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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Orange and Green, by G. A. Henty
+
+
+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: Orange and Green
+       A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick
+
+
+Author: G. A. Henty
+
+
+
+Release Date: May 8, 2006  [eBook #18356]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORANGE AND GREEN***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Martin Robb
+
+
+
+ORANGE AND GREEN:
+
+A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick
+
+by
+
+G. A. Henty.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+   Preface.
+   Chapter  1: A Shipwreck.
+   Chapter  2: For James Or William.
+   Chapter  3: The King In Ireland.
+   Chapter  4: The Siege Of Derry.
+   Chapter  5: The Relief Of Derry.
+   Chapter  6: Dundalk.
+   Chapter  7: The Coming Battle.
+   Chapter  8: Boyne Water.
+   Chapter  9: Pleasant Quarters.
+   Chapter 10: A Cavalry Raid.
+   Chapter 11: The First Siege Of Limerick.
+   Chapter 12: Winter Quarters.
+   Chapter 13: A Dangerous Mission.
+   Chapter 14: Athlone.
+   Chapter 15: A Fortunate Recognition.
+   Chapter 16: Peace.
+
+
+
+Preface.
+
+
+The subject of Ireland is one which has, for some years, been a very
+prominent one, and is likely, I fear, for some time yet to occupy a large
+share of public attention. The discontent, manifested in the troubles of
+recent years, has had its root in an old sense of grievance, for which
+there was, unhappily, only too abundant reason. The great proportion of
+the soil of Ireland was taken from the original owners, and handed over
+to Cromwell's followers, and for years the land that still remained in
+the hands of Irishmen was subject to the covetousness of a party of
+greedy intriguers, who had sufficient influence to sway the proceedings
+of government. The result was the rising of Ireland, nominally in defence
+of the rights of King James, but really as an effort of despair on the
+part of those who deemed their religion, their property, and even their
+lives threatened, by the absolute ascendency of the Protestant party in
+the government of the country. I have taken my information from a variety
+of sources; but, as I wished you to see the matter from the Irish point
+of view, I have drawn most largely from the history of those events by
+Mr. O'Driscol, published sixty years ago. There is, however, but little
+difference of opinion between Irish and English authors, as to the
+general course of the war, or as to the atrocious conduct of William's
+army of foreign mercenaries towards the people of Ireland.
+
+G. A. Henty.
+
+
+
+Chapter 1: A Shipwreck.
+
+
+A few miles to the south of Bray Head, on the crest of a hill falling
+sharply down to the sea, stood Castle Davenant, a conspicuous landmark to
+mariners skirting the coast on their way from Cork or Waterford to Dublin
+Bay. Castle Davenant it was called, although it had long since ceased to
+be defensible; but when it was built by Sir Godfrey Davenant, who came
+over with Strongbow, it was a place of strength. Strongbow's followers
+did well for themselves. They had reckoned on hard fighting, but the
+Irish were too much divided among themselves to oppose any serious
+resistance to the invaders. Strongbow had married the daughter of Dermid,
+Prince of Leinster, and at the death of that prince succeeded him, and
+the greater portion of Leinster was soon divided among the knights and
+men-at-arms who had followed his standard. Godfrey Davenant, who was a
+favourite of the earl, had no reason to be dissatisfied with his share,
+which consisted of a domain including many square miles of fertile land,
+stretching back from the seacoast.
+
+Here for many generations his descendants lived, for the most part taking
+an active share in the wars and disturbances which, with scarcely an
+interval of rest, agitated the country.
+
+The castle had continued to deserve its name until forty years before the
+time this story commences, when Cromwell's gunners had battered a breach
+in it, and left it a heap of smoking ruins. Walter Davenant had died,
+fighting to the last, in his own hall. At that time, the greater part of
+his estate was bestowed upon officers and soldiers in Cromwell's army,
+among whom no less than four million acres of Irish land were divided.
+
+Had it not been that Walter Davenant's widow was an Englishwoman, and a
+relation of General Ireton, the whole of the estate would have gone; but
+his influence was sufficient to secure for her the possession of the
+ruins of her home, and a few hundred acres surrounding it. Fortunately,
+the dowry which Mrs. Davenant had brought her husband was untouched, and
+a new house was reared within the ruins of the castle, the new work being
+dovetailed with the old.
+
+The family now consisted of Mrs. Davenant, a lady sixty-eight years old;
+her son Fergus, who was, when Cromwell devastated the land, a child of
+five years; his wife Katherine, daughter of Lawrence McCarthy, a large
+landowner near Cork; and their two sons, Walter, a lad of sixteen, and
+Godfrey, twelve years old.
+
+Two miles west of the castle stood a square-built stone house, surrounded
+by solidly-constructed barns and outbuildings. This was the abode of old
+Zephaniah Whitefoot, the man upon whom had been bestowed the broad lands
+of Walter Davenant. Zephaniah had fought stoutly, as lieutenant in one of
+Cromwell's regiments of horse, and had always considered himself an
+ill-treated man, because, although he had obtained all the most fertile
+portion of the Davenant estate, the old family were permitted to retain
+the castle, and a few hundred acres by the sea.
+
+He was one of those who contended that the Amalekites should be utterly
+destroyed by the sword, and he considered that the retention of the
+corner of their domains, by the Davenants, was a direct flying in the
+face of the providence who had given them into the hands of the faithful.
+Not that, had he obtained possession of the ruined castle, Zephaniah
+Whitefoot would have repaired it or set up his abode there. The followers
+of Cromwell had no eyes for the beautiful. They were too much in earnest
+to care aught for the amenities of life, and despised, as almost sinful,
+anything approximating to beauty, either in dress, person, or
+surroundings. The houses that they reared, in this land of which they had
+taken possession, were bare to the point of ugliness, and their interior
+was as cold and hard as was the exterior. Everything was for use, nothing
+for ornament. Scarce a flower was to be seen in their gardens, and
+laughter was a sign of levity, to be sternly repressed.
+
+Their isolation, in the midst of a hostile population, caused them no
+concern whatever. They cared for no society or companionship, save that
+of their own households, which they ruled with a rod of iron; and an
+occasional gathering, for religious purposes, with the other settlers of
+their own faith. They regarded the Irish as Papists, doomed to
+everlasting perdition, and indeed consigned to that fate all outside
+their own narrow sect. Such a people could no more mix with the
+surrounding population than oil with water. As a rule, they tilled as
+much ground in the immediate vicinity of their houses as they and their
+families could manage, and the rest of the land which had fallen into
+their possession they let, either for a money payment, or, more often,
+for a portion of the crops raised upon it, to such natives as were
+willing to hold it on these terms.
+
+The next generation had fallen away somewhat from their fathers'
+standards. It is not in human nature to stand such a strain as their
+families had been subjected to. There is an innate yearning for joy and
+happiness, and even the sternest discipline cannot keep man forever in
+the gloomy bonds of fanaticism. In most cases, the immediate descendants
+of Cromwell's soldiers would gladly have made some sort of compromise,
+would have surrendered much of their outlying land to obtain secure and
+peaceful possession of the rest, and would have emerged from the life of
+gloomy seclusion, in which they found themselves; but no whisper of any
+such feeling as this would be heard in the household of Zephaniah
+Whitefoot, so long as he lived.
+
+He was an old man now, but as hard, as gloomy, and as unlovable as he had
+been when in his prime. His wife had died very many years before, of no
+disease that Zephaniah or the doctor he called in could discover, but, in
+fact, of utter weariness at the dull life of repression and gloom which
+crushed her down. Of a naturally meek and docile disposition, she had
+submitted without murmuring to her husband's commands, and had, during
+her whole married life, never shocked him so much as she did the day
+before her death, when, for the first time, she exhibited the possession
+of an opinion of her own, by saying earnestly:
+
+"You may say what you like, Zephaniah, but I do think we were meant to
+have some happiness and pleasure on earth. If we were intended to go
+through life without laughing, why should we be able to laugh? Oh, how I
+should like to hear one hearty, natural laugh again before I die, such as
+I used to hear when I was a girl!"
+
+Jabez Whitefoot inherited his mother's docility of disposition, and, even
+when he grew to middle age, never dreamt of disputing his father's
+absolute rule, and remained strictly neutral when his wife, the daughter
+of an old comrade of his father, settled a few miles away, fought stoutly
+at times against his tyranny.
+
+"You are less than a man, Jabez," she would say to him, indignantly, "to
+put up, at your age, with being lectured as if you were a child. Parental
+obedience is all very well, and I hope I was always obedient to my
+father; but when it comes to a body not being permitted to have a soul of
+his own, it is going too far. If you had told me that, when I became your
+wife, I was to become the inmate of a dungeon for the rest of my
+existence, I wouldn't have had you, not if you had been master of all the
+broad lands of Leinster."
+
+But, though unable to rouse her husband into making an effort for some
+sort of freedom, Hannah Whitefoot had battled more successfully in behalf
+of her son, John.
+
+"You have had the management of your son, sir, and I will manage mine,"
+she said. "I will see that he does not grow up a reprobate or a Papist,
+but at least he shall grow up a man, and his life shall not be as hateful
+as mine is, if I can help it."
+
+Many battles had already been fought on this point, but in the end Hannah
+Whitefoot triumphed. Although her husband never, himself, opposed his
+father's authority, he refused absolutely to use his own to compel his
+wife to submission.
+
+"You know, sir," he said, "you had your own way with my mother and me,
+and I say nothing for or against it. Hannah has other ideas. No one can
+say that she is not a good woman, or that she fails in her duty to me.
+All people do not see life from the same point of view. She is just as
+conscientious, in her way, as you are in yours. She reads her Bible and
+draws her own conclusions from it, just as you do; and as she is the
+mother of the child, and as I know she will do her best for it, I shall
+not interfere with her way of doing it."
+
+And so Hannah won at last, and although, according to modern ideas, the
+boy's training would have been considered strict in the extreme, it
+differed very widely from that which his father had had before him.
+Sounds of laughter, such as never had been heard within the walls of the
+house, since Zephaniah laid stone upon stone, sometimes issued from the
+room where Hannah and the child were together alone, and Zephaniah was
+out with Jabez about the farm; and Hannah herself benefited, as much as
+did the child, by her rebellion against the authorities. Jabez, too, was
+conscious that home was brighter and pleasanter than it had been, and
+when Zephaniah burst into a torrent of indignation, when he discovered
+that the child had absolutely heard some fairy stories from its mother,
+Jabez said quietly:
+
+"Father, I wish no dispute. I have been an obedient son to you, and will
+continue so to my life's end; but if you are not satisfied with the
+doings of my wife, I will depart with her. There are plenty who will be
+glad to let me a piece of land; and if I only work there as hard as I
+work here, I shall assuredly be able to support her and my boy. So let
+this be the last word between us."
+
+This threat put an end to the struggle. Zephaniah had, like most of his
+class, a keen eye to the main chance, and could ill spare the services of
+Jabez and his thrifty and hard-working wife; and henceforth, except by
+pointed references, in the lengthy morning and evening prayers, to the
+backsliding in his household, he held his peace.
+
+Between the Castle and Zephaniah Whitefoot there had never been any
+intercourse. The dowager Mrs. Davenant hated the Cromwellite occupier of
+her estate, not only as a usurper, but as the representative of the man
+who had slain her husband. She never alluded to his existence, and had
+always contrived, in her rides and walks, to avoid any point from which
+she could obtain so much as a distant view of the square, ugly house
+which formed a blot on the fair landscape. She still spoke of the estate
+as if it extended to its original boundaries, and ignored absolutely the
+very existence of Zephaniah Whitefoot, and all that belonged to him. But
+when her son and Jabez grew to man's estate, at about the same period,
+they necessarily at times crossed each other's paths; and as in them the
+prejudices and enmities of their elders were somewhat softened, they
+would, when they met on the road, exchange a passing nod or a brief "Good
+morning."
+
+Another generation still, and the boys of the two houses met as friends.
+Thanks to his mother's successful rebellion, John Whitefoot grew up a
+hearty, healthy boy, with a bright eye, a merry laugh, and a frank, open
+bearing.
+
+"One would think," his grandfather remarked angrily one day, as the boy
+went out, whistling gaily, to fetch in a young colt Jabez was about to
+break, "that John was the son of a malignant, or one of the men of
+Charles Stuart, rather than of a God-fearing tiller of the soil."
+
+"So long as he fears God, and walks in the right way, he is none the
+worse for that, father," Jabez said stoutly; "and even you would hardly
+say that his mother has failed in her teachings in that respect. I do not
+know that, so long as one has the words of Scripture in his heart, he is
+any the better for having them always on his lips; in other respects, I
+regret not that the boy should have a spirit and a fire which I know I
+lack myself. Who can say what may yet take place here! The Stuarts are
+again upon the throne, and, with James's leaning towards Papacy, there is
+no saying whether, some day, all the lands which Cromwell divided among
+his soldiers may not be restored to their original possessors, and in
+that case our sons may have to make their way in other paths of life than
+ours; and, if it be so, John will assuredly be more likely to make his
+way than I should have done."
+
+"We would never surrender, save with our lives, what our swords have won.
+We will hold the inheritance which the Lord has given us," the old man
+said fiercely.
+
+"Yes, father; and so said those whose lands we have inherited. So said
+Walter Davenant, of whose lands we are possessed. It will be as God wills
+it. He has given to us the lands of others, and it may be that he will
+take them away again. The times have changed, father, and the manners;
+and I am well pleased to see that John, while I am sure he is as true to
+the faith as I am myself, will take broader and, perhaps, happier views
+of life than I have done."
+
+Zephaniah gave a snort of displeasure. He grieved continually at the
+influence which his daughter-in-law exercised over her son, and which now
+extended clearly to her husband; but Jabez was now a man of
+five-and-forty, and had lately shown that, in some respects at least, he
+intended to have his way, while Zephaniah himself, though still erect and
+strong, was well-nigh eighty.
+
+"Remember, Jabez," he said, "that it goes hard with those who, having set
+their hands to the plough, turn aside."
+
+"I shall not turn aside, father," Jabez said quietly. "I have gone too
+long along a straight furrow to change now; but I am not ill pleased that
+my son should have a wider scope. I trust and believe that he will drive
+his furrow as straight as we have done, although it may not be exactly in
+the same line."
+
+But neither Zephaniah nor old Mrs. Davenant knew that their respective
+grandsons had made friends, although both the boys' fathers knew, and
+approved of it, although for somewhat different reasons.
+
+"The Whitefoot boy," Mr. Davenant had said to his wife, "is, I fancy from
+what I have seen of him, of a different type to his father and
+grandfather. I met him the other day when I was out, and he spoke as
+naturally and outspokenly as Walter himself. He seems to have got rid of
+the Puritanical twang altogether. At any rate, he will do Walter no harm;
+and, indeed, I should say that there was a solid good sense about him,
+which will do Master Walter, who is somewhat disposed to be a madcap,
+much good. Anyhow, he is a better companion for the boy than the lads
+down in the village; and there is no saying, wife, how matters may go in
+this unhappy country. It may be that we may come to our own again. It may
+be that we may lose what is left to us. Anyhow, it can do no harm to
+Walter that he should have, as a friend, one in the opposite camp."
+
+Somewhat similar was the talk between Hannah and Jabez, although, in
+their case, the wife was the speaker.
+
+"John has told me, Jabez, that he has several times met young Davenant,
+and that the boy is disposed to be friendly with him; and he has asked me
+to speak with you, to know whether you have any objection to his making a
+friend of him."
+
+"What do you say, Hannah?" Jabez asked cautiously. "My father, I fear,
+would not approve of it."
+
+"Your father need know nothing about it, Jabez. He is an old man and a
+good man, but he clings to the ways of his youth, and deems that things
+are still as they were when he rode behind Cromwell. I would not deceive
+him did he ask; but I do not see that the matter need be mentioned in his
+presence. It seems to me that it will be good for John to be friends with
+this boy. He is almost without companionship. We have acquaintance, it is
+true, among the other settlers of our faith, but such companionship as he
+has there will not open his mind or broaden his views. We are dull people
+here for a lad. Had we had other children it might have been different.
+
+"I have heard my mother speak of her life as a girl, in England, and
+assuredly it was brighter and more varied than ours; and it seems not to
+me that the pleasures which they had were sinful, although I have been
+taught otherwise; but, as I read my Bible, I cannot see that innocent
+pleasures are in any way denied to the Lord's people; and such pleasure
+as the companionship of the young Davenant can give John will, I think,
+be altogether for his good."
+
+"But the lad is a Papist, Hannah."
+
+"He is, Jabez; but boys, methinks, do not argue among themselves upon
+points of doctrine; and I have no fear that John will ever be led from
+the right path, nor indeed, though it is presumption for a woman to say
+so, do I feel so sure as our ministers that ours is the only path to
+heaven. We believe firmly that it is the best path, but others believe as
+firmly in their paths; and I cannot think, Jabez, that all mankind, save
+those who are within the fold of our church, can be condemned by the good
+Lord to perdition."
+
+"Your words are bold, Hannah, and I know not what my father and the
+elders of the church would say, were they to hear them. As to that I will
+not argue, but methinks that you are right in saying that the
+companionship of the young Davenant will do our boy no harm.
+
+"But the lad must have his father's consent. Though I reckon that we
+could count pounds where they could count shillings, yet, in the opinion
+of the world, they assuredly stand above us. Moreover, as it is only in
+human nature that they should regard us as those who have despoiled them,
+John must have no dealings with their son without their consent. If that
+be given, I have nought to say against it."
+
+And so John told Walter, next time they met, and learned in reply that
+Walter had already obtained his father's consent to going out rambles
+with him; so the boys became companions and friends, and each benefited
+by it. To John, the bright, careless ease and gaiety of Walter's talk and
+manner were, at first, strange indeed, after the restraint and gloom of
+his home; but in time he caught something of his companion's tone, until,
+as has been said, his altered manner and bearing struck and annoyed his
+grandfather.
+
+On the other hand, the earnestness and solidity of John's character was of
+benefit to Walter; and his simple truthfulness, the straightforwardness of
+his principles, and his blunt frankness in saying exactly what he thought,
+influenced Walter to quite as large an extent as he had influenced John.
+
+So the companionship between the lads had gone on for two years. In fine
+weather they had met once or twice a week, and had taken long rambles
+together, or, throwing themselves down on the slopes facing the sea, had
+talked over subjects of mutual interest. Walter's education was far in
+advance of that of his companion, whose reading, indeed, had been
+confined to the Scriptures, and the works of divines and
+controversialists of his own church, and whose acquirements did not
+extend beyond the most elementary subjects.
+
+To him, everything that Walter knew was novel and strange; and he eagerly
+devoured, after receiving permission from his mother, the books which
+Walter lent him, principally histories, travels, and the works of Milton
+and Shakespeare. As to the latter, Hannah had at first some scruples; and
+it was only after setting herself, with great misgivings as to the
+lawfulness of the act, to peruse the book, that she suffered her son to
+read it. The volume only contained some ten of Shakespeare's plays; and
+Hannah, on handing the book to her son, said:
+
+"I do not pretend, John, to understand all that is written there, but I
+cannot see that there is evil in it. There are assuredly many noble
+thoughts, and much worldly wisdom. Did I think that your life would be
+passed here, I should say that it were better for you not to read a book
+which gives a picture of a life so different from what yours would be;
+but none can say what your lot may be. And, although I have heard much
+about the wickedness of the stage, I can see no line in this book which
+could do harm to you. I do not see it can do you much good, John, but
+neither do I see that it can do you any harm; therefore, if you have set
+your mind on it, read it, my boy."
+
+It was a stormy evening in the first week of November, 1688. The wind was
+blowing in fierce gusts, making every door and casement quiver in
+Davenant Castle, while, between the gusts, the sound of the deep roar of
+the sea on the rocks far below could be plainly heard. Mrs. Davenant was
+sitting in a high-backed chair, on one side of the great fireplace, in
+which a pile of logs was blazing. Her son had just laid down a book,
+which he could no longer see to read, while her daughter-in-law was
+industriously knitting. Walter was wandering restlessly between the fire
+and the window, looking out at the flying clouds, through which the moon
+occasionally struggled.
+
+"Do sit down, Walter," his mother said at last. "You certainly are the
+most restless creature I ever saw."
+
+"Not always, mother; but I cannot help wondering about that ship we saw
+down the coast, making for the bay. She was about ten miles out, and
+seemed to be keeping her course when I saw her last, half an hour ago;
+but I can see, by the clouds, that the wind has drawn round more to the
+north, and I doubt much whether she will be able to gain the bay."
+
+"In that case, Walter," his father said, "if her captain knows his
+business, he will wear round and run down for Waterford.
+
+"I agree with you," he continued, after walking to the window and
+watching the clouds, "that a vessel coming from the south will hardly
+weather Bray Head, with this wind."
+
+He had scarcely spoken when the door opened, and one of the servants
+entered.
+
+"Your honour, a boy has just come up from the village. He says that John
+Considine sent him to tell you that a large ship is driving in to shore,
+and that he thinks she will strike not far from the village."
+
+"Why, on earth," Mr. Davenant exclaimed, "doesn't he tack and stand out
+to sea!"
+
+"The boy says her foremast is gone, and they have lost all management of
+her."
+
+"In that case, God help them! There is little chance for them on this
+rocky coast. However, I will go down at once, and see if anything can be
+done.
+
+"Katherine, do you see that there are plenty of hot blankets ready, in
+case any of the poor fellows are washed ashore. I shall, of course, send
+them up here.
+
+"I suppose, Walter, you will come down with me."
+
+But Walter had already disappeared, having slipped off as soon as he had
+heard the message.
+
+"Don't let that boy get into mischief, Fergus," old Mrs. Davenant said.
+
+"I am afraid, mother, he is beyond me," her son said, with a smile. "No
+Davenant yet could ever keep out of mischief, and Walter is no exception.
+However, fortunately for us, we generally get out of scrapes as easily as
+we get into them."
+
+"Not always, Fergus," she said, shaking her head.
+
+"No, not always, mother; but exceptions, you know, prove the rule."
+
+"Well, Godfrey, do you want to go?" he asked the younger boy, who had
+risen from the table, and was looking eagerly at him. "Of course you do;
+but, mind, you must keep close to me.
+
+"Ah, Father John!" he broke off, as an ecclesiastic, muffled up to the
+throat in wrappings, entered the room. "Are you going down, too?"
+
+"Assuredly I am, Fergus. You don't think a trifle of wind would keep me
+from doing my duty?"
+
+In another two minutes, the two men and Godfrey sallied out. They
+staggered as the wind struck them, and Godfrey clung to his father's arm.
+Not a word was spoken as they made their way down the steep descent to
+the village, which consisted of about a dozen fishermen's huts. Indeed,
+speaking would have been useless, for no word would have been heard above
+the howling of the storm.
+
+The vessel was visible to them, as they made their way down the hill. She
+was a complete wreck. The light of the moon was sufficient for them to
+see that she had, as the boy said, lost her foremast. Her sails were in
+ribbons, and she was labouring heavily in the sea, each wave that struck
+her breaking over her bows and sweeping along her deck. There was no hope
+for her. She could neither tack nor wear, and no anchor would hold for a
+moment on that rocky bottom, in such a sea.
+
+On reaching the village, they joined a group of fishermen who were
+standing under the shelter of the end of a cottage.
+
+"Can nothing be done, Considine?" Mr. Davenant shouted, in the ear of one
+of the fishermen.
+
+"Not a thing, yer honour. She has just let drop one of her anchors."
+
+"But they could not hope it would hold there," Mr. Davenant said.
+
+"Not they, your honour, onless they were mad. They hoped it would hoult
+so as to bring her head round; but the cable went, as soon as the strain
+came. I saw her head go sharp up to the wind, and then fall off again;
+not that it would have made much difference in the end, though it would
+have given them half an hour longer of life."
+
+"Could we get a boat off with a line, if she strikes?"
+
+"Look at the sea, yer honour. Mr. Walter has been asking us; but there's
+no boat could get through that surf, not if all Ireland dipinded on it."
+
+"Where is Walter?"
+
+"Sure and I can't tell ye, yer honour. He was here a few minutes since;
+but what's come of him is more nor I can tell ye."
+
+"He went off with Larry Doolan," a boy, who was standing next to the
+fisherman, shouted.
+
+"Then, as sure as fate, they are up to some mischief," Mr. Davenant said.
+"Walter is bad enough by himself, but with Larry to help him, it would
+take a regiment to look after them."
+
+"They can't be in much mischief tonight, yer honour," the fisherman said.
+
+"Look, sir, she's coming in fast. She draws a power of water, and she
+will strike in a minute or two."
+
+"She seems crowded with men. Can nothing be done to help them?" the
+priest asked.
+
+"Nothing, your reverence. Praying for them is the only thing that can
+help the poor sowls now."
+
+"You are sure it's not possible to launch a boat, Considine?"
+
+"Look for yourself, yer honour. There's not a boat on the coast that
+could get through them breakers."
+
+"There she goes."
+
+Even above the noise of the storm, a loud cry was heard, and the crash of
+breaking timber as, with the shock, the main and mizzen masts, weakened
+by the loss of the foremast, went over the sides. The next great wave
+drove the vessel forward two or three fathoms.
+
+"That's her last move," Considine said. "The rocks will be through her
+bottom, now."
+
+"They are off," a boy shouted, running up.
+
+"Who are off?" Considine asked.
+
+"The young squire and Larry Doolan."
+
+"Off where?" Mr. Davenant exclaimed.
+
+"Off in the curragh, yer honour. Me and Tim Connolly helped them carry it
+round the Nose, and they launched her there. There they are. Sure you can
+see them for yourself."
+
+The party rushed out from the shelter, and there, a quarter of a mile
+along on the right, a small boat was seen, making its way over the waves.
+
+"Be jabers, yer honour, and they have done it," the boatmen said, as Mr.
+Davenant gave a cry of alarm.
+
+"I didn't think of the curragh, and if I had, she could not have been
+launched here. Mr. Walter has hit on the only place where there was a
+chance. Under the shelter of the Nose it might be done, but nowhere
+else."
+
+The Nose was a formidable reef of rocks, running off from a point and
+trending to the south. Many a ship had gone ashore on its jagged edge,
+but, with the wind from the northeast, it formed somewhat of a shelter,
+and it was under its lee that Walter and Larry had launched the curragh.
+
+The curragh is still found on the Irish coast. It is a boat whose
+greatest width is at the stern, so much so that it looks like a boat cut
+in two. The floor is almost flat, and rises so much to the bow that three
+or four feet are entirely out of water. They are roughly built, and by no
+means fast, but they are wonderfully good sea boats, for their size, and
+can live in seas which would swamp a boat of ordinary build.
+
+Walter had, with the assistance of Larry Doolan, built this boat for
+going out fishing. It was extremely light, being a mere framework covered
+with tarred canvas. As soon as Walter had reached the village, and found
+that the fishermen considered that no boat could possibly be put out, he
+had found and held a consultation with Larry.
+
+"Do you think the curragh could go out, Larry?"
+
+"Not she, yer honour. She would just be broke up like an eggshell with
+them breakers."
+
+"But she might float, if we got beyond them, Larry."
+
+"She might that," Larry agreed, "seeing how light she is."
+
+"Well, will you go with me, Larry?"
+
+"Sure and I would go anywhere with yer honour, but she could never get
+out."
+
+"I am thinking, Larry, that if we carry her along beyond the Nose, we
+might find it calmer there."
+
+"Well, we might," Larry agreed. "At any rate, we can try."
+
+So, calling together two or three other boys, they had lifted the light
+boat and carried it with its oars along the shore, until they got beyond
+the Nose; but even here, it was a formidable business to launch her, for,
+although the rocks broke the full force of the seas, throwing the spray
+hundreds of feet up in the air, the waves poured through the intervals,
+and dashed over the lower rocks in such masses that formidable waves
+rolled in to the shore.
+
+After much consultation, the boys agreed that their best plan was to
+scramble out on the rocks as far as possible, so as to launch the boat
+beyond the break of the surf.
+
+It was a hazardous enterprise, and the whole party were, several times,
+nearly washed into the water as they struggled out. At last, they reached
+a spot beyond which they could go no farther, as a deep passage was here
+broken in the rock. But they were now beyond the line of breakers.
+
+After several vain efforts to launch the boat, in each of which she
+narrowly escaped destruction, they agreed that the only plan was, after a
+wave passed, to drop her on to a flat rock, which then showed above the
+water, and to jump into her.
+
+The two boys on shore were to hold the head rope, to prevent her being
+dashed towards the land by the next wave, while Larry worked with the
+oars to get her away from the ridge. The moment the wave had passed under
+them, the head rope was to be thrown off.
+
+This plan was carried out. The two boys had but just time to jump into
+the boat and get out their oars, when the next wave lifted the boat high
+on its crest. The lads holding the rope were nearly torn from the rock,
+but they held on till the strain ceased, then they threw in the rope, and
+Walter and Larry bent to their oars.
+
+"Row easy, Larry," Walter said, as the next wave passed under them, "and
+put her head to each wave."
+
+Terrible as was the sea, the curragh floated buoyantly over it, though
+several times, as she rose to the steep waves, Walter thought that she
+would be thrown right over. The worst part of their task was over, when
+they got beyond the end of the Nose, for up to that point they were
+forced to row across the course of the waves, and continually to turn the
+boat, to face the great masses of water which ran between the rocks. But
+once beyond the end of the reef they turned her head north, and rowed
+straight towards the ship.
+
+"She has struck, Master Walter," Larry said, glancing over his shoulder,
+"and her masts are gone."
+
+"Lay out, then, Larry, there's no time to lose."
+
+But, in spite of their efforts, the boat moved but slowly through the
+water, for the wind caught her high bow with such force that, at times,
+it needed all their strength and skill to keep her head straight. At last
+they were close to the ship, which already showed signs of breaking up.
+They ranged up alongside of it.
+
+"Fasten a line to a keg and throw it in," Walter shouted.
+
+In a minute, a keg was thrown overboard with a line attached. As soon as
+it drifted a little way from the vessel's side, they hauled it into the
+boat.
+
+"Now, back, Larry; these waves would sink us in a moment, if we turn our
+stern to them."
+
+The wreck lay within a hundred yards of the shore, and the boat backed
+until close to the line where the waves toppled over in a torrent of
+foam.
+
+"Now, Larry, keep her steady. We are as near as we dare go."
+
+Then Walter stood up in the boat, took the keg and a foot or two of line
+in his hand, and waited till the next wave passed under the boat. He
+swung the keg round his head, and hurled it towards the shore. Then he
+dropped into his seat, and gave two or three vigorous strokes, and, when
+safely beyond the line of breakers, sat quiet and watched the result.
+
+"They have missed it the first time," he said. "Look! They are going to
+run into the surf for it."
+
+The group on the shore joined hands, and the next time the keg was borne
+forward, in the tumble of foam, Considine ran forward and seized it. The
+back rush took him from his feet, but the others held on, and before the
+next wave came, the line was safely on the beach. A strong cable was soon
+pulled ashore and firmly fixed. A light line was attached to it, and the
+sailors at once began to pass along.
+
+"Shall we turn back now, Master Walter?"
+
+"We will keep near the wreck for a few minutes longer, Larry. She can't
+hold together long, and maybe we can pick somebody up."
+
+The vessel was indeed breaking up fast. Her stern was burst in, and the
+waves, as they poured in at the opening, smashed up the deck. Many of the
+crew had been washed overboard, and had instantly disappeared.
+
+As the boat approached the wreck, an officer, who had climbed the
+shrouds, shouted out:
+
+"Will your boat hold another?"
+
+"Yes," Walter shouted back. "She will hold two more."
+
+"I will try and swim to you," the officer said.
+
+He threw off the long cloak, in which he was wrapped, and unbuckled his
+sword and let it drop, unbuttoned and took off his military coat, and,
+with some difficulty, got rid of his high boots.
+
+"Can you come a bit nearer?" he shouted.
+
+"We daren't," Walter said. "A touch from one of those floating timbers
+would send us to the bottom."
+
+The officer waved his hand, and then sprang head foremost into the sea.
+So long was he in the water, that Walter began to think he must have
+struck against something, and was not coming up again; when suddenly he
+appeared, within twenty yards of the boat. They rowed towards him,
+instantly.
+
+"You must get in over the stern," Walter said.
+
+The officer was perfectly cool, and, placing his hands on the stern, drew
+himself partly over it, and Walter, grasping his hand, dragged him in. No
+sooner was he in, than Walter again hailed the wreck.
+
+"We can carry one more."
+
+But those who were still on board were huddled up in the bow, waiting
+their turn for the rope.
+
+"There is a big un coming now," Larry exclaimed. "That will finish her."
+
+A wave, towering far above its fellows, was indeed approaching. Higher
+and higher it rose. There was a wild cry from the wreck as it surged over
+it. When it had passed, the sea was covered with floating timbers, but
+the vessel was gone.
+
+"We can do nothing now," Walter said. "We daren't go in among that
+wreckage, and any who get hold of floating planks will drift ashore.
+
+"Now, Larry, back quietly, and let her drift down round the Nose. We must
+keep her head to the waves."
+
+Ten minutes, and they were abreast of the reef. As soon as they were past
+it, Walter gave the word, and they rowed along, under its shelter, to the
+point where they had embarked.
+
+"Now, sir," Walter said, "we will back her up to that rock. When we are
+close enough, you must jump."
+
+This was safely accomplished.
+
+"Now, Larry, row alongside when the next wave comes. We must both
+scramble out as well as we can."
+
+But by this time help was at hand. The boat had been anxiously watched
+from the shore, and when, on the disappearance of the wreck, she was seen
+to be making her way back to the Nose, Mr. Davenant, with Considine and
+the priest, and the boys who had assisted in getting her afloat, hurried
+along the shore to meet her, the rest of the fishermen remaining behind,
+to aid any who might be washed up from the wreck.
+
+As soon as it was seen that they intended to land at the spot where they
+had started, Considine and Mr. Davenant made their way along the rock,
+and joined the officer just as he leapt ashore. The boat came alongside
+on the top of the wave, and as this sank it grazed the rock and capsized,
+but Walter and Larry grasped the hands stretched out to them, and were
+hauled on to the rock, while the next wave dashed the curragh in
+fragments on the beach.
+
+
+
+Chapter 2: For James Or William.
+
+
+"My dear Walter," his father exclaimed as he embraced his son, as he
+scrambled on shore, "you have behaved like a hero, indeed, but you
+oughtn't to have done it.
+
+"And you too, Larry. You both deserve a sound thrashing for the fright
+you have given us."
+
+"They may have frightened you, sir," the officer said; "but assuredly, I
+owe my life to these brave lads. I have scarcely thanked them yet, for
+indeed, until I felt my foot on the rock, I had but small hopes of
+reaching shore safely in that cock boat of theirs. After feeling that
+great ship so helpless against the waves, it seemed impossible that a
+mere eggshell could float over them.
+
+"My name, sir, is Colonel L'Estrange, at your service."
+
+"My name is Davenant, colonel, and I am truly glad that my son has
+rescued you; but the sooner you are up at my place, the better, sir. This
+is no weather for standing talking in shirtsleeves."
+
+They now made their way along the rock back to the shore, and then
+hurried to the village. There they learned that six men had succeeded in
+getting to shore along the rope, before the vessel broke up.
+
+Telling Larry he had best have a glass of hot spirits, and then turn into
+bed at once, and that he was to come up to the house the first thing in
+the morning, Mr. Davenant, with the priest, Colonel L'Estrange, and
+Walter made his way up to the house, to which the men who had reached the
+shore had been already taken.
+
+The party were met at the door by Mrs. Davenant, who had been extremely
+anxious, for Godfrey had been sent home by his father as soon as the
+wreck went to pieces, and had brought the news of Walter's doings, up to
+that time.
+
+"He is quite safe, Katherine," Mr. Davenant said, "but you mustn't stop,
+either to scold him or praise him, at present.
+
+"Hurry off, Walter, and get between the blankets. I will bring you up
+some hot spiced wine directly.
+
+"Katherine, this is Colonel L'Estrange, whom Walter has brought ashore in
+his boat. You will excuse him, at present, for he has been for hours
+exposed to the storm, and must be half frozen as well as half drowned.
+
+"Now, colonel, if you will come along with me, you will find a bed with
+hot blankets ready, and, I doubt not, a blazing fire.
+
+"Ah, here is the spiced wine. Take a draught of that before you go
+upstairs. You can have another, after you are in bed."
+
+Three more survivors from the wreck were presently brought up. They had
+been washed ashore on planks, as indeed had many others, but the rest had
+all been beaten to death against the rocks by the breakers.
+
+Walter slept late the next morning, and, when he came downstairs, found
+that the others had already finished breakfast. When he had eaten his
+meal, and listened to the gentle scolding which his mother gave him for
+risking his life, he joined his father, who was, with Colonel L'Estrange,
+pacing backwards and forwards on the terrace in front of the house. The
+first fury of the storm was over, but it still blew strongly, and a very
+heavy sea was running.
+
+"Ah, my young friend," Colonel L'Estrange said, advancing, "I am glad to
+see you, and to be able to thank you more warmly than I was able to do
+last night, when the very words seemed frozen on my lips, for having
+saved my life. It was a gallant deed, and one which your father may well
+be proud of. It showed not only bravery of the highest kind, but coolness
+and judgment, which are virtues even more rare. I predict a brilliant
+future for you, and if, in any way, my aid may be of use to you, believe
+me, it will be at your service."
+
+"It was well you were a good swimmer, sir," Walter said, "for we could
+not have helped you, if you had not been able to help yourself, for the
+sea was covered with pieces of wreck, and as the boat was only covered
+with canvas, the slightest touch from one of the jagged ends would have
+made a hole in it. I am very much obliged to you for your kind offer of
+assistance; but, at present, we have not made up our minds what I am to
+be.
+
+"Have we, father?"
+
+"No, indeed, Walter. You have told me that you would like, at any rate
+for a time, to see something of the world before settling down here for
+life; but it is no easy matter to say what is best for you to do. Ireland
+offers but little field for anyone's ambition. Since King James came to
+the throne, and especially since Tyrconnell became governor, things have
+been a little more favourable for us; and I have hopes, yet, that justice
+will be done to the Catholic population of this unhappy country.
+
+"Is it not monstrous, Colonel L'Estrange, that the very men who had a
+hand in the rebellion against King Charles the First, should still be in
+possession, during the reign of his son, of the lands which were taken
+from my father because he was loyal to his king? And so it is all over
+Ireland. The descendants of Cromwell's men lord it in the homes of those
+who were faithful to King Charles."
+
+"It certainly seems so, sir," Colonel L'Estrange said; "but I am no
+politician. I am simply a soldier, and obey orders; but I own that it
+does seem a cruel injustice, that the great portion of the lands of this
+country should be held by the descendants of Cromwell's soldiers, while
+the lawful owners, whose only fault was that they were loyal to their
+king, should still be dispossessed of it."
+
+"But I think better times are coming," Mr. Davenant said. "There can be
+no doubt of the king's leaning towards our religion. He has been
+restrained from carrying his goodwill towards us into effect, by his
+privy councillors and by the English party here, whose interest it is to
+prevent any change being made, and who constantly misrepresent the
+feelings of this country. From the days when Strongbow first landed, this
+island has been the prey of adventurers, whose only object has been to
+wrest the land from the native population."
+
+"But you are yourself a descendant of one of the early English settlers,
+Mr. Davenant."
+
+"That is true enough," Mr. Davenant said smiling, "and, no doubt, he was
+as bad as the rest of them; but, you see, we have held the land for some
+centuries now, and, like the other descendants of Strongbow's men, have
+come to look at matters from the Irish point of view, rather than the
+English. However, I hope for better times."
+
+"You haven't heard the news, then, about the Prince of Orange?"
+
+"No; what is the news?" Mr. Davenant asked. "There have been rumours, for
+years, that he intended to make a bid for the English throne; but I have
+heard nothing else."
+
+"There was a report, before I left London, that he has already sailed
+from Holland," Colonel L'Estrange replied; "and, indeed, I have no doubt
+the rumour is well founded."
+
+"But he will never succeed," Mr. Davenant said eagerly. "He will be put
+down as easily as Monmouth was."
+
+"I do not know," Colonel L'Estrange said gravely. "The Protestant feeling
+in England is very strong. Monmouth was vain and empty headed, and he
+wrecked his own cause. The Dutchman is a different sort of man
+altogether, and one thing is certain: if King James can make a mess of
+matters, he is sure to do so. The Stuarts have always been feeble and
+indecisive, and James is the most feeble and indecisive of them. If
+William succeeds in effecting a landing, I think his chance of success is
+a good one."
+
+"He may reign in England," Mr. Davenant broke in passionately, "but he
+will not reign in Ireland.
+
+"But forgive me," he broke off. "I forgot, for a moment, that you are an
+Englishman, and my guest."
+
+"You need not apologize, Mr. Davenant. As I said, I am a soldier and no
+politician. My ancestors were royalists, and I have no great love for the
+Dutch stadtholder, who will be supported in England by the class who rose
+against King Charles. At the same time, it is difficult to feel much
+enthusiasm for the Stuarts. The first was a pedant. The second threw away
+his chances, over and over again, by his duplicity and want of faith. The
+third was utterly selfish and unprincipled. The fourth is a gloomy bigot.
+Charles was, and James is, a pensioner of France. How can men be ready to
+sacrifice everything for such a race as this?"
+
+"That is not the way in which we look at it in Ireland," Mr. Davenant
+said. "The wars here are waged under various pretences. Someone is goaded
+into rebellion, false charges are preferred wholesale, or there is a
+religious pretext; but we all know what is at the bottom of them all,
+simply the greed of English adventurers for Irish land; and, not content
+with having dispossessed the ancient owners of three-fourths of the
+cultivated land of the country, they want the remainder, and under the
+pretence that we, the descendants of the early settlers, are in sympathy
+with our Irish neighbours, they have marked us out for destruction, and
+already a great portion of our estates is in the hands of Cromwell's men.
+So gross have been the abuses, that the commission, which the king
+appointed to inquire into the seizure of our estates, only ventured to
+sit one day, for the proofs brought forward were so overwhelmingly strong
+that it was seen at once that, did the inquiry continue, it would be made
+manifest to all the world that justice could be satisfied by nothing less
+than a clear sweep of all those men who have seized our estates.
+
+"If Ireland rises in favour of King James, it will not be for any love
+for the Stuarts; but it will be to recover the land which has been
+illegally wrested from us, and which, if Dutch William and his Whig
+adherents gain the upper hand, will be taken from us forever. The
+religious element will, of course, count for much. Already we have
+suffered persecution for our religion; and, if the Whigs could have their
+way, they would stamp it out utterly, with fire and sword. Things have
+looked better, during the last five or six years, than they have done
+since Cromwell first put foot in Ireland. We have begun to hope for
+justice. Tyrconnell has stood up for us, and, with the goodwill of James,
+has gained many concessions. We have now what we never had before, an
+Irish army. The land thieves have been fairly alarmed, for they have seen
+that the long delayed justice will be done us at last. Many have sold
+back their lands to the original owners, and have left the country.
+Others are only holding out for better terms. Another ten years of
+James's reign, and things would have righted themselves; but, if the
+Dutchman ascends the throne of England, there is no hope for Ireland,
+save in the sword."
+
+"Well, we must hope it will not come to that," Colonel L'Estrange said.
+"I am ready to fight the battles of England on the Continent, but civil
+war, with all its horrors, sickens me; and civil war here is not like our
+civil war in England. There were no race animosities there, no memory of
+cruel wrongs on one side or the other. Men fought for a principle, but
+there were no atrocities committed, on either side, like those which have
+devastated Germany. The peasant ploughed the land, and the trader kept
+open his shop unmolested. It is true that, towards the end, there were
+confiscations of the property of those who still continued the strife,
+and a few executions of individuals; but, taking it as a whole, no war
+has ever caused so little suffering, to the people at large, as did the
+civil war in England; but assuredly, a war in Ireland now, like those
+which have gone before, would be marked by the foulest atrocities,
+massacres, and destruction on both sides."
+
+"Yes," Mr. Davenant said, "I must own that, for downright brutal and
+bloody ferocity, the wars in Ireland rival those of the Huns."
+
+Walter had listened in silence to this conversation. His father now
+turned to him.
+
+"Have you heard whether Larry has recovered from his adventure of
+yesterday as well as you have?"
+
+"No, father, I have not heard anything about it. I came out here directly
+I finished my breakfast. How are the people who were brought up here?"
+
+"They are going on well, Walter, but they were all so bruised, as they
+were being drawn up through the surf, that it will be some days before
+any of them can leave their beds.
+
+"How many had you on board, colonel?"
+
+"I did not see the list of passengers, but there were twelve or fourteen
+aft, and, from what I saw, I should think as many more forward. There
+were twenty-three men in the crew. I suppose, altogether, there were some
+fifty on board."
+
+"Are you going to make a long stay in Ireland?"
+
+"No; I shall only remain here a week or two. I am the bearer of some
+letters from the king to Tyrconnell; and that reminds me that I must be
+making my way on to Dublin."
+
+"I will ride in with you," Mr. Davenant said. "I must tell my friends
+this news that you bring. It seems to me to be most serious. I will have
+a horse round for you here, in half an hour, if that will suit you."
+
+"Perfectly," Colonel L'Estrange replied. "That will just give me time to
+walk round to the village, to see the lad you call Larry, for I could not
+go without thanking him for the share he had in preserving my life.
+
+"Perhaps you will go down with me, Walter, and show me his house?"
+
+When they reached the shore, they found the whole population of the
+village engaged in dragging up the spars, planks, and pieces of timber
+with which the rocks were strewn.
+
+"There is Larry," Walter said. "It is evident that there's nothing the
+matter with him."
+
+Larry was, indeed, just coming up, dragging a piece of timber behind him;
+while, in his left hand, he held a large bundle of fragments of wood, of
+different sizes, which, as well as the timber, he was taking home for
+firing.
+
+"Larry, come here. The English gentleman wants to speak to you."
+
+The boy dropped his wood, and came up.
+
+"My lad," Colonel L'Estrange said, "I am greatly indebted to you for your
+work of last night. Take this," and he placed a purse of ten guineas in
+Larry's hand.
+
+"And remember that I am still greatly your debtor, and that if, at any
+future time, you should be in a position in which my aid may be useful,
+you have only to let me know, and I will stand your friend."
+
+The sum appeared to Larry to be enormous.
+
+"Long life to yer honour, and it's proud I am to have been of service to
+such a grand gentleman. It's thankful I am for your kindness, and if ever
+you want a boy to do a job for you, it's myself that will be proud to do
+it. As to yesterday, I just came because the young squire tould me to,
+and thankful I am that he got back safe to shore, for, if we had been
+drowned, I don't know whatever I should have said to the squire."
+
+Two days after the shipwreck, Walter and John Whitefoot met at the place
+which they had agreed on, when they last saw each other four days before.
+
+"I heard of your brave deed on the night of the storm, Walter. Everyone
+is talking of it; and even my grandfather, who has seldom a good word for
+any of you at the Castle, said that it was a noble deed. It was as much
+as I could do not to say, 'Yes, he is a friend of mine;' for I felt proud
+of you, I can tell you."
+
+"It is all nonsense, John. I have often been out in a curragh in bad
+weather, though never in quite such a storm as that; but, once launched,
+she rode lightly enough, and scarce shipped a spoonful of water."
+
+"I should like to have been there," John said; "but I should have been no
+use. My people have always been against my going down to the sea, deeming
+it a pure waste of time, except that they let me go down to swim. I can
+do that well, you know; but they have always forbidden my going out in
+boats. Now, you see, it is proved that it is not a waste of time, for you
+have been able to save many lives. The thought must make you very happy."
+
+"Well, I don't know that it does, particularly," Walter said carelessly.
+"Of course, I was glad at the time, but I have not thought much about it
+one way or the other, since. You see, the news that has come has driven
+everything else out of our heads."
+
+"Is it true, then, the report that we heard yesterday, that William of
+Orange has set out for England?"
+
+"Yes, it is true enough; and I am afraid, by what I hear, that it is
+likely to cause all sorts of troubles."
+
+"I suppose," John said gravely; "and of course, in this matter my people
+think differently from yours. You know we agreed that we would never talk
+on these subjects, but I am afraid the time is coming when there will be
+nothing else to be talked of."
+
+"I am afraid so, too, John. My father thinks that there will be civil war
+again."
+
+"Of course my grandfather is delighted," John said quietly. "He has been
+greatly disturbed in his mind, for some months, owing to the leanings of
+King James towards the Irish, which seem to point to his having to give
+up no small portion of the lands."
+
+"We thought so too, John; and although it is your father who would lose,
+and mine who would gain, I don't think that even you can deny that it
+would be reasonable. Your grandfather got the land from mine because he
+fought for Cromwell against the king, and Cromwell got the best of it.
+Well, it seems only reasonable that, when the king again came to the
+throne, those who fought for him should get their own again."
+
+"It does seem so, Walter, I must own; and I am sure I should not have
+cared, for myself, if the land was given back again to your father
+tomorrow. Then I suppose we should go back to England; and, as I know my
+grandfather has done well, and has laid by a good deal of money, they
+could take a farm there; and there would be more chance of their letting
+me enter upon some handicraft. I would rather that, by a great deal, than
+farming. All these books you have lent me, Walter, have shown me what
+great and noble deeds there are to be done in the world--I don't mean in
+fighting, you know, but in other ways. And they make the life here,
+toiling on the farm from sunrise to sunset, with no object save that of
+laying by every year more money, seem terribly empty and worthless.
+
+"By the way, my grandfather was, yesterday evening, rating my father
+because, instead of always keeping me hard at work, he allowed me once or
+twice a week to be away for hours wasting my time--which means, though he
+didn't know it, going about with you. My father said stoutly that he did
+not think the time was altogether wasted, for that, in the last two
+years, I had made a notable advance in learning, and he was satisfied
+that I had benefited much by these intervals of recreation. Thereupon my
+grandfather grumbled that I was too fond of reading, and that I was
+filling my mind with all sorts of nonsense, whereas true wisdom was to be
+found in one book only.
+
+"My father said that was true of religious wisdom, but that, for the
+advancement of the world, it was needed that men should learn other
+things. Of course, my grandfather had three or four texts ready at hand;
+but my father had him by saying: 'You see, father, all the commands
+issued to the Jews are not strictly applicable to us--for example, they
+were ordered not to use horses; and I do not remember that Cromwell felt
+that he was doing wrong, when he raised his ironsides.' That was a poser,
+and so the matter dropped."
+
+Ten days later, when the boys met, John said:
+
+"This is the last time we shall meet for some time, Walter, for I am
+going up to Derry to stay with a cousin of my father, who is settled
+there and exercises the trade of a currier. I said, some months ago, that
+I should like to learn a trade, but everyone was against it, then. They
+seemed to think that, as I should some day have the land, it was flying
+in the face of Providence to think of anything else. But I suppose the
+fact that everything is so unsettled now, and that there is no saying
+what may come of these events in England, may have made them think
+differently.
+
+"At any rate, my father said to me yesterday: 'We have been talking over
+what you said, about wishing to learn a trade. If all goes on well, there
+is no occasion for you to learn any business save that of farming; but
+none can say what the Lord may not have in store for us, or what troubles
+may come upon us. In any case, it will do you no harm to see a little of
+the world outside our farm; and, therefore, your grandfather and I have
+settled that you shall go for a few months to my cousin, who, as you
+know, is a currier in Derry. He has often written, asking you to go and
+stay with him, seeing that he has no children of his own. Learn what you
+can of his business; and if it should be that you find it more to your
+liking than farming, I should not be one to hold you back from following
+the bent of your inclinations.
+
+"'But this is between ourselves. My father's ideas on these subjects you
+know, and it would cause much trouble, did he think that you had any idea
+of not following in the path in which he and I have trod. But to me it
+seems better that each should go on the path towards which his mind is
+turned--that is, when he has made quite sure, after long reflection and
+prayer, that it is no idle whim but a settled earnest desire. If, then,
+after your visit to your uncle, you feel that you are truly called to
+follow a life other than that you would lead here, I shall not oppose
+you. The Lord has blessed our labours. The land is fertile, and I can
+well provide the moneys that will be needful to start you, either in
+business with my cousin, or in such way as may appear best.'
+
+"I thanked him gravely, but indeed, Walter, I had difficulty in
+restraining myself from shouting with joy, for a life like that of my
+father and grandfather here would be very grievous to me. I have no
+desire to gain greater wealth than we have, but I long for a higher life
+than this."
+
+"I don't know, John," Walter said doubtfully. "Unless, as you say, these
+troubles make a difference, you will be a large landowner some day; and
+these bitternesses will die out in time, and you will take a very
+different position from that which your grandfather holds. Of course, we
+regard him as a usurper, but you know, in the third generation the
+grandson of a usurper becomes a legitimate monarch. My ancestors usurped
+the land from the native Irish by the sword, just as your grandfather did
+from us; but we came, in time, to be regarded as the natural lords of the
+soil, and so will you. But to be a currier! That strikes me as a
+tremendous come down!"
+
+"I care nothing about coming up or coming down," John said simply. "I
+long only for an honest mode of life, in which, instead of dwelling
+solitary, and seeing no one from year to year save at our Sabbath
+meetings, I may mix with others and take part in a more active and busy
+life. In itself, I do not suppose that the trade of a currier is a very
+pleasant one; but that matters little if, when work is done, one has
+leisure for some sort of communication with others, and for improving
+one's mind. It will be to me something like what going to court in London
+would be to you, Walter. I am most grieved about my mother. She will miss
+me sorely.
+
+"She said to me last night, 'I fear somewhat, John, that the course I
+have taken with you has greatly unfitted you for settling down here, as
+we have done before you; but although I shall miss you sadly, I do not
+blame myself for what I have done. I think myself, my son, that there are
+higher lives than that spent in tilling the soil from boyhood to old age.
+It is true the soil must be tilled. There must be ever hewers of wood and
+drawers of water; but God has appointed for each his place, and I think,
+my son, that you have that within you which would render the life with
+which your father and grandfather have been well contented an irksome one
+for you.
+
+"'I have no fear that we shall be always separated. Your grandfather is
+an old man, and when the Lord pleases to take him, your father and I will
+be free to do as we choose, and can, if we like, dispose of this land and
+quit this troubled country, and settle in England or elsewhere, near
+where you may be. It is true that we shall get little for the land; for,
+broad as are its acres, who will give much for a doubtful title? But
+there is ample laid by for our old age, and I see not the sense of
+labouring incessantly, as does your grandfather, merely to lay up stores
+which you will never enjoy. Did I see any signs of a decrease in the
+bitter animosity which parties feel towards each other here, I might
+think differently; but there is no prospect of peace and goodwill
+returning in your time, and therefore, no object in your father and I
+toiling on for the rest of our lives, when the return of our labour will
+be of little worth to you. Such being so, I do not regret that your
+thoughts turn to the world of which you have read in books. The world is
+but a secondary consideration to us, 'tis true, but I can see no special
+goodness in a life of dull monotony.'"
+
+"I wonder where your mother got hold of her ideas, John. She is so
+different from most of your people."
