roads, and the slow mode of
travelling at that period, there was a probability that the pardon might
not arrive in time to be available; and indeed there was every reason
to apprehend as much. The day appointed for the execution of the Red
Rapparee and him arrived--nay, the very hour had come; but still
there was hope, among his friends. The sheriff, a firm, but fair and
reasonable man, waited beyond the time named by the judge for his
execution. At length he felt the necessity of discharging his duty; for,
although more than an hour beyond the appointed period had now elapsed,
yet this delay proceeded from no personal regard he entertained for the
felon, but from respect for many of those who had interested themselves
in his fate.

After an unusual delay the sheriff felt himself called upon to order
both the Rapparee and the baronet for execution. In waiting so long for
a pardon, he felt that he had transgressed his duty, and he accordingly
ordered them out for the last ceremony. The hardened Rapparee died
sullen and silent; the only regret he expressed being that he could not
live to see his old friend turned off before him.

"Troth," replied the hangman, "only that the sheriff has ordhered me
to hang you first as bein' the betther man, I would give you that same
satisfaction; but if you're not in a very great hurry to the warm corner
you're goin' to, and if you will just take your time for a few minutes,
I'll engage to say you will soon have company. God speed you, any way,"
he exclaimed as he turned him off; "only take your time, and wait for
your neighbors. Now, Sir Robert," said he, "turn about, they say, is
fair play--it's your turn now; but you look unbecomin' upon it. Hould up
your head, man, and don't be cast down. You'll have company where you're
goin'; for the Red Rapparee tould me to tell you that he'd wait for you.
Hallo!--what's that?" he exclaimed as he cast his eye to the distance
and discovered a horseman riding for life, with a white handkerchief,
or flag of some kind, floating in the breeze. The elevated position in
which the executioner was placed enabled him to see the signal before
it could be perceived by the crowd. "Come, Sir Robert," said he, "stand
where I'll place you--there's no use in asking you to hould up your
head, for you're not able; but listen. You hanged my brother that you
knew to be innocent; and now I hang you that I know to be guilty. Yes,
I hang you, with the white flag of the