself made mintion of him in a great speech some time ago. It + seems the Buck sent him up five pounds in a letther, and the Counsellor + read the letther, and said it came from a most respectable gentleman, a + friend of his, one Barney—no, not Barney—it wasn't Barney he + called him, but—but—let me see—ay, begad—Bir—Birnard—ay, + one Birnard English, Esquire, from the Barony of Treena Heela; bekaise, as + the Buck doesn't keep himself very closely to any particular place of + livin', he dated his letther, I suppose, from the Barony at large.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate one thing's clear, that he's high up wid the Counsellor, an' + if he wasn't one man in ten thousand he wouldn't be that.” + </p> + <p> + They had now reached the tree, and found that, short as the time was, a + considerable crowd had already assembled about him, so that they were + obliged to stand pretty far out in the circle. One or two young men, sons + of most respectable farmers—for it somehow happened that the Buck + was no great favorite with the seniors—stood, or rather had the + honor of standing, within the circle, for the purpose of “houldin' + conversation wid him;” for it could not reasonably be supposed that the + Buck could throw away such valuable political information and high-flown + English upon mere boors, who were incapable of understanding either the + one or the other. + </p> + <p> + “And so, Mr. English,” said one of those whom, he had brought within the + circle, “you think the established church, the great heresy of Luther,—will + go down at last?” + </p> + <p> + “Think it, Tom—why, if you get me a book I'll swear it, and that's + better than thinking any dee. Didn't Emencipation pess? answer me that.” + </p> + <p> + “Begad it did so, sir,”—from the crowd. “Well,” proceeded the Buck, + “what doubt or hesiteetion can there be that the seem power and authority + that riz our own church won't be keepable of puttin' down the great + protesting heresy?” + </p> + <p> + “See that now,” from the crowd; “begad it stands to raison sure enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” he proceeded, “none what-somever; but then the question is, + how can it be effectualized?” + </p> + <p> + The crowd—“Begad, and so it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my friends, it isn't at oll difficult to determine that + particularity: you oll know that a men lives by food—very well; + pleece that men in a persition where he can't procur food and the nethrel + kensiquence is that he must die. Eh—ha! ha! ha!—do you + kimprehind?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a doubt of it,” replied Mr. Crowd, “but sure, at any rate, we will + kimprehend it by-an'-by.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; take the protesting? church or the parsons, for it is oll the + seem—deprive them of the mains of support, that is to see, deny them + their tithes—don't pay a shilling—hold out to the death, as my + friend the Counsellor—great O'Connell says—and as we oil say, + practice passive resistance,then you know the establishment must stirve + and die of femine and distitootion, as a contributive jidgment for its + sins.” + </p> + <p> + Crowd—“Blood alive, isn't that great!” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” from the other circle. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that the parsons, an' all belonging to them, is to die of family + prostitution for their sins!” + </p> + <p> + “Devil's cure to them, then, for they desarve it—at least many of + them does, anyhow,” says one segment. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, an' I don't know that either,” says another segment. “The parsons, + bad as they're spoken of, was, for the most part, willin' to live among + us; and, begad, you all know that they're kind friends and good neighbors, + an' that the money they get out of the parish comes back into the parish + agin—not all as one as absentee landlords. They give employment as + far as they're able, an' thar's no doubt but their wives and daughters + does a great dale of good among the poor, and so, begad, does the parsons + themselves often.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is that wiseecre that spoke last?” asked the Buck; “if I don't + misteek he leebors with Dennis Purcel, the procter.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, an' a very good masther he is,” replied the spokesman of the segment; + “gives plenty of employment anyhow—although the pay's no great + shakes—an' that's more than some that abuses him does.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no one aboosin' him here, my good friend, so don't imegine it—at + leest I should be extremely sorry to do so. I respect himself and his + family in a very elevated manner, I assoore you. An' what's more, my + friend, I'll thank you to report to him that I said so.” + </p> + <p> + Here he looked significantly among the mob, especially as he perceived + that the man's eyes were not fixed upon him whilst he spoke, and having + thrust his tongue into his cheek, half in derision, and half as it were by + a natural action, he succeeded at all events in creating a general laugh; + but so easily is a laugh, among such an audience, created, that it is not + altogether within our power or penetration to determine the point which + occasioned their mirth, unless it were the grimace with which his words + were accompanied—or stay—perhaps it was the strong evil odor + in which Purcel, the subject of their conversation, must have been held. + </p> + <p> + “Talk of the devil, Mr. English,” replied a stern voice from the + listeners, “and he will appear; look down the road there and you'll see + Purcel himself an' his family drivin' to mass on the sweat and groans of + the people!” + </p> + <p> + “Not all of them,” replied another voice, in a different tone; “there's + only himself, his wife, and their two spankin' daughters, upon the + jauntin' car; but, blood alive, look at the sons! Devil so purty a lot of + sweat and groans I seen this twelvemonth as the two is riding on, in the + shape of a pair of blood-horses, so that you may put the blood, Barney, + along wid the sweat and the groans, agra. Well done, tithes!—ha! ha! + ha!” + </p> + <p> + The individual laugh that accompanied these last observation was cruel, + revolting, and hideous. The Buck sought out the speaker among the crowd, + and gave him first a nod of approval—and almost instantly afterward + added, with a quick change of countenance, but not until he perceived that + this double expression was pretty generally understood— + </p> + <p> + “Don't, my friend—if they get wealthy and proud upon our groans and + tears an' blood, as you say, it is not their invalidity that makes them do + so, but ours. Instead, of being cruel to them it is to ourselves we are + cruel; for by peeing the aforeseed tithes we are peeing away our heart's + blood, an' you know that if we are the fools to pee that way, small bleeme + to them if they take it in the shape of good passable cash. They—meening + sich men as Purcel—are only the instruments with which the parsons + work.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” replied the stern voice, “but, in case we had the country to + ourselves, do you think now, Buck darlin', that when we'd settle off the + jidges, an' lawyers, an' sheriffs, an' bailiffs, that we'd allow the jails + or the gibbets to stan', or the hangmen to live. No, by japers, we'd make + a clane sweep of it; and when sich a man as Purcel becomes a tool in the + parsons' hands to grind the people, I don't see that we ought to make fish + of one an' flesh of the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Darby Hourigan, is that you?” exclaimed the Buck; “well, although I + don't exaggerate with your severity, yet I will shake hands with you. How + do you do Darby? Darby, I think you're a true petriot—but, so far as + Mr. Purcel is concirned, I wish you to understand that he is a particular + friend of mine, and so is every mimber of his family.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, an' Mr. Buck, it's more than you are with them, I can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “But perhaps you are a little misteeken there, Mr. Hourigan,” replied the + Buck, with a swagger, whilst he raised his head and pulled up the collar + of his shirt at both sides, with a great deal of significant + self-consequence;—“perhaps you are—I see so, that's oll. + Perhaps, I repeat, there is some mimber of that family not presupposed + against me, Mr. Hourigan?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, may be so,” replied the other; “but if it be so, it's of late it + must have happened, that's what I say.” + </p> + <p> + Hourigan, who was by trade a shoemaker, was also a small farmer; but, + sooth to say, a more treacherous or ferocious-looking ruffian you could + not possibly meet with in a province. He was spare and big-boned slouchy + and stealthy in his gait, pale in face with dark, heavy brows that seemed + to have been kept from falling into his deep and down-looking eyes only by + an effort. His cheekbones stood out very prominently, whilst his thin, + pallid cheeks fell away so rapidly as to give him something the appearance + of the resuscitated skeleton of a murderer, for never in the same face + were the kindred spirits of murder and cowardice so hideously blended. + </p> + <p> + Much more dialogue of the description just detailed took place, in which + the proctor was not without defenders; but at the same time, as we are + bound to record nothing but truth, we are compelled to say, that the + majority of the voices were fearfully against him. If, however, he, the + proctor and the instrument, had but few to support him, what must we not + suppose the defence of the system in all its bearings to have been? + </p> + <p> + At length, as Purcel and his family approached, the conversation was + transferred from the political to the personal, and he, his wife, and his + children, received at the hands of the people that satirical abuse, + equally unjust and ungenerous, which an industrious family, who have + raised themselves from poverty to independence, are in general certain to + receive from all those who are deficient in the virtues by which the + others rose. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, there he comes now, ridin' on his jauntin' car, an' does he think + that we all forget the time when he went wid his basket undher his arm, + wid his half-a-crown's worth of beggarly hardware in it. He begun it as a + brat of a boy, an' was called nothin' then but <i>Mahon na gair</i> (that + is 'Mat of the-grin'); but, by-and-by, when he came to have a pack over + the shoulder, and to carry a yard wan' he began to turn Bodagh on our + hands. Felix, it's himself that soon thought to set up for the style an' + state.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” said the friendly voice aforesaid, “no one can deny but + he's a good employer—if he'd give better wages.” + </p> + <p> + “A good employer!” said Hourigan; “we all know he must get his work done—small + thanks to him for that, an' a small price he-pays for it.” + </p> + <p> + “We all know the ould proverb,” said another individual; “set a beggar on + horseback, an' he'll ride to the devil. Whist! here they come.” + </p> + <p> + As the last person concluded, Purcel and the female portion of his family + drew up under the shadow of the tree already alluded to, which here + overhung the road, so that he came right in contact with the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, boys,” said he, with his characteristic good-humor, “how are you all? + Darby Hourigan, how are your family? Isn't this glorious weather, boys?” + </p> + <p> + “Blessed weather, sir,” replied Hourigan, who became in some degree + spokesman. “I hope your honor an' the mistress, sir, an' the young ladies + is all well.” + </p> + <p> + “My honor, as you are pleased to call me, was never better in my life; as + for the mistress and the young ladies there they are, so judge for + yourself, Darby: but Darby my good friend, you have a d—d sneaking, + slavish way with you. Why do you call me 'your honor' when you know—for + I've often told you—that wouldn't bear it? Am I not one of + yourselves? and don't most of you know that I began the world upon + half-a-crown, and once carried a hardware basket on my arm?—d—n + it, then, speak like a man to a man, and not like a slave, as I'm half + inclined to think you are.” + </p> + <p> + “Throth, sir,” replied Hourigan, with an indescribable laugh, “an' for all + that you say, there's many that gets the title of 'your honor,' that + doesn't desarve it <i>as well</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah well, man! Why, there's many a man gets it that doesn't desarve it <i>at + all</i>, which is saying more than you said—ha! ha! ha!” + </p> + <p> + Whilst this little dialogue took place, our worthy Buck had abandoned his + place under the ikee, and flown to the car to assist the ladies off—a + piece of attention not unobserved by Purcel, who obliquely kept his eye + upon that worthy's gallantry, and the reception it was getting from the + parties to whom it was offered. + </p> + <p> + “Leedies,” said the Buck, in his politest manner and language, “will you + allow me the gallantry to help you off? Mrs. Purcel, I hope you're well. + Here, ma'am, aveel yourself of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mr. English; I'm much obliged,” she returned, rather coolly. + </p> + <p> + “Leedies,” he proceeded, flying to the other side, “allow me the + gallantry.” + </p> + <p> + The two young women, who were full of spirits and good humor, were + laughing most heartily, <i>sub silentio</i>, at the attention thus so + ceremoniously paid to their mother by a man whom, beyond all human beings, + she detested. Now, however, that he came to proffer his “gallantry” to + themselves, they were certainly rather hard pressed to maintain or rather + regain their gravity. + </p> + <p> + “Leedies,” the Buck continued, “may I have the gallantry to help you off?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you, it's too much trouble, Mr. English.” + </p> + <p> + “None on airth, Miss Purcel—do let me have the high-flown + satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well,” she replied, “since you will be so polite,” and giving him her + hand she was about to go down, when suddenly withdrawing it, as if + recollecting herself, she said, nodding with comic significance toward her + sister Julia—“My sister, Mr. English, have you no gallantry for + her?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” he whispered, at the same time gratefully squeezing her hand, + “you're a first-rate divinity—a tip-top goddess—divil a thing + else. Miss Joolia, may I presoome for to have the plisure and polite + gallantry to help you off the car; 'pon honor it'll be quite grateful and + prejudicial to my feelings—it will, I assoore you!” + </p> + <p> + “Bless me, whose is that wedding party, Mr. English?” asked Miss Julia, + pointing to the opposite direction of the road. + </p> + <p> + English instantly turned round to observe, when, by a simultaneous act, + both sisters stepped nimbly from the car. Miss Julia, as if offended, but + at the same time with a comic gravity of expression, exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, fie! Mr. English, is that your boasted gallantry? I'm afraid your + eight years' residence in England, however it may have improved the + elegance of your language and accent, hasn't much improved your + politeness!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she and her sister tripped off to the chapel, which they + immediately entered. Much about the same time their brothers arrived, + mounted, certainly, upon a pair of magnificent hunters, and having handed + them over to two lads to be walked about until the conclusion of Mass, + they also entered the chapel, for the priest was not now more than three + or four hundred yards; distant. + </p> + <p> + The jest practised so successfully upon our friend the Buck occasioned a + general laugh at his expense, a circumstance which filled, him with + serious mortification, if not with actual resentment, for it so happened, + that one of his great foibles was such a morbid sensibility to ridicule as + was absolutely ludicrous. + </p> + <p> + “Bedad, Mr. English, you wor fairly done there; in spite o' the tall + English, you're no match for the ladies. Miss Julia fairly gev' you the + bag to hould.” + </p> + <p> + The Buck's eye glittered with bitterness. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Julia, do you say?” he replied; “why, my good friend, the girl was + christened Judy—plain Judy; but now that they've got into high-flown + life, you persave, nothing will sarve them but to ape their betthers. + However, never mind, I'll see the day yet, and that before long, when + saucy Judy won't refuse my assistance. Time about's fair play, you know.” + </p> + <p> + It may be observed here, that Buck English happened to forget himself, + which he almost always did whenever he became in earnest: he also forgot + his polite language and peculiar elegance of pronunciation. To a vain and + weak mind there is nothing more cutting than the consciousness of looking + mortified in the eyes of others, and under these circumstances to feel + that the laugh is against you, adds one not important item to “the + miseries of human life.” + </p> + <p> + The Buck, now that the priest was at the chapel door, walked, with a + stride that very much resembled the mock-heroic, towards the place of + worship; but, in the opinion of the shrewd spectators, his dignity was + sadly tarnished by the humorous contempt implied in the practical jest + that had been so adroitly played off at his expense. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II.—The Proctor's Principles and His Family. + </h2> + <p> + For a considerable time previous to the scene described in our last + chapter, a principle of general resistance to tithes had been deepening in + and spreading over the country. Indeed the opposition to them had, for at + least half a century before, risen up in periodical ebullitions that were + characterized by much outrage and cruelty. On this account, then, it was + generally necessary that the residence of that unpopular functionary, the + tithe-proctor, should be always one of considerable strength, in order the + more successfully to resist such midnight attacks as hostile combination + might make upon it. Purcel, as well as other proctors of his day, had from + time to time received threatening notices, not only of a personal nature, + but also of premeditated attacks upon his house. The man was, however, not + only intrepid and resolute, but cautious and prudent; and whilst he did + not suffer himself to be intimidated by threats that for the most part + ended in nothing, he took care to keep himself and his family well + provided against any attack that might be made upon them. + </p> + <p> + The history of Matthew Purcel is soon told. It is that of enterprise, + perseverance, and industry, tinged a good deal by a sharp insight into + business, a worldly spirit, and although associated with a good deal of + pride and display, an uncontrollable love of putting money together, not + always under circumstances that were calculated to render him popular, nor + which could, in point of feeling or humanity, be at all defended. He had + commenced the world, as has been already intimated, in character of a + hardware pedlar. From stage to stage of that circulating life he advanced + until he was able to become a stationary shopkeeper in the town of C———m. + The great predilection of his heart, however, was for farming, and in + pursuance with his wishes on this subject, he took a large farm, and + entered upon its management with considerable spirit and a good deal of + skill. His success was beyond his expectations; and, as the spirit of + agriculture continued to gain upon him, he gradually lost his relish for + every other description of business. He consequently gave up his large + shop in C———m, and went to reside upon his farm, with a + capital of some thousands, which he owed to the industry of his previous + life. Here he added farm to farm, until he found himself proprietor of + nearly six hundred acres, with every prospect of adding largely to his + independence and wealth. + </p> + <p> + It was now that his capacity as a man peculiarly well acquainted with the + value of land, and of agricultural produce in general, induced him to + accept of offers in connection with the collection of tithe, which were a + good deal in accordance with his ability and habits. In short, he became a + tithe-proctor, and in the course of a few years rented tithes himself to a + very large amount. + </p> + <p> + Such is the brief history of Matthew Purcel, at the period when he makes + his appearance upon our humble stage; and it only remains that we add a + few particulars with regard to his family. Out of eleven children only + four survived—two sons and two daughters—all of whom were + exceedingly well educated, the latter accomplished. Purcel's great object + in life was more to establish a family than to secure the individual + happiness of his children. This was his ambition—the spirit which + prompted him, in his dealings with the people, to forget too frequently + that the garb of justice may be often thrown over the form of rapacity, + and that the authority of law is also, in too many instances, only another + name for oppression. + </p> + <p> + It would be difficult, perhaps impossible, to find in their native + province four such children as called him father. His two sons were, in + symmetry of figure, strength, courage, manly beauty, and gentlemanly + bearing, almost unrivalled. They possessed the manners of gentlemen, + without any of that offensive coxcombry on the one side, or awkward + affectation of ease on the other, which generally mark the upstart. In + fact, although they understood their own worth, and measured their + intellectual powers and acquirments successfully with those of rank and + birth, they had sense enough to feel that it would have been ridiculous in + them to affect by their conduct the prestige of either; and they + consequently knew that both discrimination and delicacy were necessary in + enabling them to assume and maintain that difficult bearing in society, + which prevented them from encroaching on the one side or giving up their + proper position on the other. So far so good. Their characters, however, + were not without some deep shadows. Whilst we acknowledge that they were + generous, resolute, liberal, and of courage, we must also admit that they + were warm, thoughtless, and a good deal overbearing to many, but by no + means to all, of the peasantry with whom they came in contact. From the + ample scale on which their farming was conducted, and in consequence of + the vast number of men they necessarily had occasion to employ, they could + not but detect among them many instances both of falsehood, dishonesty, + and ingratitude. These vices at their hands never received any favor. So + far from that, those whom they detected in the commission of them, were + instantly turned adrift, Very often after having received a sound + horse-whipping. Much abuse also occurred between them and the country + people with reference to land, and especially tithes, in which they gave + back word for word, and too frequently met concealed or implied threats + either by instant chastisement or open defiance; the result of all was, as + the reader may perceive, that they had the worst and least scrupulous, and + consequently, most dangerous class of persons in the country for their + enemies. The name of the elder was John, and the younger Alick; and, + soothe to say, two finer-looking, more spirited, or determined young + fellows could not be found probably in the kingdom. The relative position, + then, in which they and the people, or rather the worst class of them, + stood to each other, and the bitter disparaging taunts and observations + with which the proctor and his sons were treated, not only on the chapel + green, but almost wherever they appeared, are now, we trust, intelligible + to the reader. + </p> + <p> + Of the daughters, Mary and Julia, we have not so much to observe. They + were both very beautiful; and, as we have already said, highly + accomplished. Both, too, were above the middle height and sizes, and + remarkable for the singular elegance and symmetry of their figures. Mary, + the eldest, was a dark beauty, with a neck and bosom like snow, and hair + black as the raven's wing; whilst Julia, on the contrary, was fair, and if + possible, more exquisitely rounded than her sister. Her eyes, of a blue + gray, were remarkable for an expression of peculiar depth and softness, + whilst Mary's dark brown were full at once of a mellow and penetrating + light. In other respects they resembled each other very much, both being + about the same height and size, and altogether of a similar bearing and + figure. Mary's complexion was evidently inherited from her mother, who + was, at the opening of our narrative, a black-haired, handsome woman, with + a good deal of determination about her mouth and brow, but with a + singularly benevolent expression when she smiled. She, too, had received a + good, plain education, and was one of those naturally well-mannered women + who, whilst they are borne forward into greater respectability by the + current of prosperity, can assume, without effort, the improved tone of + better society to which they are raised. + </p> + <p> + There were few women in her sphere of life, or indeed in any sphere of + life, who dispensed more good to the poor and distressed than Mrs. Purcel; + and in all her kindness and charities she was most cordially aided and + supported by her admirable daughters. Within a wide circle around her + dwelling, sickness and destitution, or unexpected calamity, were ever + certain to be cheered by the benevolent hand of herself or her daughters. + The latter, indeed, had latterly relieved her, in a great degree, if not + altogether, of all her distant and outdoor charities, so that little now + was left to her management but the claims of such poor as flocked for + assistance to the house. + </p> + <p> + Mass having been concluded, and the benediction given in the chapel of Red + Ridge, Mr. Purcel and his family soon appeared among the crowd on the + green, preparing to return home. The car was driven up opposite the chapel + door, to the place where they were in the habit of waiting for it. The two + brothers came out along with their sisters, and signed to the lads who had + been holding their horses to bring them up. In the meantime, Buck English, + unabashed by the rebuff he had received, once more approached, and just as + the car had come up, tendered his gallantry—as he called it—with + his usual politeness. + </p> + <p> + “I trust, leedies, that as you were not kin-descending enough to let me + have the gallantry of helping you off, you will let me have the pleasure + of helping you on?” + </p> + <p> + “That lady behind you appears to have prior claims upon you, Mr. English.” + </p> + <p> + “Behind me!” he exclaimed, turning about. “Why, Miss Joolia, there's no + leddy behind me.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime she beckoned to her brother who, while the, proctor was + assisting his wife to take her seat, helped up both the girls, who nodding + to the Buck, said— + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mr. English: we feel much obliged for your gallant intentions; + quite as much, indeed, as if you had carried them into effect.” + </p> + <p> + This joke, so soon played off after that which had preceded it, and upon + the same person, too, occasioned another very general laugh at the Buck's + expense; and, beyond a doubt, filled him with a double measure of + mortification and resentment. + </p> + <p> + “There you go,” he muttered, “and it was well said before Mass, that if + you set a beggar on horseback he'll ride to the divil.” + </p> + <p> + “To whom do you apply that language?” asked Alick Purcel. + </p> + <p> + “To one Michael Purcel, a tithe-proctor, an oppressor and a grinder of the + poor,” returned Buck, fiercely. + </p> + <p> + “And, you insolent scoundrel, how dare you use such language to my + father?” said the other. “I tell you, that if it were not from a + reluctance to create an unbecoming quarrel so near the house of God, and + so soon after his worship, I would horsewhip you, you illiterate, vulgar + rascal, where you stand.” + </p> + <p> + “I would be glad to catch you making the attempt,” replied the Buck, with + a look of fury; “because I would give you such a lesson as you would never + forget. I would let you know that it isn't your father's unfortunate + tenants and day-laborers you have before you—and that you scourge + like hounds in a kennel.” + </p> + <p> + Purcel was actually in the act of springing at him, whip in hand, when, + fortunately, the priest interfered, and prevented a conflict which, from + the strength and spirit by which the parties were animated, must have been + a fearful one. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/plate374.jpg" + alt="Page 374-- the Priest Interfered, and Prevented A Conflict " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + “What is this?” said the worthy man; “in God's name, what does this + scandalous conduct, in such a place, and on such an occasion, mean? Come + between these madmen,” he proceeded, addressing the crowd, which had now + collected about them. “Keep them asunder!” + </p> + <p> + The two men were separated; but as each felt himself under the influence + of strong resentment, they glared at one another with looks of fiery + indignation. + </p> + <p> + “You had better keep out of my way, you impudent scoundrel,” said Purcel, + shaking his whip at him; “and hark ye, make no more attempts to pay + attention to any of my sisters, or, by the heavens above me, I will trace + you through all your haunts, and flog you as I would a dog.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll take care to give you the opportunity before long, Squire Purcel, or + rather Squireen Purcel,” replied the Buck; “and what is more, I'll see you + and yours in my power yet.” + </p> + <p> + “You're too ready wid your whip, Mr. Purcel,” said several voices from + among the crowd; “and you do think it's dogs you have to dale wid, as Mr. + English says.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Purcel, with scom; “I deny it; my whip is never raised unless + to the shoulders of some slavish, lying, and dishonest scoundrel, whom I + prefer to punish rather than to prosecute.” + </p> + <p> + “Take. care it doesn't come aginst you, then, some o' these days,” said a + voice. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” added another, “or some o' these nights!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you ungrateful and cowardly crew,” he replied, “who have not one drop + of manly blood in your veins, I despise you. Like all thorough cowards, + you are equally slavish and treacherous. Kindness is thrown away upon you, + generosity you cannot understand, for open fight or open resentment you + have neither heart nor courage—but give you the hour of midnight, + and your unsuspecting victim asleep—or place you behind the shelter + of a hedge, where your cowardly person is safe and invisible, with a + musket or blunderbuss in your hands, and a man before whom you have + crawled in the morning like reptiles, you will not scruple to assassinate + that night. Curse upon you! you are a disgrace to any Christian country, + and I despise, I say, and defy you. As for you, Buck English, avoid my + path, and cross neither me nor any member of my family.” + </p> + <p> + “Alick Purcel,” said English, “mark my words—I'll put my thumb upon + you and yours yet. I say, mark them; for the day will come when you will + remember them to your cost.” + </p> + <p> + Purcel gave him a stern look, and merely said—“I'm prepared for + you;” after which he and his brother John mounted their horses and dashed + off at a rapid pace towards their father's house, followed by the groans + and hootings of the people—far above all whose voices was heard that + of Buck English, in loud and contemptuous tones. + </p> + <p> + On relating the occurrence at home, the father, as was his custom, only + laughed at it. + </p> + <p> + “Pooh, Alick,” said he, “what does it signify? Have we not been annoyed + for years by these senseless broils and empty threats? Don't think of + them.” + </p> + <p> + “I, father!” replied his son; “do you imagine that I ever bestow a second + thought upon them? Not I, I assure you. However, there is one thing would + most unquestionably gratify me, and that is, an opportunity of cudgelling + Buck English; because, upon second consideration, horse-whipping would be + much too gentlemanly a style of chastisement for such a vulgar and + affected ruffian.” + </p> + <p> + “I regret very much, however,” said his sister Julia, “that I have been + the cause of all this; but really, as Mary here knows, the absurdity of + his language was perfectly irresistible.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied her sister; “but, in fact, he is constantly annoying and + persecuting her, and very few would bear such nonsense and absurdity from + him with so much good-humor as Julia does. I grant that it is very + difficult to be angry with so ridiculous a fool; but I do agree with + Julia, that it is better to laugh at him, for two seasons: the first is, + because he is a fit object for ridicule; and the second, because it is + utterly impossible to resist it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think he will annoy Julia again, however,” said Alick. + </p> + <p> + “Not until the next opportunity,” observed his brother, “when, you may + take my word for it, he will be as ridiculously polite and impudent as + ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a doubt of it,” said the father; “the rascal's incurable, and little + did I imagine when I asked him once or twice to dine here that I was + preparing such an infliction for poor Julia. Julia didn't he write to + you?” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly had the honor of receiving a very elaborate love-letter from + him,” replied Julia, laughing, “which I will show you some of these days; + but, for my part, I think the fool is beneath resentment, and it is merely + on that principle that I have treated him with good-humored contempt.” + </p> + <p> + “He is certainly as good as a farce,” said the father; “and if the rascal + had kept from making love, I should have still been glad to have him here + from time to time to amuse us.” + </p> + <p> + “How does he live at all?” asked Mrs. Purcel; “for, by all accounts, he + has no fixed place of residence, nor any known means of support.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, Nancy, that's a subject upon which we are all aiqually ignorant,” + replied her husband; “but that the fellow lives, and can live comfortably—ay, + and has plenty of money, there can be no earthly doubt. At the same time, + that there is much talk about him, and a great deal of mystery too, is a + sure case on the other hand. Well, never mind, Jack; I asked your old + tutor, M'Carthy, to dine here to-day; he has come home to the country + after having gained a scholarship, I believe they call it, in Trinity + College.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad you did, father,” replied John, “and I'm much obliged to you. + Yes, he has gained first place, and I knew he would.” + </p> + <p> + “He intends going to the bar, he tells me.” + </p> + <p> + “He will be heard from yet, or I renounce all claims to common sense,” + replied the other. “There is, unquestionably, a brilliant career before + him.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather, in the meantime,” observed Mrs. Purcell, “that he had + continued steadfast to his religion. They tell me that he has become a + Protestant.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I believe he couldn't gain a scholarship, as you call it, Jack, + without becoming a member of the Established Church.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, he could not.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” proceeded the proctor, “what great harm? Why, I believe in + my soul, that if it weren't for the bigotry of priests and parsons, who + contrive to set the two churches together by the ears, there would be + found very little difference between them. For my part, I believe a good, + honest Protestant will go to heaven when a scoundrel Papist won't, and + vice versa. The truth is, begad, that it's six of one and half a dozen of + the other; and sorry would I be to let so slight a change as passing from + one religion to the other ever be a bar to the advancement or good fortune + of any one of my children!” + </p> + <p> + “I would much rather not hear you say so, Mat,” replied his wife; “nor do + I ever wish my children to gain either wealth or station in the world by + the sacrifice of the highest principle that can bind the heart—that + of religion.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh, Nancy, you speak like a woman who never looked beyond the range of + the kitchen and larder, or thought beyond the humdrum prayers of your + Manual. I wish to see my children established; I wish to see them gain + station in the world; I wish to make them the first of their family; and I + do assure you, Nancy, that it is not such a trifle as the difference + between popery on the one hand, and Protestantism on the other, that I'd + suffer—that is, if they will be guided by me—to stand between + them and the solid advantages of good connection, and a proper standing in + the world. I say, then, boys and girls, don't be fools; for, as for my + part, I scarcely think, to tell God's truth, that there's to the value of + sixpence between the two creeds.” + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said Mary, laughing, “you're a man of a truly liberal + disposition in these matters.” + </p> + <p> + “But, papa,” said Julia, with an arch look, “if there be not the value of + sixpence between the two creeds, perhaps there is more than that between + the two clergy?” + </p> + <p> + The proctor shook his head and laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Judy, my girl, you have me there,” he replied; “that goes home to the + proctor, you baggage. Devil a thing, however, like an endowed church, and + may God keep me and all my friends from the voluntary system!—ha! + ha! ha! Come, now, for that same hit at the old proctor, you must walk + over here and play me my old favorite, the 'Cannie Soogah,' just to pull + down your pride. The 'Cannie Soogah,' you know, is the Irish for Jolly + Pedlar, and a right jolly pedlar your worthy father was once in his days.” + </p> + <p> + “By the way, papa,” said Mary, “talking of that—what has become of + the pleasant man that goes under that name or nickname—the pedlar + that calls here occasionally?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw him in the market yesterday,” replied her father, “and a fine, hale + fellow he is of his years. For a man of fifty he's a miracle of activity + and energy.” + </p> + <p> + “They say he is wealthy,” observed John, “and I shouldn't wonder. You + ought to give a good guess at that, father—ha! ha! ha!” + </p> + <p> + “Right, John, I ought, and I think he is. You don't know how money gathers + with a successful pedlar, who is up to his business. I am inclined to + think that the Cannie Soogah is the only man who can throw any light on + the history of Buck English.” + </p> + <p> + “Who the devil is that impudent scoundrel, father? for it appears that, as + regards his birth, family, and origin, nobody knows anything certain about + him.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is just the position in which I stand,” replied his father. “It + is a subject on which he himself gives no satisfaction to any one. When + asked about it, he laughs in jour face, and replies that he doesn't + exactly know, but is of the opinion that he is the son of his father—whoever + that was; but that, he says, he is not wise enough to know either, and + then, after another laugh at you, he leaves you.” + </p> + <p> + “How does he live?” asked John, “for he has no visible means of support—he + neither works nor is engaged in any profession, and yet he dresses well.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! John;” exclaimed Julia. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I ought not to say—<i>well</i>, Julia; but at all events, + he is very fond of being considered a buck, and he certainly dresses up to + that character.” + </p> + <p> + “He admits that he was eight years in England,” said his father; + “although, for my part, it's just as likely that he spent seven years of + that time in Botany Bay; if not, I should have no objection that something + should occur to make him spend the remainder of his life there.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you wish the man so ill, papa'?” asked Mary. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mary—faith for a very good reason, my dear child; because I + don't wish to see your sister annoyed and persecuted by the scoundrel. The + fellow is so impudent that he will take no rebuff.” + </p> + <p> + “By the way, father, where does M'Carthy stop, now that he is in the + country?” asked Alick, with some hesitation, and a brow a little + heightened in color. + </p> + <p> + “For the present,” replied the other, “he stops with our friend, + O'Driscol, the new magistrate. Faith, it's a shove-up for O'Driscol to get + on the Bench. Halloo! there's M'Carthy's knock—I'm sure I know it.” + </p> + <p> + The proctor was right; but notwithstanding his quickness and sagacity, + there was another individual in the room at that moment who recognized it + sooner than he did. Julia arose, and withdrew under some pretence which we + cannot now remember, but I really because she felt that had she remained + until M'Carthy's entrance, her blushes would have betrayed her. + </p> + <p> + “M'Carthy is a very handsome young-fellow,” observed John—“would he + think of entering any pretensions to Katherine O'Driscol?” + </p> + <p> + “What d—d stuff you often talk, John—begging your pardon,” + replied his brother; “he has hard reading, and his profession to think of—both + of which he will find enough for him, setting Katherine O'Driscol and love + out of the question.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, Alick,” said John. “Ha! ha ha! I thought I would touch you + there. The bait took, my boy; jealousy, jealousy, father.” + </p> + <p> + Alick, on finding that he was detected, forced himself into a confused + laugh, and, in the meantime, M'Carthy entered. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could surpass the cordiality of his reception. A holiday spirit + was obvious among the family—at least among all who were then + visible. Secretly, however, did his eye glance about in search of one, on + whose reception of him more depended than a thousand welcomes from all the + rest. In about twenty minutes Julia made her appearance, but to any person + in the secret, it was obvious that she was combating with much inward, if + not with some appearance of external confusion and restraint. After the + first greetings were over, however, she gradually recovered her + self-possession, and was able to join in the conversation without + embarrassment or difficulty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III.—Mountain Legislation, and its Executive of Blood. + </h2> + <p> + After dinner that day, and while the gentlemen were yet at table, Mary and + Julia, who, as we have said, had relieved their mother of those benevolent + attentions which she had been in the habit of paying to the neighboring + sick and poor, proceeded on their way to the cottage of a destitute woman + in the next village, who was then lying in what was considered to be a + hopeless state. The proctor himself, while he exacted with a heartless and + rapacious hand the last penny due to him, was yet too good a tactician to + discountenance these spontaneous effusions of benevolence on the part of + his wife and daughters. With a good deal of ostentation, and that peculiar + swagger for which many shrewd and hard-hearted men of the world are + remarkable, he actually got the medicine himself for the helpless invalid + in question, not forgetting at the same time to make the bystanders in the + apothecary's shop acquainted with the extent of his own private charity + and that of his family besides. The girls had proceeded a part of the way + on their charitable errand, when it occurred to them that the medicine, + which their father had procured on the preceding day, had been forgotten, + and as the sick woman was to commence taking it at a certain hour that + evening, it was necessary that either one or both should return for it. + </p> + <p> + “You needn't come back, Julia,” said Mary; “I will myself run home and + fetch it. And accordingly her sister went back at a quick step towards her + father's house. The spot where Julia stood to await the return, of her + sister was within a few yards of a large white-thorn double ditch, on each + side of which grew a close hedge of thorns, that could easily afford room + for two or three men to walk abreast between them. Here she had not + remained more than a minute or two, when, issuing from the cover of the + thorns, and approaching her with something of a stage strut, our friend, + Buck English, made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Joolia,” he exclaimed, with what was intended for a polite bow, “I + hope you will pardon me for this third liberty I teek in offering to spake + to you. I see,” he proceeded, observing her rising indignation, “that you + are not inclined to hear me, but I kim here to give you a bit of advice as + a friend—listen to my proposals, if you're wise—and don't make + me the enemy of yourself or your family, for so sure as you reject me, so + certainly will you bring ruin upon both yourself and them. I say this as a + friend, and merk me, the day may come when you will oll remember my words + too late.” + </p> + <p> + There was a vehemence in his language, which could admit of no mistake as + to the fixed determination of his purpose; his lips were compressed, his + eyebrows severely knit, and his unfeeling, hyena eye scintillated with a + fire that proceeded as much from an inclination to revenge as affection. + Julia Purcel, however, though a women, possessed no whit of her sex's + cowardice; on the contrary, her bosom heaved with indignant scorn, and her + eye gave him back glance for glance, in a spirit that disdained to quail + before his violence. + </p> + <p> + “Do you dare to threaten me or my family, sir?” she replied; “I think you + should know us better than to imagine that the threats of a ruffian, for + such I now perceive you to be, could for a moment intimidate either them + or me. Begone, sir, I despise and detest you—until this moment, I + looked upon and treated you as a fool, but I now find you are a villain—begone, + I say; I scorn and defy you.” + </p> + <p> + “You defy me, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have said it, I defy you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, so be it,” he replied, “you must take the consequences, + that's all, and let your favorite, M'Carthy, look to himself too.” + </p> + <p> + Having uttered these significant words, ha reentered the double ditch, + along which a common pathway went, and in a minute or two was out of + sight. + </p> + <p> + Mary, on her return, at once perceived, by the flushed cheek and kindled + eye of her sister, that something had discomposed her. “Why, goodness me, + dear Julia, you look disturbed or frightened; what is the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Disturbed I am,” she replied, “but not at all frightened. This worthy + lover of mine, whom nothing can abash, has honored me with another + interview.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it after the scene between him and my brother to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” she replied, with a smile, for she now began once more to + look upon the matter in a ludicrous point of view, “and has threatened not + only myself, but the whole family with destruction, unless I favor his + addresses—ha! ha! ha! He has one good quality in a lover, at all + events—perseverance.” + </p> + <p> + “Say rather effrontery and impudence,” replied Mary. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I admit that,” said her sister; “but at any rate, they very often go + together, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + She then related the dialogue that took place, at which her sister, who + was equally remarkable for courage, only laughed. + </p> + <p> + “The fellow after all is only a fool,” she observed. “If he were anything + else, or if he had any serious intention of carrying such threats into + effect, he most assuredly would not give expression to them, or put you on + your guard against them. No, he is only a fool and not worth thinking + about: let him go.” + </p> + <p> + They then proceeded to the cabin of poor Widow Cleary, to whom they + administered the medicine with their own hands, and to whose children they + brought their mother's orders to attend the house, that they might be + relieved with that comfortable food which their destitute circumstances so + much required. + </p> + <p> + On their return home, the relation of the incident which we have just + narrated very much amused the family, with the exception of M'Carthy, who + expressed himself not quite at ease after having heard English's threats. + “There is an extraordinary mystery about that man,” he observed; “no one + knows or can tell who he is; you can call him a fool, too, but take my + word that there never hung mystery about a fool yet; I fear he will be + found to be something much worse than a fool.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” replied the proctor. “The fellow is only ridiculous and + contemptible; he and his clipped English are not worth thinking of—let + him go to the deuce.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy still shook his head, as if of opinion that they underrated the + Buck's power of injuring them, but the truth was that neither Purcel nor + his sons were at all capable of apprehending either fear or danger; they, + therefore, very naturally looked upon the denunciations of English with a + recklessness that was little less than foolhardy. + </p> + <p> + During the last few years they had been accustomed to receive threats and + written notices of vengeance, which had all ended in nothing, and, in + consequence of this impunity, they had become so completely inured to them + as to treat them only with laughter and scorn. + </p> + <p> + It has been already intimated to the reader that M'Carthy was residing, + during a short visit to the country, at the house of O'Driscol, the + newly-made magistrate. It was pretty late that evening when he took leave + of the Purcels, but as the distance was not far he felt no anxiety at all + upon the subject of his journey. The night, however, was so pitchy dark, + that even although well acquainted as he was with the road, he found some + difficulty in avoiding the drains and ditches that enclosed it. At length + he had arrived within a couple of hundred yards of O'Driscol's house, when + as he was proceeding along suddenly found himself come unexpectedly + against some individual, who was coming from an opposite direction. + </p> + <p> + “Hillo! who is here?” said the voice, in a kind of whisper. + </p> + <p> + “A friend,” replied M'Carthy; “who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “What's your name?” inquired the strange voice, “and be quick.” + </p> + <p> + “My name is M'Carthy,” replied our friend; “why do you ask?” + </p> + <p> + “Come this way,” said the stranger; “you are Francis M'Carthy, I think?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is my name—what is yours?” + </p> + <p> + “That doesn't matther,” replied the voice, “stand aside here, and be quiet + as you value your life.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy thought at the moment that he heard the noise of many feet, as it + were in the distance. + </p> + <p> + “You will not be safe,” said the voice, “if you refuse to take my advice;” + and as he spoke he partly forced M'Carthy over to the side of the road + where they both stood invisible from the darkness of the night, as well as + from the shelter of a large whitethorn branch, which would, even in + daylight, almost have concealed them from view. In a few minutes, a large + body of people passed them with that tread which always characterizes the + motions of undisciplined men. There was scarcely a word among them, but + M'Carthy felt that, knowing them as he did to be peasants, there was + something dreadful in the silence which they maintained so strictly. He + could not avoid associating their movements and designs with some act of + violence and bloodshed, that was about to add horror to the impenetrable + gloom of night, whose darkness, perhaps, they were about to light up with + the roof-tree of some unsuspecting household, ignorant of the fiery fate + that was then so near them. + </p> + <p> + Several hundreds must have passed, and when the last sounds of their tread + had died away, M'Carthy and his companion left their hiding-place, when + the latter addressed him as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. M'Carthy, I wish you to understand that you are wid a friend—mark + my words—avoid the man they call Buck English, for of all men livin' + he hates you the most; and listen, whenever you come to this country don't + stop in procthor Purcel's, otherwise you may draw down ruin and + destruction upon him and his; and, if I'm not mistaken, you're the last + man livin' who would wish to do that.” + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” asked M'Carthy, “who is Buck English?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” replied the stranger, “nor do I know any one that does.” + </p> + <p> + “And may I not ask who you are yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “No—for I've good raisons for not telling you. Good-night, and mark + my words—avoid that man, for I know he would give a good deal to sit + over your coffin—and you in it.” + </p> + <p> + We shall now allow M'Carthy to proceed to his friend's house, which he + reached without any further adventure, and ask the reader to accompany the + stranger, who in a few minutes overtook the body we have described, to + which he belonged. They proceeded in the same way, still maintaining a + silence that was fearful and ominous, for about a mile and a half. Whilst + proceeding, they met several persons on the road, every one of whom they + stopped and interrogated as to his name and residence, after which they + allowed them to pass on. + </p> + <p> + “Why do they! stop and examine the people they meet?” whispered one of + them a young lad about nineteen—to him who had just warned McCarthy. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said the other, “is it possible you don't know that? It's aisy seen + you're but young in the business yet.” + </p> + <p> + “This is my first night to be out,” replied the youth. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” rejoined our friend, “it's in the expectation of meetin' an + enemy, especially some one that's <i>marked</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “An' what would they do if they did?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Do</i>? said the other; “<i>do for him!</i>. If they met sich a one, + they'd take care his supper wouldn't cost him much.” + </p> + <p> + “Blood alive!” exclaimed the young fellow. “I'm afeard this is a bad + business.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, an' if it is, it's only beginnin',” said the other, “but whether + good or bad the counthry requires it, an' the Millstone must be got rid + of.” + </p> + <p> + “What's the Millstone?” + </p> + <p> + “The Protestant church. The man that won't join us to put it down, must be + looked upon and treated as an enemy to his country—that is, if he is + a Catholic.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no objection to that,” replied the youth, “but I don't like to see + lives taken or blood shed; murdher's awful.” + </p> + <p> + “You must set it down, then,” replied the other, “that both will happen, + ay, an' that you must yourself shed blood and take life when it come your + turn. Howanever, that will soon come aisy to you; a little practice, and + two or three opportunities of seeing the thing done, an' you'll begin to + take delight in it.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you now?” asked the unsophisticated boy, with a quivering of the + voice which proceeded from a shudder. + </p> + <p> + “Why, no,” replied the other, still in a whisper, for in this tone the + dialogue was necessarily continued; “not yet, at any rate; but if it came + my turn to take a life I should either do it, or lose my own some fine + night.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my conscience,” whispered the lad, “I can't help thinkin' that it's + a bad business, and won't end well.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but the general opinion is, that if we get the Millstone from about + our necks, a few lives taken on their side, and a few boys hanged on ours, + won't make much difference one way or other, and then everything will end + well. That's the way of it.” + </p> + <p> + This muffled dialogue, if we may use the expression, was now interrupted + by a change in their route. At a Rath, which here capped an eminence of + the road, a narrow bridle-way diverged to the right, and after a gradual + ascent for about a mile and a half, was lost upon a rough upland, that + might be almost termed a moor. Here they halted for a few minutes, in + deliberation as to whether they should then proceed across the moor, or + wait until the moon should rise and enable them to see their way. + </p> + <p> + It was shortly resolved upon to advance, in order that they might lose as + little time as possible, in consequence of having, as it appeared, two or + three little affairs to execute in the course of the night. They + immediately struck across the rough ground which lay before them, and as + they did so, the conversation began to be indulged in more freely, in + consequence of their remoteness from any human dwelling or the chances of + being overheard. The whole body now fell into groups, each headed by a + certain individual who acted as leader, but so varied were the topics of + discourse, some using Irish, others the English language, that it was + rather difficult to catch the general purport of what they said. + </p> + <p> + At length when a distance of about two miles had been traversed, they came + out upon one of those small green campaigns, or sloping meadows, that are + occasionally to be found embosomed in the mountains, and upon which the + eye rests with an agreeable sense of relief, on turning to them from the + dark and monotonous hue of the gloomy wastes around them. + </p> + <p> + They had not been many minutes here when the moon rose, and after a little + time her light would have enabled a casual or accidental spectator to + witness a fearful and startling scene. About six hundred men were there + assembled; every man having his face blackened, and all with shirts over + their outward and usual garments. As soon as the moon, after having gained + a greater elevation in the sky, began to diffuse a clearer lustre on the + earth, we may justly say that it would be difficult to witness so strange + and appalling a spectacle. The white appearance of their persons, caused + by the shirts which they wore in the manner we have stated, for this + peculiar occasion, when contrasted with their blackened visages, gave them + more the character of demons than of men, with whom indeed their strange + costume and disfigured faces seemed to imitate the possession of very + little in common, with the exception of shape alone. The light was not + sufficiently strong to give them distinctness, and as a natural + consequence, there was upon them a dim gleamy look—a spectral + character that was frightful, and filled the mind with an impression that + the meeting must have been one of supernatural beings, if not an + assemblage of actual devils, in visible shape, coming to perpetrate on + earth some deed of darkness and of horror. + </p> + <p> + Among the whole six hundred there might have been about one hundred + muskets. Pistols, blunderbusses, and other arms there were in considerable + numbers, but these were not available for a portion, at least, of the + purposes which had brought them together. + </p> + <p> + After some preliminary preparation a light was struck, a candle lit, + around which a certain number stood, so as to expose it to as little + chance of observation as possible. A man then above the middle size, + compact and big-boned, took the candle in one hand, and brought it towards + a long roll which he held in the other. He wore a white hat with a low + crown, had large black whiskers which came to his chin, and ran besides + round his neck underneath. The appearance of this man, and of those who + surrounded the dim light which he held was, when taking their black + unnatural faces into consideration, certainly calculated to excite no + other sensations than those of terror mingled with disgust. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said he, in a strong rich brogue, “let every man fall into rank + according as his name is called out; and along with his name he must also + repate his number whatever it may be, up until we come to a hundred, for I + believe we have no more muskets. Where is Sargin Lynch?” + </p> + <p> + “Here I am,” replied that individual, who enjoyed a sergeant's pension, + having fought through the peninsular campaign. + </p> + <p> + “Take the lists then and proceed,” said the leader; “we have little time + to lose.” + </p> + <p> + Lynch then called over a list until he had reached a hundred; every man, + as he answered to his name, also repeated his number; as for instance, + </p> + <p> + “Tom Halloran.” + </p> + <p> + “Here—one!” + </p> + <p> + “Peter Rafferty!” + </p> + <p> + “Here—two!” and so on, until the requisite number was completed, and + every man as he responded fell also into rank. + </p> + <p> + Having thus got them into line, he gave them a rather hasty drill; and + this being over, hundred after hundred went through the same process of + roll-call and manoeuvre, until the task of the night was completed, + so-far, at least, as that particular duty was concerned. Other duties, + however, in more complete keeping with their wild and demon-like + appearance, were still to be performed. Short rolls were called, by which + selections for the assemblage of such as had been previously marked down + for the robbery of arms, were made with considerable promptitude. And, + indeed, most of those to whom, such outrageous and criminal attacks wera + assigned, seemed to feel flattered by being appointed to the performance + of them. + </p> + <p> + At length, when these matters were, arranged, and completed, the whole + body was ordered to fall into rank, and the large-man, who acted as + leader, walked for a times up and down in front of them, after which, as + nearly opposite their centre as possible, he deliberately knelt down, and + held his two open palms across each other for some seconds, or perhaps for + half a minute. + </p> + <p> + A low fearful murmur, which no language could describe, and no imagination + conceive—without having heard it, ran along the whole line. Whether + it proceeded from compassion or exultation, or a blending of both mingled + with horror and aversion, or a diabolical, satisfaction, it is difficult + or rather absolutely impossible to say. The probability is, however, that + it was made up of all these feelings, and that it was their unnatural + union, expressed under such wild and peculiar circumstances, that gave it + the impressive and dreadful effect wo have described. + </p> + <p> + “What does he mane?” said some of the youthful and inexperienced portion + of them, in the accustomed whisper. + </p> + <p> + “There's a death to take place to-night,” replied an older member; + “there's either a man or family doomed, God knows which!” He then arose, + and going along the front: rank, selected by name twenty-four individuals, + who were made to stand in order; to one of these he whispered the name and + residence of the victim; this one immediately whispered the secret to the + person next him, who communicated it in his turn, and thus it went round + until the last had received it. This being accomplished, he stood apart + from the appointed murderers, and made them all, one after another, + whisper to him the name and residence as before. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the leader, “it's my duty to tell you that there's a man to be + done for tonight; and you must all know his crime. He was warned by us no + less than four times not to pay tithe, and not only that, but he refused + to be sworn out to do so, and wounded one of the boys that wor sent by me + one night to swear him. He has set us at defiance by publicly payin' his + tithes to a man that we'll take care of some o' these nights. He's now + doomed, an' was tried on the last night of our meetin'. This night he + dies. Them that has his life in their hands knows who he is an' where + they'll find him. Once and for all then this night he dies. Now, boys, + such of you as have nothing to do go home, and such of you as have your + work before you do it like men, and don't draw down destruction on + yourselves by neglectin' it. You know your fate if you flinch.—I + have done.” + </p> + <p> + Those who were not on duty, to use a military phrase, returned across the + moors by the way they came, and consequently reached the bridle road we + have spoken of, together. Such, however, as were set apart for the + outrages and crimes of the night, remained behind, in order that the + peculiar destination of their atrocities might be known only to the + individuals who were appointed to perpetrate them. + </p> + <p> + On their return, our unknown friend, who had rendered such an essential + service to M'Carthy, thus addressed his companion—that is to say, + the man who happened to be next him,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, neighbor, what do you think of this night's work?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that everything's right, of coorse,” replied the other; “any man + that strives to keep the Millstone about our necks desarves his fate; at + the same time,” he added, dropping his voice still lower, “I'd as soon not + be the man to do the deed, neighbor.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can't say,” returned our friend, “but I'm a trifle of your way of + thinkin'.” + </p> + <p> + “There's one thing troubles me,” added his companion, an' it's this—there + was a young lad wid us to-night from my neighborhood, he was near the last + of us as we went along the road on our way to the mountains; I seen him + whisperin' to some one a good deal as we came out—now, I know + there's not on airth a kinder-hearted or more affectionate boy than he is; + he hasn't a heart to hurt a fly, and is loved and respected by every one + in the neighborhood. Very well! God of glory! isn't it too bad, that this + one, handsome, lovin', and affectionate boy, the only child of his father + and mother,—<i>fareer gair</i> (* Bitter misfortune.)—my + friend, whoever you are, isn't it too bad, that that boy, innocent and + harmless as a child, will go home to his lovin' parents a murdherer this + night?” + </p> + <p> + “What makes you say so?” asked our unknown friend. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” replied the man, “he stood beside me in the ranks, and has been + sent to murdher the man that was doomed.” + </p> + <p> + To this our friend judiciously avoided making any reply, the fact being + that several individuals in high trust among these Whiteboys were + occasionally employed to sound suspected persons, in order to test their + sincerity. For about half a minute he spoke not; but at length he said, + with something like sternness— + </p> + <p> + “There's no use in sich talk as this, my friend; every man that joins us + must make up his mind to do his duty to God and his country.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a quare way of sarvin' God to commit midnight murdher on his + creatures,” responded the man with energy. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know who you are,” replied our friend, “but if you take my + advice, you'll not hould such conversation wid every man you spake to in + this body. Wid me you're safe, but at the same time, I say, don't draw + suspicion on yourself, and it'll be betther for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this man?” asked the other, who appeared to have been borne away a + good deal by his feelings, “that commands us?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you know Captain Midnight?” replied the other, somewhat evasively. + </p> + <p> + “Why, of coorse I know the man by that name; but, at the same time, I know + nothin' else about him.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you never hear?” asked his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Why, to tell you the truth,” said the other, “I heerd it said that he's + the <i>Cannie Soogah</i>, or the Jolly Pedlar that goes about the + country.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the other, lowering his voice a good deal in reply, “if I + could trust you, I'd tell you what I think.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll give you my name, then,” replied the other, “if you doubt me;” he + accordingly whispered it to him, and the conversation proceeded. + </p> + <p> + “I know your family well,” returned our friend; “but, as I said before, be + more on your guard, unless you know well the man you spake to. As for + myself, I sometimes think it is the <i>Cannie Soogah</i> and sometimes + that it is not. Others say it's Buck English; but the Buck, for raisons + that some people suspect, could never be got to join us. He wishes us + well, he says, but won't do anything till there comes an open 'ruction, + and then he'll join us, but not before. It's hard to say, at any rate, who + commands us when we meet this way.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” + </p> + <p> + “Why the dickens need you ax? Sure it's not the same man two nights + runnin'.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have been only three or four times out yet,” replied his companion; + “and, sure enough, you're very—right—they hadn't the same man + twiste.” + </p> + <p> + They had now reached the road under the Fort or Rath we have alluded to, + and as there was no further necessity for any combined motion among them, + and as every man now was anxious to reach home as soon as possible, their + numbers diminished rapidly, until they ultimately dispersed themselves in + all directions throughout the country. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV.—Mirth and Murder—A Tithe-Proctor's Office. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning, when our proctor and his family assembled at breakfast, + their usual buoyancy of spirits was considerably checked by a report which + had already spread over a great portion of the country, that a very + industrious and honest farmer, who lived within about four miles of them, + had been murdered in his own house the night before, by a party of fellows + disguised with blackened faces, and who wore shirts over their clothes. + The barbarous and brutal deed, in consequence of the amiable and excellent + character of the man—who had been also remarkable for resolution and + courage—had already excited an extraordinary commotion throughout + the country. + </p> + <p> + “Boys,” said Purcel, “I have been in C———m this morning, + and, I'm sorry to say, there's bad news abroad.” + </p> + <p> + “How is that, sir?” asked Alick,—“no violence, I hope; although I + wouldn't feel surprised if there were; the country is getting into a bad + state: I think myself the people are mad, absolutely mad.” + </p> + <p> + “You both knew Matthew Murray,” he proceeded, “that lived down at + Rathkeerin?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, father,” said John; “what about him?—no harm, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “He was murdered in his own house last night,” replied his father; “but + it's some consolation that one of the murdering villains is in custody.” + </p> + <p> + “That is bad business, certainly,” replied John; “in fact, it's dreadful.” + </p> + <p> + “It is dreadful,” said the father; “but the truth is, we must have the + country, at least this part of it, proclaimed, and martial law + established;—damn the murdering scoundrels, nothing else is fit for + them. We must carry arms, boys, in future; and by d—n, the first man + I see looking at me suspiciously, especially from behind a hedge, I'll + shoot him. As a tithe-proctor I could do so without much risk.” + </p> + <p> + “Not, father,” said Alick, “until he should first offer, or make an + attempt at violence.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not, in the present state of the country, wait for it,” replied + the determined and now indignant proctor; “if I saw him watch me with arms + in his hands, or any dangerous weapon about his person, by d—n I'd + put a bullet through him, with no more remorse than I would through a dog, + and, if the animal were a good one, I think he would be the greater public + loss of the two.” + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment, the females of the family, who had been giving + breakfast to a number of poor destitute creatures, made their appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you all been?” asked Mrs. Purcel, addressing her husband and + sons; “here have we been waiting breakfast for you during the last + half-hour, and finding you were none of you within, we went and gave these + poor creatures without something to eat.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” responded the angry proctor, “and it's not unlikely that the son, or + husband, or brother of some of them may take a slap at me or at one of our + sons, from behind a hedge, before these long nights pass off. D—n + me, but it's throwing pearls before swine, to show them either kindness or + charity.” + </p> + <p> + “Something has angered you, papa,” said Mary; “I hope you have heard + nothing unpleasant; I am not very timid, but when a whole country is in + such a state of disturbance, one may entertain a reasonable apprehension, + certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I am angry, Mary,” replied her father; “there's as decent and quiet, + but, at the same time, as spirited a man as there ever was in the barony, + murdered this morning—Mat Murray of Rathkeerin; however, as I said, + it's a great consolation that one of the murderers is in custody.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is the wretch, papa?” asked Julia. + </p> + <p> + “One that nobody ever could have suspected for such an act,” replied + Purcel—“a son of one of our own tenants—honest Michael + Devlin's son—James.” + </p> + <p> + “Utterly impossible, father,” exclaimed Julia, “there must be a mistake; + that quiet and dutiful boy—their only son—never could have + been concerned in the crime of murder.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps not, Judy; but, you silly girl, you talk as if you were in + love with him. Why, child, there is such a system abroad, now that a man + can scarcely trust his own brother—no, nor does a father know, when + he sits down to his breakfast in the morning with his own son, whether, as + Scripture says, he is not dipping his hand in the dish with a murderer.” + </p> + <p> + “Mat,” said his wife, “you ought not to be out late at night, nor the boys + either. You know there is a strong feeling against you; and indeed I think + you ought not, any of you, ever to go out without, arms about you—at + all events, until the country gets quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “So I was just saying, Nancy,” replied her husband;—“hallo! who's + this coming up to the hall-door?—begad, our old pleasant friend, the + <i>Cannie Soogah</i>. Upon my troth, I'm glad to see him. Hallo! <i>Cannie!—Cannie + Soogah</i>, my hearty,—Jolly Pedlar, I say—this way! How are + you, man?—have you breakfasted? Of course not. Well, go to the + kitchen and, if you don't show good eating, it won't be for want of + materials.” + </p> + <p> + “God save you, Misther Purcel,” replied the pedlar, in a rich, round + brogue; “God save you, young gintlemen. Oh, thin, Misther Purcel, by my + sowl it's your four quarthers that has a right to be proud of your; + family! And the ladies—not forgettin' the misthress herself—devil + the likes of the same two young ladies I see on my whole bait, an' that's + the country at large, barrin' the barony of Bedhehusth, where these cruel + murdhers is committed; an' devil a foot I'll ever set into it till it's + changed for the betther.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, be off,” said the proctor, “to the kitchen; get your breakfast + first, and then we'll chat to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will; but oh, Misther Purcel darlin', did you hear what happened last + night?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it Murray's business?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you call Murray's business, Misther Purcel? 'Tis Murray's + murdher, you mane?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, I have heard it all this morning in C———m.” + </p> + <p> + The pedlar only shook his head, looked upwards, and raising his two hands + so as to express amazement, exclaimed—“Well, well, what is the world + goin' to! troth, I'll not ate half my breakwist in regard of it!” So + saying he slung his huge pack upon his shoulder as if it had been a mere + bag of feathers, and took his way round to the kitchen as he had been + desired. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Connie Soogah</i>, for so the people universally termed him, was in + person and figure a fine burly specimen of manhood. His hair was black, as + were a pair of large whiskers, that covered the greater portion of his + face, and nearly met at his chin. His arms and limbs were powerfully made, + and what is not always the case in muscular men, they betokened great + activity as well as unusual strength. Nobody, for instance, would look + without astonishment at the ease with which he swung a pack, that was + weighty enough to load an ass, over his shoulder, or the lightness and + agility with which he trotted on under it from morning till night, and + this during the very severest heat of summer. + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy, on reaching O'Driscol's the night before, had come to the + conclusion of not making any allusion whatsoever to the incident which had + just occurred to him. O'Driscol, who was only a newly-fledged magistrate, + would, he knew, have made it the ground-work of a fresh communication to + government, or to his friend the Castle, as he called it, especially as he + had many other circumstances of less importance since his elevation to the + magistracy. One indeed would imagine that the peace and welfare of that + portion of the country had been altogether left to his sole and individual + management, and that nothing at all of any consequence could get on + properly in it without his co-operation or interference in some way. For + this reason, as well as for others, M'Carthy prudently hesitated either to + arouse his loyalty or disturb the tranquility of his family, and after + joining him in a tumbler of punch, or what O'Driscol termed his nightcap, + he retired to bed, where, however, he could not for a considerable time + prevent himself from ruminating, with a good deal of seriousness, upon the + extraordinary interview he had had with the friendly stranger. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast the next morning he resolved, however, to communicate to + his friends, the Purcels, who were at all events no alarmists, and would + not be apt to make him, whether he would or not, the instrument of a + selfish communication with the government, a kind of honor for which the + quiet and unassuming student had no relish whatsoever. He sauntered + towards the proctor's, at whose house he arrived a few minutes before the + return from the kitchen of our friend the Connie Soogah, who had been + treated there with an excellent and abundant breakfast, to which, in spite + of the murder of Murray, he did ample justice. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. Purcel,” he exclaimed, tossing down his pack as if it had been a + schoolboy's satchel, “by the lomenty-tarry you have made a new man of me! + Whoo!” he proceeded, cutting a caper more than a yard high, “show me the + man now, that would dar to say bow to your—beg pardon, ladies, I + must be jinteel for your sakes—that would dar, I say, to look + crucked at you or one a' your family, and maybe the Cannie Soogah wouldn't + rise the lap of his liver. Come, young ladies, shall I make my display? I + know you'll buy lot o' things and plenty besides; I can praise my goods, + thank God, for you see, Miss Mary, when the world comes to an end it'll be + found that the man who couldn't say three words for himself, and one for + his friend, must be sent down stairs to keep the fire in. Miss Julia, I + have a shawl here that 'ud make you look worse than you do.” + </p> + <p> + “Worse, Cannie!” replied Julia, “do you call that a recommendation?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Miss Julia, you look so well that nothing on airth could make + you look batther, and by way of variety, I've gone to the Well o' the + world's end to get something to make you look worse. God knows whether + I've succeeded or not, but at all events, we'll thry.