+
+"She is indeed," John agreed. "It was from her mother that she received
+her teaching. I know she was not happy with her husband, who was as
+gloomy and fanatical as is my grandfather, and she ever looked back to
+the happy days of her girlhood in England. I think she did for my mother
+just what my mother has done for me, only the difference is that she
+never had sufficient influence with her husband to enable her to carry
+out her views for her daughter, while my mother--"
+
+"Has managed to have her own way," Walter laughed.
+
+"I suppose so, and that in spite of my grandfather. Certainly I owe
+everything to her, for I am sure, if it hadn't been for her, my father
+would never have ventured to oppose the old man, even so far as to let me
+know you. It makes one sad to think, Walter, that religion should
+sometimes make those who think most of it tyrants in their families. My
+grandfather is terribly earnest in his religion. There is no pretence or
+mistake about it; but, for all that, or rather because of it, he would,
+if he could, allow no one else to have a will or opinion of his own."
+
+"I don't think it's the religion, John, but the manner of the religion.
+My mother and grandmother are both as religious as anyone could be; but I
+don't think I ever heard either of them say a hard word of a soul. Their
+religion is a pleasure to them, and not a task, and I know that some
+years ago, when we had a priest who was always denouncing the
+Protestants, they very soon managed to get him changed for another.
+
+"What a funny thing it is, to be sure, that people should quarrel about
+their religion! After all, we believe all the same important things; and
+as to others, what does it matter, provided we all do our best in the way
+that seems right to us?"
+
+But this was too liberal for John. He had been brought up in too strait a
+sect to subscribe to such an opinion as this.
+
+"I do think it makes a difference, Walter," he said slowly.
+
+"I don't," Walter said. "It's just a matter of bringing up. If you had
+been born in the Castle, and I had been born in your place, you would
+have thought as I do, and I should have thought as you do; and of course,
+still more if you had been born in a Catholic country like Italy, where
+you would never have heard of Protestantism, and I had been born in a
+Protestant country like Holland, where I should never have had a chance
+of becoming a Catholic. Very few people ever change their religion. They
+just live and die as they have been born and educated."
+
+"It seems so," John said after a pause; "but the question is too deep for
+us."
+
+"Quite so," Walter laughed, "and I don't want to argue it.
+
+"Well, when are you going to start?"
+
+"I am off tomorrow morning. My father has an acquaintance in Dublin who
+is starting for Derry, and I am to go in his charge."
+
+For another hour the boys chatted together, and then, with mutual
+promises of writing regularly, whenever they had the chance, they said
+goodbye; and the following morning John started with his father to
+Dublin, and next day journeyed north towards Derry.
+
+
+
+Chapter 3: The King In Ireland.
+
+
+On the 12th of November, a vessel arrived in Dublin with the news that
+William of Orange had landed at Torbay on the 5th. The news created the
+wildest excitement. The Protestants, who had been deeply depressed, by
+the apparent intention of James to hand back, to their original owners,
+the land which had been wrested from them, now took heart and began
+openly to arm. Upon the other hand, the Catholics felt that, if William
+and the Whigs succeeded to the chief power in England, their faith, their
+remaining property, and their lives were alike menaced, and they, too,
+prepared to fight to the last for all they held dear.
+
+Walter rode several times with his father into Dublin. The streets
+presented a strange spectacle. They were crowded with Protestant
+fugitives from the country districts. These had forsaken all, and flocked
+into Dublin, fearing that the Irish would retaliate for past grievances
+by a general massacre. The banks of the Liffey were crowded by these
+fugitives, who, with tears and cries, besought the captains of the
+vessels lying there to give them passage to England. All sorts of rumours
+of bloodshed, massacre, and destruction circulated through the city. The
+Protestants in the north were said to have fallen upon the Catholic
+population, and to have put them to the sword, while in the south and
+west it was said the Catholics had taken the same measures against the
+Protestants. Both reports were equally false, but they were generally
+believed, and added to the panic and dismay.
+
+In fact, however, both parties were waiting. The Protestants dared not
+commence hostilities until assured that William was firmly seated on the
+English throne, and ready to come to their assistance. The Catholics were
+equally desirous to maintain the peace, until assured that no hope
+remained save the sword.
+
+A month after John Whitefoot had left, Walter received a letter from him:
+
+Dear Friend Walter:
+
+You will have heard, no doubt, of the troubles that have arisen here. My
+father sent me here to learn a trade, but at present, all men's minds are
+so agitated that there is no talk save of arms and of fighting. My
+kinsman is as bad as the others. He spends the day going hither and
+thither among the townsfolk, and has been made an officer in one of the
+six companies which have been raised here, and pays no further heed to
+business. The town is mightily divided: the younger and more zealous
+spirits are all for fighting, while almost all the older and wealthier
+citizens are opposed to this.
+
+"This is how the trouble began. The Earl of Tyrconnell sent, as you know,
+three thousand soldiers to help King James, at the first news of the
+landing of the prince, and to do so he withdrew the regiment which was in
+garrison in this town. On the 7th of this month of December, the people
+here heard that the regiment of the Earl of Antrim was approaching the
+town to take the place of those troops. When the news arrived, there was
+a sort of panic in the town, and the news was spread that this regiment
+was intended to massacre the people.
+
+"Why this should be I do not know, and I cannot but think that the alarm
+was a false one. However, the regiment arrived on the river bank, and
+some of its officers crossed and entered the city. When they were in
+council with some of the leading citizens, a party of apprentices, with
+some of the rabble, shut the gates. For some time there was great debate.
+The older citizens were mostly in favour of admitting the earl's
+regiment. Why, they asked, should Derry alone defy the power of
+Tyrconnell and King James? If King William made his cause good, and came
+over to Ireland to aid the Protestants, it would be time enough for the
+men of Derry to join him, and to fight for their faith; but if they now
+stood alone, they could do no good to the cause of King William, and
+would bring destruction on themselves and their city.
+
+"But these arguments were of no avail. The apprentices and all the young
+men of the town, and the fugitives who had come in from the country
+round, were all for fighting, and so the gates were kept shut; and Lord
+Antrim, seeing that he could do nothing against such a strong place as
+Derry, marched away with his regiment. This seems to me a fair account of
+what has happened. What will come of it I know not; but, being a
+Protestant, my feelings would incline me to the side of William. Yet it
+seems to me that his friends here have acted hastily, in thus adventuring
+themselves against all the forces of King James, and that sore trouble is
+like to come upon the town. However, it is not for me to judge. I am as
+warm as any of them in defence of our religion, and shall try to do my
+best in case of need. I am sorry, dear Walter, that we have to take
+different sides in this quarrel, but of course we are each of the opinion
+of our elders, and must not blame each other for what is indeed not of
+our own choosing.
+
+"This is a fair city, standing on rising ground by a stately river, and
+with strong walls; and at any other time life would be very pleasant
+here, although living among so many people seems strange to me, after my
+life on the farm. I hear all sorts of tales about fighting in other
+parts, and of the slaughter of Protestants by rapparees, but know not
+whether they are true. As my cousin, who is an earnest man, is wholly
+taken up with the present affairs, and all business is at a stand, I have
+little to do, and spend much of my time by the river side, and have taken
+to fishing, which I like mightily, and yesterday I caught a fish weighing
+three pounds, and we had him for dinner. I often wish you were with me.
+Write me a long letter, and tell me all that you are doing.
+
+"Your affectionate friend,
+
+"John Whitefoot."
+
+Indeed, throughout all Ireland preparations for war were going on. All
+over the north, the Protestants were banding themselves in arms; and,
+under the excuse of some outrages, committed by a few isolated parties of
+peasants known as rapparees, were everywhere harrying the Catholics,
+carrying fire and sword into quiet villages, burning, slaying, and
+carrying off their grain and cattle. Throughout the whole of Ulster,
+Charlemont and Carrickfergus alone remained in the hands of King James's
+troops.
+
+England and Scotland had now accepted William as their king, and James
+had fled to France. With the exception of Ulster, Ireland remained
+staunch to King James. In the south Lord Inshiquin, and in Connaught Lord
+Kingston, had each raised corps among the Protestant settlers for
+William, and were the first to commence hostilities, and the latter,
+marching north, made an attack on Carrickfergus.
+
+Tyrconnell now issued commissions to several of the Catholic nobility and
+gentry, to raise troops for the king's service, and as the people
+responded to the call readily, some fifty regiments of foot and several
+troops of horse were soon raised. But though men were forthcoming in
+abundance, there was a great want of arms and all munitions of war. There
+were, in the government stores, only twenty thousand arms, and most of
+these were old weapons, that had been returned to store as unserviceable,
+and only about a thousand muskets were found to be of any use. There was
+no artillery or ammunition, and no money with which these necessaries
+could be purchased abroad. The gentry would have willingly contributed,
+but all had been well-nigh ruined by the confiscation of their property,
+and could do little towards filling the treasury.
+
+Never did a nation enter upon a war so badly provided with all
+necessaries as did Ireland, when she resolved to adhere to the cause of
+her king, and to resist the power of England and Scotland, aided by that
+of Holland and the Protestant States of Germany.
+
+Mr. Davenant had been one of the first to respond to the invitation of
+Tyrconnell, and had set about raising a troop of horse. He had no
+difficulty in getting the number of men in Bray and the surrounding
+villages, and the difficulty in mounting them was overcome by the
+patriotism of sundry gentlemen and citizens of Dublin, who willingly
+contributed their spare horses to the king's service.
+
+Their arms were various. Some had swords, some short pikes, while a few
+only had pistols; but the smiths everywhere toiled hard converting
+scythes and reaping hooks into swords and pikes, and before they were
+ready to take the field, the whole troop were provided with swords.
+
+Walter had eagerly begged his father to appoint him cornet of the troop,
+and Mr. Davenant might have yielded, had it not been for his wife's
+entreaties. Even old Mrs. Davenant, intensely loyal as she was to the
+cause of James, sided with her daughter in law.
+
+"Of course, Fergus, you will do your duty to the king. It would indeed be
+a shame for a Davenant to hold back; but, at Walter's age there can be no
+occasion for him, as yet, to take a commission. I am ready to give my
+son, as I gave my husband, to the king; and when Walter becomes a man, he
+too must go, if duty demands it; but for the present, assuredly there is
+no reason why such a boy should mix himself up in this unhappy struggle.
+Besides, if aught befalls you, it is to him that his mother will have to
+look in the future. There are hundreds and thousands of strong and active
+men in Ireland, and the necessity has not yet come for boys to take the
+field."
+
+So Walter, to his intense disappointment, was refused the cornetcy of the
+troop, but his father, who fully entered into his feelings, finally told
+him that, when the troop took the field, he should accompany him.
+
+"You are not to carry arms, Walter, or to mix yourself up in any way with
+it. You will be a sort of camp follower, you know; but you will see all
+that goes on, and will be able to prepare yourself to take your place in
+the ranks, if the war should, unhappily, go on for any time."
+
+With this Walter had to be satisfied; and, indeed, although somewhat
+disappointed at not being, at once, allowed to join the troop, he felt
+sure that it would not be very long before his father, once away from the
+influence of his wife and mother, would allow him to join.
+
+"May I take Larry with me, father? He would look after my horse, and
+would be useful to you for running messages, and all sorts of things. He
+wants to go very much. You see, his uncle and two or three of his cousins
+have joined the troop, and he would have joined, too, if you had not
+thought him too young."
+
+"The worst of you and Larry is, that you are always getting into some
+scrape together," Mr. Davenant said, with a smile.
+
+"But I should not get into scrapes on such a business as this," Walter
+said indignantly. "This is a serious affair, and of course, going with
+you, I should be very particular."
+
+"Yes, as long as I was close by, Walter. However, I don't mind your
+taking Larry. He would, as you say, be useful, and you will want somebody
+to look after your horse and act as your servant. We may be separated,
+sometimes, for the troop may be sent on detached service, when I could
+not take you with me."
+
+The permission to take Larry quite reconciled Walter to the downfall of
+his hopes of going as cornet, and, in high spirits, he hastened down to
+the village, to tell Larry that his father had consented to his
+accompanying him.
+
+All through January, Mr. Davenant was busy drilling his troop. Throughout
+all Ireland, both parties were preparing for the storm which was soon to
+burst. Lord Mountjoy, a Protestant nobleman, was sent with his regiment,
+which consisted for the most part of Protestants, to Derry. He held a
+meeting with the leading townspeople, who agreed to admit the Protestant
+soldiers, upon the condition that no more troops were sent. Accordingly,
+the Protestant troops, under Colonel Lundy, entered the town, and Lord
+Mountjoy assumed the governorship.
+
+Tyrconnell soon perceived that he had made a mistake in sending Mountjoy
+to Derry, for instead of overawing the inhabitants, his regiment had, in
+fact, become a part of the rebel garrison. He therefore recalled Mountjoy
+and sent him over to France, on the pretence of an embassy to King James,
+but, as soon as he arrived there, he was treacherously thrown into
+prison.
+
+The people of Derry received quantities of powder and arms from Scotland,
+and, on the 20th of February, the Prince of Orange was formally
+proclaimed king in Derry; and this example was followed throughout
+Ulster. This was, in fact, the beginning of the war. Anxious to save
+Ireland from the horrors of civil war, Lord Granard, and other Protestant
+noblemen of the council, joined Tyrconnell in issuing a proclamation,
+ordering the Protestant corps to lay down their arms; and as they did not
+obey, Lieutenant General Hamilton was despatched to the north, with a
+thousand regular troops and a considerable number of irregulars.
+
+These came up with the insurgents at Dromore, and defeated them with
+great slaughter. They rallied at Hillsborough, but again were defeated
+and scattered. Hamilton divided his force, and, marching through the
+north, reduced Ulster to submission, with the exception only of the
+fortified towns of Enniskillen and Derry. In the south General M'Carty
+was equally successful in clearing Munster of William's adherents, and
+defeated Lord Inshiquin in every encounter.
+
+On the 14th of March, Mr. Davenant, who had ridden into Dublin, returned
+in the evening with the news that the king had landed at Kinsale, two
+days before, with fifteen hundred Irish troops in the pay of France, and
+a hundred French officers, intended to aid in drilling the new levies.
+
+"I am glad, indeed, that he has arrived, for had he been met on the seas
+by the English fleet, all our hopes might have been dashed at a blow. Now
+that he is with us, it will rouse the enthusiasm of the people to the
+utmost. If he is wise, he will surely be able to unite all Ireland under
+him; save of course the fanatics of the north, who, however, can do
+nothing against the whole strength of the country, since Hamilton's
+little force, alone, has been sufficient to put down all opposition, save
+where they remain shut up behind the walls of Derry and Enniskillen.
+
+"It is not with them that we have to cope alone--they would be utterly
+powerless--it is with the army of England and Scotland we shall have to
+fight. Unfortunately we have no fleet, and they can land wherever they
+choose; but now the king is really among us, all who have hitherto
+wavered will join. Let England and Scotland choose their king as they
+will, but there is no reason why Ireland should desert its rightful
+monarch at their bidding."
+
+"When will the king arrive at Dublin, father?"
+
+"He goes first to Cork, Walter. Tyrconnell has set out, and will meet him
+there. They say he will be here in about ten days' time. The French
+ambassador, the Marquis d'Avaux, comes with him, and many French nobles."
+
+"Do you think, father, he will at once order that his friends shall
+receive the land again which was taken from them by Cromwell's soldiers?"
+
+"I hope not, my boy. It is his interest and not our own we must think of
+now; and if Ireland is to resist, successfully, the English and
+continental troops of Dutch William, we must be united--we must be
+Irishmen first, Catholics and Protestants afterwards. I trust that he
+will issue such proclamations as will allay the alarm of the Protestants,
+and bind us all together.
+
+"King James is not like his father. In no single case, since he came to
+the throne, has he broken his royal word once given; therefore, all may
+feel confidence in any promises he may make. I have, of course, no hope
+that anything he can say will influence the fanatics of Derry and
+Enniskillen, but we can afford to disregard them. They are entailing
+misery and suffering upon themselves, without the slightest benefit to
+the cause they advocate. If we beat the English, of course those places
+must finally surrender. If the English beat us, they will get their Dutch
+William as king, without any effort on their part. I think, myself, that
+it will be very unwise to attempt anything against those two places. The
+people there can shut themselves up in their walls, as long as they like,
+and by so doing can in no way harm us. If we take their towns, it will
+only add to the bad blood that already exists. Better by far leave them
+to themselves, until the main battle is fought out."
+
+On the 23rd, the news came that the king was to arrive in Dublin the next
+day, and Mr. Davenant, or, as he was now called, Captain Davenant, went
+over, with all the gentry of the neighbourhood, to meet him.
+
+King James was received with enthusiasm. Addresses were presented to him
+by the several public bodies, and by the clergy of the Established
+Church. His answer to these addresses gave satisfaction to all. He
+promised favour and protection to the Established Protestant Church;
+issued an invitation to the Protestants who had fled the kingdom to
+return to their homes, and assured them of safety and his particular
+care; and he commanded that, with the exception of the military, no
+Catholics should carry arms in Dublin. Finally, he summoned a parliament
+to meet him in Dublin on the 7th of May.
+
+One day, a messenger arrived with a despatch for Captain Davenant.
+
+"We are to move into Dublin, tomorrow, Walter," he said when he read it.
+"We are to take the field at once. The king himself is going to march in
+command of us against Derry. I think his majesty is wrong; and I know
+that Tyrconnell has argued strongly against his intention. There are
+three reasons against it. First, as I told you, I think it were better to
+leave Derry alone, until the main issue is settled. Secondly, King James
+has no military experience whatever, and if ought goes wrong with the
+expedition, he will lose prestige. Thirdly, although it were well for him
+to be with the army when it fights a foreign foe, it were better that he
+should not lead it against men who are, however much they may rebel
+against him, his own subjects.
+
+"I know Tyrconnell has set forth these objections to him; but, unhappily,
+obstinacy is a fault of all the Stuart race, and it generally happens
+that they are most obstinate when most wrong. However, I trust that when
+Derry sees so strong a force marching against it, it will open its gates
+without resistance. A siege can only entail horrible suffering on the
+town; and that suffering will, in the end, tell against James's cause,
+for it will excite the sympathy of the Protestants in England and
+Scotland, and make them all the hotter to conquer Ireland."
+
+The following day, the troop was mustered in front of the castle, and,
+after a tender farewell to his wife and mother, Captain Davenant placed
+himself at their head and rode off. A quarter of an hour later Walter,
+with Larry Doolan on a rough little pony by his side, rode after the
+troop.
+
+Dublin was reached in the afternoon. The town presented a festive
+appearance. The principal streets were still draped with the flags which
+had been hung out at the king's entry, five days before. The streets were
+thronged with people, for loyalists had come in from all parts of the
+country to welcome the king.
+
+Large numbers of men, belonging to the newly raised regiments, wandered
+among the crowd, and with these were mingled the French uniforms of the
+Irish troops who had come over with James. The troop was loudly cheered
+by the crowd, as it passed through the town to the spot assigned to it in
+the camp of the force gathered near the city. Walter and Larry rode a
+short distance behind the troop, and joined it as soon as it reached the
+ground allotted to it.
+
+"It was a brave sight, father, was it not, to see the city decked out,
+and all the people cheering for the king? Dublin is setting a fine
+example--isn't it?"
+
+"You must not set much weight upon the cheering of a crowd, Walter. I do
+not say that the people of Dublin may not, at the present moment, be
+loyal to the king; but if he were defeated, and William were to march in,
+you would see that they would cheer him just as heartily. The mob of
+London cheered King James, as he passed through it, a week before he was
+so ill advised as to fly; and they threw up their hats for joy, a
+fortnight later, for William. No, my boy--there is no dependence on a
+mob. They worship success, and the king who is present is sure to be
+vastly more dear to them than the king who is absent.
+
+"And now you had better help Larry picket your horses. Put them by the
+side of mine. See how the troopers fasten theirs, and do yours the same.
+When that is done, send Larry to get hold of some wood, and light a fire.
+It will be cold when the sun goes down. As for food, we have brought
+enough with us for tonight. Tomorrow, I suppose, we shall get rations."
+
+Captain Davenant now posted a certain number of men to look after the
+horses, and the rest set off to cut firewood; and, in an hour, four or
+five great fires were blazing. Forage was served out for the horses, from
+the stores which had been collected, and also a truss of straw to every
+three soldiers, as bedding.
+
+Walter had, in the meantime, strolled away among the other camps, and was
+greatly amused at the various shifts and contrivances that the men had
+made to make themselves comfortable. A few only of the officers had
+tents; for these, as well as all other necessaries of war, were wanting;
+and the troops who had, for some little time, been in camp there, had
+raised all sorts of shelter from the weather. Some had constructed little
+huts of turf, thatched with straw or rushes; others had erected little
+tents, some of sailcloth obtained from the shipping, others of blankets,
+coarse linen cloaks, or any other articles on which they could lay hands.
+All were in high spirits at the prospect of the termination of the
+monotony of continued drill, and of the commencement of active
+campaigning. Huge fires blazed everywhere, and the country, for some
+distance round, had been completely stripped of its wood.
+
+Everywhere was life and bustle. Men were cleaning their arms, preparatory
+to the march of next day. Others were cooking at the fires. Troopers were
+grooming their horses. Snatches of song, and loud laughter, rose in the
+air.
+
+After wandering about for an hour, Walter rejoined his father. Captain
+Davenant was sitting with the two officers of his troop, Lieutenant
+O'Driscoll and Cornet Heron, by a fire, the materials for which the three
+troopers who acted as their servants had collected. There was no cooking
+to be done, for sufficient cold provisions had been brought with the
+troop.
+
+"You are just in time, Walter," his father said. "We are going to fall
+to, at once, at our meal.
+
+"Hand over that cold chicken, Larry; and do you, Tim Donelly, broach that
+keg of claret. Give me the bread, Fergus--that's right.
+
+"Now, gentlemen, here's a hunk each. Plates are a luxury which we must do
+without, in the field. Now let us fall to."
+
+Walter seated himself on a truss of straw beside his father, and thought
+he had never enjoyed a meal so much, in his life, as the bread and cold
+chicken, eaten as they were in the open air in front of the crackling
+fire. Each was provided with a horn, and these were filled from the keg.
+
+"Here's to the king, gentlemen. Success to his arms!"
+
+All stood up to drink the toast, and then continued their meal. Three
+chickens vanished rapidly, and the troopers kept their horns filled with
+claret.
+
+"If we always do as well as that," Captain Davenant said, as they
+finished the meal, "we shall have no reason to grumble. But I fear that's
+too much to expect.
+
+"Bring me my pipe and tobacco, Larry. You will find them in the holsters
+of my saddle.
+
+"Fergus, do you undo these trusses, and lay the straw out even--that will
+do.
+
+"Now, lads, you will find plenty more provisions in the wallet. Do you go
+and get your own suppers, then give an eye to the horses. We shall not
+want anything more."
+
+For two or three hours, the three officers and Walter sat chatting by the
+fire, occasionally piling on fresh logs. Gradually the din of voices in
+the camp died away, and the bright fires burned down.
+
+"I think we had better turn in," Captain Davenant said at last. "We must
+be astir an hour before daylight, for we march as soon as it's light."
+
+Rolling themselves in their long cloaks, they lay down upon the straw. It
+was some time before Walter got to sleep. The novelty of the situation,
+and the strangeness of lying with the night air blowing in his face, made
+him unusually wakeful. Occasionally, too, a laugh, from some party who
+were sitting late round their fire, attracted his attention, and the
+sound of the snorting and pawing of the horses also kept him awake; but
+at last he, too, went off to sleep.
+
+In spite of his warm cloak, he felt stiff and chilled when the sound of
+the trumpets and drums roused the camp.
+
+"Well, Walter, how do you like sleeping in the open?" his father said, as
+he rose to his feet and shook himself.
+
+"I don't mind the sleeping, father, but the waking is not so pleasant.
+However, I shall soon get accustomed to it, I suppose. But I always did
+hate getting up in the dark, even when we were going out fishing."
+
+"You won't always get as comfortable a bed as this, Walter; so don't
+expect it. The time will come, ere long, when you will look back upon
+this as absolute luxury. We are not likely to get straw another night, I
+can tell you.
+
+"Now, Fergus, bring that wallet here. We must breakfast before we get in
+the saddle."
+
+Walter came to the conclusion that breakfast, eaten in the dark, was a
+very inferior meal to dinner before a great fire. However, he kept his
+thoughts to himself, and, as soon as he had finished, went to aid Larry
+in saddling the horses.
+
+"I suppose I can ride with you today, father?" he said, as he mounted.
+
+"Yes; there will not be any military display by the way. Many of the
+soldiers have got nothing in the way of uniform at present. So you can
+ride with me. But if any general officer comes along, you must draw off a
+little, and drop behind with Larry, who will follow in the rear of the
+troop."
+
+As soon as daylight appeared, the bugles gave the signal, and the force,
+preceded by its cavalry, started on its march towards the north.
+
+
+
+Chapter 4: The Siege Of Derry.
+
+
+There was an air of excitement in the streets of Derry. Knots of people
+were gathered, talking excitedly. Women stood at the doors of all the
+houses, while men moved aimlessly and restlessly about between the
+groups, listened for a time to a speaker, and then moved on again. The
+work of strengthening the defences, which had gone on incessantly for the
+last three months, had ceased, while numbers of persons were gathered on
+the walls, looking anxiously towards the south. A general air of gloom
+and despondency hung over the place. The storm which Derry had braved was
+gathering around it at last. King James and his troops were advancing
+against it.
+
+Opinion was strongly divided in the city. Almost without exception, the
+older citizens deprecated resistance. The walls, indeed, were strong, and
+the position formidable. The king had no artillery worth speaking of, and
+the walls, manned by brave men, might well, for a definite time, resist
+assault; but the stores of food could not long support the large
+population now gathered in the town, and there seemed no possibility,
+whatever, of assistance from England before the horrors of famine would
+be upon them. To what purpose, then, oppose resistance, which must, even
+if successful, cause frightful sufferings to the inhabitants, and which,
+if unsuccessful, would hand over the city to the vengeance of James.
+
+The garrison had been strengthened by two regiments and a vast quantity
+of supplies. But, including everything, there were but provisions for ten
+days, and as many weeks might elapse before assistance could come.
+
+The younger and more ardent spirits were for resistance to the last.
+
+"Better," they said, "die of hunger, than surrender the Protestant
+stronghold to the Papists."
+
+Every hour brought crowds of fugitives, the inhabitants of all the
+villages deserting their homes at the approach of the royal forces, and
+flying, with what goods they could carry, to Derry.
+
+Archdeacon Hamilton had arrived with a message from the king, offering
+that if the city would, within four days, surrender, there should be an
+amnesty to all for past offences, and that the property of all the
+inhabitants should be respected. This proposition was now being
+considered by the governor and his council, together with all the
+principal officers of the English regiments.
+
+John Whitefoot had been out all day, and had just returned to his
+cousin's house, which was crowded with fugitives, as the tanner had
+friends and connections in all the villages, and had opened his doors to
+all who sought shelter, until every room was filled. It was a pitiful
+sight to see women, with their babies in their arms and their children
+gathered round them, sitting forlornly, almost indifferent to the
+momentous consultation which was going on, and thinking only of their
+deserted homes, and wondering what had befallen them. The men had, for
+the most part, been out in the streets gathering news. The tanner's wife,
+assisted by two or three of the women, was busy at the great fire on the
+hearth, over which hung some huge pots in which broth and porridge were
+being prepared.
+
+One by one, the men dropped in. No news had yet been heard as to the
+decision of the council. It was dark when the tanner himself entered. His
+face was stern and pale.
+
+"It is settled," he said shortly. "The council have broken up. I have
+just spoken to one of the members. They and the officers are unanimously
+in favour of accepting the terms of James."
+
+Exclamations of anger broke from some of the men.
+
+"I cannot say aught against it," the tanner said, "though my heart feels
+well-nigh broken. Had we only men here, I should say let us fight to the
+last, but look at all these women and children! Think what thousands and
+thousands of them are in the town. Truly, I cannot blame the council that
+they have decided not to bring this terrible suffering upon the city."
+
+"The Lord will provide for his own," a minister, who had come in with his
+flock, said. "Friend, I had looked for better things from you. I thought
+that you were steadfast in the cause of the Lord, and now that the time
+of trouble comes, you fall away at once. Remember how Sennacherib and his
+host died before Jerusalem. Cannot the Lord protect Londonderry
+likewise?"
+
+"The age of miracles is past," the tanner said. "Did we not see, in
+Germany, how Magdeburg and other Protestant cities were destroyed, with
+their inhabitants, by the Papists? No, Brother Williams, the wicked are
+suffered to work their will here, when they are stronger than the godly,
+and we must look for no miracles. I am ready to fight, and, had the
+council decided otherwise, would have done my share to the last; but my
+heart sickens, as I look round on the women, the weak, and ailing. Did
+James demand that we should renounce our religion, I would say let us all
+die by sword or Famine rather than consent; but he has offered toleration
+to all, that none shall suffer for what has been done, and that the
+property as well as the lives of all shall be respected.
+
+"Truly, it seems to me that resistance would be not bravery, but a sort
+of madness. There are promises of aid from England; but how long may we
+have to wait for them? And there are but ten days' provisions in the
+town. If these English officers of King William think that resistance is
+hopeless, why should I, who know nought of war, set myself against them?"
+
+"Because they have not faith," the minister said, "and you should have
+faith; because they think only of carnal weapons, and you should trust to
+the Lord. Remember Leyden, how help came when all seemed lost."
+
+"I do," the tanner replied, "and I remember how the women and children
+suffered and died, how they dropped in the streets and perished with
+famine in their houses. I remember this, and I shrink from saying 'let us
+resist to the end.' I should rejoice if they had decided that Derry
+should be deserted, that the women and children should be sent away to
+shelter in the mountains of Donegal, and that every man should march out
+and do combat with the army of James. We are numerous, and far better
+armed than the Papists, and victory might be ours; but, were it
+otherwise, were every man fated to fall on the field, I would still say
+let us march forward. It is not death that I fear, but seeing these weak
+and helpless ones suffer. I should not envy the feelings of the men who
+decided on resistance, when the time came that the women and children
+were dying of hunger around them. There is a time to fight; and a time to
+sheath the sword, and to wait until a chance of drawing it successfully
+again arrives; and methinks that, having such good terms offered, the
+present is the time for waiting."
+
+The preacher waved his hand impatiently, and, wrapping himself in his
+cloak, left the house without another word. The next day the capitulation
+was signed, and the following day the army of James was seen approaching,
+and presently halted, on a hill within cannon shot of the town.
+
+Londonderry stands in a bend of the river Foyle, and the position which
+the army took up at once isolated it from the surrounding country. The
+offer of capitulation had already been sent out to General Hamilton by
+Captain White, the bearer receiving instructions to stipulate that the
+army should not advance within four miles of the town, until all was
+ready to hand over the city. In the meantime, General Rosen, who was in
+chief command of the army, stationed it so as to extend from one corner
+of the bend of the river to the other, and so to cut off all
+communication between the city and the surrounding country; but, in the
+course of the day, a country gentleman named Murray made his way through
+their lines, with a body of cavalry, and rode up to the gate of the town.
+
+The governor refused to open it, but, in spite of his orders, some of the
+townspeople opened the gate, and Murray rode into the town, and, going
+from point to point, exhorted the people not to surrender but to resist
+to the last, accusing the governor and council of foul treachery, in thus
+handing over the city.
+
+The confusion and excitement in the streets was now great, and, while
+this was going on, the governor sent a trumpeter to the king, requiring
+one hour's time before the city should surrender.
+
+Rosen took no notice of this, and, believing that all was arranged, rode
+forward with the king and a portion of the army. But Murray's
+exhortations and passionate harangues had their effect. A number of the
+townspeople ran to the walls, and, loading the cannon, opened, with these
+and their muskets, a heavy fire on the approaching troops. Several of the
+soldiers were killed, and among them was Captain Troy, who was riding
+close to the king.
+
+Astonished at this unexpected resistance, the troops drew back, as they
+were entirely without means of making an assault upon the city. The
+governor and council at once sent Archdeacon Hamilton to the royal camp,
+to excuse themselves for what had happened, and to explain that the
+firing was the action of a turbulent body of men, whom they were unable
+to restrain, and whom they represented as drunken rebels. The better
+class of citizens, they said, were all resolved to surrender dutifully,
+and were doing all they could to persuade the common people to do the
+same.
+
+As the royal artillery had not yet arrived, James drew off his troops to
+Saint Johnston. Murray, with a body of horse, went out and skirmished
+with them, but returned into the town on hearing that the council still
+intended to surrender, and again harangued the people.
+
+Eight thousand men assembled on the parade, and, after listening to a
+passionate harangue, declared that they would resist to the last. They at
+once chose a preacher named Walker, and a Mr. Baker, as joint governors,
+appointed Murray as general in the field, divided themselves into eight
+regiments, and took the entire control of the city into their hands.
+Archdeacon Hamilton, Lundy, and several of the principal citizens at once
+left the town, in disguise, and were allowed to pass through the
+besieging army.
+
+John Whitefoot had been present at all the events which had taken place
+that day, and, although he had quite agreed with his cousin that
+resistance would do no good to the cause, and would entail fearful
+sufferings on the besieged, he was carried away by the general
+enthusiasm, and shouted as loudly as any in reply to the exhortations of
+Murray. The tanner was also present. John was by his side, and saw that
+he was deeply moved by the speech, but he did not join in the
+acclamations. When all was over, he laid his hand on John's shoulder:
+
+"The die is cast, my boy. I am glad that no act or voice of mine has had
+aught to do with bringing it about, and that the weight of what is to
+come will not rest upon my conscience. But, now that it is decided, I
+shall not be one to draw back, but will do my share with what strength
+the Lord has given me."
+
+"May I join one of the regiments, too?" John asked. "I am young, but I am
+as strong as many men."
+
+"It were better not, at present, John. Before the end comes, every arm
+that can bear weapon may be needed, but, at present, there is no reason
+why you should do so. Doubtless, plenty of work will be found for younger
+hands, besides absolute fighting, but I think not that there will be much
+fighting, save against famine. Our walls are strong, and we have
+well-nigh forty pieces of cannon, while they say that James has but six
+pieces, and most of these are small.
+
+"Methinks, then, that they will not even attempt to take the city by
+storm. Why should they waste men in doing so, when they can starve us
+out? It is famine we have to fight, in this sort of war. I do not think
+that James has, in all Ireland, cannon sufficient to batter down our
+walls; but ten days will bring our provisions to an end. It will be with
+us as with Leyden. We have only to suffer and wait. If it be God's will,
+succour will come in time. If not, we must even perish."
+
+With his spirits somewhat damped by his cousin's view of the case, John
+returned with him to the house. He would willingly enough have gone out,
+to fight against the besiegers, but the thought of the long slow agony of
+starvation was naturally terrible to a lad of good health and appetite.
+
+The mob of Derry had shown good sense in the choice which they made of
+their governors. Baker, indeed, who was a military man, was a mere cipher
+in the matter. Walker was, in reality, the sole governor. He was a man of
+energy and judgment, as well as enthusiastic and fanatical, and he at
+once gave evidence of his fitness for the post, and set himself
+diligently to work to establish order in the town.
+
+He issued orders that all unable to bear arms, who wished to leave the
+town, could do so, while the able-bodied men, now formed into regiments,
+were assigned every man his place, and every regiment its quarter, on the
+walls. No less than thirty thousand fugitives, exclusive of the garrison,
+were shut up in the walls of Derry, and the army which was besieging the
+town numbered twenty thousand.
+
+The guns of the besiegers soon opened fire, and those on the walls
+replied briskly. The besiegers threw up works, but carried on the siege
+but languidly, feeling sure that famine must, ere long, force the town to
+surrender; and fearing, perhaps, to engage the fresh and ill-trained
+levies against a multitude, animated by the desperate resolution and
+religious fanaticism of the defenders of the town.
+
+Now that the die was once cast, there was no longer any difference of
+opinion among the inhabitants, and all classes joined enthusiastically in
+the measures for defence. All provisions in the town were given into one
+common store, to be doled out in regular rations, and so made to last as
+long as possible; and, as these rations were, from the first, extremely
+small, the sufferings of the besieged really began from the first day.
+
+John Whitefoot found that there was but little for him to do, and spent
+much of his time on the walls, watching the throwing up of works by the
+besiegers.
+
+A regular cannonade was now kept up on both sides; but, though the shot
+occasionally fell inside the town, the danger to the inhabitants from
+this source was but slight; for, of the six guns possessed by the
+besiegers, five were very small, and one only was large enough to carry
+shell. All day the various chapels were open, and here the preachers, by
+their fiery discourses, kept up the spirits and courage of the people who
+thronged these buildings. The women spent most of their time there, and
+the men, when off duty from the walls, however fatigued they might be
+with their labour, flocked at once to the chapels, to pray for strength
+to resist and for early succour. Never were the whole population of the
+town more deeply animated by religious excitement, never a whole
+population more thoroughly and unanimously determined to die, rather than
+surrender.
+
+When not upon the walls or in chapel, John spent much of his time in
+amusing the children, of whom there were many in the tanner's house. The
+change from their country quarters, the crowded town, the privation of
+milk, and the scantiness and unfitness of their rations, soon began to
+tell upon the little ones, and John felt thankful, indeed, that his mind
+had been stored with stories from his varied reading of the last two or
+three years. With these, he was able to interest and quiet the children,
+who sat round him with wrapt attention, while the booming of the guns and
+the occasional rattling of musketry outside passed unheeded.
+
+Scarce a day passed without active fighting, the initiative being always
+taken by the besieged, for, in the royal army, the policy of blockade
+rather than assault was steadily adhered to. The besieged, however,
+continually sallied out, and attacked the parties engaged in throwing up
+works. There was no settled plan of operations; but the commander on each
+portion of the walls led out his men against the enemy, whenever he
+thought he saw a favourable opportunity. The fights which ensued were
+stoutly contested, and many were killed, but no advantage was gained on
+either side. If it was the intention of the besieged to incite the
+Royalists to make an attack upon the city, they failed altogether, and,
+indeed, would have served their purpose better had they remained quietly
+within the walls, for the energy and desperation with which they fought
+were well calculated to deter even the most energetic commander from
+attacking a town defended by eight or nine thousand men, animated by such
+fiery energy.
+
+So confident, indeed, were the besieged, that the gates were often left
+open, and taunting invitations to come on and take Derry were shouted to
+the besiegers. The supply of provisions found to be stored away was
+vastly greater than had been expected, for many of the fugitives had
+brought in large stores, and a great number of the inhabitants had been,
+for weeks, making preparation for the siege, by buying up quantities of
+grain and storing it in their cellars.
+
+Thus, up to the end of the first month, although the allowance of food
+was short, no real suffering was undergone by the inhabitants; but, as
+time went on, the supplies doled out became smaller and smaller, and
+dysentery and fever broke out in the crowded town.
+
+Fierce disputes arose between those belonging to the Established Church
+and the Nonconformists, and it was with the greatest difficulty that
+Governor Walker prevented the two parties from engaging in open strife.
+Day and night, the besiegers' fire continued, and many were killed by the
+shells which fell in the city. The fighting men on the walls were far
+better off than those who had nothing to do but to wait and suffer, and
+it was among the women and children, chiefly, that disease at first made
+its victims.
+
+For a time, the children of the families who had taken refuge with the
+tanner remained healthy. The visitors were lodged for the most part in
+the cellars, so as to be in shelter from the fire of the enemy's mortar;
+but John Whitefoot suggested to his cousin that the children would soon
+pine and sicken, unless they had air. The tanner gave his consent to
+John's establishing a shelter in the yard. A corner was chosen, and a
+number of casks were placed along by either wall; on these beams were
+laid, for it happened that the tanner had intended, shortly before the
+siege, to build a large shed, and had got the timber together for the
+purpose.
+
+On the timber, bark from the now disused pits was heaped to a depth of
+some feet, which would effectually break the fall of any shell which
+might light upon it, and, along the front of this low triangular
+building, two lines of sacks filled with tan were placed. These would
+suffice to prevent any fragment of a shell, which might fall and burst in
+the courtyard, from entering the shelter; save by the opening, about a
+foot deep, between the top of the sacks and the beams.
+
+When the whole was completed, John gathered the children there, and made
+it their headquarters, and established himself as captain of the castle,
+as he called it.
+
+The elders entered warmly into his plans. It was a great relief, to them,
+to have the house cleared of the eighteen or twenty children. Their
+mothers had no longer any anxiety for their safety, and the children
+themselves looked upon it as great fun. There was plenty of air here,
+and, in a short time, John persuaded the parents to allow the children to
+sleep, as well as to pass the day, in the shelter. Here he told them
+stories, constructed toys for them, and kept them amused and quiet,
+appointing as his lieutenants three or four of the oldest of the girls,
+who had the little ones under their special charge. John was rewarded,
+for his pains, by seeing that the children kept their health far better
+than did those of their neighbours, and, up to the end of May, not one of
+them had succumbed, although several of the parents had already fallen
+victims to dysentery and fever.
+
+Thus the month of May passed. With June, the hardships rapidly increased;
+but, on the 13th, shouts of joy were heard in the streets. John ran out
+to ascertain the cause, and learned that a fleet of thirty ships had
+appeared in Lough Foyle, and was approaching the city. The inhabitants,
+frantic with joy, ran to the walls, and both sides suspended their fire
+to watch the approaching fleet.
+
+Suddenly, the ships were seen to turn and sail away. The people could not
+believe that they were deserted; but, when they saw that the fleet was
+really making off, curses and cries of lamentation and grief rose from
+the crowd.
+
+Why Major General Kirk, who commanded the force on board the ships, which
+were laden with provisions, did not attempt to sail up to Londonderry,
+which, as was afterwards proved, they could have done without difficulty,
+was never satisfactorily explained. The besiegers had erected two or
+three small forts on the banks of the river, but these were quite
+incapable of arresting the passage of the fleet, had it been commanded by
+a man of any resolution. Kirk anchored in Lough Swilly, and contented
+himself with sending messages to the town, to hold out to the last.
+
+A fresh search was now made for provisions, and parties of men entered
+houses which had been abandoned, or whose inmates had died, and dug up
+the floors of the cellars. Several considerable deposits of grain were
+discovered, and many inhabitants, moved by the intensity of the general
+suffering, voluntarily brought out hoards which they had hitherto kept
+secret.
+
+Early in the siege, the water in the wells had become turbid and muddy,
+partly owing, it was thought, to the concussion of the ground by the
+constant firing, partly by the extra supplies which were drawn from them.
+As the time went on, many of them dried altogether, and the water in the
+others became so muddy that it had to be filtered through cloth or
+sacking, before it could be drunk.
+
+During fishing expeditions, previous to the commencement of the siege,
+John had more than once had a drink of water from the well of a peasant,
+living in a little hut near the river bank. This hut lay between the
+outposts of the two parties, and had, at the commencement of the siege,
+been deserted by its owner. After the water became bad, John set out
+every evening with a bucket, leaving the town just before the gates were
+shut, and making straight down to the river. When it became dark, he
+crawled along under the shelter of the banks, unperceived by the outposts
+of either party, until close to the hut. Then he filled his bucket at the
+well, and returned as he had come, lying down to sleep on the bank, well
+in the rear of the Protestant outposts, until morning; when, as soon as
+the gates were opened, he carried home the precious supply.
+
+It was this, as much as the light and air, which kept the children in
+comparative health; but, on the further diminution of rations which took
+place after Kirk's fleet retired, they began to fade rapidly.
+
+The horses had now been killed for food. The sufferings of the besieged
+inhabitants became greater daily, and numbers died from sheer starvation.
+The little inhabitants of John Whitefoot's castle were mere skeletons.
+Most of their parents were dead, and a mournful silence pervaded the
+town, save when the bells of the chapels called to prayer, or the yells
+of the mob announced that the lower orders were breaking into houses in
+search of food.
+
+John could stand the sight of the faces of the suffering children no
+longer. He was himself faint and ill from hunger, for he had, each day,
+given a portion of his own scanty rations to the weakest of the children,
+and he determined to try and get them some food, or to die in the
+attempt.
+
+He set out at his usual hour in the evening. The tide was high, but just
+running out, and, entering the river, he floated down with the stream.
+Keeping close under the bank, he passed the batteries which the besiegers
+had erected there without notice, dived under the great boom which they
+had constructed across the river, directly Kirk's expedition had retired,
+and continued to float down to the mouth of the river, where he landed
+and boldly struck across the country, for he was now beyond the lines of
+the besiegers. He knew that his friend Walter was in the Royalist army,
+for one of the last mails which entered the city had told him that he was
+to accompany his father, and that Captain Davenant's troop would most
+likely form part of any army that might march for the north.
+
+By the morning, his clothes had dried upon him, and he then boldly
+entered the Royalist camp, mingling with the peasants who were bringing
+in provisions for sale. He soon learned where Captain Davenant's troop
+was stationed, and made his way thither. He stood watching for some time
+until he saw Walter come out of a tent, and he then approached him.
+Walter looked up, but did not recognize, in the thin and pallid lad
+before him, his former companion.
+
+"Do you want anything?" he asked.
+
+"Don't you know me, Walter?" John said.
+
+Walter started, and gazed at him earnestly.
+
+"Good heavens!" he exclaimed at last. "Why, it can't be John!"
+
+"It is what remains of me," John replied, with a faint smile.
+
+"Why, what on earth have you been doing to yourself, John?"
+
+"I have been starving, in there," John said, pointing to the city.
+
+"Come into the tent, John," Walter said, grasping his friend's arm, and
+then letting it fall again, with an exclamation of horror at its
+thinness. "You needn't be afraid. My father is out--not that that would
+make any difference."
+
+John entered the tent, and sat exhausted upon a box. Walter hastened to
+get some food, which he set before him, and poured out a large cup of
+wine and water, and then stood, looking on in awed silence, while John
+devoured his meal.
+
+"I have wondered, a thousand times," he said at last, when John had
+finished, "what you were doing in there, or whether you left before the
+siege began. How did you get out?"
+
+"I floated down the river to the mouth, beyond your lines, last night;
+and then worked round here. I thought I might find you."
+
+"Well, I am glad indeed that you are out," Walter said. "Every time the
+mortar sent a shell into the town, I was thinking of you, and wishing
+that I could share meals with you, for, of course, we know that you are
+suffering horribly in the town."
+
+"Horribly!" John repeated. "You can have no idea what it is, Walter, to
+see children suffer. As for men, if it is the will of God, they must bear
+it, but it is awful for children. I have had eighteen of them under my
+charge through the siege, and to see them getting thinner and weaker,
+every day, till the bones look as if they would come through the skin,
+and their eyes get bigger and bigger, and their voices weaker, is awful.
+At last I could stand it no longer, and I have come out to fetch some
+food for them."
+
+"To fetch food!" Walter repeated. "Do you mean to say you are thinking of
+going back again?"
+
+"That I am," John said. "I am going to take some food in to them. You
+will help me, won't you, Walter? It isn't for the men that fight, but for
+little children, who know nothing about King James, or King William, or
+the Protestants, or the Catholics, but who are just God's creatures, and
+are dying of hunger. No one could grudge food to infants like these."
+
+"I will help you, of course, John," Walter said, "if I can; but now, tell
+me all about it."
+
+John then gave an account of all he had been doing throughout the siege.
+
+"And now what have you been doing, Walter? Fighting?"
+
+"No. I have not been doing any fighting, except that, once or twice, I
+was out with the troop, when they had a skirmish with your horsemen, but
+I kept in the rear. I hope, ere long, my father will let me enter, but he
+is waiting to see what comes of it. No. I have been idle enough. Well, of
+course, I know all the officers in the cavalry now, and pretty nearly all
+the officers in the camp, and then, with these constant skirmishes and
+attacks by your people and ours, there is always plenty to interest one.
+General Hamilton has been conducting the siege lately, but General Rosen
+returned yesterday and took the command; but there's really not much to
+do. We know you cannot hold out much longer."
+
+"I don't know," John said quietly. "I think that, as long as a man has
+strength enough to hold his arms, Derry will not surrender. When you
+march in, it will be to a city of dead people. We had such hopes when the
+fleet came. If the people could have caught Kirk, they would have torn
+him in pieces. He had five thousand soldiers on board, and, if he had
+landed them, we could have sallied out and fought, instead of dying of
+hunger."
+
+"Yes," Walter agreed, "we should have retired at once. We have only seven
+or eight thousand men here now, and if five thousand English soldiers had
+landed, we must have raised the siege at once. I can tell you that,
+though he is on the other side, I was almost as angry at Kirk's cowardice
+as you must have been. I shall be glad when this awful business is over.
+I knew it was bad enough before, but after what you have told me about
+the women and children, I shall never think of anything else, and I will
+gladly help you in any way I can. There can't be any treason in trying to
+prevent children from starving to death. What do you want me to do?"
+
+"What would do the children more good than anything, the women say, would
+be milk. If I could get a keg that would hold two or three gallons--and a
+watertight box with about twenty pounds of bread, I could swim back with
+them just as I came. I would show you the exact spot where I landed, and
+would come out again in four days. If you could put a supply ready for
+me, every fourth night, among the bushes at the mouth of the river, with
+a little lantern to show me the exact spot, I could come down with the
+tide, get the things, and float back again when the tide turns."
+
+"I could do that, easily enough," Walter said. "The mouth of the river is
+quite beyond our lines. But it is very risky for you, John. You might get
+shot, if a sentry were to see you."
+
+"I do not think that there is much fear of that," John said. "Just
+floating along as I do, without swimming at all, there is only just my
+face above water, and it would be hardly possible for a sentry to see me;
+but if I were shot, I could not die in a better cause."
+
+"I think, John, if you don't mind, I should like to tell my father. I am
+quite sure he would not object, and, in case you should happen to get
+caught, you could refer at once to him to prove that you were not a spy.
+They make very short work of spies. But if you were to demand to be
+brought to Captain Davenant, and say you were acting in accordance with
+his knowledge, no doubt they would bring you."
+
+"Do as you think best, Walter, but don't tell him, unless you feel almost
+sure that he will not object."
+
+"There is no fear of that," Walter said. "He is constantly lamenting over
+the sufferings of the people of Derry, and has, all along, been in favour
+of attempting to storm the place by force, so as to put a stop to all
+this useless suffering. Now, John, you had better lie down on that straw
+bed of mine, and get a sleep. After that, you will be ready for another
+meal. I will tell Larry to go out among the market people, and buy three
+gallons of milk and twenty pounds of bread. There are plenty of small
+spirit kegs about, which will do capitally for the milk, and I don't
+think that we can have anything better than one of them for the bread. We
+can head it up, and make it watertight. How do you mean to get into the
+town? I should have thought that they were likely to be seized."
+
+"So they would be," John said. "I shall hide them in some bushes at the
+foot of the walls, at the side of the town facing the river. There are
+only a few sentries there. Then, when it is light, I shall go in and tell
+my cousin; and get him, after dark, to lower a rope from the wall. I
+shall of course be below, to tie on the kegs. He can then walk with them
+boldly through the street to our house, which is only a short distance
+from that part of the walls. If anyone saw him, they would only suppose
+he was taking home water from one of the wells."
+
+John was soon fast asleep. Walter sat watching him until, two hours
+later, his father returned with his troop. John still slept on, while
+Walter told his father the errand on which he had come.
+
+"He is a brave lad," Captain Davenant said, "and I honour him for his
+conduct. It is not many men who, at a time like this, would risk their
+lives for a number of children who are not any relation to them.
+Certainly, I will gladly assist him. I am sick at heart at all this. My
+only consolation is, that it is brought on solely by the acts of these
+men, who, though comparatively a handful, set themselves up against the
+voice of all Ireland. If they had risen when an English army arrived to
+their assistance, I should say nothing against it. As it is, without
+doing any good to their cause, they are entailing this horrible suffering
+upon thousands of women and children.
+
+"By all means, help the poor lad, and if he should fall into the hands of
+our people, let him mention my name. Rosen would no doubt disapprove of
+it, but I cannot help that. All the Irish gentlemen in the army would
+agree that I had done rightly, and, even if they didn't, my own
+conscience would be quite sufficient for me to act upon. I am fighting
+against the king's enemies, not warring against women and children.
+
+"How soundly the poor lad sleeps, and how changed he is! He is a mere
+skeleton. I should not have known him in the least. If this is the
+condition into which a strong, healthy lad has fallen, what must the
+women and children have suffered! I wish Kirk had not turned coward, but
+had landed his troops. We could then have brought up our scattered
+forces, and could have fought them in a fair field, with something like
+equal forces. That would have been vastly more to my taste than starving
+them, like rats in a hole."
+
+
+
+Chapter 5: The Relief Of Derry.
+
+
+It was late in the afternoon before John woke. He started up, as his eyes
+fell upon Captain Davenant.
+
+"You have had a good sleep, and I hope you are all the better for it,"
+Captain Davenant said, kindly. "My son has been telling me all about your
+expedition, and I honour you very much, for the courage you have shown in
+thus risking your life to get food for those starving children. I quite
+approve of the promise Walter has given to assist you, and if you should,
+by any chance, be taken prisoner, I will stand your friend."
+
+John expressed his gratitude warmly.
+
+"It is a sad thing, in these civil wars, when friends are arrayed against
+friends," Captain Davenant said. "Who would have thought, three months
+ago, that you and Walter would be arrayed on opposite sides? It is true
+you are neither of you combatants, but I have no doubt you would gladly
+have joined in some of the sallies, just as Walter is eager to be riding
+in my troop. If we must fight, I wish, at any rate, that it could be so
+managed that all the suffering should fall upon the men who are willing
+to take up the sword, and not upon the women and children. My heart
+bleeds as I ride across the country. At one time, one comes upon a ruined
+village, burned by the midnight ruffians who call themselves rapparees,
+and who are a disgrace to our cause. At another, upon a place sacked and
+ruined by one of the bands of horsemen from Enniskillen, who are as cruel
+and merciless as the rapparees. Let the armies fight out their quarrels,
+I say, but let peaceful people dwell in quiet and safety. But wholesale
+atrocities have ever been the rule on both sides, in warfare in Ireland,
+and will, I suppose, remain so to the end.
+
+"And now, we are just going to have dinner, and another hearty meal will
+do you good. Each night, when my son brings down the supplies for you, he
+will bring a substantial meal of cold meat and bread, and you must give
+me your promise, now, that you will eat this at once. You will need it,
+after being so long in the water, and having another swim before you,
+besides. Although I approve of sending in milk for the children, I can be
+no party to the supply of food for the garrison. Do you promise?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I promise," John said, "though I would rather save all but a
+mouthful or two for the people who are starving at home. Still, of
+course, if you insist upon it, I will promise."
+
+"I do insist upon it, John. The lives of these children of yours depend
+on your life, and even one good meal, every four days, will help you to
+keep enough strength together to carry out the kind work you have
+undertaken."
+
+Larry now brought in the dinner. He had been told by Walter of John's
+arrival, but he otherwise would have failed to recognize, in him, the boy
+who had sometimes come down to the village with Walter.
+
+"Are you quite well, Larry?" John asked him.
