up and down the lower part of the avenue, near the entrance gate,
which was somewhat secluded and not within view of the house, for the
avenue was a winding one. In the meantime he stationed himself in a
clump of trees, to which he went by a back walk in the shrubbery that
was concealed from that part of the avenue. Here, we say, he stationed
himself to watch these worthies, but, unfortunately, at too great a
distance to hear their conversation, should they speak and recognize
each other. On this subject he was not permitted to remain long in
suspense. Hourigan soon made his appearance, and, on approaching the
stringer, looked cautiously about him in every direction, whilst the
latter, who had been walking Purcel's horse towards the house, suddenly
turned back, and kept conversing with Hourigan until they reached the
entrance gate, where they stood for about ten minutes in close and
evidently confidential dialogue, as was clear from their watching in all
directions, to make certain that they were not observed. They then
shook hands, cordially, and Hourigan bent his steps towards the town of
Lisnagola. Fergus, who had seen all their motions most distinctly, took
occasion to pass up the avenue a few minutes afterwards, where he met
the stranger still leading Purcel's horse.

"What's your name, my good fellow?" he asked.

"Phil Hart, sir."

"Do you know if the man who summoned Mr. Purcel before my father has
gone out?"

"I don't know, plaise your honor."

"Did any person go out within the last few minutes?"

"Yes, sir, there went a man out; maybe it was him."

"You don't know Hourigan's appearance, then?"

"No, sir. Hourigan, was that his name?"

"Yes. Are you a native of this county?"

"Not exactly, sir; but I have friends in it."

"Who are they?"

"The Ahernes, sir, up in the mountains behind Lisnagola beyant."

"And who recommended you to Mr. Arthur?"

"His brother-in-law, sir, one Frank Finnerty, in the mountains above;
that is, they're both marrid upon the two shisthers, plaise your honor."

"And what caused you to leave your native place?"

"Why, sir, my father houlds a bit o' land; he owed some tithe, sir,
and--"

"Would not pay it; they consequently took proceedings--you resisted the
execution of the law, and then you had to run for it."

"Well, not exactly, sir."

"How was it, then?"

"Why, sir, we paid the tithes; an' whin this was discovered, I, at any
rate, had to run for it. The peop