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he produced a very handsome shawl, together with a rather large + assortment of jewelry and other matters connected with the female toilet, + of considerable taste and expense. + </p> + <p> + “Here,” he added, “are some cotton and silk stockins'—but upon my + profits, it's not to every foot an' leg I'd produce them. I'm a great + coortier, ladies, you must know, and am in love wid every purty girl I + meet—but sure that's only natural; however, as I was sayin', it's + not to a clype or a pair of smooth-in' irons I'll produce such stockins' + as these! No, no, but a purty foot an' leg is always sure to get the worth + o' their money from the Cannie Soogah!” + </p> + <p> + “Well done, Cannie!” said the proctor, “dix me, but you're a pleasant + fellow—come girls, you must buy something—handsel him. You got + no handsel to-day, Cannie?” he added, winking at the pedlar to say no. + </p> + <p> + “Barrin' the first foundation in the kitchen within,” he replied; “for you + must know that's what I call my breakfast, handsel of any kind didn't + cross my palm this day.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, the girls must certainly buy something,” added Purcel. + </p> + <p> + “But we've no money, papa.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” replied the pedlar, “you have what's betther—good credit with + the Cannie Soogah—och, upon my profits I'd rather have one sweet + coaxin' smile from that purty little mouth of yours, Miss Julia, than + money in hand any day! Ah! Misther Purcel, darlin', isn't it a poor thing + not to have an estate of ten thousand a year?” and here he looked + wistfully at the smiling Julia, and shrugged his shoulders like a man who + knew he was never likely to gain his wishes. + </p> + <p> + “I would buy something,” said Mary, “but, like Julia, I am penniless.” + </p> + <p> + “Never say so, Miss Mary, to me; only name what you'd like—lave the + price to my honesty, and the payment to my patience, and upon my profits + you won't complain, I'll go bail.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” observed Julia, “or what if papa would treat us to something? Come, + papa, for the sake of old times; let us see whether you have forgotten any + of your former, craft.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, Judy! ha! ha! ha!—well done! but Cannie, have you nothing for + the gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + Now, we must pause for a little to state, that the moment M'Carthy, who + was now present, heard the jolly pedlar's voice, he started, and felt + considerably surprise. The tones of it were neither familiar to him nor + yet were they strange. That he had heard them somewhere, and on some + occasion, he could almost have sworn. Occasionally a turn of the man's + voice would strike him as not being new to him, but again, for the next + minute or two, it was such as he could not remember to have ever heard. + This we say by way of parenthesis. + </p> + <p> + “For the gentlemen! Lord help you, Mr. Purcel, I never think of them when + the ladies is before me—who would! However, I'm well prepared even + for them. Here is a case o' razors that 'ud cut half an inch before the + edge; now, if you find me another pair that'll do the seem—hem! the + same—I'll buy the Bank of Ireland and give it to you for a + new-year's-gift.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you know this gentleman?” asked the proctor, pointing to M'Carthy. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see,” said he—“we'll now—eh, no—I think not, he + is neither so well made, nor by any manes so well lookin' as the other;” + and the pedlar, as he spoke, fixed his eyes, but without seeming to gaze, + upon Julia, who, on hearing a comparison evidently so disadvantageous to + M'Carthy, blushed deeply, and passed to another part of the room, in order + to conceal what she felt must have been visible, and might have excited + observation. + </p> + <p> + “No,” proceeded the pedlar; “I thought at first he was one of the + left-legge'd M'Squiggins's, as they call them, from Fumblestown—but + he is not, I know, for the raisons I said. They're a very good plain + family, the M'Squiggins's, only that nobody's likely to fall in love wid + them—upon my profits, I'm half inclined to think he's one of them + still—eh, let me see again—would you turn round a little, if + you plaise, sir, till I thry if the cast's in your eye. Upon my faith, + there it is sure enough! How are you, Misther M'Squiggins? I'm happy to + see you well, sir. How is your sisther, Miss Pugshey, an' all the family, + sir?—all well, I hope, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “All well,” replied M'Carthy, laughing as loud as any of the rest, every + one of whom actually in convulsions—for they knew, with the + exception of Julia, who was deceived at first by the pedlar's apparent + gravity, that he was only bantering her lover. + </p> + <p> + The proctor, who, although a man that loved money as his God—with + his whole heart, soul, and strength—was yet exceedingly anxious to + stand well with the world, and on this account never suffered a mere + trifle to stand between him and the means of acquiring a good name, and + having himself been considered a man of even of a benevolent spirit. He + consequently made some purchase from the pedlar, with whom he held a very + amusing and comic discussion, as touching the prices of many articles in + that worthy's; pack. Nay, he went so far as to give them a good-humored + exhibition of the secrets and peculiarities known only to the initiated, + and bought some small matters in the slang terms with which none but the + trade are acquainted. + </p> + <p> + “Come, boys,” said he, “I have set you a good example; won't you buy + something from the jolly pedlar?” + </p> + <p> + John and Alick bought some trifling things, and M'Carthy purchased a pair + of bracelets for the girls, which closed the sales for that morning. + </p> + <p> + “Well, now,” said the pedlar, whilst folding up again the goods which he + had displayed for sale, “upon my profits, Misther Purcel, it's a perfect + delight to me to call here, an' that whether I dale or not—although + I'm sure to do so always when I come. Well, you have all dealt wid me now + for payment, and here goes to give you something for nothing—an, in + truth, it's a commodity that, although always chape, is seldom taken. 'Tis + called good advice. The ladies—God bless them, don't stand in need + of it, for sure the darlins' never did anything from Eve downwards, that + 'ud require it. Here it is then, Misther Purcel, let you and your sons do + what the ould song says—'be good boys and <i>take care of + yourselves. Thighin thu?</i> (*Do you understand.) An' this gintleman, if + I knew his name, maybe I'd say something to him too.” + </p> + <p> + “This is Mr. M'Carthy, Cannie.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, M'Carthy—troth 'tis a good ould name. Well, Mr. M'Carthy, all I + have to say to you! is, that <i>if you happen to meet a man that gives you + good advice, TAKE IT</i>. An' now God be Wid you all, an' spare you to one + another!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he slung his huge pack over his shoulders almost without an + effort, and commencing a merry old Irish song he proceeded lightly and + cheerfully on his journey. + </p> + <p> + “Well, boys,” said the proctor, “now that we've had a good hearty laugh + with the <i>Cannie Soogah</i>, let us proceed to business. I see by your + red coats and top-boots, that you're for the hounds to-day, but as I'm in + a hurry, I wish before you go, that you'd see those sneaking devils that + are hanging about the place. Hourigan is there again with fresh falsehoods—don't + be misled by him—the ill-looking scoundrel is right well able to pay—and + dix me if I'll spare him. Tell him he needn't expect any further + forbearance—a rascal that's putting money in the saving's bank to be + pleadin' poverty! It's too bad. But the truth is, boys, there's no one + behind in their tithes now entitled to forbearance, and for the same + reason they must pay or take the consequences; we'll see whether they or + the law will prove the strongest, and that very soon. Good-bye, boys; + good-bye, M'Carthy—and I say, Jack and Alick, be on your sharps and + don't let them lads do you—d'ye mind now?—keen's the word.” + </p> + <p> + He then got on his comfortable jaunting-car, and drove off to wait, + according to appointment, upon the Rev. Jeremiah Turbot, D.D. + </p> + <p> + “Mogue Moylan,” said John, “will you go out and tell them fellows that I + and Alick will be in the office presently—and do you hear? tell them + to look like men, and not so much like murderers that came to take our + lives. Say we'll be in the office presently, and that we hope it's not + excuses they're fetching us.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, Misther John; but, troth, it's the worst word in their cheek + they'd give me, if I deliver the last part of your message. 'Tis my head + in my fist I'd get, maybe; however, Misther John, between you an' me, + they're an ill-looking set, one an' all o' them, an' could pay their + tides, every tail o' them, if they wished.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that very well,” replied the young fellow, “but my father's not + the man to be trifled with. We'll soon see whether they or the law's the + strongest; that's all.” + </p> + <p> + Moylan went over to where the defaulters were standing, and putting up his + hand, he stroked down his cheek with great gravity. “Are yez in a hurry, + good people?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Some of us is,” replied a voice. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, all of us,” replied others; “and we're here now for an hour and a + half, and no sign of seein' us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yez are in a hurry, then?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure we are.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, to them that's in a hurry I've a word to say.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Mogue?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is this, take your time—ever an' always, when you happen to + be in a hurry—take your time.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe, Mogue,” they replied, “if you were widout your breakfast, as we + are, you wouldn't say so.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, did'nt yez get your breakfasts yet?” + </p> + <p> + “Devil a morsel.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, to them that didn't get their breakfasts I have another word to + say.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Mogue?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, have patience—ever and always when you're hungry, have + patience, and you'll find it a great relief; it'll fill you and keep you + in good condition—that I mayn't sin but it will! But, sure, I've got + news for yez, boys,” he added; “Masther John bid me tell you that, after + about a month or so it'll be contrary to law to get hungry: there's an act + o' parliament goin' to be made against it, you see; so that any villain + disloyal enough to get hungry, if it's proved against him, will be liable + to transportation. That I mayn't sin but it'll be a great comfort for the + country—I mane, to have hunger made contrary to act o' parliament.” + </p> + <p> + Mogue Moylan was, indeed, a fellow of a very original and peculiar + character. Grave, sly, and hypocritical, yet apparently quiet and not + susceptible of strong or vehement emotions, he was, nevertheless, more + suggestive of evil designs and their fulfilment than any man, perhaps, in + his position of life that ever existed. Though utterly without spirit, or + the slightest conception of what personal courage meant, the reader not be + surprised that he was also vindictive, and consequently treacherous and + implacable. He could project crime and outrage with a felecity of + diabolical invention that was almost incredible. He was, besides, close + and cautious, unless when he thought that he could risk a falsehood with + safety; and, in the opinion of some few who knew him, not merely + dishonest, but an actual thief. His manner, too, was full of plausible + assumption of great conscientiousness and simplicity. He seemed always + calm and cool, was considered rather of a religious turn, and always + expressed a strong horror against cursing or swearing in any shape. Indeed + he had a pat anecdote, which he occasionally told, of a swoon or faint + into which he usually fell, when a youth of about nineteen, in consequence + of having been forced to take a book oath, for the first time, another act + against which he entertained a peculiar antipathy. Now, all this was + indeed very singular and peculiar; but he accounted for it by the + scrupulous love of truth with which not only he himself, but his whole + family, many of whom he said had given their lives for their country, were + affected. The only foible that could be brought to the charge of honest + Mogue, was a singular admiration for his own visage, which he never + omitted to survey with remarkable complacency several times a day in a + broken piece of looking, glass, which he kept for that especial purpose. + This, and its not unnatural consequences a belief that almost ever female + who spoke to him with civility was smitten by his face and figure, + constituted the only two weaknesses in a character otherwise so spotless + and perfect as that of Mogue Moylan. Mogue was also a good deal subject to + the influence of the pathetic, especially when he alluded to the + misfortune, glory be to God, which had befallen the family, in the person + of a lone line of ancestors, and especially in that of big poor, simple + father, whose word, as every one knew, was as good as his oath; and, + indeed, very few doubted that remarkable fact, but who, notwithstanding + had been transported during the space of seven years for suspicion of + perjury; “for didn't the judge tell him, when he passed sentence upon him, + that if he had been found guilty all out, or of anything beyant suspicion + of it, he would be transported for life; 'an' instead of that,' said the + judge, 'bekaise I persave,' says he, 'that you're an honest man, an' has + been sworn against wrongfully in this business, and bekaise I see clearly + that you love the truth, the sentence of the coort is,' says he, sheddin' + tears, 'that you're to be transported only for seven years, an' you lave + the coort an' the counthry,' says he, 'widout at stain upon your character—it's + only the law that's against you—so, God be wid you,' the judge went + on, wipin' his eyes, 'and grant you a safe and pleasant voyage acrass,' + says he, an' he cried for some minutes like a child. That an' the unjust + hangin' of my poor, simple ould grandfather for horse-stearin'—that + is, for suspicion of horse-stealin'—is the only two misfortunes, + thank God, that has been in our family of late days.” + </p> + <p> + So much for the character of worthy Mogue, whom we must now permit to + resume the delivery of his message. + </p> + <p> + The last words were uttered with so peculiar and significant a gravity, + not without a good deal of dry sarcastic humor, that the men could not + avoid laughing heartily. + </p> + <p> + “But,” he proceeded, “I have better news still for yez. Sure Masther John + desired me to let you all know that his father won't ax a penny o' tithe + from one o' yez: all you have to do is to call at the office there in a + few minutes, and you'll get aich o' you a receipt in full; (* By this he + means a horse-whipping.) that is, if you don't keep civil tongues in your + heads.” + </p> + <p> + One of Mogue's qualities was the power of gravely narrating a fact with + such peculiar significance, that the very reverse of it was conveyed to + the hearer; for the fellow was a perfect master of irony. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! well done Mogue; many a day o' reckoning <i>he</i> has had wid <i>us</i>, + but maybe <i>our</i> day o' reckonin' wid <i>him</i> will come sooner than + he expects, or wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be thinkin' ill,” said Mogue, “but keep yourselves always free from + evil. What does Scripthur say? 'One good turn desarves another,' says + Scripthur. Boys, always keep Scripthur before you, and you'll do right. + 'One good turn deserves another,' says Scripthur! and you know yourselves, + I hope, that many a good turn you received at his hands. That I may be + happy, but it's good advice I'm givin' you!” + </p> + <p> + “Divil a betther, Mogue,” replied Hourigan, with a significant scowl, and + “it's we ourselves that'll be sure to take it some fine night.” + </p> + <p> + “Night or day,” replied Mogue, “it's always right to be doin' good, + whether we sarve our country or religion. God prosper yez, at all events, + and grant you success in your endeavors, an' that's the worst I wish you! + There now, Masther John's in the office, ready an' willin' to give sich o' + yez a resate in full as will—desarve it.” + </p> + <p> + The situation in which the parties stood, during this dialogue, was at the + rear of the premises into which the proctor's office opened, and where the + country people were always desired to wait. They stood at the end of the + stable, adjoining a wall almost eight feet high, on the other side of + which was the pig-sty. Here, whilst the conversation just detailed went + forward, stood a pretty, plump-looking, country-girl, one of the female + servants of the proctor's establishment, named Letty Lenehan. She had come + to feed the pigs, just in time to catch the greater portion of their + conversation; and, as she possessed a tolerably clear insight into Mogue's + character, she was by no means ignorant of certain illusions made in it, + although she unquestionably did not comprehend its full drift. We have + said that this girl understood his character very well, and scarcely any + one had a better right or greater opportunities of doing so. Mogue, in + fact, was in love with her, or at least, pretended to be so; but, whether + he was or not, one thing we write as certain, that he most implicitly + believed her to be so with himself. Letty was a well-tempered, faithful + girl, honest and conscientious, but not without a considerable relish for + humor, and with more than ordinary talents for carrying on either a + practical joke or any other piece of harmless humbug, a faculty in which + she was ably supported by a fellow-servant of a very different description + from Mogue, named Jerry Joyce. Joyce, in fact, was not merely a strong + contrast to Mogue, but his very reverse in almost every point of his + character. He was open and artless in the opinion of many, almost to + folly; but, under this apparent thoughtlessness, there existed a fund of + good sense, excellent feeling, and quickness of penetration, for which the + world gave him no credit, or at least but very little. + </p> + <p> + Jerry and Letty, therefore, between whom a real affection subsisted, were + in the habit of amusing themselves, whenever they could do so without + discovery, at Mogue's expense. Such, then, was the relative position of + these parties at the present stage of our narrative. + </p> + <p> + When John Purcel was seen in the office, the tithe defaulters, for such + they were, went to the outside of the window, where they all stood until + it became the turn of each to go in. Although they went there to plead + their inability to pay, yet, in fact, there were a great proportion of + them who exhibited, neither by their manner nor appearance, any symptom + whatever of poverty. On the countenances of most of them might be read, + not only a stern, gloomy, and resolute expression, but one of + dissatisfaction and bitter resentment. As they turned their eyes upon + young Purcel, and looked around at the unequivocal marks of great wealth, + if not luxury itself, that were conspicuous in every direction, there was + a significance in the smiles and glances which passed between them, that + gave very appropriate foretaste of the convulsions which ere long took + place in the country. John Purcel himself had remarked these appearances + on almost every recent occasion, and it was the striking, or rather + startling, aspect of these men, that caused him to allude to it just + before sending Moylan to them. + </p> + <p> + It is not our intention to detail, at full length, the angry altercations + which took place between them, as each went in, from time to time, to + apologize for not paying up his tithes. Every possible excuse was offered; + but so well and thoroughly were Purcel and his sons acquainted with the + circumstances, of, we may say, almost every family, not merely in the + parish, but in the barony itself, that it proved a matter of the greatest + difficulty to mislead or impose on any of them. Nay, so anxious did the + shrewd tithe-proctor feel upon this subject, that he actually got himself + proposed and elected a governor of the Savings' Bank, which had been for + some time past established in C———m. By this means, he + was enabled to know that many of those who came to him with poverty on + their lips, were actually lodging money in these economical institutions. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Carey,” said he, to a comfortable-looking man that entered, “I hope + you have no further apology to offer for your dishonesty?” + </p> + <p> + “Sorra thing, Mr. John, but that I'm not able to pay. I expect the + landlord to come down upon me some o' these days—and what to do, or + on what hand to turn, I'm sure I don't know on airth.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't say so now, Carey?” + </p> + <p> + “Troth I do, Misther John; and I hope you'll spare me for a little—I + mane till the hard times that's in it mends somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Carey, all I can say is, that, if you don't know on what hand to + turn, I can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Misther John; troth an' I do want to know that.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen, then; before you come here to me with a barefaced and dishonest + lie in your mouth, you ought to have gone to the C———m + Savings' Bank, and drawn from the sum of two hundred and seventy-three + pounds, which you have lying there, the slight sum of seven pounds twelve + and nine-pence which you owe us. Now, Carey, I tell you that you are + nothing but an impudent, scheming, dishonest scoundrel; and I say, once + for all, that we will see whether you, and every knavish rascal like you, + or the law of the land, is the stronger. Mark me now, you impudent knave, + we shall never ask you again. The next time you see us will be at the head + of a body of police, or a party of the king's troops; for I swear that, as + sure as, the sun shines, so certainly will we take the tithe due out of + your marrow, if we can get it nowhere else.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe, then,” said Carey, “you will find that we'll laugh at the law, the + polis, the king's troops, and Misther John Purcel into the bargain; and I + now tell you to your teeth, that if one sixpence of tithe would save the + sowls of every one belongin' to you, I won't pay it—so do your + worst, and I defy you.” + </p> + <p> + “Begone, you scoundrel. You are, I perceive, as rank a rebel as ever + missed the rope; but you won't miss it. Go home now; for, as I said this + moment, we will take the tithe out of your marrow, if you had thousands of + your cut-throat and cowardly White-boys at your back. Don't think this + villainy will pass with us; we know how to handle you, and will too; + begone, you dishonest ruffian, I have no more time to lose with you.” + </p> + <p> + In this manner almost every interview terminated. Purcel was a warm and + impetuous young fellow, who certainly detested everything in the shape of + dishonesty or deceit and here he had too many instances of both to be able + to keep his temper, especially when he felt that he and his family were + the sufferers. Other cases, however, were certainly very dissimilar to + this; we allude especially to those of real distress, where the means of + meeting the demand were not to be had. With such individuals the proctor's + sons were disposed to be lenient, which is certainly more than could be + said if he himself had to deal with them. + </p> + <p> + “Jemmy Mulligan,” he said, to a poor-looking man, “go home to your family. + We don't intend to take harsh measures with you, Jemmy; and you needn't + come here again till we send for you.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, sir; troth I don't know why the people say that you're all + hard and unfeelin'—I can say for myself that I never found you so. + Good morning, sir, and thank you, Misther John; and God forgive them that + blackens you as they do!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Jemmy, I know they hate us, because we compel them to act honestly; + but they will soon find that honesty, after all, is the cheapest course,—for + we shall take d—d good care to make them pay through the nose for + their knavery. We know they have a gang of firebrand agitators and hungry + lawyers at their back; but we shall make them feel that the law is + stronger than any treasonable combination that can be got up against it.” + </p> + <p> + A third man came in. “Well, Tom, you're not coming to plead poverty, I + hope?” + </p> + <p> + The man looked around him with peculiar intelligence. “Are we safe?” he + asked; “and may I spake widout danger?” + </p> + <p> + “You may, Duggan.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I came to say that I'll call over to-morrow evenin' and pay + it, but I daren't now.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Bekaise the most of us all have the tithe in our pockets, but as a proof + that we did not pay it, we will, every man of us, be obliged to show it + before we go home. I might pay it now, Mr. Purcel; but then, if I did, it' + very likely I'd be a corpse before this day week. Sich is the state that + things ha' come to; and how it'll end, God only knows. At any rate, I'll + slip over afther dusk to-morrow evenin' and pay; but as you hope for + mercy, and don't wish to see me taken from my wife and childre', don't + breathe a syllable of it to man or mortual.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not, indeed, Tom,” replied Purcel, “but I really did not think + that matters were altogether so bad as you describe them. The people are + infatuated, and will only draw the vengeance of the law upon their heads. + They will suffer, as they always do by their own misconduct and madness.” + </p> + <p> + Duggan had scarcely withdrawn, when our old friend, Darby Hourigan, thrust + in his hateful and murderous-looking countenance. “God save you, Misther + John.” + </p> + <p> + “God save you kindly, Misther Hourigan.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it glorious weather for the saison, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen better and I have seen worse, Mr. Hourigan; but Darby, + passing the weather by, which neither you nor I can mend, allow me to say + that I hope you are not coming here for the twentieth time to palm us off + about the tithe.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, then, and, Mr. John; I can't afford to pay tide—I'm a poor + man, sir; and, as it happens that I never trouble the parson in religious + matthers, I don't see what right the parson has to trouble me for my + money.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you have got the cant, I see. You have been tutored.” + </p> + <p> + “I have got the truth, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but have you got the tithe, sir? for I do assure you, Mr. Hourigan, + that it is not your logic, but your money I want.” + </p> + <p> + “Begad, sir, and I'm afeard you'll be forced to put up wid my logic this + time, too. You can't take more from the cat than her skin, you know.” + </p> + <p> + There was an atrocious and sneering spirit, not only in this ruffian's + manner, but in the tones of his voice, that was calculated to overcome + human patience. + </p> + <p> + “Darby, we have let you run a long time, but I now tell you, there's an + end of our forbearance so far as you are concerned. If you were not able + to pay I could feel for you, put we know, and all the world knows, that + you are one of the most comfortable and independent men in the parish. + Darby, you in short are a d—d rogue, and what is worse, a + treacherous and mischief-makin scoundrel. I am aware of the language you + use against our whole family, whom you blacken whenever you have an + opportunity of doing so. You are not only dishonest but ungrateful, + sirrah.” + </p> + <p> + “No man has a betther right to be a judge, and a good judge of dishonesty, + than your father's son,” replied Hourigan. “Why didn't you call me an + oppressor of the poor, and a blood-sucker?—why didn't you say I was + a hard-hearted beggarly upstart, that rose from maneness and cheatery, and + am now tyrannizin' over hundreds that's a thousand times betther than + myself? Why don't you say that I'd sell my church and my religion to their + worst enemies, and that for the sake of filthy lucre and blackguard + upstart pride? I now come to tell you what we all think of you in this + country, and what I believe some of us has tould you already—that + you may go to hell for your tithe, and make the divil your paymaster, what + he'll be yet. We will pay you none, and we set you and your upstart ould + rogue of a father, with the law, the polis, and the army, all at defiance. + I don't choose to say more, but I could if I liked.” + </p> + <p> + Purcell's hunting-whip accidentally lay on the table at which he sat, but + he did not take it up immediately after Hourigan had concluded. He quickly + rose, however, and having closed the door and locked it, he let down the + windows, and deliberately drew the blinds. + </p> + <p> + “Now, you scoundrel,” he replied, taking up the whip, and commencing to + flog Hourigan with all his strength, which was very great, “I will give + you, by way of foretaste, a specimen of what a ruffian like you deserves + when he is insolent.” + </p> + <p> + With such singular energy, good will, and admirable effect did he lace Mr. + Hourigan, that the latter worthy, after cutting some very antic capers, + and exhibiting in a good many other respects several proofs of his agility + that could scarcely be expected from his heavy and ungainly figure, was at + last fairly obliged to sing out,—“Oh, Misther John, Misther John! + you will—Misther John, darlin', what do you mane, you murdh—oh, + oh, d—n your soul—dear, what do you mane, Mr. John, dear? I + say, what are you at? What do you baste me this way for—oh, may the + divil—the Lord bless you, an' don't—here I am—here, + Misther John, I ax your pardon—hell pursue—Misther John, + darlin', I go down on my knees to you, an' axes your pardon—here now + you see, I'm down.—Och murdher, am I to have the very sowl welted + out o' me this way?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. John, having now satisfied himself, and left very visible marks of his + attachment and good will to Hourigan, upon that individual's face and + person, desired him to get up. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my good fellow,” he exclaimed, “I trust I have taught you a lesson + that you won't forget.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Misther John,” he replied, rising and rubbing himself in different + parts of the body, as if to mitigate the pain which he felt; “no, I won't + forget it—I won't by it's a lesson I'll remember, and so will you.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, you cowardly villain?” asked Purcel, once more raising + his whip. “You are threatening, are you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Misther John, not a bit o' that—divil a threat—me! I + wouldn't threaten you if there wasn't niver another man in Europe. Let me + out, if you plaise—let me out, and may the div—the Lord lov + you!” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the other, raising the blinds and afterwards opening the door, + “you may go about your business, and mark me, Mr Hourigan—” + </p> + <p> + “I do, sir,” replied the other, bolting out “oh, God knows I do—you + have marked me, Misther Purcel, and I will mark you, sir—for—” + he added muttering in a low voice to those who stood about him—“one + good turn desarves another, anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + We shall not now dwell upon the comments which young Purcel's violence + drew from the defaulters on their way home. Our reader, however, may + easily imagine them, and form for themselves a presentiment of the length + to which “the tithe insurrection,” as they termed it, was likely to + proceed throughout the country at large, with the exception only of the + northern provinces. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V.—A Hang-Choice Shot—The “Garrison” on Short Commons. + </h2> + <p> + When our merry friend the pedlar left the proctor's parlor, he proceeded + at a brisk pace in the direction of the highway, which, however, was not + less than three-quarters of a mile from Longshot Lodge, which was the name + Purcel had given to his residence. He had only got clear of the offices, + however, and was passing the garden wall, which ran between him and the + proctor's whole premises, when he was arrested by Mogue Moylan. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! merry Mogue,” exclaimed the pedlar, ironically, “I was missin' you. + Where were you, my cherub?” + </p> + <p> + “I was in the barn 'ithin,” replied Mogue, “just offerin' up a little + pathernavy for the protection o' this house and place, and of the daicent, + kind-hearted peeople that's in it.” + </p> + <p> + “An', as a joint prayer, they say, is worth ten single ones, I suppose,” + returned the pedlar,—laying his fingers on his lips and winking—“you + had—ahem—you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thin,” replied Mogue, brightening up with excessive vanity, “may I be + happy if I do!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, our fair friend, Letty Lenehan—begad, Mogue, she's a purty + girl that—says she to herself,” proceeded the pedlar; “for I don't + think she knew or thought I heard her—'If I thought he would like + these rib-bons, I'd buy them for myself.' 'Who do you mane, acushla?' says + I, whisperin' to her. 'Who,' says she, 'but—but Mogue himself—only + honor bright, Mr. Magrath' says she, 'sure you wouldn't betray me?' 'Honor + bright again,' says I, 'I'm not the stuff a traitor's made of;' and so you + see we both laughed heartily, bekaise we understood one another. Mogue,” + proceeded the other, “will you answer me the truth in one thing?” + </p> + <p> + “If I can I will, Misther Magrath. + </p> + <p> + “I know ye will, bekaise you can,” replied, the pedlar; “how do you come + round the girls at all? how do you make them fond o' you? I want you to + tell me that, if it's not a family saicret.” + </p> + <p> + Mogue gravely drew his fingers and thumb down his thin yellow jaws, until + they met under his chin, and replied— + </p> + <p> + “It can't be tould, Misther Magrath; some men the women's naturally fond + of, and some men they can't bear—throth it's like a freemason's + saicret, if you wor a man that the women wor naturally fond of you'd know + it yoarself, but not bein' that, Mr. Magrath, you could not understand it. + It's born wid one, an' troth, a troublesome gift it is—for it is a + gift—at least, I find it so. There's no keep in' the crathurs oft o' + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Begad, you must be a happy man, Mogue. I wish I was like you—but + whisper, man alive, why don't you look higher. + </p> + <p> + “How is that?” asked the other, now apparently awakened to a new interest. + </p> + <p> + “Mogue,” said the pedlar, with something like solemnity of manner, “you + and I are both embarked in the same ship, you know—we know how + things are to go. I'm now provin' to you that I'm your friend. Listen, you + passed through the back-yard to-day while I was in the parlor wid the + family sellin' my goods as well as I could. Well, Miss Julia had a + beautiful shawl about her purty shoulders, and as she seen you passin, she + started, kept her eyes fixed upon you till you disappeared, and then, + afther thinkin 'or some time, she sighed deeply. Whisper, the thing + flashed upon me—that's that, thought I, at any rate—and devil + a doubt of it, you're safe there, or my name's not Andy Magrath, better + known as the Cannie Soogah-Hurra, Mogue, more power!” + </p> + <p> + A richer comic study than Mogue's face ould not possibly be depicted. His + thin craggy jaws—for cheeks he had none—were winkled and + puckered into such a multiplicity of villanous folds and crevices, as + could scarcely be paralleled on a human countenance; and what added to the + ludicrous impression made, was the fact that he endeavored to look—and, + in fact, did so successfully—more like a man who felt that a secret + long known to himself had been discovered, than a person to whom the + intelligence had come for the first time. + </p> + <p> + “An' Misther Magrath,” he replied, once more repeating the survey of his + puckered laws; “is it by way of information that you tould me that? That I + mayn't sin, but you should be ever and always employed in carryin' coals + to, Newcastle. Troth, since you have broached\the thing, I've known it + this good while, and no one could tell you more about it, if I liked. + Honor bright, however, as poor Letty said, troth, I pity that girl—but + what can I do? no—no—honor bright, for ever!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, anyhow, now that we've thrown light upon what I noticed a while + ago, let us talk about other matters. The house is still well armed and + guarded, you say?” + </p> + <p> + “That I may die in grace, but it 'ud take me half an hour to reckon all + the guns, pistols, and blunderbushes they have freshly loaded in the house + every night.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, couldn't you assist us, you in the house?” + </p> + <p> + “No—for I'm not in the house; they wouldn't allow any servant to + sleep in the house for fear o' traichery, and they say so. If they'd let + me sleep in the house, it 'ud be another thing; I might wet the powdher, + and make their fire-arms useless; but sure they have lots of swords and + bagnets, and daggers, and other instruments o' that kind that 'ud skiver + one like a rabbit.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but you know all the outs and ins of the house, the rooms and + passages, and everything that way so thoroughly, that one could depend + upon your account of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Depend upon them—ay, as well as you might upon the Gospel itself;—she + was fond of M'Carthy, they say, and they think she is still; but, <i>be + dhu husth</i>, (* Hold your tongue.) there's one that knows betther. You + don't like M'Carthy?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I do, as the devil does holy wather.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” proceeded Mogue, “I've a thing in my head about him—but sure + he's in the black list as it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is it you have in your head about him?” + </p> + <p> + Mogue shook it, but added, “Never mind, I'll think it over again, and when + I'm made up on it, maybe I'll tell you. Don't we meet on this day week?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartainly, will you come?” + </p> + <p> + “I intend it, for the truth is, Misther Magrath, that the Millstone must + be broke; that I may die in pace, but it must, an' any one that stands in + the way of it must suffer. May I be happy, but they must.” + </p> + <p> + The pedlar looked cautiously about him, and seeing that the coast was + clear and no person visible, he thrust a letter into his hand, adding, + “you may lave it in some place where the ould chap, or either of the sons, + will be sure to find it. Maybe it'll tache them a little more civility to + their neighbors.” + </p> + <p> + Mogue looked at the document, and placing it securely in his pocket, + asked, “Is it a notice?” + </p> + <p> + The other nodded in the affirmative, and added, with a knowing wink, + “There's a coffin and a cross-bones in it, and the name is signed wid real + blood, Mogue; and that's the way to go about breakin' the Millstone, my + man.” + </p> + <p> + “That I may never do an ill turn, but it is. Well, God bless you, Misther + Magrath, an' whisper now, don't forget an odd patther-anavy goin' to bed, + in hopes that God will prosper our honest endayvours. That was a hard + thing upon young Devlin in Murray's murdher. I'm not sure whether you do, + but I know that that act was put upon him through ill-will; and now he'll + hang for it. But sure it's one comfort that he'll die a martyr, glory be + to God!” + </p> + <p> + The pedlar, having assented to this, got on his pack, and leaving Mogue to + meditate on the new discovery which he had made respecting Julia Purcel, + he proceeded on towards the highway to which we have alluded. + </p> + <p> + Purcel himself, in the course of a few miles' drive, reached the + parsonage, in which the Rev. Jeremiah Turbot ought to have lived, but in + which, for several years past, he had not resided; if we except about a + fortnight twice a year, when he came to sweep off as weighty a load of + tithes as he could contrive to squeeze out of the people through worthy + Mat Purcel, his proctor. + </p> + <p> + For a year or two previous to this visit, there is no doubt but the aspect + of ecclesiastical affairs was gradually getting worse. Turbot began to + feel that there was something wrong, although he could not exactly say + what it was. Purcel, however, was by no means reluctant to disclose to him + the exceedingly desperate state to which not only had matters been + driving, but at which they had actually arrived. This, in truth, was our + worthy proctor's version of ecclesiastical affairs, for at least two years + before the present period of our narrative. But, like every man who + tampers with, simple truth, he began to perceive, almost when it was too + late, that his policy in antedating the tithe difficulties was likely very + soon to embarrass himself; and to deprive the outrages resulting from the + frightful opposition that was organized against tithes of all claim to + novelty. He had, in fact, so strongly exaggerated the state of the + country, and surcharged his pictures of anti-tithe violence so much beyond + all truth and reality, that when the very worst and most daring + organization did occur, he could do nothing more than go over the same + ground again. The consequence was, that worthy Turbot, so long habituated + to these overdrawn narratives, began to look upon them as the friends of + the boy who shouted out “wolf!” did upon the veracity of his alarms. He + set down his intrepid and courageous proctor as nothing else than a + cowardly poltroon, whose terrors exaggerated everything, and whose + exaggerated accounts of fraud, threats, and violence had existed + principally in his own imagination. Such were the circumstances under + which Purcel and Dr. Turbot now met. + </p> + <p> + The worthy rector of Ballysoho was a middle-sized man, with coal-black + hair, brilliant, twinkling eyes of the same color, and as pretty a double + chin as ever graced the successor of an apostle. Turbot was by no means an + offensive person; on the contrary, he must of necessity have been very + free from evil or iniquity of any kind, inasmuch as he never had time to + commit sin. He was most enthusiastically addicted to hunting and shooting, + and felt such a keen and indomitable relish for the good things of this + world, especially for the luxuries of the table, that what between looking + after his cuisine, attending his dogs, and enjoying his field sports, he + scarcely ever might be said to have a single day that he could call his + own. And yet, unreasonable people expected that a man, whose daily + occupations were of such importance to—himself, should very coolly + forego his own beloved enjoyments in order to attend to the comforts of + the poor, with whom he had scarcely anything in common. Many other matters + of a similar stamp were expected from him, but only by those who had no + opportunity of knowing the multiplicity of his engagements. Such persons + were unreasonable enough to think that he ought to have occasionally + appropriated some portion of his income to the relief of poverty and + destitution, but as he said himself, he could not afford it. How could any + man afford it who in general lived up to, and sometimes beyond, his + income, and who was driven to such pinches as not unfrequently to incur + the imputation of severity and oppression itself, by the steps he was + forced to take or sanction for the recovery of his tithes. + </p> + <p> + In person he was, as we have said, about or somewhat under the middle + size. In his gait he was very ungainly. When walking, he drove forward as + if his head was butting or boring its way through a palpable atmosphere, + keeping his person, from the waist up, so far in advance that the <i>a + posteriori</i> portion seemed as if it had been detached from the other, + and was engaged in a ceaseless but ineffectual struggle to regain its + position; or, in shorter and more intelligible words, the latter end of + him seemed to be perpetually in pursuit of his head and shoulders, without + ever being able to overtake them. Whilst engaged in maintaining this + compound motion, his elbows and arms swung from right to left, and vice + versa, very like the movements of a weaver throwing the shuttle from side + to side. Turbot had one acknowledged virtue in a pre-eminent degree, we + mean hospitality. It is true he gave admirable dinners, but it would be a + fact worth boasting of, to find any man at his table who was not able to + give, and who did give, better dinners than himself. The doctor's face, + however, in spite of his slinging and ungainly person, was upon the whole + rather good. His double chin, and the full, rosy expression of his lips + and mouth, betokened, at the very least, the force of luxurious habits, + and, as a hedge school-master of our acquaintance used to say, the + smallest taste in life of voluptuousity; whilst from his black, twinkling + eyes, that seemed always as if they were about to herald a jest, broke + forth, especially when he conversed with the softer sex, something which + might be considered as holding a position between a laugh and a leer. Such + was the Rev. Jeremiah Turbot, to whom we shall presently take the liberty + of introducing the reader. + </p> + <p> + The parsonage, to which our friend Purcel is now making his approach, was + an excellent and comfortable building. It stood on a very pretty eminence, + and consequently commanded a beautiful prospect both in front and rear; + for the fact was, that in consequence of the beauty of the scenery for + miles about it, some incumbent of good taste had given it a second hall + door, thus enabling the inhabitants to partake of a double enjoyment, by + an equal facility of contemplating the exquisite scenery of the country + both in front and rear. A beautiful garden lay facing the south, and a + little below, in the same direction, stood a venerable old rookery, whilst + through the rich, undulating fields flowed, in graceful windings, a + beautiful river, on whose green and fertile banks sheep and black cattle + were always to be seen, sometimes feeding or chewing the cud in that + indolent repose which gives to the landscape, in the golden light of a + summer's evening, such a poetical and pastoral effect. + </p> + <p> + Purcel, on coming in sight of the parsonage, instead of keeping his horse + to the rapid pace at which he had driven him along until then, now drew + him up, and advanced at a rate which seemed to indicate anything but that + of a man whose spirits were cheerful or free from care. On reaching the + front entrance he discounted very slowly, and with a solemn and melancholy + air, walked deliberately, step by step, till he stood at the hall door, + where he gave a knock so spiritless, depressed and disconsolate, that it + immediately communicated itself, as was intended, to the usually joyful + and rosy countenance of the rector, who surveyed, his agent as if he + expected to hear that he either had lost, or was about to lose, half his + family or the whole of his wealth. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, Purcel?—eh, what's this? Is there anything wrong? + You look very much dejected—what's the matter? Sit down.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir; but I really do not think I am well—at least my + spirits are a great deal depressed; but indeed, Dr. Turbot, a man must be + more or less than a man to be able to keep up his spirits in such times.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! ho, my worthy proctor, is that all? Thank you for nothing, Purcel. I + understand you; but you ought to know I am not to be caught now by your + 'calamities'.” + </p> + <p> + “My calamities! I declare to goodness, Dr. Turbot, I could rest contented + if they were nobody's calamities but my own; unfortunately, however, you + are as deep in them as I am, and in a short time, God knows, we will be a + miserable pair, I fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, Purcel—this is only the old story. Raw-heads and + bloody-bones coming to destroy the tithes, and eat up the parsons. Let me + see—it is now three years since you commenced these 'lamentations.'” + </p> + <p> + “Three years ago; why we had peace and quietness then compared to what we + have at present,” replied Purcel. + </p> + <p> + “And what have we now, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, the combinations against tithes is quite general over the whole + country.” + </p> + <p> + “Well; so was it then upon your own showing. Go on.” + </p> + <p> + “As I said, sir, it was nothing at that time. There is little now but + threatening notices that breathe of blood and murder.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; so was it then upon your own showing. Go on.” + </p> + <p> + “But of late, sir, lives have been taken. Clergymen have been threatened + and fired at.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; so was it then upon you! own showing. Go on, I say.” + </p> + <p> + “Fired at I say, and shot, sir. The whole White boy system has turned + itself into a great tithe conspiracy. The farmers, the landholders of all + descriptions, the cottiers, the daily laborers, and the very domestic + servants, have all joined this conspiracy, and sworn neither to pay tithes + themselves nor to allow others to pay them. They compare the established + church to a garrison; and although the law prevents them from openly + destroying it by force, they swear that they'll starve it out.” + </p> + <p> + “Eh!” said Turbot, starting, “what's that you say? Starve us out! What an + infamous and unconstitutional project! What a diabolical procedure! But I + forgot—bravo, Purcel! This was all the case before upon your own + showing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” returned Purcel, “there was at least this difference, that I + was able to get something out of them then, but devil a copper can I get + out o' them now. I think you'll admit, sir, that this fact gives some + weight to my argument.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say, Purcel,” replied the other, from whose chin the + rosy tint gradually paled away until it assumed that peculiar hue which is + found inside of a marine shell, that is to say, white with a dream of red + barely and questionably visible; “you don't mean to say, my good friend + Purcel, that you have no money for me on this occasion?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means, sir,” replied the proctor. “Money I have got for you, no + doubt—money I have got certainly.” + </p> + <p> + The double chin once more assumed its natural hue of celestial rosy red.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my honor, Purcel,” he replied, “I have not temper for this; it seems + to me that you take particular delight in wantonly tampering with my + feelings. I am really quite tired of it. Why harass and annoy me with your + alarms? Conspiracy, blood, and massacre are the feeblest terms in your + vocabulary. It is absolutely ridiculous, sir, and I beg you will put an + end to it.” + </p> + <p> + “I would be very glad to do so, sir,” replied Purcel; “and still more + satisfied if I had never had anything to do with the temporalities of your + church.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see why, above all men living, you should say so, Purcel; you + have feathered your nest tolerably well by the temporalities of our + church.” + </p> + <p> + “If I have, sir,” replied the proctor, “it has been at the expense of my + popularity and good name. I and my family are looked upon as a part and + parcel of your system, and, I may add, as the worst and most odious part + of it. I and they are looked upon as the bitterest enemies of the people; + and because we endeavor to get out of them the means of enabling you to + maintain your rank in the world, we are obliged to hear ourselves branded + every day in the week as villains, oppressors, and blood-suckers. This, + however, we could bear; but to know that we are marked down for violence, + brutality, and, if possible, assassination, is a penalty for which nothing + in your establishment could compensate us. I and my sons have received + several notices of violence in every shape, and we are obliged to sleep + with our house half filled with arms and ammunition, in dread of an attack + every night in the year.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” replied Turbot, “this, after all, is but the old story; the + matter is only an ebullition, and will pass away. I know you are + constitutionally timid. I know you are; and have in fact a great deal of + the natural coward in your disposition; and I say natural, because a man + is no more to be blamed for being born a coward than he is for being born + with a bad complexion or an objectionable set of features. You magnify the + dangers about you, and, in fact, become a self-tormentor. As for my part, + I am glad you have got money, for I do assure you, I never stood so much + in need of it in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “The very papers, sir,” continued Purcel, who could not prevent himself + from proceeding, “might enable you to see the state of the country.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, d—n the papers,” said the parson, “I am sick of them. Our side + is perpetually exaggerating matters—just as you are; and as for the + other side, your papist rags I never, of course, see or wish to see. I + want six hundred now, or indeed eight if you can, and I had some notion of + taking a day or two's shooting. How is the game on the glebe? Has it been + well preserved, do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not aware,” said the proctor, “that any one has shot over the glebe + lands this season; but if you take my advice, sir, you will expose + yourself as little as you can in the neighborhood. There are not two + individuals in the parish so unpopular as Dr. Turbot and your humble + servant.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, then,” replied the other, “the less delay I make here the + better—you can let me have six hundred, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly told you, sir,” replied Purcel, with something of a + determined and desperate coolness about him, “that I had money for you, + and so I have.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Purcel; I must say you certainly have, on all occasions, + exerted yourself faithfully and honestly in support of my interests.” + </p> + <p> + “Money, sir,” pursued the other, without appearing to look to the right or + to the left, “I have for you. Would you venture to guess to what amount?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, under the circumstances you speak of, less, I dare say, than I + expect.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been able to get, within the last six months, exactly fifty-nine + pounds thirteen and sevenpence!” + </p> + <p> + If the ebb which we have described before of the blood from the doctor's + double chin was a gradual one, we can assure the reader that, in this + case, it was rapid in proportion to the terror and dismay conveyed by this + authentic, but astounding piece of intelligence. The whole face became + pale, his eyes at once lost their lustre, and were, as he fixed them in + astonishment upon the proctor, completely without speculation; his voice + became tremulous, and, as he pulled out his handkerchief to wipe away the + unexpected perspiration which the proctor's words had brought out upon his + forehead, his hands trembled as if he had been suddenly seized with palsy. + In truth, Purcel, who had a kind of good-natured regard for the little + man, felt a sensation of compassion for him, on witnessing the + extraordinary distress under which he labored. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for this,” said he, “for I really know not what is to be done, + and, what is equally distressing, our prospects are not at all likely to + improve.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say, Purcel, that circumstances are as bad as you + report them—as bad—as desperate, I should say—and as + ruinous?” + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” said Purcel, “they go beyond the gloomiest and most desponding + views you could take of them. The conspiracy, for such we must term it, + is, in point of fact, deepening down to the very foundations, if I may use + the expression, of society. Every day it is becoming more dangerous and + alarming; but how it is to be checked or mitigated, or how we are to stand + out of its way and avoid its consequences, heaven only knows, for I + don't.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Purcel, my dear friend, what am I and my domestic establishment to + do? Good God! there is nothing but ruin before us! You know I always lived + up to my income—indeed, at best, it was too limited for the demands + of my family, and our habits of life. And now, to have the very prop—the + only one on which I leant—suddenly snapt from under me—it is + frightful. But you are to blame, Purcel; you are much to blame. Why did + you not apprise me of this ruinous state of things before it came thus on + me unawares? It was unfeeling and heartless in you not to have prepared me + for it.” + </p> + <p> + The proctor actually imagined, and not without reason, that the worthy + doctor was beginning to get beside himself, as it is termed, on hearing + such a charge as this brought against him; and he was about to express his + astonishment at it, when Mr. Temple, his curate, who resided in the + parsonage, made his appearance, and joined them at Dr. Turbot's request. + “Temple,” said he, as the latter portion of his body began to pursue the + other through the room, “are you aware of the frightful condition to which + the country has come?” + </p> + <p> + “Who can be ignorant of it?” replied Temple; “how can any man live in the + country, and not know it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” replied Turbot, tartly, “I have lived in the country, and, + until a few minutes ago, I was ignorant of the extent to which it has + come.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Temple, “that is odd enough; for, to my own knowledge, + your information has been both regular and authentic upon this subject at + all events. Our friend Purcel, here, has not left you in ignorance of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Turbot, “but he had the country as bad three years ago as it + is now. Was this fair? Why, I took it for granted that all his alarms and + terrors were the mere play and subterfuge of the proctor upon the parson, + and, consequently, thought little of it; but here I am stranded at once, + wrecked, and left on my bottom. How will I meet my tradesmen? how will I + continue my establishment? and, what is worse, how can I break it up? You + know, Temple, I cannot, unfortunately, live without luxuries. They are + essential to my health, and if suddenly deprived of them, as I am likely + to be, I cannot answer to society for the consequences.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Temple, “it is quite obvious that a period of severe trial and + chastening is at hand, or I should rather say, has already arrived. Many + of our calling, I am grieved I to know, are even now severely suffering, + and suffering, I must add, with unexampled patience and fortitude under + great and trying privations. Yet I trust that the health of the general + body will be improved by it, and purged of the grossness and worldly + feeling which have hitherto, I fear, too much characterized it. Many, I + know, may think we are merely in the hands of man, but for my part, I + think, and earnestly hope, that we are in those of God himself, and that + He chasteneth no only because He loveth.” + </p> + <p> + “This is most distressing to hear, my dear Temple,” replied his rector; + “but I trust I am as willing and as well prepared, from religious feeling, + to suffer as another—that is, provided always I am not deprived of + those comforts and little luxuries to which I have all my life been + accustomed.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very much afraid,” observed Purcel, “that the clergy of the + established church will have a very fine opportunity to show the world how + well and patiently they can suffer.” + </p> + <p> + “I have already said, Purcel,” said the doctor, “that I am as willing to + suffer as another. I know I am naturally of a patient and rather an humble + disposition; let these trials come then, and I am prepared for them, + provided only that I am not deprived of my little luxuries, for these are + essential to my health itself, otherwise I could bear even this loss. I + intended, Temple, to have had a day or two's shooting on the glebe lands, + but Purcel, here, tells me that I am very unpopular, and would not, he + says, recommend me to expose myself much, or if possible at all, in the + neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + “And upon my word and credit I spoke nothing,” replied the other, “but + what I know to be truth. There is not a feather of game on the glebe lands + that would be shot down with half the pleasure that the parson himself + would. I beg, then, Dr. Turbot, that you won't think of it. I'll get my + sons to go over the property, and if there's any game on it we shall have + it sent to you.” + </p> + <p> + “How does it stand for game, Temple, do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “I really cannot say,” replied the good man. “The killing of game is a + pursuit I have never relished, and with which I am utterly unacquainted. I + fear, however, that the principal game in the country will soon be the + parson and the proctor.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a delightful pursuit,” replied the Rev. Doctor, who did not at all + relish the last piece of information, and only replied to the first, “and + equally conducive to health and morals. What, for instance, can be more + delicious than a plump partridge or grouse, stewed in cinnamon and claret? + and yet, to think that a man must be deprived of—well,” said he, + interrupting himself, “it is a heavy, and awful dispensation—and one + that I ought to have been made acquainted with—that is, to its full + and fearful extent—before it came on me thus unawares. Purcel here + scarcely did his duty by me in this.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear, sir,” replied Temple, “that it was not Purcel who neglected his + duty, but you who have been incredulous. I think he has certainly not + omitted to sound the alarm sufficiently loud during the approach of this + great ordeal to which we are exposed.” + </p> + <p> + “And in addition to everything else, I am in arrears to you, Temple,” he + added; “and now I have no means of paying you.” + </p> + <p> + Temple was silent, for at that moment the necessities of his family + pressed with peculiar severity upon himself—and he was not exactly + prepared for such an intimation. The portion of salary then coming to him + was, in truth, his sole dependence at that peculiar crisis, and this + failing him, he knew not on what hand or in what direction to turn. + </p> + <p> + After musing for some time, he at length replied, “If you have it not, Dr. + Turbot, or cannot procure it, of course it is idle for me to expect it—although + I will not deny, that in the present circumstances of my family, it would + have come to us with very peculiar and seasonable relief.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have not a pound,” replied the doctor; “so far from that, I am + pretty deeply in debt—for I need hardly say, that for years I have + been balancing my affairs—paying off debts to-day, and contracting + other to-morrow—always dipped, but and rather deeply, too, as I + said.” + </p> + <p> + He again got to his legs, when the pursuit of the latter part of his + person after the rest once more took place, and in this odd way he + traversed the room in a state of extreme tribulation. + </p> + <p> + “What is to be done?” he asked—“surely the government cannot abandon + us?—cannot allow us to perish utterly, which we must do, if left to + the mercy of our enemies? No, certainly it cannot desert us in such a + strait as this, unless it wishes to surrender the established church to + the dark plots and designing ambition of popery. No, no—it cannot—it + must not—it dares not. Some vigorous measure for our relief must be + taken, and that speedily;—let us not be too much dejected, then—our + sufferings will be short—and as for myself, I am willing to make any + reasonable sacrifice, provided I am not called upon—at these years—fifty-eight—to + give up my usual little luxuries. Purcel, I want you to take a turn in the + garden. Temple, excuse me—will you?—and say to Mrs. Temple to + make no preparations, as I don't intend to stop—I shall return to + Dublin in an hour at farthest; and don't be cast down, Temple; matters + will soon brighten.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not at all necessary, sir,” replied Temple, “that you should adjorn + to the garden to speak with Mr. Purcel. I was on my way to the library + when I met you, and I am going there now.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not so much,” he replied, “that I have anything very particular to + say to Purcel, as that I feel a walk in the fresh air will relieve me. + Good-bye, then, for a little; I shall see you before I go.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Purcel,” said he, when they had reached the garden, “this, after + all, is only a false alarm, or even if it be not, we know that the + government could by no means afford to abandon the established church in + Ireland, because that would be, in other words, to reject the aid of, and + sever themselves from all connection with, the whole Protestant party; and + you, as a man of sense, Purcel, need not be told that it is only by the + existence of a Protestant party in this country that they are enabled to + hold it in union with England at all.” + </p> + <p> + “But what has that to do with our present distresses?” said the proctor, + who, as he probably began to anticipate the doctor's ultimate object in + this conversation, very shrewdly associated himself rather in an official + spirit with the embarrassments of his friend, and the church in general. + </p> + <p> + “It has considerably,” replied Dr. Turbot; “for instance, there will be no + risk whatsoever, in lending to many of the embarrassed clergy sums of + money upon their! personal security, until this pressure passes away, and + their prosperity once more returns.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ho, doctor,” thought his sharp and wily companion, “I believe I have + you now, Well, Dr. Turbot,” he replied, “I think, the case, even as you + put it, will be attended with difficulties. What, for instance, is + personal security from a poor or a ruined man? very little, or rather + nothing. Still it is possible that many, relying upon the proverbial honor + and integrity of the Irish Protestant clergy, may actually lend money upon + this security. But then,” he added, with a smile, “those who will, must + belong to a peculiar and privileged class.” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” asked Turbot, “to what class do you allude?” + </p> + <p> + “To one with which,” said the proctor, “I unfortunately have no connection—I + mean the class that can afford to lend it.” + </p> + <p> + “Purcel,” said Dr. Turbot, “I am sorry to hear this ungenerous observation + from you; I did not expect it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you call it ungenerous, sir?” asked Purcel. + </p> + <p> + “Because,” replied Turbot, “it is obvious that it was made in anticipation + of a favor which I was about to ask of you.” + </p> + <p> + “If I can grant you any favor,” replied the proctor, “I shall be most + happy to do so;—if you will only let me know what it is.” + </p> + <p> + “You must be particularly dull not to perceive it,” replied the parson, + “aware, as you are, of the unexpected state of my circumstances. In short, + I want you to assist me with a few hundreds.” + </p> + <p> + The proctor, after a pause, replied, “You place me in circumstances of + great difficulty, sir; I am indeed anxious to oblige you, but I know not + whether I can do so with honor, without violating my good faith to another + party.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't understand you,” said Turbot. + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall explain it,” replied Purcel; “the sum I can command is one + of four hundred, which is at this moment virtually lent upon excellent + security, at an interest of eight per cent. The loan is certainly not + legally completed, but morally and in point of honor it is. Now, if I lend + this money to you, sir, I must break my word and verbal agreement to the + party in question.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir,” replied the rector, who, notwithstanding the love he + bore his “little luxuries,” was scrupulously honorable in all money + transactions, “don't attempt to break word, or to violate good faith with + any man; and least of all, on my account. I presume I shall be able to + raise the money somewhere else.” + </p> + <p> + Purcel, who had uniformly found the doctor a sharp, but correct man in + matters,of business, and who knew besides the severe pressure under which + he labored at the moment, was not exactly prepared to hear from him the + expression of a principle so high-minded. He paused again for some time, + during which he reasoned with himself somewhat to the following effect:—“I + did not expect this from the worthy doctor, but I did, that he would at + once have advised me to break the agreement I mentioned and lend himself + the money. I cannot think there will be much risk in lending such a man a + few hundreds, especially as no such agreement as I allude to exists.” He + then replied as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Doctor,” he proceeded, “I have been thinking over this matter; I know you + want the money, and I am sorry for it. That I have myself been a gainer by + my connection with you, I will not attempt to deny, and I do not think + that I should be grateful or a sincere friend to you, if I saw you now in + such grievous and unexpected embarrassments without making an effort to + assist you. You shall have the four hundred, if you consent to the same + rate of interest I was about to receive for it from the other party.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will break faith with him,” replied the doctor. “I thank you, + Purcel, but I will not have it.” + </p> + <p> + “I break no faith with him,” replied the proctor; “he was bound to have + let me know, on yesterday, whether he would require the money or not, for + the matter was conditional; but as I have not yet heard from him, I hold + myself at liberty to act as I wish. The fault is his own.” + </p> + <p> + “And on these conditions, so you are; I well, thank you again, Purcel, I + accept this money on your terms, eight per cent. Nay, you oblige me very + much; indeed you do.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, that matter is settled,” said the proctor, “do not speak of + it,” he proceeded, in reply to the doctor's last observation; “I should + indeed be unworthy either of your good opinion or my own, if I held aloof + from you just now. I will have a bond prepared in a day or two, but in the + meantime, if you will call at my house, you may have the money home with + you.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor once more thanked Mm, and they were in the act of returning to + the house, when the noise of a pistol was heard, and at the same moment a + bullet whistled light between them, and so close to each that it was + utterly impossible to say at which of the two individuals the murderous + aim had been taken. The garden, a large one and highly walled in, was + entered by two gates, one of which led into the back yard, the other into + a corner of the lawn that was concealed from the house by a clump of + trees. The latter gate, which was not so large as the other, had in it a + small iron grating a little above the centre, through which any one could + command a view of the greater portion of the garden. It was through this + gate they had entered, and as no apprehension of any attempt of + assassination had existed in the mind of either, they left the key in the + outside, not having deemed it at all necessary to secure the door, by + locking it within. + </p> + <p> + The proctor, to whose cowardice the worthy clergyman had not long before + paid so sincere, but by no means so flattering a tribute, did not wait to + make even a single observation, but ran with all his speed towards the + gate, which, to his surprise and mortification, he found locked on the + outside. Apprehensive, however, of a second attack, he beckoned to his + companion to hasten towards the other gate, which was not visible from + that through which the shot had been fired, and in the meantime, he + himself ran also towards it, in order to try whether it might not be + possible to get some view or trace of the assassin. He had a case of + pistols in his hand, for we ought to have told the reader that neither he + nor his sons ever traveled unarmed, and on reaching the back-yard, he was + obliged to make a considerable circuit ere he arrived at the spot from + which the shot had been fired. Here, however, he found no mark or vestige + of a human being, but saw at a glance that the assassin, in order, to + secure time for escape, had locked the door, and either taken the key with + him or thrown it where it could not be found. It was in vain that he ran + in all directions, searched every place likely to conceal the villain; not + a clump of trees or ornamental shrubs remained unexamined. The search, + however, was fruitless. No individual was seen, nor any clue gained on + which even a conjecture could be founded. The only individual visible was + our friend the <i>Cannie Soogah</i>, whose loud and mellow song was the + first thing that drew their attention to him, as he came up a back avenue + that led by a private and winding walk round to the kitchen-door. Purcel, + on seeing him, signed hastily with his hand that he should approach, which + the other, observing the unusual agitation betrayed by his gesture, + immediately did at a pace considerably quickened. + </p> + <p> + “Here, Cannie,” he shouted out to him, ere he had time to approach, “here + has been an attempt at murder by some cold-blooded and cowardly assassin, + who has, I fear, escaped us!” + </p> + <p> + “Murdher!” exclaimed the pedlar, “the Lord save and guard us!—for + there's nothin' but murdher in my ears! go where I will of late, it's + nothin' but bloodshed;—sure I cannot sing my harmless bit of a song + along the road, but I'm stopped wid an account of some piece o' murdher or + batthery, or God knows what. An' who was near gettin' it now, Misther + Purcel? Not yourself, I pray Jasus this day!” + </p> + <p> + “I really cannot say, Cannie; Dr. Turbot and I were walking in the garden, + when some damnable villain discharged a pistol from the gate here, and the + bullet of it whistled right between us both.” + </p> + <p> + “Whistled, did it!—hell resave it for one bullet, it was fond of + mirth it was; and you can't say which o' you it was whistling for?” + </p> + <p> + “No, how could I?—it was equally near us both.” + </p> + <p> + “Bad cess for ever saize him for a murdherin' villain, whoever he was. You + have no notion, Masther Purcel, darlin', where he went to?” + </p> + <p> + “Not the slightest, Cannie; the villain wouldn't have got off so easily, + only that he had the diabolical cunning to lock the gate outside and + conceal the key: so that whilst I was coming round to the place, he + escaped. Did you meet or see nobody yourself?” + </p> + <p> + The peddler shut his right hand, slapped it quickly into the palm of his + left. “By the Lomenty tarry,” he exclaimed, “I seen the villain! By the + high horicks, I seen the very man, if I have an eye in my head! A big, + able-bodied villain, wid a pair of thumpin' black whiskers that you might + steal my own out of—and I don't think I can complain myself. He was + comin' up the road from the Carr, and he was turnin' over towards the + bridge there below, so that I only got a short glimpse of him; and faix, + sure enough, as he passed the bridge, I seen him throw something over the + wall of it into the river, which I'd lay my head against the three + kingdoms was the kay o' the gate.” + </p> + <p> + The proctor paused a little, and then observed, “Ay, faith! I'm sure + you're right, Cannie; I've heard of that villain, and know him from your + description. He is the cowardly ruffian who's said to be at the head or + bottom of these secret combinations that are disgracing and destroying the + country. Yes, I've heard of him.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did you hear, Misther Purcel?” asked the pedlar, with + undisguised curiosity—. + </p> + <p> + “No matter now, Cannie; I haven't time to bestow upon the murdering + ruffian: I have my eye on him, however, and so have others. Indeed, I'm + rather inclined to think the hemp has already grown that will hang him. + What dress had he on?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, he had on a whitish frieze coat, wid big brown buttons; but + there could be no mistakin' the size of his murderin' red whiskers.” + </p> + <p> + “Red whiskers!—why, you said a moment ago that they were black.” + </p> + <p> + “Black! hut tut, no, Misther Purcel, I couldn't say that; devil such a + pair of red thumpers ever I seen, barin' upon Rousin' Redhead that was + sent across—for—for—buildin' churches—ha! ha! ha!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I'd take my oath you said black,” rejoined the proctor—“that + is, if I have ears to my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, an' you have Misther Purcel, as brave a pair as a man could boast + of; but the truth is, you wor so much feflustered wid alarm, and got + altogether so much through other, that you didn't know what I said.” + </p> + <p> + “I did perfectly: you said distinctly that he had black whiskers.” + </p> + <p> + “Red, by the hokey, over the world; however, to avoid an argument, even if + I did, in mistake, say black, the whiskers were red in the mane time; an', + as I sed, barrin' Rousin' Redhead's, that was thransported, a never laid + my eyes on so red, nor so big I pair.” + </p> + <p> + “He can't be the fellow I suspect, then—for his, by all accounts, + are unusually large and black.” + </p> + <p> + “As to that, I can't say, sir: but you wouldn't have me give a wrong + description of any villain that 'ud make an attempt upon your life. Are + you sure, though, it wasn't his reverend honor that the pistol was aimed + at?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not; as I told you, it is impossible to settle that point. There is + neither of us very popular, certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Bekaise, afther all, there is a difference; and it doesn't folly that, + although I'd purshue the villain for life and death, that 'ud attempt to + murdher you, that I'd distress myself to secure an honest man that might + free us an' the country from the like o' him;” and he pointed over his + left shoulder with his inverted thumb. + </p> + <p> + “Cannie,” said the proctor, somewhat sternly, “I've never heard you give + expression to such sentiments before, and I hope I shall never again. No + honest man would excuse or tamper with murder or murderers. No more of + this, Cannie, or you will lose my good opinion, although perhaps you would + think that no great loss.” + </p> + <p> + “Throth, I know I was wrong to spake as I did, sir, bad cess to me, but I + was, an' as for your good opinion, Misther Purcel, and the good of all + your family too, devil a man livin' 'ud go further to gain it, and to keep + it when he had it than I would; now, bad cess to the one.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst this dialogue was proceeding between the pedlar and the proctor. + Dr. Turbot, in a state of indescribable alarm, was relating the attempted + assassination to his curate inside. The amazement of the latter gentleman, + who was perfectly aware of the turbulent state of the country, by no means + kept pace with the alarm of his rector. He requested of the latter, that + should he see Mrs. Temple, he would make no allusions to the circumstance, + especially as she was at the period in question not far from her + confinement, and it was impossible to say what unpleasant or dangerous + effects an abrupt mention of so dreadful a circumstance might have upon + her. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes Purcel and his patron were on their way to Longshot + Lodge, the residence of the proctor. At the solicitation of the parson, + however, they avoided the direct line of road, and reached home by one + that was much more circuitous, and as the latter thought also more safe. + Here, after Waiting for the arrival of the mail coach, which he resolved + to meet on its way to the metropolis, he partook of a lunch, which, even + to his voluptuous palate, was one that he could not but admit to be + excellent. He received four hundred pounds from the proctor, for which he + merely gave him a note of hand, and in a short time was on his way to the + metropolis. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI.—Unexpected Generosity—A False Alarm. + </h2> + <p> + At this period, notwithstanding the circumstances which we have just + related—and they were severe enough—the distress of the + Protestant clergy of Ireland was just only beginning to set in. It had + not, as yet, however, assumed anything like that formidable shape in which + it subsequently appeared. To any scourge so dreadful, no class in the + educated and higher ranks of society had been, within the records of + historical recollection, ever before subjected. Still, like a malignant + malady, even its first symptoms were severe, and indicative of the + sufferings by which, with such dreadful certainty, they were followed. + </p> + <p> + On that day, and at the very moment when the mysterious attempt at + assassination,which we have recorded, was made, Dr. Turbot's worthy + curate, on returning home from the neighboring village of Lisnagola, was, + notwithstanding great reluctance on his part, forced into the following + conversation with his lovely but dejected wife: + </p> + <p> + “Charles,” said she, fixing her large, tearful eyes upon him, with a look + in which love, anxiety, and sorrow were all blended, “I fear you have not + been successful in the village. Has Moloney refused us?” + </p> + <p> + “Only conditionally, my dear Maria—that is, until our account is + paid up—but for the present, and perhaps for a little longer, we + must deny ourselves these 'little luxuries,'” and he accompanied the words + with a melancholy smile. “Tea and sugar and white bread are now beyond our + reach, and we must be content with a simpler fare.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Temple, on looking at their children, could scarcely refrain from + tears; but she knew her husband's patience and resignation, and felt that + it was her duty to submit with humility to the dispensation of God. + </p> + <p> + “You and I, my dear Charles, could bear up under anything—but these + poor things, how will they do?” + </p> + <p> + “That reflection is only natural, my dear Maria; but it is spoken, + dearest, only like a parent, who probably loves too much and with an + excess of tenderness. Just reflect, darling, upon the hundreds of + thousands of children in our native land, who live healthily and happily + without ever having tasted either tea or loaf-bread at all; and think, + besides, dearest, that there are, in the higher circles, a great number of + persons whose children are absolutely denied these comforts, by advice of + their physicians. Our natural wants, my dear Maria, are but simple, and + easily satisfied; it is wealth and luxury only that corrupt and vitiate + them. In this case, then, dearest, the Christian must speak, and act, and + feel as well as the parent. You understand me now, love, and that is + sufficient. I have not succeeded in procuring anything for you or them, + but you may rest assured that God will not desert us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear Charles,” replied his wife, whose black mellow eyes beamed with + joy; “all that is true, but you forgot that Dr. Turbot has arrived to + receive his tithes, and you will now receive your stipend. That will carry + us out of our present difficulty at least.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Maria, it is enough to say that Dr. Turbot is in a position + immeasurably more distressed and dreadful than ours. Purcel, his proctor, + has been able to receive only about fifty pounds out of his usual + half-yearly income of eight hundred. From him we are to expect nothing at + present. I know not, in fact, how he and his family will bear this + dreadful privation; for dreadful it must be to those who have lived in the + enjoyment of such luxuries.” + </p> + <p> + “That is indeed dreadful to such a family, and I pity them from my heart,” + replied his wife; “but, dearest,Charles, what are we to do?—except a + small crust of bread, there is no food in the house for either them or + you.” As she uttered the words their eyes met, and his gentle and soothing + Maria, who had been sitting beside him, threw herself upon his bosom—he + clasped his arms around her—pressed her with melancholy affection to + his heart, and they both wept together. + </p> + <p> + At length he added, “But you think not of yourself, my Maria.” + </p> + <p> + “I!” she replied; “ah! what am I? Anything, you know, will suffice for me—but + you and they, my dearest Charles—and then poor Lilly, the servant; + but, dearest,” she exclaimed, with a fresh, and if possible, a more tender + embrace, “I am not at all repining—I am happy with you—happy, + happy—and never, never, did I regret the loss of my great and + powerful friends less than I do at this moment, which enables me to see + and appreciate the virtues and affection to which my heart is wedded, and + which I long since appreciated.” + </p> + <p> + Her husband forced a smile, and kissed her with an air of cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me,” he said, “dearest Maria, for two or three minutes I wish to + go to the library to make a memorandum. I will soon return.” + </p> + <p> + He then left her, after a tender embrace, and retired, as he said, to the + library, where, smote to the heart by his admiration of her affection and + greatness of mind, he sat down, and whilst he reflected on the destitution + to which he had brought the granddaughter of an earl, he wept bitterly for + several minutes. It was from this peculiar state of feeling that he was + called upon to hear an account of the attempted assassination, with which + the reader is already acquainted. + </p> + <p> + Our friend, the Cannie Soogah, having taken the town of Lisnagola on his + way, in order to effect some sales with one of those general country + merchants on a somewhat small scale, that are to be found in almost every + country town, happened to be sitting in a small back-parlor, when a + certain conversation took place between Mr. Temple and Molony, the + proprietor of the establishment to which we have just alluded. He heard + the dialogue, we say, and saw that the mild and care-worn curate had been, + not rudely certainly, but respectfully, yet firmly, refused further + credit. By whatever spirit prompted it is not for us to say; at all events + he directed his footsteps to the glebe, and—but it is unnecessary to + continue the description, or rather to repeat it. The reader is already + aware of what occurred until the departure of Dr. Turbot and the proctor. + </p> + <p> + Temple, having seen them depart, walked out for a little, in order to + compose his mind, and frame, if possible, some project for the relief of + his wife and children. In the meantime, our jolly pedlar, having caught a + glimpse of Mrs. Temple at the parlor window, presented himself, and begged + to know if she were inclined to make any purchases. She nodded him a + gentle and ladylike refusal, upon which he changed his ground, and said, + “Maybe, ma'am, if you're not disposed to buy, that you'd have something + you'd like to part wid. If you have, ma'am, bad cess to the purtier + purchaser you'd meet wid—shawls or trinkets, or anything that way—I + mane, ma'am,” he added, “things that arn't of any use to you—an' I'm + the boy that will shell out the ready money, and over the value.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs Temple had known little—indeed nothing—of the habits of + such a class as that to which our gay friend belonged; but be this as it + may, his last words struck her quickly and forcibly. + </p> + <p> + “Do you make purchases, then?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I do, ma'am, plaise your honor,” replied the pedlar. + </p> + <p> + “Stop a moment, then,” she replied. “I have some superfluous articles of + dress that I may dispose of.” + </p> + <p> + The whole mother rushed into her heart at the thought; the tender and + loving wife forgot everything but the means of obtaining food for her + husband and children. She went to her dressing-room, and in a few minutes + returned, accompanied by Lilly Stewart, her own servant-maid previous to + ker marriage, to whom their recent distresses had been no secret, and who + was deeply and deservedly in the confidence of the family. + </p> + <p> + Whilst she was, absent in her dressing-room the pedlar resumed his song, + as was his custom when alone—a circumstance which caused Mrs. Temple + to remark, as she and Lilly went down to, the parlor—“Alas! dear + Lilly, what a mistaken estimate does one portion of mankind form of + another. This poor pedlar now envies us the happiness of rank and wealth + which we do not feel, and I—yes, even I—what would I not give + to be able to carol so light-hearted a song as that which he is singing! + Who is this man, Lilly, do you know him?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, ma'am, if all they say is true, every one knows him, and nobody + knows him. He's known as the <i>Cannie Soogah</i>, or jolly pedlar. They + say, that although he prefers this kind of life, he's very wealthy. One + person will tell you that he's a great rogue, and would cheat Satan + himself, and others say he's generous and charitable. In other respects,” + continued. Lilly, blushing, “he's not very well spoken of, but it may be + false. I have always found him myself very civil; and them that spoke + harshly of him were people that he kept at a distance.” + </p> + <p> + The pedlar ceased his song as soon as they made their appearance in the + parlor, into which Lilly admitted him for the sake of mutual convenience. + </p> + <p> + “Here's a shawl—a beautiful shawl, Mr. —— what's this + your name is?” + </p> + <p> + “The name that I have for set days and bonfire nights,” he replied, “is + one I seldom tell,” and at the same time there was a dry air of surprise + about him on hearing her ask the question; “but the name I am generally + known by is the <i>Cannie Soogah</i>, which manes, ma'am,” he added, + addressing himself in a respectful manner to Mrs. Temple, “the jolly + merchant or pedlar.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Cannie,” said Lilly, pronouncing the word with more familiarity + than could have been expected from their apparent unaquaintance with each + other, “here's a beautiful shawl that my mistress made me a present of.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Lilly,” said her mistress, with severity—for she neither could + nor would sanction the falsehood, however delicately and well intended—“no, + do not mislead the man, nor state anything but the truth. The shawl is + mine, my good man, and I wish to dispose of it.” + </p> + <p> + The pedlar looked at it, and replied, in a tone of disappointment, “Yes, + ma'am, but I'm afeard it's beyant my manes; I know the value of it right + well, and it's seldom ever the likes of it was in my pack. What are you + axin', ma'am? it's as good as new.” + </p> + <p> + “I think it cost twelve or thirteen guineas, as well as I can remember,” + she replied; “but it is not what it cost, but what you are now disposed to + give for it, that I am anxious to know.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, ma'am, you know I must look upon it as—hem—as a second—ha—at + all events,” he proceeded, checking himself with more delicacy than could + be expected from him—“you must admit that it isn't new.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said she, “it has been more than eight years in my + possession, although, at the same time, I believe I have not worn it more + than half a dozen times.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, ma'am,” replied the pedlar, “I know the value of the shawl + something betther even than yourself. If you will take six guineas for it, + we will deal; more I cannot afford, for I must at once tell, you the + truth, that I may carry it about these twelve months before I find any one + that knows its value.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Temple was by no means prepared, any more than her servant, for such + a liberal offer; and without any further hesitation she accepted it, and + desired Lilly to place the shawl in his hands, and in the meantime, with + equal consideration and good feeling, he handed Lilly six guineas, adding, + “Give that to your mistress, but in troth, ma'am,” he proceeded, + respectfully addressing her; “it is just robbing you I am, but I can only + say, that if I dispose of it at its proper-value you'll hear from me + again. Troth, if I wasn't a great rogue, ma'am, I'd give you more for it; + but bad cess to the one o' me—ever could be honest, even if I wasped + for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think you dishonest, my good, man,” replied Mrs. Temple; “on the + contrary, I am not displeased with your, plain blunt manner. Lilly give + him some——” + </p> + <p> + She checked herself at once, and passed, a significant but sorrowful + glance at Lilly; as she went up to the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + She had no sooner gone, than the peddler, with a shrug of satisfaction, + exclaimed, in a subdued but triumphant voice: “Oh! by the hokey I've done + her, and for that you must suffer, Lilly darlin'. Come now, you jumpin' + jewel you, that was born wid a honey-comb somewhere between, that purty + chin and beautiful nose of yours—throth it must have a taste, for + who the dickens could, refuse the <i>Cannie Soogah</i>, and before Lilly, + who, by the way, was nothing, loath, could put herself in an attitude of + defense, he had inflicted several smacks upon as pretty a pair of lips as + ever were pressed. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word; now, Mr. Magrath, you're very impudent,” she replied, “I + wonder you're not ashamed, you great strong man you, to be kissing girls + in this manner, whether they will or not. Look at the state you have my + hair in; you're very rude, Mr. Magrath, and I'm really angry with you; + you've broken one of my side-combs, too; you're a great rude man, so you + are.” + </p> + <p> + “Broke your side-comb, did I? Well, then, you couldn't be in better hands, + darlin', here's a pair I make you a present of, and maybe they won't set + you all off to pieces; here, darlin', wear these for my sake.” + </p> + <p> + “But are you making me a present of these beauties, Cannie?” + </p> + <p> + “Troth an' I am, Lilly darlin', and wish they were betther for your sake—what's + that I said? a present! oh the sorrow bit, I must have my payment—aisy + now, darlin', my own sweet Lilly; there now, we're clear.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, Mr. Magrath, I don't know what to say to you, but you're + such a great strong fellow, that a poor weak girl like me is but a child + in your arms; are these real tortoise-shell though?” + </p> + <p> + “You may swear it; do you think I'd offer you anything else? But now + listen, my darlin' girl, take this shawl, it's 'worth five-and-twenty + guineas at least, troth, poor thing! it wasn't since their marriage it was + bought; take it, I say, and go up widout sayin' a word, and lay it just + where it was before, and if she seems surprised on findin' it there, tell + her you suppose I forgot it, or if she won't believe you, and that all + fails you, say that the <i>Cannie Soogah</i>, although she knows nothing + about him, is a man that's undher great obligations to her family, and + that he only tuck that method of payin' back a debt to her that he + honestly owed to them, for, afther all, isn't she one of them?” + </p> + <p> + Lilly shook her head, and her eyes filled with tears, at the manly and + modest generosity of the pedlar. + </p> + <p> + “Little you know then, Mr. Magrath, the load you have taken off my dear + mistress's heart, and the delight you have brought upon the whole family.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Lilly dear, sure if I did, amn't I well paid, for it? thanks to + your two sweet lips for that. Sure, bad cess to me, but it was on your + account I did it.” + </p> + <p> + A vile grin, or rather an awkward blank smile, forced by an affectation of + gallantry, accompanied the lie which he uttered. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, indeed,” replied Lilly, “on my 'account, don't think to pass + that upon me; however, I can forgive you a great many things in + consequence of your behavior—just now.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet you abused me for it,” he replied, laughing, “but sure I knew + that a purty girl always likes to be kissed; bad cess to me, but the same + behavior comes naturally to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Go now,” said Lilly, with a comic and peremptory manner; “go your rounds, + I say; you know very well that I mane your behavior about the shawl, and + not your great strong impudence.” + </p> + <p> + The pedlar, after winking and nodding meanings into her words that she had + never thought of, slung his pack over his shoulder as usual, and proceeded + on his rounds. + </p> + <p> + We have always been of opinion that there is scarcely anything more + mysterious than the speed with which popular report travels apparently + with very inadequate machinery throughout a large district of country. + Before the day was more than half-advanced, fame had succeeded in + circulating a report that Matthew Purcel and Dr. Turbot had been both shot + dead in the garden of the rectory. This report spread rapidly, and it is + with equal pain and shame we are obliged to confess that in general it was + received with evident and undisguised satisfaction. John and Alick Purcel, + on their way home, were accosted at a place called “Murderer's Corner,” by + two of the men who had attended at their father's office that morning, and + informed that he and Dr. Turbot had been murdered in the course of the + day, a piece of information which was conveyed by them with a sneer of + cowardly triumph that was perfectly diabolical. + </p> + <p> + “God save ye, gintlemen!” said one of them, with a peculiar emphasis on + the last word; “did ye here the news?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Jemmy, what is it?” asked John. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that Darby Hourigan is very ill,” he replied, with mock gravity. + </p> + <p> + “No thanks for your information, Jemmy,” replied the other; “if you told + us something of more interest we might thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind him, gintlemen,” replied his companion, “there's nothing wrong + wid Darby Horaigan, barrin' that he occasionally rubs himself where he's + not itching, but there's worse news than that before you.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, then?” asked Alick; “if you know it, let us hear it, and + don't stand humming and hawing as if you were afraid to speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, an' it's no wondher I would, sir, when it's to tell you that + you'll find your father a murdhered corpse at home before you.” + </p> + <p> + “Great God! what do you mean, sir? asked John. + </p> + <p> + “Why, gintlemen, it seems that himself an' Parson Turbot wor both shot in + the parsonage garden to-day. The parson's takin' his rest in his own + house, but your father's body was brought home upon the car. The bullet + entered your worthy father's breeches' pocket, cut through a sheaf of + notes that he had to pay the parson his tides wid, and from that it went + on——” + </p> + <p> + Human patience could not endure the ill-suppressed and heartless + satisfaction with which the fellow was about to enter into the details, + and accordingly, ere he had time to proceed further, John Purcel turning a + hunting-whip, loaded for self-defense, left him sprawling on the earth. + </p> + <p> + “Now, you ill-conditioned scoundrel,” he exclaimed, “whether he is + murdered or not, take that for your information. Alick, lay on Hacket + there, you are the nearest to him,” he added, addressing his brother. + </p> + <p> + Hacket at once took to his heels, but the other, touching his horse with + the spurs, cantered up to him, and brought the double thong of his whip + into severe contact with his neck and shoulders. When this was over, the + two fiery young men exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “There, now, are our thanks, not merely for your information, but for the + good will with which it was given, and that to the very sons of the man + whom, by your own account, you have murdered among you. If his blood + however, has been shed, there is not a drop of it for which we will not + exact a tenfold retribution.” + </p> + <p> + They then dashed home, at the highest speed of which their horses were + capable, and throwing themselves out of the saddle, rushed to the + hall-door, where they knocked eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Is my father at home, Letty?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, he's in the parlor.” + </p> + <p> + “In the parlor,” exclaimed Alick, looking keenly into her face; “what is + he doing in the parlor, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, he's readin' a letther, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Reading a letter, is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” exclaimed both the young men, breathing freely; “that will + do, Letty—here, Letty, is half-a-crown for you to buy a ribbon.” + </p> + <p> + “And another from me, Letty, to buy anything you fancy.” + </p> + <p> + The girl looked at them with surprise, and for a moment or two seemed at a + loss how to account for such evident excitement. At length she exclaimed: + “By dad, I have it; you won the hunt, gintlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “Better than that, Letty,” they replied, nodding, and immediately entering + the parlor. + </p> + <p> + “Well, boys,” said the father, “a good day's sport?” + </p> + <p> + “Capital, father! are you long home!” + </p> + <p> + “Since about two o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you come?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, boys, ye must know that either Dr. Turbot or I was fired at to-day. + A bullet—a pistol bullet—whistled right between us in the + parsonage garden, and the poor frightened doctor refused to come by the + usual way, and, in consequence, I was obliged to take the lower road.” + </p> + <p> + He then entered into a more detailed account of the attempted + assassination, and heard from them, in reply, a history of their + intelligence and adventure at Murderer's Corner with Hacket and Bryan, for + so the fellows were named. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the proctor, “thank God, things are not so bad as they + report, after all; but, in the meantime, the plot appears to be thickening—here's + more comfort,” he added, handing him the notice which Mogue told him he + had found upon the steps of the hall-doer, where, certainly, he had + himself left it. John took the document and read as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “TO PROCTOR PURCEL AND HIS HORSE-WHIPPIN' SONS. + </p> + <p> + “This is to give you notice, that nothing can save yez. Look back upon + your work an' see what yez desarve from the counthry. You began with a + farm of sixty acres, and you took farm afther farm over the heads of the + poor an' them that wor strugglin', until you now have six hundre' acres in + your clutches. You made use of the strong purse against the wake man; an' + if any one ventured to complain, he was sure to come in for a dose of the + horsewhip from your tyrannical sons, or a dose of law from yourself. Now + all that I've mentioned might be overlooked an' forgiven, for the sake of + your wife and daughters, but it is for your conduct as a Tithe Proctor + that you and your sons must die. Don't think to escape me, for it can't be + done. There is not a day in the week, nor an hour in the day, but I have + you at my command. Be prepared, then, for your fate is sealed; and no + earthly power can save you. There is the sign [three coffins] and the + blood that marks my name is from my own veins. You and your sons must die. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Terror, + </p> + <p> + “The Millstone-breaker.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut,” said Alick, “we have received far worse than this; it has been + written by some hedge schoolmaster; as for my part, I despise it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, boys, at all events,” proceeded the proctor, “be a little more + sparing with the horse-whip. The scoundrels deserve it to be sure; but at + the same time it is not a thing that can be defended.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it's impossible to keep it from them, father,” replied John; “their + insolence is actually more than flesh and blood can bear. But had we not + better make some inquiries into this precious production?” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the use of that?” said his father, to whom such communications + had lost all their novelty and much of their interest; “however, you may + do so; perhaps some accidental clue may be found that would lead us to + discover the villain who wrote it.” + </p> + <p> + Mogue was accordingly called in. + </p> + <p> + “How did this letter come into your hands, Mogue?” asked the proctor. + </p> + <p> + “It didn't come into them, sir,” replied Mogue, with a smile which he + intended to pass, for one of simplicity; “it was lyin' I got it, upon the + hall-door steps.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see any strange person about the place, or near the hall-door + to-day?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “None, sir, sorra a creature—well now, wait—that I may never + sup sorrow, but I did—there was a poor woman, sir, wid a whack of a + son along wid her.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see her near the steps?” + </p> + <p> + “That I may be happy, sir, if I could take it upon me to say—not + wishin' to tell a lie—but she might a' been there, the crathur.” + </p> + <p> + “What kind of a looking woman was she?” asked John. + </p> + <p> + “A poor woman, sir, as I said.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not mean that; of course, I know she was; but what dress had she on, + and what kind of features or complexion had she? Was she big or little?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm just thinkin',” replied Mogue, seemingly attempting to recollect + something, “was it to-day or yesterday I seen her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but answer directly,” said Alick, “what was she like?” + </p> + <p> + “The son of her was a bullet-headed <i>ownsha</i>,” replied Mogue, “and + herself—well now, that I may never die in sin, if I could say + rightly. I was fetehin' some oats to Gimlet Eye, an' didn't take any + particular notice. The <i>ownsha</i> had black sooty hair, cut short, an' + walked as if his feet were sore—and indeed it strikes me that he had + kibes—for these poor people isn't overly clane, an' don't wash their + feet goin' to bed at night, barrin' at Christmas or Easther, the crathurs. + But, sure the Lord look down on them, they have enough to do to live at + all!” + </p> + <p> + “You couldn't say what direction she came from?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, no.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor the direction she went by?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no sir, I could not.” + </p> + <p> + “But are you certain it was to-day, and not yesterday, you saw her?” + </p> + <p> + “Then that's what's puzzlin' me—eh! let me see—ay—it was + to-day—an' I'll tell you how I know it. Bekaise it was to-day I + brought the oats to Gimlet Eye—you know he was harrowing the black + park yestherday and was in care of Paudeen Sthuccaun. But sure, sir, maybe + somebody else about the place seen them.” + </p> + <p> + An investigation was consequently held upon this reasonable suggestion, + but we need scarcely assure our readers, without effect; the aforesaid + “poor woman” having had existence only in the fertile imagination of + stainless and uncorrupted saint Mogue. + </p> + <p> + The latter had scarcely retired, when a gentle knock came to the door, and + Alick, on opening it himself, found their friend and neighbor, Darby + Hourigan, standing outside. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Hourigan, what do you want now? have you repented, and come to the + resolution of paying your tithes?” + </p> + <p> + Darby gave no direct answer, nor indeed any answer at all to these + questions, but simply said, “There's a bit o' paper, sir, for Misther + John.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this? Oh, oh, a summons!—very well, Mr. Hourigan, my + brother will attend to it.” + </p> + <p> + “This is where John Purcel lives, sir?” proceeded the man, according to + some form which he supposed necessary to give effect and reality to the + service; “you acknowledge that, sir, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Live here!—why, you scoundrel, don't you know he does? Where else + did he ever live?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but you are only answerin' one question by another,” replied + Hourigan; “and I'll sarve you wid another to-morrow if you don't speak the + truth.” + </p> + <p> + “John,” shouted his brother, “you're wanted. Here is your old friend + Hourigan, anxious to get another—ha! ha! ha!—he is off like a + shot!” he proceeded, addressing his brother, as the latter entered the + hall; “but in the meantime,” he added, handing him the summons, “this + document is intended for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” observed John, laughing, “unless our friend O'Driscol is somewhat + change”! I need not much fear Mr. Hourigan.” + </p> + <p> + “He is changed,” observed the proctor; “the fellow is beginning to run + with the hare and hunt with the hounds. If you wish to secure his favor, + however, you ought to try and put him on the trail of a Conspiracy, or + anything that will give him a tolerable justification for writing to his + Friend the Castle, as he calls it! He is a regular conspiracy hunter, and + were it not that he is now awfully afraid of these Whiteboys, and + naturally cowardly and easily frightened, I think he would be the plague + of government as well as the country.” + </p> + <p> + It would indeed, be extremely difficult to find a family so resolute and + full of natural courage, and consequently so incapable of intimidation, as + that of our friend the proctor. And what was equally striking, the female + portion of them were as free from the weakness and timidity of their sex, + in this respect, as the males. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII.—A Shoneen Magistrate Distributing Justice. + </h2> + <p> + On the morning but one afterwards, John Purcel proceeded to the house of + his friend and neighbor, Fitzy O'Driscol, as he was usually termed for + brevity. O'Driscol was rather a small man—that is to say, he was + short but thick, and of full habit. He was naturally well made, and had + been considered well-looking, until his complexion became a good deal + inflamed from the effects of social indulgence, to which he was rather + strongly addicted. His natural manner would have been plausible if he had + allowed it to remain natural; but so far from this, he affected an air of + pomp and dignity, that savored very strongly of the mock heroic. On the + other side, his clothes fitted him very well, and as he had a good leg and + a neat small foot, he availed himself of every possible opportunity to + show them. He was, like most men of weak minds, exceedingly fond of + ornaments, on which account he had his fingers loaded with costly rings, + and at least two or three folds of a large gold chain hung about his + breast. His morning gown was quite a tasteful, and even an expensive + article, and his slippers, heavily embroidered, harmonized admirably with + the whole fashionable deshabille in which he often distributed justice. He + carried a gold snuff-box of very massive size, which, when dining out, he + always produced after dinner for the benefit of the company, although he + never took snuff himself. This, in addition to a tolerably stiff and + unreclaimable brogue, and a style of pronunciation wofully out of keeping + with his elegant undress, constituted him the very beau-ideal of what is + usually known as a <i>shoneen</i> magistrate. + </p> + <p> + John, on arriving, found him reading a paper in the breakfast-parlor, and + saw Hourigan waiting outside, who, by the way, gave him such a look as a + cat might be supposed to bestow upon a mastiff from whom she dreaded an + attack—a look which, in Hourigan's case, combined as much ferocious + vengeance and sullen hang-dog cowardice as could well be brought together + on the same features. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Jack,” said the pompous distributor of justice, addressing young + Purcel, “how do you do? Take a seat—by the way, is it true that your + father and my excellent friend, Dr. Turbot, were shot at yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “True enough,” replied John; “the bullet whistled right between them, and + so close that each felt the wind of it.” + </p> + <p> + “The country is getting into a frightful state, friend Purcel, eh? Upon my + honor now, yes! it is so—it is so.” + </p> + <p> + “Why there is no question of it,” replied John; “it is already in a + frightful state.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, Mr. Purcel, and in my opinion, the <i>crame</i> of the matter will + be blood—blood—my dear John—that is what it will come + to.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly you speak, Mr. O'Driscol, like a man that knows the country, + and can feel the pulse of the public officially—I mean, of course, + as a magistrate—for it is now, and in times of such turbulence, that + men—I mean magistrates—of your stamp—will prove + themselves serviceable to the government of the country, and to the + country itself; intelligent and determined men—I mean magistrates—who + know not what fear is, and who will do their duty at the risk of their + lives.” + </p> + <p> + “True, John, it is such men, or rather magistrates, who can render the + most important services to government. The duties of a loyal and attached + magistrate are not a mere raycrayation during these times. And yet, John,” + he added, sinking his voice into a confidential whisper, “I protest to my + honor that the life of a man—I mane, as you say, a magistrate—who + resolves firmly to perform his duty, is not extramely safe; why then + should a man—I mane a magistrate—unnecessarily expose himself + to the fate of Going,* when he might much more safely remain snug and + quiet, without putting either himself or his neighbors to inconvanience by + an over-strict discharge of his duty?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [* The name of a magistrate and clergyman, I think, who was + assassinated.] +</pre> + <p> + “If everything be true that I have heard,” said John, “the government + would scarcely expect to hear such sentiments from the intelligent and + determined Mr. O'Driscol.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha! ha!—well done, John,—I drew you out. Upon my honor, I + am glad to find that you are loyal, at all events, and that is a rare + virtue among most persons of your creed;—excuse me, but, except in + name, I can scarcely consider you as belonging to it. + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir,” replied John, “I trust I am a firm, but not a bigoted + Catholic.” + </p> + <p> + “Roman Catholic, John, always say, if you plaise; we claim to be the true + Catholics you know; and for that raison it is better always to avoid + confusion.” + </p> + <p> + “As to that, we shall not quarrel about it, I trust,” replied Purcel; “but + with respect to another point, there is only one opinion, Mr. O'Driscol, + and that is, that you are a most resolute and determined man.” + </p> + <p> + “Magistrate you mane, I think, John; so magistrate, if you plaise—ha! + ha!' ha! By the way will you touch the bell? Thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” proceeded Purcel, having touched the bell, “I should + have said magistrate: because it very often happens that whilst the man is + a coward, the magistrate is as brave as the Duke of Wellington.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my honor and conscience, there may be some truth in that,” said + O'Driscol, nodding, but at the same time not exactly appropriating the + category to himself; “but how do you make that appear, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” replied Purcel, who, between ourselves, was a bit of a wag in his + way, “it proceeds from the spirit of his office. Take a magistrate, for + instance, as a man—a mere man; place him in the ordinary situations + of society; let him ride home at night, for instance, through a disturbed + district like this, which, if he is wise, he will avoid doing, or let him + be seen in an isolated position even in daylight without protection, and + you will find him a coward of the first shaking. On the contrary, place + him, as a magistrate, at the head of a body of police or military, and + where will you witness such courage? That, then, is the individual, I say, + who being naturally a coward as a man, goes through his duty with courage + as a magistrate; I say this is the individual whom the government should + reward with especial favor.” + </p> + <p> + “By the way, will you touch that bell again?—oh, here he comes. + Sam,” he said, addressing a servant, “get me up a bottle of soda-wather. + Will you have a glass of soda, John? I dipped a little too deep last + night.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, thank you,” replied Purcel, “I was moderate last night; and at + all events soda is rather cold for such a day as this is.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then can't you stiffen it with a little brandy?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you, I won't touch anything at present. I almost wish, as I was + saying,” he proceeded, “that there was the slightest touch of cowardice in + you, naturally; because if it could be proved in connection with your + official intrepidity, you would deserve everything that a government could + bestow upon you.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith and honor, that is certainly putting the argument in an extremely + new point of view, and I agree with you, John; that is—that—let + me see—the more cowardly the man the braver the magistrate. Well, I + don't know that aither.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” replied John, “I don't mean that.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you mane? for I thought I undherstood you a while ago, + although find that I don't now.” + </p> + <p> + “I mean,” proceeded the other, “that when a man who is naturally cowardly—I + don't mean, of course, a poltroon, but timid—proves himself to be + firm, resolute, and intrepid in the discharge of his duties as a + magistrate, such a man deserves a civic crown.” + </p> + <p> + “A what?” + </p> + <p> + “A civic crown. Of course you know what that is.” + </p> + <p> + “Of coorse I do, John; and upon my honor and conscience there is great + truth in what you say. I could name you a magistrate who, I believe, as a + magistrate, could not very aisily be bate, and yet who, without being a + downright coward, is for all that no hairo to his valley de sham, as they + say.” + </p> + <p> + “My father was talking about you last night, sir, and I think before long + he will be able to put you on the scent of as pretty a conspiracy as was + ever detected. He had some notion of opening a communication with + government himself upon the subject; but I suggested—that is, I took + the liberty, sir, if you will excuse me, but if I erred I assure you Mr. + O'Driscol, my intentions were good—I say I took the liberty, sir, of + suggesting that it would be better to place the matter in your hands, as a + person possessing more influence with your friend, the Castle, and more + conversant with the management of a matter that is too important to be in + any but official hands. I have time at the preset only to allude to it, + for I see Mr. Darby Hourigan there waiting to prosecute, or as he says to + take the law of, your humble servant.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang the scoundrel, what a hurry he is in! How did you quarrel with him?” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, sir, in the first place, he was insolent and offensive beyond all + patience.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear John,” observed O'Driscol, with a good deal of solemn pomp, + especially as the magistrate was beginning to supersede the man, “all that + is very provoking, but at the same time you know the horsewhip is an + illaygal instrument.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, sir,” replied Purcel, with a smile, “I believe not.” + </p> + <p> + “I mane, John,” said the other, “an improper use of it is. You should be + more cautious, John, in using it, for the punishment of any animal barring + a horse. I have heard, by the way, many complaints against you on that + head.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, but you are not aware that it is from a principle of humanity I + horsewhip the scoundrels.” + </p> + <p> + “How is that now, John? for upon my honor and conscience I can't for the + life of me persave any great humanity in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir,” replied Purcel, who, as the reader must be aware, was + humbugging the worthy magistrate all the time, “I appeal to yourself + whether it is not better for any one of these rascals to get a + horsewhipping from me than a citation to the Bishop's Court from my + father.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but do they never happen to get both, John?” returned the magistrate. + “But what has a horsewhipping and a citaytion to the Bishop's Court to do + with aich other?” + </p> + <p> + “Simply this,” replied the other, “that when my father hears I horsewhip + any of them, he takes no further proceedings against them; and whenever I + wish, consequently, to keep a fellow out of that troublesome situation, I + horsewhip him from pure kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “So that you look upon that as a good turn to them?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely, sir. As I said, I horsewhip them from motives of humanity.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith and don't be surprised, John, if they should happen to put a bullet + through you from motives of humanity some of these days. However, do you + think it is of importance?” + </p> + <p> + “Is what, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “The conspiracy. I beg your pardon—come into the office till I see + what I can do for you at all events.” + </p> + <p> + He accordingly preceded Purcel to his office, accompanied by Sam Finigan, + a kind of thorough male domestic who acted as his clerk. Here he took his + seat with a good deal of ceremony, hemmed several times, and desired + Hourigan to be admitted. Just at that moment, and while Hourigan was + coming in, a young lad, or tiger, a son of Finigan's, by the way, who had + been in the habit of carrying letters to and from the neighboring + post-office, now entered and presented him with one, to the following + effect:— + </p> + <p> + “TO O'DRISKAL, THE SHONEEN MAGISTRIDGE. + </p> + <p> + “Sur this is to let you no that if you go an givin wan la for the poor and + anud'her for the rich you will soon get a bullet through you as Tandrem af + Tavnibeg got. If you wish to bay safe thin bay the poor man's friend—oderways + it'll be worse for you. + </p> + <p> + “Kaptn Jostige.” + </p> + <p> + O'Driscol having read this communication, became desperately disturbed for + about a couple of minutes, after which, as if struck by some sudden + thought, he appeared to recover himself considerably, but by no means + fully, as was evident from the agitation of his voice and the involuntary + tremor of his hands. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, sir,” said Purcel, who could not help observing the commotion + into which the notice had put him, “that you have received no ill tidings. + You seem agitated and alarmed, or rather distressed, if one can judge; I + hope there's nothing wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, no,” replied the magistrate, “not exactly wrong; but it is certainly + an infamous country to live in. I am an impartial man, Mr. Purcel—I + mane, sir, an impartial magistrate; but the fact is, sir, that every man + is marked whose life is valuable to the government of his country. I know + no man, Mr. Purcel—mark me you, too, Hourigan—I know no man, + sir, in my capacity of a magistrate—hem—hem!—only + according to the merits—I am as much the poor man's friend as I am + the rich man's, and of the two more: if I lane at all, which I don't, it + is to the poor man; but as an impartial man—magistrate I mane—I + know naither rich or poor. On the bench, I say, I know naither poverty nor + riches, barring, as I said, upon the merits.” + </p> + <p> + “Beggin' your pardon, your worship—an' before you begin—as I + was comin' down here a while agone,” said Hourigan, “I seen a strange and + suspicious-lookin' man inside the hedge at the shrubbery below; he was an + ill-faced villain, plaise your reverence, an' I thought I seen his pockets + stickin' out as if he had pistols in them. I thought it better to tell + your worship.” + </p> + <p> + The worthy magistrate had scarcely recovered from the first fit of + agitation when this intelligence threw him into an immediate relapse. + Indeed so ludicrous was his distress that he actually wiped the + perspiration from his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Sam,” said he, after a fit of tremulous coughing, into which he forced + himself, in order to conceal the quaver which terror had given to his + voice, “Sa—am—hugh! ugh!—go-o—an-n-d—ugh! + ugh! ugh!—get a ca-a-se of doub-uble pis-pistols—ugh! ugh!—da—amn + this cough—ough—and place—them-em on the table here—we—we—will + at least pep-pepper the villain—if—if—he—he should + dare to show his face—-ace. I trust I—I—know my duties + as—a mag-istrate—my cour—urage and in-trep—id—ity + as such—ugh! ijg'h! ugh!—are no saycret now, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe,” observed Purcel, “that there is one syllable of truth + in what he says. I can read the falsehood in his eye. However,” he added, + “if you will postpone this matter of Hourigan's for a few minutes, I shall + soon see whether there is any one there or not.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, then,” said the magistrate, “take these pistols” (pointing to those + which Finigan had just laid on the table). Purcel declined them with a + nod, taking a good case at the same time out of his own pocket. “No, sir, + thank you, I never travel without my two friends here, with either of + which I can break a bottle at the distance of thirty yards. You will be + good enough to tell that to your friends, Mr. Hourigan, and also to + reflect upon it yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Having examined his friends, as he called them, he started out and + proceeded directly towards the shrubbery, where, however, there was no + trace whatever of any one. On his way home he met Fergus O'Driscol, who + had been out that morning cock-shooting through the grounds, and to whom + he mentioned the story told by Hourigan. “Why, the lying scoundrel,” + exclaimed Fergus, “I saw him myself speaking to a new laboring lad whom + Mr. Arthur, the steward, sent in there this morning to gather and remove + the rotten underwood. He has only vamped up this story to frighten my + heroic father, and between you and me it is not difficult to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say you are right, Fergus, but between you and me again, who is + this new-comer you mention? for you may rest assured that if he be very + intimate with Darby Hourigan, you had as good keep an eye upon him. Darby + is one of the good ones.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't even know his name yet,” replied Fergus, “but if we are to judge + by appearances, he is somewhat of Darby's kidney, for a worse-looking + young vagabond I have seldom laid my eyes upon. At all events I know + Hourigan's story to be a lie, for as he came up the avenue I was in the + shrubbery, looking for a cock I shot, which dropped among the hollies, and + there was certainly nobody there but this strange fellow and Hourigan, + both of whom chatted to each other for some minutes across the hedge; and, + by the way, I now remember that they kept watching about them + suspiciously, as if they did not wish to be seen speaking together. The + fact, now that you have mentioned the case, is evident; I could not be + deceived in this matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then,” said Purcel, “I will tell you how we shall bring that + circumstance to a test: get the strange fellow to walk my horse up and + down the avenue, so as that he must necessarily come in Hourigan's way, + and if they refuse to speak in my presence you may accompany me down the + avenue if you wish—we may take it for granted that there is an + understanding between them and on this account we will say nothing on our + return, but that we failed to see or trace any one, which will be the + truth, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst this conversation took place between the two young men, our worthy + magistrate, now that he had an opportunity of recruiting his courage, + withdrew for a moment, accompanied by his servant and clerk, Sam Finigan. + “Sam,” said he, in undisguised trepidation, “my life's not worth a week's + purchase.” + </p> + <p> + “That was a threatening letter you received, sir?” said Sam, inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “The same, Sam. Upon my honor and conscience, they have threatened me with + the fate of Tandrem of Tavnibeg, who got five bullets into him, not fifty + yards from his own door. Get me the brandy then quick, and another bottle + of soda-wather. Good Lord! Sam, see what it is to be an active and + determined magistrate.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Sam, after he had placed the brandy and soda-water before + him, “it's one comfort, plaise your honor, that if they shoot your + worship, government will take a glorious revenge upon them. The three + kingdoms will hear of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but, Sam—good Lord!—here's God grant us a long life in + the manetime! but upon my honor and conscience it's not revenge upon my + own murdherers I want, but to be made a Stipendiary. Revenge! Good Lord! + what is revenge to a murdhered man, Sam, maybe with five bullets in him! + Now, Sam, this is not want of courage in me—but—but—mere + distress of mind on looking at the state of the country. A + suspicious-looking villain to be lurking in my own shrubbery, with the + very pistols sticking out of his pocket! Good Lord! I believe I'll take + another half-glass, Sam; I think I feel somewhat more intrepid—more + relieved. Yes, pour me out another half-glass, or a whole one, as your + hand is in, Sam, and take another for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank your worship,” said Sam, who never called him anything else when + exercising, or about to exercise his functions as a magistrate, “here's + the same, your worship—God grant us both—your worship at any + rate—a long life!” + </p> + <p> + “And a happy death, Sam; there is no harm to add that to it.” + </p> + <p> + “And a happy death, your worship!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Sam, here's the same! And now I think in a few minutes my natural + courage will return; for indeed I'm too kind-hearted, Sam, and too aisily + made feel, as you persave, for the traisonable state of the country, and + of the misguided people. However, I only feel these things as a man, Sam, + as a kind-hearted man, but not as a fearless and resolute magistrate, Sam: + as a magistrate I don't know what fear is.” + </p> + <p> + “That's well known, your worship; when you're at the head of a body of + polis or military, every one knows what you are; isn't dare-devil Driscol, + your worship, the best name they have for you?” + </p> + <p> + “True enough, Sam; d—n them; a man, especially a magistrate, + couldn't be courageous unknown to them—they'll be sure to find it + out. I'm a good deal relieved, Sam, and—hem—hem—let us + proceed to investigate this important matter of Hourigan's. These Purcels + are—hem—ahem—too much in the habit of violating the law, + Sam, and that's not right—it's illaygal—it's illay-gal, Sam, + to violate the law; I say so, and I think I can't allow such breaches of + the”—here, however, the thought of the conspiracy occurred, and + swayed him in a moment against Hourigan. “To be sure Hourigan's a + scoundrel, and deserves a horsewhipping every day he rises.” + </p> + <p> + “True enough, sir; and sure if the Purcels break the law, it is only upon + the people, and arn't the people, your worship, as ready to break the law + as the Purcels! Sorra warrant, then, I'd grant against Misther John this + bout.” + </p> + <p> + “And what would you do, Sam?” + </p> + <p> + “I'd bind Hourigan over to keep the pace.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you're right, Sam; he's a bad bird, Hourigan; so I think the + best thing to do is to tie his hands up for him.” + </p> + <p> + “And if we could tie his tongue up too, your worship, it ought to be + done.” + </p> + <p> + Here, on the other hand, the notice he had just received stuck in his + throat, and reduced him to a new perplexity. + </p> + <p> + “But then, Sam,” he added, “think of the revengeful spirit that is abroad. + Good Lord! it is awful! Haven't I this moment a threatening notice on my + table? Well,” he added, “if ever a man suffered in the cause of government + as a public man and an active resolute magistrate, I do; indeed, Sam, if I + had known the cares, and troubles, and responsibilities of my official + situation, I am not certain whether I would not have preferred a private + station; but you see government will find out men of talent and public + spirit. If I had less of either, it isn't threatening letters I'd be + resaving this day. Come, then, let us go to the discharge of our duty, + Sam, fearlessly and impartially, as a man entrusted with great public + authority.” + </p> + <p> + He accordingly proceeded to the office, a good deal recruited in courage + by the brandy, but by no means altogether relieved from the apprehensions + consequent upon the receipt of the notice and Hourigan's narrative. + </p> + <p> + Fergus and Purcel, on their way from the shrubbery to the house, fell upon + a simpler plan by which to detect Hourigan's falsehood, and ascertain + whether there existed any personal acquaintance or understanding of any + sort between him and the new-comer. + </p> + <p> + “Well, John,” said O'Driscol, after once more placing himself with his + usual pomp in his magisterial chair, “have you been able to find any + account or trace of the assassin?” + </p> + <p> + “None whatever, sir,” replied Purcel; “neither tale nor tidings of him + could I find.” + </p> + <p> + “When did you see him, Hourigan?” asked Fergus; “was it on your way here?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “In the avenue?” + </p> + <p> + “In the avenue, sir, about fifty yards inside the hedge, jist opposite the + hollies.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not speak to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, sir, he had too suspicious a look; for how did I know but it's a + bullet I'd get into, me, if I was only seen obsarvin' or watchin' him?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you did not speak to him?” asked Fergus. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, you may swear that, sir; that is not the time to pick up strange + acquaintances.” + </p> + <p> + The two young friends were now satisfied of Hourigan's falsehood, and + perhaps of his treachery; and a very slight but significant glance to that + effect passed between them. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” said the magistrate, “we—I mane myself, at any rate—are + well able to protect ourselves. I shall not in future travel unarmed, and + he that—hem—ahem—he that will mistake me for a timid man + will find out his error maybe when it's too late. Come, Hourigan, what + charge is this you have against Mr. Purcel?” + </p> + <p> + “Plaise your honor, he abused, and assaulted, and bate me until I didn't + know for a time whether I was alive or dead.” + </p> + <p> + “How was that, Hourigan, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Bekaise, your honor, I had not my tides for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Now that I look at you, you certainly have the marks of violence about + you. Well, but did you give no provocation, sir? It's not likely Mr. + Purcel would raise his hand to you if he had not resaved strong + provocation at yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Sorra word, then, your honor, ever I said to him,—barrin' to tell + him that I hoped he'd have compassion on me and my little family, and not + drive us to ruin for what I wasn't able to pay. He then asked me, was that + the answer I had for him, and not his money, and he does no more but ups + wid his whip and laves me as you see me.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, now, you d—d scoundrel!” exclaimed John, “how can you—” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Mr. Purcel,” said the magistrate, interrupting him with what + he intended to be dignity, “you forget what is due to the court, sir. + There must be no swearing nor abuse here. The court must be respected, Mr. + Purcel.” + </p> + <p> + These words brought a sneer of secret triumph upon Hourigan's features, + that was unquestionably very provoking. + </p> + <p> + “I beg to apologize to the court,” replied Purcel, “if for a moment I have + forgotten what is due to it; but, in fact, your worship, there is not one + word of truth in what he says. His language was insolent and provoking + beyond the limits of human patience. He told me that both my father and + myself were dishonest—that we were oppressors of the poor, and + blood-suckers; called us hardhearted and beggarly upstarts, and that we + would sell our Church and our country for filthy lucre and upstart pride. + Instead, your worship, of promising to pay his tithes, he said we might go + to hell for them, and make the devil our paymaster, what he'll be yet. And + further, he said he'd never pay a farthing of them, and set law, lawyers, + police, military, and magistrates all at open defiance. Now I beg to know, + your worship, what loyal and peaceably-disposed man, that wishes to see + the laws of his country, and those respectable magistrates that administer + them, respected—what man, I say, fond of peace and quietness, could + bear such language as that? It is not what he said of either myself or my + family that I contain of, but of the abuse he heaped upon the law at + large, and the independent magistrates of the country. I certainly, in the + heat of the moment, so far resented the affront offered to the most + respectable magistracy of this fine country as to give him a few slight + touches of the whip, more like one in jest, I assure your worship, than + like an angry man.” + </p> + <p> + “Hourigan,” said O'Driscol, swelling up to a state of the most pompous + indignation, “this is infamous conduct which he relates of you, sir. How + dare you, sir, or any impudent fellow like you, take the undaicent and + unjustifiable liberty of abusing the independent and loyal magistracy of + Ireland? It is by fellows like you, sir, that traison and sedition are + hatched. Your conduct was gross and monstrous, and if Mr. Purcel had come + to me and made affidavit of the language stated, I would have consithered + it my duty to commit you. Such language, sirra, was seditious!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Hourigan, “and you would be right; but there is not one + word of truth in what Mr. Purcel says, your worship; for instead of that, + plaise your reverence, when I threatened to come to you to get the law + against him—'I'll go to Squire Driscol,' says I, 'and that's the + gintleman that will give me justice at any rate.' 'You and Squire Driscol + may go be hanged,' says he; 'I don't regard him a traneen; he thinks, + since he has been made into a justice of pace, that the ground's not + worthy to carry him,' says he. Can you deny that, Mr. John?” + </p> + <p> + Purcel's limbs began to move, and his very flesh to creep with indignation + at the impudent but artful falsehoods of Hourigan, who was likely to + succeed in touching the magistrate's weak points with such effect as to + gain him over to his side. + </p> + <p> + The worthy official shook his head with a kind of very high-minded pride, + as much as to say, I am far above the level of such observations. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Purcel,” said he—“he—hem—hem—I am sorry to + hear that you could give way to such extramely indiscreet and + disrespectful language as this.” + </p> + <p> + “Swear him, sir,” said Purcel, “and let him be put to his oath, for I + protest to heaven, Mr. O'Driscol, and as I am, I trust, an honest man, I + never once mentioned your name, nor was there the slightest allusion made + to it—none, sir, whatever.” + </p> + <p> + “The truth is, I should think it very, strange, Mr. Purcel, and very odd, + and very unfriendly and disenganious in you to spake of any magistrate in + such a style as that. However, Sam, take the book and swear Hourigan.” + </p> + <p> + Sam accordingly took the book, and putting it into Hourigan's hand, said, + “You shall make true answers to such questions as shall be put to you, and + swear the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you + God, and one-and-sixpence to me!” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind the one-and-sixpence at present, Sam,” said his master, “he + owes you nothing now. Proceed.” + </p> + <p> + Hourigan's thumb had the genuine angle on the back of the book, but it did + not escape Sam, who said, “You intend to kiss your thumb, Hourigan, but + it's no go; here, sir, stand there, so that the book won't be a screen for + you; turn round—there now—proceed.” + </p> + <p> + Hourigan, finding that the evasion in this instance was impracticable, + gave it a strong, derisive smack that might be heard outside the room. “I + hope,” he added, “you are satisfied now, Mr. Finigan.” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” replied Sam, “that you've kissed the book when you were made to + do it; but I see jist as clearly that the sorra much truth are we goin' to + get out of yoU.” + </p> + <p> + The case then proceeded; but as it would prove, probably, rather tiresome + to the generality of our readers, we shall not give it at length. It was + quite evident, however, that the plaintiff and defendant both were well + acquainted with the vacillating and timid character of the magistrate, who + in the case before us was uniformly swayed by the words of the last + speaker; and it was equally evident that each speaker so shaped his + arguments as that they might the more effectually bear upon O'Driscol's + weak points. + </p> + <p> + “Hem—hem—this, I persave, turns out to be a very important and + difficult case, Mr. Purcel—a very difficult case, Hourigan—a—a—a + case indeed that requires great deliberation and coolness. Here is strong + provocation on one hand, and prompt punishment on the other. Can you + swear, Mr. Purcel, to the accuracy and substance of the language you say + Hourigan uttered?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir, without hesitation.” + </p> + <p> + “Because if he does, Hourigan, I shall be obliged, according to Act of + Parliament, sir—” + </p> + <p> + Hourigan interrupted him by a groan, and a rather significant shrug. + </p> + <p> + “What do you shrug and groan for, sir?” asked the man of law, who felt + both acts incompatible with the respect due to the court. + </p> + <p> + “Mavrone!” exclaimed Hourigan, “acts of Parliament! oh! thin many a + bitther piece of cruelty and injustice has been practised upon us by Act + o' Parliament!” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, you traisonable villain!” exclaimed the other—“what sedition is + this?” + </p> + <p> + “It is sich Acts o' Parliament,” said the adroit knave, “that gets good + men and good magistrates shot like dogs, an' that has brought the counthry + to the fearful pass it's in, I wisht myself I was out of it, for the + people is beginnin' to single out sich magistrates as they'll shoot, as if + their lives worn't worth a rat's.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!—hem—hem—Hourigan, you are a d—d ras—hem + simple-hearted fellow, I think, or you wouldn't spake as you do. + </p> + <p> + “But an I to get not justice sir, against the man that left me as you see + me. Is the poor man, sir, to be horse-whipped and cut up at the will an' + pleasure of the rich, an'not to get either law or justice?” + </p> + <p> + O'Driscol's face was now a picture of most ludicrous embarrassment and + distress. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Hourigan, I shall—hem—I shall always administer + justice impartially—impartially—no one can question that. Your + case,” he added—(for we must say here that Hourigan's language + brought back to his mind all the horrors of Tandrem's death, as well as + that threatened to himself in the recent notice)—“your case, + Hourigan is a difficult and peculiar one, poor man!” + </p> + <p> + “Hourigan, my good fellow,” said Purcel, “take care of what you are about. + Don't be too certain that some of your neighbors won't find you, before + you are much older, in the centre of a deep-laid conspiracy; and perhaps + the government of the country may have an opportunity before long to thank + and reward those who will have it exposed and broken up. Do you understand + me?” + </p> + <p> + Purcel, while he spoke, kept his eyes fixed very significantly upon the + magistrate, to whose imagination a long and interesting correspondence + with his friend, the Castle, started immediately forth, appended to which + were votes of thanks, flattering testimonies, together with a stipendiary + magistracy, with a full retiring pension, and an appointment for his son, + in the background. + </p> + <p> + “He has made use of that language to intimidate your worship,” proceeded + Purcel, but I think he ought to know you better.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said O'Driscol, addressing Hourigan, “what did you mane by talking + about shooting magistrates? Do you think, sirrah, to frighten me—Fitzgerald + O'Driscol—from discharging my duty?” + </p> + <p> + “Frighten, you, sir! oh! bedad, your honor, you aren't the gintleman for + that.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I believe not—I believe not, Hourigan; no, my poor man, I + am not indeed. Hourigan, you are not an uncivil person, but why refuse to + pay your tithes? You are well able to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, bekaise I daren't, sir; if I did—talkin' about shootin'—it's + a round lump of lead I would find in my stomach instead o' my poor + breakfast, some o' these days.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't doubt but he is right enough there, your worship,” observed + Purcel, “there's a conspiracy—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” exclaimed the magistrate, “oh! ay!—yes!—hem—a + conspiracy! Well—no matter—let it rest for a little. Well—as + this case is one of great difficulty, involving several profound points of + law, I would recommend you to make it up, and be friends. Hourigan, you + will forgive Mr. Purcel, who is hasty but generous. You will forgive him, + I say, and he will give you something in the shape of a—salve for + your wounds. Come, forgive him, Hourigan, and I will overlook, on my part, + the seditious language you used against the Irish magistracy; and, + besides, you will make me your friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive him, sir!” said Hourigan, shrugging himself, and putting up his + hand to feel the welts of black and blue which intersected each other upon + his countenance and shoulders. “An' maybe it's half-a-crown he'll threwn + me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Hourigan, I'll guarantee for him that he'll treat you liberally: + one good turn deserves another, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, let him say what he'll give me.” + </p> + <p> + “There's a pound-note for you,” said Purcel, flinging it across the table. + “If you take that, you may, but if not, I'll give no more. Your worship, + this, you perceive, is cross-case, and if you receive examination on the + one side, you will, of course, upon the other?” + </p> + <p> + “True,” replied O'Driscol, who had not thought of this, and who seized + upon it as a perfect relief to him; “true, Mr. Purcel, it is a cross-case, + and so I understand it. Let me recommend you to take the money, Hourigan.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, your honor, I will, on your account, and bekaise, as your + worship says, bekaise one good tarn desarues another, an' ought to get it. + I'm satisfied for the present.” And as he spoke, he turned, in a skulking, + furtive manner, such a look upon Purcel as we will not attempt to + describe. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Hourigan,” said O'Driscol, “I am glad I have settled this matter in + your favor. If I had taken Mr. Purcel's informations, you would have + certainly been transported; but the truth is, and I trust you have seen it + this day, and will allow it, that in my magisterial capacity, although + just and impartial I hope, yet, still, whenever I can with raison, I am + always disposed to lane towards the poor man, and be the poor man's + magistrate—hem—ahem!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, plaise your honor,” said Hourigan, rather drily, “but it's so hard + to make the people at large believe the truth, sir. Good-mornin', your + worship, an' many thanks for the illigant justice you gave me. + Good-mornin' you, too, Misther Purcel; I hope we'll be betther friends, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And I hope you will pay your tithes, and keep a civiler tongue in your + head,” replied the latter, as Hourigan left the office. + </p> + <p> + Before this weighty matter was determined, Fergus O'Driscol, although + satisfied that Hourigan and their new laborer were acquainted, resolved to + corroborate his evidence of the fact, if possible, and for this purpose he + sent the fellow, as had been agreed on, to walk Purcel's horse up and down + the lower part of the avenue, near the entrance gate, which was somewhat + secluded and not within view of the house, for the avenue was a winding + one. In the meantime he stationed himself in a clump of trees, to which he + went by a back walk in the shrubbery that was concealed from that part of + the avenue. Here, we say, he stationed himself to watch these worthies, + but, unfortunately, at too great a distance to hear their conversation, + should they speak and recognize each other. On this subject he was not + permitted to remain long in suspense. Hourigan soon made his appearance, + and, on approaching the stringer, looked cautiously about him in every + direction, whilst the latter, who had been walking Purcel's horse towards + the house, suddenly turned back, and kept conversing with Hourigan until + they reached the entrance gate, where they stood for about ten minutes in + close and evidently confidential dialogue, as was clear from their + watching in all directions, to make certain that they were not observed. + They then shook hands, cordially, and Hourigan bent his steps towards the + town of Lisnagola. Fergus, who had seen all their motions most distinctly, + took occasion to pass up the avenue a few minutes afterwards, where he met + the stranger still leading Purcel's horse. + </p> + <p> + “What's your name, my good fellow?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Phil Hart, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know if the man who summoned Mr. Purcel before my father has gone + out?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, plaise your honor.” + </p> + <p> + “Did any person go out within the last few minutes?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, there went a man out; maybe it was him.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know Hourigan's appearance, then?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. Hourigan, was that his name?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Are you a native of this county?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly, sir; but I have friends in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are they?” + </p> + <p> + “The Ahernes, sir, up in the mountains behind Lisnagola beyant.” + </p> + <p> + “And who recommended you to Mr. Arthur?” + </p> + <p> + “His brother-in-law, sir, one Frank Finnerty, in the mountains above; that + is, they're both marrid upon the two shisthers, plaise your honor.” + </p> + <p> + “And what caused you to leave your native place?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, my father houlds a bit o' land; he owed some tithe, sir, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Would not pay it; they consequently took proceedings—you resisted + the execution of the law, and then you had to run for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, not exactly, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “How was it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, we paid the tithes; an' whin this was discovered, I, at any + rate, had to run for it. The people, your honor, found out that it was I + that ped them, an' I was glad, of coorse, to fly for my life. I'd thank + you, sir, to keep what I tould you to yourself, for even if it was known + in this neighborhood that I ped them, I wouldn't be safe.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know Hourigan, then?” + </p> + <p> + “How could I, sir, and me a sthranger?” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, and whether you do or not, it seems to me there's a strong family + likeness between you and him.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe so,” the fellow replied, with a grin. “I hear my father say that he + sartinly was down in this counthry when he was sowin' his wild oats:” and + with this observation he passed on with the horse he was leading. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII.—An Unreformed Church + </h2> + <h3> + —The Value of Public Opinion—Be not Familiar with the Great + </h3> + <p> + Recent circumstances have, unfortunately, shown us the danger of tampering + with, and stimulating, the blind impulses of ignorant prejudice and + popular passion beyond that limit where the powers of restraint cease to + operate with effect. At the period which our narrative has now reached, + and for a considerable time before it, those low rumblings which stunned + and frightened the ear of civilized society, like the ominous sounds that + precede an earthquake, were now followed by those tremblings and + undulations which accompany the shock itself. But before we describe that + social condition to which we refer, it is necessary that we should + previously raise the vail a little, which time has drawn between us and + the condition of the Established Church, not merely at that crisis, but + for a long period before it. This we shall do as briefly as possible, + because we feel that it is an exceedingly unpleasant task to contemplate a + picture which presents to us points of observation that are, from their + very nature, painful to look upon—and features so secular and + carnal, that scarcely any language could exaggerate, much less distort + them. + </p> + <p> + The Established Church in Ireland, then, in its unpurged and unreformed + state, was very little else than a mere political engine for supporting + and fostering British interests and English principles in this country; + and no one, here had any great chance of preferment in it who did not + signalize himself some way in favor of British policy. The Establishment + was indeed the only bond that bound the political interests of the two + nations together. But if any person will now venture to form an opinion of + the Irish Church from her gorgeousness and immense wealth at that period, + he will unquestionably find that what ought to have been a spiritual, + pure, holy, self-denying, and zealous Church, was neither more nor less + than an overgrown, proud, idle, and indolent Establishment, bloated by + ease and indulgence, and corrupted almost to the very core by secular and + political prostitution. The state of the Establishment was indeed equally + anomalous and disgraceful. So jealous was England, and at the same time so + rapacious of its wealth, that it was parcelled out to Englishmen without + either shame or scruple, whilst Irish piety and learning, when they did + happen to be found, were uniformly overlooked and disregarded. All the + ecclesiastical offices of dignity and emolument were bestowed upon + Englishmen; upon men who lived here with reluctance, and but seldom—who + had no sympathy with the country or its inhabitants—nay, who looked + upon us, in general, with feeling of hostility and contempt; and who, by + example or precept, rendered no earthly equivalent for the enormous sums + that were drawn from a poor and struggling people. It is idle to say that + these prodigious ecclesiastical revenues were not paid by the people, but + by the landlord, who, if the people had not paid them, would have added + them to the rent. But even so—the straggling peasant reasoned + naturally, for he felt it to be one thing to pay even a high rent to the + landlord, whose rights, as such, he acknowledged, but a very different + thing to pay forth out of his own pocket a tenth of his produce to the + pastor of a hostile creed, which had little sympathy with him, for which + he received no spiritual equivalent, and on which, besides, he was taught + to look as a gross and ungodly heresy. + </p> + <p> + But this was not the worst of it. In the discussion of this subject, it is + rather hazardous for the champion of our former Establishment to make any + allusion to the landlord at all; the fact unfortunately being, that in the + management and disposal of land, the landlords, in general, were gifted + with a very convenient forgetfulness that such a demand as tithe was to + come upon the tenant at all. The land in general was let as if it had been + tithe-free, whilst, at the same time, and in precisely the same grasping + spirit, it so happened, that wherever it was tithe-free the rents exacted + were also enormous, and seen as—supposing tithe had not an existence—no + country ever could suffer to become the basis of valuation, or to settle + down into a system. In fact, such was the spirit, and so profligate the + condition of the Established Church for a long lapse of time, both before + and after the Union, that we may lay it down as a general principle, that + everything was rewarded in it but piety and learning. + </p> + <p> + If there were anything wanting to prove the truth and accuracy of our + statements, it would be found in the bitter and relentless spirit with + which the Established Church and her pastors were assailed, at the period + of which we write. And let it be observed here, that even then, the Church + in this country, in spirit, in learning, in zeal, and piety, was an angel + of purity compared to what she had been twenty or thirty years before. The + course of clerical education had been defined, established, and extended; + young profligates could not enter the Church, as in the good old times, + without any earthly preparation, either in learning or morals. They were + obliged to read, and thoroughly to understand, an extensive and + enlightened course of divinity—to attend lectures and entitle + themselves, both by attendance and answering, to a certain number of + certificates, without which they had no chance for orders. In point of + fact, they were forced to become serious; and the consequences soon began + to appear in the general character of the Church. Much piety, activity, + learning, and earnest labor were to be found in it; and indeed, we may + venture to say, that, with the exception of her carnal and debasing + wealth, she had been purified and reformed to a very considerable extent, + even then. Still, however, the bloated mass of mammon hung about her, + prostrating her energies, secularizing her spirit, and, we must add, + oppressing the people, out of whose pockets it was forced to come. When + the calamity, therefore, which the reader may perceive is partly upon and + impending over, the Protestant clergy, actually occurred, it did not find + them unprepared, nor without the sympathy of many of the very people who + were forced by the tyrannical influence of party feeling to oppose them + publicly. To their sufferings and unexampled patience, however, we shall + be obliged to refer, at a subsequent period of our narrative; and for that + reason, we dismiss it for the present. + </p> + <p> + Such, then, was the state of the Protestant Established Church for a + considerable length of time before the tithe agitation, and also + immediately preceding it; and we deemed it necessary to make the reader + acquainted with both, in order that he may the better understand the + nature and spirit of the almost universal assault which was, by at least + one party—the Roman Catholic—so furiously made upon it. At the + present period of our narrative, then, the population of the country, + especially of the South and West, had arrived at that state of agitation, + which, whether its object be legitimate or not, is certain, in a short + time, to brutalize the public mind and debauch the public morals, by + removing all the conscientious impediments which religion places against + crime, and consequently all scruple in committing it. Heretofore, those + vile societies of a secret nature, that disgrace the country and debase + the character of her people, existed frequently under separate + denominations, and for distinct objects. Now, however, they all consented + to abandon these peculiar purposes, and to coalesce into one great + conspiracy against the destruction of the Establishment. We do not mean to + assert, however, that this general outcry against the Church, and its + accompanying onslaught on her property, originated directly with the + people. No such thing; the people, as they always are, and, we fear, ever + will be, were mere instruments in the hands of a host of lay and clerical + agitators; and no argument was left unattempted or unurged to hound them + on to the destruction of the Establishment. From the Corn Exchange down to + the meanest and most obscure tribunal of agitation throughout the kingdom, + the virtues of passive resistance were inculcated and preached, and the + great champion of popular rights told the people publicly and repeatedly + that they might not be afraid to follow his advice, for that it mattered + little how oppressive or stringent any act of parliament in defence of the + Established Church might be, he would undertake to drive a coach and six + through the very severest of its penalties. Nor were the Catholic + priesthood idle during these times of storm and commotion. At the head of + them, and foremost in both ability and hatred of tithes, stood the late + Dr. Doyle, the celebrated J.K.L. of that day, Bishop of Kildare and + Leighlin; a man to whose great intellectual powers the country at large + chiefly owes the settlement of that most difficult and important question. + This able prelate assailed the system with a fiery vehemence that + absolutely set the country in a blaze, and reduced the wealthy + Establishment to a case of the most unprecedented distress. Who can forget + that memorable apothegm to the Irish people on the subject? “Let your + hatred of tithes,” he said, “be as lasting as your sense of justice.” + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately it is an easy task to instruct or tempt the Irish peasant to + violate the law, especially when sanctioned, in that violation, by those + whose opinion and advice he takes as the standard of his conduct. Be this + as it may, the state of the country was now becoming frightful and + portentous; and although there had not, as yet, been much blood shed, + still there was no person acquainted with the extraordinary pains which + were taken to excite the people against the payment of tithe, who was not + able to anticipate the terrible outburst and sanguinary slaughters which + soon followed. + </p> + <p> + We have already detailed a midnight meeting of the anti-tithe confederacy; + but so confident had the people soon become in the principle of general + unanimity against the payment of this impost, that they did not hesitate + to traverse the country in open day by thousands; thus setting not only + law, but all the powers of the country by which it is usually carried out + and supported, at complete defiance. + </p> + <p> + Threatening letters, and notices of violent death, signed with blood, and + containing the form of a coffin, were sent to all such as were in any way + obnoxious, or, what was the same thing, who were in any way disposed + either to pay tithes or exact them. + </p> + <p> + In this state matters were, when, one morning about a week after the scene + we have just described in O'Driscol's office, a dialogue to the following + effect took place in the proctor's immense farm-yard, between our friend + Mogue Moylan and his quondam sweetheart, Letty Lenehan. Letty, of late, + that is since the morning of the peddler's conversation with Mogue, had + observed that some unaccountable change had taken place in his whole + manner, not only towards herself, but in his intercourse with the rest of + his fellow-servants. He was for instance, much more silent that he had + ever been: but although he spoke less, he appeared to think more; yet it + might be observed, that whatever the subject of his thoughts was, it + evidently had diffused a singular degree of serenity, and a peculiarly + striking complacency through his whole manner. With respect to herself he + had ascended from the lover into the patron; and although she had been + amusing herself at his expense throughout their previous courtship, if it + could be termed such, yet she felt no less puzzled as to the cause of such + a change, and quite as anxious to ascertain it. + </p> + <p> + On the morning in question, Mogue and Jerry Joyce had been engaged in + winnowing a large quantity of wheat in the barn. Jerry, whose manner was + ostensibly that of a soft, simple young fellow, and whom but few looked + upon as possessed of the ordinary run of common sense, was treated by + Mogue, and indeed by most, but not all of his fellow servants, as one + would treat a young lad who had not yet arrived at years of discretion, or + maturity of judgment. + </p> + <p> + “Jerry,” said Mogue, “why but you do be cortin' the girls, man alive? That + I may never sin but it's a great thing to have them fond o' one.