+
+"I am," Larry replied; "but I need not ask the same question of yourself,
+for you are nothing but skin and bone, entirely. Dear, dear, I wouldn't
+have known you at all, at all, and such a foine colour as ye used to
+have."
+
+"I don't think starving would suit you, Larry," Captain Davenant said
+with a smile.
+
+"Sure an' it wouldn't, yer honour. It's always ready to eat I am, though,
+as mother says, the victuals don't seem to do me much good, anyway."
+
+"You won't be able to come out and go back again the same night next
+week, John," Captain Davenant said, presently. "The tide won't suit, so
+you must come up here, as you have done today. You will always find a
+hearty welcome, and Walter shall go down and meet you early in the
+morning, near the mouth of the river, so you can come up with him; and
+then, if you fall in with any of the other parties, no questions will be
+asked. I think everyone in camp knows him now.
+
+"I wonder what your grandfather would say, if he saw you sitting here at
+dinner with Walter and me?"
+
+John laughed.
+
+"I am afraid he would disown me, then and there, without listening to
+explanations."
+
+"I have no doubt it's a sore grievance to him that he is not in Derry, at
+present," Captain Davenant said.
+
+"I am sure it is," John replied; "but the fasting would be a great trial
+to him. My grandfather is a capital trencherman. Still, I am sure he
+would have borne his part."
+
+"That he would," Captain Davenant agreed. "He and the men of his class
+are thorough, fanatics as I consider them. Hard and pitiless as they
+proved themselves, to those against whom they fought, one cannot but
+admire them, for they were heart and soul in their cause. There was no
+flinching, no half measures, no concessions for the sake of expediency.
+On the ground on which they took their stand, they conquered or died.
+Would that a like spirit animated all my countrymen!"
+
+After nightfall, Larry brought round Walter's horse, saddled, and his own
+rough pony. Walter mounted the former, and John the latter. The two kegs
+were slung across Walter's horse.
+
+"Will you meet me at the clump of trees, half a mile out of camp, Larry?"
+Walter said. "In the dark, no one will notice the difference between you
+and John."
+
+Captain Davenant had furnished Walter with a password, and now walked
+beside the two boys till they were well beyond the camp, and then
+returned to his tent. The lads made their way, without meeting with
+anyone, down to the mouth of the river. The kegs were then taken off the
+horse and placed in the water--they floated just above the surface.
+
+"That is exactly right," John said. "They will not show any more than
+will my face. When I come down next time, I shall fill them with water,
+so as to keep them just at this level."
+
+"I am afraid the moon will be up next time, John."
+
+"Yes, it will. I shall lay some boughs of bush across my face and the
+kegs, so that there will be no fear of my face showing; and if a sentry
+should happen to catch sight of it, he will suppose that it is merely a
+bush drifting in the stream."
+
+"Well, goodbye, John, and may you get through without trouble."
+
+"I have no fear, Walter. I am in God's hands, and He will take me safely
+through, if He thinks fit."
+
+The journey was achieved without detection, the only difficulty being the
+sinking of the kegs under the boom; this, however, was successfully
+accomplished, and by midnight, the kegs were safely hidden in some bushes
+at the foot of the wall, and there John lay down and waited for morning.
+
+As he entered the yard, the children ran out to meet him. There were no
+loud rejoicings; they had no longer strength or spirit to shout and
+laugh; but the joy in the thin worn faces was more eloquent than any
+words could have been.
+
+"We have missed you so, John. We have wanted you so much. Lucy and Kate
+and Deby were so bad yesterday, and they did cry so for you. We were all
+so hungry. We don't mind so much, when you are here to talk to us and
+tell us stories. Why did you stop away, John, when we wanted you so?"
+
+"I went away to see if I could manage to get you something to eat."
+
+"And did you?" was the anxious cry.
+
+"I have got a little; but you must wait till evening, and then you will
+each have--" and he stopped.
+
+"What, John? Oh, do tell us!"
+
+"You will each have some milk and bread.
+
+"Not much, dears," he went on, as there was a cry of gladness, which was
+pitiful from the intensity of joy it expressed, "but there will be some
+for tonight, and a little curds and whey and bread for you tomorrow and
+next day, and I hope always, as long as this lasts. Now go, dears, into
+your castle. I will come to you presently. I have brought you some water,
+as usual."
+
+"I am heartily glad to see you back, John," his cousin said, as he
+entered the house. "The children were in a sad state without you,
+yesterday. I suppose you can tell me, now, what you have been doing. You
+told me you would be away two nights, and begged me not to ask any
+questions; but, although I know you to be discreet and prudent, I have
+been worrying."
+
+"I will tell you now," John said, and he recounted the details of the
+expedition which he had accomplished.
+
+"And you have swum the river twice, and been in the camp of the Papists.
+Truly it is surprising, John, and I know not what to do. Should your
+visit there be discovered, you will assuredly be accused of treachery."
+
+"They may accuse me of what they like," John said quietly. "I have done
+it, and I am going to do it again, every fourth night, and there is the
+milk and bread at the foot of the wall, ready for you to haul up as soon
+as it gets dark."
+
+"It ought to be fairly divided," the tanner said.
+
+"It will be fairly divided, between our children," John said; "but nobody
+else will get a drop or a crumb. I have risked my life to get it for
+them. If other people want to get it, let them do the same. Besides, as I
+told you, Captain Davenant and his son both procured it for me for the
+sake of the children, and them only, and I should be breaking faith with
+them if any others touched it, save those for whom it was given me. It is
+little enough among eighteen children for four days--a pound of bread and
+a little over a pint of milk, each. They must each have a quarter of a
+pint, when you bring it in tonight, and the rest had better be curdled.
+That way it will keep, and they can have a portion each day of curds and
+whey, and a fourth share of their bread. It is little enough; but I trust
+that it may keep life in them."
+
+"Well, John, I will do as you say," the tanner said, after a pause. "It
+goes somewhat against my conscience; but, as you say, it will make but a
+meagre portion for each of them, and would be nothing were it fairly
+divided; besides, you have brought it with the risk of your life, and I
+know not that any save you have a right to a voice in its partition."
+
+Before the gates were closed, John went out, and presently had the
+satisfaction of hearing a small stone drop from the wall above him,
+followed presently by the end of a rope. He sent up the kegs, and then
+lay down among the bushes, and enjoyed the satisfaction of thinking of
+the joy of the little ones, when the milk and bread were served out to
+them. As soon as the gates were open in the morning, he went in.
+
+"Thank you, oh, so much, for the milk and bread last night. We heard how
+you had swum so far, and gone into danger to get it for us, and we're
+going to have some more for breakfast."
+
+"It was not much, dears," John said.
+
+"Oh, no, it was not much; but it was so nice, and we did all sleep so
+well last night--even little Lucy didn't waken and cry once--and Ruth
+Hardy said we ought to call you the Raven; but we don't like that name
+for you."
+
+"The Raven, Ruth!" John said, mystified. "Why did you want to call me the
+Raven?"
+
+"I wouldn't do it if you didn't like it, dear John; but you know that
+chapter that Master Williams read us, the other day, about the ravens
+that fed somebody in a cave, and we have been wishing the ravens would
+feed us; and so you see, when you sent us the milk last night, I thought
+you ought to be called the Raven. I did not mean any harm."
+
+"No, my dear, of course not, and you can all call me the Raven, if you
+like."
+
+"No, no, John. You are John, and that's much better than the Raven. They
+brought the man food, but they didn't nurse him and tell him stories, as
+you do."
+
+"Now, run inside the castle," John said, "and I will go in and get your
+breakfasts."
+
+John soon returned, with a great bowl of curds and whey, a platter piled
+up with slices of bread and a score of little mugs, and the feast began.
+Scarce a word was said while the children were eating. Their hunger was
+too keen, and their enjoyment too intense, to admit of speech. When each
+had finished their portion, there was a general exclamation.
+
+"Oh, John, you haven't had any. Why didn't you have some, too?"
+
+"Because there is only enough for you," he said. "If I were to have some,
+and Cousin Josiah, and all the others, there would be a very little share
+for you; besides, when I went out the day before yesterday, I had as much
+as I could eat."
+
+"Oh, dear, that must have been nice," one of the boys said. "Only think,
+having as much as one can eat. Oh, how much I could eat, if I had it!"
+
+"And yet I daresay, Tom," John said, "that sometimes, before you came
+here, when you had as much as you could eat, you used to grumble if it
+wasn't quite what you fancied."
+
+"I shall never grumble again," the boy said positively. "I shall be
+quite, quite content with potatoes, if I can but get enough of them."
+
+"The good times will come again," John said cheerily. "Now we will have a
+story. Which shall it be?"
+
+As the children sat round him, John was delighted to see that even the
+two scanty meals they had had, had done wonders for them. The listless,
+hopeless look of the last few days had disappeared, and occasionally
+something like a hearty laugh broke out among them, and an hour later the
+tanner came to the entrance.
+
+"Come to the walls with me, John."
+
+"What is it? What is the matter?" John said, as he saw the look of anger
+and indignation on the wasted features of his cousin.
+
+"Come and see for yourself," the latter said.
+
+When they reached the walls, they found them crowded with the
+inhabitants. Outside were a multitude of women, children, and old men.
+These General Rosen, with a refinement of cruelty, had swept in from the
+country round and driven under the walls, where they were left to starve,
+unless the garrison would take them in, and divide their scanty supply of
+food with them.
+
+"It is monstrous," John cried, when he understood the meaning of the
+sight. "What are we to do?"
+
+"We can do nothing," the tanner replied. "The council have met, and have
+determined to keep the gates closed. We are dying for the cause. They
+must do so too; and they will not die in vain, for all Europe will cry
+out when they hear of this dastardly act of cruelty."
+
+The people outside were animated by a spirit as stern as that of the
+besieged, and the women cried out, to those on the walls, to keep the
+gates shut and to resist to the last, and not to heed them.
+
+The ministers went out through the gates, and held services among the
+crowd, and the people on the walls joined in the hymns that were sung
+below. So, for three days and nights, the people within and without
+fasted and prayed. On the third day, a messenger arrived from King James
+at Dublin, ordering General Rosen at once to let the people depart.
+
+The indignation, among the Irish gentlemen in the camp, at Rosen's brutal
+order had been unbounded, and messenger after messenger had been sent to
+Dublin, where the news excited a burst of indignation, and James at once
+countermanded the order of the general. The gates were opened now, and
+the people flocked out and exchanged greetings with their friends. A few
+able-bodied men in the crowd entered the town, to share in its defence,
+while a considerable number of the women and children from within mingled
+with them, and moved away through the lines of the besiegers.
+
+John had, the day before, gone out when the gates were opened for the
+preachers, and at night had again safely made the passage to the mouth of
+the river and back. He found the lantern burning among the bushes, and
+two kegs placed beside it, with a bountiful meal of bread and meat for
+himself.
+
+So the days went on, each day lessening the number of the inhabitants of
+the town. Fever and famine were making terrible ravages, and the
+survivors moved about the streets like living skeletons, so feeble and
+weak, now, that they could scarce bear the weight of their arms.
+
+On the 30th of July, three ships were seen approaching the mouth of the
+river. They were part of Kirk's squadron, which had all this time been
+lying idle, almost within sight of the town. The news of his conduct had
+excited such anger and indignation in England that, at last, in obedience
+to peremptory orders from London, he prepared to make the attempt;
+although, by sending only two store ships and one frigate, it would
+almost seem as if he had determined that it should be a failure.
+
+The besiegers as well as the besieged saw the three ships advancing, and
+the former moved down to the shore, to repel the attempt. The batteries
+on either side of the boom were manned, and from them, and from the
+infantry gathered on the banks, a heavy fire was opened as the ships
+approached.
+
+So innocuous was the fire of the artillery, that it has been supposed
+that Kirk had previously bribed the officers commanding the forts. At any
+rate, the ships suffered no material damage, and, returning the fire,
+advanced against the boom. The leading store ship dashed against it and
+broke it, but the ship swerved from her course with the shock, and struck
+the ground. A shout of dismay burst from those on the walls, and one of
+exultation from the besiegers, who rushed down to board the vessel.
+
+Her captain, however, pointed all his guns forward, and discharged them
+all at the same moment, and the recoil shook the vessel from her hold on
+the ground, and she floated off, and pursued her way up the river,
+followed by her consorts.
+
+The delay of Kirk had cost the defenders of Londonderry more than half
+their number. The fighting men had, either by disease, famine, or in the
+field, lost some five thousand, while of the non-combatants seven
+thousand had died. The joy and exultation in the city, as the two store
+ships ranged up under its walls, were unbounded. Provisions were speedily
+conveyed on shore, and abundance took the place of famine.
+
+Five days later, General Rosen raised the siege and marched away with his
+army, which had, in the various operations of the siege, and from the
+effect of disease, lost upwards of three thousand men.
+
+"This has been a bad beginning, Walter," Captain Davenant said, as they
+rode away from the grounds on which they had been so long encamped. "If
+the whole force of Ireland does not suffice to take a single town, the
+prospect of our waging war successfully against England is not hopeful."
+
+"It seems to me that it would have been much better to have left Derry
+alone, father," Walter said.
+
+"It would have been better, as it has turned out, Walter; but had the
+king taken the place, as he expected, without difficulty, he would have
+crossed with a portion of the army to Scotland, where a considerable part
+of the population would at once have joined him. The defence of Derry has
+entirely thwarted that plan, and I fear now that it will never be carried
+out.
+
+"However, it has had the advantage of making soldiers out of an army of
+peasants. When we came here, officers and men were alike ignorant of
+everything relating to war. Now we have, at any rate, learned a certain
+amount of drill and discipline, and I think we shall give a much better
+account of ourselves, in the open field, than we have done in front of a
+strong town which we had no means whatever of storming. Still, it has
+been a frightful waste of life on both sides, and with no result, beyond
+horribly embittering the feeling of hatred, which unfortunately prevailed
+before, between the Catholic and Protestant populations."
+
+The mortification and disgust, caused by the failure of Londonderry, was
+increased by a severe defeat of a force under General Justin McCarthy,
+Lord Mountcashel, at Newtown Butler, on the very day that Derry was
+relieved. General McCarthy had been detached, with a corps of six
+thousand men, against the Enniskilleners. He came up with them near
+Newtown Butler. Although but two thousand strong, the Enniskilleners, who
+were commanded by Colonel Wolseley, an English officer, at once attacked
+the Irish, only a portion of whom had come upon the ground.
+
+McCarthy, who was a brave and experienced officer, sent orders to the
+cavalry to face to the right, and march to the support of the wing that
+was attacked. The officer gave the order "right--about face," and the
+cavalry turned and trotted towards the rear. The infantry, believing that
+they were deserted by the horse, at once lost heart and fell into
+confusion.
+
+McCarthy, while endeavouring to remedy the disorder, was wounded and
+taken prisoner, and the flight became general. The Enniskilleners pursued
+with savage fury, and during the evening, the whole of the night, and the
+greater part of the next day, hunted the fugitives down in the bogs and
+woods, and slew them in cold blood. Five hundred of the Irish threw
+themselves into Lough Erne, rather than face death at the hands of their
+savage enemies, and only one of the number saved himself by swimming.
+
+After leaving Derry, the army returned to Dublin, where the parliament
+which James had summoned was then sitting. Most of the soldiers were
+quartered on the citizens; but, as the pressure was very great, Captain
+Davenant easily obtained leave for his troop to go out to Bray, where
+they were within a very short distance of his own house.
+
+The day after his return home, Walter went over to give Jabez Whitefoot
+and his wife news of John, from whom they had heard nothing, since a
+fortnight before the siege had begun.
+
+"Your son is alive and well," were his first words. "He has been all
+through the siege of Derry, and has behaved like a hero."
+
+"The Lord be praised!" Jabez said, while his wife burst into tears of
+relief, for she had gone through terrible anxiety during the long weeks
+that Derry had been suffering from starvation.
+
+"But how do you know, Master Walter?" Jabez asked. "Seeing that you were
+on the side of the besiegers, how could you tell what was passing on the
+inside of the walls? How do you know John is alive?"
+
+"Because I saw him first, a month before the end of the siege, and
+because he came regularly afterwards, to fetch away some provisions which
+I had placed for him."
+
+And Walter then gave a full account of John's visit to the camp, in
+search of food for the children who were sheltered in the tanner's house.
+
+"That is just like John," his mother said. "He was ever thoughtful for
+others. I am more pleased, a hundred times, that he should have so risked
+his life to obtain food for the little ones, than if he had taken part in
+the fighting and proved himself a very champion of Derry."
+
+Parliament had met on the 7th of May. The session had been opened by a
+speech from the throne, in which the king commended the loyalty of his
+Irish subjects, declared his intention to make no difference between
+Catholics and Protestants, and that loyalty and good conduct should be
+the only passport to his favour. He stated his earnest wish that good and
+wholesome laws should be enacted, for the encouragement of trade and of
+the manufactures of the country, and for the relief of such as had
+suffered injustice by the Act of Settlement; that is, the act by which
+the lands of the Catholics had been handed over, wholesale, to Cromwell's
+soldiers and other Protestants.
+
+Bills were speedily passed, abolishing the jurisdiction of English courts
+of law and of the English parliament in Ireland, and other bills were
+passed for the regulation of commerce and the promotion of shipbuilding.
+The bill for the repeal of the Act of Settlement was brought up on the
+22d of May. It was opposed only by the Protestant bishops and peers, and
+became law on the 11th of June. Acts of attainder were speedily passed
+against some two thousand Protestant landed proprietors, all of whom had
+obtained their lands by the settlement of Cromwell.
+
+A land tax was voted to the king, of twenty thousand pounds a month, and
+he proceeded to raise other levies by his private authority. The result
+was that the resources of Ireland were speedily exhausted, money almost
+disappeared, and James, being at his wits' end for funds, issued copper
+money stamped with the value of gold and silver; and a law was passed
+making this base money legal tender, promising that, at the end of the
+war, it should be exchanged for sterling money.
+
+This was a measure which inflicted enormous loss and damage. At first,
+the people raised the prices of goods in proportion to the decrease in
+the value of the money, but James stopped this, by issuing a proclamation
+fixing the prices at which all articles were to be sold; and having done
+this, proceeded to buy up great quantities of hides, butter, corn, wood,
+and other goods, paying for them all with a few pounds of copper and tin,
+and then shipping them to France, where they were sold on his own
+account. It need hardly be said that conduct of this kind speedily
+excited great dissatisfaction, even among those who were most loyal in
+his cause.
+
+Captain Davenant was shocked at the state of things he found prevailing
+in Dublin.
+
+"I regret bitterly," he said, when alone with his wife and mother, "that
+I have taken up the sword. Success appears to me to be hopeless. The
+folly of the Stuarts is incredible. They would ruin the best cause in the
+world. With a spark of wisdom and firmness, James might have united all
+Ireland in his cause, instead of which he has absolutely forced the
+Protestants into hostility. His folly is only equalled by his rapacity,
+and both are stupendous."
+
+This was said, one evening, when he had just returned from a visit to
+Dublin, depressed and disheartened by all he heard there.
+
+"I am astonished, Fergus," his mother said sharply, "to hear you speak in
+that way. Who would have thought that it was a Davenant who was speaking!
+Doubtless there have been mistakes, as was only natural, but everything
+will come right, in time. I have been longing for you to come home,
+looking forward with such joy to welcome you as the possessor of the
+broad lands of the Davenants. Thank God I have lived to see the
+restoration of my dear husband's lands, and the discomfiture of those
+Cromwellian knaves, who have so long possessed them. It was a grand day
+when the act was passed, repealing all Cromwell's grants handing over the
+best part of Ireland to his soldiers; and I saw in the Gazette, among the
+two thousand grants specially mentioned as cancelled, was that of the
+Davenant estate to Zephaniah Whitefoot. I am told that the old man and
+his son have taken no notice of the act, but go about their work as if
+they were still the owners of the land; but of course, now that you are
+back, there will soon be an end of this."
+
+Captain Davenant was silent.
+
+"I shall be in no hurry, mother," he said, after a pause. "It is true
+that an act of the Irish parliament has cancelled the iniquitous work of
+Cromwell, and restored the land to its rightful possessors. I do not say
+that this is not just, but I am quite sure that it is not politic. These
+men have been planted on the soil for two generations. They have built
+houses and tilled the fields, and made homes for themselves. It was
+essentially a case for arrangement, and not for setting right the first
+act of confiscation by another as sweeping. It has rendered the
+Protestants desperate. It has enlisted the sympathy of the Protestants of
+England in their behalf, and has done much to popularize the war there.
+It would have been vastly wiser, had a commission been ordered to examine
+into the circumstances of each case.
+
+"In the great proportion of cases, the estates which the Cromwellites
+took possession of were vastly larger than they were able to till
+themselves; and, as in the case of Zephaniah Whitefoot, they let out the
+greater portion to tenants. All these lands I would have restored to
+their former owners, leaving to the Cromwellites the land they till
+themselves, and the houses they have built upon it.
+
+"As to turning the Whitefoots out, I shall certainly take no step that
+way, at present. It will be time enough to do so, when King James is
+firmly established on the throne. As things go at present, I have but
+very faint hopes that will ever be. He has utterly failed to conquer the
+Protestants of the north of Ireland, and we have all the strength of
+England to cope with, yet. It will be well, mother, if, at the end of
+this strife, we can keep Davenant Castle over our heads, with the few
+acres that still remain to us."
+
+Two days afterwards, Captain Davenant mounted his horse and rode over to
+the Whitefoots. Zephaniah and Jabez came to the door.
+
+"I suppose you have come over to turn us out, Fergus Davenant," the old
+man said; "but I warn you, that it will not be for long. The triumph of
+the ungodly is short, and the Lord will care for his own people."
+
+"You are mistaken," Captain Davenant said quietly. "I have come over for
+no such purpose. I am, of course, aware that parliament has passed a law,
+reinstating me in my father's lands; but I came over to tell you that, at
+present, I do not propose to take advantage of that law. I shall do
+nothing, until this war is at an end. If King William's cause triumphs,
+the act will remain a dead letter. If King James's wins, and the act is
+upheld, I wish to tell you that I shall never disturb you in the land
+which you, yourselves, occupy. Your tenants, on the other hand, will be
+my tenants; but in the house which you have built, and in the fields
+which you have tilled, you will remain masters.
+
+"I have thought the matter over, and this appears to me to be a just
+settlement, and one which I give you my word that I will hold to, should
+King James triumph in the end. I think that the law turning out the
+Protestant settlers, from the land which they have held for forty years,
+is well nigh as unjust as that which gave it to them."
+
+"I will take no gifts at the hands of the wicked," Zephaniah began, but
+Jabez interrupted him.
+
+"Hush, father!" he said. "It is not thus that kindness should be met."
+
+Then he stepped forward, leaving his father too surprised, at this sudden
+assumption of command on the part of his son, to interrupt him.
+
+"Captain Davenant," he said, "I thank you most sincerely, on the part of
+myself, my wife and son, and, I may say, of my father, too, although at
+present he may not realize the kindness of your offer. I do not think it
+likely that, if James Stuart prevails, and Ireland is rent from England,
+we shall avail ourselves of your offer, for we have more than sufficient
+of this world's goods to remove to England, and there settle ourselves
+and our son, for assuredly Ireland would be no place where a Protestant
+could dwell in peace and quietness. Nevertheless, I thank you heartily,
+and shall ever gratefully bear in mind the promise you have made, and the
+fact that, although you have the power to turn us from our home, you have
+stayed from doing so. There has been much wrong done on both sides; and,
+from a boy, when I have seen you ride into or from your home, I have felt
+that I and mine wronged you, by being the possessors of your father's
+lands."
+
+"They were the spoil of battle," Zephaniah broke in fiercely.
+
+"Yes, they were the spoil of battle," his son repeated; "but there are
+limits, even to the rights of conquerors. I have read history, and I know
+that nowhere but in Ireland did conquerors ever dispossess whole peoples,
+and take possession of their lands."
+
+"The Israelites took the land of Canaan," Zephaniah interrupted.
+
+"I am speaking of modern wars, father. For centuries, no such act of
+wholesale spoliation was ever perpetrated; and considering, as I do, that
+the act was an iniquitous one, although we have benefited by it, I
+consider the offer which Captain Davenant has made to us to be a noble
+one.
+
+"I have to thank you, sir, also, for your kindness to my son--a kindness
+which doubtless saved his life, as well as that of many others in
+Londonderry; and believe me that, whatever comes of this horrible war, I
+and mine will never forget the kindnesses we have received at your
+hands."
+
+"The affair was my son's, rather than mine," Captain Davenant said; "but
+I was glad to be able to assist him in aiding your brave boy. He is a
+noble fellow, and you have every reason to be proud of him."
+
+"I must add my thanks to those of my husband," Hannah said, coming out
+from the house, having listened to the conversation through an open
+window. "We had suffered so, until your son brought us news of John, two
+days since. It is strange, indeed, that your son should have been the
+means of saving one of a household whom he cannot but have learnt to
+regard as the usurpers of his father's rights. It was but last night I
+was reading of Jonathan and David, and it seemed to me that, assuredly,
+the same spirit that they felt for each other was in our sons."
+
+"The boys are very fond of each other, Mrs. Whitefoot, and I am glad of
+it. They are both manly fellows, and there is no reason why the feuds of
+the fathers should descend to the children."
+
+With a cordial goodbye, Captain Davenant rode off.
+
+"Jabez," Zephaniah said, as they turned into the house, "I had not
+thought to hear a son of mine rise in rebellion against his father."
+
+"Father," Jabez said, "for forty-five years I have been a good son to
+you; but it is time that I took my stand. It seems to me that the
+principles upon which the soldiers of Cromwell fought, were the
+principles which animated the Israelites of old. Exodus, Judges, and
+Kings were the groundwork of their religion, not the Gospels. It has
+gradually been borne upon me that such is not the religion of the New
+Testament, and, while I seek in no way to dispute your right to think as
+you choose, I say the time has come when I and my wife will act upon our
+principles."
+
+"It is written, Honour thy father and thy mother," Zephaniah said
+sternly.
+
+"Ay, father, I have honoured you, and I shall honour you to the end; but
+a man has no right to give up his conscience to his father; for it is
+written, also, that a man shall leave father and mother, and wife and
+home to follow the Lord. I have heard you, father, and the elders of our
+church, quote abundant texts from Scripture, but never one, that I can
+recall, from the New Testament. Hitherto, I have been as an Israelite of
+Joshua's time. Henceforward, I hope to be a Christian. I grieve to anger
+you, father, and for years I have held my peace rather than do so; but
+the time has come when the spirit within me will no longer permit me to
+hold my peace. In all worldly matters, I am still your obedient son,
+ready to labour to my utmost to gather up wealth which I do not enjoy, to
+live a life as hard as that of the poorest tenant on our lands; but, as
+touching higher matters, I and my wife go our own way."
+
+Without a word, Zephaniah took his hat and strode away from the house,
+and, after much angry communing with himself, went to the minister and
+deacons of his chapel, and laid the facts of the rebellion before them,
+and asked their advice.
+
+They were in favour of peace, for two of them were his tenants, and they
+knew that the time could not be very far off when Jabez would take the
+old man's place, and it would be a serious matter, indeed, to the chapel,
+were he to be driven from its fold.
+
+"We cannot expect that all shall see with our eyes, Zephaniah," the
+minister said, "and, indeed, the offer, which thou sayest the man
+Davenant made, was a generous one. It would be well, indeed, for our
+brethren throughout Ireland, did all the original owners of their lands
+so treat them. Thousands who, but a few months since, were prosperous
+men, are now without a shelter wherein to lay their heads. The storm is
+sweeping over us, the elect are everywhere smitten, and, should James
+Stuart conquer, not a Protestant in Ireland but must leave its shores.
+Therefore, although I would counsel no giving up of principle, no
+abandonment of faith, yet I would say that this is no time for the
+enforcement of our views upon weak vessels. I mourn that your son should,
+for the time, have fallen away from your high standard, but I say it were
+best to be patient with him."
+
+At home, there were few words spoken after Zephaniah had gone out. Hannah
+had thrown her arms round her husband's neck, and had said:
+
+"I thank God for your words, Jabez. Now I am proud of you, as I have
+never been proud before, that you have boldly spoken out for liberty of
+conscience. I feel like one who has for many years been a slave, but who
+is, at last, free."
+
+Jabez kissed her, but was silent. To him, it had been a great trial to
+rebel. He knew that he was right, and would have done it again, if
+necessary; but it was a terrible thing to him to have openly withstood
+the father to whom he had, from childhood, rendered almost implicit
+obedience.
+
+On his return, Zephaniah did not renew the subject; but from that time,
+there was a great change in the moral atmosphere of the house. Zephaniah
+was still master in all matters of daily work; but in other respects,
+Jabez had completely emancipated himself.
+
+
+
+Chapter 6: Dundalk.
+
+
+After the failure before Derry, the utmost confusion prevailed in the
+military councils, arising chiefly from the jealousies and conflicting
+authorities of the French and Irish commanders. James was entirely under
+the control of the French ambassador, who, together with all his
+countrymen in Ireland, affected to despise the Irish as a rude and
+uncivilized people; while the Irish, in turn, hated the French for their
+arrogance and insolence. Many of the Irish gentlemen, who had raised
+regiments at their private expense, were superseded to make room for
+Frenchmen, appointed by the influence of the French ambassador. These
+gentlemen returned home in disgust, and were soon followed by their men,
+who were equally discontented at being handed over to the command of
+foreigners, instead of their native leaders.
+
+Every day, the breach widened between the French and Irish, and the
+discontent caused by the king's exactions was wide and general; and if
+William, at this time, had offered favourable terms to the Catholics, it
+is probable that an arrangement could have been arrived at.
+
+But William was busily at work, preparing an army for the conquest of the
+country. Had Ireland stood alone, it is probable that England would, at
+any rate for a time, have suffered it to go its own way; but its close
+alliance with France, and the fact that French influence was all powerful
+with James, rendered it impossible for England to submit to the
+establishment of what would be a foreign and hostile power, so close to
+her shores. Besides, if Ireland remained under the dominion of James, the
+power of William on the throne of England could never have been
+consolidated.
+
+Although he had met with no resistance on his assumption of the throne,
+he had the hearty support of but a mere fraction of the English people,
+and his accession was the work of a few great Whig families, only. His
+rule was by no means popular, and his Dutch favourites were as much
+disliked, in England, as were James' French adherents in Ireland.
+
+In Scotland, the Jacobite party were numerous and powerful, and were in
+open rebellion to his authority. Thus, then, if William's position on the
+throne of England was to be consolidated, it was necessary that a blow
+should be struck in Ireland.
+
+Torn by dissension, without plan or leading, the Irish army remained, for
+months, inactive; most of the regiments having, after the northern
+campaign, returned to the districts in which they were raised; and thus,
+no preparation was made to meet the army which was preparing to invade
+the country.
+
+This, ten thousand strong, under the command of General Schomberg, who,
+although eighty years of age, was still an able, active, and spirited
+commander, embarked on the 8th of August at Chester, and on the 13th
+landed near Bangor, in Carrickfergus Bay. There was no force there of
+sufficient strength to oppose him.
+
+Schomberg found Antrim and Belfast deserted; but the garrison at
+Carrickfergus, consisting of two regiments, prepared vigorously for a
+siege. Schomberg at once prepared to invest it, and in a short time
+attacked it by land and sea. The siege was pressed with vigour, but the
+garrison, under M'Carty Moore, defended themselves with the greatest
+skill and bravery. As fast as breaches were battered in their walls, they
+repaired them, and repulsed every attempt of the besiegers to gain a
+footing in the town. The garrison were badly supplied with ammunition,
+but they stripped the lead from the roofs of the castle and church to
+make bullets.
+
+But all this time, no attempt whatever was made to relieve them. The
+French and Irish generals were disputing as to what was the best plan of
+campaign. The king was busy making money with his trade with France; and,
+after holding out until they had burned their last grain of powder, the
+gallant garrison were forced to capitulate. Schomberg was too glad to get
+the place to insist on hard terms, and the garrison marched out with all
+the honours of war--drums beating, and matches alight--and were conveyed,
+with all their stores, arms, and public and private property, to the
+nearest Irish post.
+
+The effect of this determined resistance, on the part of the little
+garrison at Carrickfergus, was to impress Schomberg with the fact that
+the difficulty of the task he had undertaken was vastly greater than he
+had supposed. The success with which Londonderry had defended itself
+against the Irish army had impressed him with the idea that the levies of
+King James were simply contemptible; but the fighting qualities of the
+garrison of Carrickfergus had shown him that they were a foe by no means
+to be despised, and convinced him that the force at his command was
+altogether inadequate to his necessities.
+
+He therefore moved south with extreme caution. He found the country
+altogether wasted and deserted. The Protestants had long since fled, and
+were gathered round Derry and Enniskillen. The Catholics had now deserted
+their homes, at his approach; and the troops, in their retreat, had
+burned and wasted everything, so that he had no means of subsistence for
+his army, and was obliged to rely upon the fleet, which he ordered to
+follow him down the coast.
+
+Schomberg was soon joined by three regiments of Enniskillen horse. The
+appearance of these troops astonished the English. They resembled rather
+a horde of Italian banditti than a body of European cavalry. They
+observed little order in their military movements, and no uniformity of
+dress or accoutrement. Each man was armed and clad according to his own
+fancy, and accompanied by a mounted servant, carrying his baggage. But,
+like the Cossacks, whom they closely resembled, they were distinguished
+by an extreme rapidity of movement, and a fierceness and contempt of all
+difficulty and danger. They calculated neither chances nor numbers, but
+rushed to the attack of any foe with a ferocity and fanaticism which
+almost ensured success, and they regarded the slaughter of a Papist as an
+acceptable service to the Lord. They plundered wherever they went, and
+were a scourge to the Irish Protestants as well as Catholics.
+
+The troops furnished by Derry were similar in character to those from
+Enniskillen. They could not endure the restraints of discipline, and were
+little use in acting with the regular army, and, like the Cossacks, were
+formidable only when acting by themselves. Schomberg and his successor,
+and, indeed, the whole of the English officers, soon came to abhor these
+savage and undisciplined allies.
+
+Still, the Irish army made no move. Report had magnified Schomberg's
+strength to more than twice its real numbers, and the military leaders
+could not believe that, after so many months of preparation, William had
+despatched so small an army for the conquest of Ireland.
+
+Confusion and dismay reigned in Dublin. The French Marshal, De Rosen,
+advised that Dublin and Drogheda should be abandoned, and that the Irish
+army should be concentrated at Athlone and Limerick; but Tyrconnell went
+to Drogheda, where the council of war was sitting, and strenuously
+opposed this, promising that by the next night twenty thousand men should
+be assembled there. Expresses were sent out in all directions; and by
+forced marches, the Irish troops stationed in Munster directed their
+course to Drogheda, in high spirits and anxious to meet the enemy.
+
+Schomberg, although he had been reinforced by six thousand men from
+England, fell back at the news of the gathering, and formed an intrenched
+camp in a strong position between Dundalk and the sea. His approaches
+were covered by mountains, rivers, and morasses; his communication was
+open to the sea, and here he resolved to wait for reinforcements.
+
+Captain Davenant became more and more despondent as to the cause in which
+he had embarked.
+
+"Without the king, and without his French allies," he said bitterly to
+his wife, "we might hope for success; but these are enough to ruin any
+cause. Were the king's object to excite discontent and disgust among his
+subjects, he could not act otherwise than he is now doing. His whole
+thoughts are devoted to wringing money out of the people, and any time he
+has to spare is spent upon superintending the building of the nunneries,
+in which he is so interested. As to the French, they paralyse all
+military operations. They regard us as an inferior race, and act as if,
+with their own five or six thousand troops, they could defeat all the
+power of England. It is heartbreaking seeing our chances so wasted.
+
+"Had advantage been taken of the enthusiasm excited when King James
+landed; had he himself been wise and prudent, disinterested for himself,
+and desirous of obtaining the affections of all classes; and had he
+brought with him none of these French adventurers, he would, long ere
+this, have been undisputed King of Ireland from end to end, and we should
+have stood as one people in arms, ready to oppose ourselves to any force
+that England could send against us. Never were chances so frittered away,
+never such a succession of blunders and folly. It is enough to break
+one's heart."
+
+"I do hope, father, that when the troop marches again you will take me as
+cornet. I am six months older than I was, and have learned a lot in the
+last campaign. You have not filled up the place of Cornet O'Driscoll. I
+did think, when he was killed in that last fight you had before Derry,
+you would have appointed me."
+
+"In some respects I am less inclined than ever, Walter," Captain Davenant
+said; "for I begin to regard success as hopeless."
+
+"It will make no difference, father, in that way, for if we are beaten
+they are sure to hand all our land over to the Protestants. Besides,
+things may turn out better than you think; and whether or no, I should
+certainly like to do my best for Ireland."
+
+"Well, we will think about it," Captain Davenant said; and Walter was
+satisfied, for he felt sure that his father would finally accede to his
+wishes.
+
+It was late at night, when the mounted messenger dashed up to the door of
+the castle and handed in an order. Captain Davenant opened it.
+
+"We are to march, in half an hour's time, to Drogheda. The whole army is
+to assemble there."
+
+"Hurray!" Walter shouted. "Something is going to be done, at last."
+
+A man was sent down to the village at once, to order the twenty men
+quartered there to saddle and mount instantly, and ride up to the castle;
+while another, on horseback, started for Bray to get the main body under
+arms. Mrs. Davenant busied herself in packing the wallets of her husband
+and son. She was very pale, but she said little.
+
+"God bless you both," she said, when all was finished, "and bring you
+back again safely. I won't ask you to take care of yourselves, because,
+of course, you must do your duty, and with all my love I should not wish
+you to draw back from that. When home and religion and country are at
+stake, even we women could not wish to keep those we love beside us."
+
+There was a last embrace, and then Captain Davenant and his son sprang on
+their horses, which were waiting at the door, took their place at the
+head of the party which had come up from the village, and rode away into
+the darkness, while the two Mrs. Davenants gave free vent to the tears
+which they had hitherto so bravely restrained.
+
+At Bray, Captain Davenant found the rest of his troop drawn up in
+readiness, and after a brief inspection, to see that all were present
+with their proper arms and accoutrements, he started with them for
+Dublin, and after a few hours' rest there continued his way towards
+Drogheda.
+
+The army then proceeded north to Dundalk, and bitter was the
+disappointment of the troops when, on arriving there, they found that
+Schomberg, instead of advancing to give battle, had shut himself up in
+the intrenchments he had formed, and could not be induced to sally out.
+
+In vain King James, who accompanied his army, formed it up in order of
+battle within sight of the invaders' lines. Schomberg was not to be
+tempted out, and, as the position appeared to be too strong to be
+attacked, the Irish were forced to endeavour to reduce it by the slow
+process of starvation. The English army was soon reduced to pitiable
+straits--not from hunger, for they were able to obtain food from the
+ships, but from disease. The situation of the camp was low and unhealthy.
+Fever broke out, and swept away vast numbers of the men.
+
+The Dutch and Enniskilleners suffered comparatively little--both were
+accustomed to a damp climate. But of the English troops, nearly eight
+thousand died in the two months that the blockade lasted. Had James
+maintained his position, the whole of the army of Schomberg must have
+perished; but, most unfortunately for his cause, he insisted on
+personally conducting operations, and when complete success was in his
+grasp he marched his army away, in the middle of November, to winter
+quarters; thereby allowing Schomberg to move, with the eight thousand men
+who remained to him, from the pest-stricken camp to healthier quarters.
+
+The disgust, of those of James's officers who understood anything of war,
+at this termination of the campaign was extreme. The men, indeed, were
+eager to return to their homes, but would gladly have attempted an
+assault on the English camp before doing so; and, as the defenders were
+reduced to half their original strength, while most of the survivors were
+weakened by disease, the attack would probably have been successful.
+James himself was several times on the point of ordering an attack, but
+his own vacillation of character was heightened by the conflicting
+counsels of his generals, who seemed more bent on thwarting each other
+than on gaining the cause for which they fought.
+
+The cavalry were not idle, while the blockade of Schomberg's camp
+continued, frequently making excursions over the country to bring in
+cattle for the army; for the villagers had, for the most part, deserted
+their homes, and herds of cattle were grazing without masters. One day,
+Captain Davenant's troop had ridden some thirty miles out of camp, and
+had halted for the night in a village. In the morning, they broke up into
+small parties and scattered round the country. Walter, with fifteen of
+the troopers, had collected some cattle and stopped for an hour, to feed
+and rest the horses, in a deserted village. He took the precaution to
+place two or three men on sentry round it.
+
+The men were sitting on the doorsteps, eating the food they had brought
+with them, when one of the outposts dashed in at full gallop, shouting
+that the enemy were upon them; but his warning came too late, for, close
+behind him, came a body of wild-looking horsemen, shouting and yelling.
+There was a cry of "The Enniskilleners!" and the men ran to their horses.
+
+They had scarcely time to throw themselves in the saddle, when the
+Enniskilleners charged down. For a minute or two there was a confused
+medley, and then three or four of the troopers rode off at full speed,
+hotly pursued by the Enniskilleners.
+
+Walter had discharged his pistols and drawn his sword, but before he had
+time to strike a blow, his horse was rolled over by the rush of the
+enemy, and, as he was falling, he received a blow on the head from a
+sabre which stretched him insensible on the ground. He was roused by two
+men turning him over and searching his pockets. A slight groan burst from
+his lips.
+
+"The fellow is not dead," one of the men said.
+
+"We will soon settle that," the other replied.
+
+"Don't kill him," the first speaker said. "Wait till the captain has
+spoken to him. We may be able to get some information from him. We can
+finish him afterwards."
+
+Walter lay with his eyes closed. He well knew that the Enniskilleners
+took no prisoners, but killed all who fell into their hands, and he
+determined to show no signs of returning consciousness. Presently, he
+heard the sound of a party of horsemen returning, and by the exclamations
+of disappointment which greeted the news they gave, he learned that some,
+at least, of his men had made their escape.
+
+Some time later, several men came up to him. One leaned over him, and put
+his hand to his heart.
+
+"He is alive."
+
+"Very well," another voice said. "Then we will take him with us. He is an
+officer, and will be able to tell us all about their strength.
+
+"Watkins, you have a strong beast, and do not weigh much. Do you mount,
+and then we will tie him to your back."
+
+A minute later Walter was lifted up, and felt that he was placed on a
+horse with his back to that of the rider. A rope was wound several times
+round his body. He remained perfectly passive, with his head hanging down
+on his breast. Then a word of command was given, and the troop set off.
+
+For a time, there was no need for him to pretend insensibility, for the
+pain of his wound and the loss of blood overpowered him, and for some
+time he was unconscious. After two hours' riding, the troop was halted.
+Walter felt the rope taken off him. Then he was lifted down, dragged a
+short distance, and thrown down on some straw. Then a door shut, and he
+heard a key turned. He felt sure that he was alone, but for some time lay
+perfectly quiet, as it was possible that one of the men might have
+remained to watch him.
+
+After a quarter of an hour, hearing not the slightest sound, he opened
+his eyes and looked round. He was, as he supposed, alone. The place in
+which he was lying was a stable, lighted only by a small opening high up
+in the wall. Certain, therefore, that he was not overlooked, he made an
+effort to rise to his feet, but he was so weak and giddy that he was
+obliged, for some time, to remain leaning against the wall. Seeing a
+bucket in one corner, he made to it, and found, to his delight, that it
+was half full of water, for he was parched with a devouring thirst.
+
+After taking a deep draught he felt greatly revived, and then made a
+thorough survey of his prison. It evidently formed part of the house of a
+well-to-do man, for it was solidly built of stone, and the door was
+strong and well fitted.
+
+The opening in the wall was out of his reach. He could, at ordinary
+times, by standing on the upturned bucket, have reached it with a spring,
+and pulled himself up to it, but at present he was wholly incapable of
+such exertion. He thought, however, that after a night's rest he would be
+able to do it.
+
+The door was so strong that he had no hope of escape in that direction.
+As he might at any moment be disturbed, he returned to the straw on which
+he had at first been thrown, laid himself down, and in a very short time
+dropped off to sleep.
+
+It was dark, before he was awoke by the turning of the key in the lock,
+and two men entered, one of them bearing a horn lantern.
+
+"Where am I?" Walter asked, in a feeble tone, as they approached him.
+
+"Never mind where you are," one said roughly. "Get up."
+
+Walter seemed to make an effort, and then fell back with a groan.
+
+The man repeated his order, emphasizing it with a kick. Walter again made
+an effort, and, as before, sank back.
+
+"Here, catch hold of him," the man said, impatiently, "it's no use
+fooling here with him."
+
+The men took Walter under the arms and lifted him up, and half dragged,
+half carried him out of the stable and into the house adjoining. He was
+taken into a room where four or five men were sitting.
+
+"Now, young fellow," one said sharply, "tell us what corps you belong
+to."
+
+Walter looked stupidly at his questioner, but made no answer.
+
+"Answer my question," the man said, levelling a pistol at him, "or I will
+blow out your brains at once."
+
+Still Walter stared at him stupidly, and made no reply, except to mutter,
+"Water."
+
+"It's no use," one of the other men said. "He hasn't got his right senses
+yet. It's no use shooting him now, after we have had the trouble of
+bringing him here. In the morning, he will be able to answer you."
+
+"He had better," the other said savagely, "or we will light a fire and
+roast him over it. There, take him back to the stable, and give him a
+drink of water. I don't want him to slip through our fingers, after the
+trouble we have had with him."
+
+Walter was taken back, as before, to the stable, and one of the men
+brought him a mug of water, and held it to his lips. He drank eagerly,
+and then the man placed the mug down beside him, the door was again
+closed and locked, and Walter was alone. He rose at once to his feet, and
+felt that his sleep had greatly refreshed and strengthened him.
+
+"I will have another sleep, before I try," he said to himself. "It will
+not be light till six, and it must be eight or nine o'clock now. I must
+make up my mind, before I doze off, to wake in about three or four hours;
+but first, I must see what I can find, here."
+
+He felt round the walls, but failed to find anything like a rope.
+
+"I must trust to luck," he said; "I don't suppose they will post many
+sentries. These fellows are not real soldiers, and no doubt they will all
+be sound asleep in a couple of hours."
+
+So saying, he again lay down, and was speedily asleep. When he woke, he
+felt sure that he had not exceeded the time he had given himself. He
+listened intently. He could hear a low, confused sound, which he knew was
+made by horses feeding, but he could hear no human voices. He drank the
+rest of the water in the mug, then he turned up the bucket, placed it
+under the opening, and mounted on it.
+
+His first spring failed to reach the sill, and he stood for a few
+minutes, before making another attempt. He knew that it was a matter of
+life or death, for he had no doubt whatever that, even if he gave the
+required information, which he was determined not to do, however much he
+might suffer, he would be shot afterwards. He braced himself to the
+utmost, took a long breath, and then sprang. His fingers caught on the
+ledge of stonework, and, with a desperate effort, he drew himself up,
+aided by his feet. He had, before making the attempt, removed his boots,
+partly to avoid the scraping noise which these would make, partly to
+enable him the better to avail himself of the inequalities in the
+stonework.
+
+It was a desperate struggle; and when he got his shoulders in the
+opening, which was just wide enough to admit them, he lay for three or
+four minutes, panting heavily, with the perspiration streaming down his
+face. The aperture was too small to admit of his turning in any way, and
+there was nothing for it, as he knew, but to drop head foremost.
+
+Gradually, he drew himself through the opening, lowering himself as much
+as he could by holding on to the upper edge by his feet. Then, stretching
+out his arms to save himself, he let go. Fortunately, the ground was
+soft, for a garden adjoined the stable; but the shock was a heavy one,
+and he lay for a minute or two without moving, having some doubt whether
+he had not broken his neck. Then he got up, and listened.
+
+Everything was still and quiet, and, indeed, his fall had been almost
+noiseless. He rose to his feet, felt along the wall until he encountered
+a low paling, climbed over it, and was in the road.
+
+He had, when he jumped for the window, tied his boots to his back, and
+now carried them in his hand. The night was very dark; but his eyes,
+accustomed to the greater darkness of the stable, had no difficulty in
+following the road. He walked slowly, for the exertion he had undergone
+and the shock of the fall had drawn greatly from his small stock of
+strength.
+
+After going a quarter of a mile, he put on his boots, and, climbing a
+wall of sods which bordered the road, struck across country. There were
+no stars to guide him, and a slight mist had begun to fall. There was but
+little wind, but this was sufficient to give a direction to the rain.
+Walter noticed this, and at once struck out in a direction which kept the
+rain falling upon the right side of his face; and he knew that, by so
+continuing, he was going in a tolerably straight line. As near as he
+could tell he walked for two hours, and then, utterly exhausted, lay down
+on the lee side of a turf wall.
+
+There was, as yet, no gleam of light in the sky, and in a very few
+minutes he was again sound asleep. He woke up with a feeling of bitter
+cold, and, on rising, found that his limbs were completely stiffened by
+the wet. It was morning now, the wind had got up, and a driving rain shut
+out the view on all sides. Walter stamped his feet and swung his arms for
+some time to restore the circulation.
+
+He had no idea in which direction he had been travelling, for he did not
+know whether the road from which he had started ran north, south, east,
+or west. He noticed that the wind had changed; for, whereas he had lain
+down under the lee of the wall, it was now the weather side. He walked in
+the same direction as before for two hours, and could then go no farther.
+He had seen no signs of human habitation, and had not crossed a road or
+even a footpath. Since starting in the morning he had passed no more
+walls or fences, and, as far as his eye could reach through the driving
+rain, nothing was to be seen save a desolate expanse of moor and bog. He
+was, at any rate, free from pursuit for the time, and he thought more of
+obtaining food and shelter than of the Enniskilleners.
+
+It was useless pushing further on, even had he been able to do so, while
+the rain lasted; for he might have passed within a quarter of a mile of a
+habitation without seeing it. He accordingly threw himself down beside
+some low bushes, which afforded him some slight protection from the rain.
+
+
+
+Chapter 7: The Coming Battle.
+
+
+Some hours passed, and he was on the point of dropping off to sleep
+again, when he heard a whistle repeated once or twice, followed by the
+sharp bark of a dog. It was but a short distance away, and, leaping to
+his feet, he saw a peasant standing at a distance of two or three hundred
+yards.
+
+Walter hurried towards him at a speed of which, a few minutes before, he
+would have thought himself incapable. The man continued whistling, at
+short intervals, and did not notice Walter till he was within twenty
+yards distant; then he turned sharply round.
+
+"Who are you?" he asked, clubbing a heavy stick which he held in his
+hand, and standing on the defensive.
+
+The dress and appearance of the man assured Walter that he was a
+Catholic, and therefore a friend, and he replied at once:
+
+"I belong to one of the Irish troops of horse. The Enniskilleners
+surprised a party of us, yesterday, and wounded me, as you see.
+Fortunately, I escaped in the night, or they would have finished me this
+morning. I have been out all night in the rain, and am weak from loss of
+blood and hunger. Can you give me shelter?"
+
+"That I can," the man said, "and gladly. Those villains have been killing
+and destroying all over the country, and there's many a one of us who,
+like myself, have been driven to take refuge in the bogs."
+
+"Is it far?" Walter asked; "for I don't think I could get more than a
+mile or two."
+
+"It is not half a mile," the man said. "You do look nearly done for.
+Here, lean on me, I will help you along; and if you find your strength
+go, I will make a shift to carry you."
+
+"It is lucky I heard you whistle," Walter said.
+
+"It is, indeed," the man replied, "for it is not likely anyone else would
+have come along today. My dog went off after a rabbit, and I was
+whistling to him to come to me again.
+
+"Ah! Here he is. He has got the rabbit, too. Good dog! Well done!"
+
+He took the rabbit and dropped it into the pocket of his coat. Seeing
+that Walter was too exhausted to talk, he asked no questions, and said
+nothing till he pointed to a low mound of earth, and said: "Here we are."
+
+He went round by the side; and Walter perceived that there was a sharp
+dip in the ground, and that the hut was dug out in the face of the slope;
+so that, if it were approached either from behind or on either side, it
+would not be noticed, the roof being covered with sods, and closely
+matching the surrounding ground.
+
+The man went to the low door, and opened it.
+
+"Come in, sir," he said; "you are quite welcome."
+
+The hut contained two other men, who looked up in surprise at the
+greeting.
+
+"This is a young officer, in one of our horse regiments," the man said.
+"He has been in the hands of the Enniskilleners, and has got out from
+them alive--which is more than most can say. He has had a bad wound, has
+been wet through for hours, and is half starving. Look sharp, lads, and
+get something hot, as soon as possible.
+
+"Now, sir, if you will take off those wet things of yours, and wrap
+yourself in that rug, you will find yourself the better for it. When a
+man is in health, a few hours wet will not do him any harm; but when he
+is weak from loss of blood, as you are, the cold seems to get into his
+bones."
+
+Fresh turfs were at once put on the smouldering fire, which one of the
+men, leaning down before it, proceeded to blow lustily; and, although
+much of the smoke made its way out through a hole in the roof, enough
+lingered to render it difficult for Walter to breathe, while his eyes
+watered with the sharp fumes. A kettle had been placed on the fire, and
+in a very short time, a jar was produced from the corner of the hut, and
+a horn of strong spirits and water mixed.
+
+"Here are some cold praties, sir. It's all we have got cooked by us now,
+but I can promise you a better meal, later on."
+
+Walter ate the potatoes, and drank the warm mixture. The change from the
+cold damp air outside, to the warm atmosphere of the hut, aided the
+effects of the spirits; he was first conscious of a warm glow all over
+him, and then the voices of the men seemed to grow indistinct.
+
+"You had better stretch yourself on that pile of rushes," the man said,
+as Walter gave a start, being on the point of rolling over. "Two or three
+hours' sleep will make a man of you, and by that time dinner will be
+ready, and your clothes dry."
+
+Walter fell almost instantaneously off to sleep, and it was late in the
+afternoon before he woke.
+
+"I am afraid I must have slept a long time," he said, sitting up.
+
+"You have had a fine sleep, surely," one of the men replied; "and it's
+dinner and supper, all in one, that you will have."
+
+Walter found his uniform and underclothes neatly folded up by his side,
+and speedily dressed himself.
+
+"That sleep has done me a world of good," he said. "I feel quite myself
+again."
+
+"That's right, yer honour. When you've had your food, I will make a shift
+to dress that wound at the back of yer head. Be jabbers, it's a hard
+knock you have had, and a mighty lot of blood you must have lost! Yer
+clothes was just stiff with it; but I washed most of it out.
+
+"And now, lads, off with the pot!"
+
+A large pot was hanging over the fire, and, when the lid was taken off, a
+smell very pleasant to Walter's nostrils arose. Four flat pieces of wood
+served the purpose of plates, and, with a large spoon of the same
+material, the man who had brought Walter to the hut, and who appeared to
+be the leader of the party, ladled out portions of the contents. These
+consisted of rabbit and pieces of beef, boiled up with potatoes and
+onions. A large jug filled with water, and a bottle of spirits were
+placed in the centre, with the horn which Walter had before used beside
+it.
