ching at every corner, guards were doubled, officials walked abroad
only under escort. This man was pointed out as a leader of the coming
"turn-out"--for so they spoke of the rebellion that was to follow--that
was marked down as a traitor, and walked with the sentence of death in
his hang-dog face. This man was spoken of as one to be got at and won
over; and that was hooted and spat upon as he rode past in his gay
equipage amid flying stones, and now and again a bullet out of space,
which made him glad enough to retreat into cover. But these last
demonstrations were less common than the dull, savage air of menace
which pervaded the place. Something assuredly was going to happen.

Some said the French were already on their way to Ireland, and that
their landing was to be the signal for a general rising. Others
whispered that Lord Edward had his plans ripe for the capture of the
capital, and the setting up of the new Irish republic. Many said all
this suspense was just the sign that no leader was ready to fire the
mine, and unless the blow was struck soon it would not be struck at all.
As to the men in office and the police, they held their peace, saying
nothing, but hearing all.

I encountered no one I knew, except one man, him who once had stopped me
on the steps of the hotel, after my first meeting with Lord Edward, and
who had offered me money for information. To my surprise he now greeted
me by name.

"Good-day, Mr Gallagher; glad to meet you. How go matters in Donegal?
and how is Lord Edward?"

I stared at him in amazement.

"I have not the honour to know you," said I, walking on.

But he followed, linking his arm in mine.

"Come now," said he; "you know me well enough. But be assured you have
nothing to fear from me if you are open. Your name is well-known at the
Castle as a leader of the conspiracy, and a friend of Lord Edward's. A
word from me, and you would get free board and lodging in Newgate, if
not a yard or two of rope thrown in; but I have no wish to hurt you.
These are dangerous times, though."

"I tell you, sir," repeated I, "I am not the man you take me for, so
kindly address yourself to some one else."

"Tush!" said he, "what's the use between friends? Tim Gallagher is as
well-known a name as O'Connor's."

Tim Gallagher! Then they took me for Tim, not myself.

"And what information is it you want, and for whom?" I demanded, trying
to conceal my curiosity.

"Turn up here; it