ng also
securely bound. Then he placed two sentries inside and two out. The
news that some of the men had been killed soon spread, and many of the
villagers who did not see their relations among the prisoners hurried
off toward the scene of action. Ralph informed the landlord that the
dead had all been placed together on the seashore, and that their
friends were at liberty to remove and bury them without any questions
being asked. He then sent a corporal over to bring back news how the
wounded men had borne the journey, and how they were disposed. But
before his return the doctor drove up in a trap that he had borrowed.

"Adcock has put up the two officers in his own house," he said, "and
his wife will look after them, so you need not worry about them. The
other poor fellows are in the cottage next door. It belongs to the
coxswain of the boat, who is also a married man. So you need be under
no uneasiness about any of them. As far as I can see, they are all
likely to do well. I shall go over the first thing in the morning, and
will bring you news of them as soon as I get back."

Ralph had given orders that Denis Moore was not to be treated as a
prisoner; and he now told the sergeant to send him in to him.

"I have been thinking it over, Moore," he said; "and it seems to me
the best plan will be to allow you to go quietly away. Your conduct in
the fight in the cave in itself showed that you were not voluntarily
with the others; and I do not think, therefore, that it is necessary
to report you among the prisoners. I suppose the Red Captain's gang
have not done any unlawful act beyond taking part in the still
business since they took you away from home?"

"No, your honor. We just came straight down here, traveling at night
and hiding away by day."

"Very well. In that case you can give no special evidence against
them. It is probable that at the trial evidence may be required from
Galway as to the deeds that that red-bearded scoundrel committed
there; and it is possible that you may be summoned with others, but I
should think that the evidence of the constabulary will be sufficient.
So, if you will give me your address there I will take it upon myself
to let you go at once. In that case you can join your wife this
evening and travel back with her."

"Thank you, sir," Denis replied. "I have no objection at all to give
evidence as to what I know, so that it does not come out it was
Bridget who tould you where they were