+
+"We are short of crockery," the man said with a laugh. "Here are some
+knives, but as for forks, we just have to do without them."
+
+Walter enjoyed his meal immensely. After it was finished, the wooden
+platters were removed, and the jug replenished.
+
+"Now, your honour, will you tell us how you got away from the Protestant
+rebels, and how was it they didn't make short work of you, when they
+caught you? It's a puzzle to us entirely, for the Enniskilleners spare
+neither man, woman, nor child."
+
+Walter related the whole circumstances of his capture, imprisonment, and
+escape.
+
+"You fooled them nicely," the man said, admiringly. "Sure your honour's
+the one to get out of a scrape--and you little more than a boy."
+
+"And what are you doing here?" Walter asked, in return. "This seems a
+wild place to live in."
+
+"It's just that," the man said. "We belonged to Kilbally. The
+Enniskilleners came that way, and burned it to the ground. They murdered
+my wife and many another one. I was away cutting peat with my wife's
+brother here. When we came back, everything was gone. A few had escaped
+to the bogs, where they could not be followed; the rest was, every
+mother's son of them, killed by those murdering villains. Your honour may
+guess what we felt, when we got back. Thank God I had no children! We
+buried the wife in the garden behind the house, and then started away and
+joined a band of rapparees, and paid some of them back in their own coin.
+Then, one day, the Enniskilleners fell on us, and most of us were killed.
+Then we made our way back to the old village, and came up here and built
+us this hut. It's a wonder to us how you got here; for there are bogs
+stretching away in all directions, and how you made your way through them
+bates us entirely."
+
+"Yours is a sad story, but unfortunately a common one. And how have you
+managed to live here?"
+
+"There are plenty of potatoes, for the digging of 'em," the man said,
+"for there are a score of ruined villages within a day's walk. As for
+meat, there are cattle for the taking, wandering all over the country;
+some have lately strayed away; but among the hills there are herds which
+have run wild since the days when Cromwell made the country a desert. As
+for spirits, I brew them myself. Barley as well as potatoes may be had
+for the taking. Then, sometimes, the dog picks up a rabbit. Sometimes,
+when we go down for potatoes, we light on a fowl or two; there's many a
+one of them running wild among the ruins. As far as eating and drinking
+goes, we never did better; and if I could forget the old cottage, and the
+sight that met my eyes when I went back to it, I should do well enough,
+but, night and day I am dreaming of it, and my heart is sore with longing
+for vengeance."
+
+"Why don't you join the army?" Walter asked. "There's plenty of room for
+good men, and yesterday's affair has made some vacancies in my own troop.
+
+"What do you say, lads? You would have a chance of crossing swords with
+the Enniskilleners, and you could always come back here when the war is
+over."
+
+"What do you say, boys?" the man asked his companions. "I am just
+wearying for a fight, and I could die contented, if I could but send a
+few of those murdering villains to their place, before I go."
+
+The other two men at once agreed. They talked well into the night, and
+Walter heard many tales of the savage butchery of unoffending peasants,
+by the men who professed to be fighting for religious liberty, which
+shocked and sickened him.
+
+It was arranged that they should start on the following morning. The men
+said that they could guide him across country to Dundalk without
+difficulty, and assured him that he would be little likely to meet with
+the enemy, for that the whole country had been so wasted, by fire and
+sword, as to offer but little temptation even to the most insatiable of
+plunderers.
+
+Accordingly, the next morning they set out, and arrived late that evening
+at the camp. Walter found that his father and his followers were absent.
+They had returned, much surprised at not having been rejoined by Walter's
+party, but on their arrival they had found there the survivors of his
+command, who had ridden straight for Dundalk.
+
+After a few hours' stay, to rest the horses, Captain Davenant, with his
+own men and two of the troops of cavalry, had ridden out in search of the
+Enniskilleners. Larry, who had been almost wild with grief when the news
+of the surprise, and, as he believed, the death of Walter, had been
+brought in, had accompanied the cavalry.
+
+It was late on the following afternoon before they rode into camp. Larry
+was the first to come in, having received permission from Captain
+Davenant to gallop on ahead. They had met the enemy, and had inflicted a
+decisive defeat upon them, but the greater part had escaped, by taking to
+the hills on their wiry little horses, which were able to traverse bogs
+and quagmires impassable to the heavy troopers.
+
+Captain Davenant had closely questioned two or three wounded men who fell
+into his hands. These all declared that a young officer had been
+captured, in the previous fight, that he had been severely wounded, and
+carried away senseless, but that he had, in some extraordinary manner,
+managed to escape that night. This story had greatly raised Captain
+Davenant's hopes that Walter might yet be alive, a hope which he had not
+before allowed himself, for a moment, to indulge in; and as he neared
+Dundalk, he had readily granted leave for the impatient Larry to gallop
+on ahead, and discover if any news had been received of Walter.
+
+Larry's delight, at seeing his young master standing at the door of the
+tent, was extreme. He gave a wild whoop, threw his cap high up into the
+air, and then, without a word of greeting, turned his horse's head and
+galloped away again, at the top of his speed, to carry the good news to
+Captain Davenant. Half an hour later, the column rode into camp, and
+Walter was clasped in his father's arms.
+
+That evening, Walter's three companions were enrolled in the troop, and,
+hearing that there were vacancies for fifteen more, volunteered to return
+to the hills, and to bring back that number of men from the peasants
+hiding there. This mission they carried out, and, by the end of the week,
+Captain Davenant's troop was again made up to its full strength.
+
+The unsuccessful result of the siege of Schomberg's camp greatly damped
+Walter's enthusiasm. He had been engaged in two long and tedious
+blockades, and, with the exception of some skirmishes round Derry, had
+seen nothing whatever of fighting. Neither operation had been attended by
+any decisive result. Both had inflicted extreme misery and suffering upon
+the enemy, but in neither was the success aimed at attained. At the same
+time, the novelty of the life, the companionship of his father and the
+other officers of the regiment, and, not least, the good humour and fun
+of his attendant, Larry, had made the time pass far more cheerfully to
+him than to the majority of those in the army.
+
+As before, when the army arrived at Dublin, Captain Davenant's troop was
+posted in and around Bray, the greater portion of it being permitted to
+reside in their own homes, until again wanted for active service. Walter,
+on his return, was glad to find that his friend John Whitefoot had made
+his way home from Derry, and their pleasant intercourse was at once
+renewed.
+
+Schomberg's army, when moved to healthy quarters and bountifully supplied
+with all kinds of food and necessaries from England, speedily recovered
+their health and discipline, and, in a very short time, were again in
+condition to take the field.
+
+Early in February, 1690, Brigadier Wolseley, with a detachment of
+Enniskilleners and English, marched against Cavan. James had no longer an
+army with which he could oppose Schomberg's enterprises. While the latter
+had been recovering from the effects of his heavy losses, nothing had
+been done to put the Irish army in a condition to take the field again.
+They lacked almost every necessary for a campaign. No magazines had been
+formed to supply them, when they should again advance; and so short of
+forage were they, that it was considered impossible to make any move in
+force, until the grass should grow sufficiently to enable the horses to
+get into condition.
+
+Nevertheless, the Duke of Berwick marched with eight hundred men from
+Dublin, and Brigadier Nugent with a like force from West Meath and
+Longford, and arrived at Cavan a few hours before the English reached the
+town. The Irish force was composed entirely of infantry, with the
+exception of two troops of cavalry. The English force consisted of seven
+hundred foot, and three hundred cavalry.
+
+As Cavan did not offer any advantages in the way of defence, the Duke of
+Berwick moved his army out into the open field. The English lined the
+hedges, and stood on the defensive. The Irish horse commenced the battle
+with a furious charge on the Enniskilleners and dragoons, and drove them
+from the field; but the English infantry maintained their position so
+stoutly that, after a prolonged fight, the Irish retreated into a fort
+near the town. The English and Enniskilleners entered Cavan, and at once
+began to plunder the place.
+
+Hearing what was going on, the Duke of Berwick sallied out from his fort
+to attack them, and gained considerable advantage. Brigadier Wolseley,
+being unable to restore discipline among the Enniskilleners, who formed
+the great majority of his force, ordered the town to be set on fire in
+several places. The troops then collected, and repulsed the Irish with
+considerable loss.
+
+The Duke of Berwick had two hundred killed, amongst whom were Brigadier
+Nugent and many officers. As the Irish remained in possession of the
+fort, and the town was almost entirely destroyed by fire, Brigadier
+Wolseley returned with his force to Dundalk.
+
+Shortly afterwards, the Fort of Charlemont was invested by a strong
+detachment of Schomberg's army. Teigue O'Regan, the veteran governor,
+defended the place with the greatest bravery, and did not capitulate
+until the 14th of May, when the last ounce of provisions was consumed.
+The garrison were allowed honourable terms, and the eight hundred men who
+defended the place, with their arms and baggage, and some two hundred
+women and children, were allowed to march away. The Enniskilleners
+treated the Irish soldiers and their families with great brutality, as
+they passed along, but Schomberg humanely ordered that a loaf of bread
+should be given to each man at Armagh. The Irish army were not in
+condition to render any assistance to the hard pressed garrison of
+Charlemont, until after they had capitulated.
+
+In the meantime, a great army, which was to be led by King William in
+person, was being collected in England. It consisted of a strange medley,
+collected from almost every European nation--English, Scotch, Irish
+Protestants, French Huguenots, Dutch, Swedes, Danes, Brandenburghers,
+Swiss, Norwegians, and Hessians. More than half, indeed, were foreigners.
+All were well disciplined, armed, and clothed. In all, including the
+force under Schomberg, the army amounted to forty-three thousand men, and
+fifty cannon.
+
+King William landed at Carrickfergus, on the 14th of June, and the
+combined army at once began their southward march. Against this force,
+King James collected but twenty thousand men. Of these, six thousand were
+French. They had arrived, under the command of the Count de Lauzun, in
+March, but they had not increased the numbers of King James's troops, for
+he had been obliged to send, in exchange, an equal number of his
+best-trained soldiers, under Lord Mountcashel, for service in France. Of
+the fourteen thousand native troops, the Irish horse, which was raised
+and officered by Irish gentlemen, was excellent, but the infantry was
+composed for the most part of raw levies, but half armed, and the only
+artillery consisted of twelve guns, which had arrived with the infantry
+from France.
+
+It was a sad parting, when Captain Davenant and Walter left home for the
+front. The former was filled with gloomy forebodings. He could scarcely
+hope that the ill-trained levies of James could succeed against the
+vastly superior force, of disciplined troops, with whom they had now to
+cope; especially as the latter were led by an able and energetic general,
+while the former were hampered by the incompetence and vacillation of
+James.
+
+The day before they started, Captain Davenant rode over to the Whitefoots
+and had a talk with Jabez.
+
+"I know not how the campaign will go," he said. "If we are beaten, we
+shall probably retire to the west, and maintain the war there. In that
+case, Dublin will of course fall into the hands of William. Should this
+be so, I will ask you to reverse our late position, and to extend what
+assistance you can to my wife and mother. It may be that, if I do not
+return here, none will disturb them. I have not made myself obnoxious to
+my Protestant neighbours, and no one may take the trouble to bring it
+before the notice of the English that I am absent, fighting with the army
+of King James. If, however, they should do so, and the castle and what
+remains of the estates be confiscated, will you lend what aid you can to
+the ladies, and my younger boy, until I or Walter return from the war?"
+
+"That will I do, right gladly," Jabez said, heartily. "Should I hear any
+talk of what you speak of, I will go up to Dublin with some of our
+friends and ministers, and we will testify to the good relations which
+have existed between you and your Protestant neighbours, and entreat that
+no measures be taken against your estate. Should we not prevail, be
+assured that I will look after the comfort of the ladies, as if they were
+of my own family.
+
+"I can well understand that Mrs. Davenant, the elder, would not accept
+the shelter of our roof, whatever her extremity. She belongs to the
+generation of my father, and cannot forget the past; but I will see that
+they are well lodged in Bray, and have every protection from molestation
+and annoyance there. Should I find, as, alas! may be the case, that the
+spirit of religious persecution is fiercely abroad, I will consult with
+them, as to whether they may wish to cross the sea until you can join
+them, and will make arrangements, as they may direct, for their passage."
+
+"I am truly obliged to you," Captain Davenant said. "It will make me
+comfortable to know that, whatsoever may befall me, they will have a
+friend in these stormy times."
+
+"Say nought about it," Jabez replied. "Did not you and your son succour
+my boy in his extremity? If I do all, and more than all that I can in
+this matter, I shall not deem that we are quits."
+
+The Irish army moved forward to the Boyne, which William was approaching
+from the north. James's officers endeavoured to dissuade him from setting
+everything on the hazard of the battle. They represented that his army,
+though now quite unequal to the contest, was rapidly improving in skill
+and confidence in itself; that reinforcements were every day expected
+from France, which would at least make them equal to the enemy in
+numbers; that they were in want of arms, artillery, and stores, all which
+might be expected also from France, in a short period; and that their
+policy was clearly to protract the war, and wear out the enemy by a
+contest of posts and sieges.
+
+Unskilled as his troops might be in the field, they had proved themselves
+steady and resolute in the defence of fortified places. They held all the
+great fortresses of the kingdom, and it would be easy to provide for the
+defence of these, and to occupy William's army in small affairs, till the
+winter, when the climate would do execution upon the invaders, while the
+Irish would suffer little. Then would be the time to fight.
+
+In the meantime, it was urged, the intrigues the French were actively
+carrying out in Britain would have produced some effect. The French fleet
+was, every day, expected on the coast of England, and William would soon
+be compelled to return to that country, if not to recall the greater part
+of his army. In Scotland, too, the French were busy; and there were
+materials in that country for creating a powerful diversion. To fight now
+would be to forego every advantage, and to meet the views of William,
+whose obvious interest it was to bring the contest to an immediate
+decision, now, while every circumstance was in his favour.
+
+But James, who had hitherto shown nothing but timidity and hesitation,
+was now seized with an impulse of valour. Having acted with unfortunate
+cowardice before Derry, and Schomberg's camp at Dundalk, he was, as
+unfortunately, now seized with ardour to fight, when prudence and
+discretion would have been his best policy. But while James was
+determining to fight, in the teeth of the opinion and advice of his
+bravest officers, his true character was shown in his taking every
+precaution for his personal safety. He sent off his heavy baggage, and
+engaged a vessel, at Waterford, to convey him to France.
+
+William, on the other hand, was naturally eager for an early engagement.
+He was still very insecurely seated upon the English throne. The people
+were either discontented or indifferent. They looked with impatience and
+indignation at the crowd of Dutch officers and civilians, whom William
+had brought over with him; while the cold and ungracious manner of the
+king contrasted, most unfavourably, with the bearing to which they had
+been accustomed in English monarchs.
+
+In Scotland, the Jacobite spirit was gathering in strength, and William
+knew that, unless he speedily broke the strength of James's party in
+Ireland, he would very shortly be confronted with difficulties and
+dangers on all sides.
+
+The position which the Irish army occupied was a strong one. Its right
+rested upon Drogheda, a strong town in their possession. In front was the
+Boyne, with steep banks lined with thick hedges, with cottages scattered
+here and there, offering an excellent position for light troops. On the
+left, the Boyne turned almost at a right angle, and formed a defence on
+this flank. To the rear, the Irish position was covered by high hills and
+the village of Donore. Further back was the pass of Duleek. The hedges
+and cottages by the river side were occupied by the Irish infantry, and
+upon some little hillocks, which ran along the water's edge, they erected
+some light batteries.
+
+King William reconnoitred the position with great attention, and saw that
+it had been well chosen, and its advantages turned to account.
+Notwithstanding the reports of deserters and others, he showed much
+anxiety to determine the exact strength of the Irish. After examining the
+position for some time from a height, he rode down towards the river,
+accompanied by several of his officers. When within musket shot of the
+bank, near the ford and village of Old Bridge, he perceived that a small
+island in the Boyne was occupied by a party of the Irish horse. Near the
+ford some field works had been thrown up. It was at this point that the
+king determined to cross the river, and he spent some time conversing
+with his officers, as to the arrangements for the passage.
+
+He then rode slowly along the river bank, until he arrived nearly
+opposite the left of the Irish line. Here he alighted from his horse, and
+sat down on rising ground, watching his own battalions, which were
+marching, with the greatest regularity and order, into the positions
+assigned to them.
+
+While he was so engaged, some officers of James's army were observed,
+riding quietly along the opposite bank of the river, and also engaged in
+watching the movements of the British troops. These were General
+Sarsfield, the Duke of Berwick, the Marquis of Tyrconnell, the Count de
+Lauzun, and others. Some of the English dragoons approached the river,
+and were fired upon by the Irish. They returned the fire, and, while the
+attention of both sides was engaged by the skirmish, a party of Irish
+cavalry moved slowly down towards the river and halted behind a low
+hedge, and then, wheeling about, again retired.
+
+The movements of the king, and the group of officers accompanying him,
+had been observed in the Irish army, and two field pieces were sent down,
+concealed in the centre of the cavalry. The guns had been placed behind
+the hedge when the horsemen withdrew, and, when William rose from the
+ground and mounted his horse, fire was opened. The first cannon shot
+killed two horses, and a man by his side. The next grazed the king's
+right shoulder, tearing away his coat and inflicting a slight flesh
+wound. Had the aim been slightly more accurate, or had the gunners fired
+with grape, instead of round shot, it is probable that the whole course
+of history would have been changed.
+
+The rumour spread through both armies that the king was killed; but the
+wound was a slight one, and, having had it hastily bound up, the king
+rode quietly through the camps, in order to show the men that the hurt
+was not serious. In the evening, he called a council of war. The Duke of
+Schomberg was strongly opposed to an attack upon the enemy, while posted
+in so strong a position, and urged that, by making a turning movement and
+marching straight upon Dublin, the enemy would be obliged to fall back,
+and fight under less advantageous circumstances. But the king, relying
+upon his superior numbers and the discipline of his veteran troops,
+determined to attack at once, knowing that it was all important to bring
+the matter to a decision, as early as possible.
+
+Schomberg then urged the necessity of occupying the pass of Slane, upon
+the Boyne, considerably to the west of the Irish line, as he would thus
+cut off their retreat, and, in the event of victory, render their defeat
+a decided one; but the king saw that he should require his whole force to
+dislodge the Irish from their position, and that it was useless to occupy
+the pass of Slane with a small detachment, as these would be overwhelmed
+by the retiring Irish.
+
+It was twelve o'clock at night, before the council terminated, and then
+the king mounted his horse and rode through the camp. He examined into
+the state and preparation of each regiment, saw that the soldiers were
+abundantly supplied with food and refreshment for the morning, and that
+sufficient ammunition for the day's work had been served out. He directed
+the men to wear green branches in their caps, and gave "Westminster" as
+the word for the day.
+
+The order of the battle finally determined upon was that the right wing
+of the army, under General Douglas and Count Schomberg, son of the duke,
+should pass the river at Slane and endeavour to turn the Irish left,
+between Slane and Duleek. The left wing were to penetrate between the
+Irish right and Drogheda; the centre to force the passage of the river,
+at the ford of Old Bridge.
+
+A council was also held in James's camp, and here also there was
+difference of opinion. Some of the generals wished to hold the pass of
+Slane in force, but James decided against this. As the morning
+approached, the king's newborn courage began to die out. He ordered some
+movements to the rear, and sent forward more of his baggage. He would
+probably have declined the combat altogether, had it not been too late.
+Finally, just as day was breaking over the council, he determined that
+the army should retreat during the battle, and not commit themselves in a
+decisive engagement. The French formed the left, and were to lead the
+retreat, while the Irish held the right and centre.
+
+It is almost certain that, if James had kept to his resolution to fight,
+imprudent as it appeared to be, and had brought the French battalion into
+action, instead of leading them out of the field, the result of the
+battle of the Boyne would have been a very different one.
+
+
+
+Chapter 8: Boyne Water.
+
+
+The morning of Tuesday, the 1st of July, 1690, broke calm and bright. At
+about six o'clock in the morning the English right wing, under General
+Douglas and Count Schomberg, marched towards Slane. It consisted of
+twenty-four squadrons of horse, and six battalions of infantry. As they
+marched along at the back of the river, they discovered several shallows,
+and crossed without proceeding as far as Slane. No serious resistance was
+offered to their passage of the Boyne, as the Irish had here only some
+parties of skirmishers, who fell back as they advanced.
+
+After forming the troops in order, Douglas and Schomberg advanced, but
+presently perceived the French battalions and a great part of the Irish
+cavalry, forming the left wing of James's army, drawn up in order at some
+distance. They consequently halted, and sent for reinforcements. When
+these arrived, they extended their lines to the right, so as to outflank
+the enemy, and, supporting their cavalry by alternate battalions of
+infantry, again moved forward.
+
+The Irish skirmishers fell back before their advance, taking advantage of
+the banks of the ditches, which divided the ground into small fields, and
+keeping up a galling fire upon the British as they advanced. With some
+difficulty, the latter passed over this broken ground and formed in order
+of battle, on the edge of what appeared to be a plain, but which was in
+fact a deep bog, which completely covered the Irish left. Here they came
+to a standstill.
+
+William had waited, until he believed that his right would have had time
+to fall upon the Irish left, and then ordered his centre to advance and
+force the passage at Old Bridge. The Dutch guards, whom William relied
+upon as his best and most trustworthy troops, advanced in splendid order
+to the river side, with their drums beating the march. When they reached
+the water's edge the drums ceased, and the soldiers entered the river.
+The stream rose as the dense column marched in and dammed it up, and the
+water reached the shoulders of the grenadiers, but they still moved on,
+in regular order, keeping their arms and ammunition dry by holding them
+above their heads. On the opposite bank, the hedges near the brink of the
+river were lined with skirmishers, while in the rear, in a hollow covered
+by some little hills, seven regiments of Irish infantry, supported by ten
+troops of horse and Tyrconnell's regiment of cavalry, were drawn up. The
+hills protected them from the fire of the British batteries, which passed
+over their heads.
+
+The Dutch troops continued their way unmolested, until they reached the
+middle of the river, when a hot fire was opened upon them from the Irish
+skirmishers; but the Dutch moved on, unshaken, and soon gained the
+opposite bank, where they rapidly formed up, the skirmishers retiring
+before them. Scarcely had the Dutch formed their squares, when the Irish
+horse burst down upon them at full speed, and charged them with
+impetuosity.
+
+They stood the charge unbroken, but again and again the Irish horse
+charged down upon them, with the greatest gallantry. William pushed two
+regiments of French Huguenots and one of British across the river, to the
+assistance of the Dutch guards, and ordered Sir John Hanmars and the
+Count of Nassau's regiment to cross, lower down the stream, to support
+them.
+
+As the supports were making a passage, General Hamilton advanced, at the
+head of a body of Irish infantry, to the water's edge, and, dashing into
+the river, encountered the French Huguenot regiments in the middle of the
+stream. A desperate fight ensued, but the French made their way across,
+and Hamilton, falling back with his infantry, opened to the right and
+left, permitting the Irish horse to charge through them.
+
+These rushed with fury upon the French regiment of Colonel La Callimot,
+and cut their way right through them. Then, wheeling, they charged them
+in flank again, broke them, and drove them into the river. La Callimot
+himself was killed, and but few of his regiment regained the opposite
+bank.
+
+In the meantime the Dutch guards, now reinforced, were advancing slowly,
+the Irish infantry holding fast to the hedges and brushwood, and
+contesting every inch of the ground, while, wherever the ground permitted
+it, the Irish horse burst down upon them, evincing a gallantry and
+determination which would have done honour to the finest cavalry in
+Europe. The king continued to make repeated efforts to support his Dutch
+troops, and, after the French were broken, he pushed forward the Danish
+horse; but no sooner had they crossed the bank than the Irish cavalry
+burst down upon them, broke them, and drove them back into the river.
+They fled across the stream in disorder, and dispersed in all directions.
+
+So far, success had rested principally with the Irish; the Dutch guards
+alone remained unbroken in the centre; the French infantry and Danish
+horse were broken and destroyed. Old Duke Schomberg exerted himself to
+the utmost, to restore the battle at this point, and, having rallied the
+French infantry advanced with them, and a few French cavalry, towards the
+river, where he was met by some of the Irish horse returning from the
+pursuit of the Danes. The old duke was cut down and his party again
+routed, and at the same moment Walker, the clerical commander of Derry,
+received a mortal wound.
+
+After his successful defence of Derry, this man had gone to London, where
+he had been feted and made much of, and had then attached himself to King
+William's army, where he posed as a high military authority, although
+much discouraged by the king, whom his arrogance and airs of authority
+displeased.
+
+While in the centre William's forces were getting worsted, and on his
+right Douglas and Count Schomberg were inactive and powerless, he himself
+was leading his left wing across the river. The passage was a difficult
+one, and the king himself was only extricated, with much exertion, from a
+quicksand into which his horse had plunged.
+
+The Irish did not oppose the crossing, and as soon as his forces were
+across the stream, William ranged them in order. They consisted of a
+large body of Danish, Dutch, and Enniskillen horse, and a considerable
+force of infantry. As soon as all were in order the king, though still
+suffering from the wound he had received the day before, drew his sword
+and put himself at the head of his troops.
+
+The Irish right wing, which consisted chiefly of infantry, moved forward
+to meet them, but perceiving the numerous cavalry, led by the king
+himself, preparing to take them in flank, they halted, faced about and
+marched slowly to the little hill of Donore. Having gained this point,
+they again faced round and charged down upon the British, who had
+followed them closely.
+
+At this moment the Irish cavalry, who had moved rapidly from the centre
+to the support of the right, charged down upon the Danish and Dutch horse
+led by the king, and no sooner had they come in contact than the Danes
+and Dutch turned and rode off, with the Irish cavalry in pursuit. The
+king rode towards the Enniskilleners. Colonel Wolseley told his men that
+it was the king, and asked if they wished to follow him. They replied
+with a shout, and the king, placing himself at the head, rode towards the
+Irish infantry; but as they advanced they were met by a well-directed
+volley, and, being much more fond of plundering and slaughtering than of
+close fighting, they turned horse and rode away.
+
+Again and again the king rallied his infantry and brought them back to
+the fight, but the Irish infantry stood their ground with great
+steadiness, until Hamilton, their general, was wounded and taken in a
+charge of cavalry. After this, they fell back from Donore upon Duleek in
+good order, the enemy not wanting to molest them, and the rest of the
+Irish infantry followed their example.
+
+No more singular battle than that of the Boyne was ever fought. In the
+morning, at break of day, part of James's army, with most of his
+artillery, were in march for the pass of Slane, and actually on their
+retreat. The left wing, composed chiefly of French infantry, supposed to
+be the best troops in the army, never fired a shot. The centre and right,
+composed entirely of Irish, most of whom had never before been in battle,
+were alone engaged. With the exception of his Dutch guards, all William's
+foreign troops had been repeatedly broken; his cavalry had been driven
+off the field by the Irish horse, while no division of the Irish was
+broken or suffered a decided defeat, until the infantry from the hill of
+Donore were compelled to retreat, which they did in perfect order.
+
+Throughout the day, the Irish cavalry showed a vast superiority to those
+of the British, and even broke and destroyed regiments of infantry; and
+when the whole army fell back they closed up the rear, and effectually
+prevented any attempt at pursuit. Thus, the battle of the Boyne was
+fought rather to cover a retreat than defend a position. The loss on
+either side was estimated at about five hundred, and General Hamilton was
+the only prisoner taken by the British.
+
+The honours of the fight certainly rested with the Irish, who, against a
+vastly superior force, comprising some of the best troops in Europe,
+maintained themselves throughout the day, and gained, indeed, in most
+points, a decided advantage.
+
+King James's valour had entirely evaporated before the first shot was
+fired. Instead of following William's example, and leading his troops in
+the conflict which was to decide the fate of his crown, and which he
+himself had precipitated, he took up his position at a safe distance from
+danger, on the hill of Donore, and as soon as the battle approached that
+point he rode off to Duleek, where he placed himself at the head of the
+French troops, and led their retreat. He soon, however, rode on ahead,
+and arrived in Dublin in a state of consternation and despair, the first
+fugitive from the field of battle. In the meantime the army was whole and
+unbroken, marching in perfect order from the field of battle, while its
+king and commander was doing his best to ruin the cause by spreading
+dismay and alarm throughout the country.
+
+The next morning the king sent for the mayor and corporation of Dublin,
+and told them that he was under the necessity of taking care of himself,
+and recommended them to do the same, and to make the best terms they
+could with the enemy. He then at once mounted and made his flight to
+Waterford, ordering the bridges to be broken down behind him, although
+the British army had not yet moved from its position on the Boyne. On
+reaching Waterford James at once embarked on board the ship he had
+ordered to be in readiness, and sailed for France. His conduct, and his
+conduct alone, converted the battle of the Boyne, which was in effect a
+kind of drawn battle, into a great victory for William.
+
+It had, indeed, more than answered the object which the Irish commanders
+proposed to themselves. Their plan was to accustom the new and badly
+armed levies to stand firm against the steadiness and experience of
+William's veteran troops, and then to withdraw without committing
+themselves to a decisive combat, with a view of protracting the campaign
+until William should be forced to leave Ireland, and his foreign army
+should be worn out by winter service in an uncongenial climate. Every day
+would, they calculated, improve their own army and weaken and reduce that
+of the enemy.
+
+Their position at the Boyne enabled them to try their plan of partial
+combat to what extent they chose, without danger of being forced into a
+more extensive action than they deemed expedient. The Irish troops had
+greatly surpassed the expectation of their own officers, and had filled
+William's generals with amazement; and it is probable that, if a large
+part of the infantry and artillery had not been sent off early in the
+day, the experiment might have been turned into a brilliant victory. As
+it was, William was so surprised and alarmed at the resistance he had
+encountered, that he remained some days at the Boyne without advancing.
+He had been told by all, except the Duke of Schomberg, that the
+resistance of the Irish would be contemptible, and the most forward of
+those who had scoffed at the courage of the Irish had been the
+Enniskilleners, who had themselves, on the day of battle, shown so
+unmistakably the white feather. After this the king disliked and despised
+these troops, and hung them without ceremony, when taken in those acts of
+plunder and slaughter to which they were so much addicted.
+
+So far from the flight of King James discouraging the army, it caused
+universal joy. It was his constant vacillation, interference, and
+cowardly action which had paralysed his troops; and they felt that, now
+they were free to act without his interference, they would be able to
+cope with the invaders.
+
+William at once offered favourable terms, if Ireland would submit to his
+authority; but these were declined, partly owing to the powerful
+influence of France, partly to the fear that the terms would not be
+observed, partly to the apprehension of all the gentry, that the lands
+which they had but just recovered from the hands of Cromwell's settlers
+would be again taken from them.
+
+At the battle of the Boyne, Walter Davenant, with his father's troop, had
+taken part in all the desperate charges upon the enemy. During the long
+hours the battle had lasted, the cavalry had been incessantly engaged.
+Time after time they had charged down upon the Dutch squares, and no
+sooner had the ranks been reformed, after recoiling from the line of
+fixed bayonets, than they were called upon to charge in another
+direction.
+
+Walter's heart beat high as they dashed into the midst of the French
+infantry, or shattered and drove before them the Danish horse; but there
+was little time to think, and, looking back upon the day when all was
+over, it seemed to him a chaos of excitement and confusion, of which he
+could hardly recall even the chief incidents.
+
+As the troops halted for the night, they were in no way dispirited at the
+result of the battle, as the retreat had been begun before a blow was
+struck. They knew that it was neither intended nor hoped that the ground
+would be successfully held; and every man felt a pride in the thought
+that some eighteen thousand newly-raised Irish levies, of whom but a
+small portion of the infantry were armed with muskets, had sustained,
+throughout a long summer's day, the attacks of more than double their
+number of veteran troops, supported by fifty pieces of artillery.
+
+The loss of the Irish horse had been comparatively small. Charging a
+square, in the days when the bayonet was fixed in the muzzle of the gun,
+was not the desperate undertaking that it now is, when from the hedge of
+steel issues a rolling and continuous fire. The French regiment, once
+broken, had been cut down with scarce any resistance, while the mercenary
+cavalry had been defeated with the greatest ease. Thus, among the brigade
+of the Irish horse there were but few fallen friends to mourn, and
+nothing to mar the pride that every man felt, in the behaviour of the
+Irish troops against such overwhelming odds. That the king had fled,
+everyone knew, but the feeling was one of relief.
+
+"His absence is more than a victory to us," Captain Davenant said, as,
+with a group of officers, he sat by a fire, made of a fence hastily
+pulled down. "His majesty has his virtues, and, with good counsellors,
+would make a worthy monarch; but among his virtues military genius is not
+conspicuous. I should be glad, myself, if Lauzun and the French would
+also take their departure, and let us have Mountcashel's division back
+again from France. If we are left to ourselves, with our own generals,
+Sarsfield and Mountcashel, we can tire out this continental riffraff that
+William has gathered together. The dissensions caused by French
+interference have been our ruin, so far; leave us to ourselves, and we
+shall do. The Irish today have proved their fighting qualities; and, if
+proper use is made of the resources and difficulties of the country, I
+defy them to conquer us. I feel more hopeful now than I have done since
+the first day we took the field."
+
+"Do you think we shall fight another battle before Dublin, father?"
+Walter asked.
+
+"I have no idea what the generals will decide, Walter, but I should
+imagine that we shall march to the west. We had a strong position today,
+but in the open field, at present, we could not hope to cope with
+William's superior numbers and great artillery train. His guns were
+little use to him yesterday; but on level ground they would tear our
+ranks to pieces, without our being able to make any return. Among the
+rivers and bogs and mountains of the west, we should find scores of
+places which we could hold against them. Besides, in my opinion we should
+not fight pitched battles, but should harass them with continuous marches
+and attacks, leaving them masters only of the ground they stand on,
+until, at last, we completely wear them out and exhaust them."
+
+"Then you think we shall abandon Dublin altogether?"
+
+"I think so, Walter."
+
+"But will they not persecute the Catholics, when they have them in their
+power?"
+
+"There may be some disturbance in the city, Walter, before the English
+troops march in; but William will, no doubt, put an end to this as soon
+as he arrives. He cannot wish to drive the Catholics of Ireland to
+desperation. At any rate, I do not think we need feel at all uneasy about
+those at home. Lying on the coast to the east of the town of Dublin, and
+altogether out of the track of the movements of troops, there is little
+fear of trouble there. In our district there is little preponderance, in
+numbers, of one religion over the other; and unless the presence of
+troops, or worse, of those savages from Enniskillen or Derry, excite
+them, there is little fear of the Protestants of that neighbourhood
+interfering with our people, especially as they have no grounds for
+complaint in the past. No, I do not think that you need disquiet
+yourself, in the slightest, about those at home."
+
+As Captain Davenant had thought probable, the Irish army, after marching
+into Dublin in good order, with flags flying and music playing, left on
+the following day for the west. They were accompanied by most of the
+leading Catholic families; and on their departure the corporation at once
+wrote to William, inviting him to enter the capital. Before his arrival,
+however, the Protestant mob destroyed a great quantity of property
+belonging to the Catholics, and carried their excesses to such a point
+that the town would probably have been destroyed by fire, had not the
+better classes of Protestants armed themselves, and taken energetic steps
+to repress the tumult.
+
+As the troops marched into Dublin, Walter said to Captain Davenant:
+
+"Can I ride over to see how they are at home? They will have heard of the
+battle. Mother and grandmother must be terribly anxious."
+
+"I shall be glad for you to go, Walter, for it would greatly ease their
+minds at home; but we are to start again, almost immediately, and
+probably the whole army will have marched off before you get back in the
+morning. There is no saying what may occur, after we have gone. There may
+be a general attack upon the Catholics. At any rate, it will be dangerous
+in the extreme for a single officer, in our uniform, to be riding through
+the town after we have left. Even in the country villages there must be
+intense excitement, and anyone in the king's uniform might be fired at,
+in passing through any of the Protestant settlements."
+
+"Well, father, suppose I do not start until it gets dark, then I can get
+home without attracting notice. There I can put on a suit of my old
+clothes, and bring my uniform out in my valise."
+
+"Well, perhaps you might manage in that way, Walter; and I should be very
+glad to relieve their minds at home, and to know how they are going on.
+If you like, you can stop there for a day or two. I don't suppose that
+William will be here with his troops, for a few days. He has learned that
+our army is not to be despised, and he may hesitate to advance upon
+Dublin, until he receives certain news that we have moved away, and that
+he will not have to fight another battle for the possession of the city.
+Should you hear that William's troops have arrived in the town, you will
+of course make a detour, so as to avoid it, on your way to rejoin us; and
+now I will write a letter, at once, for you to take to your mother."
+
+As soon as it was dark, Walter mounted and started for Bray, where he
+arrived without molestation on the way. His arrival was an immense relief
+to the ladies, who had been suffering an agony of suspense since the news
+of the battle had reached them. King James's hurried arrival, and panic
+flight to Waterford, had caused the most alarming reports as to the
+battle to circulate throughout the country, and by many it was supposed
+that his army had been utterly destroyed. Walter's arrival, then, with
+the news that his father, as well as himself, had passed through the day
+unhurt, was an immense relief; and they were grateful to learn that, so
+far from having been routed, the Irish army had accomplished its object,
+of fighting the battle and then falling back in perfect order and without
+molestation.
+
+"Father says, mother, that he believes next time, when we shall be no
+longer hampered by the interference of the king, we shall be able to make
+even a better fight of it, especially if, as we all hope, the French
+officers will follow the king's example and take themselves off."
+
+"How long are you going to stay, Walter?"
+
+"I shall stay over tomorrow, mother, and start next morning early. I
+ought to be able to come up to the army before night, but, if not, I
+shall overtake them on the march next day."
+
+"I wish I was older," Godfrey, who had been listening to the account of
+the battle, said. "It is so hard to have to stay at home here, while you
+and father are having such fun!"
+
+"You would not think it was fun, if you were with us, Godfrey," Walter
+said. "I used to think it would be fun, but I don't think so now. Just
+while the fighting is going on, one is so excited that one doesn't think
+of the danger, but when it is over, it is awful to see the gaps in the
+ranks, and to know that so many of those who were riding with you have
+fallen, and that it may be your turn, next time."
+
+"Ah, it's all very well for you to talk, Walter, because you are going
+through it all, but you would think just the same as I do, if you were in
+my place."
+
+"That is true enough, Godfrey. Anyhow, I am glad you are not old enough.
+I don't mean that I should not like to have you with us, but then there
+would be nobody at home with mother. Now, if anything happens to father
+and me, she has got you, and as you grow up you will be able to look
+after her, and take care of her. It is bad enough for her having two of
+us in the war. It would be worse, still, if there were three."
+
+As, the next evening, Walter heard that there was news that William's
+troops had not yet moved from the Boyne, he thought that it was safe to
+take the direct road through Dublin. He had laid aside his uniform, on
+reaching home, and in the morning started in his civilian clothes, with
+the uniform in the valise, strapped behind the saddle. He carried his
+sword, as usual, for almost all gentlemen at that time rode armed, and
+this would therefore excite neither comment nor attention. He carried
+also a brace of pistols, in a belt underneath his coat.
+
+On arriving in Dublin, he found the greatest uproar and excitement
+prevailing. Mobs of men were marching through the streets, smashing the
+windows of Catholics and sacking the houses. Fortunately, he was warned,
+before he got into the thick of the tumult, by meeting some women running
+and crying loudly. He asked what was the matter, and learned that their
+houses had been sacked, and that any Catholic found in the street was
+being beaten and ill treated. As Walter was anxious to avoid anything
+which might arrest his journey westward, he made his way out of the town,
+as soon as possible, and was heartily glad when he reached the outskirts,
+and gave rein to his horse.
+
+He passed many groups of people as he rode. Some were Protestants, making
+their way to Dublin to join in the greeting to William and his army, on
+their arrival. Others were Catholics, afraid to remain in their abodes
+now that the army had retired west, and journeying to the capital, where
+they believed that William would prevent disorder and pillage. It needed
+no inquiry, as to the religion of the respective groups. The Protestants
+were for the most part men, and these came along shouting and waving
+their weapons, wild with exultation over the triumph of their cause. The
+Catholics were of all ages and both sexes. Many of them had carts, and
+were carrying with them their most valued possessions. All wore an
+expression of grief and anxiety.
+
+As Walter rode into one village, a fray was going on. A party of
+Protestants, riding boisterously along, had knocked down a woman with a
+child in her arms, and had answered the angry remonstrance of the
+peasants with jeers and laughter. Stones had begun to fly. The
+Protestants had drawn their swords; the villagers had caught up hoes,
+spades, and other weapons, and a fierce fight was going on. The women,
+with shrill cries, encouraged the peasants, and aided them by hurling
+stones at the rioters. Walter saw that his interference would be of no
+avail, and, with a heavy heart at the bitter hatred which the two parties
+in Ireland exhibited for each other, he turned from the road, made a
+circuit round the village, and continued his way. After that, he avoided
+all towns and villages, and slept at night in the cabin of a peasant,
+lying some little distance from the road. The following day he again
+pressed on, and before evening overtook the retiring army.
+
+On the arrival of King William with his army in Dublin, a proclamation
+was issued assuring all, save those who resisted his authority, of his
+protection, and threatening severity against those who disturbed the
+peace or committed outrage on personal property. Letters of protection
+were granted to all who applied for them and, hearing this, Jabez
+Whitefoot at once went into Dublin, to apply for protection for the
+family of Captain Davenant. On hearing, however, that no persecution of
+Catholics would be allowed, and that the army was likely to march west,
+at once, in pursuit of the Irish, he thought it better to leave the
+matter alone, as his application would only draw the attention of the
+authorities to the fact of Captain Davenant and his son being engaged in
+the hostile army. He felt sure that the ladies need fear no molestation,
+save from the soldiers or Northerners, as his own influence with the
+Protestants of his neighbourhood would suffice to prevent these from
+interfering with the household at the castle.
+
+The Irish army marched towards the Shannon, and were concentrated part in
+the neighbourhood of Athlone, and part at Limerick. William shortly
+prepared to follow them. He, too, divided his army into two columns. The
+main body, under his own command, took the road to Limerick; while the
+other division, consisting of five regiments of cavalry and twelve of
+infantry, was despatched, under the command of General Douglas, for the
+purpose of investing the fortress of Athlone.
+
+As the armies marched west, their path was marked by wholesale outrage
+and destruction. Although protections were granted to the peasants and
+inhabitants of the towns and villages through which the armies marched,
+they were entirely disregarded by the soldiers, who plundered, ill used,
+and sometimes murdered the defenceless people, carrying away without
+payment all provisions on which they could lay their hands.
+
+The king sometimes hanged those who were caught in these acts of plunder
+and slaughter, but this had but little effect. The Dutch soldiers, alone,
+maintained their order and discipline. The foreign mercenaries, composed
+for the most part of the sweepings of the great cities, behaved with a
+brutality and cruelty almost without example, and which was acknowledged
+by all the historians of the time, Protestant as well as Catholic.
+Indeed, the Protestant inhabitants suffered even more than the Catholics,
+for many of the latter fled at the approach of the army, while the
+Protestants, regarding them as friends and deliverers, remained quietly
+at home, and suffered every insult and outrage at the hands of this horde
+of savages, who were perfectly indifferent as to the religion of those
+they plundered.
+
+Captain Davenant's troop was with the force which had retired to Athlone,
+and there awaited the approach of the column of General Douglas. The
+reports of the conduct of the enemy, that were brought in by the flying
+peasants, filled the Irish troops with indignation and rage, and when, on
+arriving before the town, General Douglas sent a messenger to demand its
+surrender, Colonel Grace, who commanded, only replied by firing a pistol
+towards him.
+
+Athlone stood on either side of the Shannon. The town on the eastern bank
+of the river was called "the English town," that on the western "the
+Irish "--a distinction existing in many of the Irish towns, where the
+early English settlers found it expedient to live apart from the Irish,
+for mutual protection against attack. Colonel Grace had retired to the
+west bank of the river, which was strongly fortified, destroying the
+English town and breaking down part of the bridge across the river.
+
+The garrison consisted of three regiments of foot and nine troops of
+horse; and when Douglas erected his batteries and opened fire on the
+castle, they replied briskly, and their guns got the better of those in
+the batteries. A strong detachment of horse and mounted grenadiers was
+sent by Douglas to Lanesborough, some miles north of the town, with
+orders to pass the river at that point, but the post was held by Irish
+troops, who easily repulsed the attempt.
+
+It was next proposed to pass the river at a ford a short distance from
+the bridge; but the troops had little heart for the enterprise, as the
+ford was covered by field works erected by the Irish.
+
+The assailants were already reduced to considerable straits. They had
+consumed all provisions found in the town, plundering without mercy the
+Protestant inhabitants, who had been well treated by the Irish troops,
+while the conduct of the army effectually deterred the country people
+from bringing in provisions.
+
+The circulation of the report that General Sarsfield, with fifteen
+thousand men, was on the march to cut off the besiegers of Athlone,
+determined General Douglas to make a speedy retreat. In his fear of being
+cut off, he abandoned all his heavy baggage, and, quitting the high road,
+made his way by unfrequented routes, which added to the hardships of the
+march. In its retreat, the column was accompanied by the unhappy
+Protestant inhabitants, who feared to remain behind, lest the Irish
+should retaliate upon them the sufferings which had been inflicted upon
+their countrymen.
+
+In the meantime, the main English army had done but little. In Dublin, a
+commission had been appointed to examine into and forfeit the lands of
+all Catholics, and adherents of King James, and having set this machine
+at work, the king proceeded with his army southward through Carlow,
+Kilkenny, and Waterford, all of which places surrendered, the garrisons
+being allowed to march out, with their arms and baggage, to join their
+main army on the Shannon.
+
+At Waterford, the king received such serious news as to the state of
+things in England, that he determined to return home. On arriving at
+Dublin, he was overwhelmed with petitions from the inhabitants, as to the
+shameful conduct of the troops left in garrison there, especially those
+of Trelawney's, Schomberg's, and some other regiments of horse, who, the
+people complained, treated them, although Protestants, far worse than
+James's Catholic soldiers had done. Inquiry showed these complaints to be
+well founded, and, finding it impossible to restore order and discipline
+among them, the king at once sent these regiments back to England.
+
+Then, receiving better news from home, he again started to rejoin his
+army, and marched towards Limerick, being joined on his way by the
+division under Douglas, which had driven along with them all the cattle
+and horses of the country through which they had passed.
+
+Limerick was, at that time, the second city in Ireland. The country, for
+a long distance along the mouth of the Shannon, was much wooded, but in
+the immediate vicinity of the town it was surrounded by thick inclosures,
+houses, orchards, gardens, and plantations. The cultivated land was
+everywhere divided into small fields, inclosed by hedges and intersected
+by lanes. To the east of the town the Shannon divides itself, forming an
+island on which part of the city is situated.
+
+This was called the English town, and was connected by a bridge, called
+Thomond Bridge, with the Clare side of the river on the north; and on the
+south, by another bridge, with the Irish town on the county of Limerick
+side. The Thomond Bridge was defended by a strong fort and some field
+works on the Clare side, and on the city side by a drawbridge, flanked by
+towers and the city walls. The bridge was very long and narrow.
+
+The position of the English town was, indeed, almost impregnable. It was
+built upon a rock of considerable extent, and the land outside the walls
+was low and marshy, and could at any time be flooded. The Shannon was
+broad and rapid. The Irish town on the Limerick shore was not strong,
+being defended only by ordinary walls. If this were captured, however,
+the English town could still hold out.
+
+The king made his approaches to the city slowly, being obliged to level
+the numerous inclosures as he moved on. These were occupied by the Irish
+infantry, who, lining every hedge, kept up a galling fire, falling back
+gradually as heavy bodies of troops were brought up against them, until
+they reached the cover of the guns of the city and fort. Upon these
+opening fire, William's army halted and encamped before the Irish town.
+
+Here, as at the Boyne, the king had a narrow escape, a cannonball from
+the walls striking the ground at his foot as he was passing through a gap
+in a hedge.
+
+The king had learned that great dissensions existed between the Irish and
+French, and relied upon this, as much as upon the strength of his arms,
+to obtain possession of the city. His information was, indeed, correct.
+King James, in his flight, had left no orders as to who should assume the
+supreme command. The Duke of Berwick had considerable claims. Lauzun and
+the French officers declined altogether to receive orders from
+Tyrconnell, and the Irish officers equally objected to act under the
+command of a Frenchman. Consequently, during the whole siege, the main
+Irish army, which, by acting upon William's rear, could speedily have
+made his position untenable, remained inactive. Monsieur Boileau, a
+French officer, was governor of the town, but Lauzun, having examined the
+fortifications, pronounced the place wholly incapable of defence,
+declaring that the walls could be knocked down with roasted apples, and
+so ordered the entire French division to march to Galway, and there await
+an opportunity for embarking for France, leaving the Irish to defend the
+city if they chose.
+
+Lauzun, in fact, was a courtier, not a soldier. He desired to get back to
+Versailles at any hazard, and had so inspired his officers and men with
+his own sentiments that there was a general cry among them to be recalled
+to France. They had, indeed, no interest in the cause in which they
+fought. They looked with contempt at their half-armed and half-trained
+allies, and they grumbled continually at the hardships which they had to
+undergo. It was indeed an evil day, for King James's cause, when he
+exchanged Mountcashel's fine division for these useless allies, who,
+throughout the war, not only did no service, but were the cause of
+endless dissension and disaster.
+
+As soon as King William had taken up his position in front of Limerick,
+he sent a summons to Boileau to surrender. The latter consulted with
+Tyrconnell, Sarsfield, and some other officers, for, even to the last
+moment, it was a question whether the place should be defended.
+
+At last, however, a decision was made. The reply was addressed to
+William's secretary, Sir Robert Roultwell, as Boileau could not
+acknowledge the prince as king, and was too polite to hurt his feelings
+by a denial of the royal title. He expressed great surprise at the
+summons he had received, and said that he hoped to merit the good opinion
+of the Prince of Orange better by a vigorous defence, than by a shameful
+surrender, of the fortress which had been committed to his charge by his
+master King James the Second.
+
+The king's camp was now formed in regular order; he himself taking his
+place on its right, having near him the Horse Guards, and the Blue Dutch
+Guards, who were always his main reliance. To the left of these were the
+English and Dutch regiments, further on the French and Danes, while the
+Brandenburghers and other German regiments formed the extreme left of the
+line. To their great satisfaction, the post assigned to the Danes was one
+of the rude circular redoubts called, in Ireland, Danish forts, and
+probably constructed by their own far-off ancestors.
+
+
+
+Chapter 9: Pleasant Quarters.
+
+
+After the termination of the short siege of Athlone, the troop of Captain
+Davenant were despatched to join the army near Limerick, and, on their
+arrival there, were ordered to take up their quarters at the house of a
+Protestant gentleman named Conyers, four miles from the town on the
+Limerick side of the river.
+
+It was a mansion of considerable size, standing in large grounds, for its
+proprietor was one of the largest landowners in the county of Limerick,
+his grandfather having been a colonel in one of Cromwell's regiments. Mr.
+Conyers himself had gone to Dublin, upon the passing of the act
+sequestrating the property of all the Protestants by James's parliament,
+to endeavour to obtain a remission of the decree, so far as it concerned
+his house and adjoining grounds. As he had influential friends there, he
+had remained, urging his petition, until the battle of the Boyne and the
+entry of King William into Dublin entirely changed the position. But he
+then, owing to the disturbance of the country, and the fact that the
+Irish army had retired to Limerick, found it impossible to return home.
+He had, however, travelled with William's army, to which he was able to
+give much useful information regarding the defences, and details of the
+country round the town.
+
+As Captain Davenant's troop rode up to the house, a lady, with a girl of
+some sixteen years old, appeared at the door. Both looked very pale, for
+they feared that the brutal conduct of which they had heard, of William's
+army, would be followed by reprisals on the part of the Irish. They were
+somewhat reassured, however, by Captain Davenant's manner as that officer
+dismounted, raised his hat, and said:
+
+"Madam, I have received orders to quarter my troop in the house, but I am
+anxious, I can assure you, to cause as little inconvenience and annoyance
+as possible, under the circumstances."
+
+"We are only women here, sir," Mrs. Conyers said. "The house is at your
+disposal. I myself and my daughter will move to the gardener's cottage,
+and I trust that you will give orders to your men that we shall be free
+from molestation there."
+
+"I could not think of disturbing you in that manner," Captain Davenant
+said. "I myself have a wife and mother alone at home, and will gladly
+treat you with the same courtesy which I trust they will receive. Allow
+me, in the first place, to introduce to you my lieutenant, Mr. O'Moore,
+and my cornet, who is also my son, Walter. I see that you have extensive
+stables and outbuildings. I am sure that my men, who are all good
+fellows, and many of them the sons of farmers, will make themselves very
+comfortable in these. I myself, and my two officers, will quarter
+ourselves in the gardener's cottage you speak of."
+
+"You are good, indeed, sir," Mrs. Conyers said gratefully; "but I could
+not think of allowing you to do that, and shall indeed be pleased, if you
+and your officers will take up your residence here as my guests."
+
+"I thank you kindly; but that I could not do. My men will be well content
+with the outhouses, if they see that we are content with the cottage; but
+they might not be so, if they saw that we took up our quarters in the
+house. Therefore, if you will allow me, I will carry out my own plan; but
+I need not say that we shall be very pleased to visit you in the house,
+at such times as may be agreeable to you."
+
+After expressing their grateful thanks, Mrs. Conyers and her daughter
+withdrew into the house. Captain Davenant then addressed a few words to
+his men.
+
+"The house will not hold you all, lads, and there are only ladies here,
+and I am sure you would not wish to disturb and annoy them by crowding
+their house. Therefore, I have arranged that you shall take up your
+quarters in the outhouses, and that we shall occupy a little cottage on
+the grounds. I hope, lads, that, for the honour of the country and the
+cause, all will behave as peacefully and quietly as if in our own homes.
+It would be a poor excuse that, because William's soldiers are behaving
+like wild beasts, we should forget the respect due to lonely women."
+
+A fortnight was spent here pleasantly for all. The first alarm past, Mrs.
+Conyers felt safer than she had done for months. Ever since the troubles
+had began, she had felt the loneliness of her position as a Protestant,
+and she would have, long before, made her way with her daughter to
+Dublin, had it not been that she thought that, so long as she continued
+in the house, it might be respected by the Catholic peasantry, while,
+were she to desert it, it would probably be plundered, perhaps burned to
+the ground. Still, the position was a very trying one, especially since
+the Jacobite army began to gather in force round Limerick.
+
+She now felt that her troubles were comparatively over. The troops caused
+no annoyance, and she heard but little of them, while she found in
+Captain Davenant and his officers pleasant guests. The troops, on their
+part, were well satisfied. Mrs. Conyers gave instructions that they were
+to be supplied with all they needed, and their rations of bread and meat
+were supplemented with many little comforts and luxuries from the house.
