errogate him,' cried a young lad named Conolly,
who had only joined us on the day before we sailed.

And now as the youth addressed the fisherman in a few rapid sentences,
the other answered as quickly, making a gesture with his hands that
implied grief, or even despair.

'We can interpret that for ourselves,' broke in Humbert; 'he is telling
you that the game is up.'

'Exactly so, general; he says that the insurrection has been completely
put down, that the Irish forces are scattered or disbanded, and all the
leaders taken.'

'The fellow is just as likely to be an English spy,' said Madgett, in a
whisper; but Humbert's gesture of impatience showed how little trust he
reposed in the allegation.

'Ask him what English troops are quartered in this part of the country,'
said the general.

'A few militia, and two squadrons of dragoons,' was the prompt reply.

'No artillery?'

'None.'

'Is there any rumour of our coming abroad, or have the frigates been
seen?' asked Humbert.

'They were seen last night from the church steeple of Killala, general,'
said Conolly, translating, 'but believed to be English.'

'Come; that is the best news he has brought us yet,' said Humbert,
laughing; 'we shall at least surprise them a little. Ask him what men of
rank or consequence live in the neighbourhood, and how are they affected
towards the expedition?'

A few words, and a low dry laugh, made all the peasant's reply.

'Eh, what says he?' asked Humbert.

'He says, sir, that, except a Protestant bishop, there's nothing of the
rank of gentry here.'

'I suppose we need scarcely expect his blessing on our efforts,' said
Humbert, with a hearty laugh. 'What is he saying now?--what is he
looking at?'

'He says that we are now in the very best anchorage of the bay,' said
Conolly, 'and that on the whole coast there's not a safer spot.'

A brief consultation now took place between the general and naval
officers, and in a few seconds the word was given to take in all sail
and anchor.

'I wish I could speak to that honest fellow myself,' said Humbert, as
he stood watching the fisherman, who, with a peasant curiosity, had now
approached the mast, and was passing his fingers across the blades of
the cutlasses as they stood in the sword-rack.

'Sharp enough for the English, eh?' cried Humbert, in French, but with
a gesture that seemed at once intelligible. A dry nod of the head gave
assent to the remark.

'If I understand him ar