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” replied Jerry, who was perfectly well aware of his foible, “if I had + the art of sootherin' and puttin' my comedher an thim like some o' my + acquaintances; but, me! is it foolish Jerry Joyce they'd care about? Oh, + no! begor that cock wouldn't fight.” + </p> + <p> + “Your acquaintances!” exclaimed Mogue, seizing upon the term, in Jerry's + reply, which he knew referred to himself, “and which of your + acquaintances, now, does be sootherin' an' puttin' his comedher an' them, + eh, Jerry?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! dear me, Mogue,” replied the other, “how droll you are! As if you + thought I didn't mane one Mogue Moylan that they're tearin' their caps + about every day in the week.” + </p> + <p> + “Tearin' their caps! arrah, who is, Jerry?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the girls.” + </p> + <p> + “The girls! Och! man, sure that's an ould story; but I declare it to you, + Jerry, it isn't my fault; it's a nateral gift wid me, for I take no pains + to make them fond o' me; that I may never do harm if I do.” + </p> + <p> + “An' how does it, happen that they are? Sure there's Letty, now—poor + Letty Lenehan—an' God help her! sure, for the last week, she appears + to me to be breakin' her heart. She doesn't say af coorse, that you're the + occasion of it; but doesn't every one of us know that you are? Have you + been could to her, or what? + </p> + <p> + “Why thin, now, Jerry, I declare it to you that I'm heart sorry for poor + Letty; but what can I do? I amn't my own man, now, do you hear that?” + </p> + <p> + “Sure you don't mane to say that you're married?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly married; but listen hither, Jerry—you don't know the + man you're spakin' to—it's a gift that God gave me—but, you + don't know the man you're spakin' to; however as for poor Letty, I'll + provide for her some way—the poor affectionate crature; an' she's + good-lookin' too; however, as I said, I'll do something for her some way,” + and here he nodded and winked with most villainous significance. + </p> + <p> + If Jerry had not fully comprehended the scoundrel's character, it is very + probable that this language would have caused him to give the hypocritical + villain a sound drubbing; for it must be known to our readers, that Jerry + and Letty were faithfully attached to each other—a circumstance + which was also known to the whole family, and which nothing could have + prevented Mogue from observing but his own blind and egregious vanity. + </p> + <p> + “But what do you mane, Mogue, when you say you aren't your own man!” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell you; but the thruth is, Jerry—poor, good-natured Jerry—that + every man ought to look high, especially when he sees the regard that's + for him, and especially, too, when God—blessed be his name—has + gifted him as some people is gifted. There's a man hereabouts that thinks + he could put my nose out o' joint. Oh! it's a great thing, Jerry, to have + nice, ginteel, thin features, that won't spoil by the weather. Throth, red + cheeks or a white skin in a man isn't becomin'; an' as for larnin', Jerry, + it may require a long time to take it in, but a very little hole would + soon let it all out. May I never do harm but I'm glad that job's over,” + alluding to the employment at which they were engaged. “Oh! then, but + that's a fine cast o' whate!” + </p> + <p> + “It is,” replied Jerry; “but in regard to the larnin' I don't undherstand + you.” + </p> + <p> + “No matther for that, Jerry, I may be a good friend to you yet; ay, indeed + may I—poor good-natured Jerry; an' when that time comes, if you have + any scruple in axin' Misther Moylan to countenance you and befriend you, + why it'll be your own fault my poor, good-natured Jerry.” + </p> + <p> + “Many thanks, Misther Moylan,” replied Jerry, assuming a gravity which he + could scarcely maintain, “remember that you don't forget your promise. I'm + goin' over to get the sacks from Misther John; an' by the way, aren't you + goin' out to-day to shoot wid Misther M'Carthy?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I declare, I believe I am; I know the mountains well, an' I'm fond + of seein' fun, or of hearin' of it, any way.” + </p> + <p> + Jerry then departed, and Mogue, now left to himself, exclaimed in a + soliloquy, “Ay, an' if I don't see it this night, I'll hear of it + to-morrow, I hope. Mr. M'Carthy, you're in my way; but as I said to that + poor <i>omadhawn</i>, although it took many a year to get the larnin' into + that head of yours, one little hole will soon let it out again.” As Mogue + uttered the last words, the ear of Letty Lenehan was somewhat nearer him + than he imagined. She had come to call them to breakfast, and seeing that + the back-door of the barn was open, she approached it, as being nearest to + her, and on peeping in, half disposed for a piece of frolic, she heard + Mogue utter the soliloquy we have just repeated; but as he stood with his + back towards her, he was not at all aware that she was present, or had + heard him. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after breakfast, Mogue and M'Carthy set out for the mountains, + the latter furnished with all the necessary equipments for the sport, and + the former carrying a game-bag and refreshments; for as M'Carthy knew that + it must be the last day he could devote to such amusements, he resolved to + have a good day's sport, if possible. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mogue,” said his companion, “you are much better acquainted with + these mountains than I am, and with those places where we may be likely to + find most game. I, therefore, place myself in your hands for the day.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, indeed I ought, sir, to know them,” replied Mogue, “and I believe I + do; and talkin' of that, you have often heard of the great robber and + rapparee, Shaun Bernha?” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of him, and of his Stables, which lie up somewhere in these + mountains.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly, sir; an' it is what I was thinkin'; that we might take a look at + them in the coorse of our sport to-day; in regard, especially, that + there's more game about them than in any other part of the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then, Mogue,” replied his companion, “so be it; you are, as I + said, my guide for the day.” + </p> + <p> + “But do you know, sir, why he was called Shaun Bernha?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I can't say I do.” + </p> + <p> + “It was odd enough, to be sure. Howandever, may I be happy but they say + it's true! You see, sir, he was called Shaun Bernha bekaise he never had a + tooth in his head; an' no more had any of his family; and yet, sir, it's + said, that he could bite a piece out of a plate of sheet iron as aisily as + you or I could out a cake of gingerbread.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Morgue, all that I can say to that is, that he had devilish hard + gums, and stood in no fear of the toothache.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, we'll sweep around the slebeen hills here, keepin' + Altnaveenan to our right, and Lough Mocall to our left; then, by going + right ahead we'll come to his stables; and indeed they're well worth + seein'.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart, Mague, never say it again.” And they accordingly + proceeded at a vigorous pace to the mountains, which were now distant not + more than a mile and a half from them. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime we shall leave them to pursue their game, and beg our + readers to accompany us once more to the house of our friend, Fitzy + O'Driscol, who, what between the dread of assassination on the one hand, + and the delight of having a proper subject to justify him in communicating + with the government on the other, passed his time in alterations, now of + fear, and again of his peculiar ambition to be recognized as an active and + fearless magistrate by the then existing powers, that were, to such as + knew the man and understood his character, perfectly ludicrous. On the + morning in question, he was, as usual, seated, in his morning-gown and + slippers, at the breakfast-table, reading a country paper, in which, by + the way, appeared the following paragraph:— + </p> + <p> + “TURBULENT STATE OR THE COUNTRY.—We regret to say, that the state of + the country is every day becoming more and more unsettled. A few days ago, + whilst one of our excellent and most resolute magistrates, Fitzgerald + O'Driscol, Esq., was engaged in his office, determining an important case + of assault that came before him, and which he did, as he usually does, to + the perfect satisfaction of the parties, he received, a threatening + notice, couched in most violent language, in fact, breathing of blood and + assassination! Why a gentleman of such high magisterial character as Mr. + O'Driscol should have been selected as an object of popular vengeance, we + do not understand. Mr. O'Driscol combines in himself all those qualities + that are peculiarly suited to the discharge of his duties in such + distracted times as the present. Whilst firm and intrepid, almost to a + miracle, he is at the same time easy of access, impartial, and kind to his + humble countrymen, to whom he has uniformly proved himself mild and + indulgent, so far as justice—which by the way, he always tempers + with mercy—will allow him; and in consequence of this, he is + uniformly known, and deserves to be known, as the poor man's magistrate. + It is true, he is known also to be a man of highly loyal and + constitutional principles; a warm friend to order, peace, and a resolute + supporter of the laws of the land—qualities which are looked upon as + crimes by the resolute and disloyal among our kind-hearted but misguided + people. Of one thing, however, he would beg to apprise the mistaken + individuals who have ventured to threaten him, and that is, to take care + how they attempt to put their foolish threats into execution against so + daring and desperate a man as Mr. O'Driscol is when provoked. He goes well + armed, is a dead shot, and would feel deeply grieved at having the blood + of any of his mistaken countrymen on his hands. This we say from what we + know of Mr. O'Driscol, both as a man and as a magistrate. In further + connection with the state of the country, we cannot think but that + government, if made properly acquainted with it, would place some mild, + firm, but fearless and resolute stipendiary magistrate in our + neighborhood; we mean, of course, a man who is capable, by the peculiar + qualities of his character, to make himself an instrument of great public + good, both to the people and the government. Such a man we know; but as we + are writing without either his knowledge or consent, we do not feel + ourselves called upon to pursue this important subject further. All we can + say is, that the violent opposition which is now organized against tithes, + and which is already beginning to convulse the country, will, and even now + does require, the active courage and decided abilities of such a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, now, Catherine,” said he, addressing his daughter, who sat near + him, “upon my honor and conscience that was a friendly paragraph of my + friend Swiggerly—extremely so, indeed. The fact is, a dinner and a + good jorum is never thrown away upon honest Swiggerly; for which raison + I'll ask him to dine here on Thursday next.” + </p> + <p> + He then handed her the paper, pointing out the paragraph in question, + which she read with something of an arch smile, and which, on her brother + Fergus (who had been to Lisnagola) joining them, she handed to him. + </p> + <p> + “Fergus,” said she, looking at him with an expression of character still + more comic, but yet sufficiently subdued to prevent O'Driscol from + observing it, “is not that paragraph very complimentary to papa?” + </p> + <p> + Fergus, who at once reciprocated the comic glance alluded to, replied + rather significantly, “It is certainly very gratifying to him, Catherine.” + </p> + <p> + “And very creditable to Swiggerly,” added O'Driscol. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father,” replied Fergus, “but I think he ought to preserve, if + possible, a little more originality. The substance of that paragraph has + been regularly in his paper, in one shape or other, three or four times a + year during the last couple of years. I ought to except the introduction + of the threatening notice, which certainly is a new feature, and the only + new one in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Fergus,” said the father, whilst his round, red, convivial features + became more inflamed, “you are super-critical this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, sir; but you will excuse me for saying, that I think a man + who is seeking to ingratiate himself with the government, what is more, to + receive substantial favors from it, ought not, from principles of + self-respect, to suffer these stereotyped paragraphs to appear from time + to time. Government is not so blind, sir, but they will at once see + through the object of such paragraphs.” + </p> + <p> + “Staryrayotyped! What the devil, sir, do you mane by staryrayotype? Do you + mane to make a staryrayotype of me? That's dutiful, Mr. Fergus—filial + duty, clane and clear—and no doubt about it. But I tell you, sir, + that in spite of your staryrayotypes, it is such articles as the able one + of my friend Swiggerly that constitutes the force of public opinion. + Government! Why, sir, the government is undher more obligations to me than + I am to them. It was my activity and loyalty that was the manes, + principally, of returnin' the son of the gustus ratalorum of the county + for the borough of Addleborough. He was their own candidate; and if that + wasn't layin' them undher an obligation to me, I don't know what was. You + may say what you like, but I repate, it's a right good, thing to have the + force of public opinion in your favor.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of public opinion, I grant you; but surely you cannot pretend, + father, that such gross and barefaced flattery as that can be termed + public opinion?” + </p> + <p> + “And why not, sir? Upon my honor and conscience, things is come to a + pretty pass when a man—a magistrate—like me, must be lectured + by his own son! Isn't it too bad, Catherine?” + </p> + <p> + “I am no politician, you know, but I think he doesn't mean to lecture you, + papa; perhaps you ought to say to reason or remonstrate with—” + </p> + <p> + “Raison! remonstrate! And what right has he aither to raison or + remonstrate with a man—or rather a magistrate—such as I am + known by the government to be. He calls that paragraph gross and barefaced + flattery, and myself a staryrayotype! but I tell him now that it is no + flattery, nor anything at all but the downright naked thruth, and no man + ought to know that better than I do, for this good raison, that it was + myself wrote every line of it, and got Swiggerly only to correct it.” + </p> + <p> + A deep and crimson blush overspread his daughter's face on hearing this + mean and degrading admission; and Fergus, who was in the act of bringing a + bit of ham to his mouth, suddenly laid it down again, then looked first at + Catherine, then at his father, several times in succession. The + good-humored girl, however, whose merry heart and light spirits always + disposed her to look at the pleasant side of everything, suddenly glancing + at the red, indignant face with which her father, in the heat of argument, + and in order to illustrate the truth of public opinion in this instance, + had made the acknowledgment—all at once, and before the rosy blush + had departed from her beautiful face, burst out into a ringing and merry + laugh, which Fergus felt to be contagious and irresistible. On glancing + again at his father, he joined her in the mirth, and both laughed long and + heartily. + </p> + <p> + “And so, father,” proceeded Fergus, “you bring us a paragraph written by + yourself, to illustrate the value of public opinion; but believe me, my + dear father, and I mean it with all respect, these puffs, whether written + by one's self or others—these political puffs I say, like literary + ones, always do more harm than good to the object they are intended to + serve.” + </p> + <p> + “Never you mind that, Fergus, my boy, I know how to play my game, I think; + and besides, don't you know, I expect a snug-morsel from government for + yourself, my boy; yet you never consider that—not you.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear father, I never wish to hear a respectable man like you + acknowledge that he is playing a game at all; it reminds me of the + cringing, sycophantic, and prostitute crew of political gamblers and + manoeuvrers, by whom, not only this government, but every other, is + perpetually assailed and infested, and amongst which crew it would grieve + me to think that you should be included. As to myself, if I ever get + anything from government, it must not come to me through any of those + arrangements by which trick and management, not to say dishonesty and + conniption, are, to the shame of all parties, so frequently rewarded. With + a slight change upon Pope, I say— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'Grant me honest place, or grant me none.'” + </pre> + <p> + “Pope! What the devil do I care about his opinions? let him preach and + stick to his controversy with Father Tom—from whom he hadn't so much + to brag of—but as for you, Fergus, you are, to spake plainly, a + thorough ass. What d—d stuff you have been letting out of you! Go + and find, if you can, some purer world for yourself to live in, for, let + me tell you, you are not fit for this. There is no perfection here, + Catherine, is there?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, Papa! certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “There is—is there? Well, upon my honor and conscience, now, this is + the first time I've heard that argument used. Come, then, how do you prove + it—eh?” + </p> + <p> + “There is perfection, papa, occasionally at least, to be found among + women, and—you certainly, sir, cannot deny the truth of this—occasionally, + too, among magistrates—ha ha! ha!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Kate, I know you of old! Very good that—extremely good, upon my + word However, as I was saying, if you don't act and think as the world + about you acts and thinks, you had as good, as I said, get a betther one + if you can. Here, now, I see Mat Purcel coming up the avenue; and as I + want to have some private conversation with him, I must be off to my + office, where I desire you to send him to me. There's a time for + everything, they say, and a place for everything—I hope, Fergy, you + and I will have occasion, before long, to say, a place for some—ha! + ha! ha! Well, as I said, there's a place for everything! and I don't think + it would become me to spake upon official business anywhere but in my own + office. We must not only do our business properly, but look like it.” + </p> + <p> + Purcel found our pompous little man enveloped, as we have already said, in + a most fashionable morning-gown and embroidered slippers, and at the same + time busily engaged in writing. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, Mr. Purcel?” said he; “will you excuse me for about three + minutes, till I finish this paragraph, after which I am at your service?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Purcel, “I'm in no hurry, Fitzy, my boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Here,” continued the other, “amuse yourself with that paper. By the way, + there's a flattering notice there of your humble servant, by our friend + Swiggerly, who certainly is a man of sound judgment and ability.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't interrupt you now,” replied the proctor; “but I will tell you my + opinion of him by and by.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate then proceeded to finish his paragraph, as he said, by his + important manner of doing which, Purcel, who thoroughly understood him, + was much amused. He frequently paused for instance, placed his chin in the + end of his half-closed hand, somewhat like an egg in an egg-cup, looked in + a meditative mood into Purcel's face, without appearing to see him at all; + then went over to the library, which ought rather to have been pronounced + his son's than his; and after having consulted a book—a Latin + Horace, which by the way he opened at the art of poetry, of which volume + it is, we presume, unnecessary to say, he did not understand a syllable, + he returned to his desk seemingly satisfied, and wrote on until he had + concluded the passage he was composing. He read it once in silence, then + nodded his head complacently, as if satisfied with what he had Written, + after which he rubbed his hands and closing the desk exclaimed, “D—n + all governments, Mr. Purcel, and I wish to heaven there never had been a + magistrate in Ireland.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what kind of doctrine is this, Fitzy,” exclaimed his friend, + “especially from such a loyal man and active magistrate as you are.” + </p> + <p> + “D—n loyalty too, Mr. Purcel, it's breakin' my heart and will break + it—I think I'll emigrate to America before they kill me here.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, to tell you the truth, my dear Fitzy, I was a good deal alarmed when + I heard of that ugly notice you got; but it's not every man would have + borne the thing with such courage as you did.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mister Purcel, I feel that as a compliment coming from you; + and by the way, I haven't forgotten to mention you with praise in my + correspondence with the Castle. However—ha! ha! ha! you rather + misunderstood me—I mane to say that the life is worn out of me, by + our present government—Good God! my friend, surely they ought to + know that there's plenty of magistrates in the country besides myself, + that could give them the information they want upon the state of the + country, and the steps they ought to take to tranquillize it, as well as I + could; I can't, however, get them to think so, and the consequence is that + that d—n Castle can't rub its elbow without consulting, me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied Purcel, “you are to blame yourself for it; if you were not + so loyal, and zealous, and courageous too, as you are, they would let you + alone and leave you to peace and quietness, as they do other people.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my honor and conscience, it's little pace or quietness they leave + me, then; but I agree with you, that the whole cause of it is my + well-known loyal principle and surprising activity in keeping down + disturbance and sedition. Widow Cleary's affair was an unlucky one for me, + and indeed, Mat, it was the activity and resolution that I displayed in + making herself and her spawn of ragged brats prisoners at the head of the + Possy Comeatus, aided by the military, that first brought me into notice + with the Castle.” + </p> + <p> + The proctor, who feared now that he had mounted his hobby, and that he + would inflict on him, as he was in the habit of doing after dinner, a + long-winded series of his magisterial exploits, reminded him that he had + expressed a wish to see him on very important business. + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't care,” he added, “but the truth is, Fitzy, I am pressed for + want of time, as I should have been at the bishop's court, where I have + cited several of these tithe rebels long before this. What is the + business, then?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a matter, my dear Mr. Purcel—” + </p> + <p> + “Why the devil do you Mr. Purcel me?” asked the proctor, warmly. “It was + formerly Mat and Fitzy between us, and I don't see why it should not be so + still.” + </p> + <p> + “Hem—ahem—why it was, I grant, but then—not that I am at + all a proud man, Mr. Purcel—far from it, I trust—but you see—hem—the + truth is, that to a man as I am, a magistrate—trusted and—consulted + by government, and having, besides, to meet certain low prejudices against + me in the country, here, I don't think—I'm spaking of the magistrate + now, Purcel—not of the man—observe that, but the truth is—d—m + the word, for I don't think there's in the whole catalogue of names, so + vulgar a one as Fitzy—and be d—d to it.” + </p> + <p> + The proctor laughed till the tears came from his eyes, at the dignified + distress with which the great little man resented this degrading + grievance. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha! ha! and so,” said he, “I'm not to call you Fitzy; well, well, so + be it—but I have been so long in the habit of using it in our + conversation, that I shall, find it a difficult matter to change the + practice. But upon my conscience, Fitzy—I beg pardon, Mr. O'Driscol, + I must say—I think it great weakness in your worship, to let such a + trifle as that annoy you.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be a weakness,” said the other, “but before we go further, I make + it a personal request, that you won't use Fitzy to me, and above all + things, in the presence of strangers. I entrate and implore that you + won't.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then—a bargain be it—but I must insist that you + never call me Mat, or anything but Mr. Purcel, again.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, but you know you are not a magistrate, Mat.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, Fitzy—hem—never mind, your worship, call me + whatever you like—unless a rogue—ha! ha! ha! well, but to + business—what is this you want with me?” + </p> + <p> + “A business that, if well managed, may be a beneficial one to you and me + both.” + </p> + <p> + “Out with it, though—you know I'm in a hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “Why now,” proceeded the little man, relapsing unconsciously into a sense + of his violated dignity,—“curse me, if I'd for fifty—no, not + for a hundred, that the Castle should come to know that I was addressed as + Fitzy.” + </p> + <p> + The proctor's mirth was again renewed, but after a moment or two, the + serious part of the conversation was resumed by the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “Your son John, the other morning,” he proceeded, in a low and + confidential tone, “hinted to me that you had partly discovered—hem—ahem—a + very important circumstance—in short, that you had partly, if not + altogether, discovered a—a conspiracy.” + </p> + <p> + The proctor stared at him with unaffected surprise, which, by the way, did + not escape the magistrate's notice. “A conspiracy!” he added, “and did + John tell you this?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, not exactly,” replied O'Driscol, fearing that the young man, as we + have already hinted, had been indiscreet, and consequently wished to keep + him as much out of blame as possible; “not exactly, my dear Mat—hem—my + dear Mr. Purcel, but you know that I am rather sharp—a penetratin' + fellow in my way, or I would not be of the commission to-day—he + seemed merely to drop the expression accidentally only.” + </p> + <p> + “I pledge my honor to you,” replied the proctor, who at once saw through + the hoax that his son had played off upon him, “that the young rascal had + no authority from me for mentioning a single syllable about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but, I trust, my dear Ma—Mr; Purcel, that you are not angry + with him, especially for having mentioned it to me at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear friend,” said the other, “if the time were come, you are the + first man to whom I would disclose the circumstance, but the fact simply + is, that it is not ripe yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Even so; you will have no objection, I trust, to let me know something of + the nature of it—even now.” + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible!” replied the proctor, “quite out of my power; if I + breathe a syllable about it, the whole matter must be blown before the + proper time, and then—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and what then?—proceed.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, neither you nor I would be one moment safe; and in that case, it is + much more prudent that you should not know it—God forbid that I, + above all men, should be the person to involve you in risk and danger. + Your own ardor and excessive loyalty expose you—to dangers enough, + and too many.” + </p> + <p> + “You promise, however, when the proper time comes, to make me acquainted + with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, when the proper time comes; and if the thing ripen at all, you + shall hear of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But listen,” asked O'Driscol, licking his lips as a man would when + thinking of a good dinner; “is the matter you allude to a real, actual, + bona-fide conspiracy?” + </p> + <p> + “An actual live conspiracy,” replied the proctor; “and as soon as it has + reached maturity, and is full grown, you shall have all the honors of the + discovery.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do, Mat—hem, that will do my dear friend. I shall have + the Castle dancing with delight—and whisper—but this is + honorable between ourselves—any advantages that may result from this + affair, you shall partake of. The Castle and I understand one another, and + depend upon it, your name shall be mentioned with all the honor and + importance due to it.” + </p> + <p> + “This, then, was what you wanted with me?” + </p> + <p> + “It was, and upon my honor and conscience, you and yours, and I and mine, + will have cause to rejoice in it. Government, my dear Mat—ahem—is + a generous benefactor, and aided by it we shall work wonders. We shall, I + trust, all be provided for—your sons and my own fool—M'Carthy, + too, we shall not forget. + </p> + <p> + “All that will be very pleasant, I acknowledge,” replied the proctor, + dryly, “and in the meantime good-by, and may God spare both you and me + long life and happiness—until then, and as long after it as we may + wish for.” + </p> + <p> + Our friend M'Carthy, who was little aware of the liberal provision which + the benevolence of his friend had in contemplation for him, was in the + meantime likely to be provided for in a very different manner, and upon + principles very much at variance with those of that political gentleman + yclept the Castle, an impersonation which it would be exceedingly + difficult to define. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX.—Sport in the Mountains. + </h2> + <p> + In the course of that day Letty Lenehan, who had been musing over Mogue's + soliloquy in the barn, felt that kind of impression which every one has + felt more or less under similar circumstances. The fellow's words left a + suspicion upon her mind that there was evil designed against young + M'Carthy by this smooth-going and pious hypocrite. How to act she felt + somewhat at a loss, but as the day advanced, the singular impression we + have mentioned deepened, until she could conceal its existence no longer. + After dinner, however, she seized upon an opportunity of consulting her + friend and lover, Jerry Joyce, who, by the way, had also been somewhat + surprised at an expression which escaped Mogue in the morning. On + comparing notes, both came to the same conclusion, viz.,—that there + existed in the bosom of Mogue some latent hard feeling against M'Carthy. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure there does,” said Jerry, “and I think I know why too—Mogue + isn't the only person that has a deadly hatred against Mr. M'Carthy; and + indeed, Letty, I have raisons to fear that the poor young gintleman, for + so he is by family and blood at all events—is in great danger. + However, if it will make your mind aisy, I'll see what can be done to get + him safe over it this night.” + </p> + <p> + “This night, Jerry? why what do you mane? what about this night more than + any other night?” + </p> + <p> + “Hut! you foolish girl,” replied Jerry, “sure you ought to know that it's + only a way of spakin' we have, when we say this night or this day.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” replied Letty, with great shrewdness and in a spirit of keen + observation, “if you had spoken that way, you'd have said this day, and + not this night, bekaise it's not night yet.” + </p> + <p> + Jerry smiled, and resolving to put an end to the conversation, exclaimed, + “Troth and I'll have a kiss from your lips, this day, and, if you vex me + much more, another this night too;” and as he spoke, with a face of + good-humor and affection, he contrived to suit the action to the word, + after which Letty sprang beyond his reach, but pausing a moment ere she + disappeared. “Jerry, listen,” she proceeded, “don't let Mr. M'Carthy come + to harm either by night or day, if you can—still an' all remember + that your own life is a dearer one—to—to—yourself, at + any rate, than anybody else's is.” + </p> + <p> + Jerry nodded, and was about once more to lessen the distance between + himself and her, when she immediately took to flight and disappeared, + which was precisely what he wanted. + </p> + <p> + “God protect the young man!” he exclaimed, after she had gone, “for if + that sleeveen villain is bent on doin' him harm, or, as I ought to say, of + bringin' him among them, and especially to him that hates him like hell, + this is the very night for it, and he has him on the spot too; well, we'll + see whether they'll be back in time or not, for as Mr. M'Carthy is to dine + here, Mogue at any rate must and ought to be home a little before dusk. + I'll make preparation, however, and what can be done for him, I will do.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime we shall follow our two sportsmen into the mountains for a + time, in order to render justice to poor innocent Mogue, who little dreamt + that a human being had suspected him. + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy, on entering the mountain, at first expressed a doubt to his + companion that the circuit or sweep road by Shaun Bernha's stables was + rather extensive, and would occupy too much time, besides bringing them + farther out of their way than it was his (M'Carthy's) intention to go. + </p> + <p> + “You know, Mogue,” he observed, “I am to dine with Mr. Purcel to-day, and, + if we go so far, I shall never be home in time for dinner.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/plate421.jpg" alt="Page 421-- Just Trust Yourself to Me " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + “Never mind, sir,” replied his companion, “you don't know all the short + cuts of Sloebeens as well as I do. My life for yours, I'll take care that + you won't want your dinner or your supper aither, sir, I'll go bail. Just + trust yourself to me, and if I don't bring you to where the grouse, + snipes, and hares is in thousands, never put faith in me again.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy, who had every confidence in Mogue, and, also, more than usual + respect for him, in consequence of his apparent love of truth and + religion, accompanied him without the slightest hesitation; feeling + satisfied that his intimate acquaintance with the whole wild locality + around them, was a proof that he would be able to keep his word. + </p> + <p> + The scenery of those mountains, though wild, as we have said, is, + nevertheless, remarkable for that poetic spirit of beauty which our + learned and accomplished countryman, Dr. Petrie, infused, with such + delightful effect, into his landscapes. Even the long stretches of level + moor, which lie between the hill ranges, present in summer that air of + warm repose which the mind recognizes as constituting a strong element of + beauty; but it is at evening, when the crimson sun pours a flood of golden + light upon their sides and tops, turning the rich flowery heath with which + they are covered into hues of deep purple, that the eye delights to rest + upon them. Nor is the wild charm of solitude to be forgotten in alluding + to the character of these soft and gracefully undulating mountains. Indeed + we scarcely knew anything more replete with those dream-like impressions + of picturesque romance which, in a spirit so perfectly solitary, sleep, + still and solemn, far from the on-goings of busy life, in the distant + recesses of these barren solitudes. Many a time when young have we made + our summer journey across the brown hills, which lay between us and the + mountains we are describing, for the express purpose of dreaming away + whole hours in their contemplation, and steeping our early imagination in + the wild and novel beauty which our heart told us the spirit of solitude + had impressed upon them. + </p> + <p> + How far our sportsmen proceeded, or in, what precise direction, we are not + in a capacity to inform our readers. That they proceeded much further, + however, than M'Carthy had wished or contemplated, will soon become + sufficiently evident. What kind of sport they had, or whether successful + or otherwise, it is not our present purpose to say. Be the game abundant + or scarce, we leave them to pursue it, and request the reader to accompany + us in a direction somewhat removed, but not very far different from + theirs. + </p> + <p> + It may be necessary, however, to state here previously, that these + mountains are remarkably—indeed proverbially—subject to deep, + impervious mists, which wrap them in a darkness far more impenetrable to + the eye than the darkest nights, and immeasurably more confounding to the + reason, by at once depriving the individual whom they chance to overtake, + of all sense of his relative position. At night the moon and stars may be + seen, or even a fire or other light at a distance; but here, whilst + enveloped in one of those dark and dismal fogs, no earthly object is seen + within two yards of you, and every step made is replete with doubt or + danger, and frequently with death itself, in the shape of deep shoreless + lakes and abrupt precipices. The night had now set in for about two hours, + and one of the deep fogs which we have just described began to break into + broad gray fragments, which were driven by the wind into the deeper + hollows, dissipated almost at once into the thin and invisible air. + Sometimes a rush of wind would sweep along like a gigantic arrow, running + through the mist, and leaving a rapid track behind it like a pathway. + Sometimes again a whirl-blast would sweep round a hill, or rush up from a + narrow gorge, carrying round, in wild and fantastic gyrations, large + masses of the apparently solid mist, giving thus to the scene such an + appearance as would lead the spectator to suppose that some invisible + being or beings, of stupendous power, were engaged in these fearful + solitudes. + </p> + <p> + The night, we have said, had set in, and the mist was clearing, or had + altogether cleared away. Up far in these mountains lived a herd, or + caretaker and gamekeeper, all in one, named Frank Finnerty. He was a man + of bad character—gloomy, sullen, and possessed of very little + natural feeling. The situation in which he resided was so remote and + solitary, so far from the comforts and conveniences that are derived from + human intercourse, that scarcely any other man in the parish could be + induced to undertake the duties attached to it, or consent to live in it + at all. Finnerty, however, was a dark, unsocial man, who knew that he was + not liked in the country, and who, on his part, paid back to society its + hatred of him with interest. He had been engaged in many outrages against + the law, and had been once sentenced to transportation for manslaughter—a + sentence which would have been carried into effect were it not for a point + made m his case by the lawyer who defended him—His wife was a + kind-hearted, benevolent woman naturally, but she had been for years so + completely subdued and disjointed, that she was, at the period we write + of, a poor, passive, imbecile creature, indifferent to everything, and + with no more will of her own than was necessary to fulfil the duties of + mere mechanical existence. + </p> + <p> + It was now near ten o'clock; Finnerty and she had been sitting at the fire + in silence for some time, when at length she spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hope there was no one out on the mountains in that mist.” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said he, “what is it to you or me whether there was or not?” + </p> + <p> + “That's thrue,” she replied, “but one wouldn't like any harm to come to a + fellow-creature.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me,” he exclaimed, in harsh tones of hatred and irony, “how fond you + are of your fellow-cratures to-night! little your fellow-cratures care + about you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, indeed, I suppose that's thrue enough, Frank; what 'ud make them + care about me or the likes o' me, and for all that whether they may think + o' me now, I remimber the time when they did care about me, and when I was + loved and respected by all that knew me.” + </p> + <p> + There was a touching humility, and a feeble but heart-broken effort at + self-respect in the poor woman's words and manner that were pitiful and + pathetic to the last degree, and which even Finnerty himself was obliged + to acknowledge. + </p> + <p> + “But where's the use of thinking about these things now,” he replied; “it + isn't what we were then, Vread, but what we are now, that we ought to + think of.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sure, Frank,” said the simple-minded creature, “one cannot prevint + the memory from, goin' back to the early times, when we wor happy, and + when the world was no trouble to us.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, and after a little she added, “I dunna is the night + clearin'?” + </p> + <p> + Finnerty rose, and proceeding to the door, looked out a moment, then went + to the corner of the house to get a better view of the sky, after which he + returned. + </p> + <p> + “The mist is gone,” he observed, “from the mountains, and I suppose the + boys will soon begin to come.” + </p> + <p> + “Throth, Frank,” she replied, “I hate these nightly meetin's that you + hould here—all this plottin' and plannin' isn't nor can't be good.” + </p> + <p> + “You hate them! an' who the ould diaoul cares whether you do or not? I + allow them this house to meet in, bekaise it's large and far from the + polis. A house down in the country, where they might pop in on them, + wouldn't be so safe; here, however, no one would suspect them of meetin', + and from the way the house is situated, no one could come upon us widout + bein' known or seen. You hate! that indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “An' what do they meet for, Frank? if it's a fair question!” + </p> + <p> + “It's not a fair question, an' you have no business to ax; still if you + want to know, and if it can make you anything the wiser, you shall hear. + It's to break a Millstone they meet.” + </p> + <p> + “To brake a millstone, <i>inngh!</i> Oh, sorra a word of that I believe. + Sure there's no millstone here?—if you want to break millstones you + must go farther up—to Carnmore, where they make them. Sorra + millstone's here, I know.” + </p> + <p> + “You know—oh, how much you know! I tell you, there's a great + Millstone that covers and grinds the whole kingdom, or at least the + greatest parts of it—that's the Millstone we want to brake, and that + we will brake.” + </p> + <p> + “When did you hear from Mark Ratigan, or see him?” + </p> + <p> + “Mark Ratigan is snug and comfortable as a laborin' boy wid Magistrate + Driscol that's in—hem—but listen to me, now if you should meet + Mark anywhere down the country, you're neither to call him Mark nor + Ratigan, otherwise you may be the manes of hangin' the poor boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Throth, an' by all accounts, he'll come to the gallows yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and many a betther man did. I expect him and Hourigan both here + tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “An' what name does he go by now?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “By the name of Phil Hart; and remember when there's any stranger present, + you're never to call him anything else—but above all things, and + upon the peril of your life, never call him Mark Ratigan.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you think,” replied his wife, “that I won't take care not to do + it? But, Frank, tell me what was Mogue Moylan doin' here the night before + last?” + </p> + <p> + “Only to let me know that he and a Misthor M'Carthy—a great friend + of his and of two good creatures—Magistrate Driscol and Procthor + Purcel—wor to come out shootin' on the mountains to-day and to ax if + I would prevent them.” + </p> + <p> + “An' did you give them lave?” she inquired. + </p> + <p> + A very peculiar expression passed over the dark grim features of her + husband. “Did I give them lave?” he replied; “well, indeed, you may take + your davy, I did. Why would I refuse a dacent gintleman, and a friend of + Mogue Moylan's lave to shoot? Poor dacent Mogue, too, that loves thruth + and religion so well—ha! ha! ha!—whisht!—here's some + one.” + </p> + <p> + The words were scarcely uttered, when our friends, M'Carthy and Mogue, + made their appearance in the caretaker's house, both evidently in a + fatigued state, especially M'Carthy, who had not been so well accustomed + to travel over mountain scenery as his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, blessed be God that we have got the roof of a house over us at + last!” exclaimed Mogue. “Frank Finnerty, how are you? an' Vread, achora, + not forgettin' you—my hand to you both, but we're lost—especially + this gentleman, Mr. M'Carthy—a great friend of Mr. O'Driscol's and + Procthor Parcel's—but a betther man than either o' them, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “I am fairly knocked up, I admit,” said M'Carthy—“in fact, I am more + jaded than I ever was in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Take a chair, sir,” said Finnerty; “you are welcome at all events, and I + am glad to see you, or any friend of Mogue's; take this chair, sir—and—here, + Mogue, do you take a stool; you must be both in a sad state, sure enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Frank,” replied Mogue, “oh, then, bad cess to it for a dirty + mist—God pardon me for cursin' the poor mist though, for sure it + wasn't it's fault, the crathur of a mist we oughn't to curse anything that + God has made, but indeed I'm a great sinner that way, God forgive me; + howandever as I was sayin', only for it afther all, Mr. Francis, it's + atin' your comfortable dinner, or rayther drinkin' your fine wine you'd be + now at Mr. Purcel's illigant table, instead of bein' here as you are, + however, sure it's good to have a house over our heads any way.” + </p> + <p> + Finnerty and his wife heaped more turf on the fire, and the poor woman, + with that kind spirit of hospitality and sympathy for which her + countrywomen are so remarkable, told them that they must necessarily be + hungry, and said she would lose no time in providing them with + refreshment. + </p> + <p> + “Many thanks,” replied M'Carthy, “it is not refreshment, but rest we + require; we have had more refreshments of every kind with us than he could + use, and it is well we were so provident, otherwise we never would or + could have reached even this house alive. Such a day I have never spent—we + have done nothing but wade through this d—d mist for the last six or + eight hours, without the slightest knowledge of whereabout we were.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, Mr. Francis, sure it's one comfort that we're safe at all + events,” said Mogue; “only I'm frettin' myself about the onaisiness + they'll all feel at home, I mane in Mr. Purcel's, about you. Do you know + now, that a thought strikes me, sir; I'm fresher than you are a good. + deal. Now what if I'd run home and make their minds aisy in the first + place, and get Jerry Joyce to bring the car up for you as far as the + mountain road? You can rest yourself here in the manetime, and Frank + Finnerty will see you safe that far. I'll carry the gun and things with me + too—so that you'll have a lighter tramp down the hills.” + </p> + <p> + This arrangement was precisely what M'Carthy could have wished. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mogue, for thinking of this—you are a considerate kind + fellow, and I cordially admit that I owe my life to you this day. Had you + not been with me I must have lost my way and perished in the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + Mogue and Finnerty exchanged glances, which, however, did not escape the + observation of the wife, who thoroughly understood those changes of + expression, which reflected her husband's darker and sterner purposes. + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, Misther Frank, that I may be happy but I am glad I was with + you, so I am, for indeed only for me I don't think, sure enough, that ever + you'd see this house to-night. There's some spirits left here still, and + as I'm for another stretch, I don't think a glass of it will do me, or for + that matther, Frank Finnerty here, any harm. You can see me down the hills + a piece, Frank; and you, Mr. Francis, might throw yourself on the bed a + while, and get an hour's sleep or so.” + </p> + <p> + This too was agreed to—Mogue and Finnerty took each a glass of + whiskey, as did Mrs. Finnerty, by permission of her husband, and in a few + minutes she and M'Carthy were left by themselves. + </p> + <p> + After the two worthies had been gone a few minutes, she proceeded to the + door, and as the night had now become tolerably light, she looked out, but + with a great deal of caution. At first she saw no person, but in walking + in the shadow of the house, along! the sidewall to the left, she was able + to observe five or six persons coming towards her husband and Moylan in a + body; she saw that they stopped and were in close conversation, pointing + frequently towards the house as they spoke. She returned to M'Carthy with + the same caution, and, approaching him, was about to speak, when dread of + her husband supervened for the moment, and she paused like a person in + doubt. The peculiar glare and the satanic smile which her husband gave to + Mogue, who, by the way, seemed perfectly to understand it, oppressed her + with an indistinct sense of approaching evil which she could neither shake + off, nor separate from the strange gentleman to whom their glances + evidently referred. She remembered also to have heard her husband say upon + one occasion when he was drunk, that Mogue Moylan was the deepest villain + in the barony—ay, or in the kingdom; and that only for his cowardice + he would be a man after his own heart. 'Twas true, she knew that he had + contradicted all this afterwards when he got sober, and said it was the + liquor that caused him to speak as he did, that Mogue was a good + kind-hearted crature, who loved truth, and was one of the most religious + boys among them. + </p> + <p> + This, however, did not satisfy her; the impression of some meditated evil + against their temporary guest was too strong to be disregarded, and on + recollecting that Mogue had been up with her husband only the evening but + one before, as if to prepare him for something unusual, the conviction + arose to an alarming height. + </p> + <p> + We have said that this woman was a poor passive creature, whose life was a + mere round of almost mechanical action. This, to be sure, so far as + regarded her own domestic duties, and in general every matter in which her + husband's opinions and her own could clash, was perfectly true. She was + naturally devoid, however, of neither heart nor intellect, when any of her + fellow-creatures happened to come within the range of her husband's enmity + or vengeance, as well as upon other occasions too, and it was well known + that she had given strong proofs of this. Her life in general appeared to + be one long lull, but, notwithstanding its quietude, there was, under + circumstances of crime or danger, the brooding storm ready to start up + into action. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said she, on returning into the house, “I'm a plain and ignorant + woman, so that you needn't feel surprised or alarmed at anything I am + goin' to say. I hope you will pardon me, sir, when I ax if you seen my + husband before, or if you know him either more or less?” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy did feel surprised, and replied in the negative to both points of + her question—“I do not know your husband,” he said, “nor have I to + my knowledge ever seen him until to-night; may I beg to inquire why you + ask?” + </p> + <p> + “It's not worth your while,” she replied, “it was a mere thought that came + into my head: but you and Mogue Moylan never had a dispute, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what can put such a notion into your head, my good woman? Certainly + not. Mogue and I have been always on the best of terms.” + </p> + <p> + She paused again for some minutes, after which, she said, in a voice not + audible. + </p> + <p> + “There's something in the wind for all that. + </p> + <p> + “Sir.” she proceeded, “you'll think me odd, but will you let me ax if you + wor ever threatened or put on your guard, of if you know of any enemy you + have that would wish to injure you?” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy now started, and, looking at her with a gaze of equal curiosity + and astonishment, replied, “Your language, my good woman, is beyond doubt + very strange—why do you ask me these questions?” + </p> + <p> + “Answer me first, if you plaise,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + “I have certainly been put on my guard,” he returned, “and informed that I + ought to be cautious, for that I had an enemy and that danger was before + me.” + </p> + <p> + “When, and in what way did this happen?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall make no further communication on the subject,” he replied, “until + you speak more plainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” she proceeded, “I'm afeard there's danger over you this night, if + God hasn't said it.” + </p> + <p> + “Not, I trust, while I am under the protection of your husband and Mogue + Moylan.” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. “If you haven't something better to depend upon, I + wouldn't think myself overly safe; but you didn't answer the last question + I axed you. How wor you warned, and who warned you?” + </p> + <p> + He then gave her a brief account of the rencounter he had with the + Whiteboys, and alluded to the unknown but friendly individual who had put + him on his guard. + </p> + <p> + “I knew it,” she exclaimed, “I knew it; I couldn't mistake the look that + passed between them. Now, in God's name,” she said, “if you're able to + drag a limb afther you at all, start out o' this and save yourself, and, + let what will happen, I entreat, for the love of God, that you won't + mention my name.” + </p> + <p> + This he faithfully promised; “But,” replied he to her warning, “I really + am not able to escape, and I cannot think that your husband would injure a + man who never offended him.” + </p> + <p> + “But that's not the way they do sich things; it's not the man you offended + that will injure you, but some blackguard stranger that he gets to do it + for him, and that you'll know nothing about. In God's name, I say, be off + out o' this. Even as a stranger you can hardly be safe, and if you wish to + know why, whisper,” and she spoke so low as only barely to be heard, + “there's a meeting of Whiteboys to be here to-night; anyhow, you're the + friend of O'Driscol and Procthor Purcel, and that same would be enough to + make them give you a knock. Don't face home,” said she, “or you'll be + likely to meet them, but take the mountains wanst more on your head. Get + out upon the road at Altanaveenan and you may be safe. God of Glory!” she + exclaimed, “here they are—but watch my face and be guided by me—here, + throw yourself into that bed below and pretend to sleep—I'll do what + woman can, but I'm afeared we lost our chance.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy distinctly heard them laughing as they approached the door, and, + in accordance with the advice he had got, he went to the lower part of the + house and lay down on the bed, where he closed his eyes and breathed like + one asleep. He now began to investigate Mogue's conduct, in persisting to + bring him by so circuitous a sweep such a distance out of his way, and + decidedly contrary to his wishes. He hesitated, however, to inculpate + Mogue, who certainly could not have anticipated or brought on the fog, + which had occasioned them to wander for such a length of time among the + mountains. Then, on the other hand, he deprived him of his gun and + ammunition, but might not that also have been from motives of kindness? + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, eight or ten men came into the house each and all with + their faces blackened, and some of them as before wearing shirts outside + their dress; and this he could see from the position of the bed where he + lay. The chat among themselves and with Mrs. Finnerty was not, as is the + case in romances, either mysterious or awful. On the contrary, it was + light and pleasant, and by no means calculated to heighten McCarthy's + fears; who, to say truth, however, although resolute and full of courage, + would as lief been spending the evening with his friend the proctor. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Vread,” said one of them, “any news in the mountains?” + </p> + <p> + “News in the mountains!” exclaimed Vread, “well, indeed, that's good.” + </p> + <p> + “Any deaths or marriages among the grouse, eh?” + </p> + <p> + Vread, as we have said, had got a glass of spirits, a circumstance which, + to a low heart but a kind one like hers, may probably have accounted for a + portion of her energy, as well as of her sympathy with the apprehended + danger to M'Carthy. + </p> + <p> + “Troth,” she replied, with more vivacity than might have been expected + from her, “when you spake to a dacent woman it ought to be with a clane + face at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Vread, how can you say it's dirty,” replied the fellow, “when you + know I washed it before I came out?” + </p> + <p> + “It must be in the divil's basin, then,” she replied, “for if one can + judge by their eyes, you're more like one of his childre than your honest + father's, whoever he was or is. Troth, I'm afeard it's a dirty business + you're; all about to-night, if a body is to take you by your looks.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then,” observed another, “who 'ud think that poor die-away Vread had + so much spunk in her? Vread,” he proceeded, “you must a been a great + beauty wanst upon a time; a very purty face you had, they say.” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever it was,” she replied, “I thank God I was never ashamed to show + it like too many of my neighbors.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't be too sure that we're your neighbors, Vread.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, I hope not,” she returned; “I don't think my neighbors 'ud be + consarned in sich disgraceful work, as I'm afraid brings yez out. Faugh + upon you all! its unmanly.” + </p> + <p> + Her husband, accompanied by six or eight more, now made his appearance; a + circumstance which at once put an end to the part that his wife was + disposed to bear in their conversation. + </p> + <p> + Other chat of various character then took place, in which, however, + M'Carthy, who now watched them closely, could observe that they did not + all join. + </p> + <p> + “Whisht,” said one of them, “is there anybody asleep in the house? I think + I hear some one snorin!” + </p> + <p> + “There is,” said Finnerty, “a gentleman that was out shootin' to-day wid a + servant-man of Mr. Parcel's the procthor—named Mogue Moylan.” + </p> + <p> + “And a very great scoundrel is Mogue Moylan,” said one of them, with a + wink at the rest. + </p> + <p> + “Well, no,” said Finnerty, “I think not—poor Mogue's a daecnt, quiet + crature, and has a great regard for truth and religion.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy, from his position the bed, had, by means of a fortunate rift in + the blankets, a complete view of the whole party, and he could mark with + accuracy, in consequence of their black faces, every grin now made + distinctly visible by their white teeth. + </p> + <p> + “Who is the gentleman that snores so beautifully?” asked another of them. + </p> + <p> + “He is a gentleman named O'Connor,” replied poor Vread, anxious, if + possible, even at the risk of much subsequent abuse and ill-treatment, to + conceal his name. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Finnerty, corroborating her; much, indeed, to her astonishment, + “he is a Mr. O'Connor, I believe, a very handsome-lookin', fine young + fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “What the blazes,” said another of them, “keeps him? Surely he ought to be + here before now. Had Mr. O'Connor good sport?” + </p> + <p> + “How could he,” replied Finnerty, “wid the fog that was on the mountains?” + </p> + <p> + At this moment an individual made his appearance, whom it was impossible + to look upon without being most forcibly struck by his figure. He was a + broad-shouldered, muscular, powerful man, with immensely large limbs; his + hair was black, and a huge pair of whiskers of the same color stretched + across his cheeks, met at his chin, and ran down in an unbroken line round + a huge and remarkably well-set neck. The moment he entered, and before he + had time to speak, two or three of them instantly placed their fingers + significantly upon their lips, as if to indicate silence, apprehensive, as + M'Carthy at the time thought, lest his voice might be recognised. Another + of them then whispered something to him, and whatever the secret was, it + caused him to glance for a moment, and involuntarily, towards the bed. All + that he spoke afterwards was uttered in whispers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X.—The Sport Continued. + </h2> + <p> + Finnerty's house, which had been built for more purposes than were + necessary for the accommodation of a caretaker or gamekeeper, was simply a + plain apartment, tolerably large, with room enough in it for a couple of + beds; to this was added a shooting-lodge for the owner of the mountains, + which consisted of three or four bed-rooms opening from a well-sized + dining-room, and a kitchen distinct from the apartment which constituted + the dwelling of the gamekeeper, being that which Finnerty, as such, then + occupied. It was in the dining-room of the shooting-lodge that the + Whiteboy meetings were uniformly held, although of late it had been usual + for those who attended them to sit in Finnerty's house until the hour had + arrived for commencing business, when they adjourned to the other. We + should say that the gamekeeper's house, though under the same roof, as it + is termed, with the shooting-lodge, was distinct from it in other + respects; that is to say, there was no internal communication between them. + </p> + <p> + “Who was that fellow that we met with you a while ago?” asked one of them + a second time, as if having forgotten his name. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Mogue Moylan,” replied Finnerty, “and sadly bate down he was wid + this day's Work; I advised him to go to bed as soon as he could, and + refresh himself by a good sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Advise!” said a voice, that almost made M'Carthy start, “it's aisier to + give good advice than it is to take it; Mogue's not the only fool in this + world that won't take good advice when it's given.” + </p> + <p> + There could be no mistaking his voice. M'Carthy at once recognized that of + the unknown friend who had warned him of danger on the night he + encountered the Whiteboys, as already described. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” proceeded he, “it is time we should commence business and settle + the affairs of the nation at wanst; throth,” he added, with a laugh, “if I + was the same nation, and had a pair of good legs undher me—” + </p> + <p> + “Of what?” said the person with the black whiskers, who was evidently + their leader, “of what?” + </p> + <p> + “Of ginerals like Bonnypart and Sarsfield, I'd soon have the country clear + and the millstone pavin' the roads under our feet, as it will be before + long, plaise God. Come, then, to business.” + </p> + <p> + They accordingly proceeded to the adjoining house, with the exception of + Finnerty himself, who, whether for the sake of safety, or rather for the + purpose of watching M'Carthy, remained at his own fireside. His wife, on + seeing this, pretended to be engaged with some domestic matter about the + dresser, on which she placed a freshly lit rushlight, and availing herself + of her position behind the back of her husband, who sat with his face + towards the bed, she slightly raised her hands and eyes, as if to intimate + that escape, she feared, was impossible. + </p> + <p> + It is incredible, the reaction which a new sensation, especially of joy or + terror, or, indeed, of any feeling that is strong, superinduces upon the + spirit, under circumstances of peculiar danger or interest. M'Carthy's + fatigue, for instance, had now as completely departed from him as if he + had not been abroad that day, and in consequence of the significant hint + which he had received through the voice of his mysterious friend, he felt + that if an opportunity were only offered him he would use the two legs to + which his friend had alluded, when checked by the stern voice of their + leader, with as much agility as ever they possessed during his life. It + was this hint which made him feel certain, for the first time, that he was + in imminent danger. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour had now elasped, and it was evident, from the listening + attitudes and frequent stortings of Finnerty, that the debate in the lodge + was high and serious. At length, one of the society hurriedly made his + appearance, exclaiming; in a kind of condensed and agitated whisper, “Come + in and help us—they won't stand the thing, there's only three for + us.” Finnerty took the candle; and, after signing to the person to go out, + brought it close to M'Carthy's eyes, who opened his mouth and assumed with + singular success all the deep insensible relaxation which characterizes + heavy sleep. Finnerty even shook him, and said, “Hadn't you better get up, + sir, and come to meet the car?” He addressed a log, however, and after + another more careless and evidently satisfied glance, he laid down the + candle, and then said to his wife, in a whisper, which, however, M'Carthy + could hear; “The moment he wakens let us know.” + </p> + <p> + Vread, who would not seem to attach any importance to the circumstance, + simply nodded, by way of acquiescence, and her husband, went to join those + in the lodge. + </p> + <p> + In every country whose political, commercial, or social relations, are not + properly settled, or in which there exists a struggle between the + principles at variance with civil order and those of enlightened progress, + there will always be found a considerable portion of the population ripe + and ready for violence and crime. This is an undisputable fact, and one + the more dangerous too, inasmuch as crime is usually stripped by these + misguided wretches of its inherent guilt, and looked upon as a necessary + instrument, or, in other words, as a means to work out an end. It is true, + the relative portion of the reckless and guilty is, in this country at + least, considering its population, exceedingly small, for we all know how + miserable the number of those who are at any time necessary to involve the + character of a district at large, or inculpate the moral reputation of a + whole country. At the same time, we must unquestionably admit, that, if we + contrast the population of the country at large, and the frequency of + crime in it, joined to its character of cool and deliberate atrocity, with + that of the sister countries, we must candidly acknowledge, that the + conduct of the people, even taking the proportions I have mentioned into + consideration, is not only without parallel in modern times, but that + religion is not merely a name, but, in every sense, incapable, whether by + its internal spirit or maladministration, of discharging to society those + great functional duties which mankind have a right to expect from it. But + now to return. + </p> + <p> + Finnerty had joined the meeting; his wife, approaching M'Carthy, said, in + a low whisper— + </p> + <p> + “They have some argument about you, whatever it is. However, with God's + assistance, I'll venthur to do a thing that may be dangerous enough to + myself, at any rate; but what do I care about that, if I can save an + unoffendin' fellow-creature from harm?—Stay where you are then, till + I come in again.” + </p> + <p> + She went out as she spoke, and after an? interval of about six or eight + minutes again made her appearance. + </p> + <p> + “I can't hear them plain enough,” she said, on her return, “but whatever + it is, I can undherstan' that the most of them all is against it. In God's + name, at any rate, stay where you are—they're risin' to go home, and + as the night's light they'd be sure to pounce upon you if you attempted to + escape. Whatever I can do to save you from harm here I will.” + </p> + <p> + The poor woman's escape from detection, while performing the friendly + office of listening, was indeed very narrow. Short and hurried as her last + advice to M'Carthy was, the words in which she conveyed it had scarcely + been uttered, when her husband, accompanied by three persons, their faces + still blackened, made his appearance. They took seats in silence around + the fire, and one of them, handing over a bottle of whiskey to Finnerty, + merely nodded, as much as to say, pass that about. Finnerty accordingly + did so, and each of them drank a glass or two, after which they were + silent as before. This silence, to M'Carthy, began to wear a solemn and a + fearful aspect, especially as he knew enough of the habits of the people + to be aware, that in drinking whiskey is often resorted to in order to + deaden their moral, perceptions, or, in other words, as a stimulant to + crime. + </p> + <p> + At length, after about a quarter of an hour had elapsed, and three of them—that + is to say, two of the strangers and Finnerty—had each drank three + glasses of spirits, the fourth, who had taken only one glass, beckoned to + the other two to follow him. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said he, “they are all gone, and the coast is clear.” + </p> + <p> + In this man's voice, M'Carthy, to his infinite delight, once more + recognized that of his unknown well-wisher. Be this as it may, he and the + other two left the house, and, as the reader is no doubt interested in + their movements, we shall permit him to follow them to the dining-room of + the shooting-lodge, where the meeting had just been held. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then,” he proceeded, “it is so best, as none of us can become + a traitor against the rest. Shew me your pistols; for, as I'm an ould + soger, I'll regulate them for you better than you'll be able to do + yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + He accordingly took their pistols, examined them closely, fixed the powder + in the pans, adding' a fresh supply of priming from a little goat's horn + which he carried in his-pocket. He then took out his own, which he simply + looked at, and again returned to his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said he, “our best plan is to take him about the small o' the back, + when he's before us, one only at a time; you,” said he, addressing the + tallest, “will fire first; you,”—to the other—“next if he + misses him; and, as I'm the boy that doesn't miss my mark, I'll take him + down, never fear, if he should escape either of you. Come now, let us go + in and get him to his legs, that we may start.” + </p> + <p> + On making their appearance again, Finnerty approached M'Carthy, and + exclaimed as before, but on this occasion with a loud and earnest voice, + “Come, sir, get up if you plaise; it's time for you to meet the car.” To + this M'Carthy made no reply. + </p> + <p> + “Come, sir,” repeated Finnerty, “bounce; hillo, I say, Mr. M'Carthy; up + wid you, sir, the car will be waitin' for you;” and he gave him a slap on + the shoulder as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo!” exclaimed the pretended sleeper, “have a care—easy,' easy—what's + that? who are you?—eh—aw—oh, dear me, where am I?” + </p> + <p> + “In a friend's house, sir; get up, you know Mr. Purcel's car is waitin' + for you at the mountain road below.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy started to his feet, and on looking about him, exclaimed, “How is + this, Finnerty? why are the faces of these men blackened?” + </p> + <p> + “Never you mind that, sir,” replied Finnerty, “they are two or three poor + fellows that's on their keepin' in regard to havin' paid their tithes + against the will o' the people; an' they don't wish to be known, that's + all.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied M'Carthy, “that's their own affair, and neither yours nor + mine, Finnerty. Come, then, are you ready? for I am.” + </p> + <p> + “These boys, Mr. M'Carthy, has promised to take the best care of you while + in their company, an' as they're goin' to the mountain road, where your're + to meet the car, they'll bring you safe, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Most certainly not, Finnerty,” replied the other; “I shall be escorted by + no person or persons ashamed to show their faces. If you refuse to come, + you break your word with me; but, in any event, I shall not travel with + these men. I am too well aware of the disturbed state of the country, and + that, being a friend of Mr. Purcel, I may not be popular. I consider + myself, however, under your protection and under the protection of your + roof, and for this reason I shall hold you accountable for my safety; and, + at all events, unless you insist on expelling me, I shall remain where I + am until morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, if you insist upon it, I'll go,” replied Finnerty, and four friends + about you will be betther and safer than one; but in troth, to tell you + the truth, Mr. M'Carthy, I'm a'most fairly knocked up myself, havin' been + down the counthry and through the hills the greater part of the day. I + have a great number of cattle to look afther, an' am seldom off my foot.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't, sir,” said his wife, in tones which were now perfectly + intelligible to him, “don't ax poor Frank to go wid you tonight; you'll be + as well widout him, especially as the night's so bright and clear; he's + tired indeed, and, be the same token, I don't like to be here in the + clouds of the night, wid nobody wid me but myself.” + </p> + <p> + “If you're a gentlemen, sir,” said the friendly voice, “you won't take + this honest man from his wife at such an hour o' the night. If you take my + advice too, I'd recommend you to come along wid ourselves at wanst.” + </p> + <p> + There was no mistaking the friendly voice embodied in these words, as well + as in those of Mrs. Finnerty. M'Carthy accordingly replied:— + </p> + <p> + “Very, well, Finnerty, I will proceed with these men. I should indeed be + sorry to cause you any additional fatigue, or to fetch you from your house + at such an hour. I will therefore put myself under the protection and + guidance of these worthy fellows, who, I hope, will remember that although + a friend to Mr. Purcel personally, yet I am none to any harshness he may + have resorted to for the recovery of his tithes.” + </p> + <p> + “There's nobody here,” replied the still friendly voice, “inclined to + offer you any offense, bekaise you happen to be a friend to Mr. Purcel”—and + there was a marked emphasis laid upon the name—“so now,” the voice + proceeded, “you may make your mind aisy on that head.” + </p> + <p> + A singular but significant laugh proceeded, from the other two, which, + however, was repressed by a glance from “the friend,” who said, “Come, + boys, turn out; now, sir, the sooner we get over this journey the + betther.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Finnerty,” said M'Carthy, “many thanks for the hospitable shelter + of your house, and to you also, Mrs. Finnerty, for your kindness and the + trouble I have occasioned you.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Finnerty's voice had now nearly abandoned her; and, as our young + sportsman, after having shaken hands with her husband, now paid that + compliment to herself, he perceived that the poor creature's hand was + literally passive and cold as ice, whilst the words she attempted to utter + literally died away unspoken on her lips. + </p> + <p> + Having got about a mile from the house, his unknown friend began to become + loquacious, and related several anecdotes of successful escape from the + meshes and minions of the law, a theme in which his two companions seemed + to take singular delight; for they laughed immoderately at every recorded + victory in outwitting the legal functionaries aforesaid. + </p> + <p> + “I was wanst upon a time,” he proceeded, “taken up for a resky; (* a + rescue) the case bein' you see, that we wanted the rent and the landlord + wanted patience; so begad, at any rate, we gev the bloody bailiffs a + thrifle for themselves, and the consequence was that we brought the cows + back to a neighbor's place that belonged to another property, and the four + bailiffs, poor creatures, lay upon the ground lookin' at us, an' never + said ill we did it, for a raison they had; do you undherstand, boys?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, we do undherstand; the bloddy thieves; divil break his neck that + invinted rint, anyhow; sure there's no harm in wishin' that, the villain.