+
+While Mrs. Conyers entertained the two elder officers, Walter naturally
+fell to the share of her daughter, and the two soon became great friends,
+wandering in the grounds, and sometimes riding together when Walter was
+not engaged with the troop. The news came daily of the movements of
+William's army, and when it approached, Captain Davenant's troop went far
+out to observe its movements, and obtain an accurate idea of its
+strength.
+
+It was late in the evening when they returned, and Captain Davenant said
+at supper:
+
+"This is our last meal with you, Mrs. Conyers. We leave at daybreak, and
+a few hours afterwards William's army will arrive before Limerick. We
+shall be the losers, but you will be the gainer if, as you suppose, Mr.
+Conyers is with them."
+
+"I shall be really sorry for your going, Captain Davenant. It seemed a
+terrible thing having a troop of hostile horse quartered upon one; but in
+reality it has been a pleasant operation, rather than not, and I have
+felt safer than I have done for months. I do hope that when these
+troubles are over we shall renew our acquaintance, and that you will give
+my husband an opportunity of thanking you for the kindness with which you
+have treated us."
+
+"The thanks should be on my side," Captain Davenant said. "You have made
+what promised to be an unpleasant duty a most pleasant one. Our stay here
+has been like a visit at a friend's, and I regret deeply that it has to
+come to an end, a regret which I am sure Lieutenant O'Moore and my son
+share."
+
+"We do, indeed," the lieutenant said.
+
+Walter and Claire Conyers said nothing. They had talked it over early
+that morning before the troop started, and Walter had expressed his deep
+regret that their pleasant time was at an end; and, although the girl had
+said little, she was far less bright and happy than might have been
+expected, considering that upon the following day she should probably see
+her father.
+
+Captain Davenant's troop rode off at daybreak, kept down the Shannon to
+Limerick, and, crossing the bridge, entered the city, and received orders
+there to take up their quarters in a village some four miles up the
+river. Thus, they were less than a mile distant from Mrs. Conyers' house,
+although separated from it by the Shannon; and from an eminence near the
+village, the roof and chimneys of the mansion could be seen rising above
+the trees by which it was surrounded.
+
+During the day, the sound of the firing before Limerick could be plainly
+heard; but little attention was paid to it, for it was certain that no
+attack could be made in earnest upon the town, until the battering
+artillery came up, and there was but little hope that the cavalry would
+be called up for any active service at present.
+
+After dinner, Walter strolled out to the eminence, and looked across
+towards the house where he had spent so happy a time, and wondered
+whether Mr. Conyers had by this time arrived, and whether, in the
+pleasure of his coming, all thought of the late visitors had been
+forgotten. Presently Larry sauntered up, and took a seat on a wall a few
+paces away. Larry was a general favourite in the troop. He did not ride
+in its ranks, but accompanied it in the capacity of special servant of
+Walter, and as general attendant to the three officers.
+
+"We had a good time of it, yer honour," he said presently.
+
+Walter turned round sharply, for he had not heard him approach.
+
+"We had, Larry," he said, with a smile. "We shall find it rougher work
+now."
+
+"We shall, yer honour.
+
+"I was thinking to myself," he said, confidentially, "that if you might
+be wanting to send a bit of a letter, it's meself could easily make a
+boat, with some osiers and the skin of that bullock we had given us for
+the rations of the troops today."
+
+"Send a letter, Larry! Who should I be sending a letter to?"
+
+"Sure yer honour knows better than me. I thought maybe you would be
+liking to let the young lady know how we're getting on now, and to find
+out whether her father has come home, and how things are going. Yer
+honour will excuse me, but it just seemed natural that you should be
+wishing to send a line; and a sweeter young lady never trod the sod."
+
+Walter could not help laughing at the gleam of quiet humour in Larry's
+face.
+
+"I don't know, lad. You have pretty well guessed my thoughts; but it
+can't be. The opposite bank will be swarming with William's men--it would
+be a most dangerous business. No, it's not to be thought of."
+
+"Very well, yer honour, it's just as you like; but you have only got to
+hand me a bit of paper, and give me a wink of your eye, and I will do it.
+As to William's sodgers, it's little I fear them; and if all one hears of
+their doings be true, and I had a pretty young creature a mile away from
+me, with those blackguards round about her, it's anxious I should be for
+a line from her hand;" and Larry got down from his seat, and began to
+walk away towards the village.
+
+Walter stood silent for a moment.
+
+"Wait, Larry," he said.
+
+Larry turned, with a look of surprise upon his face.
+
+"Come here," Walter said impatiently. "Of course I am anxious--though I
+don't know how you could have guessed it."
+
+"Sure yer honour," Larry said with an innocent look, "when a gentleman
+like yourself is for ever walking and riding with a purty colleen, it
+don't need much guessing to suppose that you would be worrying after her,
+with such creatures as the Northerners and the furreners in her
+neighbourhood."
+
+"And you seriously think you could take a letter across to her, Larry?"
+
+"Sure and I could, yer honour. The nights are dark, and I could get
+across the river widout a sowl being the wiser, and make my way to the
+stables, and give it to one of the boys, who will put it in the hands of
+Bridget, Miss Claire's own maid; and I could go back, next night, for the
+answer."
+
+"But if you can do it, I can," Walter said.
+
+"What would be the good, yer honour? It's only the outside of the house
+you would see, and not the young lady. Besides, there's a lot more risk
+in your doing it than there is with me. You are an officer of the king's,
+and if you were caught on that side of the river, it's mighty little
+trial they'd give you before they run you up to the bough of a tree, or
+put a bullet into you. With me, it's different. I am just a country boy
+going to see my cousin Pat Ryan, who works in the stables at the house.
+Pat would give me a character, no fear."
+
+"Well, I will think of it," Walter said.
+
+"And I will get the boat ready at once, your honour. A few sticks and a
+green hide will make a boat fit for Dublin Bay, to say nothing of
+crossing a smooth bit of water like this."
+
+After Larry had left him, Walter walked up and down for some time. He had
+certainly thought, vaguely, that he should like Claire Conyers to know
+that he was still within sight of her house; but the possibility of
+sending her word had not occurred to him, until his follower suggested
+it. Larry's suggestion of possible danger to her made him uneasy. Even if
+her father was with the king, and had already returned home, he would
+frequently be absent in the camp, and who could tell but some band of
+plunderers might visit the house in his absence! The Protestants had been
+plundered and ill-used by William's men round Athlone, and might be here.
+It would certainly be well to know what was going on across the water.
+
+After the kindness they had received, surely it would be only civil to
+let the Conyers know where they were posted. At any rate, Claire could
+not be offended at his writing; besides, he might arrange some plan by
+which he might get news from Larry's friend, Pat Ryan.
+
+As he went down to the village he heard roars of laughter, and, passing a
+cottage, saw Larry with five or six of the troopers round him. Larry was
+seated on the ground, making a framework in the shape of a saucer four
+feet in diameter.
+
+"And what are you wanting a boat for, Larry?"
+
+"Sure, I am mighty fond of fishing," Larry said. "Didn't you know that?"
+
+"I know you are a fisherman at home, Larry; but if it's fishing you want,
+there are two large boats hauled up on the bank."
+
+"They are too big," Larry said. "I should want half a dozen men to launch
+them, and then you would want to go with me, and the bare sight of you
+would be enough to frighten away all the fish in the Shannon. But I will
+have a look at the boats. The captain might want a party to cross the
+river, and it's as well to see that they are in good order, and have got
+the oars and thole pins handy. I will see to them myself, for there are
+not half a dozen of ye know one end of the boat from the other."
+
+When Walter reached his quarters, he at once sat down to write. After
+many attempts he finished one as follows:
+
+"Dear Miss Conyers:
+
+"After the kindness shown to us by Mrs. Conyers and yourself, I feel sure
+that you will like to know where we are posted. We are at Ballygan, just
+across the Shannon opposite to your house, and I can see your roof from a
+spot fifty yards from the village. It seems a pleasure to me to be so
+close, even though we are as much divided as if there were the sea
+between us.
+
+"I hope that Mr. Conyers has returned, and that you will have no trouble
+with William's troops, whose reputation for good behaviour is not of the
+best. I hope that, now that you are among your friends, you have not
+quite forgotten us, and that you will let me have a line to say how you
+are, and how things are going on with you. My boy Larry is going to take
+this across, and will call tomorrow night for an answer, if you are good
+enough to send one."
+
+"When will your boat be finished, Larry?" he asked his follower, as the
+latter came in, just as it was getting dusk.
+
+"She will be finished tomorrow. The framework is done, and I could make a
+shift, if your honour wished, just to fasten the skin on so that it would
+take me tonight."
+
+"If you could, I would rather, Larry."
+
+"All right, your honour!" Larry said, with a slight smile. "Two hours'
+work will do it."
+
+"I know where you are making it, Larry, and will come round when I go to
+inspect sentries, at eleven o'clock. We shall post ten men, a quarter of
+a mile apart, on the bank, and I will give orders for them to look out
+for you. The word will be 'Wicklow;' so when you come across they will
+shout to you, 'Who comes there?' You say, 'Wicklow;' and it will be all
+right."
+
+At the hour he had named, Walter went round for Larry, who was working by
+the light of a torch stuck in the ground.
+
+"I have just finished it, yer honour; but I was obliged to stop till the
+boys got quiet; they were so mighty inquisitive as to what I was in such
+a hurry about, that I had to leave it alone for a while."
+
+"Look here, Larry, here is the letter, but that's not the principal
+reason why I am sending you across. You will give it to Pat Ryan, as you
+suggested, to pass on through Bridget to Miss Conyers; but I want you to
+arrange with him that he shall, tomorrow, get some dry sticks put
+together on the bank opposite, with some straw, so that he can make a
+blaze in a minute. Then do you arrange with him that, if any parties of
+William's troops come to the house in the absence of Mr. Conyers, and
+there should seem likely to be trouble, he is to run as hard as he can
+down to the river. If it is day, he is to wave a white cloth on a stick.
+If it is night, he is to light the fire. Tell him to arrange with Bridget
+to run at once to him and tell him, if there is trouble in the house,
+for, as he is in the stables, he may not know what is going on inside.
+
+"I have been looking at those boats. They will carry fifteen men each at
+a pinch; and if the signal is made, we shall not be long in getting
+across. Pat would only have about half a mile to run. We will get the
+boats down close to the water's edge, and it won't take us many minutes
+to get across. Anyhow, in twenty minutes from the time he starts, we
+might be there."
+
+"That will be a moighty good plan, yer honour. Now, if you will go down
+to the water with me, I will be off at once. I sha'n't be away half an
+hour; and I can slip up into the loft where Pat sleeps, and not a sowl be
+the wiser, if there was a regiment of William's troops about the house."
+
+"All right, Larry! I shall wait here for you till you get back."
+
+Larry raised the light craft and put it on his head. He had made a couple
+of light paddles, by nailing two pieces of wood on to mop sticks.
+
+Walter accompanied him to the water's edge, and told the sentry there
+that Larry was crossing the river on business, and would return in half
+an hour's time, and that he was not to challenge loudly when he saw him
+returning.
+
+The night was dark, and Walter soon lost sight of the little boat. Then
+he waited anxiously. He had, however, but little fear that the enemy
+would have posted sentries so far down the river, especially as he would
+only just have pitched his camp opposite Limerick.
+
+It was three-quarters of an hour before he heard a faint splash in the
+water. The sentry heard it, too.
+
+"Shall I challenge, sir?"
+
+"No. Wait for a minute. We shall soon see whether it is Larry. Should
+there be anyone on the opposite bank, he might hear the challenge, and
+they would keep a sharp lookout in future."
+
+The sound came nearer and nearer.
+
+"Who goes there?" Walter said in a quiet voice.
+
+"'Wicklow!' and it's mighty glad I am to hear your voice, for it's so
+dark I began to think I had lost myself entirely."
+
+"Is all well, Larry?" Walter asked, as the light boat touched the bank.
+
+"All is well, your honour," Larry said, stepping ashore, and lifting the
+light boat on to his head.
+
+"You had better stow it away close here, Larry, till the morning. It's so
+dark that you will be sure to pitch over something, if you go further.
+
+"Now, tell me all about it," he went on, as Larry stowed away the boat
+among some bushes.
+
+"There is little enough to tell, yer honour. I just rowed across and
+landed, and made straight for the house. Everything was quiet and still.
+I went round to the stables, and up into the loft where Pat sleeps.
+
+"'Are you there, Pat Ryan,' says I?
+
+"'Who is it calls Pat Ryan?' says he.
+
+"'It's myself, Larry, Mr. Davenant's boy.'
+
+"'Why, I thought you had gone,' says he. 'Are you sure it's yourself?'
+says he.
+
+"'And who else should it be, Pat Ryan? Don't yer know my voice?'
+
+"By this time I had got into the corner where he slept, and touched him.
+
+"'I am glad to feel you, Larry,' says he, 'for I wasn't sure that you
+hadn't fallen in with the troopers, and it wasn't your ghost that come to
+visit me.'
+
+"'Whist,' says I, 'I have no time to waste upon ye. The master and the
+troops are stationed just across the river, at Ballygan. Mr. Davenant has
+given me a letter for Miss Conyers, telling her all about it. I don't
+exactly know what he said, and maybe she would like it given privately,
+so do you hand it to Bridget in the morning, and ask her to give it to
+her mistress, and to hand over to you any answer there may be. I will
+come across for it tomorrow night. But that's not all, Pat. You know the
+devil's work that William's men have been carrying on, on the march.'
+
+"'Av course, everyone has heard the tales of the villains' doings,
+Larry.'
+
+"'Well, the young master is mighty anxious about it, as you may guess.
+Has Mr. Conyers come?'
+
+"'Yes. He rode in at four this afternoon.'
+
+"'Well, Mr. Davenant says you will all be safe as long as he's here, but
+maybe that at some time, when he's away, you may have a troop of these
+villains of the world ride in here, and little they care whether it's
+Protestants or Catholics that they plunder. So, if they come here and
+begin their devilries, you run for your life down to the river, opposite
+Ballygan, with a white cloth or a shirt, if it's daytime, and wave it.
+You are to have a pile of sticks and straw ready, and, if it's night, ye
+will just set it in a blaze, and there will be help over before many
+minutes. You stop there till they come, to tell them how strong the enemy
+are.
+
+"'The master says you are to tell Bridget about it, so that, if they
+misbehave themselves inside the house, she can slip out and let you know.
+You understand that?'
+
+"'I do,' says he; 'and its a comfort to me, for it's fretting I have been
+over what might happen, if a troop of those murderin' villains were to
+come here, and not a sowl save me and the other boys to take the part of
+the mistress and Miss Claire.'
+
+"'Well, you know now, Pat, what's to be done, and see you do it; and now
+I must go, for the master is waiting for me. I will be with you tomorrow
+night for the answer.'
+
+"And so I came back, and I lost ten minutes looking about for the boat,
+for it was so mighty dark that I could not see a fut. I kicked against it
+and very near fell over it. It's well I didn't, for I should have knocked
+it into smithereens, entirely!"
+
+"Capital, Larry! you couldn't have done better. Now I shall feel
+comfortable."
+
+After breakfast, Walter told his father of the mission on which he had
+sent Larry, and the arrangement he had made with Pat Ryan.
+
+"You ought to have told me at first, Walter. I do not blame you, but you
+should not do things on your own responsibility."
+
+"But so far, father, it has not been a regimental affair. I simply sent
+my own boy with a note to Miss Conyers, just to say where we were; but,
+as it may be an affair in which some of the troop may have to act, I have
+told you about it, so that you can make what arrangements you like."
+
+"It's rather a fine distinction, Walter," his father said, smiling. "It
+seems to me that you have engaged us to send a detachment across the
+river, in case of trouble at Mrs. Conyers'. However, I heartily agree
+with you that our kind friends should be protected from injury and
+insult.
+
+"How many will the boats hold?"
+
+"Thirteen or fourteen men each."
+
+"Very well, then. I authorize you, at any time, if I am away with a
+portion of the troop, to take twenty-five men across if the signal is
+made. If I am here I shall, of course, go over myself. You can take any
+measures of preparation you may think necessary."
+
+Walter availed himself of the permission, and at once gave orders to the
+sentry posted on the river, in front of the village, that if a white flag
+was waved by day, or a fire lit by night on the opposite bank, he was to
+shout loudly and fire his pistol, and that these orders were to be passed
+on to the sentry who succeeded him at the post. Then he picked out
+twenty-five men, and told them that, at any time in the night or day, if
+they heard a shot fired by the sentry they were to seize their arms, rush
+down to the boats, launch them and take their places, and wait for
+orders. He told them to sleep without removing any of their clothes, so
+as to be ready for instant action.
+
+The next night, Larry again crossed and brought back a little note from
+Claire Conyers, thanking Walter for letting her know they were so close,
+telling him of her father's return, and saying that there was no fear of
+her mother or herself forgetting their late visitors. It was a prettily
+written little note, and Walter was delighted at receiving it.
+
+"Well, my boy," Captain Davenant said with a little smile, when Walter
+told him next morning that he had heard from Miss Conyers, "as you seem
+specially interested in this affair, I will let you have the honour and
+glory of being the first to come to the rescue of Miss Conyers and her
+mother, if they should need it; and therefore, whether I am here or not,
+I give you permission to cross at once, in the two boats, if you get the
+signal. But on reaching the other side you are to send the two boats back
+at once, with two men in each, and I will bring the rest of the troop
+across as fast as possible. There is no saying what force you may find
+there. I shall leave it to your discretion to attack at once, or to wait
+until I come up with reinforcements. You will, of course, be guided
+partly by the strength of the enemy, partly by the urgency for instant
+interference for the protection of the ladies."
+
+Four days passed quietly. There was but little for the cavalry to do.
+Small parties were posted at various spots, for some miles down the
+river, to give notice should the enemy appear on the opposite bank and
+show any intention of making a crossing; and, beyond furnishing these
+guards, the troop had little to do.
+
+Walter spent much of his time watching the opposite bank. He hardly knew
+whether he wished the signal to be displayed or not--he certainly desired
+no trouble to befall the ladies; but, on the other hand, the thought of
+rushing to their rescue was undoubtedly a pleasant one. Larry spent much
+of his time at the water's edge, fishing--a pursuit in which many of the
+troopers joined; and they were able to augment the daily rations by a
+good supply of salmon.
+
+On the fifth day, the officers had just finished supper, when the sound
+of a pistol shot was heard. Walter leaped from his seat, snatched up his
+sword and pistols, and ran down to the river. The men were already
+clustering round the boats. A minute later these were in the water, and
+the men jumped on board. They too were eager for the work, for Larry had
+whispered among them that, if the signal was made, it would signify that
+a band of the enemy's marauders were at Mrs. Conyers'; and all had been
+so kindly treated there that they were eager to repay the treatment they
+had received. Besides, there was not a man in the Irish army whose heart
+had not been fired at the recitals of the brutality of the enemy, and
+filled with deep longings for vengeance upon the perpetrators of the
+deeds.
+
+Walter counted the men as they rowed across, and was pleased to find that
+not one of them was missing. He ordered the two men who were at the oars
+in each boat to return, the instant the rest had landed, to fetch another
+detachment across.
+
+As they reached the land, the men sprang out. Pat Ryan was standing at
+the landing place.
+
+"Well, Pat, what is it?"
+
+"A troop of Hessian horse, your honour. Half an hour ago they rode up to
+the doors. Mrs. Conyers came out to meet them, and told them that she was
+a loyal Protestant, and wife of a gentleman high in the king's councils,
+who was in the camp. The blackguards only laughed. The officers, with
+some of the men, dismounted and pushed their way past her into the house,
+and the rest of the troop tied their horses up to the trees on the lawn,
+and shouted to me, and some of the other boys who were looking on, to
+bring forage. I suppose we weren't quick enough for them, for one of them
+drew his pistol and fired at me. Fortunately, he only hit the truss of
+straw I was carrying. Then I went round to the back door, where I had
+agreed that Bridget was to come to me, if things were going wrong in the
+house. A few minutes afterwards she came out, with a white face, and
+said: 'For the sake of the Holy Virgin, run for your life, Pat, and warn
+the soldiers!' So I slipped away and ran my hardest."
+
+All this was told as the party were running at full speed towards the
+house.
+
+"How strong was the troop?" Walter asked.
+
+"About eighty men, yer honour."
+
+"We must trust to a surprise," Walter said. "We can get round to the back
+of the house without being seen. If we burst in there suddenly, we can
+clear the house and hold it till my father comes up with the whole
+troop."
+
+Five minutes after they had left the boat, the party approached the
+house. Walter halted his men for a moment in the shrubbery behind it.
+
+"Steady, lads, and take breath. You will follow me into the house, and
+keep together. Give no quarter to the scoundrels."
+
+Scarcely had he spoken than a piercing scream, accompanied by a pistol
+shot, was heard within.
+
+"Come on, lads!" Walter exclaimed, as he rushed at full speed at the
+door, the men following close at his heels.
+
+The door was open. In the passage lay one of the maidservants, shot
+through the head by one of the Hessian troopers, who still held the
+pistol in his hand. Walter's pistol cracked before the man had time to
+draw his sword, and he fell dead.
+
+Then he rushed on into the hall, in which were a score of troopers,
+gathered round a barrel of wine which had just been broached. In an
+instant, the Irish were upon them. Many were cut down or shot, before
+they had time to stand on the defensive. The rest were slain after a
+short and desperate fight.
+
+"Bar the front door!" Walter shouted. "Sergeant Mullins, take six men and
+hold it against those outside. The rest follow me."
+
+Short as the fight had been, it had given time to the rest of the
+Hessians, scattered about the house in the act of plundering, to gather
+on the stair, headed by their officers. Without a moment's hesitation
+Walter dashed at them. In point of numbers the party were well matched;
+but the fury of the Irishmen more than counterbalanced the advantage of
+position on the part of the Hessians.
+
+For five minutes a desperate fight raged. Those in front grappled each
+other, and fought with clubbed pistols and shortened swords. Those behind
+struck a blow as they could with sword or musket.
+
+But the Hessians, ignorant of the strength of the force which had
+suddenly thus attacked them, thought more of securing their safety than
+of defending the stairs, so several of those behind slipped away and
+jumped from the windows to the ground. Their desertion disheartened those
+in front, and, with a shout, Walter and his troopers bore back the
+Hessians on to the landing, and the latter then broke and fled. Most of
+them were overtaken and cut down at once. Two or three only gained the
+windows and leaped out.
+
+The instant resistance had ceased, Walter rushed into the drawing room,
+bidding the men run down and hold the lower windows. Mrs. Conyers lay in
+a dead faint on the sofa. Claire, with a face as pale as death, was
+standing beside her.
+
+"Walter!" she gasped out; "then we are safe!"
+
+She tottered, and would have fallen, had not Walter rushed forward in
+time to catch her, and place her in a chair:
+
+"Don't faint, my dear Claire," he said urgently. "There is your mother to
+be looked after, and I must run downstairs, for they are attacking the
+house."
+
+"I won't faint," Claire said, laughing and crying in a manner which
+frightened Walter more than her fainting would have done. "I shall be
+better directly, but it seems almost like a miracle. Oh, those dreadful
+men!"
+
+"They have all gone now, Claire. We hold the house, and have cleared them
+out. Pray, calm yourself and attend to your mother. I must go. Don't be
+frightened at the firing. My father will be here in a few minutes, with
+aid."
+
+"Oh! I am not frightened, now," Claire said; "and oh! Walter, you are
+bleeding dreadfully."
+
+"Never mind that now," Walter said; "I will see to it, when it is all
+over."
+
+Then, leaving her to look after Mrs. Conyers, he ran downstairs. His
+right arm was disabled, he having received a sweeping blow on the
+shoulder from one of the Hessians, as he won his way on to the landing;
+but he had no time to think of this now, for his men were hardly pressed.
+For a moment, a panic had reigned among the troopers outside, at the
+outburst of firing, and at the sight of their comrades leaping
+panic-stricken from the windows; but inquiry soon showed them that they
+were still greatly superior in numbers to the party who had obtained
+possession of the hall; and, furious at the loss of all their officers,
+and of many of their comrades, they attacked on all sides, and tried to
+force their way in at the doors and lower windows, in spite of the
+vigorous resistance from within. Walter hurried from point to point,
+cheering on his men by assurance that help was at hand, and seeing that
+no point had been left undefended.
+
+
+
+Chapter 10: A Cavalry Raid.
+
+
+Staunchly as Walter's troopers maintained the defence, they were sorely
+pressed, for the enemy still outnumbered them by three to one. Several
+times the Hessians almost forced their way in, at one or other of the
+windows, but each time Walter, who kept four men with him as a reserve,
+rushed to the assistance of the defenders of the windows and drove them
+back; but this could not last. The defenders were hard pressed at several
+points, and Walter, feeling sure that his father would be up in a very
+few minutes, called the men off from their posts and stationed them on
+the staircase.
+
+With shouts of triumph, the Hessians burst in. The hall was filled with a
+crowd of furious soldiers, who hurled themselves like a wave at the
+defenders of the staircase. All the pistols had long since been emptied,
+and they fought sword to sword. Walter had detached five of his little
+party to hold the top of the other staircase, should the assailants try
+to force a passage there; and he had but ten men now, and several of
+these severely wounded, to hold the staircase.
+
+Great as the advantage that the position gave the defenders, they were
+forced up step by step, and Walter began to fear that he would be driven
+to the landing before succour came, when a crowd of figures suddenly
+burst in at the hall door, and above the cracking of pistols, which at
+once arose, he heard his father's voice:
+
+"Down with the murdering dogs! No quarter!"
+
+Taken wholly by surprise, ignorant of the force by which they were
+attacked, and taken between two bodies of enemies, the Hessians turned to
+fly. Walter and his men at once pressed down upon them, while the
+newcomers fell upon them with fury.
+
+There was but little resistance, for the Hessians thought only of flight.
+Some burst through their assailants and gained the door; more fled down
+the passages, and escaped by the windows through which they had entered;
+but more than thirty of them fell in the hall.
+
+The instant resistance was over, Captain Davenant ran out with his men to
+secure the horses. A few of the Hessians, who had escaped from the front
+door, had jumped on the backs of the nearest animals and ridden off. The
+rest had fled on foot, and the exulting troopers counted seventy-two
+horses remaining in their hands. Captain Davenant at once returned to the
+house.
+
+"Where are you, Walter?" he shouted; but there was no answer. Getting
+more light, Captain Davenant searched hastily among the numerous bodies
+scattered in the hall, and soon came upon Walter, who was lying,
+insensible, just at the foot of the stairs. The excitement had supported
+him so long as the defence had to be continued; but, as soon as succour
+appeared, and the assailants retreated, he had stumbled forward with his
+men, and had fallen insensible from loss of blood at the foot of the
+stairs. Captain Davenant hastily examined him.
+
+"Thank God," he said to Larry, who had smuggled himself over with the
+second detachment, "he has no other wound but this on the shoulder, and
+has only fainted from loss of blood! Run upstairs, and snatch a sheet
+from one of the beds. We will soon make some bandages."
+
+Larry did as he was ordered. Slips were torn off the sheets, and, after
+cutting Walter's coat and shirt from his shoulder, Captain Davenant bound
+and bandaged up the wound. In the meantime, Larry had got some spirits
+from the buffet in the dining room, and a spoonful or two were poured
+down Walter's throat, and in a few minutes he opened his eyes. For a
+moment he looked confused, then he smiled at his father.
+
+"You were just in time," he said. "We couldn't have held out much
+longer."
+
+"Yes, we were just in time, thank God!" his father said; "but where are
+the ladies?"
+
+"In the drawing room. Mrs. Conyers has fainted."
+
+Captain Davenant ran upstairs. Claire had succeeded in restoring her
+mother, who had just sat up when Captain Davenant entered.
+
+"My daughter tells me that you have rescued us, you and your son," she
+said faintly. "How can I thank you enough?"
+
+"Never mind that now, my dear lady," Captain Davenant said hastily. "Just
+at present, we have no time to lose. The fellows who have escaped will
+carry the news to William's camp, and in half an hour we shall have a
+regiment of cavalry here. I must retreat at once, and carry my wounded
+with me. What will you do? Will you stay here, or will you and your
+daughter come with us?"
+
+"Oh, I will go with you, please. If I was sure my husband would come with
+them, I would not fear; but he may not hear of it, and there is no saying
+what they might do."
+
+"How is Walter, Captain Davenant?" Claire--who had been waiting
+impatiently for her mother to finish--burst in. "He was wounded, and
+there was such terrible fighting afterwards, and he has not come back
+with you."
+
+"He fainted from loss of blood," Captain Davenant said; "but I do not
+think his wounds are serious.
+
+"Mrs. Conyers, I can only give you five minutes. Take with you any jewels
+or valuables you prize most. If they should arrive without your husband,
+they will be sure to sack and burn the house."
+
+Captain Davenant now hurried downstairs. The wounded had already been
+collected. There were but four so seriously wounded as to be unable to
+walk. Six had been killed. The wounded, including Walter, lay on
+blankets. Men took each a corner, and at once started to the spot where
+the boats had been left.
+
+Captain Davenant told four men to wait at the foot of the stairs, while
+he went up to the drawing room. Mrs. Conyers and her daughter were
+already prepared. Each had thrown a shawl over her head, and had in their
+hands the dressing cases containing Mrs. Conyers's jewellery.
+
+"Now, madam," Captain Davenant said, "if you will point out your plate
+chest, I have four men below in readiness to carry it to the boat. It is
+no use leaving that to be divided between the marauders."
+
+Mrs. Conyers pointed out two chests, in one of which deeds and other
+valuable documents were kept, and in the other the plate, of which Mrs.
+Conyers had a considerable quantity. Two men seized each of them.
+
+"Now, Mrs. Conyers, please accompany them as quick as you can to the
+river. We will follow and cover the retreat. I think we have a few
+minutes yet, before cavalry can arrive from the camp."
+
+When Captain Davenant and the rearguard reached the bank, they found that
+the boats had already returned, after taking over the wounded and a
+portion of the detachment. The rest, with the two ladies and the female
+servants, at once took their places, and were taken across before any
+sound betokened the arrival of the enemy at the Hall.
+
+"I sincerely hope, Mrs. Conyers," Captain Davenant said, as they landed,
+"that Mr. Conyers may accompany the first body of troops who arrive, for
+if not, I fear they will set fire to the Hall. They must have lost
+considerably over fifty men, and in their rage at finding no one on whom
+to wreak their vengeance, they will make no inquiry as to whom the house
+belongs. Indeed, they will find no one there to ask. The servants of the
+house had already fled, and I sent my boy's servant, Larry, round to the
+stables to tell the men there to ride away with the horses. They will
+accompany fifteen of my men, who mounted as many of the horses we
+captured, and are driving the rest to a ford some miles away. They are a
+valuable capture, and altogether, as far as we are concerned, we have
+made a good night's work of it."
+
+"But I do not understand now," Mrs. Conyers said, "how it was that you
+came across just in time. How did you know that we were in such trouble?
+Because I am sure you would not have come across to attack the soldiers
+in our house, without some special reason?"
+
+"No, indeed, madam, I certainly should not have made your house a
+battlefield. The fact is, our fortunate arrival is due entirely to my
+son. He made all the arrangements, without my knowing anything about it.
+He sent over his boy to one of your lads in the stable, and arranged
+that, if there should be any trouble in the house in the absence of Mr.
+Conyers, he should run down and signal across the river. Your daughter's
+maid was to let the boy know what was going on within. It was not till he
+had the whole business in train, that Walter told me anything about it.
+As it was his plan and not mine, and I could see he was extremely anxious
+about it, I left the matter in his hands, and authorized him to lead the
+first party across whenever the signal was made, night or day. Our boats
+would only carry twenty-five men, and four of these had to return with
+them. As Walter would have but a quarter of our force with him, I ordered
+him, in case the signal was made and he crossed, not to attack until I
+joined him, unless the necessity seemed very urgent. I suppose he
+considered it was so, for he would hardly have fallen upon some eighty or
+ninety troopers, unless he had deemed it most urgent."
+
+"Thank God he did so!" Mrs. Conyers said, "for we owe him our lives, and
+more. I cannot tell you all now. It is too horrible to think of. But I
+shall never forget the thankfulness and joy I felt, when suddenly I heard
+the noise of shouts and firing, and the men who were trying to tear my
+child from my arms suddenly desisted and, rushing out of the room, left
+us alone. I fainted then, and knew nothing more till I heard, in a
+confused way, the sound of shouting and conflict, and Claire was bending
+over me, telling me that your son was holding the stairs against the
+Germans, and that he was expecting help to arrive every moment.
+
+"Where is he? I long to see him, and give him my thanks and blessing."
+
+"He is in that cottage yonder, which is at present our quarters," Captain
+Davenant said. "I told them to send off a trooper to Limerick, for a
+doctor, as soon as they got across."
+
+"But you assured me his wound was not dangerous," Mrs. Conyers said
+anxiously.
+
+"No, I am sure it is not. It is a severe wound, but not likely to have
+serious consequences. But I fear that some of the men are in a far worse
+condition."
+
+"I shall install myself as head nurse," Mrs. Conyers said, decidedly. "We
+owe so much to you all, that that is the least I can do."
+
+"Very well, Mrs. Conyers. Then I appoint you head of the hospital. I will
+have the four seriously wounded men moved into the cottage next to mine.
+You will be able to obtain plenty of assistance among the women of the
+village. O'Moore and I will move into other quarters, and leave the
+cottage to you and your daughter. Your servants can have the cottage on
+the other side."
+
+They had now reached the door.
+
+"I will just go in and see him first," Captain Davenant said.
+
+Larry was sitting by Walter's couch.
+
+"Well, Walter, how are you feeling?"
+
+"Oh, I am all right now," Walter said, "since Larry brought me word that
+the boats have brought everyone across safely. I was anxious before, you
+know."
+
+"How does your shoulder feel?"
+
+"It throbs a bit, father; but that is no odds."
+
+"Mrs. Conyers is coming in to see you. She is going to establish herself
+here, and O'Moore and I are moving out. She is going, for the present, to
+be head nurse."
+
+"That will be nice," Walter said; "but I sha'n't want much nursing."
+
+"I don't know, Walter. A downright cut with a heavy cavalry sword is not
+a light matter, even when it falls on the shoulder instead of the head.
+But you had better not talk much now, but, when you have seen Mrs.
+Conyers, try and get off to sleep.
+
+"Larry, do you see to moving our things out, at once."
+
+So saying, Captain Davenant left the room, and a minute later Mrs.
+Conyers came in. She took the left hand that Walter held out to her.
+
+"God bless you, my boy!" she said, softly. "I shall never forget what
+Claire and I owe to you. All my life I shall be your grateful debtor, and
+some day I hope that my husband will be able to thank you for what you
+did for us.
+
+"And now," she went on, in a lighter tone, "I am going to be your nurse,
+and my first order is that you lie quite quiet, and try to get to sleep.
+I will make you some barley water, and put it by your bedside. That is
+all I can do for you, till the surgeon comes to examine your wound.
+Claire wanted to come in to thank you herself, but the child has gone
+through enough for one night, so I have sent her straight to bed. I do
+not want her on my hands, too."
+
+A few minutes later Larry, having established the two officers in another
+cottage, returned and took his place by Walter's bedside, while Mrs.
+Conyers went out to see to the comfort of the other wounded. Half an hour
+later, a surgeon arrived from Limerick. Two of the cases were pronounced
+at once to be hopeless, the other two he thought might recover. Walter's
+wound he said was a severe one, but in no way dangerous. The sword had
+probably glanced off something as it descended, so that the edge had not
+fallen straight on the shoulder bone. It had, however, nearly taken off
+the arm. Had it fallen truly, it would probably have been fatal.
+
+After he had attended to the more serious cases, he dressed the wounds of
+the other men, several of which were quite as severe as that of Walter,
+although they had not incapacitated the men from making their way down to
+the boats.
+
+Captain Davenant had kept a watch towards the Hall. And as, in an hour
+after they had crossed, no sheet of flame was seen arising thence, he was
+able to tell Mrs. Conyers that he thought that it was safe, and that
+either Mr. Conyers himself must have accompanied the troops, who would by
+this time have unquestionably arrived there, or that some officer, aware
+that the owner of the house was a friend, and with sufficient authority
+over the men to prevent its destruction, must be in command.
+
+In the morning, he had a long talk with her. He suggested that she and
+her daughter should accompany him into Limerick, and be sent, with a flag
+of truce, across the bridge to join her husband in William's camp. This,
+however, she positively declined to accede to.
+
+"In the first place," she said, "I consider that it is my duty to nurse
+the men who suffered for our sake. In the next place, after what we went
+through last night, I refuse absolutely to place myself and my daughter
+in the hands of the ruffians who disgrace the cause of William. Hitherto,
+as a Protestant, I have been an adherent of that cause, as has my
+husband. Henceforth, I am an Irishwoman, and as such abhor a cause which
+can employ such instruments, and inflict such atrocities upon Ireland. I
+will write a letter to my husband, telling him exactly what has happened,
+and how we have been preserved, and say that nothing will induce me to
+trust myself and Claire among William's troops, but that I shall remain
+on this side of the Shannon. If, as I trust will not be the case, the
+English force their way across the river, I shall make for Galway, and
+thence take ship to England, where we can join him. I intend to remain
+here as long as I can be useful as a nurse, and I shall then retire, with
+Claire, to Galway, where I have some relations, with whom I can stay
+until matters are decided."
+
+Mrs. Conyers at once wrote the letter, which Captain Davenant carried
+himself into Limerick, as he was going in to report the occurrences of
+the preceding night. The governor immediately sent the letter across,
+with a flag of truce. General Sarsfield, who was in command of the
+cavalry, expressed himself highly pleased with the result of the raid
+across the Shannon, and appointed three officers to raise another troop
+of horse with the captured animals, which had arrived before morning at
+Ballygan, and to place themselves under Captain Davenant's command.
+
+"Your son must be a lad after your own heart," he said to Captain
+Davenant. "It was indeed a most gallant action, thus, with twenty-five
+dismounted men only, to attack a strong troop of Hessians. I hope that,
+as soon as he is well enough to mount a horse again, you will introduce
+him to me. Keep your troop in readiness for a move, for I mean to beat
+them up before long."
+
+"Can't I see Walter today, mamma?" Claire asked, after Captain Davenant
+had ridden off. "It seems so unkind, my being in the house with him, and
+not going in to tell him how sorry I am that he was wounded."
+
+"Not today, Claire. He is very flushed and feverish this morning, and I
+must not have him excited at all."
+
+"But I would not excite him, mother. I would only go in and speak to him
+quietly."
+
+"Even that would excite him, my dear. I will tell him that you want to
+come in and see him; but that I think you had better not do so, for a day
+or two."
+
+But even without the excitement of Claire's presence, Walter became more
+feverish, and by evening was talking wildly. The excitement and anxiety
+he had gone through were as much responsible for this as the wound, and
+by midnight he knew no one. The surgeon, who came over in the evening,
+ordered cloths constantly soaked with fresh water to be placed round his
+head, and that he should be given, whenever he desired it, barley water
+sharpened by apples boiled in it.
+
+Mrs. Conyers and Larry sat, one on each side of his couch, and once or
+twice, when he was lying quiet, Claire was allowed to steal in and look
+at him; but at other times Mrs. Conyers kept her out of the room, for, in
+his feverish talk, Walter was constantly mentioning her name, and telling
+her he would come to her.
+
+Mrs. Conyers was troubled and perplexed in her mind. Regarding Claire as
+a child, and Walter as a lad of eighteen, the thought that any serious
+consequence would arise from their intercourse at the Hall had not
+occurred to her; but now she could not doubt that, on Walter's part, at
+least, a serious attachment for her daughter had sprung up, and Claire's
+face and manner told her a similar story. She was but sixteen, but,
+having been her mother's companion and friend, she was older than many
+girls of the same age. Mrs. Conyers would rather that it had not been so,
+for she foresaw much sorrow for Claire. She had thought that her
+daughter, as a wealthy heiress, would some day make a good match, and
+Walter, whose fortune, in any case, would be but a small one--for she
+knew that his father's estates had passed from the family--was a soldier
+on the side she believed would be the losing one. Still, she felt that he
+had earned a right to Claire, and resolved that, come what would, if it
+turned out that Claire's affections were really given to the lad, she
+should have her support and championship with her father.
+
+For two days the fever continued, and then the care of his watchers
+prevailed, and Walter sank into a quiet sleep, from which he awoke
+sensible and refreshed.
+
+An answer had been received from Mr. Conyers, on the same afternoon that
+his wife's letter was sent to him. He had been in council with the king,
+when an officer came in with the news that some Hessians had ridden in,
+saying that the troop to which they belonged had ridden out to a large
+house, two miles beyond the spot at which the regiment was quartered, and
+had there been attacked by a body of Irish troops, who had killed all
+their officers, and three-quarters of the troop.
+
+"Knowing where the regiment was quartered, it at once struck me that the
+house might be our own, and, on the trooper being brought in, I found
+that it was so, and obtained permission from the king to accompany the
+regiment of Danish horse, who were at once sent out. The king gave
+stringent orders to the officer in command that the house was to be
+respected, and a guard was to be placed there to protect it from
+marauders. You can imagine my anxiety, as I rode out, and how it was
+increased when I found the place absolutely deserted. From the trooper
+whom we took with us, we learned something of what had taken place. He
+had been in the garden, but the officers and nearly half the troopers
+were in the house. Suddenly, the sounds of a conflict were heard within.
+Then many of his comrades jumped from the windows, and, as they reported
+the number of the assailants was not large, an attack was made upon the
+house. After considerable loss, an entrance was effected, and they were
+gradually overcoming the defenders, when they were attacked in the rear
+by a fresh body of the enemy, and only a few of them managed to make
+their escape.
+
+"The appearance of the house fully corroborated his story. The inside was
+piled with dead, who were found scattered all over the house. Among them
+were a few men in the uniform of one of the Irish cavalry regiments. This
+was some alleviation to my terrible anxiety. Had the assailants been a
+body of peasants, I should have feared that they had wreaked on you and
+Claire the hatred which they feel, I own not unjustly, towards the king's
+foreign troops. As they were regular soldiers, I had hopes that they had
+only carried you off as hostages.
+
+"One of the female servants was found below, killed. No pursuit was
+possible, as we could find no one of whom to inquire by which way the
+enemy retreated; but, in the morning, we found that the horses of the
+Hessians had been ridden to a spot some miles up the river, where they
+had swam or forded the stream. There was a strong party of the enemy on
+the opposite side. My anxiety was terrible, till I received your letter,
+and you may imagine how great a shock it was to me to learn the frightful
+scene through which you had passed, and how my sentiments changed towards
+those whom I had regarded as your abductors, but whom I now learn were
+your saviours.
+
+"I have read that portion of your letter to the king, who is furious at
+the evil conduct of his troops. He has, all along, done everything in his
+power to repress it; but when not under his immediate eye, it seems as if
+all discipline was lost, and the troops behaved rather as a horde of
+savages than as soldiers. After what had happened, I cannot blame you for
+the opinion you express in your letter, or for your determination not to
+trust yourself and Claire in this camp, although I am sure that the king
+would send a detachment of his own Dutch guards with you to Dublin. I
+trust that you will, as soon as the work you have undertaken is over, go
+to our cousins at Galway, and take ship without delay to England, where I
+will at once join you, when I hear of your arrival there.
+
+"Please express to Captain Davenant and his son the extreme obligation
+under which I feel towards them, and assure them that I look forward to
+the time when this unfortunate struggle shall be at an end, and I can
+meet them and thank them personally. It will be a satisfaction to you to
+be able to inform them that I have, this morning, obtained from the king
+a peremptory order on the commission in Dublin, to stay all proceedings
+in the matter of Captain Davenant's estate near Bray, which was on the
+list of confiscated properties. I am forwarding this by one of the royal
+messengers, who leaves with despatches today, and, when I visit Dublin, I
+shall do myself the pleasure of calling on Mrs. Davenant, and of setting
+her mind at ease."
+
+While Walter had been at his worst, his father had been away for only a
+few hours. After his interview with Sarsfield in Limerick, a messenger
+arrived from that general, ordering Captain Davenant to bring his troop
+into the city at once. It was four in the afternoon when he arrived, and
+he at once went to General Sarsfield's quarters.
+
+"Let the men dismount, Captain Davenant, and let them and the horses
+feed. We have a long ride before us tonight. I have just heard that
+William's siege artillery is coming up, under a weak escort, and I mean
+to get round in the Dutchman's rear and destroy it. He shall find that
+Limerick is not to be taken as easily as he expects.
+
+"He has had a disagreeable sample of our quality today. A deserter
+brought in news of the exact position of his tent, and our artillery have
+been giving him such a peppering that, from the church tower, we see that
+he has been obliged to move his camp."
+
+As soon as it was night, four hundred cavalry were in the saddle.
+Sarsfield placed himself at their head, and rode twelve miles up the
+Shannon to Killaloe. Crossing the river there, he made a wide sweep with
+his cavalry, until he was in the heart of the Tipperary mountains, in
+rear of William's camp.
+
+Quietly as the expedition had been carried out, it was impossible that so
+large a body of horse should ride through the country unperceived, and a
+gentleman of county Clare, named O'Brian, thinking that he would gain
+honour and advantage by reporting their passage to William, set out for
+the British camp. Being unknown there, he was a long time before he could
+get access to the king. The officers to whom he spoke paid little
+attention to his story about a body of Irish horse passing through the
+country, and were much more interested in gaining information from him as
+to the state of the stock of cattle, sheep, and pigs in his part of the
+county; for, owing to the terror excited by the conduct of William's
+soldiers, the people for many miles round had driven off their stock and
+left the villages, and provisions were already becoming scarce in the
+camp.
+
+At length, however, one of those to whom he had spoken mentioned his
+story to the king, who at once sent for him, and saw the importance of
+the news he brought. O'Brian himself had no idea of the object of
+Sarsfield's expedition, but the king instantly guessed that it was the
+siege train. He therefore ordered a large body of cavalry to be
+immediately despatched to meet the artillery on its way, and protect it
+into camp.
+
+All day, Sarsfield remained in concealment among the mountains, until,
+towards evening, the train came in sight, moving slowly with its escort
+of two troops of dragoons along the high road. He watched it until it
+halted, and encamped for the night, in a field beside the highway. He
+waited until the horses were picketed, and the men engaged in making
+their encampment for the night. Then the Irish cavalry burst down from
+the glen in which they had been hiding. The officer in command sounded to
+horse, but it was too late; before the men were in the saddle, the Irish
+were upon them, and in a moment the two troops of dragoons were dispersed
+or killed.
+
+Sarsfield's men at once set to, to collect the powder waggons, pontoons,
+and baggage of every description. The great guns were filled with powder
+to the muzzle, and then buried two-thirds of their length in the earth.
+The whole mass of siege equipage was piled above them, and a train of
+gunpowder was laid to the store in the centre. The men then drew off to a
+distance. A match was applied to the train, and the whole blew up with a
+tremendous explosion.
+
+The shock was heard in the faraway camp of William, and he knew that his
+cavalry had arrived too late to avert the catastrophe he feared. They
+had, indeed, just arrived within sight of the spot when the explosion
+took place. They rode on at full speed, only to find the vast pile of
+ruined woodwork blazing furiously. The Irish cavalry was seen in the
+distance, leisurely retiring; but, although the English pursued for a
+short time, the Irish easily evaded them in the darkness among the hills.
+The whole of William's cavalry in camp were sent out, when the explosion
+was felt, to endeavour to cut off the Irish horse; but Sarsfield was well
+acquainted with the ground, and retired with his troops safely across the
+Shannon, having struck a terrible blow against the designs of William.
+
+The king, however, found that, in spite of the measures Sarsfield had
+taken, two of the guns remained uninjured by the explosion. These were
+brought to the camp, and another heavy gun was fetched from Waterford,
+together with a small quantity of ammunition. The regiments were at once
+set to manufacture fascines for the siege, and this work proceeded
+quickly, the orchards and plantations furnishing an abundance of wood.
+The fascines were used for filling up ditches, and the advances against
+the town were pushed forward with vigour.
+
+But the besiegers were not allowed to carry on their work unmolested, for
+a constant fire was kept up by the guns on the walls, and the besieged
+made several sorties, driving back the working parties, destroying their
+work, and retiring before any considerable bodies of troops could be
+brought up to attack them. The three heavy guns were, however, brought
+into position at a short distance from the wall, and began to play upon
+it.
+
+The dissensions between the Irish commanders still continued, and, beyond
+Sarsfield's raid against the battering train, nothing was done to annoy
+the enemy in the rear, although, had any vigour been shown, the Irish
+army lying idle west of the Shannon could have moved across, and speedily
+starved out William's army by cutting off all supplies. Even as it was,
+provisions could only be collected by sending out strong bodies of troops
+to plunder the country; for the peasantry had been goaded into fury by
+the evil conduct of the troops, and were now in a state of insurrection,
+cutting off and murdering all stragglers, and driving in small parties.
+
+William had good reason to regret that he had brought with him so small a
+contingent of British troops, owing to his doubts whether they could be
+depended upon, and his poor opinion of their bravery; for, since the days
+of Agincourt, English troops had been seldom seen on the Continent, and
+were consequently held but in small esteem there. He had with him now a
+regiment of English grenadiers, and a few line regiments, but the bulk of
+the army was composed of his Dutch troops and foreign mercenaries. The
+latter had shown, at the battle of the Boyne, that their courage was not
+of a high order, while their excesses had not only produced a bitter
+feeling of hatred against them throughout the country, but had done
+immense harm to the cause, by rendering it next to impossible to obtain
+provisions.
+
+Walter's progress towards recovery, from the day when he recovered
+consciousness, was very rapid. The fever, though severe, had been short,
+and he gained strength almost as rapidly as he had lost it. The morning
+after he had come to himself, Mrs. Conyers brought Claire in to see him.
+
+"Here is a young lady who is very anxious to see how you are getting on,
+Walter," she said cheerfully; "and, now you are going on so well, I shall
+hand you over a good deal to her care, as some of the others want my
+attention badly. You must not talk much, you know, else we shall be
+having you getting feverish again."
+
+So saying, she left the room.
+
+Claire had stopped timidly near the door. The change which four days had
+made in Walter's appearance shocked her, and she scarcely recognized, in
+the pale drawn face, the youth who had burst in, sword in hand, to her
+rescue on that terrible evening. The tears were running fast down her
+cheeks, as she approached the couch.
+
+"Why, what is the matter, Claire?" he asked. "You must not cry. I am all
+right again now, and in a week shall be on horseback, I hope."
+
+"Oh, Walter, what can I say?" she said. "To think that you should have
+suffered so, for us!"
+
+"There is nothing dreadful about it," he said, smiling. "A soldier must
+expect to get wounded, sometimes, and a slash from a German sword is not
+a serious matter. I am only too glad that I got it in your cause,
+Claire--only too glad that I was able to be of service to you--and your
+mother," he added in afterthought. "It makes me very happy, to think I
+have been useful to you, only I would rather that you didn't say anything
+more about it. I am quite content and happy, as it is, and, if it had
+been my life, I would have gladly given it."
+
+"I won't say any more, if you don't wish it," Claire said quietly, "but I
+shall think of it, always.
+
+"And now," she said, with an effort, "mamma said you were not to talk
+much, and you look quite flushed already, so you must lie quiet, and I
+will read to you, or work, if you like that better."
+
+"I don't care which it is," Walter said, "so that I can look at you;" and
+this time Claire's cheeks were a good deal redder than Walter's.
+
+Mrs. Conyers returned in half an hour, and found Claire sitting working,
+while Walter lay looking at her.
+
+"I think, Claire, you had better take your work in the next room again,"
+she said. "Walter looks flushed, and I don't think your visit has done
+him any good. You have been talking too much."
+
+"It has done me an immense deal of good, Mrs. Conyers," Walter protested;
+while Claire exclaimed that they had hardly spoken a word, which indeed
+was the truth, for Walter had been feeling too dreamily happy to want to
+talk, and Claire had felt so shy and embarrassed, with Walter watching
+her, that she had been unable to hit on a single subject for remark.
+
+Another two days, and Walter was well enough to get up and lie on a couch
+of heather, covered with the blanket, which Larry had prepared for him in
+the next room. His voice had recovered its natural ring, and Claire had
+got over her unaccustomed shyness; and Mrs. Conyers, as she moved in and
+out, heard them laughing and chatting together, as they had done ten days
+before at the Hall.
+
+
+
+Chapter 11: The First Siege Of Limerick.
+
+
+The three heavy guns thundered against the walls without intermission,
+night and day, until at length a breach was made. The garrison in vain
+attempted to repair it, and every hour it grew larger, until there was a
+yawning gap, twelve yards wide. This William considered sufficient for
+the purpose, and made his preparations for the assault. The English
+regiment of grenadiers, six hundred strong, was ordered to take its place
+in the advanced trenches, and to lead the assault. It was supported on
+the right by the Dutch Guards, with some British and Brandenburg
+regiments in reserve.
+
+On the left, the grenadiers were supported by the Danish regiments, and a
+large body of cavalry were held in readiness, to pour in behind the
+infantry. The storming parties were under command of Lieutenant General
+Douglas.
+
+At three o'clock in the afternoon, the signal for the assault was given
+by a discharge of three pieces of cannon. As the last gun was fired, the
+grenadiers leaped from the trenches and dashed forward towards the
+breach. As they approached the wall, they discharged their muskets at the
+enemy upon the walls, and, before assaulting the breach, they hurled a
+shower of hand grenades at its defenders.
+
+The preparations for the assault had been observed by the Irish, and they
+were in readiness to receive it. The news had spread through the town,
+and the excitement among the whole population was intense. The guns on
+the walls ceased firing, in order that all might be ready to pour in
+their shower of balls, when the assault commenced. The fire from the
+batteries of the besiegers had also died away, and a silence, which
+seemed strange after the constant din of the preceding days, hung over
+the camp and city.
+
+No sooner had the grenadiers leaped from the trenches, than the guns on
+the walls, and the musketry of the defenders, poured their fire upon
+them; while all the batteries of the besiegers opened, at the same
+moment, to cover the assault. Through the hail of fire the grenadiers
+kept on without faltering, and, as they neared the breach, the Irish
+rushed out through the opening to meet them. There was a desperate
+struggle, half hidden from the eyes of those on the walls by the cloud of
+smoke and dust, which arose from the combatants; but the grenadiers,
+fighting with the greatest gallantry, won their way to the counter-scarp,
+and half the regiment forced its way through the breach and entered the
+town. But the Irish troops, clustered behind the wall, then closed in
+again, and barred the breach to those following.
+
+The Dutch and English regiments were marched up, to aid the rest of the
+grenadiers to cut their way in after their comrades; but these troops
+were unable to imitate the valour of the grenadiers. They got as far as
+the counter-scarp; but the fire from the walls was so deadly, that they
+could not be prevailed upon to advance. The rain of fire mowed them down.
+Their officers urged them on, and, unwilling to retreat and incapable of
+advancing, they were shot down in scores.
