between his
executioners, as they marched from the yard.

"As for you, Flanagan, your guilt is equally clear and heinous; but you
have given evidence which entitles you to more lenient treatment. You
will be taken to Derry Jail, till arrangements are made to send you out
of the country--"

"Faith, I'd start this day!" said Flanagan, on whom the perils of
remaining within reach of his late comrades were evidently beginning to
dawn.

"Silence! Remove the prisoner!"

At this moment the report of a volley in the paddock without sent a grim
shudder through the party. Flanagan, with a livid face, walked off
between his guards, and the three magistrates turned to enter the house.

His honour beckoned to me to follow, and took me into his private room.

"I owe you something for yesterday," said he in his ungracious way.
"Take a word of advice. Get out of these parts as soon as you can, and
warn your brother to do the same."

"Why should I go?" said I. "I've done nothing to be ashamed of."

"Unless you are prepared to tell the authorities everything you know,
and assist in hunting down the rebels, you are better away. You are a
marked man already among the rebels. Unless you assist our side you
will be a marked man among the authorities."

"If it comes to that, your honour," said I, "there is no man more marked
in these parts than yourself. The boys could forgive you for being on
the English side, but they can't forgive you for having encouraged them
once and turned against them now."

His honour turned white at this.

"How do you know that?" he demanded.

"How does every one know it?" replied I. "Your enemies are not likely
to let you off with yesterday's attempt."

His honour looked at me as if he would read in my face something more
than my words expressed. I was older now than I once was, and I was my
own master, so I had no reason to avoid his scrutiny.

"I have given you the advice of a friend," said he coldly; "take it or
leave it. Meanwhile, your business here is at an end."

"May I see Miss Kit?" said I, in a milder tone, which his honour at once
observed. "She desired to see me when I came to-day."

"Miss Gorman is not at home."

This was a blow to me, and I had not the art to conceal it.

"Will she be back to-day?" I ventured to ask.

"No; she has gone on a visit to friends," replied his honour, who
evidently enjoyed my disappointment.

"She expected to be at home when I saw her