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, an' tides,” (* Tithes) replied the other; “however, we'll settle that + first, and then the rents will soon follow them; an' sure there's no harm + in that aither.” + </p> + <p> + “Well an' good:—no, divil a harm's in it;—well an' good: to + make a long story short, they grabbed me in a house up in the mountains—not + unlike Finnerty's, I think that's his name—where I was on my + keepin'; so what 'ud you have of it, but we were comin' acrass the hills, + jist as it might be said we are now—only there's none of us a + prisoner, thank goodness—hem! Well, I said to myself, hit or miss, + I'll thry it; I have a pair o' legs, an' it won't be my fault or I'll put + them to the best use: an' for that raison it'll be divil take the hindmost + wid us. Now listen, boys; I started off, an' one fellow that had a pistol + let bang at me, but long life to the pistol, divil a one of it would go + off; bang again came the other chap's, but 'twas ditto repaited, and no go + any more than the other. Well, do you know now, that the third fellow—for + there was only three af them, I must tell you—the third fellow, I'm + inclined to think, was a friend at bottom; for the devil a one of him + struv to break his heart in overtakin' me. Well, by that manes, I say, I + got off from two of as double-distilled villains as ever wor born to die + by suspin-sion.” + </p> + <p> + This narrative, the spirit of which was so acceptable to his two + companions, and, if truth must be told, equally so to the third, was + treasured up by M'Carthy, who felt that it ingeniously but cautiously + pointed out to him the course he should adopt under his own peculiar + circumstances. The consequence was, that on coming within about a couple + of furlongs of a dark, narrow, thickly-wooded glen, through which he knew + they must pass, he bolted off at the top of his speed, which, although + very considerable for a man whose strength had been so completely + exhausted by fatigue and the unusual slavery of that day's wandering + through the mountains, was, notwithstanding, such as would never have + enabled him to escape from his companions. + </p> + <p> + He had not gone a perch when the click of a pistol was heard, but no + report; the fact having been, that the pistol missed fire, and did not go + off. + </p> + <p> + “D—n your blood!” exclaimed the “friend” to the other, “fire, and + don't let him escape;” the ruffian did so when click No. 2 was heard, but + as before no report. + </p> + <p> + “Aisy,” said the fellow who had fired first, pulling out a long Spanish + dagger; “an inch or two of this is as safe as a bullet, any day; and by + japers he won't escape it.” He sprang after M'Carthy as he spoke, followed + by his companion. The third man stepped a pace or two to the right, and + levelling a long double-barrelled pistol, deliberately fired, when + McCarthy's first pursuer fell; the second man, however, with that + remarkable, quickness of wit which characterizes the Irish, in their + outrages as well as in their pastimes, suddenly stooped, and taking the + dreadful dagger out of the hands of the wounded man, continued the pursuit + bounding after his foe with a spirit of vengeance and ferocity, now raised + to the highest pitch. The stranger, seeing that M'Carthy was still in + equal danger if not in still greater, for the now infuriated ruffian was + gaining upon him, once more levelled his pistol—fired—and, as + before, down came the intended assassin. He himself then sprang forward, + as if in pursuit of M'Carthy, exclaiming, “Hell and fury, why did yez keep + between me and him—I think he's hit; give me that dagger, and I'll + go bail I'll make his body soon put six inches of it out of sight,” and + having uttered, these words, he rushed forward, as if in pursuit of their + victim. + </p> + <p> + After he had left them, the following brief dialogue took place between + these two worthies:— + </p> + <p> + “Hourigan, blazes to me but I'm shot.” + </p> + <p> + “Hell's perdition to the unlucky villain—so am I—where are you + shot, Mark?” + </p> + <p> + “By japers, the blood's pourin' out from me in the thigh, an' I'm afeard + I'm done for—blast his unlucky hand, the villain; I wisht I had my + dagger in him. Where are you shot, Darby?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, vo—vo—on the right hip—but—oh, sweet Jasus, + what will become of us if we're to die here—may the devil clap his + cruibs (* Talons; claws) in the sowl of him that done it!” + </p> + <p> + “Amin, I pray the blessed Saviour this night! Do you think, Darby, he was + a traitor, and done it a purpose?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mavrone, oh!—if I die widout the priest, what 'ud become o' me, + an' all the sins I have to answer?” + </p> + <p> + “I say, was the villain a traitor, do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “Mavrone, oh!—blessed Lord forgive me—well—I can hardly + think so—didn't he volunteer along wid yourself an' myself—oh, + sweet Jasus! what a life I lead—oh, Mark Ratigan, Mark Ratigan, what + will become o' me!—-I swore away the lives of two innocent men—I + proved three alibis for three of as black villains as ever stretched a + rope or charged a blunderbush! 'Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be + thy name, thy kingdom come'—oh, Lord! forbid that yet a while! could + you join in a <i>Leadhan wurrah?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Blast you, you thick-headed vagabone! don't you know it's wrong to call + me Mark Ratigan—isn't Phil Hart my name now?—no, I tell you, + that I can't join you in a <i>Leadhan wurrah</i>—nor I didn't think + you wor such a d—d cowardly hound as you are—can't you die—if + you're goin' to die—like a man, an' not like an ould woman? Be my + sowl, Darby, my boy, afther this night I'll never trust you again. It's + yourself that 'ud turn traitor on your country and her cause, if you got + the rope and hangman at your nose.” + </p> + <p> + “Holy Mary, mother of God! pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our + death, amin! Oh, sweet Jasus! have parsecution on me this night, an' spare + me if it's your blessed will, till I get time to repint properly anyhow. + Mark, darlin', are you gettin' waker, for I am?” + </p> + <p> + “To blazes wid you, and don't bother me—no, I'm not—I've tied + my handkerchy about the place I was shot in, an' stopped the blood—eh—here—well + done, Mark—hem—Phil Hart, I mane—bravo—see—that + now—instead of bleatin' like a dyin' sheep, I've stopped the blood, + an' here I am able to stand and walk. Come,” said he, approaching his + companion, “where are you shot?—let us see?” + </p> + <p> + He stooped down, and on examining the Wound by the light of the moon, + perceived at once that it was not all imagination and evil conscience. He + consequently forced him to his legs, then bound up the wound with the + fellow's handkerchief just as he had done his own, and in a few minutes + they were able to resume their journey, slowly, it is true, and on the + part of Ratigan, whose wound was the more serious, with a good deal of + difficulty and pain, notwithstanding his hardihood. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, M'Carthy was soon overtaken by the friendly Whiteboy, + whose speed; of foot was indeed extraordinary. On seeing, the dagger in + his pursuer's hand—for such he deemed him to be—he had + prepared himself for resistance, the fact being, than in consequence of + their blackened faces, and the state of perturbation and excitement in + which he felt himself, he was in no condition to recognize any of the + party unless by their voices. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be alarmed,” exclaimed the stranger, approaching him, “I have saved + your life for this night most likely, by takin' the, life of them that + intended to murder you.” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly feel,” replied M'Carthy, “that I owe my life to you, and I + know not what return I can make you for it. But why should I speak so, + since I am ignorant of your name, as well as of everything whatsoever + concerning you? As to the other two persons, I cannot understand why they + should attempt to murder me, as I am not conscious of having given offence + to, any person.” + </p> + <p> + “You have never given offence to them,” replied the stranger; “but + unfortunately this, part of the country's in such a state of feelin' at + the present time, that it's as aisy to find one man to murdher another as + it would be to get a man to shoot a dog. No, sir; you never offended these + men, but they were set on to take your life by a man who hates you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, since you have been on more than one occasion so generous to me, + can you not let me know who that person is?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; that man has a hundred—ay, ten hundred eyes through the + counthry—in the shape of spies—and five times as many hands + any time he may wish for them. You may thank a friend of yours for sendin' + me to save your life this night. Your family have been friends to him and + to me too, although you don't know it. As for me, I go with him heart an' + hand in puttin' down the tithes, but I'll always save the life of a + friend, if I can; and indeed I have been forced to shoot these two men, in + ordher to save yours to-night. I must go now and see what state they're in—whether + alive or dead; but before. I go, listen:—tell the procthor that he + has a fearful account to meet, and that soon; let neither him nor his sons + be fool-hardy; say to him, that the wisest thing he can do is to remove + himself and his family into the town of Lisnagola; or, if he won't do + that, to keep his house half-filled with fire-arms; for I tell you now, + the time is not long till he'll need them all. Tell them not to go out at + night at all, or even by day, unless well armed; and do you yourself take + the same advice; and now good-night. But, listen again: there, you see, is + the spot below there, where the car was to meet you; but there's no car in + it, and even if there was, I wouldn't recommend you to go on it; and if + you're goin' to O'Driscol's don't go up the avenue, but by the back way, + behind the garden, for it's very likely there's another man—and a + fearful man, on the look-out for you, in case you should be missed by us. + Farewell, for the present.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes brought this kind-hearted Whiteboy back to the spot where + Hourigan and his companion, who was also his cousin, fell. He was a good + deal surprised, but still highly gratified, at not finding them where they + had fallen, as it was a 'proof to him that his aim at either had not been + fatal, as he certainly had no intention of taking their lives, or of + rendering them any greater injury than the infliction of such wound as + might put an end to their pursuit of M'Carthy. On advancing a little + farther, he saw them proceeding, by a different but shorter path towards + the inland country; and being now satisfied, from their appearance, that + they had not been mortally wounded, he left them to reach home as best + they might, and proceeded himself in another direction. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI.—The Sport Still Continued. + </h2> + <p> + It is necessary to say here, that Moylan had not the slightest intention + of sending Mr. Purcel's car to meet our friend M'Carthy, inasmuch as he + never for a moment supposed that this devoted youth was likely to leave + the mountains alive. His own egregious vanity, engrafted on a cowardly, + jealous, and malignant disposition, prompted him, ever since he had been + induced by the pedlar, out of a mere banter, to suppose that he had + engaged the affections of Julia Purcel, to look upon this young man as a + person that ought to be got out of his way. In this manner there was, + indeed, a peculiar combination of circumstances against M'Carthy; for it + so happened that Moylan, whilst anxious to wreak his own jealousy and + hatred upon him, was, at the same time, executing the will of another + individual who stood behind the scenes. On every side, then, M'Carthy was + surrounded by mortal dangers that were completely veiled in obscurity. + During this very night it was resolved to assassinate him, be the + consequences what they might; and if he should escape, in the one + instance, he was to be sought after in whatever house he took refuge, with + the exception only of Purcel's, which his enemies were, for the present, + afraid to attack. Every avenue and road leading to it however, was + watched, with a hope that if he escaped elsewhere, they might shoot him + down from, behind a hedge. + </p> + <p> + The condition of all secret and illegal societies in Ireland is, indeed, + shocking and most detestable, when contemplated from any point of view + whatsoever. In every one of them—that is, in every local body or + branch of such conspiracy—there is a darker and more secret class, + comparatively few in number, who undertake to organize the commission of + crimes and outrages; and who, when they are controlled by the + peaceably-disposed and enemies to bloodshed, always fall back upon this + private and blood-stained clique, who are always willing to execute their + sanguinary behests, as it were, <i>con amore</i>. In other cases, however, + as we have stated before, even the virtuous and reluctant are often + compelled, by the dark and stern decrees of these desperate ruffians, to + perpetrate crimes from which they revolt. It was, therefore, in pursuance + of these abominable principles that the arrangements for M'Carthy's murder + were made on the night in question. + </p> + <p> + Jerry Joyce perceiving, as he had feared, that M'Carthy did not return to + dinner, at once came to the determination that he would go to Finnerty's, + where, from his connection with Whiteboyism, he knew that a meeting of + them was to be held on that night. He accordingly armed himself with a + ease of pistols, which he had been allowed to keep for the preservation of + his master's family and premises, in case they should be attacked. He had + not gone, however, within two miles of the mountains, when he met Mogue on + His way home, carrying M'Carthy's, or rather John Purcel's double gun, and + other shooting gear. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mogue,” said he, “how does this come? Where's Mr. M'Carthy from + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that I may never sin—but sure I know I will—for I'm a + great sinner—God forgive me!—but anyhow, that I may never sin, + if I'm worth the washin'! Oh! Jerry, darlin', sick a killin' day as we had + I never passed, an' I'm well accustomed to the mountains. Sure, now, + Jerry, if you have one spunk of common charity in your composition, you'll + take me up on your back and carry me home, otherwise I'll lie down on the + road, and either die at wanst or sleep it out till mornin'.” + </p> + <p> + “But that's not tellin' me where you left Mr. M'Carthy,” replied Jerry, + whose apprehensions were not at all lessened by this indirect and + circuitous answer. “Where is he, and what has become of him?” + </p> + <p> + “Of all the mists that ever riz out o' the airth, or fell from the blessed + heavens above as—glory be to the name of God! we had it on the + mountains this whole day. Why, now, Jerry, a happy death to me, but you + might cut it with a knife, at the very least, an' how we got through it, + I'm sure, barrin' the Providence of God, I dunna. But indeed we're far + from bein' worthy of the care He takes of us.” + </p> + <p> + While speaking, he had, as an illustration of his fatigue, taken his seat + upon the grassy ditch, which bounded in the road, and altogether enacted + the part of a man completely broken down by over-exertion. + </p> + <p> + “But, Mogue, my pious creature, you're not tellin' us where you left—” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, salvation to you, for one Jerry, do you think it's ait him I + did? Sound asleep in Frank Finnerty's I left him, where he'll be well + taken care of. Oh! thin, if ever a poor inoffensive young gintleman—for + sure he's that by birth, as we say, at all events, as well as by larnin'—was + brought to death's door with this day's work, he was. I thought to + flatther him home if he could come, but it was no go. An' thin, agin, I + thought it was a sin to ax' him; an' so for a afraid they'd be alarmed at + home, I was on my way to make all your minds aisy. An' whisper hether, + Jerry—not that I look upon Frank Finnerty an the man he ought to be, + for we all know the narrow escape he had for the murder of Tom Whisky's + son—still an' all, he's safe wid Finnerty, bekaise he knows that we + know where he is, and that if anything happened him we'd hould him + accountable.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied Jerry, affecting a satisfaction which, however, he did not + feel, “I'm glad he's safe; for, as you say, Mogue, although Frank Finnerty + is pretty well known, still what could tempt him to harm Mr. M'Carthy?” + </p> + <p> + “I know that,” said Mogue; “still an' all, the nerra foot I'd brought him + to his house, only we stumbled on it out o' the mist, by mere accident, + an' by coorse it was the next to us. Goodness' sake, Jerry, carry these + things home for me, will you? I'm not able to mark the ground—do, + avick, an' I'll offer up a pathran avy for you before I lay down my head + this night, tired as I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, begad, it's myself that would, Mogue, but you see, as I'm out for a + while, an' so near my poor mother's, throth I'll slip over and see how she + is, the crature; only for that, Mogue, I'd lighten you of the shootin' + things wid a heart an' a half.” + </p> + <p> + “But sure you can see your poor mother, the crature, any other evenin'? Do + come back, Jerry, an' I'll do twiste as much for you agin. Oh! oh! milia + murther! I'm not able to get on my legs. Give me your hand, Jerry—oh! + oh!—well, well—what's this at all? Jerry, achora, don't desart + me now, 'an me in the state you see. I'll never get home by myself—that's + what I won't—mavrone, oh! what's this?—I'm fairly kilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but the thruth is, Mogue,” replied his companion, “that I got a + message from my mother, sayin' that she's not well, and wishes most + partiklarly to see me about my sisther Shibby's marriage. Now, Mogue, + you're a pious and religious boy, an' would be the last to encourage me to + neglect a parent's wishes: ay, or that would allow me to do so, even if I + intended it; throth I know it's a scoulden' you'd give me if I did.” + </p> + <p> + Mogue's flank was completely turned; he was, in fact, most adroitly taken + upon his own principle; his egregious vanity was ticked by this compliment + to his piety; and, as he was at no time a person of firm character, he + gave way. + </p> + <p> + Thought Jerry to himself, as he left this plausible hypocrite, to proceed + home under his affected fatigue, “I know there's mischief on foot + to-night, for if there wasn't I an' others 'ud be summoned to this + meetin'; there will be nobody there, I suppose, but the black squad or the + bloodmen. It'll go hard wid me, at any rate, but I'll send one there + that'll bring Mr. M'Carthy from among them without suspicion; an' so here + goes to lose no time about it.” + </p> + <p> + He then plunged into the most solitary and remote fields, and pursued his + way, anxious, if possible, to meet no one, much less any of those who + belonged, as he said, “to the black squad.” + </p> + <p> + Of late, the state of public feeling upon the subject of tithes had become + so violent and agitated, that Mr. Purcel's immediate friends found it + almost a matter involving their personal safety to dine with him. At all + events, such of them as accepted his hospitality took care to leave his + house very early, and to keep themselves well armed besides. On the + evening in question, no one had been invited but M'Carthy and Fergus + O'Driscol. The heroic magistrate, however, ever since the receipt of the + threatening letter, would not suffer his son (who certainly participated + in none of his father's cowardice), to dine abroad at all, lest his + absence and well-known intrepidity might induce the Whiteboys, or other + enemies of law, to attack the house when its principal defence was from + home. The evening, therefore, hung heavy on their heads at Longshot Lodge, + which was the name of Purcel's residence, especially upon that of the fair + Julia, who felt not merely disappointed, but unusually depressed' by the + unaccountable absence of her lover, knowing as she did, the turbulence + which prevailed in the country. She scarcely ate any dinner, and in the + course of a short time retired to her own room, which commanded a view of + the way by which he should approach the house, where she watched, casement + up, until she heard a foot in the avenue, which, however, her acute ear, + well accustomed to McCarthy's, soon told her was not that of her lover. On + looking more closely she perceived, however, that it was Mogue Moylan; + and, unable to restrain her impatience, she raised the window still + higher, and called down as Mogue passed under it, on his way round to the + kitchen, but in a low, earnest voice, with, as Mogue thought, a good deal + of confidential in it, “Is that Mogue?” + </p> + <p> + “Eh!” he exclaimed, struck almost on the instant into a state of ecstacy; + “Is that Miss Julia?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mogue,” she replied, in the same low voice, “I do not wish to run + the risk of speaking to you from this; stay there, and I will go to one of + the windows of the front parlor.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” thought Mogue, “it is come to this at last? oh, thin, but I was a + blackguard haythen an' nothing else ever to think of you, Letty Lenehan, + or any low-born miscreant like you. The devil blow her aist, waist, north, + and south, the flipen' blazes, and to think o' the freedoms she used to + take wid me, as if she was my aquils; but sure, dam her cribs! whatever I + intended to do, it wasn't to marry her, an' can I forget, moreover, the + day she gave me the bloody nose, when I only went to take a small taste o' + liberty wid the thief.” + </p> + <p> + In the course of a minute or two, Julia made her appearance at the window, + with, in fact, a blushing face, if it could have only been seen with + sufficient light. Now that she stood within a couple of yards of Moylan, + she felt all the awkwardness and embarrassment of the task she had + undertaken, which was to inquire, without seeming to feel any personal + interest, as to the cause of her lover's absence. In addition to the + prevailing agitation, and the outrages arising from if, she had heard of + so many accidents with sportsmen, so many guns had burst, so many + explosions had taken place, and so many lives had been lost, that her warm + fancy pictured his death in almost every variety of way in which a gun + could occasion it. Owing to all this, she experienced a proportionable + share of confusion and diffidence in managing her inquiries with proper + address, and without betraying any suspicion of her motives. + </p> + <p> + “Mogue,” said she, “I—hem—hem—I hope you don't feel + fatigued after your sport'?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, then, there it comes,” thought Mogue; “how the crature feels for me! + an' even if I did, Miss Julia, sure one kind word when I come home is fit + to cure it.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are sure to get that, Mogue,” replied Julia, who took it for + granted that he referred to Letty Lenehan, “but whisper,” she proceeded, + still speaking in a low voice, from an apprehension of being heard making + the proposed inquiries by any of her family, “are you alone?” + </p> + <p> + “I am, indeed, Miss Julia,” he replied in a tone of such coaxing and + significant confidence, as would have been irresistibly laughable had she + understood why he used it, “I am alone, Miss Julia, and you needn't be + either ashamed or daunted in sayin' whatever you like to me—maybe I + could guess what you're goin' to say, but I declare to you, and that my + bed may be in heaven, but, say what you will, you'll find me—honor + bright—do you understand that, Miss Julia?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think I do, Mogue, and if I didn't think so, I wouldn't have + watched your return to-night as I did, or been here to speak to you on the + subject you say you—know.” + </p> + <p> + “An' sure, Miss Julia, you might a known, for some time past that I knew + it; didn't I look like one that was up to it? An' listen hether, Miss + Julia, my family was all honor bright; we wor great people in our day; + sure we owned a big sweep of country long ago an' wor great sogers. We + fought against the Sassenaghs, the dirty English bodaghs, an' because + there was a lot of us ever an' always hanged from time to time, that's the + raison why we have sich a hatred to the English law still, one an' all of + us. Sure my grandfather, glory be to God, was hanged for killin' a + Sassenagh gauger, and my own father, Miss Julia, did his endeavors to be + as great as the best of them, knowin' no other way for to vex and revinge + himself upon the dirty Sassenaghs of the country; for sure, you know + yourself, it's full o' them'—ay, about us in all directions. Be + borried a horse in a private way from one o' them, but then he escaped + from that; he next had a 'bout at what they call'd perjury, although it + was well known to us all that it was only his thumb he kissed, and, any + how, the thing was done upon a Protestant Bible; but, at all events, he + went an' honest and honorably, as far as gettin' himself transported for + parjury. I hope you understhand, Miss Julia, that I'm accountin' for any + disparagin' observations you might a' heard against us, an' showin' you + why we acted as we did.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mogue,” said she, smiling at this most incomprehensible piece of + family history, “I hope you don't intend to imitate the example or to + share the fate of so many of your family!” + </p> + <p> + “You really hope so; now do you really hope so, Miss Julia?” + </p> + <p> + “Unquestionably; for granting you marry, as, I dare say you intend, would + it not be a melancholy prospect for your wife to—” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then I do intend it; are you not satisfied, Miss Julia? and what is + more, although it's my intention to violate the law in a private and + confidential way, still I have no intention of bein' either hanged or + transported by it; that I may be happy if I have—No, for the sake of + that wife, Miss Julia, do you understand, it's my firm intention to die in + my bed if I can; I hope you feel that there's comfort in that.” + </p> + <p> + “To whatever woman you make happy Mogue, there will be. Well, but, Mogue, + tell me; had you a good day's sport?” + </p> + <p> + “Sorra worse then; God pardon me for swearin',” he replied. “There riz a + mist in the mountains that a man could build a house wid, if there was any + implements to be found, hard and sharp enough to cut it. All we got was a + brace of grouse and a snipe or two.” + </p> + <p> + “And—hem—well but—hem—why Mogue, you give but a + very miserable account of the proceedings of the day. Had you any one with + you?—Oh, yes, by the way, did I not see Mr. M'Carthy go out with you + this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss Julia, you did; he went out wid me, sure enough,” replied + Mogue, drily, and with rather a dissatisfied tone. + </p> + <p> + “He is a—hem, does he shoot well?” + </p> + <p> + “He shoots well enough, Miss Julia—when he pulls the trigger the gun + goes off; but as for killin' birds, that my bed may be in heaven but they + fly away laughin' at him.” + </p> + <p> + “He came with you as far as O'Driscol's,” she said, at once putting a + query in the shape of an assertion, “and I suppose sent some apology to my + father and brothers, for not having been here to dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Hem! come as far as Mr. O'Driscol's?” exclaimed Mogue; “troth he's about + the poorest piece o' goods ever carried a gun—God help the unhappy + woman that'll get him; for sorra thing he is but a mere excuse for a man. + I left him lyin' like a half-hung dog, up in the mountains above.” + </p> + <p> + Julia started, and almost screamed with terror at this account of her + lover. “Gracious heavens, Moylan, what do you mean?” she exclaimed—“up + in the mountains!—where and how in the mountains? Is he ill, or does + he want aid or assistance?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss Julia; but the truth is, he's a poor cur of a creature that's + not able to undertake a man's task at all; he's lyin' knocked up in Frank + Finnerty's; moanin' and groanin' an' yowlin', like a sick hound; I had to + carry or drag him over half the mountains; for, from the blessed hour of + twelve o'clock this day, he wasn't able to put a foot undher him, an' he + did nothing but blasphayme' an' curse every one he knew; your fathers and + brothers, your sisther, and mother, and yourself; he cursed and + blasphaymed you all, helther skelther; I could bear all, Miss. Julia till + he came to run you down, an' 'tis well for him that I hadn't the gun in my + hand when he did it, that's all; or, that I may never do an ill turn but + I'd a' given him a touch o' the Moylan blood for your sake—an' now, + Miss Julia,” he proceeded, “I hope we understand one another. As for him + he's a pitiful whelp!” + </p> + <p> + “Are you in jest or earnest?” she inquired, changing her tone. + </p> + <p> + “That luck may flow on me, but I'm in airnest, Miss Julia—but no + matther for that, don't you let you spirits down, think of our great + family; and remimber that them that was wanst great may be great agin. + Plaise God we'll have back the forwhitled estates, when we get the + Millstone broke, an' the Mill that ground us banished from the counthry; + however, that will come soon; but in the mane time, Miss Julia, I have a + saycret to tell you about him.” + </p> + <p> + “About Mr. M'Carthy?” she asked, sadly puzzled as to the tendency and + object of his conversation, but at the same time somewhat awakened to an + indistinct interest, respecting this secret concerning her lover. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, miss; listen hether, Miss Julia; would you believe it that he, Mr. + M'Carthy, is sworn, or any way as good as sworn, to take your father's + life away?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mogue,” she replied firmly, but with good humor, “not a syllable.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then,” he proceeded, “if he did not swear to do it in plain words, + he did as good. You won't braithe a syllable of this, Miss Julia; but + listen still—You know the ruction that's through, the counthry + aginst tides?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, I am sorry to say.” + </p> + <p> + “An' that the whole counthry is sworn Whiteboys, and that all the + Whiteboys in sworn, of coorse, to put an end to them. That's the oath they + take now, miss, by all accounts.” + </p> + <p> + “So they say Mogue.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, miss, would you believe it, that that fellow, the ungrateful hound + that he is, that same Francis M'Carthy, is at the head of them, is one of + their great leaders, and is often out at night wid the villains, leadin' + them on to disturbances, and directin' them how to act; ay, an' he doesn't + like a bone in Mr. O'Driscol's body, any more than in your father's.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!—ha!—ha! very good, Mogue, but make it short—ha!—ha!—ha!—and + who's your authority for all this?” + </p> + <p> + “Himself, miss, for a great part of it; it was this day, he wanted myself + to become a White-boy; but I had the grace o' God about me, I hope, an' + resisted the temptation. 'Mogue,' says he, 'you are a good Catholic, an' + ought to join us; we're sworn to put down the tides altogether, an' to + banish Protestantism out o' the counthry.'” + </p> + <p> + “But is not M'Carthy himself a Protestant?” said Julia. + </p> + <p> + “Not he, miss, he only turned to get a lob o' money from the Great College + in Dublin above; sure they provide for any one that will turn, but he's a + true Catholic at heart; air when the time comes he'll show it.” + </p> + <p> + “And you say he joins their meetings at night, Mogue?” + </p> + <p> + “That I may be blest, but he does, miss; and since you must know the + truth, he's at one o' them this very night.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have told me a falsehood with respect to his fatigue?” + </p> + <p> + “He put me up to it, miss; and bid me say it; howandever my mind wasn't + aisy undher it; and now you know the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “And does he blacken his face as well as the other Whiteboys?” + </p> + <p> + “That hurt or harm may never come near me but he does that same; I have it + from them that seen him and knew him, in spite o' black face an' all.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha! ha!—well good-night, Mogue, and many thanks for your most + important and truthful secret.” + </p> + <p> + “Before you go, Miss Julia, one other word; listen, there a man worth a + ship load of him, that's in grate consate wid you—remember the ould + families, Miss Julia, an' them that suffered for—for—their + counthry. Now here' the kind o' man I'd recommend you for a husband; don't + let a pair o' red cheeks or black eyes lead you by the nose—an' what + signifies a good figure, when neither the handsomest nor the strongest man + can keep off a headache or a fit o' the blackguard cholic—bad luck + to it—when they come on one. No, Miss Julia, always in the man + that's to be your husband, prefer good lastin' color in the complection, + an' little matther about the color of the eyes if they always smile upon + yourself—then agin, never marry a man that swears, Miss Julia, but a + man that's fond of his prayers, and is given to piety—sich men never + use any but harmless oaths, sich as may I be blest, salvation to me, and + the like—that's the kind o' men to make a husband of, and I have + sich a man in my eye for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mogue,” said Julia, who was too quick-witted to misunderstand + him any longer. “Many thanks for your good advice—and whisper, Mogue—who + knows but I may follow it? Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, darlin',” he whispered in a kind of low triumphant cackle, + that caused her to shake her very sides with laughter, after she had + closed the window. + </p> + <p> + Julia Purcel, who could attribute Moylan's extraordinary conversation to + nothing but a more than usual indulgence in liquor, did not for a single + moment suffer herself to become influenced by the unaccountable + information which she had heard respecting M'Carthy. But even if it had + been true, she was so peculiarly circumstanced, that without disclosing + the private conversation she had had with Moylan, she could not without + pain communicate it to her family. As it was, however, she placed no + confidence whatever in any portion of it, and on further reflection, she + felt all her apprehensions concerning M'Carthy revived. If she experienced + anything in the shape of satisfaction from the dialogue, it arose from the + fact that if M'Carthy had suffered injury, Mogue would not have been so + much at ease on his return. When his return was made known, however, to + the family at large, Mogue repeated his first version, and assured them + that he, M'Carthy had laid down in Finnerty's for an hour or so to recruit + his strength. He supposed he would soon be home, he said—or for that + matter, maybe as he found himself comfortable, he would stop there for the + night. Mogue himself had come home to make their minds easy, and to let + them know where he was, and what had kept him away. To a certain extent + the family were satisfied, but as M'Carthy had communicated to the male + portion of them the friendly warning he had got from the Whiteboy, they + said, that although he might have been, safe enough when Mogue left him in + the mountains, yet considering the state of the country, and that he + unquestionably had enemies, he might not be free from danger on his way + home. There was scarcely a night in the week that the country was not + traversed by multitudes of those excited and unscrupulous mobs, that + struck terror to the hearts of the peaceful, or such as were obnoxious to + them. Accordingly, after waiting a couple of hours, Alick Purcel got a + double case of pistols, and proposed to go as far as O'Driscol's, where + they took it for granted, as he had not been able to come to dinner, they + would find him should he have returned. + </p> + <p> + “Alick,” said the father, “after all the notices we have got, and + considering the feeling that is against us, it is ridiculous to be + fool-hardy—don't go by the road but cross the fields.” + </p> + <p> + “Such is my intention, sir,” replied Alick; “for although no coward, still + I am but flesh and blood, and it is death you know, for mere flesh and + blood to stop a bullet. Give me my enemy face to face and I don't fear + him, but when he takes me at night from behind a hedge, courage is of + little use, and won't save my life.” + </p> + <p> + On arriving at O'Driscol's, he found that M'Carthy had not come, and after + waiting till one o'clock, he prepared to take his departure. At this + moment, a female servant tapped at the drawing-room door, and after having + been desired to come in, she communicated the following startling + particulars:—She had forgotten her washing, she said, and gone out a + little time before to bring it in, and in doing so, she spied several men + with black faces and white shirts skulking about the house. She was not + sure, she said, on having the question put to her, whether she had been + seen by them or not. + </p> + <p> + This communication, which was given with every mark of alarm and terror, + completely altered the posture of affairs at the magistrate's. Katherine + O'Driscol's face became deadly pale as she turned a glance upon young + Purcel, which he well understood. “Alick,” said she, “under these + circumstances, it would, be absolute madness to attempt going home + to-night. It is very likely they have discovered that you are here, and + are watching for you.” + </p> + <p> + “But if I do not return home,” he replied, “it is equally probable that + John and my father, wondering at my delay, may come to look for me, and in + that case they might meet these ruffians—or rather might be waylaid + by them.” + </p> + <p> + “Purcel, my dear fellow!” said the magistrate, who was now pretty deep in + his cups, and consequently somewhat pot-valiant—or at least disposed + to show them a touch of his valor—“Alick, my dear fellow, you are + courageous enough, I admit, but at the same time, you must put yourself + under the guidance of a brave and loyal old magistrate, who is not to be + cowed and intimidated by a crew of midnight cut-throats. You'll gee now, + Alick, my boy, what a touch of loyal courage can do. Upon my honor, and + conscience, I will myself escort you home.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means, sir,” replied Purcel, “I could not think of putting you to + such a risk, and inconvenience at this late hour.” + </p> + <p> + “But I say by all manes, Alick—and as for inconvanience, it is none + at all.” + </p> + <p> + “But Mr. Purcel will expose neither himself nor you, my dear father,” said + Katherine; “he will be guided by good sense, and remain here to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Tut! you foolish cowardly girl, go to bed—you play loo very well, + and have won seven-and-sixpence from me to-night. That's your province. + No, upon my sowl and honor, I'll see him home. What! is it for the + intelligent and determined O'Driscol, as your brother John said—and + who is well known to be a very divil incarnate when danger's before him—is + it for such a man—the terror of evil-doers—to funk from a crew + of White-boys! What would my friend the Castle say if it knew it?—divil + resave the line ever it would correspond with me again. Get me my pistols, + I say—a case for each pocket, and the blunderbush under my arm—then + come on, M'Donough, as the play says, and blazes to him who runs last.” + Here he gave a lurch a little to the one side, after which he placed + himself in something intended for a military attitude, and drawing his + hand down his whiskers, he inflated himself as if about to give the word + of command, “Soldiers, steady,”—here he gave another lurch—“recover + omes (arms)—charge bayonets—present—halt—to the + right about—double quick—:bravo—you see what I could do, + if placed in a military position.” + </p> + <p> + “We do, sir,” said Fergus, laughing; “not a doubt of it.” The latter then + whispered something to Purcel, who smiled, and immediately turning to the + doughty magistrate, said:— + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, since you insist upon protecting me home—” + </p> + <p> + “Good—that's the word, Alick—steady boys—shoulder omes.” + </p> + <p> + “I will feel very happy, sir, in your escort.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Alick—yes—exactly so—but then we are time enough, + man—the night's but young yet—we must have another tumbler + before we go—if it is only to put terror into these villains.” + </p> + <p> + “I am exceedingly sorry that it is out of my power to wait, sir. My father + and John may possibly come over here, and if they do it is difficult to + say what these blood-thirsty villains, who care so little about human life—especially, + sir, when that life belongs to either a tithe-proctor or a magistrate, may + do. You will oblige me very much, sir, by coming with me now. I wish to + heavens I had your courage, Mr. O'Driscol, and that I-was such a wicked + and desperate dare-devil as you are.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, Alick, upon my honor and conscience, you've hit me off there—hallo—what + is this?—put these pistols and that blunder-bush aside, and be d—d + to you, we don't want them yet awhile;” this was addressed to the servant + who had brought them at Fergus's suggestion. “I am a hospitable man, Alick—a + convivial man—and I tell you that I don't wish a guest to leave my + house with dry lips—and what is more, I won't allow it—sit + down then, and take your punch, or if you're afraid of these fellows why + didn't you say so?” + </p> + <p> + “I am then, sir,” replied Alick, who thought that by admitting the fact, + he might the sooner bring matters between himself and the magistrate to a + crisis. + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed the latter, “you admit your cowardice, do you?—Well, + upon my honor and reputaytion, Alick, I'm extremely surprised at you—a + young fellow like you—and a coward! Now I'll tell you what, Alick, I + hate a coward—I despise a coward, and d—n me if any man who is + mane enough to acknowledge himself to be one, shall have the benefit of my + escort this night. Then stay where you are, sir, and take your punch—but + you are not entitled to any protection; no, confound me if you are! A nice + office for a man of my mettle to escort a coward!—no, no—take + your punch, I say—you are safe under this roof, but as touching my + protection, no fellow of your kidney shall resave it from me, unless in + honest open daylight with a body of police or military at my elbow; and, + besides, you have declined my hospitality, Mr. Purcel, and with the man—but + man you are not—who declines my hospitality, I will keep no terms. + Here's the 'Castle!' long life to it, and may it never have occasion to + read me a lecture for protecting a coward! Steady, men—shoulder + oines!—ah, I'm a pearl before swine here:—upon my honor and + conscience, I'm nothing else—hurra!” + </p> + <p> + Whilst this manifestation of courage and loyalty was proceeding, his + daughter had sent a little girl by a lonely and circuitous way across the + fields to Longshot Lodge, with a message to the effect that they had + prevailed upon Alick to stop for the night, and that he would also + breakfast there the next morning. The little girl's absence was very + brief, and on her return, Alick had no hesitation in remaining. The heroic + magistrate, having taken another tumbler, began to get drowsy, and with + some assistance, was prevailed on to go to bed, where he almost + immediately fell asleep. The two young men then got together all the arms + and ammunition in the house, which, having made ready for an attack, they + went also to bed, taking only their coats off, where for the present we + leave them—but not asleep—and return to M'Carthy, for whose + absence, no doubt, the reader is anxious that we should account. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII.—Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire. + </h2> + <p> + M'Carthy on that night had not gone far, after having separated from the + friendly Whiteboy, when he was met by a powerfully-formed man, who, he + thought, bore a considerable resemblance in shape and size to the fellow + who had been invested with authority not long before in Finnerty's. On + seeing that it was M'Carthy, the stranger, whose face was blackened, and + who also wore the white shirt outside, approached him coolly but + determinedly, and laying his hand upon his shoulder, said—: “Your + name is Francis M'Carthy'?” and as he spoke, M'Carthy could perceive the + ends of a case of pistols projecting from his breast within the shirt, + which was open at the neck. + </p> + <p> + “As I have never knowingly done anything that should occasion me to deny + my name, I acknowledge it—you know me, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you well. I meek it a point to know everyone who is worth knowing. + In the meantime, M'Carthy, you'll come along with me, if you pleese.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not at all clear that I will,” replied M'Carthy; “you are a perfect + stranger to me—at least your disguise makes you so. You are out on + illegal business, as is evident from that disguise, and you are armed with + a case of pistols. Now, under these circumstances, happen what may, until + I know more about you, and who you are, I will not walk one inch in your + society, except as a free agent.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear me,” replied the other; “you were singled out for murdher this + night, and you only escaped by a miracle—by the assistance of a man + who is a warm friend to you, and who got information of the danger you wor + in from another friend who suspected that you were in that danger. Two + pistols wor loaded to settle you, as they say. Well, the person that saved + your life damped the powder in these pistols—both wor snapped at + you, and they didn't go off—am I right?” + </p> + <p> + “You are right for so far, certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, the other two who followed you—one of them with a long, + sharp dagger—were shot down—d—n your friend that didn't + send the bullets through their brains instead of their hams and limbs; + however, they fell and you escaped—am I right?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly correct,” replied M'Carthy; “and you must have had your + information only from the person who befriended me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, have you-any objection to come with me now?” + </p> + <p> + “Every objection; I wish to go either to Mr. O'Driscol's or Mr. Purcel's.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen. I say if you attempt this night to go to either one house or the + other, you will never carry your life to them. If I was your enemy, and + wished to put a bullet into you, what is there to prevent me now, I ask + you?” + </p> + <p> + “All, my good friend,” replied M'Carthy, “that argument won't pass with + me. Many. a man there is—and I dare say you know it well—who + feels a strong scruple against committing murder with his own hands, who, + notwithstanding, will not scruple to employ others to commit it for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you refuse to come with me, then? because if you do to-morrow mornin' + will rise upon your corpse. Even I couldn't save you if you were known. + There's a desperate and a dreadful game goin' to be played soon, and as + you stand in the way of a man that possesses great power, and has a + perticular end in view—the consequence is that you are doomed. Even + if you do come with me, I must blacken your face, in ordher to prevint you + from being known.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you answer me one question candidly,” said M'Carthy—“if it's a + fair one? Did I see you to-night before?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask me no question,” replied the man; “for I won't answer any I don't + like, and that happens to be one o' them. Whether you saw me this night + before, or whether you didn't, there is no occasion for me to say so, and + I won't say it.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I know him now,” said M'Carthy; “and if I judge correctly, he is + anything but a safe guide.” + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said the huge Whiteboy, “make up your mind; I won't weet another + minute.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy paused and deliberately reconsidered as coolly as possible all + the circumstances of the night. It was obvious that this man must have had + his information with respect to the recent events from his friendly + preserver—a man who would not be likely to betray him into danger + after having actually saved his life, by running the risk of committing + two murders. On the other band it was almost clear, from the manner in + which the person before him pronounced certain words, as well as from his + figure, that he was the celebrated and mysterious Buck English of whose + means of living every one was ignorant, and who, as he himself had heard, + expressed a strong dislike to him. + </p> + <p> + “Before I make up my mind,” said M'Carthy, “may I ask another question?” + </p> + <p> + “Fifty if you like, but I won't promise to answer any one o' them.” + </p> + <p> + “Was I brought to Finnerty's house with an evil purpose?” + </p> + <p> + “No: the poor, pious fool that brought you—there—but I'm wrong + in sayin' so—for it was the mist that done it. No, the poor fool + that came there with you is a crature that nobody would trust. He thinks + you're lyin' sound asleep in Finnerty's this minute. He's fit for nothing + but prayin' and thinking the girls in love with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied M'Carthy, “at all events you are a brother Irishman, and I + will put confidence in you; come, I am ready to accompany you.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, then, you must suffer me to blacken your face, and for fear + your shoot-in' jacket might betray you, I'll put this shirt over it.” + </p> + <p> + He then pulled out an old piece of crumpled paper that contained a mixture + of lampblack and grease, with which he besmeared his whole face, from his + neck to the roots of his hair, after which he stripped the shirt he wore + outside his clothes, and in about two or three minutes completely + metamorphosed our friend M'Carthy into a thorough-looking Whiteboy. + </p> + <p> + “Come along now,” said he, “and folly me; but even as it is, and in spite + of your disguise, we must take the lonesomest way to the only place I + think you'll be safe in.” + </p> + <p> + “I am altogether in your hands,” replied M'Carthy, “and shall act as you + wish.” + </p> + <p> + They then proceeded across the country for about two miles, keeping up + towards the mountainous district, after which they made a turn and entered + a deep valley, in whose lowest extremity stood a long, low house. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the stranger, “before we go in here, remember what I'm goin' + to say to' you. If any one—I mean a Whiteboy,”—here M'Carthy + started, struck by the peculiarity of the pronunciation—a + circumstance which by no means strengthened his sense, of security—“if + any of them should come across you and ask you for the pass, here it is. + <i>What's the hour?</i> Answer—<i>Very near the right one. Isn't it + come yet?</i> Answer—<i>The hour is come, but not the man. When will + he come?</i> Answer—<i>He is within sight</i>.” He repeated these + words three or four times, after which he and M'Carthy entered the house. + </p> + <p> + “God save all here!” said the guide. + </p> + <p> + “God save you kindly, boys.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Cassidy,” he continued, “here's poor fellow on his keepin' for tithe + business and although you don't know me, I know you well enough to be + sartin that you'll give this daicent boy a toss in a bed till daybreak—an' + a mouthful to ate if he should want it.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth an' I will, sir; isn't one o' my poor boys in Lisnagola goal for + the same tithes—bad luck to them—that is for batin' one of the + vagabonds that came to collect them. Troth he'll have the best bed in my + house.” + </p> + <p> + “And listen, Mrs. Cassidy; if any of us should happen to come here + to-night—although I don't think it's likely they will, still it's + hard to say, for the country's alive with with them—if any of them + should come here, don't let them know that this poor boy is in the house—do + you mind?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, then, it would be a bad day or night either I wouldn't.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you have anything to ate or dhrink,” asked the guide of M'Carthy.. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” replied the other; “I only wish to get to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, then,” said the colossal Whiteboy, “I'll show you where you're to + lie.” + </p> + <p> + They accordingly left the kitchen, passed through a tolerably large room, + with two or three tables and several chairs in it, and entered another, + which was also of a good size. Here there was a bed, and in this M'Carthy + was to rest—if rest he could under a series of circumstances so + extraordinary and exciting. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said his guide, for such we must call him—“observe this,” and + he brought him to a low window which opened at the back of the house, + “press that spot where you see the frame is sunk a little—you can + feel it, too, aisily enough in the dark—very well, press that with + your thumb and the windy will open by being pushed outwards. If you feel + or find that there's any danger you can slip out of it; however, don't be + alarmed bekase you may hear voices. There's only one set that you may be + afraid of—they're on the look-out for yourself—but I don't + think it's likely they'll come here. If they do, however, and that you + hear them talkin' about you, there's your way to get off. Come, now, I + must try you again before I go. What's the hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Very near the right one.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it come yet?” + </p> + <p> + “The hour is come but not the man.” + </p> + <p> + “When will he come?” + </p> + <p> + “He is within sight.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, good-bye, you may take a good sleep but don't strip; lie just as you + are—that's twiste your life has been saved this night. In the mane + time, you must give me back that overall shirt—your danger I hope is + past, but I may want it to-night yet; and stay, I was near spoilin' all—I + forgot to give you the right grip—here it is—if any of them + shakes hands wid you, mark this—he presses the point of his thumb on + the first joint of your fore-finger, and you press yours upon the middle + joint of his little finger, this way—you won't forget that now?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” replied M'Carthy, “I will remember it accurately.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” he proceeded, “take my advice, get to Dublin without delay—if + you remain here you're a dead man; you may never see me again, so God + bless you.” and with these words he left him. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult to describe M'Carthy's state of mind on finding himself + alone. The events of the night, fearful as they were, joined to his + singular and to him unaccountable escape—his present state of + uncertainty and the contingent danger that awaited him—the fact that + parties were in search of him for the purpose of taking away his life, + whilst he himself remained utterly unconscious of the cause which + occasioned such, a bitter and unrelenting enmity against him—all + these reflections, coming together upon a mind already distracted and + stupefied by want of rest, and excessive weariness—succeeded in + inducing first a wild sense of confusion—then forgetfulness of his + position, and ultimately sound and dreamless sleep. How long that sleep + had continued he could not even guess, but be that as it may, on awaking, + he heard, medley of several voices in the next room, all engaged in an + earnest conversation, as was evident, not merely from the disjointed + manner of their pronunciation but a strong smell of liquor which assailed + his nose. His first impulse was to arise and escape by the window, but on + reflection, as he saw by the light of their candle that the door between + the two apartments was open, he deemed it safer to keep quiet for a + little, with a hope that they might soon take their departure. He felt + anxious, besides, to ascertain whether the party in question consisted of + those whom the strange guide had mentioned as being his enemies. In the + meantime, the following agreeable dialogue greeted his ears and banished + for the moment every other thought and consideration. + </p> + <p> + “It was altogether a bad business this night. He was as well set as man + could be, but hell pursue the pistols, they both missed fire; and thim + that did go off hit the wrong men. The same two—we can't names boys, + won't be the betther of it for some time. We met them, you see, in the + mountains, where we wor goin' on a little business. Here's that we may + never ait worse mait than mutton!” + </p> + <p> + “More power, Dick—Dick, (hiccup) you're a trojan, an' so was your + father and mother afore you; here's your to—toast, Dick, that we may + ever an' always ait no worse mait than—praties an' point, hurra!—that's + the chat, ha!—ha!—ha!—ah, begad it's we that's the + well-fed boys—ay, but sure our friends the poor parsons has been + always starvin' in the counthry.” + </p> + <p> + “Always starvin' the counthry!” exclaimed another, playing upon the word, + “be my sowl you're right there, Ned. Well sure they're gettin' a touch of + it now themselves; by japers, some o' them knows what it is to have the + back and belly brought together, or to go hungry to bed, as the sayin' is; + but go on, Dick, an' tell us how it was.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you see, we went back when we heard that the house was to be + attacked, and only he escaped the way he did, it wouldn't be attacked; + howaniver, you know it's wid O'Driscol—a short cooser to him, too, + and he'll get it—it's wid O'Driscol he stops. So off we went, and + waited in Barney Broghan's still-house, where we had a trifle to dhrink.” + </p> + <p> + “Divil resave the bet—bettherer spirits ever came from—a still—il + eye, nor dar-lent Bar—ar—ney Brogh—aghan makes—whisht!—more + power!—won't the counthry soon—be our—our—own—whips!” + </p> + <p> + “Ned, hould your tongue, an' let him go 'an; well, Dick.” + </p> + <p> + “Afther waitin' in the still-house till what we thought was the proper + time, we went to O'Driscol's, and first struv to get in quietly, but you + see we had no friends in the camp, for the men-servants all sleep in the + outhouses, barrin' the butler; an' he's not the thing for Ireland. Well + and good, although among ourselves, it was anything but well and good this + night; however, we demanded admittance, an' jist as if they had been on + the watch for us—a windy was raised, and a voice called out to us to + know what we wanted. + </p> + <p> + “'Neither to hurt or harm any one in the house,' we said, 'or belongin' to + it; but there is a stranger in it that we must have out.' + </p> + <p> + “'Ay,' said another voice, that several of us knew to be Mr. Alick + Purcel's; 'here I am—you scoundrels, but that's your share of me. If + you don't begone instantly,' says he, swearin' an oath, 'we'll shoot you + like dogs where you stand.' + </p> + <p> + “'We know you, Mr. Purcel,' says we, 'but it isn't you we want to-night—your + turn's to come yet; time about is fair play. It's M'Carthy we want.' + </p> + <p> + “'You must want him, then,' says young O'Driscol, 'for he's not here; and + even if he was, you should fight for him before you'd get him—but + what might your business be wid him?' he asked. 'Why,' says we, 'there's a + man among us that has an account to settle wid him.' + </p> + <p> + “'Ah, you cowardly scoundrels,' says he, 'that's a disgrace to the + counthry, and to the very name of Irishman; it's no wondher for strangers + to talk of you as they do—no wondher for your friends to have a + shamed face for your disgraceful crimes. You would now take an inoffensive + gintleman—one that never harmed a man of you, nor any one else—you'd + take him out, bekaise some blackhearted cowardly villain among you has a + pick (pique) against him, and some of you for half-a-crown or a bellyful + of whisky would murdher him in could blood. Begone, or by the livin' + Farmer, I'll scatter the contents of this blunderbush among you.' He that + wishes to have M'Carthy done for was wid us himself, and tould us in Irish + to fire at the windy, which we did, and on the instant slop came a shower + of bullets among us. A boy from the Esker got one of them through the + brain, and fell stone dead; two others—we can't mention names—was + wounded, and it was well we got them off safe. So there's our night's work + for us. Howaniver, the day's comin' when we'll pay them for all.” + </p> + <p> + “I think, boys,” said a person, whose voice was evidently that of a man + advanced in years, “I think you ought to give this procthor Purcel a + cardin'. He lifts the tithes of four parishes, and so far he's a scourge + over four parishes; himself and his blasted citations to the bishop's + court and his blasted decrees—hell purshue him, as it will. Ah, the + Carders wor fine fellows, so were the Sextons.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo, Billy Bradly, conshumin' to me but I'm—I'm main proud, and + that we met you com—omin' from the wake to-night; I am, upon my sow—owl.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe, Billy,” said another voice, “you had your own fun wid + procthors in your day.” + </p> + <p> + “Before the union—hell bellows it for a union—-but it has been + a black sight to the counthry! Amin this night—before the union, + it's we that did handle the procthors in style; it isn't a cowardly + threatenin' notice we'd send them, and end there. No—but I'll tell + you what we done one night, in them days. There was a man, a procthor, an' + he was a Catholic too, for I needn't tell you, boys, that there never was + a Protestant procthor half as hard and cruel as one of our own ralligion, + an' thas well known. Well, there was this procthor I'm tellin' of, his + name was Callaghan; he was a dark-haired I'll-lookin' fellow, with a + squint and a stutther; but for all that, he had a daicent, quiet, + well-behaved family that offended nobody—not like our proud + horsewhippin' neighbors; an', indeed, his daughters did not mount their + side-saddles like some of the same neighbors, but sure we all know the + ould proverb, set a beggar on horseback, and we needn't tell you where + he'll ride to. Well, I'm forgettin' my story in the mane time. At that + time, a party of about sixty of us made up our minds to pay Callaghan a + nightly visit. The man, you see, made no distinction betune the rich and + poor, or rather he made every distinction, for he was all bows and scrapes + to the rich, and all whip and fagot to the poor. Ah, he was a sore + blisther to that part of the counthry he lived in, and many a widow's an' + orphan's curse he had. At any rate, to make a long story short, we went a + set of us, a few nights afore we called upon him—that is, in a + friendly way, for we had no intention of takin' his life, but merely to + tickle him into good humor a bit, and to make him have a little feelin' + for the poor, that he many a time tickled an' got tickled by the sogar's + bagnet to some purpose; we went, I say, to a lonely place, and we dug sich + a grave as we thought might fit him, and havin' buttoned and lined it well + with thorns, we then left it covered over with scraws for fraid anybody + might find it out. So far so good. At last the appointed night came, and + we called upon him. + </p> + <p> + “'Is Mr. Callaghan in?' said one of us, knockin' at the door. + </p> + <p> + “'What's your business wid him?' said a servant girl, as she opened the + door. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis to pay some tithe I want,' says the man; and no sooner was the word + out of his mouth than in we boulted betther than a score of us; for the + rest all stayed about the place to act accordin' to circumstances. + </p> + <p> + “'How do you do, Misther Callaghan?' says our captain, 'I hope you're + well, sir,' says he, 'and in good health.'” + </p> + <p> + “'I can't say I am, sir,” said Callaghan, 'I haven't been to say at all + well for the last few days, wid a pain down my back.' + </p> + <p> + “'Ah, indeed no wondher, Mr. Callaghan,' says the other; 'that's the curse + of the widows and orphans, and the poor in general, that you have + oppressed in ordher to keep up a fat an' greedy establishment,' says he, + 'but in the mane time, keep a good heart—we're friends of yours, and + wishes you well; and if the curses have come down hot and heavy on your + back, we'll take them off it,' says he, 'so aisily and purtily, that if + you'll only shut your eyes, you'll think yourself in another world—I + mane of coorse the world you'll go to,' says he;—'we have got a few + nice and aisy machines here, for ticklin' sich procthors, in ordher to + laugh them into health again, and we'll now set you to rights' at wanst. + Comes, boys,' says he, turnin' to us, 'tie every sowl in the house, + barrin' the poor sick procthor that we all feel for, bekaise you see, + Misther Callaghan, in ordher to do the thing complate, we intind to have + your own family spectawthers of the cure.' + </p> + <p> + “'No,' said one of them, a determined man he was, 'that wasn't in our + agreement, nor it isn't in our hearts, to trate the innocent like the + guilty.'” + </p> + <p> + “'It must be done,' said the captain. + </p> + <p> + “'No,' said the other back to him, 'the first man that mislists a hair of + one of his family's heads, I'll put the contents of this through him—if + this onmanly act had been mentioned before, you'd a' had few here tonight + along wid you.' + </p> + <p> + “Well, sure enough, the most of us was wid the last speaker, so, instead + of cardin' the sick procthor before his own family, we tied and gagged him + so as that he neither spoke nor budged, and afther clappin' a guard upon + the family for an hour or two, we put him on horseback and brought him up + to where the grave was made. We then stripped him, and layin' him across a + ditch, we got the implements, of the feadhers as we call them, to tickle + him. Well, now, could you guess, boys, what these feadhers was? I'll go + bail you couldn't, so I may as well tell you at wanst; divil resave the + thing else, but half-a-dozen of the biggest tom-cats we could get, and + this is the way we used them. Two or three of us pitched our hands well + and the tails of the cats into the bargain, we then, as I said, laid the + naked procthor across a ditch, and began to draw the tom-cats down the + flesh of his back. God! how the unfortunate divil quivered and writhed and + turned—until the poor wake crature, that at first had hardly the + strength of a child, got, by the torture he suffered, the strength of + three men; for indeed, afther he broke the cords that tied him, three, nor + three more the back o' that, wasn't sufficient to hould him. He got the + gag out of his mouth, too, and then, I declare to my Saviour his scrames + was so awful that we got frightened, for we couldn't but think that the + voice was unnatural, an sich as no man ever heard. We set to, however, and + gagged and tied him agin, and then we carded him—first down, then + up, then across by one side, and after that across by the other. * Well, + when this was done, we tuk him as aisily an' as purtily as we could. + </p> + <p> + “D—n your soul, you ould ras—rascal,” said the person they + called Ned, “you wor—wor 'all a parcel o' bloody, d—n, hell—fi—fire + cowardly villains, to—to—thrat—ate any fellow crature—crature + in sich a way. Why didn't you shoo—shoo—oot him at wanst, an' + not put—ut him through hell's tor—tortures like that, you + bloody-minded ould dog!” + </p> + <p> + To tell the truth, many of them were shocked at the old carder's + narrative, but he only, grinned at them, and replied— + </p> + <p> + “Ay, shoot—you may talk about shootin,' Ned, avick, but for all that + life's sweet.” + </p> + <p> + “Get on—out, you ould sinner o' perdition—to blazes wid you; + life's sweet you ould 'shandina—what a purty—urty way you tuk + of sweetenin' it for him. I tell—ell you, Bil—lilly Bradly, + that you'll never die on your bed for that night's wo—ork.” + </p> + <p> + “And even if I don't, Ned, you won't have my account to answer for.” + </p> + <p> + “An' mighty glad I am of it: my own—own's bad enough, God knows, an' + for the mat—matther o' that—here's God pardon us all, barrin' + that ould cardin' sinner—amin, acheerna villish, this night! Boys, + I'll sing-yes a song.” + </p> + <p> + “Aisy, Ned,” said one or two of them, “bad as it was, let us hear Billy + Bradly's story out.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” proceeded Billy, “when the ticklin' was over, we took the scraws + off of the grave, lined wid thorns as it was, and laid the procthor, naked + and bleedin'—scarified into gris-kins—” + </p> + <p> + “Let me at—at him, the ould cardin' mur—urdherer; plain + murdher's daicency compared to that. Don't hould me, Dick; if I was sworn + ten times over, I'll bate the divil's taptoo on his ould carkage.” + </p> + <p> + “Be aisy, Ned—be aisy now, don't disturb the company—sure you + wouldn't rise your hand to an ould man like Billy Bradly. Be quiet.” + </p> + <p> + —“Scarified into griskins as he was,” proceeded Bradly looking at + Ned with a grin of contempt—“ay, indeed, snug and cosily we laid him + in his bed of feadhers, and covered him wid thin scraws for fear he'd + catch could—he! he! he! That's the way we treated the procthors in + our day. I think I desarve a drink now!” + </p> + <p> + Drinking was now resumed with more vigor, and the proceedings of the night + were once more discussed. + </p> + <p> + “It was a badly-managed business every way,” said one of them, “especially + to let M'Carthy escape; however, we'll see him 'igain, and if we can jist + lay our eyes upon him in some quiet place, it'll be enough;—what's + to be done wid this body till mornin.' It can't be lyin' upon the chairs + here all might.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy, we need scarcely assure our readers, did not suffer all this + time to pass without making an effort to escape. This, however, was a + matter of dreadful danger, as the circumstances of the case stood. In the + first place, as we have already said, the door between the room in which + he lay and that in which the Whiteboys sat, was open, and the light of the + candles shone so strongly into it, that it was next to an impossibility + for him to cross over to the window without being seen; in the second + place, the joints of the beds were so loose and rickety that, on the + slightest motion of its Occupant, it creaked and shrieked so loud, that + any attempt to rise off it must necessarily have discovered him. + </p> + <p> + “We must do something with the body of this unlucky boy,” continued the + speaker; “divil resave you, M'Carthy, it was on your account he came to + this fate; blessed man, if we could only catch him!” + </p> + <p> + “Here, Dick, you and Jemmy there, and Art, come and let us bring him into + the bed' in the next room—it's a fitter and more properer place for + him than lyin' upon chairs here. God be merciful to you, poor Lanty, it's + little you expected this when you came out to-night! Take up the candles + two more of you, and go before us: here—steady now; mother of + heaven, how stiff and heavy he has got in so short a time—and his + family! what will they say? Hell resave you, M'Carthy, I say agin! I'm but + a poor man, and I wouldn't begrudge a five-pound note to get widin shot of + you, wherever you are.” + </p> + <p> + It would be idle to attempt anything like a description of M'Carthy's + feelings, upon such an occasion as this. It is sufficient to say, that he + almost gave himself up for lost, and began to believe, for the first time + in his life, that there is such a thing as fate. Here had his life been + already saved once to-night, but scarcely had he escaped when he is met by + a person evidently disguised, but by whose language he is all but made + certain that he is a man full of mystery, and who besides has expressed + strong enmity against him. This person, with a case of pistols in his + breast, compels him, as it were, to put himself under his protection; and + he conducts him into a remote isolated shebeen-house, where, no doubt, + there is a meeting of Whiteboys every night in the week. The M'Carthy + spirit is, proverbially, brave and intrepid, but we are bound to say, that + notwithstanding its hereditary intrepidity, our young friend would have + given the wealth of Europe to have found himself at that moment one single + mile away from the bed on which he lay. His best policy was now to affect + sleep, and he did so with an apparent reality borrowed from desperation. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo!” exclaimed those who bore the candle, on looking at the bed, “who + the devil and Jack Robinson have we got here? Aisy, boys—here's some + blessed clip or other fast asleep: lay down poor Lanty on the ground till + we see who this. Call Molly Cassidy; here, Molly, who the dickens is this + chap asleep?” + </p> + <p> + Molly immediately made her appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Troth I dunna who he is,” she replied; “he's some poor boy on his + keepin', about tithes, tha' <i>He</i> brought here to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a cursed lie, Molly; wid' many respects to you, <i>He</i> couldn't + a' been here to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir, whoever you are; but I tell you it's no lie; and he was + here, and left that boy wid me, desirin' me to let him come to no injury, + for that—” and this was an addition of her own, “there was hundreds + offered for the takin' of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what did he do, did you hear?” + </p> + <p> + “He whispered to me,” she replied, in a low voice, but loud enough for + M'Carthy to hear, “that he shot a tithe-proctor.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll see what he's made of, though,” said one of them; “and, at all + events, we'd act very shabbily if we didn't give him a share af what's + goin'; but aisy, boys,” he added, “take care—ay! aisy, I say, safe's + the word; who knows but he's a spy in disguise, and, in that case, we'll + have a different card to play. Hallo! neighbor,” he exclaimed, giving + M'Carthy a shove, who started up and looked about him with admirable tact. + </p> + <p> + “What—what—eh—what's this? who are you all? what are you + about?” he asked, and as he spoke, he sprung to his feet. “What's this?” + he exclaimed again. “Sweet Jasus! is this Fagan the tithe-proctor that I + shot? eh—or are you—stay—no—ah, no—not the + polis. Oh, Lord, but I'm relieved; I thought you were polis, but I see by + your faces that I'm safe, at last—I hope so.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to be sure, you're safe—safe—as—as the bank + (hiccup). You're a gintlemen, si—r you're a Con Roe—the ace o' + hearts you are. Ay, you shot—like a ma—an, and didn't card—ard + him wid tomcats, and then put the poo—oo—oor (hiccup) devil + into a grave lined wid thorns; ah, you cowardly ould villain! the devil, + in the shape of a to—to—tom-cat will card you in hell yet; an' + moreover, you'll ne—never—ever die in your bed, you + hard-hearted ould scut o' blazes; an' that you may not, I pray Ja—sa—sus + this night—an' God forgive us all—amin, acheema!” + </p> + <p> + “Hould your drunken tongue, Ned,” said he who seemed to assume authority + over them; “we want to put this poor boy, who died of liquor to-night, + into the bed, and I suppose you'll have no objection.” + </p> + <p> + “None at all at all,” replied M'Carthy, assuming the brogue, at which, + fortunately for himself, he was an adept; “it's a good man's case, boys; + blood an' turf, give him a warm birth of it—he'll find it snug and + comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + They then placed the corpse on the bed but changing their mind, they + raised him for a moment, putting him under the bedclothes, pinned a + stocking, about his head to give him a domestic look; after which they + returned to the tap-room of the shebeen-house, for such in fact it was. + The latter change in the position of the corpse was made from an + apprehension lest the police might come in search of the body, and with + the hope that he might pass for a person asleep. + </p> + <p> + “You'll drink something wid us,” said the principal among them; “but, + before you do, I suppose you are as you ought to be.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy, who really was in a frightful state of thirst, determined at + once to put on the reckless manner of a wild and impetuous Irishman, who + set all law and established institutions at defiance. + </p> + <p> + “You suppose I am as I ought to be,” he exclaimed, with a look of + contempt; “why, thin, I suppose so too: in the mane time, an' before you + bother me wid more gosther, I'd thank you to give me a drink o' whisky and + wather—for, to tell you the truth, blast me but I think there's a + confligration on a small scale goin' an inwardly; hurry, boys, or I'll + split. Ah, boys, if you but knew what I wint through the last three days + an' three nights.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did you go through it all for?” asked the principal of them, + with something of distrust in his manner. + </p> + <p> + “What did I go through it fwhor? fwhy, thin, fwhor the sake o' the trewth—I'm + a Gaaulway man, boys, and it isn't in Can-naught you'll fwhind the man + that's afeard to do fwhat's right: here's aaul your healths, and that + everything may soon be as it ought to be.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the other, “you are a Can-naught man sartainly, that's clear + from your tongue; but I want to axe you a question.' + </p> + <p> + “Fwhy nat? it's but fair,—it's but fair, I say,—take that wit + j'ou, an' I'm the boy that will answer it, if I can, bekaise you know, or + maybe you don't—but it's a proverb we have in Cannaught wit us—that + a fool may ax a question that a wise man couldn't answer: well, what is + it?” + </p> + <p> + “Who brought you here to-night?” + </p> + <p> + “Who brought me here to-night? fwhy, thin, I'll tell you as much of it as + I like—<i>He</i> did.” + </p> + <p> + “Be japers it's a lie, beggin' your pardon, my worthy Cannaught man. <i>He</i> + couldn't be here to-night. I know where he was the greater part of the + night, and the thing's impossible. I don't know you, but we must know you—ay, + and we will know you.” + </p> + <p> + “Trath an' I must know you, thin, and that very soon,” replied M'Carthy. + </p> + <p> + “Come into the next room, then,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “Anywhere you like,” he replied, “I'm wit you; but I'm not the boy to be + humbugged, or to bear your thricks upon thravellers.” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the other, when they had got into the room where the corpse + lay, “shake hands.” + </p> + <p> + They accordingly shook hands, and M'Carthy gave him the genuine grip, as + he had been taught it by the Whiteboy. + </p> + <p> + “Right,” said the man, “for so far; now, what's the hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Very near the right one.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it come yet?” + </p> + <p> + “The hour is come, but not the man.” + </p> + <p> + “When will he come?” + </p> + <p> + “He is within sight.” + </p> + <p> + “It's all right; come in and take another dhrink,” said the man; “but + still, who brought you here? for I know <i>He</i> couldn't.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy replied, winking towards the kitchen, “Troth she'll tell you that + story; give me another drink o' fwhiskey and water. Oh, I'm hardly able to + sit up, I'm getthi' so drowsy. A wink o' sleep, I may say, didn't crass my + eye these three nights; an' I'd wish to stretch myself beside the poor boy + widin. I'm an my keepin', boys, and fwhin you know that the law was at my + heels fwhor the last foive weeks, you'll allow I want rest: throth I must + throw myself somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Go in, then, poor fellow, and lie down,” said the same individual, who + acted as spokesman; “we know how you must feel, wid the hell-hounds of the + law affcher you: here, Jack, hould the candle for him, and help him to + move over poor Lanty to make room for him; and Mrs. Cassidy,” he called m + a louder voice, “bring us another bottle.