+
+Presently there was a sudden movement among the Irish defenders on the
+breach, and a few of the grenadiers who had entered the city burst their
+way through them, and rejoined their comrades. No sooner had they entered
+the city, than they found themselves assailed on all sides. The Irish
+troops and the citizens attacked them with fury, and even the women,
+animated by the deadly hate which the deeds of William's soldiers had
+excited, hurled missiles upon them from the windows, and even joined in
+the attacks upon them in the streets.
+
+The grenadiers resisted obstinately, but they were gradually overpowered
+by numbers, until at last a few survivors, gathering together, burst
+through their assailants, and succeeded in making their retreat. For
+nearly three hours this furious conflict had raged within the city.
+Regiment after regiment had been marched up to the assault, but none had
+proved brave enough to fight their way up the counter-scarp to the aid of
+the hard-pressed grenadiers in the town.
+
+When the little remnant of the grenadiers rejoined them, they continued,
+for a time, to keep up a constant fire upon the defenders on the walls,
+but at last slowly and sullenly fell back to their camp.
+
+In the meantime, a regiment of Brandenburghers had attacked the wall of
+the battery known as the Black Battery, whose fire was doing great
+execution upon the assailants. They had brought scaling ladders with
+them, and with these they succeeded, fighting with great bravery and
+determination, in gaining the walls. The whole regiment poured in; but,
+just as they did so, the Irish fired the powder magazine that supplied
+the battery, and the whole battalion was destroyed.
+
+William, from his position on a fort known as Cromwell's Fort, watched
+the struggle. Had he acted as Cromwell did, at the siege of Drogheda,
+when, after his troops had been twice repulsed at the breach, he placed
+himself at their head and led them to the assault, the result might not
+have been the same; for the regiments, which refused to follow their
+officers up the counter-scarp, might have followed the king; but William,
+although he had often proved the possession of no ordinary courage, and
+coolness in danger, had not that species of courage which prompts a man
+to throw himself forward to lead a forlorn hope. Moreover, both as a
+general-in-chief and king, his place was not at the head of an assault.
+
+The assailants lost more than two thousand men, and these the flower of
+William's army. The surprise of the troops, at their defeat by an enemy
+they had been taught to despise, was extreme, and so ashamed were they of
+their failure, that the following day they were ready to renew the
+assault. The king, however, would not risk another such defeat. The
+bravest of his force had perished, his stores of ammunition were nearly
+exhausted, and the rains had set in with great violence.
+
+On the day following the assault, the king called a council of war, and
+it was resolved to raise the siege. There was a great scarcity of waggons
+and horses, in consequence of the loss sustained by Sarsfield's attack on
+the train. The few waggons which remained were not enough to convey the
+wounded men, many of whom were obliged to walk. The stores had,
+therefore, to be abandoned for want of transport. Some were thrown into
+the river, others blown up and destroyed, and, on Saturday the 30th of
+August, the army commenced its retreat.
+
+It was accompanied by a great host of fugitives, for with the army went
+the whole of the Protestant inhabitants of the county of Limerick and the
+surrounding country, with their wives, children, servants, and such
+household goods as they could bring with them. In addition to these were
+the Protestant fugitives from the neighbourhood of Athlone, who had come
+down with the division of General Douglas, after he had raised the siege
+of that city.
+
+The Protestants round Limerick had not doubted the success of the
+besiegers, never questioning the ability of an army, commanded by a king,
+to capture a place like Limerick. The misery of this body of fugitives
+was terrible. They had abandoned their homes to pillage and destruction,
+and knew not whether they should ever be able to return to them again.
+They had, on the arrival of William, torn up the letters of protection,
+which the Irish generals had given to all who applied to them, and,
+having thrown in their fortunes with him, dared not remain among the
+country people, who had suffered so terribly from the exactions and
+brutality of William's army. Not only had they to endure wet, hunger, and
+fatigue in the retreat, but they were robbed and plundered, by the army
+which should have protected them, as if they had been enemies instead of
+friends.
+
+William himself left his army, as soon as he broke up the siege, and
+pushed straight on to Waterford, and the troops, relieved from the only
+authority they feared, and rendered furious by the ill success which had
+attended their operations, broke out into acts of plunder and
+insubordination which surpassed anything that they had before
+perpetrated.
+
+The siege of Limerick brought the campaign to a close, and, so far, the
+Irish had no reason to be disheartened. They had besieged and nearly
+annihilated the army of Schomberg at Dundalk. They had fought a sturdy
+battle on the Boyne, and had proved themselves a match for William's best
+troops. They had decisively repulsed the attacks upon Athlone and
+Limerick. Half the troops William had sent to conquer the country had
+fallen, while their own losses had been comparatively small.
+
+The sole fruit, of all the efforts of William, had been the occupation of
+the capital--a great advantage, as it gave him a point at which he could
+pour fresh troops into Ireland, and recommence the war in the spring with
+new chances of success. When the British army reached Callan, some of the
+arrears of pay were distributed among the troops, and the army was then
+broken up, and the troops went into winter quarters.
+
+William had returned at once to England, and sent over some new lords
+justices to Dublin. These were received with delight by the townspeople,
+who had suffered terribly from the exactions and depredations of the
+foreign troops quartered there, and were, indeed, almost in a state of
+starvation, for the country people were afraid to bring in provisions for
+sale, as they were either plundered of the goods as they approached the
+city, or robbed of their money as they returned after disposing of them.
+As the only possible check to these disorders, the justices raised a body
+of militia in the town, to cope with the soldiery, and the result was a
+series of frays which kept the city in a state of alarm.
+
+By the time that Limerick beat off the assault upon its breach, Walter
+Davenant was quite convalescent. Rumours of the ill treatment of the
+Protestants who accompanied the retreating army circulated in Limerick,
+and Mrs. Conyers congratulated herself warmly that she and her daughter
+were safe under the protection of the Irish troops, instead of being in
+the sad column of fugitives.
+
+As soon as the English army had left, Captain Davenant obtained for her
+an order of protection from General Sarsfield, and she returned for a
+while with her daughter to their house, to which the invalids were
+carried, Captain Davenant's troop being again quartered around it.
+
+"I hardly know what is best to do," she said to Captain Davenant, a few
+days after her return. "I am, of course, anxious to rejoin my husband,
+but at the same time, I feel that my staying here is of benefit to him.
+With the order of protection I have received, I am perfectly safe here,
+and I have no fear whatever of any trouble, either with the troops or
+peasantry; but, on the other hand, if we abandon this place, I fear that
+it will be pillaged, and perhaps burned, like the other houses belonging
+to Protestants which have been deserted by their owners. What do you say,
+Captain Davenant?"
+
+"I should be sorry to give any advice, Mrs. Conyers. For the troops I can
+answer. The protection you have received from General Sarsfield will be
+sufficient to ensure you against any trouble whatever from them, but, as
+to the peasantry, I cannot say. Every village within reach of William's
+army, in its advance or retreat, has been destroyed, and the vilest
+atrocities have been committed upon the people. The greater part of the
+men have, in despair, taken up arms, and, when they get the chance, will
+avenge their wrongs upon inoffensive Protestants who have ventured to
+remain in their dwellings. Savagery has begot savagery, and even such a
+protection order as you have received would go for little with these
+half-maddened wretches. I should say, therefore, that so long as there
+are a considerable body of troops at Limerick, so long you may safely
+remain here, but no longer."
+
+"At any rate, I will stay for a time," Mrs. Conyers said. "The winter may
+bring peace; and I am very loath to abandon the house, to which my
+husband is greatly attached, if it is possible to save it."
+
+The party now fell back to the mode of life which had been interrupted by
+the advance of William's army. Captain Davenant drilled his men, and
+spent his evenings pleasantly in the house. Walter had so far recovered
+that he was able to stroll through the grounds, or drive with Claire. The
+troopers enjoyed their rest and abundance of rations. Captain Davenant's
+mind had been set at ease by the receipt of a letter, which Mrs. Davenant
+had sent him by one of the men of the village. It told him that she had
+seen Mr. Conyers, who had obtained a stay of all proceedings against the
+property, and that she was well, and in as good spirits as she could be
+in his absence.
+
+A month after they had moved across the river, their quiet life was
+interrupted by a trooper riding up, just as the party was sitting down to
+dinner, with an order from General Sarsfield for the troops to be in
+readiness to march, at daybreak, to form part of a force which was about
+to undertake an enterprise against the English stationed at Birr. There
+was silence at the table, after Captain Davenant had read the order.
+
+"Then you must leave us?" Mrs. Conyers said at last.
+
+"I am afraid so, Mrs. Conyers. Yes, sorry as I am that our pleasant time
+here must come to an end, there is no questioning the order. I have been,
+in fact, expecting it for the last day or two."
+
+"Then I shall move," Mrs. Conyers said, decidedly. "It will take us a day
+or two to pack up such valuables as I should like to take away and leave
+at Limerick, till the return of happier days. When that is accomplished,
+I shall carry out my intention of making for Galway, and leave the house
+to take care of itself."
+
+"In the meantime, madam," Captain Davenant said, "I will leave my son and
+four of the men, who are now convalescent, as a protection. I fancy they
+are all fit to take the saddle, but I can strain a point a little, and
+leave them still on the sick list."
+
+"Thank you very much, indeed," Mrs. Conyers said, while a glance of
+satisfaction passed between Walter and Claire. "That will be a
+satisfaction. Indeed, I shall feel quite safe, so long as your son is
+here. I wish now I had moved the things before; but I had hoped that you
+would have been allowed to remain in quarters here all the winter. Had it
+not been for that, I should never have decided as I did."
+
+The next morning the troop started.
+
+"The place seems strangely quiet," Walter said, as he strolled out into
+the garden with Claire, after breakfast. "It seems terrible to think
+that, in three or four days, it will be deserted altogether, and that you
+will have gone."
+
+"It is horrid," the girl said, with tears gathering in her eyes. "I hate
+King William and King James both," she went on petulantly. "Why can't
+they fight their quarrel out alone, instead of troubling everyone else? I
+don't know which of them I hate the most."
+
+"But there is a compensation," Walter said with a smile.
+
+"I am sure I don't see any compensation," the girl said. "What do you
+mean, Walter?"
+
+"I mean," Walter said, "that if they had not quarrelled, we might never
+have met."
+
+"There is something in that," Claire said softly. "No; I don't know that
+I ought quite to hate them, after all."
+
+By which it will be seen that Walter Davenant and Claire Conyers had
+already arrived at a thorough understanding, as to their feelings towards
+each other. After this, as was natural between young persons so situated,
+their talk wandered away into the future, and the present was already
+forgotten.
+
+In the house, everyone was at work. Mrs. Conyers' servants had all
+returned, when she came back to the house, and these were now busy, with
+the assistance of Larry and the four troopers left behind, in taking down
+and packing pictures, taking up carpets, and getting furniture ready for
+removal. In the afternoon, Walter assisted in the work of packing. As he
+was dressing for dinner, Larry, as usual, came into his room.
+
+"I suppose, your honour," he said, after putting out Walter's clothes,
+"you will be setting a watch tonight?"
+
+"Yes, Larry, I was intending to do so. You don't think there is any
+special occasion for it, do you?"
+
+"I don't know, your honour. We hear tales of the rapparees burning every
+Protestant house in the district. As long as the troop was here, av
+coorse the boys kept away; but there is a powerful lot of plunder in the
+house, and the news that the troop have gone will go through the country
+quick enough. The boys have had enough to turn them into devils, with
+what they have gone through, and small blame to them if they take their
+chances when they find them. We know, yer honour, that Mrs. Conyers and
+Miss Claire are well-nigh angels, and there is small fear that the people
+around will lift a finger agin them, in spite of having had their own
+homes burnt over their heads; but folks from a distance don't know that,
+and the news that there is a rich Protestant house, all ready for
+sacking, will travel quick. I hope your honour will get the ladies to
+move out of the place tomorrow, whether the ould pictures and things are
+all ready or not."
+
+"Do you think it is as serious as that, Larry?"
+
+"Faith and I do, yer honour. You don't know how bitter the folks are!"
+
+"But there cannot be any danger, Larry, as long as we are here. The
+rapparees would never attack a house which has the general's protection,
+and with an officer and some troopers of the king to guard it."
+
+"It's meself would not answer for them," Larry said, shaking his head.
+"The boys are just disperate, and would care nothing for the protection,
+unless there were force to back it. They think that, as all the Catholics
+have been robbed by the Protestants, it's only fair that they should get
+their turn now; and, if I were your honour, I would lay all my plans out
+tonight, how to get away and the rest of it, just as if you were assured
+they would come before the morning."
+
+"Why, you have heard nothing certain, Larry?"
+
+"I have not, or I would tell your honour at once; but I know what the
+people think and feel, and I know that the rapparees have been plundering
+and destroying every Protestant house around, and they will guess that
+the ladies will be moving, now that the troop is gone. Besides, won't
+they have heard that the news has gone round, for waggons to come to take
+away the things?"
+
+The earnestness with which Larry spoke convinced Walter that the danger
+was serious. Larry was not given to magnify danger, and usually treated
+all risks with carelessness and indifference. Walter knew that he would
+gather, from the stablemen and the people who brought in provisions, much
+more as to the state of popular feeling in the country than he was likely
+to know, and he accordingly went down to dinner grave and preoccupied.
+
+Mrs. Conyers soon noticed the change in his manner, and, as soon as the
+servants had retired, asked him if he had received any bad news.
+
+"No," he said, trying to speak lightly. "My boy Larry has been trying to
+scare me about the rapparees, and, although I do not think that there is
+any danger to be apprehended from them, I do think that it would be just
+as well to hurry on your preparations, as much as possible, and for you
+and Claire to go in to Limerick tomorrow afternoon. We can finish the
+packing up of the goods you wish to take, and any we cannot get off
+tomorrow can be sent in the next day."
+
+Mrs. Conyers looked grave.
+
+"But we have heard of no rapparees in this neighbourhood, Walter," she
+said. "We have heard of sad excesses in some parts of the country, but
+nothing in this neighbourhood."
+
+"There has been small temptation for them about here," Walter said, "for
+every house within miles was stripped by the Williamites. Catholic or
+Protestant was all the same to them. Besides, they knew well that
+Sarsfield's horse would soon have put a stop to that sort of thing. Now,
+I do not wish to alarm you in the slightest, and I do not think that
+there is any real cause for anxiety. Even if they are in the
+neighbourhood, the rapparees will hardly venture an attack upon a house
+occupied by even a few of our troops. Still, it is always wisest to be
+prepared, and therefore, I should like for us to arrange exactly what had
+best be done in the event of an attack. Of course, I shall see that all
+the doors and the lower windows are securely fastened, and I shall have
+the men from the stables into the house, so we shall be nine or ten men
+in all; enough, I hope, for all circumstances. Still, merely as a matter
+of discussion, let us suppose the worst. Let us imagine the house
+surrounded, the doors burst in, and the resistance on the point of being
+overpowered. What would be our best plan for making our escape?
+
+"Do not be frightened, Claire," he went on, seeing how pale the girl had
+become. "Every general, when he is going to fight a battle, however sure
+he may be of success, decides upon the route by which his army shall
+retreat, in case of a defeat, and I am only taking the same precaution."
+
+"If there is to be a retreat made at all," Mrs. Conyers said, "I prefer
+that it should be made now. Do you really think that there is any real
+danger of attack?"
+
+"I think that there is danger of attack, Mrs. Conyers; but I have no
+reason for supposing that there is any particular danger this night."
+
+"Then Claire and I will at once start for the town, under the escort of
+two of your men. It would be folly, indeed, to run the risk of another
+attack here. If the house is to be burned, it must be burned. For, if
+they were beaten off once, they would come again when the house was
+undefended. As for the things, should all be quiet tonight, they can be
+sent in tomorrow as arranged. The things that are to go are all got
+together."
+
+"I do think that the best way," Walter said. "Of course, I shall ride in
+with you, and hand you over to the friends you are going to, in the town,
+and shall then come back here again with a light heart. But I own that I
+am nervous at the thought of you and Claire being here, should the
+rapparees attack the house."
+
+"But mind, Walter, there is to be no fighting. If they come tonight, I
+had rather that they took everything, than that you should risk your life
+in its defence. The silver and valuables we took across before are all
+safe in Limerick. As for the other things, they can go. Now, mind, we
+shall not leave unless we have your promise that, if a band of these men
+come tonight to sack the place, you and your men will offer no
+resistance."
+
+"If they come in numbers which render successful resistance out of the
+question, I promise you that we will not draw a trigger, Mrs. Conyers."
+
+"In that case I am satisfied, Walter. Against you and your men these
+peasants have no quarrel."
+
+Walter at once called Larry.
+
+"Larry, get my horse saddled, and tell Browning to saddle his. Place two
+pillions behind the saddles. Mrs. Conyers and her daughter are going to
+ride into Limerick at once."
+
+"The Lord be praised!" Larry said piously. "That's the best news I have
+heard this many a day."
+
+"And, Larry," Mrs. Conyers said, "tell the three boys in the stable to
+saddle the three best horses, and ride with us. If we lose everything
+else, we may as well retain them, for it would not be easy to buy others
+now."
+
+In ten minutes, all was ready for a start. Walter and the trooper took
+their places in the saddles, chairs were brought out, and Mrs. Conyers
+and Claire mounted behind them. Walter had asked Mrs. Conyers to take her
+seat on the pillion on his horse, but she did not answer, and when Walter
+turned to see that she was comfortably placed behind him, he found that
+it was Claire who was seated there.
+
+"Mamma told me to," the girl said. "I suppose she thought this was,
+perhaps, the last ride we should take together."
+
+"For the present, Claire--you should say, for the present. I hope it will
+not be long before we are together again.
+
+"And for good," he added, in a low voice.
+
+Mrs. Conyers made no comment, when they dismounted and entered the house
+of a friend at Limerick, upon Claire's swollen eyes and flushed cheeks,
+but said "goodbye" lightly to Walter, thanked him for his escort, and
+said that she hoped to see him, with her household goods, on the
+following afternoon.
+
+On leaving them, Walter went straight to the house where an officer of
+his acquaintance was quartered.
+
+"Hullo, Davenant! I didn't expect to see you here at this time of the
+evening. I heard you were still laid up with your wound."
+
+"That is an old affair now," Walter said. "I am not quite strong again,
+but there is little the matter now. I have come in to ask you if you will
+let me have five-and-twenty of your men. I have strong reason to believe
+that it is likely one of the bands of rapparees will make an attack on
+Mrs. Conyers' house tonight. The tenants have been asked to send in their
+waggons, tomorrow, to remove some of the furniture in here, and I think
+it probable they will try to take what they fancy, before it starts. I
+have brought Mrs. Conyers and her daughter into the town, but, as I have
+only four men, I cannot defend the house if it is attacked in any force.
+I wish you would let me have five-and-twenty men, and a sergeant, just
+for tonight. I will march them in with the baggage in the afternoon."
+
+"Certainly I will," Captain Donovan said. "I need not disturb the
+colonel, at this time of the evening, but will take it on myself. There
+are just that number quartered in the storehouse, close to the gate. I
+will go down with you, at once, and turn them out and give them orders.
+It will be a good thing for the rapparees to have a lesson. They bring
+disgrace upon our cause by their doings."
+
+In a few minutes the men, who had not retired to bed, were turned out.
+
+"You have got a four-mile march before you, boys," Walter said, when they
+were drawn up; "but there will be a pint of good wine, and some supper
+for you, when you get there. So step out as briskly as you can."
+
+After a cordial goodnight to Captain Donovan, Walter placed himself at
+the head of the infantry, and, in little over an hour, arrived at the
+house. He knocked loudly at the door. A minute later, Larry put his head
+out of the window above.
+
+"Who is there? What do you want knocking at a peaceful house at this time
+of night? You had best go away, boys, for the house is chock full of
+soldiers. We are only waiting for orders to blow you to smithereens."
+
+Walter burst into a laugh.
+
+"Very well done, Larry. It is I, with some soldiers. So you needn't give
+orders to the men to fire."
+
+Larry gave a cry of satisfaction, and ran down to open the door.
+
+"It's glad I am to see you, Master Walter, entirely. I have been
+listening ever since you went, and, when I heard the tramp of feet, I
+made sure it was the boys."
+
+"But I gave orders that there was to be no resistance, Larry."
+
+"And I wasn't going to resist, your honour; but I thought I might just
+frighten them away."
+
+"Now, Larry, get up a pint of wine for each of these good fellows, and
+what victuals you can find in the house. We need have no fear of an
+attack tonight."
+
+When the soldiers had finished their supper, they lay down in the hall.
+Walter placed a sentry at a window, at each side of the house, and he
+then lay down on a sofa, for the ride to Limerick and back had greatly
+fatigued him, much to his surprise, for he had no idea how far his
+strength had been pulled down.
+
+He was aroused, just as day was breaking, by a loud knocking at the door,
+and at the same moment a shot was fired from a window above. The soldiers
+had started to their feet, and seized their arms as he ran out and bade
+them follow him upstairs. He threw up a window.
+
+"Who are you? And what do you want?"
+
+"Never mind who we are," a voice replied. "We want the door opened, and
+you had best do it quick."
+
+"Look here, my man," Walter said in a loud, steady voice, "there are
+thirty soldiers in this house, and, if I give the word, you will get such
+a volley among you, that half of you will never go home to tell about it,
+so I warn you to depart quietly."
+
+"It's a lie," the man said. "If you are the officer, you have got only
+four men, and you know it. We want to do you no harm, and we don't want
+to harm the ladies; but what's in the house is ours--that's the law of
+William's troops, and we mean to act up to it."
+
+A chorus of approbation rose from a throng of peasants gathered round the
+door. A few of them carried muskets, but the greater part were armed with
+rude pikes.
+
+"Show yourselves at the windows, boys," Walter said to his men. "Level
+your muskets, but don't fire until I give the word."
+
+It was light enough for those without to make out the threatening
+figures, which showed themselves at every window, and, with a cry of
+alarm, they ran back among the shrubs for shelter.
+
+"Now you see," Walter said, "that I have spoken the truth. I have thirty
+soldiers here, and you know as well as I do what will come of it, if you
+attempt to break into this house.
+
+"For shame, men! Your deeds bring disgrace on the king's cause, and on
+our religion. It is not because the scum who march with the Dutchman
+behave like brutal savages, that we should do the same. There's plenty of
+work for you, in fighting against the enemies of your country, instead of
+frightening women and pillaging houses. Return to your homes, or, better
+still, go and join the king's army, and fight like men for your homes and
+your religion."
+
+He listened, but there was no answer. The rapparees knew they had no
+chance of breaking into the house, so defended, and, when Walter ceased,
+each man slunk away in the darkness.
+
+The next morning, a number of waggons arrived, and Walter, with the aid
+of the soldiers, had the satisfaction of loading them with everything of
+any value in the house, and of escorting them without interruption to
+Limerick. Mrs. Conyers was filled with gratitude, when she heard the
+events of the night, and how narrowly she and her daughter had escaped
+another attack. One of the principal tenants had come in with his waggon,
+and he agreed to move into the house, with his wife and family, until she
+should return. Seeing that now everything worth taking had been removed,
+he thought there was little chance of any attempt to destroy the house.
+
+
+
+Chapter 12: Winter Quarters.
+
+
+Two or three days later, Captain Davenant returned to Limerick with his
+troop. He had stopped at the house on his way, and learned there of the
+move which had been made.
+
+"Well, Walter, so you nearly had to defend Mrs. Conyers against odds,
+again," he said, as Walter joined him in the marketplace, where the troop
+was dismounting. "I have come here for a day, only, for we are on our way
+south. It is thought likely that the enemy's next move may be against
+Cork, so some of us are detached in that direction.
+
+"To my mind," he went on, after he had seen the troop quartered, in some
+houses which formerly belonged to the Protestants, but were now used as
+barracks--"in my opinion, we are wasting precious time. We ought not to
+allow the enemy to go into winter quarters. Our best season is just
+coming on. We can stand the wet far better than they can, and we ought
+not to give them a moment's rest, but should keep our army together, and
+beat up one garrison after another; threaten the strongest places; compel
+them to keep constantly on the move; and, before the spring, completely
+wear out and exhaust those whom we cannot conquer. If England found that
+she had the whole work to begin over again, she would think twice before
+she went further.
+
+"These petty German princes would not find their men so ready to embark
+in a quarrel, with which they have no concern, when they learned that all
+who had done so had laid their bones in the swamps of Ireland, and,
+without his mercenaries, William would find it hard to gather an army,
+for the English themselves have no heart whatever in the war. If we
+remain inactive all the winter, and enable them to retain their foothold
+everywhere, fresh reinforcements will arrive in the spring, and so, bit
+by bit, all Ireland will be won.
+
+"It is disheartening in the extreme, after seeing the enemy retire,
+repulsed and utterly disheartened, from Athlone and Limerick, to allow
+them unmolested to rest and gather strength again. If we could but get
+rid of the French, there would be some hope for us. They have scarce
+fired a shot, since the war began, and yet they assume superiority over
+our generals. They thwart us at every turn. They not only refuse to
+combine in any action, but they prevent our doing so.
+
+"Since the Boyne, our army has lain inactive and has done nothing,
+although they might have done everything. All Ireland was open to them,
+on the day when William, with all his forces, sat down here before
+Limerick. Why, they could have marched straight for Dublin and captured
+it, before William heard that they had crossed the Shannon. They might
+have cut off his supplies from Waterford. They might have starved him out
+in his camp here. They have had the game in their hands, and they have
+allowed it to slip altogether through their fingers. The only hope I
+have, now, is that before the spring the French will go. It is but too
+clear that Louis has no intention, whatever, of helping us in earnest.
+Had he chosen he could, any time during the last six months, have landed
+an army here, which would have decided the struggle. Instead of that, he
+has sent five thousand men, and had in return as many of our best
+soldiers; and the officers he sent seem to have been furnished with
+secret instructions, not only to do nothing themselves, but to prevent us
+from doing anything."
+
+"Whom would you like to see in command, father?"
+
+"I should not care much, Walter, so that it was one man. I had rather
+have any soldier you might take at random from our army, so that he
+possessed a fair share of common sense, than the chaos which now
+prevails; but, of course, the man whom we would rather have is Sarsfield.
+Whether he is a great general or not, we have no means of knowing, for he
+has never yet had the slightest opportunity of showing it; but I do not
+think, myself, that he has made the most of what chances he has had, save
+that one dash against the artillery convoy. He has done nothing; and, as
+the cavalry are under his command, and he could, if he chose, snap his
+fingers at the pretensions of the French and act independently, I think
+he might have done far more than he has done. Still, he is our most
+prominent leader, and he possesses the confidence of the Irish of all
+classes. If he were in supreme command there would, I am sure, be a
+complete change in our tactics. Instead of waiting everywhere to be
+attacked, we should take the offensive, and, even if we were unable to
+meet William's forces in pitched battles, and I believe that we are
+perfectly capable of doing so, we should be able to harass and exhaust
+them, to such a point that William would be only too glad to grant us any
+terms we might demand, to bring the war to an end."
+
+After having dined, Captain Davenant went with Walter to call upon Mrs.
+Conyers. Hearing that he was about to march with his troop to Cork, Mrs.
+Conyers said:
+
+"Oh, Captain Davenant, will you not take us under your protection there?
+I am afraid of travelling with Claire to Galway, in the present disturbed
+state of the country, and I should find it easier to take a passage to
+England from Cork than from Galway."
+
+"You certainly would, Mrs. Conyers. There is no formal war between
+England and Ireland, and trading vessels still ply between Cork and
+Bristol. I agree with you that it would not be safe for two Protestant
+ladies to travel, without protection, from here to Galway, and I shall be
+only too glad for you to journey with us. Your daughter, I know, can ride
+any of the country ponies; and for yourself--"
+
+"I can ride, too, if there is an occasion. One of our horses is perfectly
+quiet, and I have often ridden him by the side of Mr. Conyers, so there
+will be no difficulty on that score."
+
+"In that case," Captain Davenant said, "consider the matter as arranged.
+Will you be ready to start tomorrow, early?"
+
+"Certainly, Captain Davenant; I have no preparations to make. All our
+furniture--which, thanks to Walter, was saved--has been stowed away in
+the cellars of a warehouse here, and is safe unless William returns and
+batters the whole town to pieces. The silver and other valuables our
+friends here will take care of, till better times, so we have only to
+pack two valises and mount. The servants will all find situations here.
+My daughter's maid, Bridget, and two or three others have offered to
+accompany us to England, but we have decided to take no one. Directly we
+get to Bristol, I shall write to my husband, who has given me an address
+both in London and Dublin, so that he will doubtless join us in a very
+short time."
+
+The party started the next morning, and reached Cork without adventure,
+as there were no English troops in that part of the country. Three days
+after their arrival, Mrs. Conyers took a passage for herself and Claire
+in a trader about to sail for Bristol. The evening before they sailed,
+Mrs. Conyers had a long talk with Captain Davenant, while the two young
+people had slipped off for a last walk together.
+
+"Of course, Captain Davenant," she began, "you have seen, as well as I
+have, how things stand between Claire and Walter. They are both very
+young, but the strange circumstances of the times, and the manner in
+which they have been thrown together, have combined to render their
+position peculiar, and I believe, nay, I am sure, that on both sides
+their affection is deep and will be lasting."
+
+"I quite agree with you, Mrs. Conyers, at any rate as far as my son is
+concerned. Walter has never spoken to me on the subject. I suppose
+fathers and sons are less given to confidences of this sort than mothers
+and daughters. But that Walter is deeply and earnestly attached to your
+daughter is unquestionable, and, indeed, it would be singular were it
+otherwise. I have stood passive in the matter, simply because I saw that
+you took no steps to keep them apart; and you could not but have seen, at
+an early period of their acquaintance, in what direction matters were
+tending."
+
+"Frankly," Mrs. Conyers said, "I gave the matter no thought, during your
+first stay with us. I had regarded Claire as a child, and it did not, at
+first, occur to me that there could be any danger of her falling
+seriously in love, for years to come. When my eyes were opened to the
+true state of things, and I found my little girl had lost her heart, I
+could have wished it otherwise.
+
+"I do not mean as to worldly matters," she went on hastily, seeing that
+Captain Davenant was about to speak. "That weighed absolutely nothing
+with me. Indeed, they may be considered to be well matched in that
+respect. If the war is decided in favour of King William, Claire will be
+a rich heiress. If, on the other hand, your cause triumph, you will
+regain your confiscated estates, while we shall lose ours. So that there
+is, I consider, no inequality whatever in their position. The difficulty,
+of course, to which I allude is their religion. This is naturally a grave
+obstacle, and I fear that my husband will regard it as such, even more
+strongly than I do. He is, however, extremely attached to Claire, and
+will, I feel sure, when he sees that her happiness is at stake, come
+round to my views of the matter.
+
+"There are," she said with a smile, "Catholics and Catholics, just as
+there are Protestants and Protestants. I would rather see Claire in her
+grave than married to many Catholics I know; but neither you nor Walter
+are bigots."
+
+"No, indeed," Captain Davenant said. "We came over to this country when
+Catholicism was the religion of all England, and we have maintained the
+religious belief of our fathers. I own that what I may call political
+Protestantism is hateful to me; but between such Catholicism as mine, and
+such Protestantism as yours, I see no such broad distinctions as should
+cause us to hate each other."
+
+"That is just my view," Mrs. Conyers agreed. "The differences between the
+creeds are political rather than religious, and, in any case, I consider
+that when neither of the parties is bigoted, the chances of happiness are
+greater in the case where the man is a Catholic and the woman a
+Protestant, than in the opposite case."
+
+"I think so, too," Captain Davenant said. "At any rate, I do not think
+that Walter and Claire would be likely to quarrel over their respective
+opinions."
+
+"I think not," Mrs. Conyers agreed with a smile. "I do wish, with all my
+heart, that it had been otherwise; but, as it is not so, I for my part am
+determined to make the best of the circumstances. They are both young,
+and it is possible that they may, in time, come to think alike, one way
+or the other. I am not one of those who think that there is but one way
+to heaven; and, should Walter some day win Claire over to his way of
+thinking, I shall not consider that she has forfeited her chances."
+
+"It is quite as likely to be the other way," Captain Davenant said.
+"Walter is a good lad, and a brave one, but, with all Claire's pretty
+winning ways, I question if the young lady has not more will of her own,
+and more mind, than Walter has. I hope they may agree each to go their
+own way, and I think that, if they continue to live in this country, they
+will probably do so, for here, unhappily, political differences build up
+a wall between the two branches of Christianity. But, if it should come
+that they should some day leave this unhappy country, and settle in
+England, where the same ill feeling does not exist, there is no saying
+what may happen."
+
+"Well, at any rate, Captain Davenant, it is satisfactory that our views
+on the subject agree, and that we are both willing to make the best of
+what we cannot but consider to be a misfortune. But here come the young
+people. I have no doubt," she laughed, "that they have been swearing vows
+of eternal fidelity."
+
+"Well, we were young ourselves, once, and we are not too old, yet, Mrs.
+Conyers, to feel enjoyment in the happiness of these young people."
+
+The next morning, Mrs. Conyers and Claire sailed for England, and the
+military events, which shortly afterwards took place, left Walter little
+time for thought on other subjects.
+
+On the 21st of September, two days after the departure of Mrs. Conyers, a
+heavy cannonading was heard from the forts at the mouth of Cork harbour,
+and, soon afterwards, a horseman galloped into the town with the news
+that an English fleet had forced the entrance, in spite of the fire from
+the forts. This fleet bore five thousand men, under the command of the
+Earl of Marlborough.
+
+The English party at court had long been mortified and disgusted at the
+manner in which the English had been ignored by William, and all the
+military commands bestowed upon foreigners. The discontent, caused by the
+want of success which had attended the operations in Ireland, had greatly
+strengthened this party, and they had now succeeded in getting an
+independent English expedition sent off, under the command of an English
+general. William was much annoyed at this, for any brilliant success
+attained by Marlborough would have increased the feeling against his
+foreign favourites. He had, therefore, despatched the division of General
+Scravenmore to besiege the town on the land side, and had placed in
+command of it the Duke of Wirtemberg, whose rank as a prince, and as a
+general of higher rank than Marlborough, would enable him to claim the
+supreme command, and to carry off the honour of any success that might be
+gained.
+
+This force arrived before the town, within a day of the appearance of the
+fleet. Marlborough had already made good use of his time, for immediately
+the leading vessels had effected the passage, troops were landed in
+boats, and the batteries attacked in rear and carried. The rest of the
+fleet then entered, and, on the 23rd and 24th, the troops were landed on
+the south bank of the river, and commenced their march towards the city,
+the sailors dragging the guns. Wirtemberg immediately sent to
+Marlborough, to claim the command of the whole force.
+
+Marlborough replied that his commission was an independent one. He denied
+the authority of any of William's foreign officers in Ireland, and stated
+haughtily that his troops were British, and he a British officer.
+Wirtemberg was greatly offended that the English general should affect to
+look down upon the Danes, Germans, French, and other foreign ragamuffins
+who composed his command, and he insisted strongly upon his claims.
+Marlborough maintained his position, and Wirtemberg was driven, at last,
+to propose that they should command on alternate days, and Marlborough
+agreed to the proposal.
+
+The position of Cork was not a strong one, although, in the days before
+the use of artillery, it was considered well-nigh impregnable, being
+built upon the islands and marshes formed by the river Lea, and
+completely surrounded by two branches of the river. But upon three sides
+it was surrounded, at a short distance only, by high hills, which
+completely commanded it, and these hills were defended only by castles
+and forts of no great strength.
+
+The garrison was but small, for the Irish were taken by surprise by the
+arrival of Marlborough's expedition, and had prepared only for a siege by
+Wirtemberg and his foreign division. They were therefore obliged to
+abandon Shandon Castle, and two adjoining forts, which defended the hills
+on the north of the city, and Wirtemberg's Danes at once took possession
+of these works, and, planting their guns there, opened fire on the
+northern quarter of the city.
+
+Marlborough constructed his batteries at a monastery called the Red
+Abbey, on the south point of the river, where he was separated from the
+city only by the stream and narrow strip of marshy ground. These guns
+soon made a breach in the walls, and Marlborough prepared to storm the
+place, for, at low tide, it was possible to wade across the marsh and
+river.
+
+The garrison, well aware that they could not long defend the place, now
+offered to capitulate on the same terms which William had granted to the
+garrisons of towns he had captured; namely, that they should be allowed
+to march out with the honours of war, with their arms and baggage, and to
+make their way unmolested to Limerick. The Prince of Wirtemberg was
+strongly in favour of these terms being granted, but Marlborough
+peremptorily refused. While a sharp dispute took place between the two
+officers, and before any conclusion could be arrived at, the tide rose,
+and the regiments drawn up ready to cross the river could no longer pass.
+
+The firing then recommenced on both sides. Notwithstanding the efforts of
+the besieged to repair the injury to their wall, the breach daily
+increased in size. Wirtemberg moved his forces round from the north side,
+to take their share in the assault, and at low tide the English and Danes
+advanced against the breach. Under a heavy fire from the walls, they
+struggled through the marshes and entered the river, which, even at low
+tide, reached to their shoulders. Suffering heavily from the fire, they
+pushed forward until they nearly reached the breach. Here the Duke of
+Grafton, who commanded the British column, fell dead, with many officers
+and men; but the rest maintained their order, and were about to make a
+dash at the breach, when the governor, accompanied by Lord Tyrone, raised
+the white flag.
+
+After a short parley, it was agreed that the garrison should become
+prisoners of war, but were to be protected in their persons and private
+property. The city was to be preserved from any injury, and the citizens
+and their property were to be respected.
+
+Captain Davenant's troop had remained idle, during the siege, as there
+was no work for cavalry. They were quartered near an infantry regiment,
+which had been raised by MacFinn O'Driscol from among his own tenantry,
+and was commanded by him. O'Driscol was a relation of Mrs. Davenant, and
+the two commanders were often together. Both felt that the city must
+speedily fall, unless the Irish army moved down to its relief; but they
+agreed that, if it surrendered, they would make an effort to escape with
+their troops, for they had no faith in the observance of any terms of
+capitulation which might be made.
+
+Accordingly, as soon as it was known that the governor had surrendered,
+and that the gates of the town were to be handed over to the British,
+O'Driscol and Captain Davenant formed up their commands, and, opening one
+of the gates, marched boldly out. The exact terms on which the garrison
+had surrendered were not known, and Marlborough and Wirtemberg were near
+the breach, arranging for the troops to take possession of the gates on
+that side. Consequently, the besieging forces opposite the gate from
+which the little column had marched out supposed that, in accordance with
+the arrangement, they were coming out to lay down their arms. They
+therefore stood aside as the column passed, being far more intent upon
+the plunder they expected to gather, in Cork, than on anything else. As,
+a few minutes later, the gates were opened and the troops poured into the
+city, no further thought was given to the little force which had marched
+out; and the five hundred infantry, and the troop of horse, were safe
+from pursuit before the news of the audacious ruse they had practised
+reached the ears of the generals.
+
+Inside the town, the articles of the treaty were at once violated. The
+troops entered the town in crowds, and, incited, as in Dublin, by a mob
+calling themselves Protestants, they proceeded to plunder the houses and
+assault the Catholic inhabitants. The governor, M'Carty, was wounded. The
+Earls of Tyrone and Clancarty, with difficulty, made their escape from
+the mob. Many were killed, and a great destruction of property took
+place, before Marlborough and Wirtemberg entered the town and put a stop
+to the disorder, which inflicted great discredit upon them, as they had
+made no arrangements, whatever, to ensure the safety of the inhabitants,
+which they had solemnly guaranteed.
+
+It was now October, and Marlborough at once set about the investment of
+Kinsale. On the very evening of the day he entered Cork, he sent off five
+hundred horse towards that town, and the next day marched thither himself
+at the head of his infantry. The works of Kinsale consisted of two forts,
+both of considerable strength, called the Old Fort and Charles's Fort.
+They were well supplied with stores and provisions for a siege. On the
+approach of the besiegers, the governor set fire to the town and retired
+to the forts, and, in answer to the summons to surrender, replied that
+"it would be time enough to talk about that a month hence."
+
+Marlborough ordered General Tettau to cross the river in boats, with
+eight hundred picked men, and to carry Old Fort by storm. The assault was
+made with great determination and bravery; but the works were strong and
+stoutly defended, and the British were about to fall back, discomfited,
+when fortune came to their assistance. Some loose powder ignited and
+fired the magazine, by which more than two hundred men of the garrison
+were killed, and the works seriously injured. After this disaster, the
+governor abandoned the fort and withdrew, with the survivors of its
+garrison, to Charles's Fort. Marlborough at once commenced the siege of
+this position, but for fifteen days the place resisted all his efforts.
+The heavy loss, however, which the garrison had suffered by the explosion
+in Old Fort, rendered them unable, by sallies, to interfere with the
+works of the besiegers. These were carried on with great vigour, for
+Marlborough feared that the approach of the wet season would put a stop
+to his operations.
+
+When, therefore, the governor offered to surrender, on the terms of his
+being permitted "to march away with his garrison, their arms, baggage,
+and all the honours of war, taking with them all persons who wished to
+accompany them, together with their property, to Limerick," Marlborough
+at once granted the terms demanded.
+
+The advent of winter now put a stop to regular operations; but a war of
+skirmishes continued, and the British, in their quarters, were greatly
+straitened for forage and provisions. In Dublin, the work of confiscation
+went on merrily. The greater part of the Catholic proprietors of the town
+were thrown into prison. The various indictments against country
+gentlemen, followed by the confiscation of their property, were hurried
+through the court with the merest shadow of legal form; for, the
+defendants being absent and unacquainted with what was being done in
+Dublin, it was only necessary to recite the accusation to find the
+accused guilty, and to pass sentence of confiscation--all this being the
+work of a few minutes only.
+
+Nothing could be done, however, to carry the sentences into effect, for
+William's troops still possessed only the ground the troops stood upon,
+and the towns they occupied. Outside those limits, the whole country was
+against them. The Earl of Marlborough had returned to England,
+immediately after the surrender of Kinsale; and General Ginckle, who had
+now succeeded to the command, determined to harass the enemy, and to
+increase the resources at his disposal by an expedition into the
+southwest of Ireland, which, covered by Cork and Limerick, had hitherto
+been free from the presence of any English troops. He therefore pushed a
+strong body of cavalry and infantry westward from Cork and Kinsale; and
+these succeeded in making themselves masters of Castle Haven, Baltimore,
+Bantry, and several other castles on the line of coast. The district was
+wild and mountainous, and the passes might have been easily held against
+the advance; but the peasants had not been organized for resistance, and
+no serious opposition was encountered.
+
+Colonel O'Driscol, a cousin of MacFinn O'Driscol, and Captain O'Donovan,
+two of the principal proprietors of the neighbourhood, soon arrived upon
+the spot, and assembled a large irregular force, consisting chiefly of
+mounted peasants; and with these they soon cooped the invaders up in the
+castles they had taken. O'Driscol next attempted the recovery of his own
+Castle Haven, which was strongly defended, and stood on a cliff
+overhanging the sea; but his wild peasants were ill adapted for such
+work, and they were repulsed by the English garrison, and O'Driscol
+himself killed. But another force was advancing from the north. MacFinn
+O'Driscol, with his regiment, pressed forward along the line of Bandon
+river, besieged and captured Castle Haven, and expelled the English
+garrisons from Baltimore and Bantry.
+
+General Tettau had also marched out from Cork with several regiments of
+infantry and dragoons, with the intention of penetrating into Kerry; but
+the enemy's light troops harassed him night and day, wasted the country,
+and defended every pass; and he was obliged to return to Cork, without
+having accomplished anything. All this time Ginckle was urging upon the
+lord justices, who were now the real ruling party in Ireland, to issue a
+proclamation offering pardon and security for person and property to all
+who came in; urging that it was impossible that he could ever subdue the
+country, while the whole population had everything at stake in opposing
+him.
+
+He was supported by King William, who was most anxious to bring the
+struggle to an end; but the lord justices, and the Protestant party at
+Dublin, who were bent upon dividing among themselves the property of the
+Catholics throughout Ireland, turned a deaf ear to the arguments of
+Ginckle, and their friends in London had sufficient power to prevent the
+king from insisting upon his own wishes being carried into effect.
+
+After taking part in the operations in Kerry, Captain Davenant's troop
+returned to Limerick, around which city the greater part of the Irish
+army were still encamped.
+
+
+
+Chapter 13: A Dangerous Mission.
+
+
+"Walter," Captain Davenant said to his son one day, when he returned from
+a council in which he had taken part, at the quarters of General
+Sarsfield, "I have a mission for you in Dublin. It is necessary, in the
+first place, to communicate with some of our friends there, and in the
+second to ascertain, as far as we can, the plans of the enemy during the
+next campaign. There are few of us here who would not be readily
+recognized in Dublin; therefore, when there seemed a difficulty in
+selecting someone to undertake the duty, I said that I thought you would
+be likely to succeed better than most.
+
+"You have not been any time in Dublin, and I question whether a single
+person there would be likely to recognize you. You will, of course, be in
+disguise, and your youth will be in your favour. I don't say there is no
+danger in such an undertaking, but I do not think the risk is greater
+than that which you have frequently run. I was sure you would readily
+undertake the mission, and I thought I could answer for your intelligence
+as well as your discretion."
+
+"I will undertake it, certainly, father, if you think me capable of it,"
+Walter said. "It is dull enough here, now that the wet weather has
+thoroughly set in, and I shall really like the adventure. When am I to
+set out?"
+
+"Tomorrow. Your instructions, and the letters you are to carry, will be
+drawn up tonight, and you can set off after breakfast. I shall ride with
+you, with a part of the troop, until you are past the point where you are
+likely to fall in with any body of the enemy's cavalry. After that you
+will, of course, shift for yourself. We think you had best travel on
+foot, dressed as a peasant. In that way you will attract no attention,
+and pass through towns occupied by the enemy without questioning."
+
+"I think, father, I will take Larry with me, if you have no objection. He
+would be the real thing, and could do most of the talking. Besides,
+sometimes it is very useful to have someone to send with a message, or to
+put on guard when one went in anywhere."
+
+"Take him, by all means, Walter, and, indeed, I agree with you that you
+may find him very useful."
+
+Accordingly, the following morning Walter and Larry, dressed as young
+peasants, mounted, and with the troop started from the camp. No signs of
+any parties of the enemy were seen during their ride, and after
+proceeding some five-and-twenty miles, they dismounted, and with a hearty
+farewell from Captain Davenant, and a cheer from the men, they started on
+foot.
+
+The letters of which Walter was the bearer had been written on very small
+pieces of paper, and had been sewn up inside the collar of his coat. His
+instructions, as to the persons on whom he was to call, had been learned
+by heart and the paper destroyed. Larry was in high glee at taking part
+in the adventure, and laughed and jested as they made their way along.
+
+They avoided the main roads running to Waterford and Dublin, as they
+would probably have fallen in with parties of troops journeying west, and
+might have been shot out of pure wantonness, besides being exposed to the
+risk of being asked awkward questions. They slept at peasants' houses,
+where they were everywhere hospitably received, as soon as their hosts
+assured themselves that they were Catholics. Larry was the principal
+spokesman, for although Walter, like all the Catholic gentry, spoke the
+native language, he was not so fluent as his follower, to whom it came
+naturally, as, although the peasantry in the neighbourhood of Dublin were
+all able to speak English, they always conversed in Irish among
+themselves. Larry gave out that he and his companion had been serving in
+the army, and had obtained leave to pay a visit to their native village,
+near Dublin, for the winter.
+
+"I doubt whether you will find much of it standing," one of their hosts
+said, "for I hear that county Wicklow, and all round Dublin, has been
+wasted by them foreign devils in Dublin. The curse of Cromwell be upon
+them! But we'll be aven wid them yet. They say next spring a big French
+army is coming, and they will set the Germans running so that they won't
+stop till the last man gets on board ship, and ould Ireland is free from
+them, the murthering haythens. But you must be careful, lads, and not let
+out to a sowl that ye have been wid the boys in the west, or it's short
+work they would make of you."
+
+In every case they were asked questions about sons or relations with the
+army, and were often able to give news as to where the regiments to which
+they belonged were stationed, and of the part they had taken during the
+last year's fighting. News travelled slowly, and was circulated
+principally by means of travelling peddlers, who hawked their wares from
+village to village, and reported what was going on in the outside world.
+Thus, although the peasants were aware of the general details of the
+fighting which had taken place, they knew nothing of the part which the
+various regiments had borne in it. Reading and writing were rare
+accomplishments, and the post was altogether interrupted, so that many
+remained in suspense, from the beginning to the end of the war, as to the
+fate of those who had left them to take part in it.
+
+The friends did not make long journeys, for Walter was unaccustomed to
+walk barefooted, and his feet at first were very sore and tender; but by
+the time they reached Dublin they had hardened, and he was able to stride
+along by the side of Larry, who, until he started with him for the war,
+had never had on a pair of shoes in his life.
+
+As soon as they reached Dublin, they made their way to the quarters
+inhabited by the working classes. There Walter purchased shoes, and made
+such alteration in their attire as to do away with their country aspect,
+and give them the appearance of two young fellows belonging to the town.
+Having hired a room, and made these changes, they sallied out.
+
+The streets were thronged with foreign troops, who behaved as if in a
+conquered country, swaggering along the streets, pushing the citizens out
+into the middle of the road, abusing the tradesmen who refused to part
+with their goods at nominal prices, making insolent remarks to any woman
+who hurried past them, and behaving with a freedom and license which
+showed how completely all bonds of discipline were relaxed.
+
+"They look mighty bould," Larry whispered, "but it's mighty little of it
+they show when they see the Irish horse advancing agin them. No one would
+think, to see them now, as they were the men we saw spurring away for the
+bare life on Boyne Water."
+
+"No, indeed, Larry," agreed Walter, who was furious at what he saw. "I
+wish we had a few squadrons of Sarsfield's horse here. We would clear the
+street of these vermin in no time. But you must be careful, Larry.
+Whatever happens, we must not get into any brawl. We have a mission to
+perform, and must not think of ourselves."
+
+"I will remember it, yer honour."
+
+It was well that Larry had been warned, for the next moment a German
+soldier passing brushed against him, and then, with a savage oath, turned
+and struck him to the ground. Larry sprung up with his eyes blazing with
+passion, but he caught Walter's warning "Larry," and, hanging his head,
+moved away without a word.
+
+"That's right, Larry," Walter said approvingly. "I was afraid for a
+moment that you were going to spring at that fellow. If you had you would
+have been in a lockup in five minutes, and as you could have given no
+good account of yourself, there you might have remained for weeks."
+
+"If ever I meet that fellow outside Dublin," Larry muttered savagely, "I
+will pay him for the blow he gave me."
+
+Seeing the risk of another encounter of the same kind, Walter led the way
+down to the bank of the river, and there they remained, chatting, until
+it became dusk.
+
+"Now, Larry, I must begin my work. My first visit is to be to a merchant,
+who lives in a street close to where the ships discharge. While I am in,
+do you sit down on a doorstep near, and keep a sharp lookout to see
+whether the house is watched. It is not likely, but all the better class
+of Catholics who remain in the town are regarded with suspicion."
+
+Walter had no trouble in finding the house he was in search of, and,
+knocking at the door, he told the servant who opened it that he wanted to
+see the master.
+
+"You must come in business hours," the man said. "He can't see you now."
+
+"I have a letter to him, from his friend Mr. Fitzgerald of Waterford. If
+you tell him that, I think he will see me now."
+
+"That's all right," the man said. "He tould me if anyone came with a
+letter from that gentleman, I was to show him up."
+
+So saying, he led him upstairs.
+
+"Here's a young man, your honour, with the letter you tould me about,
+from Mr. Fitzgerald."
+
+"Show him in," a voice said; and Walter entered a sitting room. The
+gentleman who was with him said nothing, until the door was closed behind
+him. Then he asked:
+
+"Has the ship come in?"
+
+To which Walter replied:
+
+"She is sailing slowly, but she will come."
+
+"That's right," the merchant said, rising. "Where do you come from?"
+
+"I am Walter Davenant, a cornet in my father's troop of horse, and I have
+come direct from Limerick. I have a letter for you, in my collar."
+
+He pulled off his coat, the merchant handed him a knife, he ripped open
+the collar, and, taking out the papers concealed there, picked out that
+intended for Mr. O'Brian, which was not directed, but had only a slight
+mark upon it to distinguish it from the others. The merchant read it in
+silence.
+
+"I am disappointed, Mr. Davenant," he said, as he finished it. "I had
+hoped that a dash would be made at Dublin this winter; but the general
+says that it has been decided to fight one more campaign on the
+defensive, and that in the autumn, when the French arrive, there will be
+a general advance. Now, I am ready to answer any question you are
+instructed to ask."
+
+"In the first place, sir, how many men do you think would be ready to
+join in any rising in Dublin?"
+
+"It would all depend upon whether an Irish army was advancing in this
+direction. In that case, some seven or eight thousand men would rise. But
+unless, there were a hope of early assistance, I do not think that above
+a thousand could be relied on. I have about that number on my list. They,
+as you see, could do nothing unassisted. There are three or four thousand
+troops here, and the Protestant mob who would join them would number
+seven or eight thousand, at the very least. Therefore, any attempt to
+rise in the face of such odds, unless after a crushing defeat of
+William's troops, would be out of the question. But, as I said, if an
+army were marching on Dublin, the Protestants would be thinking more of
+taking to their ships than fighting, and all the Catholics in the city
+would then join the movement."
+
+"I think the general hoped that you could have mustered a stronger force,
+sir."
+
+"So I could, a year ago," Mr. O'Brian said; "but the constant persecution
+and ill treatment of the Catholics have caused large numbers of them to
+leave the town. Many of the younger and more determined men have made
+their way west and joined the army. I fear that the numbers I have given
+are quite as many as can be relied upon."
+
+"The general was in hopes," Walter said, "that a diversion might have
+been caused in the spring, by a rising in Dublin, which would, even if
+unsuccessful, compel the Dutch general to keep a large force here."
+
+"It might have been done, six or eight months ago," Mr. O'Brian said;
+"but the spirit of the people here has been very much broken, as well as
+their numbers diminished. But you can rely upon it, that if anything like
+a general rising can be got up, we will do our share here. With but a
+thousand men I can rely on, I feel that any open insurrection would be
+hopeless; but we could fire the city at a score of points, night after
+night, and so alarm the citizens that they would insist on a considerable
+force being kept here for their protection, and this would aid our
+friends outside. I know nothing as to what is being done there, I have
+only charge of the matter inside the city."
+
+"I am well aware of that, sir, and have to call upon those who have the
+threads of the movement, throughout the country, in their hands. I only
+arrived today, and came to you first, in order that I might know how
+matters stand here before I see the others. I shall, of course, call
+again upon you before I leave."
+
+After leaving Mr. O'Brian, Walter visited the houses of several others to
+whom he bore letters. The accounts of the feeling throughout the country
+were more encouraging than those which he had received from Mr. O'Brian.
+The hatred of the invaders was greater than ever, and the peasantry in
+all parts were in a state of sullen desperation. Indeed, the enemy could
+nowhere move, in small parties, without the certainty of being attacked.
+The pressing need was arms. A great part of the peasants who owned guns
+had already joined the army, and the rest possessed no weapons beyond
+roughly-made pikes, and scythes fixed on long handles. These were
+formidable weapons in a sudden attack on any small party, but they would
+not enable the peasants to cope, with any chance of success, against
+considerable bodies of troops, especially if provided with artillery.
+
+The persons whom Walter saw were in communication with the disaffected in
+all parts of the country, and agreed in the opinion that a general rising
+should be delayed, until some striking success was obtained by the Irish
+army, when the whole country would rise and fall upon the enemy wherever
+met with. The plans for a rising having been discussed and arranged,
+after several interviews, at some of which most of the leaders of the
+movement were present, Walter prepared to start again for the camp, with
+the news that the first Irish victory would be followed by a rising
+throughout the country, aided by great conflagrations, if not by a
+serious movement in Dublin.
+
+The negotiations had occupied over a fortnight. During the first ten
+days, Larry, who always kept watch outside the house Walter was visiting,
+reported that nothing whatever had occurred that was in the slightest
+degree suspicious. Then he told Walter, on his retiring to their
+lodgings, that he fancied their footsteps were followed.
+
+"Do you think so, Larry?"
+
+"I do, yer honour," Larry replied earnestly. "Three times, when you were
+in the house, the same man came along the street, and each time I saw him
+look up at the windows, and somehow I felt that he was following us on
+our way back. I looked round several times, and each time I fancied I saw
+a fellow slip into a doorway."
+
+"That is serious, Larry. You don't think anyone in this house can have a
+suspicion of us?"
+
+"Not they, yer honour. They all think it's just as you say; that the
+village was burned, and we have come to look for work in the city.
+Besides, if it was anyone here, he wouldn't have to take the trouble to
+track us back."
+
+"That's true enough, Larry. No; if there is a suspicion, it must be from
+some spy in the house of one of the gentlemen I have visited. We know
+that the leading Catholics are all suspected, and some of the servants
+may have been bribed to report everything which takes place in the house.
+We must be very careful; and let us arrange this, Larry, that if there is
+trouble and we get separated, we will neither of us come back to our
+lodging, but will meet at that burned-out village three miles along the
+western road. If anything happens to me, go to the first house I went to,
+and see Mr. O'Brian, and tell him that I have been taken. If there is
+anything to be done he will do it. If not, make your way straight back to
+Limerick. I have told you exactly what has been arranged with people I
+have seen, and you can tell my father, who will report to the general.
+But whatever you do, don't stop here with any idea of getting me out of
+their hands. The most important thing is that they should know, at
+Limerick, exactly what has been arranged. If you remain here, you would
+almost certainly be caught also, for, as the man who has followed us will
+be aware that we are together, a search will at once be made for you. So
+mind, my orders are, that if you see I am in trouble you are at once to
+set out for Limerick. If you think that I may manage to get away, you are
+also to leave at once, but are to wait for me, for twelve hours, at the
+village three miles out. If I do not come by the end of that time, it
+will be that I have been taken, and you are to go straight on."
+
+It was on the evening when all the arrangements were finally settled,
+that a loud knocking was heard at the door of the house where eight of
+the principal persons in the affair were assembled. One of them looked
+out of the window, and announced that the street was full of soldiers.
+All leaped to their feet, and drew their swords.
+
+"It is of no use to resist, gentlemen," Walter said. "Do you put bottles
+and glasses on the table, and sit down quietly. I will try to escape. If
+they find you alone, they can prove nothing against you, and if I get
+safe off, you also are safe. Is there any way out on to the roof? No
+doubt the house is watched behind."
+
+"There is a trapdoor," the gentleman, in whose house they were, said, and
+led the way upstairs at full speed. As he was unbolting the trap, Walter
+ran into a bedroom and seized an armful of blankets, then ran up the
+ladder to the trapdoor, and stepped out on to the roof. The door was
+closed behind him, and he heard the bolts drawn, and then his host ran
+downstairs and told the frightened servants to open the doors, which had
+so far resisted the attack from without. Headed by an officer, the
+soldiers rushed in.
+
+"What means this violence?" the gentleman asked. "Why is my house broken
+into in this way?"
+
+"I arrest you, and all who are in this house," the officer said, "on the
+charge of treason."
+
+"Treason!" the gentleman said, coolly. "You will find no treason here. I
+have a few friends upstairs, who are cracking a bottle of port; but that
+is not, so far as I am aware, against the law."
+
+The officer ran upstairs to the room where the others were standing, as
+if surprised at the tumult, round the table, on which were bottles and
+half-filled glasses.
+
+"Take the names of all these persons," the officer said to the sergeant
+who followed him, "and then convey them in custody to the castle."
+
+"There is no trouble about their names," the host said. "All are well
+known and peaceful citizens, as can be testified by any magistrate."
+
+"Where is the man who was with you?" the officer said, looking round.
+
+"There is, so far as I am aware, no one in the house, sir, beyond these
+gentlemen and my domestics."
+
+"It is a lie!" the officer exclaimed, furiously. "A man was seen to enter
+this house, an hour and a half ago, and no one has left since."
+
+"A young man! Oh, I suppose you mean the young fellow who brought me a
+message from my cousin, at Waterford, and who called to ask if I had yet
+found him any employment. Oh yes, he has been here, but left some time
+ago, unless he is chatting with the maids in the kitchen."
+
+The officer directed a rigorous search to be made of the house. The
+soldiers soon reported that every nook and corner had been examined, but
+that no one was to be found. At this moment, a shot was fired in the
+street, and a sergeant ran in.
+
+"Captain Peters bid me say, sir, that they have just caught sight of a
+man on the roof of a house, some distance along the street."
+
+"Take the prisoners to the castle, under a strong guard, sergeant. You
+will be answerable for their safety," the officer exclaimed, as he ran
+downstairs.
+
+Directly the trap closed behind him, Walter--sure that some minutes would
+pass before the method of his escape was known--tore the blankets he had
+brought with him into wide strips, tied the ends together, and twisted
+them up into the form of a rope; then, coiling this over his arm, he made
+his way along the roofs. The street below was now a mass of people. The
+report that a Popish plot had been discovered, and that a number of
+important arrests had been made, spread quickly, as the soldiers were
+seen gathered round the house. The news was sufficient to stir up party
+feelings, and the mob which collected soon set up the shout which had, of
+late, been so often raised in the streets of Dublin--"Down with the
+Papists!"
+
+Soon the crashing of glass was heard, as stones were hurled at the
+dwellings of known Catholics. Walter, anxious for the safety of Larry,
+who was, he knew, somewhere without, tried to look down into the street
+to see what was going on, believing that in the darkness he could not be
+seen. The flash of a musket, and the whistle of a ball close to him,
+showed him that his figure had been seen against the skyline.
+
+Drawing back, he paused a moment in thought. The trapdoor would be
+discovered at once, and a search on the roof commenced, and the soldiers
+would be placed behind the houses. There was no time to be lost in
+continuing his search for a house with a building projecting behind, onto
+which he could lower himself with his rope, which was not nearly long
+enough to reach the ground.
+
+Looking over at the back, between two of the sharp ridges of the roofs,
+he hung his rope so that it would fall across a window, fastened the end
+round a stack of chimneys, and then, taking hold of it, swung himself
+over. He had been very careful in tying the knots, and had tested them by
+pulling at them with all his strength; but he did not feel at all certain
+that they might not draw with his weight, in which case he must have been
+dashed to pieces on the ground far below him; but there was no time to
+hesitate, and, as fast as he could, he began to slide down the rope, the
+frequent knots affording good hold for his hands.
+
+At last he reached the window. It was made of the small diamond-shaped
+panes at that time in general use. Holding the rope with one hand and his
+legs, he dashed the other hand through a pane, just where he judged the
+fastening inside would be. Three panes were beaten in before he felt the
+latch. This was easily turned. The frame opened outward, and he had some
+difficulty in pulling it past him; then, grasping the woodwork, he drew
+himself in, and with a great effort succeeded in gaining a sufficient
+holding to enable him to leave go of the rope, and make good his footing
+inside.
+
+He had little fear of the inmates of the house taking notice of the fall
+of glass; for, had they noticed the sound above the din in the street,
+they would have supposed that the breakage was caused by one of the
+flying stones. He ran lightly downstairs, and opened a door at the back
+of the house, and found himself in the yard. The wall was not very high,
+and a spring enabled him to get his fingers on the top. He was soon
+sitting there, and then dropped into the road behind.
+
+The sound of his fall caught the ears of the soldiers, who were stationed
+at the back of the house from whence he had started, some fifty yards
+away. There was a sharp challenge, and then, as no answer was given, four
+or five shots were fired, and there was a rush of feet along the road.
+
+As it was only in the principal thoroughfares that a few lights were
+exhibited, the road would have been in complete darkness had not the
+clouds, just at that moment, blown away from the face of the moon, which
+was half full.
+
+The shots, however, had been fired hastily, and Walter dashed off at full
+speed, unhurt. He heard shouts from the roofs of the houses, and one or
+two shots were fired, but the chance of his being hit was but small. The
+sound, however, told the soldiers and crowd in the front street that the
+fugitive was escaping at the rear, and there was a general rush down the
+street to the next turning. Walter was a hundred yards ahead, before the
+mob reached the turning, and was rapidly distancing the soldiers who were
+pursuing him. Unfortunately, however, there were many people hurrying
+from all sides, attracted by the shouting and firing. Several of these,
+in response to the shouts of the soldiers, tried to stop him as he dashed
+past, and failing to do so, at once joined in the pursuit.
+
+Walter saw that he must be captured, if he kept straight on, for a group
+of men approaching, warned by the shouts of his pursuers, prepared to
+seize him. He therefore turned sharp down a narrow lane to his left.
+Another fifty yards he was through this, and found himself on the road,
+running by the side of the Liffey. Without a moment's hesitation he
+sprang across it, and plunged into the river.
+
+Even in the moment of his spring, he perceived that the tide was running
+up. Had it been ebbing, he would have made down and tried to gain the
+shore, under shelter of the shipping moored below. But it was useless to
+think of swimming against the tide. His pursuers were but a few yards
+behind him, and the second time he rose to the surface for air, two or
+three shots were fired. He dived again, and when he next came up, took a
+deliberate look round in order to judge of his chances.
+
+He was now about a third of the way across. The shore he had left was
+already lined with people, and several were gathering on the opposite
+bank. Two or three shots struck the water close to him, and he knew that
+he was visible to his pursuers. Taking a long breath, he again went under
+water. He was a first-rate swimmer and diver, having bathed regularly,
+summer and winter, in the bay below the castle.
+
+He had, this time, turned his face towards the shore he had quitted. The
+tide, he knew, was sweeping him up. He kept under water as long as he
+possibly could, swimming his hardest. When he could keep under no longer,
+he turned on his back, and permitted himself to rise slowly to the
+surface.
+
+The moment his mouth and nostrils were above water, he got rid of the
+pent-up air, took another breath, and sank again. He swam on until he
+felt, by the ground rising rapidly in front of him, that he was close to
+the edge. He then cautiously came to the surface, and looked round.
+
+He was close under the bank from which he had started, but two or three
+hundred yards higher up. The bank rose straight up, some twelve feet
+above him, and he could hear persons talking close to its edge.
+
+"There he is."
+
+"No, he isn't."
+
+"Pretty nearly over the other side."
+
+"I don't see him."
+
+"They will catch him as he gets out."
+
+"I believe he has sunk."
+
+"He never could keep under all this time."
+
+"One of the bullets must have hit him."
+
+Then a voice in the crowd shouted, "There's his head, just in the middle
+of the river," and a stone splashed in the stream. It was followed by a
+volley of other stones, and several musket shots in the same direction.
+
+Walter, having now got his breath, sank his head quietly below the water
+and swam on again, keeping close under the bank. Whenever he came up for
+air, he listened for a moment. Shots were still being fired below him,
+and he knew that the attention of all upon the shores was still directed
+towards the centre of the stream, and that there was but small chance of
+anyone leaning over to gaze down into the water close to their feet.
+
+His hopes rose, as every minute placed him further from his pursuers. He
+could no longer hear voices above him when he rose, but he swam on, for
+upwards of a mile, and struggled up the bank well beyond the walls of the
+town. He lay down a few minutes to rest himself, walked half a mile along
+the bank, and then, entering the river again, swam across, for the road
+he was to follow was on the south side of it.
+
+He made his way across the country until he saw a small shed. He entered
+this, and finding some hay in the loft, stripped off his wet clothes, and
+crept deep into the hay to warm himself, for the water was cold, and he
+was shivering from head to foot.
+
+As soon as it was light, he again put on his clothes and started at a
+run, which he maintained until he was in a thorough glow, in spite of his
+wet clothing. He did not approach the village, at which he had arranged
+to meet Larry, until the sun was high, and his clothes had dried so far
+that they would not attract the attention of anyone who might be passing.
+Then he went into the deserted village and took up his place in one of
+the ruined cottages, from which he could obtain a view of the road from
+Dublin.
+
+Half an hour later, he saw Larry coming along it. Although there was no
+one else in sight, someone might be going the other way, and Walter
+therefore remained in his hiding place till Larry was abreast of him,
+when he showed his head in the doorway, and called him by name.
+
+Larry gave a cry of joy and, rushing in, threw his arms round him and
+burst into tears.
+
+"It's a terrible fright you have given me!" he exclaimed, when he could
+find words. "I have been breaking my heart all night. Sure I thought you
+were at the bottom of the river."
+
+"Not this time, Larry, though it was a pretty close thing. Did you see it
+all?"
+
+"Sure and I did," Larry said. "I was sitting on a doorstep, watching the
+house, when I saw the sodgers coming along. They turned up from a side
+street, and were so close that I saw I could not get across and get the
+door opened in time to give you the alarm. Then they began to knock at
+the door, and for a bit I felt so wake that I could not move. Then the
+crowd began to gather, and then I said to myself, The master will try to
+shlip out at the back of the house. So I went round, but I found the
+thieves of the world waiting for ye there. But I was sure ye weren't the
+one to let them take ye widout a struggle for it. So I moved a bit away,
+and jist waited.
+
+"The time seemed long, when on a suddint I heard the sodgers sing out,
+and then fire, and set out to run. I never doubted it was you, and so off
+I went behindt them, as hard as I could tare. I wasn't long in coming up
+to them, and at first I thought ye would get clean away. Then my heart
+fell, when I saw those villains attempt to seize ye, but, when I thought
+it was all over, ye turned sharp off and made for the river. I was with
+the first of them to get there, and I ran, accidental, against the first
+sodger who got his musket to his shoulder, and there was no saying where
+the ball went to. He cursed me for a clumsy baste, and would have knocked
+me down, but he was in too great a hurry to load again.
+
+"I saw the bullets strike the water, close to you, when you came up
+again. I saw you look round, and guessed ye was thinking what was the
+best thing to do. Then we saw no more of ye. I didn't think you had been
+hit, for I saw you go down regular, as if you were diving in the sea for
+pleasure; and not sharp, as you would have done if a bullet had hit you.
+I guessed as you were meaning to swim up the stream, and I did the only
+thing I could to stop them from following up, by shouting that I saw ye,
+and throwing a big stone into the water close to where I had seen your
+head before, knowing that, by that time, ye must be nigh a hundred yards
+up.
+
+"The fools didn't stop to think, but they took to throwing stones, and
+firing as hard as they could, and by the time they had done I knew, if ye
+were alive, ye must be nigh a quarter of a mile up the river. Some of
+them did run up, and I kept with them, but sorrah a glimpse of ye did we
+get. At last, everyone made sure that you were kilt entirely, and went
+their ways.
+
+"I went off to our lodgings, but took good care not to go in. And it was
+well I didn't, for, half an hour later, a troop of sodgers came up, and
+some of them went in.
+
+"They were led by that black villain who used to come wid messages from
+Mr. O'Brian, and I have no doubt it was he who set the sodgers upon you.
+Anyhow, they didn't find much there, but four of them waited till morning
+inside, the others all going away, so that, if you had got out of the
+river, they might catch ye in a trap.
+
+"I waited till they had left this morning, thinking, I suppose, that it
+was no use to stay longer, and then started to see if your honour were
+here.
+
+"Sometimes I thought I should find you, then again, I tould myself that
+if you had been alive I must have seen you come up agin; for, knowing the
+strength of the stream, and how fast you could swim, I could tell pretty
+nigh about where you would come up, if you were keeping straight up the
+river. How did you manage it at all, Master Walter?"
+
+"I turned, and swam back again to the bank, Larry. I knew everyone would
+be watching the middle of the river, and would not be looking at the
+water in front of them. Of course, the stream took me up a long way. I
+only came up once, on my back, took a breath, and went down again, and
+the second time I was right under the bank and well out of sight, though
+I could hear them talking above me. It was just when I looked round,
+then, that I saw them throwing stones and firing into the middle of the
+river, two hundred yards lower down, and after that I had only to keep on
+swimming under water, close to the bank."
+
+"And that is how ye managed it! It was a grand thought, entirely, to swim
+back to us. I never thought of that. I was most afraid you would go for
+the opposite shore, and there were plenty had gathered there, ready to
+seize you. I didn't think I could have missed you, if you'd kept on in
+the middle, and I have been puzzled altogether as to what could have
+become of you, if ye were really alive.
+
+"I have got some bread in my bundle here, and a bottle of spirits, and
+you had better have a bite and a sup before we go on, for it's pretty
+nigh as white as a ghost ye are."
+
+The meal seemed to put new life and strength into Walter, and, after its
+conclusion, he was ready to step out again with fresh energy. They
+thought it better at once to leave the road, and tramp across the
+country. By so doing they avoided all parties of the English troops, and
+reached the Irish army without adventure. Walter at once reported himself
+to General Sarsfield, and related all that had taken place in Dublin.
+
+"You have done excellently, Mr. Davenant, and your escape from capture
+was an extraordinary one. Unfortunately, the betrayal of what was doing,
+and the arrest of our friends, is likely to upset all the plans you had
+arranged."
+
+"I hope not, sir," Walter said. "I know that they were all careful to
+have no written documents, for it was always possible that the houses of
+the Catholics might be searched."
+
+"That may be so," the general said; "but I fear that this traitor will
+have managed to overhear some of the conversation; and the fact of their
+meeting, and of your escape, will in itself tell against them
+sufficiently to ensure their being kept in prison, at any rate for a
+considerable time; and, even if released, they would be suspected
+persons, and would be unable to make the slightest move."
+
+The general's previsions were justified. The whole of those arrested were
+retained in prison for some months, and no such general rising as had
+been planned was ever carried into effect.
+
+During the winter, stores and ordnance arrived from France for the supply
+of the Irish army, and from England for the use of the British, and a
+great number of officers from the Continent also joined both armies.
+
+The discontent among the Irish at the apathy of France was extreme. They
+had embarked in the war on the strength of the promises of King Louis.
+None of these promises had been fulfilled. The supplies of arms and money
+had been most meagre, the few thousand troops sent had never taken part
+in any of the operations, and their coming had been much more than
+counterbalanced by the troops sent from Ireland in exchange for them. An
+additional cause of discontent was given by the fact that William
+exchanged all the prisoners taken in Ireland for Dutch prisoners, in the
+hands of Louis, and the Irish so handed over were all incorporated in the
+French army.
+
+So great was the discontent that, had a proclamation of pardon and
+protection been offered, the whole Irish army would have disbanded, and
+all resistance ceased. But Louis, alarmed at finding that it was likely
+William would be freed from his troubles at home, and be at liberty to
+give his whole attention to the war on the Continent, sent fresh promises
+of large and speedy aid; and despatched General Saint Ruth to take the
+command in Ireland, in place of Lauzun, who had returned to France.
+
+This appointment caused fresh discontent among the Irish. Their cause had
+already been well-nigh ruined by the interference and incapacity of the
+French generals, and, on the retirement of Lauzun, they had confidently
+expected that Sarsfield would be appointed commander-in-chief, and that
+henceforth there would be unity of design in their operations. Saint Ruth
+was accompanied by a large number of young French officers, whose
+demeanour still further widened the breach between the French and Irish.
+
+Saint Ruth at once inspected the army, now concentrated between Limerick
+and Athlone. Except that there was a great deficiency in horses for the
+cavalry, the army was greatly improved in discipline and appearance since
+the battle of the Boyne, for both officers, petty officers, and men had
+learned their duties. The army had passed the winter in comfortable
+quarters, and had been well supplied with food.
+
+The difficulty was to find horses. The rapparees had carried off many of
+the chargers of the English cavalry, by stratagem, and it was a common
+practice of the Danish and other foreign troops to sell their horses to
+the Irish, at the outposts, and pretend that they were stolen. Still, the
+supply was altogether insufficient, and Saint Ruth, finding that he could
+not get horses from the enemy, determined to take them from his friends.
+
+A proclamation was accordingly issued, inviting all the gentry throughout
+the country held by the Irish, to meet him at Limerick, mounted and
+accoutered in the best manner. Reports were spread that an important
+communication was to be made to the gentlemen of the country, from King
+James, and that many marks of honour and distinction were to be
+conferred.
+
+Accordingly, there was a very numerous attendance of gentry on the day
+fixed. Saint Ruth appeared on the ground with a large body of cavalry. He
+made a speech to the gentlemen--complimented them on their punctual
+attendance and gallant appearance; told them that it was necessary that
+every man should make sacrifices for the defence of his religion and his
+estates, and requested them to hand over their horses to the cavalry. He
+then at once rode off the ground, leaving the cavalry to take possession
+of the horses.
+
+Anger and expostulation were useless, and the gentlemen had to return on
+foot, sadder men; but the army obtained a large and valuable addition of
+horses, and Saint Ruth was able to march out at the head of twenty
+thousand foot, and five thousand well-appointed cavalry.
+
+Their direction was Athlone, towards which point Ginckle was also
+directing his movements, having assembled his whole force at Mullingar,
+withdrawing the garrisons from almost all the towns, in order to raise
+his force in the field. The alarm in Dublin was, in consequence, extreme,
+and the council and lords justices besought Ginckle not to leave them
+without protection; but he only replied that they had it in their own
+power to put an end to the war, by publishing such a declaration of
+pardon and security, for person and property, as would satisfy the Irish
+in James's army. But the council, even in this moment of alarm, refused
+to renounce their golden hopes of confiscation.
+
+Ginckle's first attack was directed against the village of Ballymore,
+which lay between Mullingar and Athlone. It was defended by a thousand
+cavalry and infantry, and a sergeant and a few men were posted, in a
+castle, on an eminence some distance from the village. The first attack
+was made on the castle, but the sergeant and his little garrison made a
+long and gallant resistance, and the savage Dutchman was so infuriated at
+the opposition that, when at last the post was taken, he ordered the
+gallant sergeant to be at once hung.
+
+He then sent word to the garrison of the village that, if they did not
+surrender, he would serve them as he had served the sergeant. They were
+unmoved by the threat, and made a long and gallant defence against the
+whole of Ginckle's army; and the Dutch general was unable to overcome
+their resistance, till he at last offered fair terms of surrender. The
+position being a strong and important one, Ginckle spent some days in
+adding to the defensive works the Irish had erected, before he moved
+forward and sat down in front of Athlone. His army was well provided with
+heavy artillery and everything necessary for a siege, and he was firmly
+resolved that there should be no repetition of the disastrous failure of
+the preceding autumn.
+
+
+
+Chapter 14: Athlone.
+
+
+The Irish had, this time, determined to defend not only that portion of
+Athlone situated on the west of the river, but the English town on the
+east. The fortifications here were repaired and added to, and the town
+was abundantly supplied with stores and ammunition. It was, however,
+unable to resist the heavy artillery which Ginckle brought to play
+against it. Walls, buildings, and towers crumbled beneath the heavy
+cannonade; and although the Irish repelled, with great slaughter, several
+assaults upon it, the place became at last untenable, and they abandoned
+that part of the town, and retired by the bridge across the river to the
+Irish town.
+
+The British, on entering the eastern town, found it a mere mass of ruins,
+with the dead bodies of the soldiers lying everywhere, half covered with
+the wreck of the works they had died in defending. The taking of this
+portion of Athlone had cost Ginckle dearly, and he was but little nearer
+the object of his efforts, for he was separated from the Irish town by
+the Shannon, and the western arch of the bridge was broken down by the
+defenders.
+
+Eleven large guns and three mortars now came up from Dublin, and he
+erected a succession of batteries upon the ruins of the English town, and
+opened fire upon the castle of Athlone, which, although a building of
+great strength, soon crumbled into ruins beneath the fire of the heavy
+artillery brought to bear upon it. A mill, which stood in the river, and
+was connected with the bridge, was set on fire, and the sixty soldiers
+posted in it, being unable to escape, were all burned. Night and day,
+seven great batteries played incessantly upon the town.
+
+On the 26th of June, thirty waggons loaded with powder and a hundred
+carts with cannon balls arrived from Dublin, and enabled the besiegers to
+keep up their fire without intermission. The interior of the town was
+reduced to ruins--nothing remained erect save the city walls, in which
+the breaches, as fast as they were made, were repaired by the Irish. The
+slaughter among those so employed was very heavy; but there was no lack
+of men, the places of those who fell being at once supplied by others
+willing to give their lives in the defence of the town.
+
+At last, there was nothing more that the besiegers could do. The town was
+reduced to ashes, but the river and the broken arch still separated them
+from the ruins. To remain much longer where they were was impossible, for
+the country on every side was exhausted, and no longer afforded food for
+man or horse. The country people had fled, from the cruelty and
+spoliation of Ginckle's foreign soldiery, carrying with them all their
+effects; and the Irish light troops and armed peasantry hovered round the
+camp, laid the country waste, and intercepted their supplies and
+communications with Dublin.
+
+Ginckle held a council of war, to consider what was to be done. It was
+admitted that they must force the passage of the river without loss of
+time, or submit to the alternative of retreat, and the utter failure of
+the campaign. It was finally resolved to attempt the passage of the
+bridge by throwing a wooden gallery over the broken arch, and forcing
+their way across, at all cost. Additional batteries were now raised on
+the bank of the river, and a heavy fire was poured, without intermission,
+upon the Irish on their side of the broken arch.
+
+Both parties had erected a breastwork on the bridge, at their respective
+sides of the breach, and from behind this, day and night, a continued
+musketry fire was kept up, the grenadiers of the English army throwing
+grenades into the enemy's works. After some days, the breastwork on the
+Irish side was set on fire by the continued assault of shot and grenades.
+The wattles of which it was composed, dried by the hot weather, were soon
+in a blaze, and, under cover of the flames and smoke, the English ran
+forward the great beams they had prepared in readiness, and threw them
+across the gap in the bridge.
+
+The fire from all the batteries on the English side was directed against
+the burning breastwork, while the grenadiers hastened to lay planks
+across the beams to complete the bridge. The work was well-nigh done when
+an Irish sergeant and ten men, all clad in armour, leaped through the
+flames of the breastwork, and began to hew with their axes at the beams
+and planks.
+
+For a moment, the British were paralysed at the daring action. Then the
+batteries and musketry fire again opened, a storm of shot and bullets
+swept across the bridge, and the whole of the gallant fellows fell dead;
+but in a moment another party, similarly armed, dashed through the flames
+and took their places.
+
+Regardless of the fire they whirled their axes. Nine fell, but the last
+two gave the final stroke to the beams. The bridge fell with a crash into
+the river below, and the two survivors recrossed the breastwork and
+joined their friends within, amid the wild enthusiasm of the defenders;
+an enthusiasm in which even the baffled assailants joined, for the
+British grenadiers gave a cheer, in token of their admiration at the
+gallantry and devotion of the deed.
+
+In all history, there is no record of a more gallant action than this,
+performed by two sergeants and twenty men, who thus encountered almost
+certain death to maintain their post. The destruction of the temporary
+bridge filled Ginckle and his officers with consternation, and the manner
+in which their design had been baffled showed the spirit of the
+defenders, and the magnitude of the task which they had undertaken.
+
+But it was resolved, at another council which was called, to attempt one
+more effort before abandoning the enterprise. A finished platform was
+constructed. This was to be thrown over the arch, and a chosen body of
+the bravest troops in the army were to throw themselves across, and try
+to force a passage. At the same time, a division was to cross the river
+by a ford near the bridge, and another to attempt to cross by a bridge of
+pontoons, prepared in readiness.
+
+The Irish were informed, by French deserters, of what was going on in the
+English camp, and early on the morning of the assault, several strong
+divisions of the Irish army were seen marching down from the camp, two
+miles away, into the town. Here they were drawn up, in readiness to
+repulse the assault.
+
+The British were some time before they were ready for the attack, but at
+ten o'clock the whole army stood in close order, ready to advance.
+
+The first to move forward were those who were to carry the bridge. The
+Irish guns, which still remained intact, opened upon them, but they
+pressed forward along the bridge to the broken arch, and, with less
+trouble than had been anticipated, threw the platform across it. Instead
+of rushing forward at once, the grenadiers stood behind their breastwork
+and hurled their grenades at the Irish grenadiers, who stood in close
+order on the opposite edge.
+
+These, however, stood their ground, and hurled their grenades with great
+effect into the column. One of these exploded against the English
+breastwork and set it on fire. It at once blazed up. A strong west wind
+was blowing, and drove the smoke and flames into the faces of the English
+grenadiers, who for some time strove in vain to extinguish the flames,
+notwithstanding the heavy fire which the defenders poured into them. They
+had at last to fall back, and the Irish, sallying from behind their
+breastwork, pulled down the burning timbers on to the bridge, which was
+soon in flames.
+
+The other divisions of the English army, finding that the grenadiers on
+the bridge made no progress, did not attempt to perform their part of the
+work, and finally the whole retreated to their camp.
+
+That evening, another council of war was held. Matters now looked
+desperate, and the fact that the enterprise had, this time, failed owing
+to the hesitation of the troops to push forward to the attack of the
+enemy, made the prospect appear more hopeless. Nevertheless, in spite of
+the opposition of Generals Ginckle and Mackey, the council determined
+that one more attempt should be made, and that this should be carried out
+at daylight next morning, in the hopes of taking the Irish by surprise.
+
+It was accordingly given out that the army would retreat in the morning,
+and the heavy guns were withdrawn from the batteries. Saint Ruth, who was
+convinced that Athlone could not be taken, and who had spent the greater
+portion of his time in entertaining the ladies and gentry of the
+neighbourhood with balls and fetes, fell into the trap, and, contrary to
+the opinion and advice of the Irish generals, recalled from the town the
+regiments which had marched in that morning, and replaced them with only
+three battalions of inferior troops. The Irish officers remonstrated
+warmly, but Saint Ruth, to show his disdain for their opinions, invited a
+large party of ladies and gentlemen to an entertainment in the evening.
+
+In the night, the British army prepared for the attack. The commanders of
+the respective divisions all led their troops in person.
+
+The garrison of the town were all asleep. In Saint Ruth's camp the
+festivities were over, and the general and his officers had retired. The
+Irish sentinels, who noted the movement in the British camp, supposed
+that they were mustering to retreat, and thus the three British columns
+drew up inside the town wall, in readiness to advance, without a notion
+of their purpose being entertained on the opposite side of the river.
+
+One column, headed by sixty chosen men in complete armour, was to cross
+the bridge and throw a platform over the arch; another to cross by the
+ford: the third by a pontoon bridge. When the church bell tolled six, the
+three columns advanced simultaneously, and, before the Irish were
+thoroughly awake, the leading battalions had forded the river, the
+platform was in its place, and the troops pouring into the town.
+
+A few guns were hastily discharged, and then the men of the three Irish
+regiments in the town fled in haste, to avoid capture by the columns
+pouring across the river by the ford and pontoon bridge. Many, indeed,
+were captured whilst asleep. Saint Ruth, roused from sleep by the sound
+of cannon, ordered the troops to arms, but it was too late. The town, or
+rather its ruins, were in the possession of the British, and the
+brilliant success, which had been won by the valour and determination of
+the Irish troops, was forfeited by the carelessness, folly, and
+self-confidence of the French general.
+
+Had he listened to the advice of the Irish officers, the attempt, like
+those which had preceded it, must have failed, and in that case there was
+nothing remained to Ginckle but a precipitous retreat to Dublin, with the
+loss of the whole of the advantages gained in the previous campaign, and
+the necessity of bringing the war to an end by the concession of the
+rights and privileges of the Irish Catholics and landowners. The whole
+course of history was changed by the folly of one man. Ginckle had taken
+Athlone, but it was at a vast cost of life, and he was more than ever
+impressed with the magnitude of the task of subduing Ireland, so long as
+the people were driven to desperation by the threatened confiscation of
+all their lands, and by the persecution of their religion. King William,
+too, was more anxious than ever for the termination of hostilities, and,
+on the very day that the news of the fall of Athlone reached him, he
+issued a proclamation offering protection, security of all possessions,
+and continuance in any offices which they held under James, to all who
+would lay down their arms in three weeks' time.
+
+The issue of such a proclamation as this, a year before, would have
+satisfied the Irish and put a stop to the war; but it was now too late.
+The promises made had been broken, over and over again, and the Irish had
+but too much reason to fear that, when all opposition ceased, the council
+and their train of greedy adherents would again obtain the ascendency,
+and would continue their work of spoliation and robbery.
+
+Moreover, the Irish army did not feel itself in any way beaten. It was
+not its fault that the second siege of Athlone had not terminated as the
+former siege and that of Limerick had done, and that Ginckle's army was
+not hurrying back, defeated and disorganized, to Dublin. They felt that,
+at the battle of the Boyne, they had suffered no defeat, although, in
+accordance with the general plan, they had fallen back, and they eagerly
+desired to fight one battle to prove that, in the open field, they were
+more than a match for the mercenaries of King William.
+
+The council and lords justices, who were aghast at the proclamation,
+which threatened to destroy their hopes of dividing among themselves and
+their friends all the lands of the Catholics of Ireland, did their best
+to prevent its acceptance, by spreading rumours that it was a mere bait,
+and that its promises would not be fulfilled; while Saint Ruth and his
+French officers did their best, also, to set the Irish against it.
+
+Saint Ruth, who was really a good officer, was conscious that, so far
+from having gained credit, as he had expected from a command in Ireland,
+the misfortunes which had happened were entirely attributed to him, and
+he longed for an opportunity of wiping out the slur on his military
+reputation. He therefore urged upon the Irish generals that Ginckle had
+indeed gained but little; that all the hopes of William rested upon that
+army alone; and that, with its defeat, they could demand and obtain any
+terms they liked to lay down; besides which, he was able to assure them,
+by his advices from France, that Louis was making preparations for
+assisting them on a vastly larger scale than he had previously done.
+Thus, from a combination of circumstances, the proclamation elicited no
+response.
+
+While the siege of Athlone was being carried on, the main body of
+Sarsfield's cavalry remained, for the most part, in the camp near the
+town; but commanders of small bodies of men, like the corps of Captain
+Davenant, which were regarded as irregulars, had liberty of action. Some
+made long raids to the east, and often spread confusion and dismay among
+the enemy, by appearing suddenly when no Irish troops were believed to be
+within a hundred miles. Some went down and joined the peasants, who were
+keeping up desultory fighting in the neighbourhood of Cork, harassing the
+English whenever they moved from one point to another, or sent out
+parties to collect forage or provisions.
+
+Captain Davenant, who had more than once respectfully urged upon
+Sarsfield the immense benefit which would result, were the whole of the
+Irish cavalry to place themselves upon the line of the enemy's
+communication, finding that the Irish general was unmoved by his
+arguments, several times endeavoured to carry out his ideas, as far as
+could be done with his own small force.
+
+The inactivity of the Irish horse, throughout the long sieges of Athlone
+and Limerick, except only upon the occasion of the raid upon the siege
+train, is almost inexplicable. They had nothing to fear from the enemy's
+cavalry, to whom they proved themselves immensely superior, whenever they
+met during the war, and they had it in their power, for months, to cut
+the British communications and so oblige them, either to detach so large
+a force to keep the roads open that they would have been unable to push
+on the siege, and would indeed have been in danger of being attacked and
+destroyed by the Irish infantry; or to raise the siege, and fall back
+upon their bases, Dublin and Waterford.
+
+The only possible explanations that can be offered are--first, that
+Sarsfield, although a dashing commander in action, was possessed of no
+military genius whatever; second, that he was prevented from moving by
+the jealousy of the French commanders-in-chief, who did not wish to see
+the credit of compelling the enemy to fall back monopolized by the Irish
+cavalry; or, third, that Sarsfield saw the advantages which could be
+obtained by throwing himself, with his cavalry, in the rear of the enemy,
+but deliberately remained inactive rather than leave the French generals
+to act, unchecked by his presence at headquarters. It can never be
+decided to which of these alternatives it was due that the Irish cavalry
+remained for so long a time inactive, and that William, and after him
+Ginckle, were permitted, unmolested save by a few detached bodies of
+horse, to maintain their long line of communications to their base,
+unchecked.
+
+Upon one of his excursions in the rear of the English army, Captain
+Davenant's troops dashed down upon a convoy of waggons. The dragoons who
+were escorting them were killed or driven off. The drivers were collected
+in a group, for Captain Davenant always ordered that these men should not
+be injured, as they were not combatants, and were in most cases obliged
+to accompany their teams, which had been requisitioned for the service.
+
+The men were collecting the waggons together, preparatory to setting them
+on fire, when Walter, on riding near the group of drivers, heard himself
+called by name. Turning round, he leapt from his horse and ran up to one
+of the prisoners.
+
+"My dear John!" he exclaimed, "I am glad indeed to see you. Why, what
+brings you here?"
+
+After exchanging hearty greetings, Walter led him away from the group,
+and the two sat down together on a bank.
+
+"What brings you here?" Walter repeated.
+
+"All the waggons within miles round Dublin have been requisitioned," John
+said; "and as our three were called for, my father suggested that I
+should accompany them, to see that the horses were fed and cared for."
+
+"Which are your waggons?" Walter asked.
+
+"The three last in the column."
+
+Walter immediately ran to his father, told him what had happened, and
+begged that the three waggons should be exempted from the general
+destruction. Captain Davenant at once rode up to the men, and ordered the
+waggons to be unloaded and their contents added to the pyre which was
+being prepared, but that the waggons themselves should be taken back a
+quarter of a mile along the road, and left there under the charge of
+their drivers, who were not to move until joined by their owner. He then
+rode back, and shook hands with John.
+
+"I am glad to see you," he said. "All are well, I hope, at both our
+homes?"
+
+"Quite well, sir."
+
+"Thank God for that! Now, I must leave you to see that our work is
+thoroughly carried out. You will find your waggons safe, a quarter of a
+mile along the road. I will leave you to tell all the home news to
+Walter, who will retell it to me afterwards."
+
+"Now tell me all the news," Walter said, when they were together again.
+
+"The news is not altogether pleasant," John replied. "The whole of the
+country round Dublin is being harried by the cavalry in garrison there.
+They pay no attention whatever to papers of protection, and care but
+little whether those they plunder are Protestant or Catholic, friend or
+foe. They go about in small parties, like bands of brigands, through the
+country; and those who go to Dublin to obtain redress for their exactions
+are received with indifference, and sometimes with insult, by the
+authorities. Then, too, we have had trouble at home.
+
+"My grandfather became more bigoted than ever, and would, if he had the
+power, have annihilated every Catholic in Ireland. My father and he had
+frequent quarrels, and I was in daily expectation of an open breach
+between them, and of my father giving up his share of the property, and
+taking us to England. He was a backslider, in my grandfather's eyes. The
+tales of battle, plunder, and murder seemed to have taken the latter back
+to his own fighting days; and he was rather inclined to consider the
+generals as lukewarm, than to join in the general indignation at their
+atrocious conduct.
+
+"Even the sufferings of the Protestants did not seem to affect him. The
+Lord's work, he said, cannot be carried on without victims. It horrified
+me to hear him talk. If this was the religion of our fathers, I was fast
+coming to the conclusion that it was little better than no religion at
+all.
+
+"I think my father and mother saw it in the same light, and the breach
+between them and my grandfather daily widened. But I have not told you
+the worst, yet. A party of cavalry rode up the other day, and were about,
+as usual, to seize upon some cattle. My father was out, and my
+grandfather stepped forward and asked them 'how they could lay it to
+their consciences to plunder Protestants when, a mile or two away, there
+were Catholics lording it over the soil--Catholics whose husbands and
+sons were fighting in the ranks of the army of James Stuart?'
+
+"I was in the house with my mother, but we heard what was said; and she
+whispered to me to slip out behind, and find my father, and tell him what
+was being done. I made off; but before I had gone a quarter of a mile, I
+saw the soldiers riding off towards the castle, with my grandfather
+riding at their head. I was not long in finding my father, who at once
+called the men off from their work, and sent them off in all directions
+to raise the country; and in an hour two hundred men, armed with any
+weapon they could snatch up, were marching towards the castle, my father
+at their head. There were Catholics and Protestants among them--the
+latter had come at my father's bidding, the former of their own free
+will.
+
+"We hurried along, anxiously fearing every moment to see flames rise from
+the castle. Fortunately, the soldiers were too busy in plundering to
+notice our approach, and we pounced down upon them and seized them
+unawares. They were stripping the place of everything worth carrying
+away, before setting it on fire. We burst into the hall, and there was a
+sight which filled my father and myself with anger and shame. Your
+grandmother was standing erect, looking with dignity mingled with disdain
+at my grandfather; while your mother, holding your brother's hands, stood
+beside her. My grandfather was standing upon a chair; in his hand he held
+a Bible, and was pouring out a string of denouncing texts at the ladies,
+and was, at the moment we entered, comparing them to the wicked who had
+fallen into a net.
+
+"I don't think, Walter, his senses are quite right now. He is crazed with
+religion and hate, and I believe, at the time, he fancied himself in the
+meeting house. Anyhow, there he was, while two sergeants, who were
+supposed to be in command of the troop, were sitting on a table, with a
+flagon of wine between them, looking on with amusement. Their expression
+changed pretty quickly, when we rushed in.
+
+"It needed all my father's efforts to prevent the whole party being hung,
+so furious were all the rescuers at the outrage upon the good ladies of
+the castle. But my father pointed out to them that, although such a
+punishment was well deserved, it would do harm rather than good to the
+ladies. They had orders of protection from the lords justices; and he
+should proceed at once, with four or five witnesses, to lay the matter
+before the general at Dublin, and demand the punishment of the offenders.
+But if the party took the law into their own hands, and meted out the
+punishment the fellows deserved, the facts of the case would be lost
+sight of. There would be a cry of vengeance for the murder, as it would
+be called, of a party of soldiers, and it would serve as an excuse for
+harrying the whole district with fire and sword.
+
+"Having at last persuaded the angry tenants and peasantry to lay aside
+their project of vengeance, my father went to the soldiers, who, tied
+hand and foot, were expecting nothing short of death. He ordered all
+their pistols and ammunition to be taken away, and their bonds to be
+loosed; then told them that their escape had been a narrow one, and that,
+with great difficulty, he had persuaded those who had captured them while
+engaged in deeds of outrage and plunder to spare them; but that a
+complaint would at once be made before the military authorities, and the
+law would deal with them. Finally, they were permitted to mount and ride
+off, after having been closely examined to see that they were taking with
+them none of the plunder of the house.
+
+"Everything was then carefully replaced as they had found it; and my
+father at once rode off, with six of the leading tenants--three
+Protestants and three Catholics--and laid a complaint before the general.
+The latter professed himself much shocked, and lamented the impossibility
+of keeping strict discipline among the various regiments stationed in the
+towns. However, he went down with them at once to the barracks of the
+regiment, ordered them to be formed up, and asked my father if he could
+identify the culprits.
+
+"My father and those with him picked out fifteen, including the two
+sergeants, as having formed part of the body of plunderers; and the
+general had the whole tied up and flogged severely, then and there, and
+declared that, the next time an outrage upon persons who had received
+letters of protection came to his ears, he would shoot every man who was
+proved to have been concerned in it. He also gave orders that a
+well-conducted noncommissioned officer, and four men, should be sent at
+once to Davenant Castle, and should there take up their quarters as a
+guard against any party of marauders, with the strictest orders to cause
+no annoyance or inconvenience to the inhabitants of the castle.
+
+"I learned afterwards that Mr. Conyers, who had been interesting himself
+greatly on behalf of the ladies of the castle, is a great friend of the
+lords justices, and other members of the council, and is also acquainted
+with the general, which will account for the prompt measures taken to
+punish the marauders--a very rare and exceptional matter, I can tell
+you."
+
+"I am sure we are greatly indebted to your father and you, for so
+promptly taking measures to assist my mother," Walter said. "I have no
+doubt the castle would have been burned, as well as plundered, if it had
+not been for your rescue of them."
+
+"It is not worth thinking about, Walter. We are heavily your debtors,
+still, for the kindness of your father and yourself to me at Derry, and
+indeed on all other occasions. Besides, it was the least we could do,
+seeing that it was my grandfather's hatred of your family which brought
+the matter about."
+
+"What became of your grandfather," Walter asked, "when you interrupted
+his sermon?"
+
+"He fell down in a fit," John replied; "and perhaps it was the best thing
+he could do, for I don't know what my father and he would have said to
+each other, had it not been so. He was carried home, and he has not been
+the same man since. I don't think the subject was ever alluded to between
+my father and him; but I think that being balked, just at the moment when
+he thought he had obtained the object of his hopes and prayers for the
+last forty years, has almost broken his heart.
+
+"He goes about the house, scarce speaking a word, and seems to have lost
+almost all his energy. He has ceased to read the family prayers, and to
+hold forth morning and night. I do think he considers that the Lord has
+cheated him out of his lawful vengeance. It is awfully sad, Walter,
+though it is strange, to see such a travesty of religion as the tenets of
+my grandfather and some of the old men who, like him, represent the views
+of Cromwell's soldiers.
+
+"Their religion cannot be called true Christianity. It is the Judaism of
+the times when the Jews were among the most ignorant of peoples. To me it
+is most shocking, and I would infinitely rather be a Mohammedan than hold
+such a faith as theirs. I thank God that my father and mother have shaken
+off such a yoke, and brought me up according to the teaching of the New
+Testament, rather than that of the Old."
+
+By this time the waggons, with the exception of those under John
+Whitefoot's charge, had been collected in a mass, and fire had been
+applied to them. They were now a pile of flame. A few of the best and
+fastest looking of the horses were set aside to be carried off by the
+troop. The rest were shot, as the great object of the raids was to
+deprive the English army of its means of transport.
+
+The troop then mounted. Captain Davenant and Walter took a hearty
+farewell of John, and intrusted him with hastily-written letters for
+home; and as the smoke of the burning train would soon bring down any
+parties of the enemy who happened to be in the neighbourhood, the troop
+then rode off at full speed, and arrived safely at Athlone without
+meeting with any further adventures.
+
+After the fall of the city, Ginckle remained inactive some time, but,
+finding that his proclamation had no effect in inducing the Irish to lay
+down their arms, he reluctantly prepared to advance against them. In the
+interval, he occupied himself in repairing the western wall of the city,
+and, as he had been joined by several regiments sent out to reinforce
+him, he resumed his advance with a force larger than that with which he
+had commenced the siege of Athlone. Before starting, he issued the most
+peremptory orders against a repetition of the acts which had so disgraced
+his army, and had done so much harm to the cause by banding the whole
+peasantry against them.
+
+Saint Ruth chose his position with great skill. His camp extended more
+than two miles, along a range of hills called the heights of Kilcomeden.
+His right was protected by a rivulet, and by hills and marshes. On his
+left was a deep glen. Beyond this, along his whole front, a vast bog
+extended, in most places impassable for horse or foot. On the borders of
+the bog, on the left, stood the ruins of the little castle of Aughrim,
+occupying the only spot of firm ground which led to the camp.
+
+To pass the bog at this point, it was necessary to go close by the castle
+wall, where there was a broken path only wide enough for two men to pass
+abreast. The passage on the right of the bog was more open, but it was
+marshy and unsafe.
+
+This position was much stronger than that which the Irish had held at the
+battle of the Boyne, and whereas, on that occasion, they had been very
+inferior in numbers to their assailants, they were now superior by some
+regiments in number. In the point of artillery the English had here, as
+at the Boyne, an overwhelming superiority.
+
+Ginckle moved forward slowly and with caution, halting on the river Suck
+until he had been joined by every available soldier in Ireland.
+
+On the morning of the 12th of July, the British army halted on the edge
+of the bog, that, like a great belt, encircled the Irish within it. The
+morning was foggy, and the mist did not clear off until towards noon. The
+Irish prepared for battle by having divine service performed at the head
+of their regiments, and Dr. Stafford, chaplain to the royal regiment of
+foot, and some other priests, passed through the ranks, urging upon the
+men their duty and obligation, as soldiers and Irishmen, to make every
+effort they could to rescue their country from the oppression of the
+Prince of Orange, and his army of foreigners.
+
+Ginckle, on his part, as at Athlone, distributed money among the troops,
+and promised them the plunder of the enemy's camp. As the day cleared up,
+the British army was put in motion, and a strong column advanced against
+the enemy's right, where stood the house and grounds of Urachree,
+occupied by some Irish horse. A strong detachment of Danish cavalry
+headed the British column. They moved forward boldly, quickening their
+pace as they approached the Irish; but, on the latter charging them at
+full gallop, they wheeled about and rode off at once in disorder.
+
+Ginckle immediately ordered two hundred of Cunningham's dragoons, who
+were considered the best cavalry in the army, to advance and drive back
+the Irish horse. The dragoons advanced at a trot, but, seeing that the
+Irish quietly awaited their coming, they halted behind a hedge and
+awaited the arrival of the infantry. When these came up, the cavalry
+again moved forward.
+
+The Irish horse now fell back on a little hill in their rear, where a
+body of infantry were posted. They then faced to the front and charged,
+and broke the English dragoons, who retreated, as the Danes had done, in
+confusion.
+
+Eppinger's dragoons were ordered up to support Cunningham's, but the
+Irish horse had also received reinforcements before they arrived, and,
+after a fierce fight, the two English regiments were routed and driven
+off the field.
+
+Ginckle rallied them, added Lord Portland's horse to their numbers, and
+again sent them against the Irish. These, however, had fallen back from
+Urachree, and had taken up a new position upon the rivulet behind it, in
+front of the solid ground by which, alone, the right wing of the Irish
+army could be approached. Here they remained, waiting the onset of the
+British cavalry; but these, perceiving that the ground was becoming more
+and more difficult, soon came to a halt, and then, wheeling about, fell
+back upon the infantry.
+
+Seeing the successful stand which was made, by a small body of Irish
+horse, to the advance of the left wing, and that the spirit with which
+his troops were behaving was greatly inferior to that of the Irish,
+Ginckle called a council of war. Opinions were greatly at variance. It
+was now nearly four o'clock, and it was, at first, decided to postpone
+the battle till the morning, and a messenger was sent to the baggage
+column in the rear to bring up the tents.
+
+But other counsels finally prevailed. The order for the tents was
+countermanded, and, at half-past four, the British infantry were ordered
+to advance. They pressed forward, in solid masses, across the ground
+where the cavalry fight had taken place, and the Irish horse fell back
+behind their infantry, who were posted behind the substantial hedges
+which intersected the ground beyond the rivulet. A heavy musketry fire
+was opened upon the British infantry as they advanced, but they pressed
+forward, in unbroken order, till they reached the hedges. These were long
+and obstinately contested.
+
+The Irish had cut openings through the hedges by which they could retire,
+and, as they fell back from hedge to hedge, the advancing British were
+received by a fire from hedges on both flanks, as well as from the front.
+As the British poured regiment after regiment to the attack, Saint Ruth
+moved some bodies of horse and foot, from his left, to the support of his
+right wing.
+
+This movement had been foreseen by Ginckle, who now gave orders for
+several battalions of infantry to cross the bog, and attack the Irish
+centre. At this point there was a path across the bog, or rather a place
+where the mud and water were not so deep as at other points, and where it
+was possible for it to be forded. Ginckle had found a peasant, who, for a
+large sum of money, disclosed the passage. It traversed the bog at its
+narrowest point, the hill of Kilcomeden here running out a shoulder far
+into it. Four regiments entered the morass, with orders to cross it, and
+make their way to the nearest hedges on the sloping ground, where they
+were to post themselves till the cavalry, who were to attempt the passage
+by Aughrim Castle, could come round to their support.
+
+The first part of the passage was unopposed, but the difficulty of
+passing was great, for the men were frequently up to their waists in mud,
+too soft to afford any firm footing, but solid enough to render it
+extremely difficult for the feet to be disengaged from it. At length, as
+they approached firmer ground, the Irish infantry advanced towards the
+edge of the bog, and received them with a steady fire. The English,
+although suffering heavily, pressed forward without firing a shot, till
+the ground became solid under their feet, when the Irish withdrew, and,
+as upon the right, took post behind the hedges which everywhere
+intersected the slopes.
+
+The English, seeing the Irish retire, pressed forward, and another fierce
+contest raged in the inclosures; the Irish, according to their
+preconceived plan, falling gradually back. The British, in their ardour,
+forgot their orders to halt at the first hedge, and continued to press
+forward, until the constantly increasing numbers of the enemy recalled to
+their leaders the danger of the position.
+
+Before them were the heights of Kilcomeden, with a strong force drawn up
+to receive them, while on both flanks the enemy were crowding down, to
+intercept their retreat. Colonel Earl, who was the senior officer, looked
+anxiously towards the right, from which quarter he expected the British
+cavalry to arrive to his assistance; but no sound reached him from that
+quarter; while on the left the sound of the conflict, instead of
+advancing, appeared to recede, as if the British column was being forced
+back. Advancing before his own regiment, he called upon the soldiers to
+stand firm, for retreat would be destruction, and the only hope was to
+maintain their position till assistance arrived.
+
+When the Irish saw that the enemy had halted, and could not be tempted to
+advance further, they poured down to the attack through the passages in
+the hedges. The British might have defended these hedges, as the Irish
+had done, but the soldiers saw that they would be taken in the flank and
+rear, and, observing a large body of cavalry ascending the hill, they
+were seized with a panic.
+
+On the first shock of the Irish infantry, the four regiments broke and
+fled. They were hotly pursued, and slaughtered in great numbers, the
+Irish cavalry pouring through the openings in the hedges which had been
+prepared for them. At length, the fugitives reached the edge of the bog,
+where they gathered in a confused mass; which the officers, in vain,
+attempted to form into order. The cavalry charged down upon them, broke
+and scattered them, and drove them into the morass, followed by the Irish
+infantry, who were better acquainted with the ground, and more accustomed
+to traversing bogs. The soldiers were driven into the deepest and most
+difficult portion of the morass, and a great slaughter took place.
+
+The British artillery were planted on the edge of the morass, but so
+mingled were the two parties that they were unable to fire. Great numbers
+of the English were killed. Colonels Earl and Herbert, with many officers
+and men, were taken prisoners, and the remnant of the British were driven
+completely across the bog, to the shelter of their own cannon.