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, to tell you the truth,” replied Jack, “I'd rather not; I don't + like to go near a dead body.” + </p> + <p> + “Here,” said the person called Dick, “give me the candle: poor fellow! it + is rest you want, and God forbid we wouldn't do everything in our power + for you.” + </p> + <p> + They then entered the apartment, and M'Carthy was about to lay himself + beside the corpse, when his companion tapped him significantly on the + shoulder, and, his finger on his lips pointed to the window and + immediately whispered in his ear: “I will leave the windy so that it will + open at wanst: three of us knows you, Mr. M'Carthy I will sing a song when + I go in again, which they will chorus; fly then, for it's hard to say what + might happen: the day is now breakin' and you might be known—in that + case I needn't tell you what your fate would be.” + </p> + <p> + He then returned to his companion having carefully closed the door after + him so as to prevent, as much as possible the motions of M'Carthy from + being seen or heard. On rejoining them he observed “well, if ever a poor + boy was fairly broken down, and he is—throth he was no sooner, on + the bed than he was off; an' among ourselves, the sleep must be heavy on + him when he could close his eyes an' a dead man in the bed wid him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII.—Strange Faces—Dare-Devil O'Driscol Aroused + </h2> + <p> + We have already stated that the proctors daughters had relieved their + mother from the duty which, that kind-hearted woman had been in the habit + of imposing on herself we mean that of attending and relieving the sick + and indigent in her immediate neighborhood. On the morning in question + Juli Purcel, who, together with her sister, for some time past been + attending the bed of an interesting young female, to one of her father's + workmen, had got up at an early hour to visit her—scarcely with a + hope, it is true, that she would find the poor invalid alive. Much to her + satisfaction, however, she found her better, and with some dawning + prospects of ultimate recovery. She left with her mother the means of + procuring such comforts as she considered might be suitable to her in the + alternative of her convalescence, and had got more than home when she felt + startled for a by the appearance of a person who seemed to have been + engaged in some of these nightly outrages that were then so numerous in + the country. The person in question had just leaped from an open breach in + the hedge which bounded the right-hand side of the road exactly opposite + where she was passing. The stranger's appearance was certainly calculated + to excite terror, especially in a female; for although he did not wear the + shirt over his clothes, his face was so deeply blackened that a single + shade of his complexion could not be recognized. We need not again assure + our readers that Julia Purcel possessed the characteristic firmness and + courage of her family, but notwithstanding this she felt somewhat alarmed + at the appearance of a lawless Whiteboy, who was at that moment most + probably on his return from the perpetration of some midnight atrocity. + This alarm was increased on seeing that the person in question approached + her, as if with some deliberate intent. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/plate445.jpg" + alt="Page 445-- Alarmed at the Appearance of a Lawless Whiteboy " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + “Stand back, sir,” she exclaimed. “What can you mean by approaching me? + Keep your distance.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, good God! my dear Julia, what means this? Do you not know me?” + </p> + <p> + “Know you! No, sir,” she replied, “how could I know such a person?” + </p> + <p> + She had unconsciously paused a moment when the Whiteboy, as she believed + him to be, first made his appearance, but now she pursued her way home, + the latter, however, accompanying her. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear Julia, I am thunderstruck! What can I have done thus to + incur your displeasure?” + </p> + <p> + “You are rude and impertinent, sir, to address me with such unjustifiable + familiarity. It is evident you know me, but I am yet to learn how I could + have formed an acquaintance with a person whose blackened face indicates + the nature of his last night's occupation.” + </p> + <p> + The person she addressed suddenly put up his hand, and then looking at his + fingers, immediately disclosed a set of exceedingly white and well-formed + teeth, which disclosure was made by a grin that almost immediately + quavered off into a loud and hearty laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he exclaimed, on recovering his gravity, “it is no wonder, my dear + Julia, that you should not know me. Since I went out to shoot with Mogue + Moylan, yesterday morning, I have gone through many strange adventures.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” she exclaimed, with evident symptoms of alarm and vexation, “Frank + M'Carthy!” and, as she spoke, the remarkable conversation which she had + had with Mogue Moylan, and the information he had given her with respect + to M'Carthy's connection with the Whiteboys, instantly flashed upon her, + accompanied now by a strong conviction of its truth. + </p> + <p> + “Explain yourself, Mr. M'Carthy,” she exclaimed, in a tone of voice which + indicated anything but satisfaction. “How am I to account for this + unbecoming disguise, so much at variance with your habits of life and + education?—perhaps I should not say your habits of life—but + certainly with your education. Have you, too, been tempted to join this + ferocious conspiracy which is even now convulsing the country?” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder you should ask, my dear Julia,” he replied; “but really the + incidents, which have caused me to appear as you see me, are so strange, + and yet so much in keeping with the spirit of the times, that I must + defer, until a more convenient opportunity a full account of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so, sir,” she replied quickly; “allow yourself full time to give the + best possible explanation of your conduct. I probably have put the + question too abruptly; but, in the meantime, you will have the goodness, + either to go on before me, or to fall back, as I presume, you will grant + that it is neither delicate nor becoming for me, who wear no disguise and + am known, to be seen at such an hour holding conversation with a + Whiteboy.” + </p> + <p> + The impropriety of the thing struck him at once, and he replied, “You are + right, Julia; but I perceive that something has given you offence; if it + be my appearance, I tell you that I can afford you a satisfactory + explanation. Proceed now—I shall remain here for a time;—whether + with black face or white, I should not wish it to be supposed that we held + a clandestine meeting at this hour.” + </p> + <p> + She then bowed to him with more formality than she had probably ever used, + and proceeded home at a quicker pace. + </p> + <p> + She had just turned an angle of the road, and got consequently out of + sight, when he heard a strong, but sweet and mellow voice singing the fine + old Irish song of the Cannie Soogah, or Jolly Pedlar; and, on looking + behind him, he perceived that worthy person approaching him at a tolerably + rapid pace. The pedlar had no sooner glanced at M'Carthy than he grasped + his tremendous cudgel with greater firmness, and putting his hand into his + breast, he pulled out a pistol, and with these preparations approached our + friend, still continuing his song, with the same careless glee, and an + utter absence of all fear. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'I' m the rantin' cannie soogah'— +</pre> + <p> + “God save you, neighbor! you forgot to wash your face this mornin'.” + </p> + <p> + “That's its natural color,” replied M'Carthy, willing, now that he was out + of all danger, to have a banter with his well-known friend the pedlar. + </p> + <p> + “If you take my advice then,” said the pedlar, “you'll paint it white—it's + a safer color in daylight at any rate. I'm thinkin' now, that if you met a + party of peelers on pathrole, they might give you a resate for turnin' the + same color red and white; however, <i>glunthoma</i>, (* Hear me) if you + have any design upon the Cannie Soogah, I can only tell you that I never + carry money about me, and even if I did, I have a couple o' friends here + that 'ud standby me; ay, in throth, three o' them, for I have brother to + this fellow (showing the pistol) asleep in my breast here, and he doesn't + like to be wakened, you persave; so whoever you are, jog on and wash your + face, as I said, and that's a friend's advice' to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Cannie Soogah, is it possible you don't know me?” + </p> + <p> + “Throth I've been just thinkin' that I heard the voice before, but when or + where is more than I can tell.” + </p> + <p> + “Not know your friend Francis M'Carthy?” + </p> + <p> + “Eh, Mr. Francis M'Carthy! and, Lord o' life, Mr. M'Carthy, how do you + come to have a black face? Surely you wouldn't belong to this business—black + business I may call it—that's goin'?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I should hope not, Cannie; but, for all that, you see me with a + black face—ha!—ha!—ha!” + </p> + <p> + “I do indeed, Mr. Frank, and, between you and me, I'm sorry to see it.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not be sorry to hear, however, that my black face saved my life + last night.” + </p> + <p> + “Arra thin, how was that, sir, if it's a fair question?” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy then gave him a brief, and by no means a detailed account of the + danger he had passed. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the other, “everything's clear enough when it's known; but, + as it's clear that you have enemies in the neighborhood, I think the + wisest thing you could do would be to lave it at wanst.” + </p> + <p> + “Such, in fact, is my determination,” replied M'Carthy; “no man, I + believe, who is marked ought to remain in the country; that is, when he + has no local duties that demand his presence in it, as I have not.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, sir; start this very day if you're wise, and don't give + your enemies—since it appears that you have enemies—an + opportunity of doin' you an injury; if they missed you twice, it's not + likely they will a third time; but tell me, Mr. M'Carthy—hem—have + you no suspicion as to who they are?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly; indeed I cannot say I have; the whole matter is shrouded in + the deepest mystery. I am not conscious of having offended or injured any + one, nor can I guess why my life should be sought after; but sought after + unquestionably it is, and that with an implacable resentment that is + utterly unaccountable.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, Mr. Frank, listen:—I met about a dozen men—strangers + they wor to me, although their faces weren't blackened—not more than + twenty minutes ago; and one, o' them said to me, 'Cannie, every one knows' + you, and you know every one—do you know me?'” + </p> + <p> + “'No,' says I; 'you have the advantage of me.' + </p> + <p> + “'Do you know any one here?' says he again. + </p> + <p> + “'Well, I can't say I do,' says I; 'you don't belong to this part of the + country.' + </p> + <p> + “'If we did, Cannie,' said the spokesman, 'it isn't face to face, in the + open day, we'd spake to you.' + </p> + <p> + “'An' what is it you have to say to me?' I axed; for, to tell you the + truth, I was beginnin' to get unaisy someway. + </p> + <p> + “'Nothing to you; but we've been tould that you're well acquainted wid + Procthor Purcel, and that you know a young man, by name M'Carthy, that + stops for the present wid Mr. Magistrate O'Driscol.' + </p> + <p> + “'I do,' says myself; 'I'll not deny but I know them all well—I mane + in the way o' business—for I call there often to sell my goods.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well,' said the spokesman, 'will you give that letther,' handin' me + this, 'to Mr. M'Carthy?'” and as the pedlar spoke he placed the note in + M'Carthy's hands. “'Do so,' says the fellow, 'as soon as you can—if + possible, widout an hour's delay. It consarns himself and it consarns me—can + I depend on you to do this?' I said I would: and now there's the letther—-my + message is delivered.” + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy read as follows:—“Francis M'Carthy, as you regard the life + of the man that saved yours last night, you won't breathe a syllable about + seein' a young man's corpse last night in the shebeen-house, nor about + anything that happened to you in it, till you hear further from me. If + you're grateful, and a gintleman, you won't; but if you're a traitor, you + will. Your friend, as you act in this.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. Frank,” said the, pedlar, “as you know the danger that's about + you, I say that unless you get out o' the counthry at wanst, you'll only + have a hand in your own death if anything happens. You're, goin' now, I + suppose, to Mr. Purcel's; if you are—if it wouldn't be troublesome—jist + say that the Cannie Soogah will call there in the coorse o' the mornin' + for breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + He then turned off by a different road; and M'Carthy proceeded at, a very + slow pace towards the proctor's, which lay in a right line between the + house to which the White-boy had brought him and O'Driscol's. As he + reached the back yard, by which he intended to enter, anxious to get + himself washed before any of them should see him—he was met by + Mogue, who after a glance or two recognized him at once by his + shooting-dress. + </p> + <p> + “Why thin, good fortune to me, Misther Frank, is this you?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, Mogue; but I have no time to speak to you now. Only get me soap + and a towel till I wash my face at the pump here. These are strange times, + Mogue, and that was a very suspicious place of refuge to which you brought + me; however, it will go hard or we shall make Mr. Frank Finnerty speak + out, and to some purpose too. Get me soap and towel quick—-I do not + wish to be seen with this diabolical-looking face upon me.” + </p> + <p> + “That I may be blest, sir, but the same face surprises me. Wisha, then, + Mr. Frank, might one ax—” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied M'Carthy, “do as I have desired you—some other time + you may hear it, but not now.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment, Mogue, who was very circumspect in all his looks as well + as in all his motions, saw by a side glance that Julia, on coming down the + stairs, saw M'Carthy—a circumstance which delighted his very heart, + inasmuch as he resolved to so manage it, that it might be made to confirm + the hint he had already thrown out against M'Carthy—if that could be + called a hint which was a broad and undisguised assertion. He accordingly + watched until an opportunity presented itself of addressing her apart from + listeners; and in the course of the morning, as she went to look after + some favorite flowers in the garden, he met her at the gate. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Julia,” said he, “I wish to spake one word to you, i' you plaise, + miss.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mogue, what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “You know what I tould you about poor Misther Frank last night; and what I + want to say, miss, is, that you aren't to put any trust in it; truth, I + believe I had a sup in—don't be guided by it—it was only + jokin' about him I was—that I may never do an ill turn but it was—now.” + </p> + <p> + “You need make no apology about it, Mogue,” she replied; “I am not at all + interested in the matter; but I now know that you told me truth; and as a + friend and well-wisher of Mr. M'Carthy's, in common with all my family, I + am sorry to find it so.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well now, miss, what will I do at all? wisha, but that's the way wid + me ever and always; when the little sup is in—and indeed it wasn't + much I tuck—the truth always come out—if it was the killin' of + a man, my heart always gets the betther of ma then.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw him, Mogue, with his face blackened.” + </p> + <p> + “Wisha, wisha, but I was a haythen to mention it at all. The truth is, I + like Mr. Frank—but then again, I don't like anything like desate, or + that carries two faces—only as you did see him, Miss Julia, if + you're loyal to me and won't turn traitor on me—you've but to wait + for a little, I'll be able to tell you more about the same foolish—I'd + rather say foolish for the sake of settin' a Christian pat-thern, than + wicked or traicherous—och, ay—for sure we all have our failins—howandiver + as I was sayin', I'll soon be able, I think, to tell you more about him—things + that will surprise you, miss, ay, and make the blood in your veins run + cowld. Only I say, if you wish to hear this, and to have it as clearly + proved to you as what I tould you last night, you musn't betray me.” + </p> + <p> + This was spoken in such an earnest, and at the same time in so simple and + candid a manner, that it was actually impossible to suspect for a moment + that there was falsehood or treachery intended. Nay,—his pretended + effort to undeceive her as to M'Carthy's connection with the Whiteboys, + was such a natural step after the drink which she supposed he had taken on + the preceding night, and when cool reflection had returned to him, that + she felt an indescribable curiosity—one attended with pain and + terror—to hear the full extent of her lover's perfidy. Beyond all + doubt, Moylan's treacherous adroitness, and the simplicity and piety under + which he contrived to veil his treachery and revenge, were perfect in + their way. As it was, he succeeded in banishing peace, and trust, and + cheerfulness, from the heart of generous and affectionate Julia Purcel. + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy found the young men up, and after simply stating that the + previous night was one of danger and adventure, he said that he wished to + go to bed for a while, and that he would describe these adventures at more + length after he had refreshed himself by some sleep. This, indeed, they + perceived to be absolutely necessary, from his exhausted and pallid look. + He accordingly went to rest—and, sooth to say, the sense of + security, joined to his complete exhaustion, and the comforts of a warm + good bed, gave him such a perception of luxury as he had never conceived + before. In a few minutes he fell into a dreamless and unbroken trance. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast was postponed an hour on his account; for as he had extorted a + promise from John Purcel, that he should either call him or have him + called when the time for that meal arrived, they did not wish to disturb + him so soon. In the meantime, there was many a conjecture as to the cause + of his absence, and as the fact of his black face could not be concealed, + there was consequently many an opinion given as to the circumstances which + occasioned that unexpected phenomenon. Julia did not at all appear, but + pleaded indisposition, and Alick had not yet returned-from O'Driscol's, so + there was only the proctor, his son John, his wife, and Mary, to discuss + the matter. At length, about half-past ten M'Carthy made his appearance, + and after the usual civilities of the morning, he gave them a pretty + clear, but not a very detailed account of the dangers he had undergone. + After a good deal of consideration, he resolved, in accordance with the + wish of his unknown friend, to suppress all mention of the attack upon + O'Driscol's house, and of the young man who had been shot whilst it was + going on. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast had not been concluded, when the <i>Cannie Soogah</i>, who had + already got his hansel, as he called his breakfast, in the kitchen, made + his appearance at the parlor window, which was immediately thrown up. + </p> + <p> + “God save all here,” he exclaimed, “long life and good health to every one + of you! Here I am, the rantin' Cannie Soogah, as large as life; and upon + my profits maybe a little larger if the truth was known.” + </p> + <p> + “Cannie,” said the proctor, “dix me, but I'm glad to see you—and how + are you, man?—and do you carry your bones safe—or your head + upon your shoulders at all, durin' these wild times?” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, and you may well say they're wild times, Mr. Purcel, and it'll be + wisdom in every one to keep themselves as safe as possible till they mend. + Is it thruth, sir, that you're makin' preparations to collect your tides + wid the help o' the sogers and polis?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly thrue, Cannie; we'll let the rascals that are misleading the + people, as well as the people themselves, know whether they or the law are + the strongest. They cannot blame us for the consequence, for we're forced + to it.” + </p> + <p> + “There will be bad work, thin, I'm afeard, sir; and bloody work, I dread.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not our fault, Cannie, but the fault of those who will wilfully + violate the law. However, let that pass, what's the news in the world?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you hard, sir, that the house of your friend and neighbor, that + man that hears nothin'—” here there was the slightest perceptible + grin upon the pedlar's face—“was attacked last night?” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean O'Driscol's?” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my profits, I do—an' nobody else's. + </p> + <p> + “Hillo! do you hear this, girls? O'Driscol's house was attacked last + night!” + </p> + <p> + “Heavenly father! I hope Alick is safe,” exclaimed Mrs. Purcel, getting + pale. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Cannie,” inquired the proctor, quite coolly, and as if it was a + matter of mere business, “what was the consequence? I hope nobody was + hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that his son Fergus, sir—that fine young man that everybody + was fond of—” + </p> + <p> + “Good God!” exclaimed the proctor, now really shocked at what he supposed + the pedlar was about to say; “what is it you are goin' to tell us? I hope + in God—” + </p> + <p> + “What is this!” exclaimed John; “heavens, Mary, you have spilled all the + tea!” + </p> + <p> + “Mary, my child,” exclaimed the mother, running to her; “what ails you?—in + God's name, what is the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “A sudden faintness,” replied the girl, recovering herself as if by an + effort; “but it is over, and I—I am better.” + </p> + <p> + “His son Fergus, sir—I hope Miss Mary is betther, sir—that his + son Fergus and his father, by all accounts, gave them a warmer reception + than they expected.” + </p> + <p> + “But was none of O'Driscol's family hurt nor anybody else?” asked Purcel. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, it seems not—and indeed I'm main glad of it.” + </p> + <p> + “D—n you, Cannie,” exclaimed the other, between jest and earnest, + “why did you give me such a start? You told the affair as if Fergus had + been shot—however, I'm glad that all's safe in O'Driscol's;—but + about the night-boys? Were there any lives lost among them?” + </p> + <p> + “It's thought not, sir,” replied the pedlar. “They left the marks o' blood + behind them, but the general opinion is, that there was no life lost; I + hope there wasn't—for, indeed, I have such a hatred against the + shed-din' of blood, that I don't wish even to hear of it.” + </p> + <p> + “What was their object, have you learned, in attacking O'Driscol's place?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I didn't hear; but anyhow, they say that a new workin' boy of + O'Driscol's, that dogged them up beyant Darby Hourigan's, was wounded by + them, along with Darby himself, in regard, of his having joined the young + fellow in dodgin' afther them.” + </p> + <p> + “Are they seriously hurt?” asked John. + </p> + <p> + “Throth that's more than I can say, but I hope they're not, poor fellows; + at any rate, I'm sure Mr. O'Driscol will have them well taken care of till + they're recovered.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” observed the proctor, “if he thinks it his duty he will: my + friend O'Driscol will do what he conceives to be right.” + </p> + <p> + The pedlar nodded significantly, and honored the observation with, a broad + grin. “Well, sir,” said he, changing the conversation, “he may do for that + as he likes, but I must look to number one. Come, ladies—and, by the + way, where's my favorite, Miss Julia—from you?” + </p> + <p> + “She's not quite well this morning, Cannie,” said her mother; “she has a + slight headache, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Miss Mary, then? Any purchases to-day, Miss Mary?” + </p> + <p> + “Not to-day, Cannie—the next time, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “Cannie,” said Purcel, “you praised your razors very highly at your last + visit;—have you a good case this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't I, sir? Wait till you see them.” + </p> + <p> + He then produced a case, which the proctor purchased, and thus closed his + sales for that day. + </p> + <p> + The pedlar, however, notwithstanding that his commercial transactions had + been concluded, seemed somehow in no hurry. On the contrary, he took up + his pack and exclaimed, “I must go back to the kitchen, till I see what + can be done there in the way of business; hearin' that you were finishin' + breakfast, I hurried up here to sell my goods and have my chat.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Cannie,” said the proctor, “try the folks below, and success + to you!” + </p> + <p> + The pedlar once more sought the kitchen, where he lingered in fact more + like a man who seemed fatigued than otherwise, inasmuch as his eyes + occasionally closed, and his head nodded, in spite of him. He kept, + however, constantly watching and peeping into the yard and lawn from time + to time, as if he expected to see somebody. At length he got tip and was + about to go, when he said to Letty Lenehan:—“Ah, thin, Letty, afore + I go I'd give a trifle that Miss Julia 'ud see a bracelet I got since I + was here last; divil sich a beauty ever was seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Cannie, I'll tell her if you wish.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Letty, may it rain honeycombs an you, an' do. I'll go round to the + hall-door, 'say, and she can look at them there; an' see, Letty, say the + sorra foot I'll go from the place till she sees it: that it'll be worth + her while; and that if she knew how I got it, she'd fly—if she had + wings—to get a glimpse of it.” + </p> + <p> + He had not been more than a minute or two at the hall-door when Julia, + struck by the earnestness of the man's language, which lost nothing in the + transmission, made her appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Well now, Cannie,” said she, “what wonderful matter is this you have got + to show me?” + </p> + <p> + “Here it is, Miss Julia,” said he, in his usual jocular and somewhat loud + voice, “here it is, I'll have it in a minute—listed, Miss Julia,” he + added, in a solemn and impressive undertone: “what I'm goin' to say is + more to you than aither life or death. Don't go out by yourself—don't + go at all out early in the morning or late in the evenin'.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, Cannie?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why, miss, it came to me by accident only; but the truth is there's a + plot laid, it seems, to carry you off to the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + “By whom, Cannie?” + </p> + <p> + “That's the very thing, miss, that I don't know; but a strange man met me + on my way here this mornin' and tould me that he was a friend to your + father—who was wanst a friend to him—and that, if I'd see you, + to put you on your guard against goin' either to the poor or sick at the + hours I spoke of; and he bid me say, too, that there's bad work and + thraichery about you—and by no manner o' means to go any distance + from your father's house—ay, thraichery, an from them you'd never + think o' suspectin' for it. Now, miss, keep this counsel to yourself, and + don't say it was I that tould you, but as you love a fair name and an + unblemished character, act upon it. Dang me,” he added, “but I had like to + forget—if any message—I was bid to tell you—should come + from Widow Lynch's, sayin' that her daughter's dyin' and wishes to see + you, and that it's afther dusk it'll come—if it does come—well, + if any sich message is sent to you, don't go—nor don't go for any + message, no matther what it is—hem—ahem—oh! here I have + it at last miss,” he exclaimed in his natural voice, “isn't that a + beauty?” + </p> + <p> + Julia got as pale as death for a moment, and then her brow became crimson + with indignation. In fact, she saw not his bracelet—nor heard what + he said in praise of it; but after a little time she said, “Thank you, + Cannie, most seriously do I thank you—and you may rest assured I + shall faithfully follow your advice.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so, miss,” he replied, “so God bless you and take care of you! and + that's the worst the rantin Cannie Soogah wishes you.” + </p> + <p> + Alick Purcel almost immediately joined the family in the parlor, to whom + he related a full and somewhat ludicrous account of the seige of O'Driscol + Castle, as he called it—or Nassau Lodge. As our readers, however, + are already aware of the principal particulars of that attack, we shall + only briefly recapitulate what they already know, and confine ourselves to + merely one portion of it, in which portion our doughty and heroic friend, + the magistrate, was most peculiarly concerned. + </p> + <p> + “Having tested the martial magistrate's courage,” he proceeded, “by a hint + from Fergus, who was as much amused by it as I was, and finding that it + was of the oozing or Bob Acres quality, we resolved, on hearing that the + house was surrounded, to examine, and prime and load all the fire-arms in + the house, as the case demanded. Some had been already loaded, but at all + events we looked to them, and such as were uncharged we loaded on the + spot, and then threw ourselves on the bed without undressing, in order + that we might be ready for a surprise. Fergus and I, after having lain + awake for a considerable time, taking it for granted that they had given + up all intention of attacking the house, at length fell into a kind of + wakeful doze from which we were at once aroused by a loud knocking at the + hall-door. We quietly opened the drawing-room windows, and in a firm tone + demanded what they wanted, and the answer was, that a friend of M'Carthy's + wished very much to settle an account with him. We replied he was not in + the house, and that even if he were, they should fight for him before they + got him. We also told them our opinion of their conduct, and said, that if + they did not leave the place, we would scatter the contents of a + blunderbuss among them. I should state that they knew my voice, and said + that they didn't want me then, but that my turn would come soon. When we + had done speaking, a strong mellow voice, which I'll swear was not strange + to me, said something to them in Irish, and the next moment the windows + were shivered with bullets. Fortunately, we kept ourselves out of their + range; but at all events, we had light enough to see them put their + fire-arms to their shoulders, and time enough to stand aside. We returned + the fire instantly, but whether with any fatal effect or not we could not + say. When the smoke cleared away they had disappeared, but early this + morning traces of blood were found on the spot. A servant of O'Driscol's, + named Phil Hart, says they received no injury, for that he followed them + at a distance up as far as Darby Hourigan's, near whose door they fired a + couple of shots. Darby, it appears, joined Hart, having been aroused by + the report of fire-arms; and both, on being discovered on their track, + were fired at and wounded. Hart says it is his blood that is on the lawn, + and perhaps it may be so, but I rather think the fellows did not escape + scot-free at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “But where,” asked John, “was the magistrate all this time?” + </p> + <p> + “That's precisely what I am coming to,” replied Alick; “the fact was that + the martial magistrate, who, I believe in my soul, lay shivering with + terror on his bed the whole previous part of the night, on hearing our + dialogue with the Whiteboys, and the report of the fire-arms, altogether + disappeared, and it was not until two or three searches had been made for + him, that he was discovered squatted three double in the coalhole. On + hearing and recognizing our voices, he started up, and commenced searching + round him in the aforesaid coal-hole. 'Come, sir!' he exclaimed, in a + voice of most ludicrous swagger, 'come, you scoundrel! I'll unkennel you—whoever + may be afraid of you, I'm not—my name's O'Driscol, sirra—Fitzgerald + O'Driscol, commonly called for brevity's sake, Fitzy O'Driscol—a + name, sir, that ought to strike terror into you—and if it didn't, it + isn't here I'd be hunting you—out with you now—surrendher, I + say, or if you don't upon my honor and conscience you're a dead man.' + 'What's the matter, sir?' I asked—'in Heaven's name, who have you + there?' 'Who is in the coalhole, father?' asked Fergus, with a face whose + gravity showed wonderful strength of muscle. 'Yes, gentlemen,' replied the + magistrate 'heroes that you are—riflemen from a window—upon my + honor and conscience, I think courage is like the philosopher's stone—here + have I, while you were popping like schoolboys out of the window, pursued + their leader single-handed into the coal-hole, for I'm sure he's in it, or + if not, he must have escaped some other way—d—n the villain, I + hope he hasn't escaped, at all events—here, lights, I say, and guard + all the passes—d—n it, let us do our business with proper + discipline and skill—fall back, Fergus—and you, John, advance—steady + now—charge the coal-hole, boys, and I'll lead you on to the danger.' + Of course he was half drunk, but at the same time he managed to conceal + his cowardice with considerable adroitness. I need not say that upon + examining the coal-hole, and every other possible place of concealment + there was no desperate leader found, nor any proof obtained that an + entrance had been effected at all. 'Well, come,' exclaimed O'Driscol, + 'although the villain has escaped, we managed the thing well—all of + us—he must have given me the slip from the kitchen and leaped out of + a window. You acted well, boys; and as I like true courage and resolution—ay, + an' if you like, downright desperation—being a bit of a dare-devil + myself—I say I will give you a glass of brandy-and-water each, and + the intrepid old veteran will take one himself. Ah! wait till my friend + the Castle hears of this exploit—upon my sowl and honor, it will be + a feather in my cap.' Fergus whispered to me, 'It ought to be a white one, + then.' We accordingly adjourned in the dining-room, where after having + finished a tumbler of brandy-and-water each, we at length went to bed, and + thus closed the seige of O'Driscol Castle.” + </p> + <p> + Julia on hearing of this attack and its object, felt her mind involved in + doubt and embarrassment. She could not reconcile the desire of the + Whiteboys to injure M'Carthy, with the fact of his having, by his own + admission, spent the night among them. Or what if the attack was a mere + excuse to prevent any suspicion of his connection with them at all? She + knew not, and until she had arrived at some definite view of the matter, + she resolved to keep as much aloof from M'Carthy as she could possiby do + without exciting observation. In the course of the morning, however, they + met accidentally, and the short dialogue which took place between her and + him did not at all help to allay the suspicions with which her mind was + burdened and oppressed. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Julia,” said he, “I see that you are offended with me, but indeed + you need not; I can give you a full and satisfactory explanation of my + black face, if that be the cause of offence.” + </p> + <p> + “Some other time, Mr. M'Carthy, I may hear your explanation; but not just + now.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot bear your displeasure,” he added; “and you know it.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you had felt as anxious not to deserve it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am unconscious of having deserved it—but hear me, dearest Julia———” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you not go to see Widow Lynch's poor sick daughter this evening?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, and well, sir—good heavens! what means this all?—I + am anxious, I say, to give you a full explanation, and if you would only + pay a visit this evening to the widow's, I could meet you and explain + everything.” + </p> + <p> + The Cannie Soogah's warning here pressed upon her mind with peculiar + force. + </p> + <p> + “But,” she replied, “I shall not go this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, will you say what evening you intend to go?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” she replied; “I don't intend to go in future, either morning or + evening. Good-bye, Mr. M'Carthy, some time must elapse before I can listen + to your explanation.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this generous, Julia?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it is just, Frank. Ask your own conscience, whether you are + entitled to any confidence from me—good-bye.” + </p> + <p> + And with these words, she tripped up to the drawing-room, where she joined + her mother and sister. + </p> + <p> + M'Carthy, after having settled down from the tumult occasioned by these + cowardly and murderous attempts upon his life, could not help indulging in + the deepest indignation against the vile and unmanly systems of secret + confederation in crime, by which the country was infested and disgraced; + its industry marred, its morality debauched, and its love of truth changed + into the practice of dissimulation, falsehood, and treachery. He + accordingly determined, as far as in him lay, to penetrate the mystery, + and ascertain the danger by which he was surrounded, and if possible, to + punish his unmanly and ferocious enemies. He consequently lodged + informations against Frank Finnerty, for whose apprehension a warrant was + issued; but thanks to the kind services of his friend Mogue Moylan, + Finnerty was duly forewarned, and when our friend, the heroic O'Driscol, + armed to the teeth, and accompanied by as many police as would have + captured a whole village, arrived at and surrounded his house, he found + that the bird had flown, and left nothing but empty walls behind him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV.—State of the Country + </h2> + <h3> + —O'Driscol rivals Falstaff—Who Buck English was supposed to + be. + </h3> + <p> + M'Carthy, on finding that he had failed, in consequence of the + disappearance of Finnerty, in developing the system which nurtured such + cowardly and inhuman principles, now found it necessary, independent of + all threats uttered against him, to return to college in order to + prosecute his studies, and maintain the high position which he had there + obtained by honors already won, and the general brilliancy of his + answering. A kind of love-quarrel had taken place between himself and + Julia Purcel, which, as is frequently the case, prevented him on the one + side from giving, and her on the other, from receiving an explanation. The + consequence was that they separated, each laboring under that yearning of + the heart towards the other, which combines the most delicious sensations + connected with the passion—tenderness disguised under an impression + of offence, hope, uncertainty, and that awful anger that is never to + forgive or change, but which, in the meantime, is furtively seeking for an + opportunity to be reconciled, and vent its rage in kisses and in tears. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the state of the country was fast becoming such as had + seldom, or perhaps never been recollected by living man. The + confederation, conspiracy, opposition, rebellion, or what you will, had + risen to a gigantic height. In point of fact, it ought rather to have been + termed an unarmed insurrection. Passive resistance was the order and the + practice of the day. The people were instructed by the agitators, or + rather by the great agitator himself, to oppose the laws without violating + them; a piece of advice which involved an impossibility in the first + place, but which was as false in itself, as replete with dishonesty and + imposture, as it was deceitful and treacherous to the poor people who were + foolish and credulous enough to be influenced by it. We are not now + assailing the Whigs for the reforms which they effected in the Irish + establishment, because we most cordially approve of them. Nay, more, we + are unquestionably of opinion that that reform was not only the boldest, + the most brilliant, but the most just and necessary act of policy, which + they ever offered as a boon to this country. But what we do blame them for + is, that they should have suffered themselves to be kept in such gross + ignorance of the state of the Irish church, as to allow its shocking and + monstrous corruptions to remain uncorrected so long; that they should have + allowed themselves to be baffled and imposed upon, and misled by the + hypocritical howlings and fictitious alarms of the old Tory party, who, + whenever they felt the slightest dread that the Irish Establishment would + slip through their fingers, filled heaven and earth with prophetic + denunciations against England, not forbearing to threaten the very throne + itself with a general alienation of Protestant attachment and allegiance, + if any of its worst and rottenest corruptions should be touched. No; the + Whigs should have known the state and condition of the Irish church from + clear and correct sources, and not have subjected the country to the + pernicious and degrading consequences of a turbulent agitation. What is + just in itself ought to be conceded to reason and utility, and not + withheld until violence and outrage seem to extort it; for this only holds + out a bounty to future agitation. Be this as it may, the whole country, at + the period of which we write, was in a state of general commotion and + tumult altogether unparalleled. Law was completely paralyzed, set at + defiance, and laughed at. Large bodies, consisting of many thousands, + traversed different parts of the country in open day, swearing every one + they met to resist the payment of tithes in every way and in every sense. + Many gentlemen, who had either paid it or been suspected to do so, or who + had been otherwise obnoxious as landlords, or for strong party feeling, + were visited by these licentious multitudes with an intention of being put + to death, whilst the houses of several wealthy farmers, who had + unfortunately paid the hated impost, were wrecked in the face of day. Nor + was this all: men were openly and publicly marked for destruction, and + negotiations for their murder entered into in fairs, and markets, and + houses of entertainment, without either fear or disguise. In such a state + of things, it is unnecessary to say that many lives were taken, and that + great outrages were from time to time committed. Two or three clergymen + were murdered, several tithe-proctors or collectors of tithe were beaten + nearly to death; and to such a pitch did the opposition rise, that at + length it became impossible to find any one hardy and intrepid, or, in + other words, mad enough, to collect tithe, unless under the protection + either of the military or police. Our friends, Proctor Purcel and his + sons, were now obliged, not merely to travel armed, but frequently under + the escort of police. Their principal dread, however, was from an attack + upon their premises at night; and, as fearful threats were held out that + such an attack would be made, Purcel, who, as the reader knows, was a man + of great wealth, engaged men to build a strong and high wall about his + house and out-offices, which could now be got at only through a gate of + immense strength, covered with thick sheet-iron, and bound together by + bars of the same metal, in such a way that even the influence of fire + could not destroy it, or enable an enemy to enter. + </p> + <p> + With such a condition of society before us, it is scarcely necessary to + inform our readers that the privations of the Protestant clergy were not + only great, but dreadful and without precedent. It was not merely that + their style of living was lowered or changed for the worse, but that they + suffered distress of the severest description—want, destitution, and + hunger, in their worst forms. First came inconvenience from a delay in the + receipt of their incomes; then the necessity of asking for a longer term + of credit; after this the melancholy certainty that tithes would not be + paid; again followed the pressure from creditors for payment, with its + distracting and harassing importunities; then the civil but firm refusal + to supply the necessaries of life on further credit; then again the + application to friends, until either the inclination or ability failed, + and benevolence itself was exhausted. After this came the disposal of + books, furniture, and apparel; and, when these failed, the secret grapple + with destitution, the broken spirit, the want of food—famine, + hunger, disease, and, in some cases, death itself. These great sufferings + of a class who, at all events, were educated gentlemen, did not occur + without exciting, on their behalf, deep and general sympathy from all + classes. In their prosperity, the clergy, as a body, raised and spent + their income in the country. They had been kind and charitable to the + poor, and their wives and daughters had often been ministering angels to + those who were neglected by the landlords or gentry of the neighborhood, + their natural protectors. It is true, an insurrection exhibiting the + manifestation of a general and hostile principle against the source of + their support, had spread over the country; but, notwithstanding its force + and violence, the good that they had done was not forgotten to them in the + hour of their trials and their sorrows. Many a man, for instance, whose + voice was loud in the party procession, and from whose lips the shout of + “down with the blood-stained tithe!” issued with equal fervor and + sincerity, was often known to steal, at the risk of his very life, in the + dead hour of night, to the house of, the starving parson and his worn + family, and with blackened face, that he might not by any possibility be + known, pay the very tithes for whose abolition he was willing to peril his + life. Nay, what is more, the priest himself—the actual living + idolatrous priest, the benighted minister of the Scarlet Lady, has often + been known to bring, upon his own broad and sturdy shoulders, that relief + in substantial food which has saved the lives of more than one of those + ungodly parsons, who had fattened upon a heretic church, and were the + corrupted supporters of the mammon of unrighteousness. Here, in fact, was + the popish, bigoted priest—the believer in transubstantiation, the + denouncer of political enemies, the advocate of exclusive salvation, the + fosterer of pious frauds, the “surpliced ruffian,” as he has been called, + and heaven knows what besides, stealing out at night, loaded like a mule, + with provisions for the heretical parson and his family—for the + Bible-man, the convent-hunter, the seeker after filthy lucre, and the + black slug who devoured one-tenth of the husbandman's labors. Such, in + fact, was the case in numberless instances, where the very priest himself + durst not with safety render open assistance to his ecclesiastical enemy, + the parson. + </p> + <p> + In this combination against tithe, it is to be observed, that, as in all + other agitations, whether the object be good or otherwise, those who took + a principal part among the people in the rural districts were seldom any + other than the worst and most unprincipled spirits—reckless ruffians + and desperate vagabonds, without any sense of either religious or moral + obligation to restrain them from the commission of outrage. It is those + men, unfortunately, who, possessed of strong and licentious energies, and + always the most active and contaminating in every agitation that takes + place among us, and who, influenced by neither shame nor fear, and + regardless of consequences, impress their disgraceful character upon the + country at large, and occasion the great body of society to suffer the + reproach of that crime and violence which, after all, only comparatively a + few commit. + </p> + <p> + Our friend the proctor, we have already stated, had collected the tithes + of three or four parishes; and it is unnecessary, therefore, to say, that + the hostility against him was spread over a wide and populous district. + This was by no means the case with O'Driscol, who was much more the object + of amusement to the people than of enmity. The mask of bluster, and the + cowardly visage it covered, were equally well known in the neighborhood; + and as the Irish possess a quick and almost instinctive perception of + character, especially among their superiors, we need scarcely say that + they played off, on more than one occasion, many ludicrous pranks at his + expense. He was certainly a man of great importance, at least in his own + opinion, or if he did understand himself, he wished, at all events, to be + considered so in the eyes of others. He possessed, however, much more + cunning than any one would feel inclined to attribute to him, and powers + of flattery that were rarely ever equalled. He was, in fact, one of the + few men who could administer that nauseating dose, without permitting the + person who received it to become sensible that he did so. He had scraped + together some wealth by the good oldsystem of jobbing—had got + himself placed upon the Grand Panel of the county,' and ultimately, by + some corrupt influence at an election, contrived to have the merit of + returning the government candidate, a service which procured him a + magistracy. O'Driscol was very fond of magnifying trifles, and bestowing, + a character of importance upon matters that were of the utmost + insignificance. For instance, if a poor decrepit devil, starving in a hut, + and surrounded by destitution and beggary, were to be arrested for some + petty misdemeanor, he would mount his horse with vast pomp, and proceed at + the head of twelve or eighteen armed policemen to make his caption. But, + on the contrary, whenever any desperate and intrepid character was to be + apprehended—some of those fellows like the notorious Ryan (Puck), + who always carried a case of pistols or a blunderbuss about them, or + perhaps both—-our valiant magistrate was either out of the way or + had a visit from the gout—a complaint which he was very fond of + parading, because it is one of aristocratic pretensions, but one, of + which, we are honestly bound to say, he had never experienced a single + twitch. + </p> + <p> + We have already stated that he had received a threatening notice, and + attempted to describe the state of conflicting emotions into which it + threw him. We forgot to state, however, that he had before received + several other anonymous communications of a somewhat more friendly stamp; + the difference between them being the simple fact, that the one in + question was read, and the others of his own composition. + </p> + <p> + The latter were indeed all remarkable for containing one characteristic + feature, which consisted in a solemn but friendly warning that if he (the + magistrate) were caught at a particular place, upon a particular day, it + might be attended with dangerous consequences to himself. Our magistrate, + however, was not a man to be frightened by such communications; no,—He + was well known in the neighborhood, and he would let the cowardly + scoundrels feel what a determined man could be. He thought his daredevil + character had been sufficiently known; but since it seemed that it was + not, he would teach them a lesson of intrepidity—the scoundrels. His + practice was, on such occasions, to get a case of pistols, mount his + horse, and, in defiance to all entreaty to the contrary, proceed to the + place of danger, which he rode past, and examined with an air of pompous + heroism that was ludicrous in the extreme. + </p> + <p> + One morning, about this time, he sat at breakfast, reading the + Potwollopers' Gazette, or the No-Popery Advocate, when, as usual, he laid + it down, and pushing it over to Fergus, he resumed his toast and butter. + </p> + <p> + “Well, now,” said he, upon my honor and conscience, it is extraordinary + how these matters creep into the papers. At all events, Fergus, my friend + the Castle will persaive what kind of stuff it's best supporters consist + of.” + </p> + <p> + “Very appropriate, sir,” replied Fergus—“stuff is an excellent + word.” + </p> + <p> + “And why is it an excellent word, Fergy?” + </p> + <p> + “It is so significant, sir, as an illustration?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I dare say it is,” returned the father; “don't we say of a game + man, such a fellow has good stuff in him? but, setting that aside, do look + at the paragraph about that attack! My friend Swiggerly has done me full + justice. Upon my word, it is extramely gratifying, and especially in such + critical times as these, read it for Kate there, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, papa?” + </p> + <p> + “An account, my dear, of the attack made upon us, and of—but Fergus + will read it out for you.” + </p> + <p> + Fergus accordingly read as follows:— + </p> + <p> + EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE AND INTREPIDITY—SEVERAL HUNDRED WHITEBOYS MOST + SPIRITLY REPULSED—FITZGERALD O'DRISCOL, ESQ. J. P. + </p> + <p> + “On the night of the 24th ultimo, the house of this most active and + resolute magistrate was attacked by a numerous band of ruffianly + Whiteboys, amounting to several hundreds—who, in defiance of his + well-known resolution, and forgetting the state of admirable preparation + and defence in which he always maintains his dwelling-house, surrounded it + with the intention, evidently, of visiting upon him the consequences of + his extraordinary efforts at preserving the peace of the country, and + bringing offenders to justice. The exact particulars of this fearful + conflict have not reached us, but we may, without offence, we trust, to + the modesty of Mr. O'Driscol, venture to give a general outline of the + circumstances, as far as we have heard them. About two o'clock, on the + morning alluded to, and while the whole family were asleep, an attempt was + made to break open the hall-door. This, however, having been heavily + chained, barred, and bolted, and the keys removed to Mr. O'Driscol's + sleeping-room, resisted all attempts of the Whiteboys to enter—a + circumstance which filled them with fury and indignation. In a moment the + family were alarmed, and up. On that night it so happened that Mr. Alick + Purcel, a friend and neighbor of Mr. O'Driscol's, happened to be staying + with them, and almost immediately Mr. O'Driscol, placing the two young men + in something like a steady military position, led them on personally, in + the most intrepid manner, to a position behind the shutters. From this + place the fire of the enemy was returned for a considerable time with + equal bravery, and, it is presumed, effect, as the grounds about the + hall-door were found the next morning to be stained with blood in several + places. Tho heroism of the night, however, is yet to be related. Mr. + O'Driscol, who was certainly supported by his son and Mr. Purcel in a most + able and effective manner, hearing a low, cautious noise in the back part + of the house, went to reconnoitre, just in time to grapple with the leader + of these villains—a most desperate and ferocious character-cruel, + fearless, and of immense personal strength. He must have got in by some + unaccountable means not yet discovered, with the hope, of course, of + admitting his accomplices from without. A terrific struggle now ensued, + which terminated by the fellow, on finding, we presume, the mettle of the + person opposed to him, flying down stairs towards the kitchen, and from + thence, as Mr. O'Driscol thought, to the coal-hole, whether he fearlessly + pursued him, but in vain. On examining the coal-hole, which Mr. O'Driscol + did personally in the dark—we really shudder at that gentleman's + absence of all fear—the ferocious Whiteboy could not be found in it. + The presumption is that he gave Mr. O'Driscol the slip during pursuit, + doubled back, and escaped from the lobby window, which, on examination, + was found open. On this almost unprecedented act of bravery it is useless + to indulge in comment, especially as we are restrained by regard for Mr. + O'Driscol's personal feelings and well-known modesty on this peculiar + subject. His worthy son, we are aware, inherits his father's courage.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil I do!” exclaimed Fergus; “ha! ha! ha! Faith, I'm braver than I + had given myself credit for.” + </p> + <p> + “And we are glad to hear that the present government, sensible of their + obligations to Fitzgerald O'Driscol, Esq., are about to confer the office + of Stipendiary Magistrate upon his son. We are, indeed, glad to hear this; + the office cannot possibly be better bestowed; and thus, so far as relates + to his father, at least, may valuable public services in critical times be + ever appropriately rewarded!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Fergy, what do you think of our friend Swiggerly now?” + </p> + <p> + “In God's name, sir, what does all this rigmarole, in which there is + scarcely a word of truth, mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Mane! why it manes, sir, that I am anxious to get you a Stipendiary + Magistracy.” + </p> + <p> + “A Stipendiary Magistracy, father, if you wish and if you can; but not by + such means as this—it is shameful, father, indeed it is.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, Fergus, that unless a man plays a game in this world, he has + little business in it. Manes! Why, what objections can you have to the + manes? A bit of a harmless paragraph that contains very little more than + the truth. I tell you that I threw it out as a hint to my friend the + Castle, and I hope it will act on it, that's all.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” exclaimed the son, laughing, “take care you don't overdo the + business; for my own part, I wish to obtain a magistracy only by honorable + means;—that is, since you have put the matter into my head, for + until last week I never once thought of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Neither did I until a couple of weeks ago; and between you and me, + Fergus, the country's in a devil of a state—a very trying one for + Stipendiaries,” replied his father; “but it struck me that I am myself + rather advanced in years for such an appointment, and, in the meantime, + that something of the kind might be in your way, and it is for this rason + that I am feeling the pulse of my friend the Castle.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am too young, sir, for such an appointment.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, you blockhead; although you get a magistracy in the + paragraph, you don't imagine, I expect, you should get one directly. No, + no; there are gradations in all things. For instance, now,—first a + Chief Constableship of Police; next, a County Inspectorship; and thirdly, + a Stipendiary Magistracy. It is aisy to run you through the two first in + ordher to plant you in the third—eh? As for me I'm snug enough, + unless they should make me a commissioner, of excise or something of that + sort, that would not call me out upon active duty but, at all events, + there's nothing like having one's eye to business, and being on the + lookout for an opportunity.” + </p> + <p> + “You know, father,” observed Fergus, “I don't now nor ever did approve of + the system, or principle you pursue in these matters, and as I will not + join you in them, I can only say if I do receive a government appointment, + I shall not owe it to anything personally unbecoming myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you're young and green yet, Fergus, but time and expariance will, + open your eyes to your own interests, and you'll live to acknowledge the + folly of having scruples with the world—ay will you.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, sir; but I thank God the time you speak of has not come + yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued his father, “now that we have talked over that matter, + read this;”,and, as he spoke, he handed Fergus a notice, evidently a + friendly one, to the following; effect— + </p> + <p> + “Hunda. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. O'Driscol.—It's said that ye're to goto Lisnagola on Shoosda + next. Now I tel ye there's a set upon yer life—don't go on that day, + or it'll bee worser for ye—any way don't pass Philpot's corner + betuxt 2 and fore o'cluck. + </p> + <p> + “A FRIEND THAT YEW WANST SAVED.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of that, Fergus?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, it's a proof that you have friends among these turbulent + people. I hope you don't intend going to Lisnagola on that day; by the way + it must mean this day, for this is Tuesday, and the note or notice, or + whatever you call it, is dated on Sunday, I perceive. I trust you don't + intend to to-day, sir, and expose yourself. + </p> + <p> + “I shall certainly go, sir,” replied his father, rising up quite + indignantly. “What do you think I am? Do you think, sir, that I—Fitzgerald + O'Driscol, am the man to be intimidated by blood-thirsty dogs like these? + No, sir. I shall, at the proper time, arm myself, mount my good horse and + ride, calm as a milestone, past the very spot. D—n the rascals! do + they think to terrify me?” + </p> + <p> + “If the author of that letter does,” replied Fergus, “he is most certainly + mistaken;” and as he said so he looked significantly at his sister, who + smiled as one would who thoroughly understood the matter. + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment, Alick Purcel was seen approaching the hall-door, and + in a few minutes he joined them. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Alick,” said the magistrate, “all well at Longshot Lodge—all + safe and sound for so far?” + </p> + <p> + “All well, sir, thank you, and safe and sound for so far.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what I think, Alick?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my honor and conscience I am of opinion, that it's something in your + favor to live so near to me. I act as a kind of protection for you, Alick. + I am morally convinced, ay, and have good raison to know it from more than + one quarther, that your father's house would have been attacked long + since, if it were not for the near neighborhood of dare-devil O'Driscol. + And yet these fellows like courage, Alick; for instance, read that + warning. There you see is a plot laid for my life; but I'll show the + villains that they have the wrong sow by the ear. I have showed them as + much before, and will show them as much again.” + </p> + <p> + He then handed the note, with an air of triumph, to Alick, who read it + over and assumed a look of great terror. + </p> + <p> + “Of course you will be guided by this, Mr. O'Driscol.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I will not, Mr. Purcel; not a bit of it. I will ride—armed, + of course—past Philpot's corner this very day, at half-past three + o'clock; that is all I say.” + </p> + <p> + “Well all I can say,” returned Alick, “is that you are a + fearfully-determined man, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I grant that, Alick, I know I am; but then it is in my nature. I was born + with it—I was born with it. Any news?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not much, sir. That scoundrel, Buck English, has written to my + father, notwithstanding all that happened, to know if he will consent to + let Julia marry him. He says in his letter that, although he may be put + off with a refusal now, he will take good care that he shan't be + unsuccessful the next time he asks her.” + </p> + <p> + “Does nobody, or can nobody find out how that scoundrel—” here the + valorous magistrate's voice sank as if instinctively, and he gave a + cautious glance about him at the same time, but seeing none but + themselves, present he resumed his courage—“how that, rascal finds + manes to cut the figure he-does?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe not,” replied the other; “but for my part, I am often disposed + to look upon the man as mad; yet still the puzzle is to think how he lives + in such buck style—the vagabond. He certainly is involved in + some-mystery, for every one you meet or talk to is afraid of him.” + </p> + <p> + “No, not every one, Alick; come, come, my boy, every general rule has an + exception; whisper—I could name you one who is not afraid of him”—and + this he said in a jocular tone—“I only wish,” he added, raising his + voice with more confidence, “that I could get my thumb upon him, I would—” + </p> + <p> + He was here interrupted by a loud but mellow voice, which rang cheerfully + with the following words:— + </p> + <p> + “I'm the rantin' Cannie Soogah.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! the Jolly Pedlar! Throw open the window, Fergus, till we have a chat + with him. Well, my rantin' Cannie Soogah, how are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, your honor, I'm jist betwixt and between, as they say—naither + betther nor worse, but mixed middlin', like the praties in harvest. + However, it's good to be any way at all in these times; so thank God my + head's on my body still.” + </p> + <p> + “Cannie,” said Fergus, “we were just-talking of Buck English. Mr. Purcel + here-says that there's some mystery about him; for nobody knows how he + lives, and every one almost is afraid of him. My Father, however, denies + that every one is afraid of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Buck English!” exclaimed the pedlar. “Mr. O'Driscol, darlin', what did + your honor say about him?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I—I—a-hem—I wished to have the pleasure, Cannie, + of—of—shaking hands, with the honest fellow; was not that it, + Alick?” + </p> + <p> + “Hands, or thumbs, or something that way,” replied Alick; “threatening + him, as it were.” + </p> + <p> + “Shaking hands, upon honor, Alick—thumb to thumb, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. O'Driscol, you're well known! to have more o' the divil than + the man in you—beggin' your pardon, sir, for the freedoms, I'm + takin'—but it's all for your own good I'm doin' it. Have you e're a + mouse-hole about your place, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “A-hem! Why, Cannie,” asked O'Driscol, with an expression of strong alarm + in his face—“why do you ask so—so—singular a question as + that?” + </p> + <p> + “Bekaise, sir, sooner than you should breathe—mind, breathe's the + word—one syllable against Buck English, I'd recommend you to go into + the mouse-hole I spoke of, and never show your face out of it agin. I—an' + everybody knows me, an' likes me, too, I hope—I meek—hem! + throth I do make it a point never to name him at all, barrin' when I can't + help it. Nobody knows anything about him, they say. By all accounts, he + never sleeps a week, or at any rate more than a week, in the same place; + an' whatever dress he has on comin' to any particular part of the + counthry, he never changes; but they say that if you find him in any other + part of the counthry, he has a different dress on him: he has a dress, + they say, for every part.” + </p> + <p> + “He has honored my father,” said Alick, “by sending him a written proposal + for my sister Julia—ha! ha! ha!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, now, did he, Mr. Alick?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and he says that he may be refused now, but won't the next time he + asks her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, Mr. Alick, I'll tell you what I'd advise you to do: go home, + and tell your father to send for him, if he knows where to find him, and + let him not lose a day in marryin' her to him; for if everything is thrue + that's said of him, he was never known to break a promise, whether it was + for good or ill.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha! ha! thank you, Cannie,—excellent!” replied Alick. + </p> + <p> + “Who can he be, Cannie?” asked Miss O'Driscol, “this person of such + wonderful mystery? I have never seen him, but I wish I could.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, have you, often—I'll engage, Miss.” + </p> + <p> + “And so do I,” added her father; “I wish to see him also, and to have + everything mysterious cleared up.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued the pedlar, “I know nothing myself about him, only as I + hear; but if all's thrue that's said, he could give your father, and you, + Mr. Alick, lave to walk through the whole counthry in the hour of noonday + or midnight, widout a finger ever bein' raised against one o' you; and as + for you, Mr. O'Driscol, he could have the house pulled about your ears in + an hour's time, if he wished—ay, and he would, too, if he heard that + you spoke a harsh word of him.” + </p> + <p> + “As for me, Cannie,” replied the magistrate, “I trust I'm a Christian man, + and not in the habit of abusing the absent. Indeed, I don't see what right + any one has to make impertinent inquiries into the life or way of living + of any respectable person—I do not see it, Cannie; and, I assure + you, I always set my face against such prying inquiries.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, myself,” continued the pedlar, “that there's a great many things + said about him, an' people wishes to know who he is. Now I was tould a + thing wanst by a sartain parson—I won't say who, but I believe it's + not a thousand miles from the truth I'm spakin' about who he is.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is he?” asked Fergus; “out with it Cannie.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” he proceeded, in a cautious and confidential whisper, “it's + said by them that ought to know, that he's an illaygal brother to the + Great Counsellor. There now, you have it.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it to Counsellor O'Connell?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to Counsellor O'Connell—divil a one else. He's as like him as + two pays, barrin' the color o' the hair. Sure the Counsellor puts every + one down that crosses him, and so does Buck English. Miss Katherine, + darlin,' won't you buy something? Here's the best of everything; don't be + afeard of high prices. My maxim always is—to buy dear and sell + chape, for the sake o' the fair sect. Come, gintlemen, Cannie Soogah's + pack is a faist for the leedies—hem—I mane a feest for the + ladies—hillo—ha! ha! ha! there's a touch of Buck English + himself for you. Well, of coorse, what's a faist for the ladies must + surely be a thrate to the gintlemen.” + </p> + <p> + Alick here availed himself of M'Carthy's experience, and presented Miss + O'Driscol with a beautiful bracelet; O'Driscol and Fergus purchased some + pocket-handkerchiefs and other matters, and our Jolly Pedlar went on his + way rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + Fergus O'Driscol who was a shrewd and keen observer, could perceive, + during the foregoing interview, that there was on the pedlar's countenance + an expression of grave, hard, solemn irony, which it was difficult to + notice, or having noticed it, to penetrate, or in any way analyse or + understand. To him it was a complete enigma, the solution of which seized + very strongly on his imagination, and set all his powers of reasoning and + investigation to work. All admitted there was a mystery about Buck + English; but Fergus felt a strong impression that there was one equally + impenetrable about the pedlar himself. Having little else, however, than a + passing thought, a fancy, on which to ground this surmise, he prudently + concealed it, from an apprehension of being mistaken, and, consequently, + of subjecting himself to ridicule. + </p> + <p> + Fergus now brought Alick out to the garden, where they seemed to enjoy a + very merry dialogue if several fits of hearty laughter may be said to + constitute mirth; after this Alick went home; not, however, we should say + until he first contrived to enjoy a short <i>tete-a-tete</i> with Miss + O'Driscol. + </p> + <p> + When the hour for the departure of the magistrate to test the resolution + of the “men in buckram,” who had resolved upon his assassination, had + arrived, he most magnanimously got a double case of pistols, and in spite + of all remonstrance from both son and daughter, he mounted his horse—Duke + Schomberg—and in a most pompous and heroic spirit rode forth to + quell the latent foe. + </p> + <p> + We have already stated that O'Driscol's real character was thoroughly + known by the country-folks around him, as the character of every such + person usually is. Whilst he proceeds, then, upon his daring and heroic + enterprise, we beg leave to state very briefly, that Fergus and Alick + Purcel, having laid their heads together, procured, each, two of their + father's laborers, whom they furnished material wherewith to blacken their + faces; not omitting four large cabbage-stalks, with the heads attached, + and kept under the right arm of each. These had been trimmed and blackened + also, in order to have more the appearance of fire-arms. Thus armed, and + with appropriate instructions, they planted themselves inside the hedges + which inclosed the narrow turn of the road at Philpot's cornet, and + awaited their “unsuspecting victim,” as the phrase unhappily, and with too + much truth, goes. + </p> + <p> + O'Driscol, on approaching the fatal spot, regretted that there were no + eyes upon this extraordinary manifestation of courage. He stretched up his + neck and looked about him in all directions, with a hope that some one + might observe the firmness and utter absence of all fear with which he + came up to the place where the assassins were to lie in wait for him. He + had now come within ten or twelve yards of it when, such was the force of + his own cowardly imagination, that it had worked him up from a fictitious + into a real terror; and on approaching the spot, he could not prevent + himself from coughing pretty loudly, in order to ascertain that there + really was no such thing as ah assassin behind the hedges. He coughed, we + say, with a double case of pistols in his hand, when, heaven and earth! + was the cough responded to—and in a jarring style—from behind + the hedge to the right? He paused, pulled up his horse, and coughed again, + when it also was responded to from that on the left; and at the same time + four faces, dreadfully blackened, peeped, two on each side of him, and + levelling their black and dreadful-looking blunderbusses—for they + could be nothing else—were about to rid the world of a loyal + magistrate, and deprive the Castle of its best friend and correspondent, + when the latter gentleman, wheeling Duke Schomberg round, put him to most + inglorious flight, and scampered off at the top of his speed. + </p> + <p> + The jest was admirably managed; and nothing could exceed the unction with + which he related his encounter with the villains. In fact, upon Falstaff's + principle, he had discharged his pistols on the way home, as a proof of + the desperate contest he had had with the blood-thirsty scoundrels. Like + all his other exploits, however, it was added to the catalogue of his + daring conflicts with the Whiteboys, and, ere the lapse of twenty-four + hours, was in possession of “his friend the Castle.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHARTER XV.—Scene in a Parsonage—An Anti-Tithe Ringleader. + </h2> + <p> + Hitherto we have described the tithe-agitation as one which was externally + general as well as deep-rooted; and so far we were perfectly correct. Our + readers, however, are not to understand by this that there did not exist + among the people—ay, and the priesthood too—a strong + under-current of sympathy for the sufferings of the protestant clergy. The + latter had indeed been now reduced to such privation as it is pitiable + even to look back upon. One-half the glebe-houses presented such symptoms + of cold nakedness and destitution, such a wrecked and gutted appearance, + as could scarcely be conceived at present. Hundreds of their occupants had + been obliged to part by degrees with all that was valuable or could be + turned into money. The elegant and accomplished young female, hitherto + accustomed to all the comforts and luxuries of life, was now to be taught + a lesson of suffering and endurance as severe as it was unexpected. Many—many + such lessons were taught, and we may add—well and nobly, and with + true Christian fortitude, were they borne. We have already said that + Purcel had the collection of tithe for four Parishes, and now that the + distress among the clergy and their families had assumed such a dreadful + and appalling aspect, he had an opportunity of ascertaining the + extraordinary respect and affection for them which existed after all in + the minds of the people. His own house and premises were now so strongly + secured, and his apprehension of nocturnal attacks so strongly justified + by the threats he had already received, and the disorganized state of the + country around him, that he was forced to decline receiving the tithe at + unseasonable hours; it being impossible for him to know whether the offer + of payment might not have been a plan of the people to get into his + dwelling, and wreak their vengeance upon him and his sons. Under these + circumstances, his advice to them, communicated with due regard to his own + safety, was to pay the money directly to the clergyman himself, or at + least to some of his family; and this, indeed, when they lived near the + clergyman, they always preferred doing. To be sure, the step was a + hazardous one, but, as they say, where there is a will there is a way; and + so it was in many instances on this occasion. The dead hour of the night + was necessarily selected for the performance of this kind office, and in + this way many an unexpected act of relief was experienced by the starving + and destitute clergy, at the hands of the very persons who were sworn to + abolish tithes, and to refuse paying them in any shape. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes, to be sure, when Purcel or his sons happened to be abroad on + business, attended as they now generally were by policemen for their + protection, a countryman, for instance, would hastily approach him or + them, as the case might be, and thrusting a sum of money rolled up in + paper, into his hand, exclaim, “It's the thrifle o' the last gale o' rint, + sir, that I was short in—you'll find a bit o' murnmyrandim in the + paper, that'll show you it's all right.” This, uttered with a dry, + significant expression of countenance, was a sufficient indication of the + object intended. On examining the paper, it was generally found to contain + some such direction as the following— + </p> + <p> + “MR. PURCEL, SIR—The enclosed is for the Rev. Misther Harvey. For + God's sake, give it to him as soon as you can; as I undherstand himself + and family is starvin' outright—I daren't give it to him myself, or + be seen goin' near his house. Sure when we think of the good he done, + himself an' his family, whin they had the manes, it's enough to make one + pity them, especially when we know what they're sufferin' so quietly, an' + without makin' any hubbub about it; but sure, God help us, there's humbug + enough in the counthry. Don't lose time, i' you plase, Mr. Purcel, as I'm + tould that they're brought to the dry praitie at last, God help them.” + </p> + <p> + It was in the early part of the day of O'Driscol's last triumph on Duke + Schomberg, that John Purcel went to discharge to a clergyman in the next + parish, a commission of a similar nature to that just recited. He drove + there on a car, accompanied by three policemen, avoiding, as well as he + could, all narrow and dangerous passes, and determined to return, if at + all practicable, by a different road, for such of late was the practice of + the family, when out on business. An it is, however, we shall leave him on + his way and take the liberty of requesting our readers to anticipate his + arrival, for the purpose of getting a glimpse at the condition of those to + whom he was carrying some slight means of mere temporary relief. + </p> + <p> + The clergyman, whose desolate habitation he was about to visit, had passed + about sixty winters, fifteen of which he had spent in that house, and + thirty in the parish. That is to say, he had been fifteen years curate, + and fifteen rector, without ever having been absent more than a month or + six weeks at a time; and even these absences occurred but rarely. We + remember him well, and with affection, as who of his survivors that ever + knew him does not? He was tall, that is, somewhat above the middle height, + and until pressed down by the general affliction which fell upon his class + and his family, he had been quite erect in his person. He was now bent, + however, as by a load of years, and on his pale face lay the obvious + traces of sorrow and suffering. But this was not all; whilst Destitution + of the severest kind had impressed on that venerable countenance the + melancholy exponent of her presence, Religion had also blended with it + that beautiful manifestation of her unshaken trust in God; of patience, + meekness, and a disposition to receive at his hands the severest + dispensations of life, with a spirit of cheerful humility and resignation. + Take a cursory glance at his face, and there, no doubt, you saw at once + that sorrow and suffering lay. Look, however, a little longer; observe the + benign serenity of that clear and cloudless eye; mark the patient + sweetness of that firm and well-formed mouth, and the character of heroic + tranquility that pervades his whole person, and sanctifies his sorrows, + until they fill the heart of the spectator with reverence and sympathy, + and his mind with a sense of the dignity, not to say sublimity, which + religion can bestow upon human suffering, in which it may almost be said + that the creature gains a loving triumph over the Creator himself. + </p> + <p> + Every one knows that, in general, the clergy of Ireland, as a class, lived + from hand to mouth, and that the men who suffered most during the period + of which we write were those whose livings were of moderate income. The + favored individuals, who enjoyed the rich and larger incumbencies, the + calamity did not reach, or if it did, only in a slighter degree, and with + but comparatively little effect. The cessation, therefore, of only one + year's income to those who had no other source of support on which to + depend, was dreadful. In many instances, however, their tithes had been + refused for two, and, in some localities, for nearly three years, although + the opposition to the payment had not for such a length of time assumed + the fierce and implacable spirit which had characterized it during the + last twelve months. These observations will now enable our readers to + understand more clearly the picture with which we are about to present + them. + </p> + <p> + On entering the house of this truly pious and patient pastor, the first + thing that struck you was the sense of vacancy and desolation united. In + other words, you perceived at a glance that everything of any value was + gone. You saw scarcely any furniture—no clock, no piano, no + carpeting, no mahogany chairs or tables, or at least none that were not of + absolute necessity. Feather beds had gone, curtains had gone; and all + those several smaller elegancies which it is difficult, and would be + tedious, to enumerate here. Seated at a breakfast-table, in an uncarpeted + parlor, was the clergyman himself, surrounded by his interesting but + afflicted family. His hair, which, until within the last twelve months, + had been an iron gray, was now nearly white, and his chin was sunk in a + manner that had not, until recently, been usual with him. Servants, male + and female, had been dismissed, and those whose soft, fair hands had been + accustomed only to the piano, the drawing-pencil, or the embroidery-frame, + were now engaged in the coarsest and commonest occupations of domestic + life. Nor were they, too, without their honorable sacrifices of personal + vanity and social pride, to the calamity that was upon them. Silks and + satins, laces and gauzes, trinkets, unnecessary bonnets and veils, were + all cheerfully parted with; and it was on such occasions that our friend + the <i>Cannie Soogah</i> became absolutely a kind of public benefactor. He + acted not only in the character of a pedlar, but in that of a broker; and + so generally known were his discretion and integrity throughout the + country, that such matters were disposed of to him at a far less amount of + shame and suffering than they could have been in any other way. + </p> + <p> + The family in question consisted of the father, his wife, four daughters, + and three sons; the eldest daughter had been, for some months, discharging + the duty of governess in a family of rank; the eldest son had just got an + appointment as usher in a school near the metropolis; two circumstances + which filled the hearts of this affectionate family with a satisfaction + that was proportionately heightened by their sufferings. + </p> + <p> + About this period they expected a letter from their daughter; and on the + morning in question their father had dispatched one of his boys to the + post-office, with a hope of receiving it. The male portion of the family + were the younger, with the exception of the eldest son, who was their + third child. Their position was as follows: the old man sat at the end of + a plain table, with his bible open before him—for they had just + concluded prayer: his wife, a younger-looking woman, and faded more by + affliction than by age, sat beside him, holding on her breast their third + daughter—she who had been once the star of their hearth, and who + reclined there in mute sorrow, her pale cheek and wasted hands giving + those fatal indications of consumption in its last stage, which so + severely tries the heart of parent or relative to witness. The other two + girls sat opposite, one of them in tears, turning her heart-broken look + now upon the countenance of her father and again upon that of her gentle, + but almost dying sister, whilst her companion endeavored to soothe her + little brother, who was crying for food; for the simple fact was, that + they had not yet breakfasted, nor were the means of providing a breakfast + under their roof. Their sole hope for that, as well as for more enlarged + relief, depended upon the letter which they expected from their eldest + daughter. + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to say that they all looked pale, sickly, and + emaciated with suffering, and want of' the comfortable necessaries of + life. Their dress was decent, of course, but such as they never expected + to have been forced to wear so long. The crying boy was barefooted, and + the young creature who endeavored to console him had thin and worn + slippers on her tender feet, and her snowy skin was in more than one place + visible through the rents of her frock. The old man looked at them, from + time to time; and there might have been observed, notwithstanding the + sweetness and placidity of his smile, a secret expression of inward agony—the + physical and natural feelings of the parent and the man mingling, or + rather struggling, with the great principle of dependence on God, without + which he must at once have sunk down prostrate and hopeless. + </p> + <p> + “When,” said the boy, “will Edward come from the post-office? Is there + nothing at all in the house, mamma, that I could eat?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! Frank,” said his sister; “where's your generosity and your + patience? Did we not all promise to think of papa and mamma before + ourselves—yes, and of our poor Maria, too, who is so ill?” + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” replied the boy, “but when I promised that, I wasn't so + hungry as I am now. But, still, if I had anything to eat, I would give the + best part of it to papa or mamma, or Maria, if she could eat it—that + is, after I had taken one mouthful for myself. Oh will Ned never come from + the post-office?” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma,” said the sick girl, looking up into her mother's eyes, “I am + sustained by one hope, and that is, that I will soon cease to be a burthen + upon dear papa—my heartbroken papa and you. I am anxious to pass + away to that blessed place where all tears shall be wiped from my eyes;” + and as she spoke she raised herself a little, and quietly wiped one or two + from them; and, she proceeded, “where the weary will be at rest. Alas! how + little did we expect or imagine this great weight of suffering!” + </p> + <p> + “My darling child,” said her mother, kissing her pale cheek, and pressing + her more tenderly to her bosom, “you have ever been more solicitous for + the comfort and well-being of others than you have been for your own; yet, + well and dearly as we love you, how can we grudge you to God? It was He + who gave you to us—it is He who is taking you from us; and what can + we say, but blessed be His name?” + </p> + <p> + “My children,” said the old man, “what would life be if there were nothing + to awaken us to a sense of our responsibilities to our Creator? If it + presented to us nothing but one unshaken path of pleasure and ease—one + equal round of careless enjoyment and indolent apathy? Alas! my darlings, + do not we, who are aged and have experience, know that it is those who are + not taken by calamity and suffering who gradually fall into that hardness + of heart, which prevents the spirit from feeling one of the most wholesome + of truths—that indifference is danger, and that a neglect of the + things which belong to a better life, and which serve to prepare us for + it, is the great omission of those who are not called upon to suffer. You + know, my children, that whom God loveth He chasteneth, and it is true. To + those whom He graciously visits with affliction, it may be said that He + communicates, from time to time, a new revelation of Himself; for it is by + such severe but wholesome manifestations that He speaks to and arouses the + forgetful or the alienated heart. Our calamity, however, and sufferings, + possess more dignity, and are associated with a greater work than that + involved in the isolated sorrows of a single family. God is chastising a + cold, corrupt, and negligent church, through the turbulence and outrage of + the people. What has our church in this country been, within the memory of + man, but a mere secular establishment, like the law or the army, into + which men enter not from a lofty and pure sense of the greatness of their + mission, but as a convenient means of securing an easy and indolent + profession? I know not what our church might have been if left to herself; + but this I do know, that for many a long year the unblushing iniquity of + British policy has served only to corrupt and degrade her, and to make + what ought to be the speaking oracle of God's truth, the consolation of + the penitent sinner, the sure guide to the ignorant or the doubtful—yes, + to make that Church, which ought to be a source of purity, of blessing, + and of edification, to all—a system of corrupt rewards for political + prostitution, parcelled out to meet the sordid spirit of family alliances + and ungodly bargains; or, in other words, to turn her into a mass of + bribes—a base appendage to the authority of the British minister, + who used her as the successful medium of at once enslaving and + demoralizing the country, instead of elevating and civilizing it. It is + for this great neglect of national duty, and for permitting ourselves to + be imbued with the carnal and secular spirit, which has led us so far from + practical truth and piety, that the church is now suffering. We have + betrayed our trust, and been treacherous both to God and man. For my own + part, my children, I am glad that I and mine have been counted worthy to + suffer in this cause. We are now passing through the furnace, but we shall + come out purified. Our grossness shall be purged away, and the proud + spirit of mammon burned out of us. But you know that God, my dear ones, + can accomplish a double purpose by the same means. Our church shalt be + exalted and purified, and her ministers prepared for a higher and holier + mission than that in which they have hitherto been engaged. She shall + awaken to a sense of her great responsibility; a new spirit shall be + created within her; a living energy shall characterize those who have + slumbered under the unholy shadows which she has cast around her, and + those who think that they are smiting her unto death shall find that they + have been made only the instruments in God's hands for the purification of + her body and the regeneration of her spirit. Charles,” he added, turning + to the boy, who still wept, although as furtively as he could, “bear up, + my child: Ned, you may rest assured, will make as little delay as + possible, and I hope he will bring us relief.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma,” said the invalid, looking up tenderly into her face, “will you—oh! + no, not you, mamma—Emily will—a mouthful of drink, Emily dear, + and let it be pure water, Emily; I think it agrees with me best.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, my darling!” exclaimed her mother, wiping away a few quiet tears, + “I have nothing else to give you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mamma, but you know I like it very much.” + </p> + <p> + “Precious child,” replied her mother, again tenderly pressing her to her + bosom; “we all know your goodness, and the reluctance with which you ask + anything that you fear might occasion us trouble. Dearest life, it will be + the memory of these glimpses of angelic goodness that will wring our + hearts when you are——” She paused, for the words had been + uttered unconsciously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said her father, “they will console us, my child, and make your + memory smell sweet, and blossom from the very dust. You have probably + heard of the beautiful sentiment so exquisitely delineated by the great + painter—'I too have been in Arcadia,'—and will it not be + something to us to be able to say,—'We too have an angel in + paradise!'” + </p> + <p> + Her sister brought her a cup of cold water, with which, after thanking her + with a sweet smile, she merely wet her lips. “Alas! I am very troublesome + to you all, but I shall not long—” + </p> + <p> + “Darling sister,” said Emily, tenderly kissing her, “do not speak so; you + are too good, and ever were so. Ah! Maria,” she exclaimed, gushing into + tears, “is it come to this at last!” + </p> + <p> + The sick girl placed her hand affectionately upon her cheek, and said—“Dear, + dear sister, how I love you! Oh! how I love you all! and papa, my dear + papa, how I pity you in your sorrow!” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, my darling, I know that your heart is pervaded and sustained by + all tenderness and affection; and indeed it is a consolation that since + calamity has come upon us, it has fallen upon a family of love—of + love to which it only gives greater strength and tenderness. This is a + great blessing, my children, and we ought to feel deeply thankful for it. + But, at the same time, it matters not what we suffer, we must allow + nothing in this world of trial to shake our trust in God. Here, however, + is our poor little messenger. Well Edward, any letter?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, papa; there is one from Matilda. I know her writing.” + </p> + <p> + He then handed the letter to his father, and immediately going over to his + sick sister, he placed a slice of bread and butter in her hand, adding, + “The head-constable of police gave it to me; I would have refused it + though—but for Maria.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you eat none of it yourself, Edward?” asked Maria. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he replied, “I thought mamma might make you up some light nice thing + out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But I cannot eat it, my dear Ned; divide it as you wish, but thank you, + darling, from my heart, for thinking of me.” + </p> + <p> + He then would have shared it as equally as he could among them, but to + himself and his brother it was left; the others, from a feeling which may + easily be understood, declined to partake of it. + </p> + <p> + We do not, of course, give this as a general picture of the distress which + was felt; but we do give it as a picture which was by no means rare among + the established clergy at the period of which we write. We know, from the + best authority, that the privations of the time were frequently so severe + as to find many families without food to eat. + </p> + <p> + Their daughter's letter was touching and simple, but unfortunately it + contained, not the remittance they expected; a circumstance which, in + their condition, was such a disappointment as cannot well be described. + She stated that, in consequence of the absence from home, for some days, + of the family with whom she lived, it was out of her power to send them + the full amount of her first quarter's salary as she had intended, or any + money at all, as they knew she had none except her salary to send. She + wrote, however, lest they might think or suppose for a moment that she had + forgotten them. She sent her warmest love and affection to them all, + especially to Maria, whom she hoped her letter would find better. Here she + mentioned them all by name, and concluded by saying, that the moment the + family returned home, she would remit to her dear papa the amount of her + whole quarter's salary. + </p> + <p> + The youngsters all burst into tears, the fact being that they had not + tasted food for more than eighteen hours. The mother, worn and pale with + anxiety and distress, turned sorrowfully to her husband and said: + “Charles, what is to be done? must our children die? must they perish with + famine?” + </p> + <p> + “Send Charles over to M'Mahon's,” replied her husband; “he is poor, it is + true, but he is our next neighbor, and from him, if he will oblige us, + relief will come soonest. Charles, go, my child, and ask Con M'Mahon if he + will be good enough to send me a stone or two of potatoes for a few days; + and I will feel obliged—your brother, poor child, is fatigued by his + journey to the post-office, and from other causes—or being the elder + I would make him go—if M'Mahon obliges me, tell him that I will + thank him to send them, as I have no messenger to fetch them. I have + always found poor M'Mahon respectful and neighborly, and I am certain he + will not refuse us.” + </p> + <p> + We shall not detail the distressing and melancholy conversation, in which + they were engaged until the child's return. It is enough to say that, + although he met with no refusal, the expected relief was not sent. “Well, + my child,” inquired his anxious father, “what reply did he give?” + </p> + <p> + “He said, papa,” returned the child, “that he would give you a whole sack + of potatoes with pleasure, but that, to send them in the open day, would + be more than his life is worth—he dare not do it.” + </p> + <p> + The old man looked up, then clasping his hands together, and glancing at + his unhappy family, a few bitter tears rolled down his cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “But,” added the boy, “he said he would bring over as many as he could + carry, about twelve o'clock to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued his father, “that is civil; and I believe, as to the + danger, he is right. But, in the meantime, what is to be done? I fear all + the available sources of relief have been already exhausted, with the + exception of heaven alone—in which, my children, we must not permit + anything to shake our trust. I am feeble, but yet I must go forth and try + to secure some food for you, my poor famishing family: hold up, then, my + dear children, even for a little, for certain I am that God will provide + for us still.” + </p> + <p> + He was, accordingly, upon the point of going out, when John Purcel + entered; and as the object of his visit is already known to the reader, we + shall leave to his imagination the sense of the relief which it afforded. + </p> + <p> + This now is not an overdrawn picture of particular cases—and they + were numerous—which occurred during the period of what was termed + the Tithe rebellion. + </p> + <p> + The circumstance of the message to M'Mahon's, however, was the cause of a + scene which we could not possiby omit, in a work treating of this peculiar + and most distressing crisis. As the boy Charles was on his way to + M'Mahon's—and this he mentioned to the family afterwards—he + was met, he said, by a gentleman dressed in rusty black, mounted upon a + strong, coarse horse; and who, after looking at him with a good deal of + surprise, said—“What is your name, my fine fellow?” and on hearing + it he asked him where he was going. The child, who had been trained to + nothing but truth; mentioned at once the object of his message; upon which + the gentleman in question, after having heard it, thrust his hands into + his smallclothes pocket, and then drew them out with an air of impatience, + exclaiming—“Bad luck to it for poverty—it's the curse o' the + counthry.” Now this worthy priest, for such he was, had not been many + weeks in the parish at the period of his meeting with the little boy; and + it so happened, that his residence was within about a quarter of a mile of + the glebe house. He was, besides, one of the few who had given, upon more + than one occasion, rather unequivocal manifestations of violent opposition + to the whole system of tithes. As a matter of course, he was the last + individual from whom anything like sympathy for those who suffered in such + a cause might be expected. Much of the same character was M'Mahon, to whom + the distressed parson had applied for the humble loan of food. He + assailed, in fact, the whole Establishment, and took both an active and + conspicuous part in the excitement which then agitated the country. He + joined the crowds, vociferated and shouted among them at the top of his + lungs, and took the liberty of laying down the law on the subject, as he + termed it: that is to say, of swearing that one stick or stone of their + dirty Establishment should not be left upon another, but that the whole + bobbery of it must be sent to blazes—where it would all go yet, + plaise God. Of course his neighbor, the parson, was by no means cognizant + of this violence on the part of M'Mahon, or he would never have thought of + applying to him, even under the severest pressure of absolute destitution. + </p> + <p> + Having premised thus much concerning these two individuals, we request our + readers to accompany us to the house of the Rev. Anthony Casey, and to + suppose that it is a little after the hour of eleven o'clock at night. The + worthy gentleman and his curate had just seated themselves in his snug, + but humble little parlor, where a pleasant turf fire was beginning to get + somewhat dim, when the following dialogue occurred between them: + </p> + <p> + “Pettier,” said Father Anthony to his curate, who had just returned from a + sick call, “you found the night bitther, I think?” + </p> + <p> + “It is very cold, indeed, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You have had a long ride of it upon that mountain road, without even a + bush to shelther you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not less than fourteen miles I think,” replied the curate, “and a + cold, desolate road as I ever travelled.” + </p> + <p> + “You have read your office?” + </p> + <p> + “I have, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You have discharged your duty to that poor, sick widow?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And you have ridden under a severe night, along a naked road, a distance + of fourteen miles?” + </p> + <p> + “I have, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And you feel your mind aisy, and your conscience at rest?” + </p> + <p> + “I can say so with truth, thank God,” replied the curate. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, in that case,” proceeded the kind-hearted priest, “I think + you had better take a tumbler of punch: it will comfort you, and make you + sleep like a top.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” replied the curate, “I am much obliged to you; but I + don't require it, I have no particular wish for it.” + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you, man alive, that it will do you good; and lest you might + feel solitary, I think I will take one with you, merely to keep you in + countenance;—here Katty!” + </p> + <p> + Katty, a complacent, kind-looking woman, somewhat past the middle period + of life, then made her appearance. “Well, your reverence?” + </p> + <p> + “Get hot water and tumblers—Father Pettier is starved after his long + ride such a night, and must have a tumbler of punch to warm him, poor + fellow, and I am going to keep him in countenance; and see, Katty, bring + the poteen that's in Ould Broadbottom, at the right-hand side o' the + cubbard. Stir the fire a little, Pettier, and throw on a sod or two—it's + getting dull.” + </p> + <p> + This was complied with; and Father Peter observed, after he had trimmed + the grate a little:— + </p> + <p> + “The country, sir, is in a frightful state. This tithe rebellion is quite + general. On my way out to Drumfurrar and home again, I met large crowds on + the roads, cold as the night is; and on speaking to, and remonstrating + with them, upon meeting and being abroad at such hours, they desired me to + mind my own business, and allow them to mind theirs. The country is + literally alive with them night and day.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” replied Father Anthony, “let them work out their own + purposes, provided they keep within the limits of the law. You know the + Established Church is nothing else than an English garrison to support and + keep alive British interests in this country; but the people are going the + right way to work; for I tell you, Pettier, that, by strictly observing + the doctrine of passive resistance, they will starve the same garrison + clane and clear out o' the country. And won't that be a great day for + Ireland, Pettier?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, no doubt of it; but in the meantime the unfortunate parsons are + suffering dreadfully: many of them are starving literally, and it is those + who have not hoarded up the mammon of unrighteousness, but have been + charitable and benevolent to the poor, who are now suffering most.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, faith, that's not a bad thought, Pettier; but I tell you the mammon + of unrighteousness is by no means a bad thing. We may say as we will, we + priests and parsons, but I say to you, what is a man worth in this world + without money? Not a thraneen. A complete nonenity, and sorras thing else. + And whisper, Pettier; what is the starving of the parsons to us? They had + the fat an' marrow of the land long, enough, and I think it's full time + that we should come in for a lick at last. Think of you or I living to see + ourselves rolling about in a rich carriage, with a lump of a mithre, like + a pair of ass's ears stuck together, painted on the outride of it, and we + waiting, and drinkn' of the best. Arra, salvation to me, but the + prospect's a born beauty, so it is, and will be rayalized yet, plaise + God.” + </p> + <p> + “Too much wealth, sir, is an enemy to religion.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Pettier, that may be so occasionally; but here's your health, and + in the meantime, I didn't care that some of us had a little more of it. I + would have given a pound-note today to have had five shillings about me; + and sorra testher I had in my company.” + </p> + <p> + “You must have been pretty closely pressed for cash, when you would have + given such a premium.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, then, I was; and when the poor boy mentioned whose son he was, and + when I saw his little delicate feet without shoes, and heard his story—mammon + of unrighteousness! devil a thing in life aiquil to it. It enables a man + to do the practical good, and not satisfy himself or escape with empty + words.” + </p> + <p> + “They say our neighbor here, Mr. Goodison, is very ill off.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I dare say he's not on the top of the wheel; however, as I said, + what's their starvation to us? If it was laid upon them for their sins, do + you think it would be right in us to intherfare and set ourselves against + Providence?—blessed be His name.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I must confess,” replied his amiable curate, “that I was not + prepared for such an argument as that from you. You know we ought to love + our enemies.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” replied Father Anthony; “I have no objection to love our + enemies, provided they feed themselves. But surely to love and feed them + is rather too much of a good thing.” + </p> + <p> + During this brief dialogue they had mixed each his tumbler of punch, and + after a pause of some minutes, during which the hardhearted parish priest + sighed deeply as he looked into the fire, he exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “You know, Pettier, that I am opposed to a Protestant Established Church + in this country; and you know, besides, that I have gone farther in this + tithe affair than most of my brethren, and on that account I hope you are + not surprised at my opinions. Starve them out's my maxim. But still, + aftcher all, salvation to me, but it's a trying case to be without food, + and above all, to see your own children—” + </p> + <p> + “My own children,” exclaimed the curate, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Pether,” proceeded this benevolent hypocrite, forgetting everything + but the image that was before him—“Ay, in troth, your own children—your + own children, poor things, without a morsel to put into their mouths; and + your wife, Pether, that you love betther than—than—aye, than a + station dinner, a thousand times—sittin' with a pale face and a + breaking, or, maybe, a broken heart, looking on at their privations and + their miserable destitution, without being able to render them the laist + assistance. Bad luck to it, for a mammon of unrighteousness, it's never in + the way when it's wanted.” + </p> + <p> + After he had concluded, he took out a red cotton pocket-handkerchief, + spotted at equal distances with white dice, and wiped away the tears that + had gushed to his eyes whilst he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Pettier,” said he, immediately, “finish your tumbler and go to bed; you + know we must be off to-morrow to station before six o'clock, and after + your bitther ride to-night you want rest, poor fellow.” + </p> + <p> + When about a quarter of an hour had elapsed, and he had seen Peter to bed, + he went to the kitchen, and asked Katty, his housekeeper, who always + attended upon him and his curate, if she had done what he desired her. + </p> + <p> + “It's done, your reverence,” she replied, “but you'll never be able to + carry it.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not your affair, Katty—do you hear now?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, your reverence.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then, I tell you that's none of your affair,—the sorra + bit. I hope you did'nt let Barney go to bed?” + </p> + <p> + “Of coorse not, sir, when you bid me keep him up.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then; and if either he or you brittle a syllable of this to + Father Pether, I'll read you both oat—do you hear that now? Bring + Barney here, then.” + </p> + <p> + Barney accordingly made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Now mark me,” continued the priest, “if either of you ever brathes a + syllable of this, salvation to me, but I'll read you both out from the + althar. Here now help me on with this sack; it's for a distressed person + in the neighborhood that wants it badly, as you may judge, or I wouldn't + be trudging off with it at this hour of the night. Katty, you go to bed, + and let Barney stay up till I come back—did you mind my words, I + repate—read you both out, if ever a syllable comes to Father + Pother's ears, or anybody's else's but our own.” + </p> + <p> + The servant man accordingly assisted him to raise upon his stout and + honest shoulders a short heavy bag of oatmeal, into which he had thrust a + large flitch of newly-hung bacon; and thus loaded, the violent anti-tithe + priest bent his way, nearly at the hour of twelve o'clock, to the + residence of the Rev. Mr. Goodison, his neighbor. + </p> + <p> + It is necessary to state here, that the glebe-house of that gentleman was + situated within about two hundred yards of two crossroads, one of which + went by the gate of entrance to it. After a severe trudge, during a night + that began now to brighten as the moon rose, Father Anthony found himself + approaching the cross-roads in question, and for a moment imagined that he + saw his own shadow before him, an impression which soon changed on + observing that the shadow, or whatever it was, although loaded much as he + himself was, that is to say, with a sack on his shoulders, evidently + approached him—a circumstance which he knew to be an impossibility, + and that it must, consequently, be a distinct individual. Having satisfied + himself of this, he got under the shade of a hedge, a movement in which he + was instantly imitated by the stranger. Each stood concealed for some + time, with a, hope that the other might advance and turn probably out of + his way; but neither seemed disposed to move. At length, Father Anthony + gave a kind of inquisitive, dry cough, by way of experiment, which was + instantly responded to by another cough equally dry and mysterious. These + were repeated two or three times without success, when at last Father + Anthony advanced a little under shadow of the hedge, and found as before + that the strange individual did the same; and thus, in fact, they kept + gradually, coughing at each other and approaching until they fairly met + face to face, each with a sack upon his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Con M'Mahon!” exclaimed the priest, “why, what on earth brought you out + at this hour of the night, and—aisy, what is this you're' carrying?” + </p> + <p> + “Faix, your reverence,” replied the other, “I might as well ask yourself + the same two questions.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you might,” said Father Anthony; “but in the manetime you had + better not.” + </p> + <p> + The priest spoke like one whose wind had not been improved by the burthen + he carried; and M'Mahon, anxious if possible to get rid of him, determined + to enter into some conversation that might tire out his strength. He + consequently selected the topic of the day as being best calculated for + that purpose. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't these blessed times that's coming, plaise your reverence,” said + M'Mahon, “when we'll be done wid these tithes, and have the millstone + taken from our necks altogether?” + </p> + <p> + This was spoken in a most wheedling and insinuating tone replete with the + the confidence of one who knew that the stronger he spoke the more + satisfaction he would give his auditor, and the more readily he would + avert any suspicion as to his object and appearance at such an hour. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” returned the priest, giving his burthen an uneasy twitch, “we have + had too weighty a load upon our shoulders this many a day, and the devil's + own predicament it is to be overburthened with anything—we all know + that.” + </p> + <p> + “Sorra doubt of it,” replied the other, easing himself as well as he could + by a corresponding hitch; “but it's one comfort to myself anyhow, that I + done my duty against the same tithes—an' bad luck to them!” + </p> + <p> + “If you did your duty, you weren't without a good example, at all events,” + replied the priest; “I taught you how to hate the accursed impost—but + at the same time, you know I always told you to make a distinction between + the tithes and the—hem—” + </p> + <p> + “An' what, your reverence?” + </p> + <p> + “Hem—why you know, Con, that we're commanded to love our enemies, + and it was upon this ground that I always taught you to make a + distinction, as I say, between the tithes and the parsons themselves. And + by the way, now, I don't know but it would be our duty,” he proceeded, “to + render the same parsons, now that they're suffering, as much good for evil + as possible. It would be punishing the thieves by heaping, as the + Scripture says, coals of fire upon their heads.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you think, your reverence,” replied the other, who was too quick + of apprehension not to suspect what the priest was driving at, “do you + think that I have been so long listening to your advice, not to know that + such a coorse was my duty?” + </p> + <p> + “That's the way,” continued the priest, “to punish them like a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to punish them, your reverence, as you say—an' in troth, I'm + the man myself that 'ud go any length to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “But where are you bound to now, Con, and what—ahem—what is + that you are carrying?” asked the priest. + </p> + <p> + “Why then, it's the butt-end of a sack o' pittities,” replied Con, giving + an answer only to the easiest side of the query. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but who are you bringing them?” he asked again, “because, thank + God, there's not much poverty in this neighborhood at present.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, God forgive me!” replied the other, concealing his + benevolence by a grin, which he could not prevent at his own ingenuity, + but which he endeavored to conceal as well as he could; “God forgive me! + but hearin' that Goodison the parson here, and his family were in great + distress, I thought I might as well have my revenge aginst him, by + fetchin' him a load o' praties, which is all I can spare the poor ould—hem—the + heretical ould creature—and so, says I to myself, it's a good + opportunity of heapin' the coals upon him that you spoke about, sir. And + upon my conscience, as far as a good weighty butt o' praties goes, I'll + punish him this very night.” + </p> + <p> + The priest gave a short hiccup or two, as if laboring under some momentary + affection of the throat, which soon extended to the eyes, for with some + difficulty he put up his naked hand and wiped away a kind of moisture, + that in ordinary cases would have very much resembled tears. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I see, Con!” he said, after clearing his throat a little, “you had a + grudge against him like myself, and you determined to—ay—just + so—you see, Con, here's the way of it; he didn't visit me yet since + I came to the parish—do you understand?—and I tell you, flesh + or blood couldn't overlook such a slight; so I'm glad, at all events, that + you had the spirit to follow my advice—for the truth is, I'm goin' + to have my revenge as well as yourself; but when one does take his + revenge, Con, it's always best to take it like a Christian. So now that we + understand, one another, let us go up to the glebe—otherwise I'll + drop.—However, salvation to me!” he exclaimed with a smile, “if + we'll bear their burthens much longer! I have a butt of meal here, I saw + his son to-day, too, without a stitch to his foot, poor boy.” + </p> + <p> + “And so did I,” replied M'Mahon; “he sent one o' them over to me for the + loan of a lock o' praties.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, God help them!” exclaimed the priest. “Come, Con, let us hurry—but + why didn't you send them then?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir—why, bekaise I daren't send them in open daylight.” + </p> + <p> + “True enough,” said the other; “and it was stupid of me to ask. I myself + would have sent what I'm carrying to him by Barney Brennan, but that I + feared it would take wind, in which case the people might withdraw their + confidence from me, from an apprehension that I wanted to curry favor with + the parson of the parish, which I assure you, Condy, I do not. But listen + to me, now; you're never to brathe a syllable of this adventure.” + </p> + <p> + “Ill give you my oath of it, sir, if you wish, takin' it for granted, at + the same time, that I'm safe with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Never fear that; I'm not the man to play the traitor on any poor fellow + that I might catch at any illegal work of the kind.” + </p> + <p> + Both were now within a few perches of the hall-door, when the priest, who + was scarcely able to speak from fatigue, said with some difficulty:— + </p> + <p> + “Con, as we have met, I think you must take the responsibility of this + night's adventure on yourself. Here, now,” said he, depositing his burden + against the door as he spoke, “I think the best thing to do, in order to + spare their feelings—for I need not tell you, that they are, by all + accounts, a delicately-minded and highly-educated family—and it will + be well to tax them as little as possible; I say then,—let us place, + these sacks against the hall-door, and as soon as it is opened, they will + tumble in heels foremost upon them, and then you can cut. So now I leave + you to manage it, only, on any earthly account, don't name me to a living + soul in the business. Good night, now, and God bless you—as He + will,” he added, retreating from the hall-door—“as He will, you + kind-hearted, good-natured ringleader you.” + </p> + <p> + The matter, however, did not end here, for, as Burns says, “the best-laid + schemes of mice and men may gang agree.” The aid received by the venerable + Mr. Goodigon and his family had escaped through the children, in the early + part of the next day, and had spread through the neighborhood; and sooth + to say, there was scarcely a voice among them louder in condemnation of + the fact than that of Con M'Mahon, who said it was a bad way to banish + tithes by assistin' the parsons. So far as he was concerned, however, the + secret did not at all transpire. His reverence, however, was by no means + so fortunate. The next morning, he and his curate were under the necessity + of holding a station in a distant part of the parish. Father Anthony, + however, feeling himself fatigued by his burthen of the preceding night, + sent the curate on before him, with an assurance that he would follow him + in an hour or two. He accordingly did so, but, with his usual inattention + to dress, was seen the next morning, about ten o'clock, riding along the + public road—which was a great thoroughfare—towards the + locality of the station with the history of the previous night's + transaction written as clearly oh his back as if it had been labelled + there in large and legible print. The truth is, the humane and charitable + priest had neglected to get his coat brushed—an operation which it + never underwent unless on a Sunday morning—and the consequence was, + that whilst the front part of his dress was tolerably black, the back part + of it would have done credit to the coat of a miller. The sagacity of the + people was not for a moment at fault. Both circumstances were immediately + connected; his reverence's secret took wind, and before the expiration of + forty-eight hours was known to the whole parish. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI.—Massacre of Carrickshock + </h2> + <p> + —Mogue Moglan's Anxiety for the Safety of the Purcels—Tithe + Distraint—Good News for Mr. Temple. + </p> + <p> + Matters had now arrived at such a crisis, that either the law must be + vindicated, or tithes should be considered as put down by violence on the + one hand, and passive resistance on the other; for, as the question stood, + it had to grapple with both. The clergymen of the establishment, cramped + by poverty, and harassed by delay, were not now in a condition to recover + their incomes by the tedious and expensive processes that were hitherto + resorted to. Some point, however, was made, or some antiquated statute was + ferreted out, owing to the black-letter craft of certain astute lawyers, + by which the parson or proctor, we believe, as the case might have been, + instead of being forced to incur enormous expense for the recovery of any + individual responsibility, was enabled, through what was termed a “Writ of + Rebellion,” to join the greater part of a parish, if not the whole of it, + in the same legal process, by inserting their names in the writ. At first, + however, and in the early stage of the proceedings, the resistance was by + no means passive. Experience, however, soon taught the people that the law + and the executive, when opposed, were anything but playthings, and the + loss of several lives on the part of those who attempted, by force, to + obstruct the execution of the former, led to the expediency of adopting + the passive plan. A widow's son had been shot in a tithe-levy; and on the + other side, a clergyman named Ryder had fallen a victim to the outrage of + the people—as, we believe, had other reverend gentlemen also, + together with a tithe-proctor, who was shot in his own field in open day, + his son, a boy of fifteen or sixteen, having also a narrow escape. + Purcel's position was now one of extreme danger and difficulty. The + combination against tithes had been carried to such a height, that not + only were the people sworn to pay no tithes, but all the proctor's + laborers were forced, besides, to quit his employment. No man could work + for him, unless at the certain risk of his life. By the mere influence of + money, and the offer of triple wages, he succeeded in procuring a number + of workmen from a neighboring county; but no sooner were they seen in his + employment, than an immense crowd collected from all parts of the country, + and after treating them with great violence, swore, every man of them, + never to work for Purcel, or any other tithe-proctor whatever. This + treatment exasperated the Purcels exceedingly; indeed, so much so, that + they expressed to the people a wish that their house should be attacked, + in order that they might thereby have an opportunity of shooting the + assailants like dogs. In this way the feeling ran on between them day by + day, until the acrimony and thirst for vengeance, on each side, had + reached its utmost height. In the meantime, a tithe auction was to take + place at a distance of some three or four miles from the Proctor's. On the + morning when it was to take place, Mogue Moylan told Alick Purcel that he + wished to speak to him. This scoundrel's plausibility was such, that he + had continued to act the spy and traitor in the family, without exciting + suspicion in the mind of any one, with the exception only of Jerry Joyce, + who being himself involved in Whiteboyism, was placed in a position of + great difficulty and danger. To have discovered Mogue's treachery, would + not only criminate himself, by the necessity of admitting his connection + with this illegal combination, which was a felony at the time, but it + would also have probably occasioned the loss of his life, by betraying the + designs of his confederacy, and thus proving himself, as it would have + been termed, a traitor to the people, and to the cause of his country. + Such, in truth, are the multifarious evils that result from illegal + conspiracies among our impulsive and unreasoning countryman. + </p> + <p> + “It's a word or two I'd wish to spake to you, Mr. Alick.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mogue, what's the matter? Are you still determined to be + hard-hearted to poor Letty Lenehan?” + </p> + <p> + “That I may never sup sorrow, Mr. Alick, if I can help the foolish + creature! I do all I can to let her see that we are not aiquils; but the + thoughtless girl won't be convinced. I belong to a family, sir, that + always suffered for our counthry. Widin the last six hundre' years, I have + it from sound authority, that there never was a ruction on Irish ground + that wasn't the manes of havin' some o' them hanged or transported, glory + be to God! An' you know, Mr. Alick, that's a proud boast, an' what every + one couldn't say.” + </p> + <p> + “All I can say then, Mogue, is, that if you look upon that as an honor, I + have no objection that the fate should follow the family, and, I suppose, + neither have you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, indeed now, and that I may never die in sin, but I think it an + honor to oppose these Sassanagh laws; an', for that matther, to die + opposin' them; however, as to myself, Mr. Alick, I am by nature of a + peaceable, quiet turn, and not likely—” + </p> + <p> + “To grace a gibbet, Mogue: well, I believe not; but what is this you wish + to say to me?” + </p> + <p> + “One or two things then, sir. First, I hear that Mr. M'Carthy is comin' + down to stay wid the family here, bekaise they say it's going to be + attacked.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, is it not both a friendly and a manly offer for him to make?” + </p> + <p> + “Granted, Mr. Alick; but instead of help-in' you all to keep the danger + off, he'll only be the manes of bringin' it on; for as soon as it becomes + known that he's here, there will be ten enemies then for one there is now + against you. I happened to overhear a discoorse at the chapel on Sunday + last; and it's from that I'm givin' you my advice.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care a d—n,” said the impetuous young man, “about their + discourses at chapel. They go there more for the purpose of plotting + murders, and entering into illegal combinations, than for that of praying + sincerely or worshipping God! No; we despise and defy them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, Mr.—” + </p> + <p> + “Silence, Mogue; not another word on that subject. I am obliged to you, in + the meantime, for you kindness, and the interest you feel for us.” + </p> + <p> + “That my bed may be made in heaven, thin, but I do feel all you say; and + why shouldn't I? But I said I had a thing or two to mention, an' although + it goes against my heart to say it, still I like your family too well, not + to throw you out a hint upon it. 'Tis regardin' Jerry Joyce, ay—an' + Mr. M'Carthy too, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Jerry Joyce and M'Carthy; well, what about them? Jerry's a rollicking + shallow fool, but honest, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Alick, this is to be buried between you and me. I say, don't + trust him; an' as for M'Carthy, it doesn't become the likes o' me to + disparage him; but if there's not a traitor to this family in his coat, + I'm not here. It's purty well known that he's a Whiteboy; he was a caravat + it seems, two years agone, and was wid ould <i>Paudeen Gar</i> when Hanly + was hanged for—” + </p> + <p> + “And who was Paudeen Gar?” asked the other, interrupting him. + </p> + <p> + “He was the head o' the Shanavests, and it so happened, that one Hanly, + who was head of the Moyle Bangers, as they wor called, was hanged only for + burnin' the house of a man that tuck a farm over another man's head. Now + the Shanavests and the Moyle Rangers, you see, bein' bitther enemies, the + Shanavests prosecuted Hanly for the burning, and on the day of his + execution, Paudeen Gar stayed under the gallows, and said he wouldn't lave + the place till he'd see the <i>caravat</i> (* Carvat; fact—such is + their origin) put about Hanly's neck; an' from that out the Moyle Bangers + was never called anything but Caravats.” + </p> + <p> + “But what does Shanavest mean?” + </p> + <p> + “It manes an ould waistcoat; that is, it's the Irish for an ould + waistcoat, and Paudeen Gar's men were called Shanavests, bekaise when they + went out to swear the people against tithes and priests' dues, they put + ould waistcoats about them for fraid o' bein' known.” + </p> + <p> + “And you tell me that McCarthy's a White-boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Wasn't he a night wid them? and didn't he come home in the mornin' wid + his face blackened?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but he accounted very satisfactorily for that.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm a friend to your family, Mr. Alick; and what I tell you is thrue; an' + by the same token, Miss Julia isn't safe in the one house wid him.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, Mogue, don't attempt' to make any illusion of that kind. You + are an honest but over-anxious fool, and like many a one in this world, + would make mountains out of mole-hills.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” replied Mogue, somewhat downcast, “when the time comes I'll + let you know why I say so. Don't trust either o' them, I say, for the + present, at any rate; for I hope soon to know more about them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, Mogue,” said Alick, laughing, “I'll keep my eye on them.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so, sir; an' as I'm spakin' to you as a friend that you may trust, I + tell you, Mr. Alick, that although I'm quiet, as I said a while agone, + still as there's likely to be danger to your family, I'd wish to help you + to meet it, and to do whatever little I could in your defence—I + would, indeed; but you know, Mr. Alick, I can't do that so long as I'm + kept sleepin' in the out-houses. If I was allowed any kind of a shake-down + in the house, I could do a good deal in the way of assistance. I could + help you to load your fire-arms, or I could take charge of the ladies, and + many other thing that I couldn't do out o' the house, so that was all I + had to say to you, Mr. Alick.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mogue; I really feel obliged to you; and I shall think over + what you have said to me. If we admit any stranger to sleep in the house, + with the exception of Mr. M'Carthy, you shall be the man; I will promise + you that much, conditionally.” + </p> + <p> + “And not a word of what I hinted about Jerry?” + </p> + <p> + “You need not be at all uneasy on that score; as I said, I shall keep my + eye on him. We must now go to prepare for this auction, which, of course, + so far as we are concerned, will be both an unpleasant and unprofitable + affair. Go, then, and get the horses. We have also some processes to + serve, and it will be necessary that we should see the bailiffs, to give + them proper instructions, and directions to the houses on which they are + to serve them.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Mr. O'Driscol goin' wid you, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mogue,” replied Alick, laughing, “ever since the country has risen, + as he calls it, Mr. O'Driscol. has lost his health. Indeed, ever since the + day he was attacked at Philpot's Corner, by the four black faces, a fact + which he has dignified with the name of insurrection, he has taken no + active part in public life. He does nothing now but correspond with his + friend the Castle, as he says.” + </p> + <p> + The morning on which this conversation took place was a dull, gloomy one, + about the middle of December. It did not rain, but the weather had been + dark and desolate in character for above a week before; in fact, of that + cheerless description which represses animal spirits, and superinduces + upon the mind impressions that are dreary and disheartening. + </p> + <p> + A chief constable of police, accompanied by a body of forty men well + armed, started from near the proctor's house, in order to execute a decree + of the Court of Chancery, or rather to protect those who were about to do + so, by first holding an auction, and serving a process from the same court + afterwards, in another place. For the first mile or so there was not much + notice taken of them; a few boys only, and some women, kept hooting and + screaming at their heels as they went along. Within about two miles or so + of the place of their destination, men began to appear upon the hills in + increasing groups, and horns were soon sounding in every direction. This, + however, was not all; on reaching a chapel, the bell began to ring, and, + in a short time, as they advanced, the bells of the whole country around + them were pealing rapidly and with violence. The crowds now began to + coalesce, and to gather about them in such a manner that they, kept them + completely hemmed in; and in this manner they proceeded, until they + arrived at the premises on which the auction was to be held. The peasantry + were formidably armed with every sort of weapon that the moment could + supply; for, on such occasions as this, the people never used fire-arms. + These, carried in the open day, might enable the police to know the + persons of those who illegally possessed them, and, consequently, get such + individuals into trouble. Their arms, on this occasion, consisted of + pitchforks, spades, shovels, scythes, bill-hooks, and heavy sticks, whilst + it was observed that several of those who carried these weapons in one + hand, carried a round, destructive stone about two or three pounds' + weight, in the other. A powerful man, who wore a sash across his + shoulders, and a military cap that was peaked so as to conceal his face, + appeared as leader, and seemed completely to direct and regulate their + motions. The state of tumult throughout and over the face of the country + was indeed frightful, and it is very likely that a chief constable and + only forty police felt the danger of their position and the utter + inadequacy of their numbers, either to carry the decrees of the law into + execution, or to defend themselves, with anything like success, against + the burning ferocity of the armed multitudes by whom they were surrounded. + </p> + <p> + At length the auction commenced, and the first article put up for + competition was a fine heifer, but not an individual present would open + his lips to bid for her; and, on a little further examination, it was + ascertained that all the cattle had been branded with the word tithe, in + large and legible characters. The family on whom the execution was about + being levied, walked, about at their ease, and rather seemed to enjoy the + matter, as a triumph over law, than as a circumstance that was calculated + to depress or annoy them. They offered no obstruction; neither did they, + on the other hand, afford the slightest possible facility to the officers + of the law. They were strictly and to the letter passive. + </p> + <p> + The heifer alluded to having been put aside for want of a bidder, a fine + cow was put up, and all the usual cajoling and seductive provocations to + competition and purchase were held out, but in vain. Every nourish of the + bailiff, who acted as auctioneer, was lost, as it were, on empty space, + and might as well have been uttered in a desert. Butter-casks, kitchen' + vessels, and everything on which the impress could be affixed, was marked + with the hated brand of “tithe.” No one, however, would bid; and when the + bailiffs, on seeing that none present was either willing or courageous + enough to do so, began to bid themselves, the silence of the people still + remained unbroken. They then put up some furniture, all of which was + branded “tithe;” but, on purchasing it for another market, they found that + it was impossible to remove it, as neither horse nor cart, nor any + available vehicle for that purpose, could be had at any cost. So far, + therefore, the law and all its authority, supported besides by a large + body of constabulary, were completely defeated, and it was obvious that, + unless those on whom the perilous duty of executing it fell, came provided + with the means of removing the property, that is to say, with horses, + carts, and a body of military besides, every such auction must terminate + in failure. + </p> + <p> + The shortness of the day, and the distance they had to go, when taken in + connection with the ferocious state of the people, prevented the bailiffs + and their protectors from serving the process, to which we have alluded, + on another party. It was therefore determined on to abandon the property + for the present, and execute the service on the following day. + </p> + <p> + The next morning opened with the same dull, dark, and desolute appearance, + as did the preceding. On this occasion, there was no auction to hold and + but one process to serve, only a single bailiff was necessary. No + diminution, however, was made in the number-of police who attended; and, + indeed, the party selected for the service of this day ought rather to + have been increased, inasmuch as the bailiff in question had rendered + himself so justly obnoxious to the people, that it was fatuity itself to + suppose that, smarting as they were under the scoundrel's wanton and + obscene insults, it was possible they would suffer him to escape. The + party had, consequently, no sooner set out, than the horns once more began + to blow, the bells to ring, and the whole country around to stir into + tumult and action. The same arms as we haye already mentioned were in + requisition, with some old pike-handles, and an occasional rusty pike or + two that may have seen service in '98. + </p> + <p> + On the previous day the people had resolved to maintain an armed + neutrality, and to observe, unless attacked, the spirit of passive + resistance in its strictest sense. Now, however, the man who, confiding in + and abusing the protection and authority of the Court of Chancery, had so + grossly insulted them by language that was both indecent and unchristian; + who had not only attacked their want of morals, but ridiculed their + religion;—this person, we say, was within their grasp, and let what + might be the result, they were determined, to a man, “<i>to have the + process-server or blood</i>” for such was the expression. The people now + shouted, and had evidently made up their minds, not only to secure the + process-server, but to attack the police themselves, at any risk. Such was + the apprehension of this, that their officer deemed it necessary to halt + his party, and order them to prime and load, which they did. Whilst they + halted, so did the assailants; but, upon resuming their march to the house + of the tithe-defaulter, the crowds, who were every moment increasing in + number and in fury, resumed their march also, gradually closing upon and + coming nearly into contact with them. Indeed, they were now so close, that + the object of all this preparation, and concert, and motion, could be + distinctly ascertained from their language and demeanor. Ever and anon + there arose from them, extending far and wide over the country, one + general cry and exclamation, accompanied by menacing gestures and blazing + eyes:— + </p> + <p> + “The process-server or Blood!—Butler or blood!” + </p> + <p> + This unfortunate individual, having put a copy of the process under the + door, took his place in the centre of the police, who turned to the left + of the house for the purpose of retreating; and it is to be deplored that + the retreat in question was not conducted with more discipline and + judgment. + </p> + <p> + On this occasion, as well as on that of the preceding day, the same person + who acted as the popular leader was present, dressed as before, in a sash, + and peaked cap that concealed the greater portion of his countenance, + which was, besides, otherwise disguised. On arriving at the defaulter's + house, this man took off his sash, lest it might make him a more + conspicuous object for the police, in case of a recounter, and put it into + his pocket, from which one end of it, however, protruded. Two other + leaders held subordinate rank under him, a circumstance which gave to the + whole proceedings a character of premeditated concert, and deliberation. + </p> + <p> + From the house of the defaulter, the police, encircling the + process-server, proceeded in a certain direction to a place called + Tennison's Gate; but so closely were they now pressed upon by the + multitude that they were obliged to keep them off with their bayonets. + Their threats, their increasing numbers, and their irrepressible fury, now + excited such alarm in the minds of the police, that one of them, calling + to his officer, entreated him to take them into the open field, where + alone their arms could afford them protection; or if not, he added, that + they must fall a sacrifice to the vengeance of their enemies. At that + instant, two or three of the leaders of the people were in commotion with + that gentleman, one of them resting his hand upon his horse's neck, and + the other so close to him that his words could be distinctly heard. + </p> + <p> + “Captain G——s,” said the latter, “don't be afraid—meek + yourself aisy—not a hair of your head, nor any of the police, will + be touched; we only want the process-server; let him be given up, and you + will be safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Sooner than give him up to you,” he replied, “we will, every man of us, + part with our lives. Sacrifice us you may, but we will never surrender our + charge.” + </p> + <p> + Instead, however, of following the sound advice of one of his own men, the + chief constable, credulous to infatuation, allowed the infuriated body, by + which he and his men were surrounded, still to press in upon him, without + taking those precautions which common sense, coolness, and the insecurity + of his position, should have dictated. + </p> + <p> + By the time they had passed the place called Tennison's Gate, a large body + had collected in their front, blocking up the road they had to pass, and + which would have conducted, them in a different direction, but not one so + peculiarly perilous. From this they made a turn to the left into a lane + that would have led them back again to a little village, through which + they had already passed, the bell of which was already sounding their + death-knell. The constabulary, by turning into the narrow lane at the + left, unconsciously approached the very ambush into which the people, or + rather their more disciplined leaders, had intended to decoy them. This + lane was enclosed by walls, and on one side the ground was considerably + elevated and covered with stones, thus affording to their assailants every + possible opportunity of completing their destruction. The unfortunate men + were pressed by a crowd on their right, composed of those who occupied the + elevation; another crowd pressed upon their rear; whilst a third body + obstructed them in front, thus keeping them pent up, and at the mercy of + the crowds on every side. + </p> + <p> + It is quite obvious that the person in command of the constabulary was not + only unfit for his duty, but ignorant of anything like military discipline + or manoeuvring. He must have completely lost his presence of mind, + otherwise his easiness of belief and simplicity are utterly unaccountable. + As it was, in two or three minutes after the hollow assurances of + good-will uttered by those whom he saw bristling at the same time with + vengeance about him, an effort was made by a man to drag the unfortunate + process-server out of the lines. He was immediately pulled back by a + policeman, but was scarcely restored to his place, When he was struck on + the side of the head with a wattle. The blow caused him to stagger, and + would have caused him to fall, but that he was seized and kept upon his + legs by the policeman. He had not time, however, to recover his + steadiness, when he was felled to the ground by a blow from a stone, which + sent him to the ground a corpse. A general assault with every description + of rude and formidable weapons, now commenced upon the unfortunate + constabulary. Their imbecile and uncautious officer fired his pistol and + in a moment afterwards was knocked from his horse and instantly put to + death. The crowd now rushed on them from all sides, and so sharp, short, + and decisive was the massacre, that in about the space of two minutes, + twelve men lay butchered on the spot. + </p> + <p> + Other scenes of violence and bloodshed there were, but none so frightful + as the above. Most persons remember Rathcormac and Newtonbarry, but we do + not imagine that a recapitulation of such atrocities can be at all + agreeable to the generality of our readers, and for this reason we content + ourselves with barely alluding to them, as a corroboration of the + disorganized condition of society which then existed, and which we are now + attempting to describe. + </p> + <p> + But perhaps nothing, after all, can test the inextinguishable hatred of + tithes which prevailed at that period, more than the startling and almost + incredible fact that the government, aided by as sound a lawyer, and as + able an attorney-general as ever lived, and a powerful bar besides, were + not able, during the following spring and summer assizes, to convict a + single individual concerned in this massacre, which is now a portion of + our country's history, and still well remembered as that of Carrickshock, + in the county of Kilkenny. + </p> + <p> + This double triumph of the people over the tithe and police, created a + strong sensation throughout the kingdom, and even shook the two houses of + parliament with dismay. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, there probably never existed in Ireland, any combination or + confederacy of the people so bitter, or with such a deeply-rooted hold + upon the popular mind as that against tithes, as it slumbered and revived + from time to time. And what is rather singular, too, the frequent + agitations arising from it, which in its periodical returns convulsed the + country, were almost uniformly, or at least very frequently, productive of + a collateral one against priests' dues. Up until the year '31, however, or + '32, the agitators against tithes were more for their reduction than their + extinction. The reduction of tithes and priests' dues went, as we have + said, very frequently together, or rather the one generally produced the + other. The Threshers, in their early existence, were as active in their + attempts to diminish the income of the priests by intimidation, as they + were that of the parson. Their plan was, with white shirts over their + clothes, and white handkerchiefs round their hats so as to conceal the + features, to pay a nightly visit to some quiet and timid man, whom they + swore, on pain of death, to visit the neighboring chapel in order to + inform the priest, in the face of his own congregation, that unless he + reduced the fees for marriage to half-a-guinea, those of baptism to + nineteen-pence half-penny, and celebrate Mass for thirteen pence, he might + prepare his coffin. If he got hay and oats for his horse at a station, he + was at liberty to take them, but if not, he was to depart quietly, on pain + of smarting for it. The unfortunate individuals on whom they imposed this + painful and dangerous duty, were much to be pitied whilst this confederacy + lasted. To submit to an illegal oath, without reporting the matter to the + next magistrate, was a capital felony, as it was voluntarily to execute + any of their criminal behests. If, then, the unfortunate individual + pitched upon for the performance of this extraordinary office refused to + discharge it, he was probably shot by the Threshers or Carders, and if he + carried their wishes into effect, he was liable to be hanged by the + government, so that his option lay between the relative comforts of being + hanged or shot—a rather anomalous state of society, by the way. + </p> + <p> + The vengeance of the people against Purcel and his sons had now risen or + was fast rising, to its height. This intrepid man and these resolute young + men, aided by the writs of rebellion and the executive authorities, had + nerved themselves up to the collection of tithe, through a spirit that was + akin to vengeance. In fact, they felt an inhuman delight—at least + the father and his eldest son did—in levying the execution of the + writs in the most pitiless and oppressive manner. They themselves provided + horses and carts, and under protection of the military and police—for + both were now necessary—they swept off cattle, crops, and furniture, + at a ruinous value to the defaulters. At length they proceeded to the + house of a struggling widow, whose only son, exasperated at the ruin which + their proceedings had wrought upon his mother, in an unguarded moment, + induced a few thoughtless boys like himself to resist the law. It was an + act of folly for which his life paid the penalty. He was shot dead on the + spot, and his death proved the signal for raising the gloomy curtain that + veils the last of the drama in which the tithe-proctor makes his + appearance. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the death of this youth, John Parcel had occasion to go to + Dublin, to transact some business with the Rev. Dr. Turbot, and on his way + to the metropolis he was obliged to stop for more than an hour at the + county town, to await the arrival of the mail-coach. As he lingered about + the door of the coach-office, he noticed a crowd of persons corning down + the street, bearing something that resembled a human figure on a beir. It + was evidently the corpse of some person, but at the same time he felt it + could not have been a funeral, inasmuch as he saw that it came from the + churchyard instead of going to it. The body was covered with a mort-cloth, + so that he could not ascertain whether it was that of a man or a woman. + Walking at its head as a chief mourner does at a funeral, was an old man + with gray hair, who appeared to have every feature of his venerable + countenance impressed with the character of an affliction which no + language could express. He neither spoke nor looked to either side of him, + but walked onward in a stupor of grief that was evidently too deep for + tears—for he shed none, his face was pale even unto ghastliness, + whilst at the same time there was a darkness over it, which evidently + proceeded from the gloom of a broken down and hopeless heart. + </p> + <p> + John Purcel, after making some inquiry as to the cause of this singular + procession, was enabled, from several of the by-standers, to ascertain the + following affecting and melancholy particulars. The reader cannot forget + the conversation between the proctor and his sons, concerning the murder + of a certain farmer named Murray, in the early part of this narrative. The + poor youth who had been appointed, under the diabolical system of + Whiteboyism, to perpetrate that awful crime, was the very young man who, + during the journey of the Whiteboys to the mountains, had held a kind of + <i>sotto voce</i> conversation with the mysterious person who proved + himself to be so sincere a friend to Frank M'Carthy. A misunderstanding + for several years, or rather a feeling of ill-will, had subsisted between + his father and Murray, and as this circumstance was known, the malignant + and cowardly miscreants availed themselves of it to give a color of + revenge to the murder, in order to screen themselves. At all events, the + poor misguided youth, who had been stimulated with liquor, and goaded on + to the commission of the crime, from fear of a violent death if he refused + it, was tried, found guilty, and executed, leaving his childless father + and mother, whose affections were centred in him, in a state of the most + indescribable despair and misery. By the intercession and influence of + friends, his body was restored to them, and interred in the churchyard, + from which the procession just mentioned had issued. The heart, however—or + to come nearer the truth—the reason of the mother—that loving + mother—could not bear the blow that deprived her of her innocent boy—her + pride, her only one. In about a week after his interment she proceeded one + morning to his grave, bearing with her the breakfast which the poor youth + had been accustomed to take. This, in fact, became her daily habit, and + here she usually sat for hours, until in most cases her woe-stricken + husband, on missing her, was obliged, by some pardonable fiction, to lure + her home under the expectation of seeing him. This continued during + spring, summer, autumn, and the greater portion of winter—up in fact + until the preceding night. She had, some time during the course of that + night, escaped from her poor, husband while he slept, and having entered + the grave-yard by stone steps that were in a part of the wall—for a + passage went through it—she reached her boy's grave, where it was + supposed, after having for some time, probably until lassitude and sorrow, + and a frame worn down by her peculiar calamity, had induced sleep—she + was found dead in the course of the morning—an afflicting but + beautiful instance of that undying love of a mother's heart, which + survives the wreck of all the other faculties that compose her being. + </p> + <p> + Her miserable husband and friends were then bearing her body home, in + order that it might be waked decently and with due respect, ere it should + mingle with the ashes of him whom she had loved so well. So much for the + consequences of being concerned in those secret and criminal + confederacies, that commit such fatal ravages, not only in society, but in + domestic life, and stand so strongly opposed to the laws of both God and + man. + </p> + <p> + Purcel, on reaching the metropolis, was a great deal astonished at the + change which he observed in Dr. Turbot. That gentleman's double chin had + followed the carnal fortunes of the church that supported it. The rosy + dewlap, in fact, was no longer visible, if we except a slight pendulous + article, which defied the whole nomenclature of colors to classify its + tint, and was only visible when his head and neck assumed a peculiar + attitude. In fact, the change appeared to Purcel to have been an + exceedingly beneficial one. The gross carnal character of his whole + appearance was gone; his person had become comparatively thin, and had a + far and distant, but still an approximating, tendency to something of the + apostolic. He was now leading by compulsion, a reasonable and natural + life, and one not so much at variance with the simple principles of his + religion, whatever it might be with those of the then establishment. His + horses and carriages and powdered servants were all gone too, so was the + rich air of wealth and costly luxury which formerly breathed throughout + his fine mansion, in one of the most fashionable streets of the + metropolis. His eye, no longer loaded by the bloodshot symptoms of an + over-fed and plethoric constitution, was now clear and intellectual, and + there appeared to be an unencumbered activity about his jaws that argued a + vigor and quickness of execution in matters of a sumptuary character, + which, when gross and unwieldy from luxury, they never could reach. He was + by no means in his usual spirits, it is true, but then he was in much + better health, and a vague report of something in the shape of a loan to + the clergy, to the tune of a million, gave him a considerable degree of + cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + John Purcel, having dispatched his business with him as quickly as he + could, called upon M'Carthy in college. This gentleman having, in fact, + heard such an account of the threats and determinations of vengeance with + which the Purcel family were threatened, had felt deep anxiety as to their + fate. He had written more than once to them on the subject, entreating + that, as their wealth had rendered them independent, they would remove + either to Lisnagola or Dublin. This, however, was a determination to which + they had come recently themselves, and one portion of John's business to + the metropolis was connected with it. + </p> + <p> + On the day previous to Purcel's visit to M'Carthy, that young man had + received the following short and somewhat mysterious communication from + the country:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. M'Carthy.—Sir—If you wish to save some of Mr. Purcel's + family—save them all you cannot—and if you have courage, and + isn't afraid to risk your life, you will come down to Longshot Lodge and + wait there till you here more from 'One that has proved himself your + Friend'.” + </p> + <p> + This determined M'Carthy; and when John Purcel asked him to spend the + Christmas with them, he felt gratified at the alacrity with which the + other embraced his offer. The next morning they started for Longshot + Lodge, and in due time were cordially greeted by the proctor and his + family. + </p> + <p> + The day before Christmas—universally known as Christmas Eve—at + length arrived. On that morning, our friend Mr. Temple and his family were + seated at breakfast with easy and cheerful hearts, when the following + conversation took place; and we introduce it for the purpose of gratifying + our readers, who, we are certain, will rejoice in hearing the + circumstances that form its subject matter. + </p> + <p> + “Charles, my dear, I always knew that my dear grandpapa was a kind and + forgiving man; and, to tell the truth, I felt a conviction that such + sincerity of heart, and such unexampled purity of purpose as yours, would + not be permitted long to suffer. Read the letter again my love.” + </p> + <p> + Her husband, whose mild features were absolutely radiant with an + expression of delight—an expression that was elevated, besides, with + a glow of fervent and devotional feeling—now read the letter again, + which was to the following effect:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear Maria,—I do not think that a man of my years—now near + seventy-two—who feels how many duties he has neglected in this life, + and who, consequently, knows how much he requires to be forgiven, ought + any longer to class himself with those who are disposed to withhold their + pardon from human error. I wrote some time ago to your father, requesting, + nay, commanding him, to suffer himself to be reconciled to you; but his + reply was, that, although he was not averse to it in due time, yet he said + that for the present he must decline it—not so much, he added, for + want of affection for you, as that he might the more strongly manifest a + sense of his displeasure at your conduct, in throwing yourself away upon + an 'educated beggar.'” + </p> + <p> + The hectic of a moment, as Sterne beautifully says, came across his fine + and handsome features as he uttered the words; and he added, “He forgets, + my love, that my family is not, as your grandpapa says, inferior to his + own.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not dwell on that, dearest Charles,” she added, “but let us hear good + old grandpapa out.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear Maria, I differ with your papa; Mr. Temple was not an + educated beggar, but an educated and accomplished gentleman, whose family, + in point of blood and birth; is equal even to ours. Still, my love, you + know that on many accounts, and as persons to whom you were so justly + dear, and who felt such a strong interest in your settlement and position + in life, we had reason to feel offended at the step you took in marrying + him. That, however, is past—and now let it be forgotten. Your papa + still loves you tenderly, my Maria; for I could observe that in a passage + where he said it was necessary that you should suffer a little longer, + there were the marks of tears—and of tears too, that fell thickly. + Now, however, for something that will cheer my own favorite. I have + succeeded in getting Mr. Temple appointed to the living of Ballynolan, in + a safe and quiet part of the country, not many miles from Drumgooran + Castle.” + </p> + <p> + “That you know my dear Charles, is his own family seat.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, my love, it is; however, to proceed—from Drumgooran Castle; + so that I will once more enjoy the pleasure of having you near me.. The + living is worth about five hundred a-year, after paying two curates and + all other claims; so that, with frugality and moderation, you may live + comfortably at least. Ah! my dear Maria, you knew the avenue to + grandpapa's affections, when you called your eldest son after him. Present + him with the enclosed, in my name, and tell Mr. Temple that he shall have + a communication from me in a few days—it will be one of business; + and I trust soon to have the pleasure of making his acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “I am, my dear Maria, your ever affectionate grandfather, + </p> + <p> + “TAVNIMORE.” + </p> + <p> + The enclosure alluded to was a bank post-bill for two hundred pounds. It + is unnecessary, however, to dwell upon the happiness which this + communication conferred upon Mrs. Temple and her affectionate family. She + saw her accomplished and amiable husband's brilliant talents and many rare + virtues, about to be rewarded—she saw poverty, distress, and famine + driven from their hearth—she saw her beloved children about to be + placed in circumstances not unbecoming their birth; and, having + contemplated all this, she wept once more with a sense of happiness, as + pure as it was unexpected. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast was now over—a plain and severely frugal one, by the way, + it was—and her husband was about to proceed to Lisnisgola, in order + to get the bank post-bill changed, when, from the parlor where they sat, + he saw the <i>Cannie Soogah</i> approaching the hall-door, the huge pack, + as usual, on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Here, my love, comes that benevolent pedlar,” he exclaimed, “whose + conduct, on the occasion you mentioned, was at once so delicate and + generous.” + </p> + <p> + He then stepped to the window, and raised it as our friend approached, + who, on seeing him, put his hand to his hat, exclaiming, “Many happy + returns of the saison, sir, to you and your family! My Christmas-box on + you!” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, my friend,” replied Mr. Temple, “and I sincerely wish you + the same.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Temple now approached also, bent her head kindly and condescendingly, + in token of salutation, with a blush which she could not prevent. The + worthy pedlar perfectly understood the blush—a circumstance by which + he was a good deal embarrassed himself, and which occasioned him to feel + in rather a difficult position. He felt flattered, however, by her + condescension; and instead of merely touching his hat to her he pulled it + off and stood respectfully uncovered. + </p> + <p> + “Put on your hat, my friend,” said Temple; “the morning is too cold to + stand with a bare head—pray put it on.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, your honor,” replied the pedlar, “the respect that is due to you + both, and especially, sir,” he added, in that tone, and with that peculiar + deference, so gratifying to a husband who loves and is proud of his wife—“especially, + sir, to her, for I know her family well—as who doesn't!” + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” said Mrs. Temple, “I think you committed a mistake on the + occasion of your last call here?” + </p> + <p> + “A mistake, ma'am!” said he, with well-feigned surprise—“well, + indeed, ma'am, it's not unlikely; for, to tell you the truth, I've a vile + mimory—sorra thing a'most but I disremimber, in a day or two after + it happens.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you not remember,” she proceeded, with a melancholy smile, “a + negotiation we had when you were here last?” + </p> + <p> + “A what, ma'am?” + </p> + <p> + “A—a—purchase you made from me,” she added. + </p> + <p> + “From you!” he exclaimed, with apparent astonishment; “well, then, I can't + say that I have any recollection of it—I remember something—that + is, some dalins or other I had wid the maid, but I don't remember + purchasin' anything from you, ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a shawl,” she replied, “which you purchased, if you remember, and + paid for, but which you forgot to bring with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then,” he exclaimed, after rubbing his head with his fore-finger, + “bad cess to me if I can remimber it; but the truth is, ma'am, I make so + many purchases, and so many sales, that like the priest and them that + confess to him, the last thing fairly drives the one that went afore it + out o' my head.” + </p> + <p> + “You paid six guineas,” continued Mrs. Temple, “for the shawl, but left it + behind you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, bedad, ma'am,” said the pedlar, smiling, “it's aisy to see that + you're no rogue, at any rate. In the present case, thin,” he added, “I + suppose you wish to give me the shawl?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, certainly,” she replied, “if you wish for it; but at the same time I + would much rather keep the shawl and return you the money.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm in no hurry, ma'am for either shawl or money, if it isn't—hem—if + it isn't just convanient.” + </p> + <p> + “You are an honest, sterling fellow,” said her husband, “and I assure you + that we thoroughly appreciate your delicacy and worth. I know Mrs. Temple + would prefer keeping the shawl, and if you will call in the course of the + evening, I shall return the money to you. I must first go into Lisnagola + to get change for a note.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” replied the Cannie, “but it is time enough—I am in + no hurry at all—not the laist; it will do when I call again.. And + now that that's settled—and many thanks to you, ma'am,” he added, + bowing to Mrs. Temple, “for thinkin' of it, I'd be glad to have a word or + two wid you, sir, if you plaise.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Mr. Temple, going to the hall-door, and opening it, + “come in a moment; leave your pack in the hall there, and come this way.” + </p> + <p> + He then proceeded to the library, whither the pedlar followed him; and + after looking about him with something like caution, he said, “You know + Mr. Purcel, the proctor, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do,” replied Mr. Temple. + </p> + <p> + “I'm not askin' it as a question,” he proceeded; “but I wish to say, that + as you do know him and his sons, it's possible you may save them from + destruction. I was tould by a stranger that I never seen before, and that + I didn't know from Adam, that his house is to be attacked either this + night or to-morrow night.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you not say which?” asked Mr. Temple. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied the Cannie Soogah; “I axed the stranger the same question, + and he couldn't tell me. Now, sir, you know them, and I know how much they + respect you; and the thing is this,—I think if you'd see them, and + thry to get them to go to Lisnagola, or some safe place, takin' their + lives and money along wid them, you'd save them from murdher; they'd be + apt to listen to you; but as for me, or the likes o' me, they'd laugh at + me; indeed, they're rather wishin' for an attack, in hopes they might get + revenge upon the people, for, to tell you the truth, they've been foolish + enough to say so; an' as their words has gone abroad, the people's + determined, it seems, to let them know which o' them is strongest.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” replied the curate, “I am sorry to hear this—it is dreadful. + That they are unpopular—nay, detested—I know; as I do, also, + that they have latterly gone daring lengths—oppressive and + unjustifiable lengths —in collecting tithes. I shall, however, see + them, and endeavor to make them take refuge in some place of security.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be a good act,” said the pedlar, “and if I can do anything, + humble as I am, to save them, I'll do it.” + </p> + <p> + “I think they ought to get a party of police to protect the house,” + observed Mr. Temple. + </p> + <p> + “I know they ought, sir,” replied the pedlar, “but the truth is, they're + so proud and foolhardy, that the very mention of such a thing throws them + into a fury.” + </p> + <p> + “That is unfortunate,” said the other. “At all events, I shall leave + nothing undone within my power to prevail on them to take steps for their + security. You may rely on it,” he added, “that whatever I can do for that + purpose, I shall do.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, now,” said the Cannie, “my mind, thank God's, aisier. I'll lose no + time myself in seein' what I can do to prevent this business; that is, I + mane, their stayin' in the house,” he added, as if checking or correcting + himself. + </p> + <p> + He then bade Mr. Temple good morning, and hurried away, without waiting to + see his fair friend, Lilly, as was his custom to do. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII.—Midnight Court of Justice + </h2> + <h3> + —Sentence of the Proctor and His Sons. + </h3> + <p> + Breakfast in the proctor's, on the morning of Christmas Eve, was eaten as + if it had been a funeral meal. The proctor himself could not raise his + spirits, which were generally high and cheerful. John and Alick were much + more serious than usual; and were it not for the presence of M'Carthy, the + meal in question would have been a very gloomy one indeed. Even M'Carthy + himself felt the influence of the spirit that prevailed, and found that + all his attempts to produce cheerfulness or mirth among them were by no + means successful. The two sons, as if acting under the influence of some + unaccountable presentiment, engaged themselves in casting bullets for the + fire-arms with which the house was furnished, whilst M'Carthy spent his + time with the ladies, and endeavored to amuse them as well as ha could. + About twelve o'clock John rode into the town of Lisnagola to bring home a + blunderbuss which he had sent the day before, by Mogue Moylan, for the + purpose of having it furnished with a new ramrod. Mogue being engaged in + some matters of a pressing nature, John determined to go for it himself, + especially as he wanted to lay in a better supply of powder. Of this Mogue + knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Temple soon made his appearance, but, as the pedlar feared, the object + of his visit was not attended with success. He urged all the arguments in + his power upon the proctor and his son Alick, to remove instantly, and at + once, to Lisnagola, or some other neighboring town, where, for the + present, they might be safe. Instead of listening to the argument of + instant removal, they laughed it to scorn. In the course of the following + week, they said, it was their intention to remove; but to think of + breaking up their family on a Christmas Eve, with a guest in their house + too!—the thing was out of the question. A few days made no great + difference; and their mind was fixed not to disturb their family or their + guest, then. + </p> + <p> + Soon after Mr. Temple had gone, Julia Purcel met M'Carthy in the hall, and + asked him for a moment to the dining-room, in a voice which was tremulous + with agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! Frank,” she exclaimed, whilst the tears streamed from her eyes, “I + feel a weight like that of death upon my heart. I fear there is some + dreadful calamity hanging over this family.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear Julia,” he replied, wiping the tears from her eyes, “will + you suffer yourself to be overcome by a weakness of mind so unworthy of + you? The morning is dark and gloomy, and calculated, apart from such silly + anticipations—pardon me, Julia—to fill the mind with low + spirits. Cheer up, my dear girl; is not this season, in a peculiar manner, + set apart for cheerfulness and enjoyment? Why, then, will you indulge in + this weak and foolish melancholy?” + </p> + <p> + “I would not feel as I do,” she replied, “but the truth is—now do + not scold me, Frank—in fact I had an omen of calamity last night!” + </p> + <p> + “An omen! how is that?” he asked. “On bidding my papa and John goodnight, + as I was going to bed, about eleven o'clock, I saw them both standing + below me at the foot of the stairs, in the hall. I started, and turning + again into the drawing-room, where I had just left them, saw that there + they certainly stood, without scarcely having had time to change their + position.” + </p> + <p> + “A mere physical illusion, my dear Julia; nothing else.” + </p> + <p> + “But is it not said,” she added, “that to see the likeness of an + individual late at night is an omen of almost immediate death?” + </p> + <p> + “It has been said so, I admit, my dear Julia, as have fifty thousand + follies equally nonsensical. But to hear you, Julia, talk in this manner! + upon my word, I'm surprised at it.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not think of leaving us, dear Frank, until we get to a place of + safety?” + </p> + <p> + “Unquestionably not; but you are alarming yourself unnecessarily.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps I am,” she said, gaining confidence from his firmness of + manner; “but I assure you, Frank, I am not timid, nor a coward. I can load + a gun, pistol, or blunderbuss, and what is better still, can discharge + them without shrinking; so can my sister; but with respect to anything of + a supernatural character—” + </p> + <p> + “You are a great coward. I perceive that; but, my dear Julia, to pass to a + subject of the deepest interest to my happiness:—why is it that + there has been an appearance of gloom and distrust about you for such a + length of time? I think there should be nothing but the most unbounded + confidence between us.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you been perfectly candid with me, Frank?” + </p> + <p> + “If you remember, dear Julia, you did not afford me an opportunity. You + looked as if you felt offended, and I could perceive that you had + withdrawn your confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “My mind is too much distracted now,” she replied, “to speak on this + subject; but, if you wish it, I shall tell you, on Monday next, why I have + appeared so.” + </p> + <p> + “Wish it! alas! my dear Julia, I can only say that my affection for you + knows no bounds. Julia, you know I have loved you; and, happen what may, I + shall carry that affection for you to my grave. Only say that the + affection which you have already confessed for me is not cooled or + diminished; only say it, dearest life, and you will relieve my heart of a + heavy load.” + </p> + <p> + She fixed her beautiful dark eyes upon him, as if she were in the act of + scrutinizing his very spirit; at length, she seemed to have arrived at a + fixed conclusion; two or three tears slowly followed each other down her + cheeks, and she replied, “I fear, Frank, I have been led to do you + injustice; that is, to doubt your truth or your honor; yes,” she added, in + a low confiding voice, “I feel that I love you as I ever did. But I am + depressed, and my heart is full of an unaccountable sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “My ever—ever dear—dearest Julia!” he exclaimed, as he pressed + her to his heart; where she sobbed, and tenderly reacknowledged her love. + “On Monday, however,” she observed, after having somewhat composed + herself, “I shall tell you, at full length, the circumstances that have + disturbed me with respect to you.” Another kiss as they separated, and so + it was arranged between them. + </p> + <p> + When Mogue Moylan heard that John purcel had gone to the gunsmith's for + the blunderbluss, he stealthily sought the barn where he slept, and, + putting on a great frieze coat, he went to the haggard; approached the + stack, and thrusting his hand up the thatch, secured a case of pistols + that had been left with him and Jerry Joyce for their defence, and fixing + them under his coat, deliberately took his departure. + </p> + <p> + “I'll have betther luck,” he said to himself, “to join the boys, and as I + have my own party among them that'll stand to me, we'll have the best + chance. I'm to take charge o' the girls for him, after the men's shot; an' + it'll go hard if I don't do him out o' the one he's set upon. If I sted in + the house, as I intended at first, maybe it's a bullet from the boys I'd + get into me. No—no—every way—think of it as I will, it's + my wisest plan to cut; an' at any rate, he'd find me out now about the + blunderbuss. Have her, however, I will, or lose a fall for it.” + </p> + <p> + This was Mogue's last appearance but one about the proctor's + establishment. + </p> + <p> + John Purcel, on inquiring for the blunderbuss at the gunmaker's heard that + Mogue had waited until the ramrod was put in, after which the man said he + brought it home; a fact which Purcel never doubted. On the contrary, he + felt annoyed at his own stupidity for not having asked Mogue the question + before he went; and he consequently blamed himself more than he did Mogue. + On his way home, however, he met Mogue; and it is necessary to state that + none of the Purcel family returned to their house, for a considerable time + past, by the same way, unless indeed very rarely. Mogue had come out upon + the road, which he was crossing just as John turned a corner, and came + plump upon him. + </p> + <p> + “What is the reason, Mogue,” he asked, “That you didn't let me know you + had brought home the blunderbuss?” + </p> + <p> + “That I may be happy, Mr. John, but it was bekaise you didn't ax me; an' a + beautiful new ramrod it has now, at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are you bound for, Mogue?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, up to Harry Sproule's for paper and writin' things for the ladies. + Any news in Lisnagola, Mr. John?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing that's good, at any rate,” replied the other; “except that the + country, Mogue, must be put under martial law.” + </p> + <p> + He set spurs to his horse on uttering these words, and immediately rode + on. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Mogue, as he looked bitterly after him, “there you go, you + blasted tyrant! + </p> + <p> + “Martial law! Ah, if I had her from among you, I didn't care the divil's + blazes had you all, as they will soon; an' that may be, I pray Jasus this + day! Martial law! ah, bad luck to you!” + </p> + <p> + On reaching home, John Purcel made no immediately inquiry about the + blunderbuss, having taken it for granted that all was right, nor was + Mogue's disappearance or treachery at all suspected, until late in 'the + course of the night. + </p> + <p> + Twilight was now setting in, when a strange man called at the proctor's + and said he wished to speak with Mr. M'Carthy. M'Carthy came to the + hall-door, and looking at him keenly inquired his business. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” said the man; “I can only tell you what I was desired to + say to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let us hear even that,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + “I was bid to ax you, if you wish to sarve this family.” + </p> + <p> + “I do, most certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, then, you're to follow me,” said the man. + </p> + <p> + “I have no such intention, I assure you, my good fellow,” replied the + other. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then, I have done my duty,” said the man, turning to depart. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said our friend, “will you not let me know who it was that sent + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you,” replied the stranger, “that I don't know. I was bid to say + to you that the hour is come, and the man, and that's all I know; barrin' + that as I said you wor bid to come wid me, if you wish to sarve thia + family. Now I must go.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop a moment,” said M'Carthy, “till I return into the house, and let + them know I'm going out.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied the other; “if you do, you won't find me here when you come + back. This instant, or never.” + </p> + <p> + “To serve this family, you say?” + </p> + <p> + “To sarve this family, I was bid to say. I know nothing, an' can say + nothing about it myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, then,” said M'Carthy, resolutely, and thinking of the note he had + received in college, “I trust you, or rather I will trust the man that + sent you;” and having uttered these words, he departed with the stranger. + The scene now changes to a hill, three or four miles distant from the + proctor's house, called Crockaniska, at the foot of which was a small but + beautiful lake or tarn, from which a graceful little stream fell down into + a green and picturesque valley, that lay to the south below it. The shades + of evening were beginning to deepen, but for a considerable time before, + the road that went past it was observed to be more than usually-thronged + with men, some on foot and others on horseback; all presenting a solemn + and determined aspect, as if bent upon some dangerous enterprise that must + be accomplished, and all apparently strangers to the inhabitants of the + place, and to each other. On the brow of the hill stood a picturesque + ruin, and the hill itself was literally covered with men and horses; for + it was evident, by the fatigued and travel-stained appearance of both, + that they had come from a far distance. After dusk had set in, the crowd + assumed an appearance of stern repose, but at the same time, and somewhat + contrasting with this dreadful stillness, pale lights might be seen + flitting from time to time through the ragged apertures, and vacant + windows of the ruin. Inside this dreary old building were those who, from + the greater respectability of their dress, appeared to be their leaders; + men of trust and authority among them, by whose will and opinions they + were to be guided. A table and chairs, provided on this occasion, were + placed for the transaction of business, and on these, after some + proceedings, conducted with a good deal of form, had been transacted, + twelve comfortably, if not well-dressed looking farmers sat, whilst on + another chair, considerably elevated above the rest, a person in the garb + at least of a gentleman, seemed to preside over, and regulate the business + of the night. + </p> + <p> + After a short silence, the judge asked, in an audible voice, if there was + any business to be brought before “The Court of Right,” on that occasion. + He was immediately answered, in a solemn and almost melancholy tone of + voice, that there was a great deal of business before the court, but that + only one case, that of Captain Right against Purcel Senior and sons, was + for hearing and adjudication on that occasion. + </p> + <p> + On hearing the name of Purcel, the judge took from his pocket a broad, + blood-red ribbon, as did also each of the twelve farmers who constituted + the jury, and having tied it about his left arm, in which they imitated + him, he composed himself for the resumption of business. The ribbons were + a twofold symbol, signifying, in the first place, that the Purcels had + shed the blood of the people, and were to be tried for murder; and in the + second, that if found guilty, the sentence of Captain Right would exact + from them the fearful penalty of blood for blood. A compact, well knit, + and intelligent young man, about twenty-six years of age, now rose up, and + unrolling a long scroll of paper, read in a low but distinct voice, a long + and dark series of charges preferred by the aforesaid Captain Right + against the said Matthew Purcel and his sons. That person, on this + occasion, was the representative of Captain Right. + </p> + <p> + The judge then observed, that the charges must be proved to the + satisfaction of the jury, and called upon Captain Right's advocate to + substantiate them. It would spin out our description to a fatiguing + length, were we to go through all the cases of oppression, fraud, and + cruelty, that were brought home to the unfortunate proctor; against whom, + if we are to take him as the exponent of his heartless class, every one of + them was strictly true. + </p> + <p> + He was found guilty, for instance, of taking—often beforehand, or in + reversion—several small farms over the heads of poor but solvent + tenants; turning them adrift on the world, and consolidating their + holdings into one large stock farm for grazing; there by adding to the + number of the destitute, and diminishing the supply of food for the + people. + </p> + <p> + He was found guilty of paying to his laborers the wretched sum of only + eightpence a day; which he paid by the vile truck system—that is to + say by forcing them to take potatoes, milk, meal, &c, at nearly twice + what the same commodities brought in the open market. + </p> + <p> + His sons were found guilty of insolence and cruelty, against such poor and + distressed persons as had occasion to go to the proctor's office, for the + purpose of asking indulgence, or time to meet their engagements. Their + insolence and cruelty consisted in giving abusive language to, and + horsewhipping them as if they were not men, or possessed of the same + rights, privileges, and feelings, as themselves. These were only a few of + the charges, involving petty tyranny, oppression, and rapacity, against + Purcel and his sons; but the last, and greatest, and most odious of them + all, was the ruin he had brought, upon so many, by his tithe exactions, + and the expenses he had heaped on them by processes of law, in recovering + that blood-stained impost, as it was not improperly called. + </p> + <p> + Those were all proved by witnesses, and although we must admit, that the + great body of the evidence was true, in point of fact, yet there was not a + word said, of the insolence, threatening language, falsehood, evasion, and + defiance, which Purcel and his sons had in general experienced from the + people, before they had been forced to have recourse, in matters of tithe, + to such harsh proceedings against them. When the case for Captain Right + was about to close, there was a slight stir, and a low indistinct murmur + ran through those who thronged the ruin. + </p> + <p> + “There is another charge still to come,” said the young man who conducted + the prosecution; “we pass by the three massacres, and all the blood that + was shed in them; and all the sorrow and misery, and affliction that they + occasioned—we pass them by, I say, and to show all here present that + we are not like Purcel and his sons, resolved to avail ourselves of any + advantage against those we prosecute, I will just confine myself to one + case of murder, instead of many—because you all know, that if they + are found guilty upon one count, it will be sufficient for our purpose. + Widow Flanagan, come up and prove your sorrowful case.” + </p> + <p> + A pale, emaciated woman, whose countenance was the very reflex of + affliction and despair, now was assisted to make her way from the further + part of the building. She was dressed in the deepest mourning, with the + exception of the ribbons, which were, like the rest, a deep blood-red, as + an indication that one of her family had been murdered. + </p> + <p> + “Widow Flanagan,” said the counsel for Captain Right, “will you have the + goodness to state your distressing case?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no!” she exclaimed; “I'll not state it—I'm beginnin' to + fear what your intentions is this night; and as for me, I'll not help you, + by act or word, to fulfil that fearful intention. Oh, change it!” she + exclaimed; “there has been too much blood shed in the country; too much + bad work every way in it. Call upon God to change your hearts, and go home + to your families while your hands isn't yet stained with blood! You all + know what the law is when it's let loose upon you, as it ought be, + whenever you commit murther, and take away your fellow-crature's life. I + forgive Purcel and his sons; it was neither him nor them that took my + boy's life, but the sogers—oh, no!” she exclaimed, “I see what + you're bint on, and why you are sittin' to try the unfortunate Purcels. I + read it in your black fearful looks, and dark faces—may God turn + your hearts, and forgive you for bringin' me here this night! Surely you + ought to know that one like me, who suffered so much by the spillin' of + blood, wouldn't wish to see my fellow-cratures sufferin' as I am? Oh, no! + I forgive the Purcels, and why shouldn't you? an' the worst prayer I have + for them is, that God may forgive them and change their hearts!” Alas! + that we should say so, but the truth is, that no charge against Purcel, + how bitter and malignant soever it might have been, could have occasioned + such a deep-seated and uncontrollable vengeance against the unfortunate + family, as the language of this extraordinary and great-minded peasant + woman. There was nothing further said at the moment, every attention was + paid to her wishes; in accordance with which a party of men and horses + were sent to convey her safely home. + </p> + <p> + When she was gone, a neighbor of hers, who was present, came forward, and + made an accurate and affecting statement of the circumstances connected + with the death, or, as he termed it, and as we fear it was the murder of + her son. + </p> + <p> + “The poor, lovin' boy's mother,” he proceeded, “the heart-broken Christian + woman, that you all seen and heard this night, was not long after a fit of + sickness. She was barely able to move about, but not to work or do + anything in the house. When they came out to take away their property, she + had two cows, but only one of them gave any milk. They wor axed to take + the dry cow and any other part of the property they might think proper, + but, 'for God's sake!' said the boy, 'as my poor mother is only risin' out + of her illness, lave us the cow that can give her the drop of milk; the + black water will kill her if you don't.' But no, this they wouldn't do; + but what did they do? Why, they left the dry cow behind them, and tuck + away the one that gave the kindly drop o' milk to the sick widow and her + poor family; they then brought off—ay—swept away—six + times the amount of what she owed; which they bought in for a song. It's + well known that of late Purcel and his sons swore that they'd execute + every process in the sevairest and most expensive manner upon the people, + and as they kept their oath I hope too we'll keep ours. Well, it was when + the poor boy saw the drop o' milk, as he said, goin' from his poor mother, + that he opposed them. You all know the rest; he was shot stone-dead + bekaise he loved that mother. The case is now in your hands, and this is + all I have to say, barrin' to ask you, gintlemen of the jury, to take a + look at this, and think of him it belonged to, that's now laid low in an + airly and untimely grave, through Mat Purcel and his sons.” + </p> + <p> + He then placed a lock of fair and beautiful hair, which had been taken + from the youth's brow, in the hands of the foreman, and resumed his seat. + </p> + <p> + Oh, human nature! especially Irish human nature, what a mystery art thou! + </p> + <p> + The foreman, on receiving it, held it in his hands for some time, and so + completely was he touched by the beauty of the tress, and the affection of + him to whom it had belonged, that the tears gushed from his eyes; and as + these men, who were then in the very act of trampling upon the laws of God + and men, looked at it, one by one, there was scarcely a dry eye among + them. As water, however, is frequently sprinkled over fire, in order to + enkindle it into a more scorching heat, so did the tears they shed add + fresh strength and fury to the vengeance which smouldered within them. + </p> + <p> + This closed the case for Captain Right, and the judge asked if there was + any one present prepared with a defense for Mat Pur-eel and his sons. + </p> + <p> + Our old friend, Darby Hourigan, who dressed himself in rags for the + occasion, then came forward; and, after pulling up the waistband of his + breeches, and twisting his revolting features into what he designed for, + but what no earthly being could suppose, a grin, he spoke as follows:—“My + lard, an' gintlemen o' the jury, it 'ud be a hard case if we suffered poor + Misther Purcel and his two daicent, ginerous, kind-hearted sons, to be + condimed 'idout a word at all in their definse. First, then, is it fair + that we should be angry bekaise one of our own race and rallagion should + spring up from among ourselves, and take his station over us like the + Cromwellian shoneens, that are doin' oppression upon uz and our shildres! + An', hadn't he as good a right to get the law at his back as they have? + an' to make it bring him through the same hard-hearted coorses that made + him rich and keep us poor? What had he done but what others had been doin' + for ages, an' wor doin' still? ay, by jabers, an' 'ud continue to do + unless the people put a stop to it. Worn't his sons gintlemen no less? + Didn't they go out to hunt dressed in top-boots, buck-skin breeches, + scarlet coats, and velvet jockey-caps; and didn't his daughters ride about + upon blood-horses an' side-saddles? An' why are they called blood-horses + do yez know? Ah, by jabers, if yez don't I'll tell you—it's bekaise + they wor bought and maintained by the blood of the poor? Ay, they do all + this, but if they do, who's to blame them? Poor! ershisin! Arra what was I + sayin'? Sure they do it bekaise we all have plenty to ait and dhrink, + plenty to wear; good coats to our backs, like this”—and here he + shook the rags he dangled about him in hundreds; “good breeches to—hem—no + matther—good shoes and stockings to our feet; good heads to our hats—hut! + I mane good hats to our heads—and fusht-rate linen to our shkins; ay—sich + as this,” he added again. “Whisht!” he exclaimed, with a laugh like an + Eclipse, “bad luck to the fatther of it, but I forgot at home—along + wid the other eleven—or stop—here it is to the good still,” + pointing to his naked skin, “an' be my sowl, boys—my lard an' + gintlemen o' the jury, I mane—it's the weavor of this linen that'll + stand to us yet. + </p> + <p> + “Gintlemin, I do maintain that there's a great dale to be said for Mat + Purcel. To be sure he skrewed the last fardin' out of uz, but where was + there ever a tithe-procthor that didn't do the same thing? An' sure if he + tuck as much as he could from huz, an' gev as little as he could to the + parson, wasn't it all so much the betther? Wasn't it weakenin' their fat + church and fattening our weak on'?—where's the honest Catholic could + say a word aginst that? To be sure, we all know that, by his knowledge of + farmin', and all the ins and outs of our little tillage, he contrived, one + way or other, to take about the fifth of our little produce; but then if + he did, didn't he say it was all by way of friendship an' indulgence to + us? Sure didn't himself tell us that only he pitied us an' felt for us, + he'd a' been ten times harsher than he was, an' so he would, be coorse, + an' 'tis thankful we have a right to be, an' not grumblin' at all at all. + </p> + <p> + “I hould half a dozen could an' miserable acres, an' about three weeks + ago, he tuck about one-fourth of the whole produce, owin' to citations to + the bishop's coorts, an' a long string o' costs jined to the tithe itself—bad + luck to it!—an' didn't he prove to me that he let me off for a song, + an' was the best-hearted procthor that ever strewed a defaulther? Well, + an' isn't every small farmer, that doesn't wish to go law, or isn't able + to right himself, as well off as I am—glory be to God! I declare, + thin, I don't see why we should be angry wid so kind an' merciful a man. + </p> + <p> + “Thin, again, it made a man religious, an' was aiquil to goin' to one's + duty, to go to ax time or indulgence from his sons. It isn't a clear case + that you'd get the indulgence, but it is a clear case that you wor sure to + get a horsewhippin'. Now, you know a horse-whippin' 'ud make a man repint + goin' to him, an' when a man's in a repintin' state, he may as well repint + for whatever sins he has committed, while his hand's in. + </p> + <p> + “Altogether, thin, my lard an' gintlemin o' the jury, I think it's clear + that Purcel an' his sons is a great benefit to the counthry about us, an' + that they ought to be acquitted, especially as it's likely that they have + more processes to sarve, more auctions to hould an' may be, more widow's + sons to take on the hands of their poor strugglin' motherss the crathurs, + that's badly able to support them; and anyhow, nobody can blame a man'll + that opens the gates of heaven for his fellow creature's sowl, and sends + him there. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, my lard an' gintlemen, that I has now done my duty in defendin' + the Purcels and that I've proved to your satisfaction that they ought to + be acquitted.” + </p> + <p> + This harangue of Hourigan's was received with singular alternations of + fierce rage, and mirth that was still fiercer and more frightful. At the + conclusion of it there was a loud stamping of feet, accompanied by an + exulting uproar of approbation. Silence, however, being called, the jurors + put their heads together across the table, and in less than two minutes + their foreman handed up the issue paper to a person who acted as register + and secretary to the meeting. On receipt of this, that worthy functionary, + in a solemn, deep, and barely audible voice, read a verdict of “guilty,” + which was received in solemn silence by the assembly. + </p> + <p> + The judge then rose, and in a voice that was also solemn but distinct, + pronounced the sentence of the court to be—“Death and dark + destruction to Matthew Purcel and his sons,” with an order that it should + be carried into execution on that very night. The judge then addressed + them at some length, pretty closely to the following effect: + </p> + <p> + “Now, my friends,” said he, “there is no man in this building who has not + before now been engaged in affairs of danger and of death. Every one of + you is the leader of a party of determined fellows, who fear nothing. Our + business is—to susteen the oppressed, to crush tyrants, and to right + those who have been wronged. I am not sorry that the person in command + over me is absent to-night, for I look upon the office I hold, and the + exploit we are engaged on, as a high honor. If that person, however, is + not with us he is engeeged for us, and will send us a strong reinforcement + in the course of the night. I don't expect that the attack on Purcel's + house will deteen us long, and after that we have other visits to meek, + and several fields of pasture to dig up. You all know who I mane when I + mention the man that has authority over us.” + </p> + <p> + “We do,” replied the crowd; “three cheers for <i>him!</i>” This was + accordingly responded to, and the speaker proceeded. + </p> + <p> + “You are to understand,” said he, “that Purcel and his two sons are this + night to die, and their house and pleece to be reduced to ashes. There is + one thing, however, that I must strongly impress upon you—remember + that you are not to injure any of the faymales of the family in the + slightest degree. The second daughter must be taken and brought to a + mounted guard that will be ready behind the garden-hedge, to bear her off + to the mountains—they know themselves where. I will overteek them, + or perhaps be there by the upper road before them. If any of you has a + fancy for the other sister, I'm not the man that will stand in your way; + but in order to encourage you to do your dooty, I now decleer that it is + the man who will best distinguish himself among you that must get her. You + all know what you are to do. The old tyrant, root and branches, is to be + cut off, and his second daughter secured to me. You have been told the + password for the night, and if you find any men among you that knows it + not, put him instantly to death as a spy and a traitor. And now, my brave + fellows, every man to his post, and I, who am for this night at least' + your commander, will lead you on. Come, then, follow me, and again I say—'Death + and dark destruction to Matthew Purcel and his two sons!'” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes the vast multitude was in motion, all dressed in white + shirts and disguised by blackened faces. The were certainly a fierce and + formidable body, amounting, it is calculated, to not less than five + thousand men, collected, as it was well known, from the seven adjoining + counties. + </p> + <p> + The aspect of the sky, on this awful night, was long remembered by the + inhabitants of that part of the country. Over towards the west, and away + as far as the south, it seemed! to be one long mass of deep, angry-looking + fire, that seemed both frightful and portentous, and made the spectator + feel as if a general and immediate conflagration of the heavens was about + to take place: whilst stretched nearer in point of space to the eye, were + visible large bars of cloud that seemed, from their crimson color, to be + masses of actual blood. In fact, the whole firmament was full of gloom and + terror, and pregnant with such an appalling spirit of coming storm as + apparently to threaten the destruction of the elements. + </p> + <p> + It was quite evident, from the disturbed and unsettled appearance of the + country for miles around, and from the circumstance of such an unusual + multitude being on foot in the course of the evening, that some deed of + more than ordinary importance or danger was to be done. The Purcel's, ever + on the watch, soon learned that they were to be attacked on that very + night by those who had threatened them so often, and to whom they + themselves had so frequently sent back a stern and fierce defiance. Little + had they calculated, however, that the onset would be made by men so well + armed and in such prodigious multitudes. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of society at that period, that scarcely any one + individual could place confidence in another. The Purcels, knowing that + they were looked upon by the people in a hostile spirit, and aware of the + disguises which those secret confederacies, that are so peculiar to our + unfortunate country, often take for treacherous and vindictive purposes, + came to the resolution of putting every servant in the house, male and + female, from off the premises. This they did on discovering Mogue Moylan's + treachery with respect to the fire-arms; for, in point of fact, they knew + not on whom to depend. M'Carthy's disappearance was also a mystery which + occasioned them considerable anxiety and doubt. That he should have + abandoned them in the very moment of danger, was a circumstance quite out + of their calculation. On the other hand, it was obvious that he had done + so, and that from whatever motive his conduct proceeded, he distinctly + separated himself from them, at the very crisis when his presence and + assistance might have been of service. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime they began to make preparations for their defence. + Purcel's dwelling-house was a long, two-storied building, deeply thatched. + He himself and his eldest son carried up a large supply of arms and + ammunition to the top room, where they took their station so as to command + the large gate of the recently-built fortress wall, by which the house and + adjoining premises were surrounded. Alick, his mother and sisters, + remained below, in such a position that they could command the gate also, + without exposing themselves to danger. The mother and daughters had been + well trained to load and even to discharge fire-arms; and now they were + both competent and willing to take an important part in defense of their + own lives, as well as those who were so dear to them. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said John Purcel, when every necessary preparation had been made, + “I never could, have dreamt that Frank M'Carthy was either a coward or a + traitor.” + </p> + <p> + “I very much fear,” replied his brother, “that he is either the one or the + other, if not both. If he has got a hint—ha!—do you hear that + again?—they are firing still as they come along—if he has got + a hint of this attack and abandoned us, I have not words to express my + contempt for him. What a bravo lover you have got, Julia!” he exclaimed, + turning to his sister, “thus to desert you in the hour of danger.” + </p> + <p> + Julia made no immediate reply, but, after wiping away some bitter tears, + she at length said, “I will not believe it—it cannot be possible: I + know it is very strange and unaccountable, and I certainly cannot + understand it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you imagine it possible that M'Carthy could belong to this + confederation of blood?” asked Alick; “I at least have been told so much: + however, perhaps time will tell us more about it. For my part—” + </p> + <p> + He had nearly pronounced the words, when a heavy trampling of feet, joined + to a deep murmur of suppressed voices, was heard; a horn was then sounded, + and, in about half a minute afterwards, Purcel and his sons were called + upon to surrender and admit the assailants. From the moment the first + shots were heard, on the part of the approaching enemy, the Purcels + concealed all their lights, so that, when the former reached the outer + wall, the house seemed wrapped in obscurity—as if the family were + buried in sleep. + </p> + <p> + They now assailed the gate, but soon found that there was little + likelihood of forcing an entrance without heavier implements than those + they had in their possession. On ascertaining that this was not + practicable, they began to fire at the roof of the dwelling-house, and at + those of the out-offices, with the hope that some portion of the wadding, + when lighted, might ignite them. In this, after repeated attempts and + failures, they were ultimately successful. A cow-house that stood detached + from the other buildings, and, in point of proximity, nearest the gate, at + length caught the flame, and in a few minutes began to burn. This, to be + sure, might have been of little consequence to the insurgents, Were it not + that the wind, which was gusty and blew sometimes with a good deal of + strength, now and then swept the blaze over to the other offices, which + were, consequently, soon in flames; and it was now obvious that the + dwelling-house, from its position and the direction of the blast, could + not possibly escape. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto, there was no appearance of either light or life in the proctor's + dwelling, and the insurgents were by no means satisfied with the progress + they had made. It is true, they felt confident that none of the Purcels + had escaped since they approached the house—a circumstance which was + impossible, in consequence of the cordon of the enemy that had been drawn + around the outer wall. Another surmise, however, maddened them almost to + fury. Could it be possible that the objects of their hatred had abandoned + the house in the earlier part of the night, and thus defrauded them of + their vengeance? The thought was intolerable; but that was a point which + they would now be in a capacity soon to ascertain. + </p> + <p> + Finding that the gate, as we said, was impregnable, unless with stronger + implements, they had sent to a smith's forge in the neighborhood, from + whence they obtained two or three sledge-hammers. By the aid of these they + soon shivered the gate to pieces, and, having accomplished this, they— + </p> + <p> + Before we proceed further, it is necessary to state, that the light of the + burning cow-house fell upon them with the strength and clearness of a + summer noon; whilst, on the other hand, the proctor's family, from the + position of the house, were in complete obscurity. + </p> + <p> + The advantage was, consequently, all on one side; the Purcels, when the + gate was demolished, saw the crowd clearly and distinctly, but the crowd + could not at all see them. Feather-beds and other defenses had been placed + at the windows, in such a manner that the firing from the house could be + delivered with almost perfect impunity to the inmates, but with dreadful + and deadly effect upon the assailants. The latter, having accomplished the + destruction of the gate, were in the act of entering, when, all at once, + such a well-directed volley was poured among them as caused every man of + the front ranks to fall dead. Four blunderbusses had been discharged among + them—three by the proctor and his two sons, and one by his eldest + daughter Mary. The fatal effect with which this fire was delivered caused + a momentary pause, and the aggressive crowd was forced to rush back in a + kind of wavy motion, that resembled the undulations of a retreating + serpent. An immediate return, however, took place; and, in about half a + minute, those in front, however reluctant, were forced forward by the + pressure from without. Again did a well-directed fire bring down those who + were thrust forward, and the consequence was that a back action took + place, which enabled those in front to retire for the present from what + they clearly saw was certain death. + </p> + <p> + So far the proctor's family were triumphant, and would have been so, were + it not for the conflagration of the offices, which every moment threatened + their own house with destruction. There was not now one among the crowd + hardy enough to attempt an entrance by the open gate-which entrance they + knew to be only another name for death. Two circumstances, however, were + at work against the brave and intrepid proctor and his equally brave and + intrepid sons. Crowbars had been procured, and three breaches were being + made in those parts of the wall which the windows of the house did not + command, and what was still equally, if not more dreadful to the besieged, + was the fact of the dwelling-house having taken fire, from the flames that + were wafted to it by the conflagration of the adjoining offices. The + breaches having been effected, the assailants precipitated themselves into + the yard; and now commenced the work of destruction in reality. The latter + were shot down in scores; whilst at the same time, the windows of the + house from which this destructive fire was kept up so ably, received fifty + discharges to one that had been made from them. The house was immediately + surrounded, and guards were placed at the doors and lower windows, with + strict and fatal orders to allow none of the family to escape, with the + exception of the females—one of whom was to be secured, as the + reader knows, for a particular purpose, and the rest as chance or passion + might direct. + </p> + <p> + The Purcels, in the meantime, ably served and assisted by Mrs. Purcel and + her daughters, continued to deal death and destruction on the parties + outside, without being yet either fatigued or disabled. At length the + terrible light of the roof that was burning over them, and the stifling + heat which began to oppress them, startled the proctor into a state of + feeling so awful, that it obliterated from his awakened conscience all + external impressions of the dreadful havoc of human life which was taking + place about him. The feeling was deepened by a discovery that the gate had + been broken and breaches made in the walls, as well as by the incredible + multitude of armed persons about the premises, most of whom were now + distinctly visible by the glare of the conflagration. + </p> + <p> + The life of Matthew Purcel, though unstained by any of those gross crimes + which separate man from his fellows, or draw down the punishment of the + law upon those who commit them, was, nevertheless, in a singular degree, + unfeeling, oppressive, and rapacious. Though plausible and clever in his + manner, and anxious to stand well with the world, he was, at the same + time, relentless and implacable, a tyrant within the petty sphere of his + influence, a despiser of all those principles that were not calculated, no + matter how, to elevate and enrich. He ground the poor, and wrung, by the + most oppressive extortion, out of their sweat and labor, all and much more + than they could afford to give him. With destitution and poverty in their + most touching and pitiable shapes, he never had one moment's sympathy, nor + did the widow or orphan ever experience a single act of benevolence or + mercy at his hands. + </p> + <p> + There was now a short pause in the work of destruction, but it was evident + to him and his family that some new element of action was at work among + the multitude, though of its character and object they could form no + possible conjecture. The Purcels had now a short space for reflection, and + but a short one, for they all felt, by the increasing heat that proceeded + from the burning roof, that they could not long abide under it. Alick and + the females had joined John and his father in the top room, and the latter + now saw clearly that fate, in its most dreadful and appalling shape, was + on him and his whole family, for it was clear, as matters stood, that + neither he nor his sons, at all events, could escape the vengeance of the + infuriated multitude. In this condition, his veins swollen, and the + perspiration standing in large beads upon his forehead, he took one + fearful and agonizing glance upon his past life, and felt, now that he + stood on the verge of eternity, that the retrospect was like a glimpse of + hell. The change that came over his features was frightful beyond all + belief; his face became nearly black, and his eyes, which grew bloodshot + almost in a few minutes, had, notwithstanding, a sharp delirious + expression of terror that no language could depict. + </p> + <p> + “Great God! father,” exclaimed his son John, who first noticed, this + change in his appearance, “what is the matter with you?” + </p> + <p> + “We are lost!” he exclaimed; “oh, my past life! Great Heaven! if I had but + one act of kindness to look back upon, I could dare death. Children, the + tortures of hell are upon me! Here is death at my throat, but how will I + die? Hallo—look!” he exclaimed, “do you see it?—it is all + black—black and bloody—black and bloody—that life of + mine! Crimes—crimes—crimes against the poor—against the + widow and the orphan! Why did I do it? Eh, why did I oppress, and grind, + and murder! Ay, murder!—where's Widow Flanagan's son?—where's + all the blood I was the means of shedding?—where are the rotten + corpses that are now festering in the grave, because I was rapacious and + an oppressor? Hallo! I say, don't curse me—or rather, do curse me—damn + me—damn my soul—damn my soul—ha! what am I saying?—who + brought me to this? Who? why who but the black and damnable parsons—ay, + the parsons and their d—d heretical church! However, I'll have my + revenge, for hell is lined with them—paved with them—circled + with them; and there I'll find them in burning squads to welcome me—ha! + ha! ha! Welcome, Proctor! Tithe-Proctor! God's Perdition! what a name! + what a character? Tithe-Proctor!—that is rogue, oppressor, scourge, + murderer!—and all for what? For a dead, lazy, gross, overgrown + heresy! Ay, lazy parsons that I brought myself to this for, to perdition + for! But then I was proud too—oh, it was a great thing to creep up + from poverty and cunning to broadcloth and top-boots, to saddle horse, + then a jaunting-car, to shake hands with the great parsons, who despised + me all the while and made me their tool and scapegoat! Oh, yes, and to + have my sons able to hunt in red coats and top-boots, and my daughters to + ride on side-saddles—how do you do, gintlemen?—ladies, your + most obedient! but, where are we?—what is this? Is this the light of + hell, and these the devils with their black faces? And yet, I did intend + to repent and to be merciful to the poor; and now here comes damnation! + and why? have I not murdered you all?—where am I?—who am I? I + am not Matthew Purcel, the Tithe-Proctor, I hope—make that clear, + and I'll give you—or could it be a dream?—no, no, it is real, + a real fact; and the gulf of damnation yawns for me! Ha!—well—come, + then, let us die like men; give me the blunderbuss; now, down with the + villains—down with the villains!” + </p> + <p> + His family had been standing between the shelter of two windows, almost + transfixed into stone with horror at the blasphemous agonies under which + his frantic spirit was raging and writhing. The truth is, that the + frightful certainty of death to himself and his family, in such an + unprepared state, together with the rapid glance of his ill-spent life, + joined to his exertion and the suffocating heat of the room, had, all + combined, induced what may be well termed this insane paroxysm of despair + and guilt. + </p> + <p> + On seizing the blunderbuss, he rushed, now distinctly visible in the + light, and forgetful that the multitude were on the watch for him, over + towards one of the unprotected windows, where he was followed by his son + John, for the purpose of being dragged out of danger. He had just + discharged the blunderbuss at their leader, who was on the point of making + his way to the hall-door, when the ruffian fell stone-dead, and almost + simultaneously, he and his son John were literally perforated with a + shower of bullets. + </p> + <p> + “We must die, also,” exclaimed Alick to his mother and his sisters; “we + must die,—but let us die firmly. Any death, however, is better than + one of fire; here we cannot stay longer. Stoop now, so that we may pass + that part of the wall that is beneath the windows, until we reach the + lower floor; if we expose ourselves only for a moment, we must share their + fate. Great God! what a fate and what a night!” + </p> + <p> + By following his advice, they reached the lower floor in safety, and had + scarcely done so, when the burning roof crashed in upon the bodies of the + proctor and his son, of whose remains nothing but a few cinders were found + the next morning. The falling in of the roof was accompanied by a + considerable explosion, owing to the powder which they had left behind + them, and the noise of which caused the crowd that was now hemming in the + house to pause for a moment, but only for a moment; for they knew now by + the explosion, that the ammunition of their enemies was gone, and that + “the old fox and his cubs,” as they called them, were probably incapable + of further resistance; a reflection which, as it stood not in the way of + their cowardice, seemed to increase their fury. + </p> + <p> + “Revenge now, boys,” shouted a hundred voices; “they have shot our leader + along with the rest. Come on then, sledge in the doors an' windies, an' if + we lave a single inch of the villains together, may we be hanged like + dogs! Come on, then, they are helpless now; their ammunition's gone, an' + they can do us no harm. Blood for blood as far as they go; it's into + inches we must hew them—into inches—come on, then!” + </p> + <p> + A furious assault instantly commenced at the doors and windows. It was, + indeed, a frightful thing to see these men, with their white shirts and + black visages, fiercely at work; panting and inflamed with ungovernable + rage and vengeance, the red turbid blaze of the burning building lighting + them into the similitude of incarnate devils, let loose upon some hellish + mission of destruction and blood. Their own fury, however, impeded their + progress, for as they passed onwards to the door, urged by the worst + passions of man, it was found that their violence, thus broken and + diminished by the struggle, had prevented them from making anything like a + rapid progress in breaking in the powerfully-fortified door. There was + consequently another slight pause, during which a circumstance occurred + that added a terrible sublimity to the scene. + </p> + <p> + We have said, that the sky looked angry and portentous, and such was the + fact. During the pauses that now occurred, the distant darkness of the + surrounding country was momentarily dispelled by a stronger and more + terrific fire than that which now shot up its red and waving pyramids from + the burning houses before them. All at once the black sky opened, and from + the chasm of angry clouds a sheet of red lightning flashed, lighting up + the darkness of the country around them in a fearful manner; but above all + things, and what gave a super-added horror to the scene, was the influence + which that light, that seemed to proceed from the vengeance of God, had + upon that which proceeded from the vengeance of man. The sheeted volume + swept down, and for an instant poured over the blazing roofs, the + tottering walls, the bleeding corpses and the black-visaged men who stood + in multitudes about the place, panting with the mad intoxication of crime; + it poured upon them, we say, a light so strong, penetrating, and intense, + that its fearful distinctness was enough to paralyze the heart, and awe + those who were present from the prosecution of their vengeance. It was, in + fact, as if the Almighty Himself had sent down His avenging angel from the + heavens, to pour His light upon them, in order to bear testimony against + the dreadful work of blood in which they were engaged. Nor was this all. + Ere the pause was broken, a burst of thunder, so deep, so loud, and so + terrible, in such an hour, pealed from a point of the sky on their right, + taking its course in the direction of the proctor's house, where, in one + terrific explosion, it seemed to burst exactly over their heads. Some were + awed, but we all know that companionship fortifies the heart in the + commission of crime, and in a few minutes the Almighty, His fires of + vengeance,—and His midnight thunders, were all alike forgotten. + </p> + <p> + The assault on the door was now renewed with, if possible, more ferocious + violence; and it became evident to the unfortunate and now helpless + inmates, that they must soon fall into the hands of those from whom they + could expect no mercy. We say they were in a helpless state; and this was + occasioned by the explosion, which left them without ammunition, even if + they had had their firearms. Such, however, was their hurry in escaping + from the falling roof, joined to the shock and stupor caused by the death + of John and his father, that they thought not for a moment of anything but + mere self-preservation. Owing to these causes they brought no weapons of + defence with them; and now, in consequence of the fallen roof and + explosion, their fire-arms were beyond their reach, and useless. They + stood now ghastly—their features rigid like those of the dead—calm + and without a tremor—but with a melancholy fortitude that was as + noble as it was rare and unprecedented. At length Mrs. Purcel spoke:—“Alick,” + said she, “you must save yourself: we may receive some mercy at the hands + of these men, but you will not; hide yourself somewhere, and, when they + come in, we will say that you perished with your father and brother.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear mother,” replied her son, “while I have life I will not + separate from' you and these dear girls.” + </p> + <p> + “This is madness,” observed Julia; “what can you expect? Have we not + witnessed bloodshed enough to-night already?—or are you determined + that we shall be compelled to witness your murder before our faces? Oh, + dear Alick, be advised by my mother; by secreting yourself, you may + escape; but if you are found here, you will be instantly shot.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Alick,” said Mary, “by the love you bear us, and by the blood of + those whom these murdering ruffians have sacrificed, we implore and + entreat you to conceal yourself; and, if that fails—then, by the + love of God, do as we desire!” + </p> + <p> + She had scarcely uttered the last words, when a single Whiteboy, with + blackened face, made his appearance at the end of the kitchen stairs, and + approached them, waving his hands with a mingled expression of distraction + and entreaty. + </p> + <p> + “Dear John,” he exclaimed, “be patient; and Julia, be calm, and hear me. I + am,” he added, in a low and guarded whisper, “Frank M'Carthy: as you hope + for mercy from God and life from man, listen! The door will be broken in + in a few minutes; but if you are guided by me, you may yet be safe. + Blacken your face forthwith, Alick; and here is a shirt marked with blood + too—a circumstance that will give you more security—which I + have brought you.” + </p> + <p> + “Frank M'Carthy,” exclaimed Julia, “and a Whiteboy! Oh, yes, be advised by + him, Alick; as for me, I care not how soon death comes—I have little + to live for now!” + </p> + <p> + “If there was time, dear Julia, for explanation, I could soon satisfy you; + but, alas! I fear to ask for your father and John.” + </p> + <p> + “They are both murdered, sir,” she replied; “they have fallen victims to + men who are in the habit of wearing white shirts and black faces—with, + I fear, blacker hearts.” + </p> + <p> + “Great God!” he exclaimed, “is this so? but time now is life: I must bear + your suspicions, Julia, until a fitter occasion. You, Alick, as you will + not and wish not to leave your mother and sisters unprotected, follow me—follow + me, or, as I hope for God's mercy, you are lost, and your sisters—I + dread to think of it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is enough,” said Alick, struck now with absolute impatience: “I + consent, Frank—what do you wish?” + </p> + <p> + He brought him at once to the kitchen, where he took soot from the + chimney, which he moistened with water, and, in a couple of minutes, + blackened his face and put the bloody shirt over his dress. The change was + so completely and quickly effected, that the females for a moment took it + for granted that they were strangers who had forced an entrance by some + other way. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said M'Carthy, placing a loaded pistol in Alick's hand, “the + pass-word for the night is '<i>the Cannie Soogah</i>'—you won't + forget that?—but, above all things, don't think of using your + pistol, whatever may happen, until you hear me shout, '<i>the Cannie + Soogah to the rescue!</i>' and even then, wait until you see and speak to + him—the brave, the noble, the glorious fellow!” + </p> + <p> + “Good God! and is he here?” asked Alick. + </p> + <p> + “He's here—he's everywhere,” replied the other: “he's here, at all + events, before now, I hope: the manner in which I shall call upon his name + is this—first, I shout 'the Cannie Soogah!' the very mention of + which will be followed by a general cheer; then, when he appears, I shall + call out, 'the Cannie Soogah to the rescue!' After this you must be guided + by me, as I must be by the Cannie Soogah and circumstances. Come, now, it + is safer to open the door and admit these ruffians.” + </p> + <p> + “And remember,” added Alick, turning with a look of agony to the females, + “that the men have all been shot, and are lying in the upper room!” + </p> + <p> + The ruse of M'Carthy succeeded. The Whiteboys, on being admitted, took it + for granted that those who opened the door belonged to themselves and had + got in by some other entrance. The house was hastily searched; and the + fact of the Purcels having been killed in the upper room, was corroborated + by the limbs of John and his father being visible among the burning pile. + The state of the house now rendered a hasty retreat out of it necessary. A + sudden trembling of the walls and upper joists was felt, the crowd rushed + out, and the next moment the whole building was one fallen mass of smoking + ruins. + </p> + <p> + The females now found themselves prisoners; but still their brother and + M'Carthy kept near them, and seemed to act as a portion of those to whom + their guardianship! had been entrusted. Julia found herself committed, as + if by general consent, to the care of one individual, who kept her a + little in advance of the accompanying crowd—to! whom, from time to + time, he waved his hand without looking behind him to intimate that they + should not press close upon them, but afford him an opportunity of holding + what he wished to be considered some confidential conversation with her. + </p> + <p> + “That I may be blest, Miss Julia, but you're a lucky girl this night—an' + I think I may say that I'm a lucky boy myself. I'm to take care of you, + and to bring you to a safe place; which I'll do, never fear. You know what + I told you afore about my family—how we wor ever an' always doin' + our best against the Sassanach Laws—an ould family it is—an' + sure ould blood is betther than riches any day—an' it isn't + complexion aither, Miss Julia, that a—this way, darlin'—this + way—an' how long now is it since you fell in consate with me? Well, + darlin' that I may die a happy death in a good ould age, if I can blame + you for not spakin'—especially afther havin' lost your father and + two brothers this night. Howandiver, we can have a lob of their wealth, + anyhow, yourself and myself—this way, darlin', there's a party of + friends waitin' for us—wisha' thin, but I'm lookin' forrid to a + happy life wid you—but sure you might say a single word to me, + darlin'—jist to let me know you hear me.” + </p> + <p> + Whether Julia heard this one-sided dialogue or not, it is difficult to + say. She seemed passive and inattentive, and walked on with an abstracted + and mechanical motion. Her brother and lover could only get near her + occasionally, having found it necessary to watch her mother and sister + also. They could perceive, however, not only that the crowd which followed + Mogue appeared to be a good deal in his confidence, and under his sway, + but that it increased so rapidly as he went along, that they became + alarmed, especially as the Cannie Soogah had not yet made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + At this moment they were met by a body of men, who on looking at Mogue and + Julia, exclaimed, “You are bringing her the wrong way—you are + breakin' your ordhers—you know that our captain laid it out, that + you should bring her in the other direction, and to where the guard is + waitin' for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” replied Mogue, “but you know our captain had been shot, and is lyin' + stiff inside the gate there behind us.” + </p> + <p> + “But livin' or dead,” they replied, “do you observe your duty—it's a + bad an' dangerous example you're settin'.” + </p> + <p> + “But sure if the captain was alive,” said Mogue, “it 'ud be a different + thing—that I may be happy, but I'm bringin' her the right way, and + to the right place, too—amn't I, boys?” he exclaimed, turning to his + followers. + </p> + <p> + “All's right!” they replied; “to be sure you are—go on, and more + powers!” + </p> + <p> + About a minute or two before this, a mounted Whitefoot had rode up, and + having heard the words, he replied to Mogue, in a loud voice, “No, sir! + our captain is not shot, but is safe and sound.” And scarcely had the + words proceeded from his lips when the very individual, as it seemed, who + had led them during the night, galloped up to the place of altercation. + </p> + <p> + “Who says I am dead,” said he; “I don't look like a dead man, I think. + Meek way there till I speak to this man,” pointing to Mogue. “Why, sir, + did you dare to disobey ordhers by taking this lady to the wrong place? + Answer me that?” + </p> + <p> + Mogue, seeing that his support was now powerful, looked at them, and asked + aloud—“Am I bringin' the lady the wrong way, boys?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” they replied; “Go on, and more power!” + </p> + <p> + At this moment M'Carthy shouted out in loud and powerful tones—“The + Cannie Soogah!” and the words were no sooner uttered than Mogue started, a + rapid stir and murmur pervaded, the multitude, and almost instantly a most + hearty and vociferous cheer awakened the echoes that slept among the + neighboring hills. The moment this had subsided, the same voice repeated + the name with an addition—“The Cannie Soogah to the rescue—here + he is!” + </p> + <p> + Our facetious friend, for it was he, threw up his hand in a peculiar + manner, that made the act understood by all present, with the exception of + M'Carthy and Alick Purcel. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, boys,” he exclaimed, “I am here; and I thank you for your kindness. + You have had a full revenge to-night on Purcel and his family; but, as I + have been a long time in search of a good wife, I suppose you have no + objection that I should take charge of the ladies.” + </p> + <p> + These words were followed by another astounding cheer, and the Cannie, + riding over to the spot where Mrs. Purcel and her daughter stood—for + she and Mary had now joined Julia—was about to speak to them, when + the report of a pistol was heard, and at the same moment a bullet whizzed + past his ear. + </p> + <p> + “Treachery!” he shouted, “treachery against your commander! Seize upon + that person, in the name of Captain Right.” + </p> + <p> + His words came late; another report followed the first, with an interval + of less than a quarter of a minute between them, and instantly our pious + friend, who had flattered himself with the prospect of a long and happy + life in the possession of Julia Purcel, fell stone-dead to the earth. + </p> + <p> + “What!” shouted the Cannie, “is this more treachery? But wait, I'll soon + cure this.” + </p> + <p> + He put a horn to his lips as he spoke, and having given it a sharp, quick, + and hasty blast, he nodded his head, as much as to say, “Wait a moment.” + </p> + <p> + “The last shot wasn't threachery anyhow,” exclaimed Jerry Joyce, whose + voice Alick immediately recognized; “somebody,” he added, with a + significant look, “has ped honest Mogue for his.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he dead?” asked the Cannie. + </p> + <p> + “He is dead, captain,” replied several, “and so may every one die that's a + traitor to the Cannie Soogah—our bold Captain Right.'” + </p> + <p> + A body of about a thousand men now made their appearance, every one of + them personally devoted to the Cannie Soogah; and brought there for the + humane purpose, if possible, of saving Purcel and his sons that night. + </p> + <p> + “It was a false alarm, my friends,” said he, as they came up; “there was + only one traitor among them, and he has been brought to his account. I + didn't wish for his death, and he might have got some other punishment, + but it can't be helped now; I'm only sorry for the false-hearted vagabond + because he wasn't fit to die.” + </p> + <p> + He then, after a few words of advice, dismissed them to their respective + homes, with the exception of a certain number of faithful followers, whom + he retained for the purpose of assisting him to escort Mrs. Purcel and her + daughters to the house of our worthy magistrate. Another body he also + appointed to the task of carrying the dead and wounded away to some remote + place, where they could be interred, or so concealed that their + indentification might not involve their surviving relatives. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img src="images/destruct_castle.jpg" alt="Destruction of the Castle " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Our narrative, we may say, is closed. The Cannie now having placed Mrs. + Purcel and her daughters on horseback, directed his friends to proceed to + the residence of the redoubtable Fitzy O'Driscol, who was by no means + prepared for seeing such a number of Whiteboys about his house. Alick + Purcel and M'Carthy also got horses, and as they went along, M'Carthy + received from him a solution to the mysterious occurrences in which he had + been involved. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Purcel's family,” said he, but not in hearing of the females, “is the + last family that I ought to protect this night. They have shot my twin + brother, the man that went by the name of Buck English. He is now gone to + his reckonin' and may God forgive him! He was tried and found guilty of + murdher in the county of Cork, and the worst of it was that it was in the + act of robbin' a gentleman's house that the murdher was committed. While + he was in gaol I contrived to get into him, and we managed so well that he + escaped, and I was kept in his place. The next day I tould them the truth, + and he was taken again; but it seems that the gintleman that prosecuted, + on hearin' that there was another person so like him, felt unaisy in his + mind and got him off for the murdher, in dread he might have sworn against + the wrong man. He couldn't keep himself quiet though, for, on the very day + before his pardon came, he was caught, along wid some others, in the act + of breakin' out of the gaol, and for that he got a severe wound and seven + years' transportation. All our lives, I and my other brother—” + </p> + <p> + “Why, have you another brother, Cannie?” asked M'Carthy. + </p> + <p> + “Troth, and I have; and you may thank God that I have, or it isn't here + but in heaven, I hope, you'd be this night. Well, as I was sayin', I an' + my other brother spent our whole life in tryin' to defate him in his plans + and skames—may God forgive him! We often did, but not always; for + sometimes he was too many for both of us.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Cannie, about the night I was in Frank Finnerty's, who was it that + saved my life twice?” + </p> + <p> + “One of them—he that wounded the fellows—I don't wish to name—but, + indeed I'm crippled here, bekaise you know, gintlemen, that there are laws + in the land. A friend to your family met Mogue Moylan, and, suspectin' + what was in the wind, sent that friend to assist you, and it was by + volunteerin' to take your life that he was able to save you. My brother, + afther meetin' him, and hearin' from him what happened was the man that + met you aftherwards, that gave you the passwords, and showed you how to + open the windey. There were others there that knew you, for I hope you + don't think that every man goin' out at night wid a white shirt and a + black face on him is a murdherer.” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid!” said M'Carthy, “I've been disguised by both myself, as it + happens. It is difficult, however, for any country to be happy, or any + people either industrious or moral, when such secret confederacies are + made the standard of both law and morality.” + </p> + <p> + “That's thruth, Mr. M'Carthy, and no man knows it betther than I do; I and + my brother—not him that's gone to his account to night, but the + other—were forced to join them for our own safety, but, as long as + we wor of them, we endeavored to do as much good—that is, to prevent + as much evil—as we could. It was I that sent you, Mr. M'Carthy, the + letter to Dublin, and it was I that sent the messenger for you this + evenin'; I took it for granted that if you had remained in Mr. Purcel's + you'd been shot, and, besides, I wanted you to watch Mogue Moylan, for I + had raison to know that he intended to play a trick on me to night in + regard to Miss Julia. I had my doubts all along whether I could come in + time to save the whole family and defate my brother, and I could not, for + I had an immense number of my own men to get together; however, God's will + be done; I did all that lay in my power.” + </p> + <p> + On reaching Nassau Lodge, the party anticipated some danger from Fergus + O'Driscol's fire-arms. Alick, however, knocked, and on hearing the window + open, exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “Don't be alarmed, Fergus, we are friends. My mother and sisters are here, + and wish to get in. This has been a dreadful night!—a night of + bloodshed and murder!” + </p> + <p> + “My God!” exclaimed Fergus, “what is this you tell me? But why, Alick, are + you surrounded by such a number of Whiteboys. I can see distinctly that + they are such by the light of the moon.” + </p> + <p> + “Boys,” said the Cannie Soogah, “disperse now—and thank you; I feel + your kindness, and I won't forget it—you see the people of the house + are alarmed—but that's not the worst of it—what,” he added, + with a peculiar smile, “if you bring that terrible dare-divil, O'Driscol, + upon you!” + </p> + <p> + The crowd immediately dispersed, and in a few minutes the melancholy group + were admitted to the welcome shelter of the magistrate's hospitable roof; + for such, in fact, it was. + </p> + <p> + We do not intend to dwell upon this melancholy meeting of the neighboring + families, nor upon the heart-rending details which were given of the + dreadful circumstances that made that night so hideous. All the O'Driscols + were present, and deeply participated in the affliction of the late + proctor's family with the exception of the magistrate himself, who, much + to their astonishment, was not forthcoming. Every successive moment, + however, he was looked for; but as he did not, after an unusual period of + expectation, make his appearance, some alarm began to be felt, which + gradually increased, especially on the part of his daughter, until she + proposed that a search should be made for him. This was accordingly done, + when—but let it not reach the ears of his friend the Castle, he was + discovered somewhat in the position of Philosopher Square, behind Molly + Seagrim's curtain, squatted upon his hunkers, as they say, in the furthest + and darkest corner of the coal hole. + </p> + <p> + In about half an hour after this discovery, a knock came to the door, and + it was intimated to Alick Purcel and M'Carthy, that the Cannie Soogah + wished to see them for a minute or two,—but that he declined coming + in. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said he, when they came to the hall-door, “I have made up my + mind since I left you awhile ago, and I'm come to bid you both farewell. + This at present is not a paceful country to live in, and I'm tired of the + work that's goin' on in it. I'm now come to bid you both farewell, and my + brother is goin' along wid me. The other will be laid in his grave this + night. I wish, Mr. Purcel, I could a' done more for your family; but + what's done can't be undone. Farewell, then,” said he, and, as he spoke, + his voice was filled with deep but manly emotion—“Farewell to you + both! When you think of me, let it be kindly, for from this night out you + will never see the Cannie Soogah more.” + </p> + <p> + He put his two hands upon his face, gave a sob or two, and immediately + departed at a rapid pace, and never was seen in the country afterwards. + </p> + <p> + It is necessary to say now that Alick Purcel and his beloved Miss + O'Driscol were united;—that M'Carthy, in due time, after having been + called to the bar, was made happy in the possession of Julia Purcel; and + that Jerry Joyce, in imitation of his betters, was blessed by the hand and + honest heart of Letty Lenehan. and honest heart of Letty Lenehan. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Tithe-Proctor, by William Carleton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TITHE-PROCTOR *** + +***** This file should be named 16010-h.htm or 16010-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/0/1/16010/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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