+
+While this was passing in the centre, another division of Ginckle's army,
+consisting of English and French infantry, had crossed the bog by a
+passage more to the right. They also had met with no opposition in
+passing, and it was only when they reached the hedges, on the firm
+ground, that the Irish showed themselves, fired, and retreated. This
+division, more cautious than that of Earl, could not be tempted to
+pursue, but contented themselves with maintaining their ground under a
+heavy fire, awaiting anxiously the arrival of the British horse. They
+could see, however, no sign of them, but could perceive the Irish cavalry
+descending in large masses, preparing to charge, while the infantry were
+forming for an advance.
+
+So far the Irish had been successful at every point. They had repulsed
+every attack made by the British left; had crushed the brigade, composed
+of the flower of the British infantry, which had assaulted the centre;
+and were now preparing to destroy the division which stood, unsupported,
+on their side of the bog.
+
+At this moment, a tumult was heard on the left wing of the Irish, the
+direction from which the British division expected relief, and the Irish,
+aware of the importance of the pass of Aughrim, suspended their attack to
+await the events there.
+
+Saint Ruth had directed the operations of the battle with as much skill
+as he had prepared for the assault. He had taken up his position on a
+point of the hill whence he had a complete view of the whole field of
+battle, and had moved his troops, with calmness and judgment, to meet
+each of the attacks made upon them; and when he saw the destruction of
+the English regiment in the centre, he exclaimed, in the full confidence
+of victory, "Now I will drive the English to the walls of Dublin!"
+
+There was, indeed, but one hope, on the part of the English, of
+retrieving the day; namely, the success of the attempt to force the
+passage at Aughrim. But two horsemen abreast could pass under the castle
+walls. Saint Ruth was aware of the passage, but thought it impassable for
+cavalry. It might easily have been made so, by cutting a deep gap across
+it; but here, as at Athlone, his overconfidence proved his destruction.
+He had, however, taken the precaution to erect a battery commanding the
+passage, and had placed some battalions of infantry there.
+
+General Talmash, who commanded the English cavalry, knew that the battle
+was lost, unless he could succeed at this point; and, at the head of his
+command, he led the way along the pass, which was not only narrow, but
+broken and encumbered with the ruins of the castle wall. Saint Ruth
+beheld the attempt of the cavalry with astonishment, and, with the
+remark: "They are brave fellows, it is a pity they should be sacrificed,"
+sent orders for the Irish horse to move forward and prepare to charge
+them; and moved down the hill at the head of his officers to the battery.
+
+There is no doubt as to what the result would have been, had the Irish
+horse charged. They were greatly superior in number, and the English
+cavalry who had got across the passage were still in confusion, and were
+suffering from the fire of the battery, and, indeed, even when in equal
+numbers, William's cavalry had never withstood the charge of the Irish.
+It seemed that nothing could avert the defeat of the body on which
+Ginckle's last hope rested.
+
+But at this moment one of those events, by which Providence overrules the
+calculations of man, occurred. A cannonball struck Saint Ruth, as he
+stood in the middle of the battery and killed him instantly. The
+occurrence paralysed the Irish army. Sarsfield was away, there was no one
+to give orders, the news that some extraordinary calamity had happened
+spread rapidly, the men in the battery ceased firing, the cavalry,
+receiving no orders to charge, remained immovable.
+
+Talmash took advantage of the pause to get the rest of his cavalry across
+the passage, and then, with his whole force, moved towards the centre. As
+he approached, the idea that the unknown calamity, of which they had
+heard, was that the British had defeated their own left, spread among the
+Irish, and they began to fall back. The British column on the edge of the
+bog advanced, Ginckle pushed several fresh battalions across the morass
+in the centre, and the Irish infantry fell back, disputing every inch of
+the ground.
+
+The cavalry were still without orders, for strangely enough, no one
+assumed the command on the death of Saint Ruth. As night came on, the
+retreat of the Irish infantry became a rout, but the cavalry halted on
+the summit of Kilcomeden, and covered the retreat.
+
+The extraordinary circumstance, of the Irish army being left without
+orders after the death of Saint Ruth, has never been explained. The
+command should have devolved upon Sarsfield, but none of the accounts of
+the battle speak of him as being present. He had certainly not been
+consulted by Saint Ruth, and had not been present at the council of war
+before the battle; for the bad feeling, which had existed between him and
+Saint Ruth since that general arrived, had broken out into open dispute
+since the fall of Athlone. But it is inexplicable that there should have
+been no second in command, that no one should have come forward to give
+orders after the death of the general, that a victorious army should have
+been left, as a flock of sheep, without a shepherd.
+
+Up to the moment of the death of Saint Ruth, the loss of the British had
+been very severe, as they had more than two thousand men killed and
+wounded, while that of the Irish was trifling. But in the subsequent
+struggle the Irish, fighting each man for himself, without order or
+object, were slaughtered in vast numbers, their loss being estimated by
+the British writers at seven thousand men, a number which points to
+wholesale slaughter, rather than to the loss which could have been
+inflicted upon a brave army during little over an hour of daylight.
+
+But, crushing as the defeat of the Irish had been, the victory was far
+from inspiring William or his army with the confidence they had felt at
+the outset of the war. Here, as at Athlone, it was almost a miracle which
+had saved the English from a terrible disaster. The Irish had proved
+themselves fully a match for the best soldiers that William could send
+against them, and, although their infantry had suffered terribly in the
+rout, their ranks would be speedily filled up again; while the cavalry,
+the arm in which the Irish had uniformly proved their superiority, had
+moved away from the field of battle intact and unbroken. Athlone and
+Aughrim therefore rendered William and his general more anxious than ever
+to bring the struggle to an end, not by the force of arms, but by
+offering every concession to the Irish.
+
+The imminence of the peril had cowed even the party of confiscation, and
+they offered no opposition to the issue, by Ginckle, of proclamations
+renewing the offers of William. Ginckle himself moved forward,
+immediately after the battle, and granted the most liberal terms to the
+garrisons of the various small posts which he came upon. On arriving
+before Galway, he permitted that town and garrison to surrender on the
+terms of a pardon for all, security of property and estate, freedom of
+religious worship, and permission for the garrison to march away to
+Limerick, with drums beating and colours flying, the British furnishing
+horses for the transport of their cannon and baggage.
+
+
+
+Chapter 15: A Fortunate Recognition.
+
+
+After the capitulation of Galway, Ginckle moved towards Limerick. King
+William, who was absent on the Continent, was most anxious for the aid of
+the army warring in Ireland, and the queen and her advisers, considering
+that the war was now virtually over, ordered transports to Ireland to
+take on board ten thousand men; but Ginckle was allowed a month's delay.
+
+He himself was by no means sanguine as to his position. The Irish army
+was still as numerous as the British, and they were not discouraged by
+their defeat at Aughrim, where they considered, and rightly, that victory
+had only been snatched from their grasp by an accident. Ginckle relied
+rather upon concession than force. The Irish were divided into two
+parties, one of which earnestly desired peace, if they could obtain fair
+terms, while the other insisted that the British could not be trusted to
+keep any terms they might make. Sarsfield was at the head of the war
+party, and succeeded, for the present, in preventing any arrangement.
+
+Ginckle advanced slowly, for he had to march through a waste and desolate
+country. Sarsfield, with his cavalry, hovered round him, and intercepted
+his communications, and he was so short of draught horses that it was
+only by forcing the gentry of Dublin to give up their carriage horses,
+for the use of the army, that he was enabled to move forward.
+
+It was not until the end of August that he sat down with his siege train
+in front of Limerick, and prepared for the siege. For the moment, the
+party in favour of peace among the Irish had been silenced by the news
+that twenty large ships of war, with a great number of transport and
+store ships, were being pushed forward at Brest and other French ports to
+come to their assistance.
+
+Ginckle occupied the same ground which William's army had taken up in the
+first siege, but directed his attacks chiefly upon the English town. As
+before, the Irish communication was open with the county of Clare, and
+the seventeen regiments of Irish horse were encamped on the Clare side of
+the river. Ginckle pushed on his works with great vigour, and the duty in
+the trenches was so severe, that the cavalry were compelled to take their
+turn with the infantry; but, notwithstanding that the siege artillery was
+much more powerful than that which William had at his disposal, but
+little progress was made. The town was set on fire several times; but the
+flames were speedily extinguished, and, as the inhabitants had all left
+the city and erected tents on the Clare side, under the protection of
+their cavalry, little harm was done to them.
+
+While the siege was going on, a number of desultory engagements took
+place, in different parts of the country, between the Protestant militia
+which had been lately raised, and the bands of rapparees, with varying
+success.
+
+The season was getting late. Ginckle was again becoming straitened for
+provisions, for the proclamations which he issued failed to inspire the
+peasantry with any confidence. He now erected a battery, of thirty-five
+guns, against King's Island; and, after an incessant cannonade of some
+days, a breach was effected in the wall between the abbey and
+Ballsbridge. Preparations were made for crossing the arm of the Shannon
+and assaulting the breach; but the works constructed for crossing the
+river were repeatedly destroyed by the Irish, and the idea of assault
+upon the breach was, at length, abandoned. So desperate did Ginckle now
+think his position, that he issued orders for the repair of the
+fortifications of Kilmallock, intending to raise the siege and establish
+his winter quarters there; but he postponed taking this step for a few
+days, for to do so would be to bring almost certain disaster upon his
+army.
+
+The French fleet was expected to arrive shortly, and the Irish,
+reinforced with men, arms, and supplies of every kind, would probably
+resume the offensive during the winter, and he would find himself cut off
+from all supplies and assistance. He determined, therefore, to make one
+more effort before retiring.
+
+He had, throughout the siege, been in communication with several Irish
+officers of high rank, and especially with General Clifford, who
+commanded the cavalry posted on the river opposite to his camp. These
+officers were as desirous as he was of bringing the war to an end, for
+they foresaw that if, after the arrival of the French, they succeeded in
+driving the English out of the country, Ireland would simply become a
+dependency of France, and they preferred the English connection to this.
+Ginckle determined to try, again, the same feint which had succeeded at
+Athlone. The workmen were kept busy repairing the works at Kilmallock,
+and preparing that place for the reception of the army. The greater
+portion of the baggage, and a regiment of Danes, were sent forward to
+that town. The batteries ceased firing, and the cannon were dismounted at
+several points, and the Irish were persuaded that the siege was about to
+be abandoned.
+
+Meanwhile, Ginckle was busy collecting boats, and preparing a bridge
+across to a small island, which lay not far from the Clare side of the
+river. On a dark night, the boats were brought up and the bridge
+constructed, and, led by six hundred grenadiers, a strong force of
+infantry, cavalry, and artillery crossed to the island, and then waded
+through the shallow water beyond to the mainland.
+
+A few men, posted on the island, carried the news to Clifford, but he
+gave no orders to the four regiments of cavalry and two of infantry under
+his command, nor did he send any notice to the camp. Some of the infantry
+and cavalry, however, ran without orders to the bank, and kept the
+grenadiers in check until the British cavalry had crossed, and compelled
+them to fall back. The British cavalry then dashed forward to the Irish
+cavalry camp, which they took completely by surprise. Panic stricken at
+this unexpected attack, the soldiers and the citizens in the town camp
+fled in all directions, and, great numbers rushing to Thomond Bridge,
+entered the city by that narrow approach.
+
+Had Ginckle at once pushed forward, he would have captured almost the
+whole of the Irish officials and civilians on the Clare side of the
+river; but, fearing an ambuscade, he halted his troops before advancing
+to the Irish camp, and this gave time for most of them to escape. Being
+afraid that the garrison would sally out from the town, and attack his
+lines on the other side of the river, he recrossed the Shannon with his
+troops, carrying with them a crowd of civilians, among them a number of
+persons of rank, and officials with the records and public treasure.
+
+The confusion and surprise in the town were so great that the Irish
+generals took no steps whatever, either to hinder his passage back across
+the river, or to attack either portion of his divided army. They knew
+that treachery must have been at work, to have enabled the enemy to
+surprise the camp, and, as they could not tell how far that treachery
+extended, they abstained from all action.
+
+Captain Davenant's troop had shared in the disaster inflicted by the
+night attack upon the cavalry camp. All were asleep when the English
+cavalry burst upon them. Taken utterly by surprise, and ignorant as to
+the strength of the force by which they were attacked, there was no
+thought of resistance. Officers and men leapt from the piles of rushes,
+which served as beds, and rushed to their horses. The English troopers
+were cutting and hewing in all directions, and, cutting the picket ropes,
+each man sprang on his horse and rode for his life.
+
+Captain Davenant had, at first, shouted to his men to keep steady; but
+his words were lost in the din which prevailed, and, seeing that nothing
+was to be done, he said to Walter:
+
+"It is all over, Walter. We must ride for it, like the rest."
+
+By morning, the Irish cavalry was scattered all over the country, and it
+was not for two or three days that they again assembled in regiments,
+presenting a sorry sight, the greater part having lost saddles and
+accoutrements of every kind. A few troops, composed of men who had been
+fortunate enough to have left their horses saddled when night came on,
+were sent back to Limerick. The rest drew off towards Ennis, and encamped
+there until they could procure saddles and accoutrements to take the
+field again.
+
+In Captain Davenant's troop there were but six men who had saved their
+saddles; and, as it would have been useless to send so small a detachment
+to Limerick, these remained with the troop, and were, at Walter's
+request, placed entirely at his disposal, in order that with them he
+might make scouting expeditions in the enemy's rear. He had permission to
+consider himself entirely on detached service, and to join any body of
+rapparees he might choose; but this Walter did not care about doing, for
+he had a horror of the savage acts which were perpetrated by the
+irregular forces on both sides, and determined to confine himself to
+watching the roads, bringing in news of any convoys which might be
+traversing the country, and cutting off messengers going or returning
+with despatches.
+
+The service was one of no great danger, for parties of peasants were on
+the watch, night and day; and, the instant any movement was observed,
+they started off at full speed to warn all the inhabitants of the
+surrounding villages to drive away their cattle, and carry off their
+effects into the hills or into the heart of some neighbouring bog, where
+the cavalry would not venture to penetrate.
+
+One day when, with his little band, he was halting at a village, some ten
+miles in rear of the camp, a peasant ran in.
+
+"A party of their horse have just seized some carts laden with potatoes
+at Kilcowan, and are driving them off. The boys are mustering to attack
+them on their way back."
+
+"It is too bad," Walter exclaimed. "Only three days ago, Ginckle issued
+another proclamation guaranteeing that no provisions, or other goods,
+should be taken by his soldiers without payment.
+
+"To horse, lads! We will ride out and give the peasants a helping hand,
+if they really mean to attack the enemy."
+
+Kilcowan was two miles away and, having learned from the peasant that the
+people intended to attack at a point where the road passed between two
+hills, a mile and a half beyond the village, he galloped on at full
+speed. He arrived, however, too late to take any part in the fight. The
+peasants had rushed suddenly down the hillsides, armed with scythes and
+pikes, upon the convoy as it passed below them. Several of the cavalry
+had been killed, and the rest were riding off, when Walter with his
+troopers dashed up. They continued the pursuit for a mile, cutting off a
+few stragglers, less well mounted than the rest, and then returned to
+Kilcowan, where the peasants had just arrived in triumph with the rescued
+carts of potatoes.
+
+"What are you going to do?" he asked, when the excitement of the welcome,
+accorded by the women to the captors, had subsided a little. "You may
+expect a strong body to be sent out, tomorrow, to punish you for this."
+
+"It's the general's own proclamation, your honour. Didn't he say,
+himself, that his soldiers were not to stale anything, and that they
+would be severely punished if they did? And didn't he guarantee that we
+should be paid for everything? He could not blame us for what we have
+done, and he ought to hang the rest of those thieving villains, when they
+get back to him."
+
+"I wouldn't be too sure about it," Walter said. "He issued a good many
+proclamations before, but he has never kept the terms of one of them. If
+I were you, I would leave the village--man, woman, and child--for a few
+days, at any rate, and see how the Dutchman takes it."
+
+But the villagers could not be persuaded that the Dutch general would
+disapprove of what they had done, and Walter, finding his arguments of no
+avail, rode off with his men to the village they had left, an hour
+before; with the parting advice that, if they would not follow his
+counsel, they should, at any rate, place watchers that night on the roads
+towards Ginckle's camp, to bring them news of the approach of any body of
+the enemy's cavalry.
+
+But the villagers were too delighted with their day's work to pay much
+heed to Walter's warning, and, after a general jollification in honour of
+their victory, retired to rest, thoughtless of danger.
+
+It was getting dark when Walter reached the village where he had
+determined to stay for the night. He ordered the men to keep the saddles
+on their horses, and to hitch them to the doors of the cabins where they
+took up their quarters, in readiness for instant movement. He placed one
+mounted sentry at the entrance to the village, and another a quarter of a
+mile on the road towards Kilcowan.
+
+At nine o'clock, he heard the sound of a horse galloping up to the door,
+and ran out. It was the sentry at the end of the village.
+
+"Kilcowan is on fire, sir!"
+
+Walter looked in that direction, and saw a broad glare of light.
+
+"Ride out, and bring in the advanced sentry," he said, "as quick as
+possible."
+
+He called the other men out, and bade them mount; that done, they sat,
+ready to ride off on the return of their comrades.
+
+"Here they come, sir," one of the men said, "and I fancy the enemy are
+after them."
+
+Walter listened intently. He could hear a deep thundering noise, which
+was certainly made by the hoofs of more than two horses.
+
+"Face about, men, trot! Keep your horses well in hand, until the others
+come up, and then ride for it.
+
+"Ah, what is that!"
+
+As he spoke, there was a shout from the other end of the village,
+followed instantly by the trampling of horses.
+
+"They have surrounded us!" Walter exclaimed. "Shoulder to shoulder, lads,
+and cut your way through. It's our only chance. Charge!"
+
+And, placing himself at the head, he set spurs to his horse and dashed at
+the approaching enemy.
+
+There was a fierce shock. A horse and rider rolled over from the impetus
+of his charge, then he cut right and left; pistol shots rang out, and his
+horse fell beneath him, shot through the head, pinning his leg beneath
+it.
+
+The fall saved his life, for four or five troopers had surrounded him,
+and in another moment he would have been cut down. For a time, he ran
+great risk of being trampled upon, in the confusion which followed. Then
+some of the troopers dismounted, he was dragged from beneath his horse,
+and found himself a prisoner. He was placed in the centre of the troop,
+the only captive taken, for two of the six men had got safe away in the
+darkness and confusion, the other four had fallen.
+
+The English, as he afterwards learned, had, immediately they arrived at
+Kilcowan, inquired where the Irish cavalry, who had taken part in the
+afternoon's fight, were quartered, and on hearing that they were but two
+miles away, the officer in command had forced one of the peasants to act
+as guide, and to take a party round, by a detour, so as to enter at the
+other end of the village, just as another party rode in by the direct
+road.
+
+Walter was taken first to Kilcowan. There he found a party of twelve or
+fourteen peasants, surrounded by cavalry. The whole village was in
+flames. Several of the inhabitants had been cut down, as the cavalry
+entered. The rest, with the exception of those in the hands of the
+troops, had fled in the darkness. As soon as the detachment with Walter
+arrived, the whole body got into motion, and reached Ginckle's camp
+shortly before midnight.
+
+As the general had retired to sleep, they were placed in a tent, and four
+sentries posted round it, with orders to shoot anyone who showed his head
+outside. In the morning, they were ordered to come out, and found outside
+the general, with several of his officers.
+
+"So," Ginckle said, "you are the fellows who attacked my soldiers. I will
+teach you a lesson which shall be remembered all over Ireland. You shall
+be broken on the wheel."
+
+This sentence was heard unmoved by the peasants, who had not the least
+idea of what was meant by it; but Walter stepped forward:
+
+"It is not these men who are to blame, but your soldiers, general," he
+said. "Your own proclamation, issued three days ago, guaranteed that no
+private property should be interfered with, and that everything the
+troops required should be paid for. Your soldiers disobeyed your orders,
+and plundered these poor people, and they were just as much justified in
+defending themselves against them, as any householder is who resists a
+burglar."
+
+"You dare speak to me!" exclaimed Ginckle. "You shall share their fate.
+Every man of you shall be broken on the wheel."
+
+"General Ginckle," Walter said warmly, "hitherto, the foul excesses of
+your troops have brought disgrace upon them, rather than you; but, if
+this brutal order is carried out, your name will be held infamous, and
+you will stand next only to Cromwell in the curses which Irishmen will
+heap upon your memory."
+
+The Dutch general was almost convulsed with passion.
+
+"Take the dogs away," he shouted, "and let the sentence be carried out."
+
+Several English officers were standing near, and these looked at one
+another in astonishment and disgust. Two of them hurried away, to fetch
+some of the superior officers, and directly these heard of the orders
+that had been given, they proceeded to Ginckle's tent.
+
+"Can it be true," General Hamilton said, "that you have ordered some
+prisoners to be broken on the wheel?"
+
+"I have given those orders," Ginckle said angrily, "and I will not permit
+them to be questioned."
+
+"Pardon me," General Hamilton said firmly; "but they must be questioned.
+There is no such punishment as breaking on the wheel known to the English
+law, and I and my English comrades protest against such a sentence being
+carried out."
+
+"But I will have it so!" Ginckle exclaimed, his face purple with passion.
+
+"Then, sir," General Hamilton said, "I tell you that, in half an hour
+from the present time, I will march out from your camp, at the head of my
+division of British troops, and will return to Dublin; and, what is more,
+I will fight my way out of the camp if any opposition is offered, and
+will explain my conduct to the king and the British parliament. Enough
+disgrace has already been brought upon all connected with the army, by
+the doings of the foreign troops; but when it comes to the death by
+torture of prisoners, by the order of their general, it is time that
+every British officer should refuse to permit such foul disgrace to rest
+upon his name."
+
+There was a chorus of assent from the other English officers, while
+Ginckle's foreign officers gathered round him, and it looked for a moment
+as if swords would be drawn.
+
+Ginckle saw that he had gone too far, and felt that, not only would this
+quarrel, if pushed further, compel him to raise the siege and fall back
+upon Dublin, but it would entail upon him the displeasure of the king,
+still more certainly that of the English parliament.
+
+"There is no occasion for threats," he said, mastering his passion. "You
+tell me that such a punishment is contrary to English law. That is
+enough. I abandon it at once. The prisoners shall be hung and quartered.
+I presume that you have no objection to offer to that."
+
+"That, general, is a matter in your own competence, and for your own
+conscience," Hamilton said. "The men have simply, as I understand,
+defended their property against marauders, and they are, as I conceive,
+worthy of no punishment whatever. If you choose to sentence them to such
+a punishment, it is your sentence, not mine. I thought it was your policy
+to heal the breach between the two parties. It seems I was mistaken.
+Personally, I protest against the execution of the sentence, beyond that
+I am not called upon to go. An act of injustice or cruelty, performed by
+a general upon prisoners, would not justify a soldier in imperilling the
+success of the campaign by resisting the orders of his superior;
+therefore, my duty to the king renders me unable to act; but I solemnly
+protest, in my own name and that of the English officers under your
+command, against the sentence, which I consider unjust in the extreme."
+
+So saying, General Hamilton, with the English officers, left the
+general's tent. If they hoped that the protest would have the effect of
+preventing the barbarous sentence from being carried into execution, they
+were mistaken. The fact that, to carry out his first intention would have
+been absolutely unlawful, had caused Ginckle to abandon it, but this made
+him only the more obstinate in carrying the second into execution.
+
+The English officers stood talking, not far from his tent, in tones of
+indignation and disgust at the brutal sentence, and then walked towards
+their divisional camp. As they went, they saw a number of men standing
+round a tree. Some Hessian soldiers, with much brutal laughter, were
+reeving ropes over the arm of the tree, and, just as the officers came
+along, six struggling forms were drawn up high above the heads of the
+crowd.
+
+The party paused for a moment, and were about to pass on, their faces
+showing how deep was their horror at the scene, when one of them
+exclaimed:
+
+"There is an Irish officer, in uniform, among the prisoners! This cannot
+be suffered, Hamilton. The Irish have several of ours prisoners in the
+town, and they would rightly retaliate by hanging them on the
+battlements."
+
+General Hamilton and the others pressed forward.
+
+"Colonel Hanau," the general said to a Hessian officer, "you surely
+cannot be going to hang this young officer? The general can never have
+included him with the others?"
+
+"The general's orders were precise," the Hessian said coldly. "Twelve
+peasants and one officer were to be hung, and afterwards quartered."
+
+"It is monstrous!" General Hamilton exclaimed. "I will go back to the
+general, and obtain his order for the arrest of the execution."
+
+"You will be too late, sir," the Hessian said coldly. "I have my orders,
+and before you are half way to the general's camp, that prisoner will be
+swinging from that bough."
+
+"I order you to desist, sir, till I return," General Hamilton said.
+
+"As I do not happen to be in your division, General Hamilton, and as I
+have received my orders from the commander in chief, I decline altogether
+to take orders from you."
+
+Walter, who had resigned himself to his fate, stood watching the
+altercation with a renewed feeling of hope. This died out when the
+colonel spoke, and two of the troopers seized him, but at that moment his
+eye fell upon one of the English officers.
+
+"Colonel L'Estrange!" he exclaimed.
+
+The officer started, at hearing his name called out by the prisoner, but
+he did not recognize him.
+
+"I am Walter Davenant. You remember, sir, the wreck off Bray?"
+
+"Good heavens!" Colonel L'Estrange exclaimed, pressing forward.
+
+"It is the lad who saved my life, General Hamilton!
+
+"Gentlemen, this young officer saved my life at the risk of his own. I
+cannot and will not stand by and see him murdered."
+
+The Hessian colonel signed to four of his men, who seized Walter and
+dragged him towards the tree. Colonel L'Estrange drew his sword.
+
+"My men," he shouted, to some English soldiers who were mingled with the
+crowd of onlookers, which had rapidly increased during the dispute,
+"stand by me, and don't let this brave young officer be murdered."
+
+A score of soldiers pushed through the crowd, and ranged themselves by
+Colonel L'Estrange. He dashed forward, sword in hand, and in a moment
+Walter was torn from the grasp of the soldiers, and placed in the centre
+of his rescuers, who were now joined by General Hamilton and the other
+officers.
+
+Several men had run off at full speed, to the British camp, to bring up
+aid. The Hessian colonel called upon his men to seize the prisoner, and
+cut down all who interfered to prevent the general's orders being carried
+out. These hesitated before the resolute aspect of the English, but the
+crowd of foreign soldiers ranged themselves with them, and the attack was
+about to commence, when a number of English soldiers were seen running,
+musket in hand, from their camp.
+
+The Hessian colonel saw that to attempt to carry out his orders, now,
+would bring on something like a pitched battle, and he therefore waved
+his men back, saying to General Hamilton:
+
+"I have nothing to do now, sir, but to report to General Ginckle that I
+have been prevented, by force, from carrying his orders into effect."
+
+"That you will, of course, do," General Hamilton said coldly. "I shall be
+perfectly prepared to answer for my conduct."
+
+There was no goodwill between the English and foreign sections of
+Ginckle's army, and General Hamilton had some trouble in preventing the
+soldiers from attacking the Hessians, and in inducing them to retire to
+their camp. As soon as he arrived there, he ordered the drums to be
+beaten, and the whole division to get under arms. He then despatched an
+officer to General Ginckle, narrating the circumstances, and saying that
+the honour of the whole army was concerned in preventing an officer,
+fairly taken prisoner in war, and not while acting as a spy, from being
+injured; and that, indeed, policy as well as honour forbade such a course
+being taken, as there were several officers of rank in the hands of the
+Irish, who would naturally retaliate on them the execution of prisoners
+of war. He made a formal complaint against Colonel Hanau, for refusing to
+delay the execution until he could lay the matter before the general. As
+for his own conduct in the matter, he said he was perfectly prepared to
+defend it before any military court, but that court must be held in
+England, where he purposed to return at once, with the division his
+majesty had intrusted to his command.
+
+The Dutch general had, long before he received the letter, been informed
+of what had taken place, and had also learned that the English division
+had struck their tents, and were drawn up under arms. To allow them to
+depart would be to entail certain ruin upon the campaign, and he felt
+that it was more than probable that the course Hamilton and his officers
+had taken would be upheld by a military court in England, and that public
+opinion would condemn the execution of an officer, taken in fair fight.
+He therefore wrote a letter to General Hamilton, saying that he regretted
+to find that he had been acting under a misapprehension, for he had
+understood that the person claiming to be an Irish officer was in fact a
+spy, and that he had severely reprimanded Colonel Hanau for his refusal
+to delay the execution until the fact had been explained to him. Far from
+feeling in any way aggrieved that General Hamilton had interfered to
+prevent such a mistake from taking place, he felt much obliged to him for
+what he had done, as the execution of an Irish officer taken in war
+would, in every way, have been a most unfortunate circumstance.
+
+General Hamilton showed the letter to the colonels of the various
+regiments in the division, and these agreed that, as General Ginckle was
+evidently desirous that the matter should go no further, it would be as
+well to order the tents to be again pitched, and for the troops to resume
+their ordinary duties.
+
+"My dear Walter," Colonel L'Estrange said, "I am happy, indeed, that we
+came up when we did. What should I have felt, if I had afterwards learned
+that you, who had saved my life, had been murdered here, for your
+execution would have been neither more nor less than murder, as was that
+of the twelve poor fellows who were taken at Kilcowan--a brutal murder!
+They were perfectly justified in defending their property, and the idea
+of quartering them, as well as hanging them, just as if they were
+traitors of the worst dye, is nothing short of monstrous.
+
+"I only came out here with my regiment a month since, but I am heartily
+sick with what I see going on. It was terrible to see the ruined villages
+on the road from Dublin. I have seen fighting on the Continent, but
+nothing to equal the wholesale brutality with which the war is conducted
+here. How God can continue to give success, to an army which behaves as
+this one has done, is altogether beyond me. Of one thing I am resolved,
+whether we take Limerick or not--and I own I see but small chance of
+it--I shall exchange, if possible, into a regiment serving in Flanders.
+If not, I shall resign my commission.
+
+"And now, how is your father? I rode out from Dublin to see your mother,
+and was very glad to find her, and old Mrs. Davenant, well. I was glad,
+too, to find that, owing to the influence of Mr. Conyers, they had not
+been troubled; and I was fortunately able, myself, to bring some
+influence to bear upon the council, who seem to be bent upon squeezing
+the last drop of blood from the Irish veins.
+
+"But the men are falling in, and I must put myself at the head of the
+regiment. I will hand you over to the care of an officer, and, if we
+march out, you will, of course, go with us."
+
+When the men were again dismissed, Colonel L'Estrange rejoined Walter.
+
+"Ginckle has thought better of it," he said. "I fancied he would not
+venture to push matters further, for the loss of the one division he can
+really rely upon would be fatal to all his hope of success to the
+campaign. Ginckle is a passionate man, but he is not a fool, and he must
+have seen that, if the matter had been laid before the king, his conduct
+would not have been approved. I don't say that ours is right, in a
+military sense, but I am sure that public opinion would have approved of
+it. The tales that have been circulated, of the doings of the army over
+here since the commencement of the war, have already roused a very strong
+feeling of irritation throughout the country."
+
+Colonel L'Estrange now took Walter to General Hamilton's tent, and, after
+formally introducing him, he told the story of the wreck, and of his
+rescue by Walter from certain death.
+
+"What do you mean to do with him, L'Estrange?" General Hamilton asked.
+
+"My intention is, unless you see any objection to it, to pass him through
+the lines this evening. I will provide him with a good horse, and see him
+well away. After what has happened Ginckle will, I should say, feel
+obliged for our thus rendering him a service by getting rid of his
+prisoner. There are not likely to be any questions asked or remarks made
+afterwards. I am not without influence at court, and there is a very
+strong section, who are bitterly opposed to Dutchmen being placed in
+every post in the king's gift, and there would be no difficulty in
+getting up such a hostile feeling against Ginckle, in relation to this
+affair, that it would cost him his command."
+
+"Yes," the general agreed. "Marlborough would be only too glad to take
+the matter up, and as Ginckle must be pretty well aware that his want of
+success here must have already made his position precarious, I do not
+think he will trouble himself to ask any questions about the prisoner;
+and, certainly, William will not thank him for being the means, by his
+unjust and arbitrary conduct, of causing a split between the English and
+his foreign troops. I should like to put all their heads into one noose,
+and I should feel no compunction in setting them swinging, for a greater
+set of rascals were never collected under the sun. I must say that the
+contrast between our army and the Irish is very great, and that, although
+many bloody deeds are performed by the rapparees, there has never been a
+single complaint brought against the Irish troops.
+
+"Anyhow, Mr. Davenant, I think you cannot do better than fall in with
+Colonel L'Estrange's plan. There will be no difficulty in getting out,
+and, indeed, I will send a troop of cavalry to see you well beyond our
+lines."
+
+Walter spent the rest of the day with Colonel L'Estrange, and told him
+all that had taken place since they had last met.
+
+"It is difficult to believe that it is but three years ago," he said,
+when he had finished.
+
+"No, we judge the flight of time by the incidents we crowd into it. The
+most uneventful days pass the most unheeded. Now to me, it seems but
+yesterday that I stood on the deck of the ship, and knew that she was
+sure to go to pieces, and that the chance of anyone reaching that rocky
+coast alive were small, indeed; when I saw what seemed little more than a
+black speck approaching, and you and your fisher boy made your way over
+the wave.
+
+"By the way, how is he? Doing well, I hope?"
+
+"He might have done well, if he liked. The present that you left in my
+father's hands, to buy him a boat when he was old enough to start as a
+fisherman on his own account, would have made a man of him, but it is
+hidden somewhere in the thatch of his father's cottage. When my father
+first went to the war, he handed it over to Larry, as he could not say
+what might happen before his return. Larry was at first delighted with
+the thought that some day he should have a boat of his own, and a boat,
+too, larger than any on the shore; but when I accompanied my father,
+Larry insisted on going with me.
+
+"'It will be time enough to buy a boat, when the war is over,' he said.
+
+"And as I was very glad to have him with me, and my father did not
+object, Larry had his way, and he has been with me ever since. He is
+enrolled in the troop now, and, when he thinks there is any chance of
+fighting, he takes his place in the ranks, but at other times he acts as
+my servant."
+
+"Tell him I have not forgotten him," Colonel L'Estrange said. "While you
+have been doing so much, I have had a quiet time of it. I could have got
+a regiment at once, had I cared for it, but I disliked the thought of
+fighting over here. It was too much like civil war. Six months ago, when
+things were going badly with us on the Continent, I asked to be employed,
+and was given a regiment they were just raising. I had got them into fair
+order, and was expecting to be ordered to embark for the Low Country at
+any moment, when the news came of Ginckle's heavy losses at Athlone and
+Aughrim, and the orders came for us to proceed to Bristol, and take ship
+there for Ireland. I half thought of throwing up my commission, for the
+news of the scandalous conduct of the foreign soldiers had stirred every
+English heart with disgust and indignation, but I thought that the
+struggle was nearly over. William was anxious for peace at any price, and
+would grant almost any terms to secure it; and, on the other hand, we
+knew that Louis was, at last, going to make a great effort. So that it
+was certain that either the Irish would make peace on fair terms before
+winter, or the French would land, and there would be an end of any
+prospect of conquering Ireland, until matters were settled on the
+Continent, and William could devote his whole strength to this business."
+
+"And which alternative do you think the most likely?" Walter asked.
+
+"The latter," Colonel L'Estrange said, gravely. "Frankly, Walter, the
+situation looks bad. There is, so far as I can see, no chance whatever of
+our taking Limerick, and in a fortnight ten thousand French troops will
+be landed.
+
+"Of course it is probable that, at the last moment, the Irish may
+conclude that they prefer to be under England rather than France, for
+that is what it comes to. I hope they will have the sense to choose
+England, and if what we hear be true, they can judge from the insolent
+arrogance of the French officers, when they are but a fraction of your
+force, what they would be when they regarded themselves as your masters.
+
+"William is ready to grant religious equality, and the security of
+persons and estates. I think the Irish will be very unwise to refuse. At
+the same time, they have suffered such villainous treatment, at the hands
+of William's soldiers, that I cannot blame them if they decide to throw
+in their lot with France."
+
+"I think," Walter said, "that, if they were but sure that all the
+promises would be kept, the greater part would be in favour of making
+peace at once. Nine out of ten of us are of English descent, and have
+only been driven to take up arms by the cruel oppression which we have
+suffered. Why, at present five-sixths of the soil of Ireland is in the
+hands of Protestants, our religion is persecuted, and for years we have
+been trampled on, and regarded as fair objects of robbery."
+
+"All that you say is true, Walter, and no one can regret it more than I
+do. Still, I do think that you would be worse off under France than under
+England. Louis would drain the island of its men to fill his army. He
+uses you only as a cat's paw in his struggle against England and Holland,
+and would not hesitate to turn you over to England again, did it at any
+time suit him to make peace on such terms; or to offer Ireland as an
+exchange for some piece of territory he coveted, beyond his frontier."
+
+"I know my father is very much of your opinion," Walter said, "and that
+he has no confidence whatever in the King of France, and considers that
+French interference is responsible for the want of success which has
+attended us. At any rate, there is scarcely one of us who does not hate
+the French, and certainly, if we had to choose between the two countries,
+we should choose England."
+
+When it became dark, a troop of cavalry mounted, and with Colonel
+L'Estrange and Walter in their midst, rode out of camp. They went for
+several miles, and then Colonel L'Estrange said:
+
+"We are now well outside the limit where you will be likely to meet any
+of our scouting parties. Two miles further along this road, you will come
+to the village of Mulroon. It has, like all the others, suffered heavily,
+but there are two or three houses still standing, and when I rode
+through, it a few days since, I saw an old man standing at the door of
+one of them, so you will be likely to get information as to the best road
+to the town, and perhaps a guide."
+
+"Thank you very heartily, Colonel L'Estrange. I know the village, for I
+rode through it only the day before I was captured, and if I can get no
+guide, I can make my own way round as soon as it is daylight."
+
+"You had better go on tonight, if you can, Walter. Some party of rascally
+plunderers might arrive here, or Ginckle may, for aught I know, have sent
+out parties of dragoons. At any rate, I would not stop here, but make
+your way on among the hills, even if you can only get a mile away, and
+have to sleep by the side of your horse. No one can say he is safe under
+a roof within twenty miles of Ginckle's army."
+
+There was a hearty leave taking between Colonel L'Estrange and Walter,
+and the latter then rode straight forward, while the troop faced about,
+and made their way back to camp.
+
+On arriving at the village, Walter, as soon as he succeeded in convincing
+the inhabitants of a cottage, in which he saw a light, that he was an
+Irish officer, found no difficulty in obtaining a guide, a boy of
+fourteen volunteering at once to conduct him to the ford, ten miles above
+Limerick. It was nearly twenty miles, by the byroads by which they
+travelled, and the morning was just breaking as they arrived there.
+
+Colonel L'Estrange had insisted on providing Walter with funds, and he
+was therefore able to reward his guide, who went his way, rejoicing,
+while Walter crossed the river and rode for the cavalry camp, where he
+was received with delight by his father and friends, who had believed him
+to have been killed in the skirmish, for such was the report of the
+troopers who had managed to make their escape.
+
+"I must not let you go on any more detached commands, Walter," his father
+said. "I do not say that you have been imprudent, or to blame; but this
+is the second time that you have been surprised by the enemy, and, as it
+is out of the question to expect that you can always have the good luck
+to get out of their hands when you are captured, as you have on the last
+two occasions, I shall keep you by me in future; for seriously, my boy,
+your absence has caused me terrible anxiety."
+
+When Walter's account of the barbarous sentence passed upon the peasants,
+whose only crime was that they had defended their property against
+marauders acting in defiance of the general's order, was known in camp,
+the most intense indignation prevailed, and this was heightened by the
+fact that a cavalry officer, taken in open fight, should have been
+sentenced to a similar fate. So great, indeed, was the fury of both
+officers and men, that had they been in any condition to take the field,
+nothing could have restrained them from mounting and riding, at once, to
+strike a blow in revenge for the murder and mutilation of the peasants.
+
+
+
+Chapter 16: Peace.
+
+
+Ginckle's expedition across the Shannon, and his surprise of the Irish
+cavalry camp, successful as it had been, altered the position in no way.
+Several days passed, and then, after a council of war, it was determined
+to recross the bridge of boats, which remained undisturbed, to the Clare
+side, and try to force a way across Thomond Bridge. On the 22nd of
+September, all the cavalry of the army, ten regiments of infantry, and
+fourteen pieces of cannon made the passage without molestation, and
+marched towards the bridge, which was defended upon the Clare side by two
+strong towers. As the British advanced guard of infantry approached the
+bridge, it was charged by a body of Irish horse, broken, and driven back.
+
+A strong body of cavalry rode up to support the infantry; the Irish horse
+were reinforced, and a hot fight continued until, at about four o'clock
+in the afternoon, the whole force of British infantry came up, and the
+Irish retired upon the infantry posted in the works which covered the
+bridge. Near the gate were high grounds cut up by gravel pits. The Irish
+infantry were posted here, as well as in the forts; and the English, as
+they advanced, were assailed with a very heavy fire from these positions,
+and also from the guns on the town walls.
+
+In spite of the heavy loss they were suffering, the English pressed on
+with the greatest gallantry. Success was now almost a necessity, for, if
+defeated, but few of them would ever have been able to recross the river.
+Foot by foot they fought their way, pressed on past the outworks, and
+pushed back the Irish infantry, till the latter were gathered round the
+head of the bridge.
+
+The Irish generals had thought that Ginckle's movement was but a
+repetition of the previous raid, and the force that had been sent over to
+guard the head of the bridge was altogether insufficient to withstand the
+determined attack by Ginckle's force. Reinforcements were now sent across
+the bridge, but this only added to the confusion. Pressed back by the
+weight and power of the English attack, the Irish were beginning to
+retire across the bridge, when they met the reinforcements making their
+way over.
+
+The bridge was of great length, but extremely narrow, and a complete
+block took place. The English had pierced their way through the
+struggling mass at the head of the bridge, and pressed on the rear of the
+mass of fugitives, literally hewing their way through them, and the
+pressure became so great that the regiments crossing were carried back.
+The head of the British column was pushed forward by those behind, and
+could only advance by slaying those in front of them and throwing their
+bodies over the bridge; for the mass were wedged so tightly that movement
+had now become impossible, while the Irish, as they retreated, formed
+ramparts of the slain and impeded the advance of the enemy.
+
+While the struggle on the bridge was at its fiercest, the French officer
+who commanded at the drawbridge across the arch nearest to the city,
+fearing that the British would press in at the rear of the Irish, and
+that he might not then be able to raise the drawbridge, ordered this to
+be done at once--thereby cutting off the retreat of the soldiers still on
+the bridge. These jumped over the parapet into the river, and strove to
+reach the city wall by swimming. Some did so, but great numbers were
+drowned. This incident greatly increased the standing feud between the
+Irish and French, the former declaring that the latter not only never
+fought themselves, but were ready, at the first alarm, to sacrifice their
+allies in order to secure their own safety.
+
+The success of Ginckle's second raid had been complete, in so far that he
+had inflicted great slaughter upon the Irish infantry, and had gained a
+moral victory; but he was no nearer capturing the town. An attack across
+the long narrow bridge was not even to be thought of; and he again
+retired across the river.
+
+The Irish were disheartened. Sarsfield, though a dashing cavalry
+commander, appeared wholly incapable of handling large bodies of men.
+Ginckle had twice given him a great opportunity, but on neither occasion
+had he made the slightest effort to utilize it.
+
+On the first occasion, surprise and uncertainty might excuse inaction on
+the part of the army in Limerick, but there was no such excuse the second
+time. Their force outside the town gate was but a small one; it was
+certain that the English could not push across the bridge; and, as
+Ginckle had taken the best part of his army across, Sarsfield could have
+issued out with his whole force on the Limerick side, crushed the British
+force remaining there, and captured the camp and all its stores--in which
+case Ginckle's position would have been desperate. But not a movement was
+made to seize an opportunity which would have been patent to any military
+commander possessing genius and energy; nor, until it was too late, was
+any attempt made to reinforce the detachment which, on the other side of
+the bridge, was withstanding the attack of a vastly superior force.
+
+Ginckle, relying upon the moral effect of the blow he had just struck,
+renewed his negotiations. Some of the Irish leaders had already received
+bribes. Others were genuinely anxious that the war should cease, now that
+William was ready to grant terms which would secure the ends for which
+they had been fighting. Others, again, were animated by hostility to the
+French, and the fear that, if the expected reinforcements arrived and the
+English were driven out, Ireland would become a mere appanage of France.
+
+Sarsfield himself was, no doubt, swayed by his dislike to being again
+superseded in the command by the arrival of another French general. He
+was, too, influenced by the fear that the peace party might prevail, and
+that Clifford's act of treachery might be repeated, and the enemy be
+admitted into the city without any terms being arranged.
+
+The French officers, eager to return home, made no attempt to stem the
+course of events; and, on the evening of the day after the battle on the
+Clare side, the drums of the besieged beat a parley, and Generals
+Sarsfield and Waughup went out and had a conference with Ginckle. A
+cessation of arms was concluded for the night; and in the morning the
+truce was extended for three days, to allow the cavalry, who were now
+encamped near Ennis, to be communicated with.
+
+On the 25th, the principal noblemen and officers from the cavalry camp
+arrived, prisoners were exchanged, and hostages on both sides were given,
+until the terms of a treaty of peace could be adjusted. On the 27th, the
+Irish submitted their proposals to the English general, which were--that
+"all past offences should be pardoned; that the Catholics of the counties
+of Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Clare, Sligo, and Mayo be restored to the
+estates which they held previous to the war; freedom of worship to be
+allowed; Catholics to be capable of holding all employments, civil and
+military; the Irish army to be kept on foot, and those who were willing
+to serve to be received into the king's service; Catholics to be at
+liberty to reside in all cities and towns, and to have all rights of
+citizens; and that an act of parliament should be passed to confirm these
+conditions."
+
+These terms were agreed to, and were held to be applicable, not only to
+the garrison of Limerick, but to the whole of Ireland. Ginckle at once
+sent an express to Cork, to order the transports in that harbour to sail
+round to the Shannon, for the purpose of taking on board such part of the
+Irish army as might wish to be carried to France--this being one of the
+stipulations of the treaty.
+
+Sarsfield and most of his officers, and the priests, used their utmost
+efforts to persuade the soldiers to enter the French service, in
+preference to the English. Their exhortations were successful. Only about
+two thousand Irish joined the British army, four thousand laid down their
+arms and returned to their homes, and a considerable number deserted on
+their march down to Cork. The rest were shipped in transports to France,
+where they entered the service of that country. Two days after the treaty
+was signed, the French fleet, with ten thousand men and a great abundance
+of stores, arrived at the mouth of the Shannon.
+
+The Irish negotiators of the treaty have been greatly and deservedly
+blamed, inasmuch as, while they stipulated that the proprietors of the
+neighbouring counties should retain their estates, they abandoned those
+possessing property throughout the rest of Ireland to ruin and beggary.
+There was no excuse for this. They knew that the French fleet had sailed,
+and must have arrived in a few days, and that the English cause was
+becoming so desperate that Ginckle would not have resisted any terms they
+had laid down. This cruel and wholly unnecessary desertion of their
+friends has thrown a slur upon the memory of Sarsfield and the other
+leaders who conducted the negotiations.
+
+The officers and men who entered the service of France had bitter reason
+to repent their decision. Instead of being, as they expected, kept
+together in regiments, they were for the most part broken up and
+distributed throughout the French army. Louis was deeply enraged at the
+surrender, just as the expedition he had made such efforts to send for
+the conquest of Ireland was within a few hours' sail of its shores, and
+he treated the whole of the Irish and French who returned from Ireland as
+men who had acted the part of traitors.
+
+As soon as the terms of capitulation were arranged, Captain Davenant
+obtained papers of protection for all the men of his troop. He had formed
+them up on parade, and had put the question, whether they wished to
+return home or to enter the service of France.
+
+"I myself, and your officers, intend to return home," he said. "Of
+course, each of you is free to do as he chooses; but it appears to me a
+most foolish thing to leave your country forever, and exile yourself in
+the service of France, when you are free to return home. You know how
+little French promises have been kept during this war, and how little
+faith is to be placed on them in future."
+
+The men were unanimous in their decision to return to their homes, and,
+as soon as the protection papers were obtained, the troop disbanded, and
+all returned to their homes and occupations in and around Bray.
+
+It was a joyful meeting, when Captain Davenant and Walter returned to the
+castle. Mrs. Davenant had always shared her husband's opinion, that the
+chances of ultimate success were small, and of late even his mother had
+given up hope, and both were delighted that their anxieties were at last
+over, and husband and son restored to them in safety. There was an
+immense deal to tell on both sides, for it was months since any letter
+had passed between them.
+
+"We have everything to be thankful for," Mrs. Davenant said, when the
+stories on both sides had been told, "and it seems to me that it is, to
+no slight extent, due to Walter that we have passed so well through the
+last two troubled years. It was Jabez Whitefoot who first stood our
+friend, and who saved the castle from being burned, and his goodwill was
+earned by Walter's friendship with his son. Then Mr. Conyers stood
+between us and the council, who would certainly have confiscated
+everything, had it not been for him. And, although he always expressed
+himself as greatly indebted to you also, he said that, so far as he
+understood from his wife, it was to Walter's foresight and arrangement
+that his wife and daughter owed their rescue.
+
+"How was it that Walter was so forward in the matter, Fergus?"
+
+"Walter was perhaps more particularly interested in the matter than I
+was," Captain Davenant said, with a smile. "His thoughts were running in
+that direction."
+
+Walter coloured up, and Mrs. Davenant, who was looking at him with some
+surprise, at her husband's words, broke into a laugh.
+
+"You don't mean to say, Walter, that you have been falling in love, at
+your age?"
+
+"You forget, dear," Captain Davenant said, coming to Walter's rescue,
+"that Walter is no longer a boy. Three years of campaigning have made a
+man of him, and, I venture to think, an earnest and thoughtful one. He
+is, it is true, only nineteen, but he has seen as much, and gone through
+as much, as men double his age. He has, upon several occasions, evinced
+an amount of coolness and judgment in danger which has earned him the
+approbation even of General Sarsfield, a man not easily satisfied."
+
+"I don't mean to hurt your feelings, Walter," Mrs. Davenant said; "but of
+course, it is difficult for me, at first, to realize that while you have
+been away you have changed from a boy into a man."
+
+"I don't mind, mother dear," Walter said, "and you can laugh at me as
+much as you like."
+
+"And is there anything in what your father says?" Mrs. Davenant asked, as
+she passed her hand fondly over Walter's head, as he sat on a low stool
+beside her.
+
+"Yes, mother," he answered manfully. "I am engaged to Claire Conyers. I
+have her mother's consent, but what Mr. Conyers will think about it, I
+don't know. He must know long before this, for Mrs. Conyers said that she
+should tell him, as soon as he joined them in England."
+
+Mrs. Davenant leaned over, and kissed her son.
+
+"The Conyers are of good family," old Mrs. Davenant said, "although they
+did come over with Cromwell. I do not think that is any objection to a
+son of our house marrying into theirs."
+
+Captain Davenant laughed.
+
+"No objection at all, on our side, mother. Any objection is likely to be
+on the other side, not on the ground of family, but on that of property.
+Claire Conyers is one of the richest heiresses in Ireland, while Walter's
+inheritance can scarcely be termed extensive."
+
+Two months later, Captain Davenant received a letter from Mr. Conyers,
+saying that he had arrived with his wife and daughter at Dublin on the
+previous day, and should be glad to make his acquaintance, and that of
+his son.
+
+"My wife," he said, "has informed me of certain love passages, which have
+taken place between Claire and your son, and I shall be glad to talk to
+you concerning them."
+
+Captain Davenant and Walter at once rode over to Dublin, the latter full
+of delight, and yet with a considerable amount of trepidation as to the
+interview between his father and Mr. Conyers. His mind was, however,
+speedily put at rest, for upon entering, Mr. Conyers at once took him by
+the hand, and said:
+
+"I am glad, indeed, of the opportunity of thanking you, in person, for
+the inestimable service you rendered to my wife and daughter. I find,
+from my wife, that Claire has discovered a means of repaying you for your
+service, and as her happiness is, she tells me, dependent on my giving my
+consent to the plan, I tell you at once that I do so, very heartily. I
+think you had better wait for a while, say two or three years, but we
+need not settle that at present.
+
+"Come here, Claire."
+
+He placed the girl's hand in Walter's.
+
+"Take her," he said, "and make her happy."
+
+The next day, Mr. Conyers, with his wife and daughter, accompanied
+Captain Davenant and Walter back to Davenant Castle, where they stayed
+for some days.
+
+The Whitefoots did not long remain neighbours of the Davenants. Old
+Zephaniah had passed away, ere the peace was signed, and, soon after
+Captain Davenant returned, Jabez called at the castle.
+
+"We are going away," he said. "John has made up his mind to become a
+trader, in London, and Hannah and I would be lonely without him, and,
+moreover, we are both weary of our life here, and have far more than
+enough money laid by for our needs, and for giving John the means of
+entering some well-established firm, when the time shall come. As to the
+lands here, they are ours now; but the next turn of the wheel might give
+them back to you. Besides, we do not wish to be troubled with their care.
+I therefore intend to revert to the offer which you made me, when the
+Parliament restored the land to you. I have received a good offer for our
+house and farm, and this I have accepted. The rest of the estates I hand
+back to you, from whom they were taken by the sword. My wife wishes this,
+as well as myself. John is eager that it should be so. He will be glad
+that his friend should be heir to the estates of his ancestors."
+
+"But we could not accept such a generous offer," Captain Davenant
+exclaimed. "It is out of all reason."
+
+"That I know not, friend Davenant; but I know that I, and my wife and
+John, have so made up our minds, and we are of a race not given to
+change. The land would but be an incumbrance and a trouble to us. John
+would far rather make his path in life, as he chooses it, than live upon
+the rents of ill-gotten lands. You will receive your own again, and all
+parties will be satisfied."
+
+Nothing could alter the resolution Jabez and his wife and son had taken,
+and so the Davenant estates came back to their former possessors.
+
+Three years after the conclusion of peace, Walter became Claire Conyers'
+husband, and in time succeeded to the wide estates of Mr. Conyers, as
+well as those of the Davenants. Godfrey Davenant, on attaining the age of
+eighteen, obtained, through Colonel L'Estrange's interest, a commission
+in the English army, fought under Marlborough in the fierce campaign in
+Flanders, and fell at the battle of Oudenarde. Happily, during the
+lifetime of Walter and Claire Davenant, there was never any renewal of
+trouble in Ireland, and they lived to see their children and
+grandchildren grow up around them, in peace and happiness.
+
+John Whitefoot became, in time, one of the leading merchants of the city
+of London, and spent the greater of the fortune he gained in trade in
+works of charity and kindness. The friendship between him and Walter
+Davenant remained unchanged to the end of their lives. They occasionally
+paid each other visits, and, when a son of John Whitefoot married a
+daughter of Walter Davenant, they felt that this was a fitting
+termination of the old feud between the families.
+
+
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