his he was successful. On entering the
barrack, square, he saw a group of officers chatting together on the
north side, and after inquiring from a soldier if Ensign Roberts was
among them, he was answered in the affirmative.

"There he is," said the man, "standing with a whip in his hand--that
tall, handsome young fellow."

Dunphy, who was sufficiently near to get a clear view of him, was
instantly struck by his surprising resemblance to Miss Gourlay, whom he
had often seen in town.

CHAPTER XIX. Interview between Trailcudgel and the Stranger

--A Peep at Lord Dunroe and His Friend.

It was on the morning that Sir Thomas Gourlay had made the disastrous
discovery of the flight of his daughter--for he had not yet heard the
spreading rumor of the imaginary elopement--that the stranger, on his
way from Father M'Mahon's to the Mitre, was met in a lonely part of
the road, near the priest's house, by a man of huge stature and
savage appearance. He was literally in rags; and his long beard, gaunt
features, and eyes that glared as if with remorse, distraction, or
despair, absolutely constituted him an alarming as well as a painful
spectacle. As he approached the stranger, with some obvious and
urgent purpose, trailing after him a weapon that resembled the club of
Hercules, the latter paused in his step and said,

"What is the matter with you, my good fellow? You seem agitated. Do you
want anything with me? Stand back, I will permit you to come no nearer,
till I know your purpose. I am armed."

The wretched man put his hand upon his eyes, and groaned as if his heart
would burst, and for some moments was unable to make any reply.

"What can this mean?" thought the stranger; "the man's features, though
wild and hollow, are not those of a ruffian."

"My good friend," he added, speaking in a milder tone, "you seem
distressed. Pray let me know what is the matter with you?"

"Don't be angry with me," replied the man, addressing him with dry,
parched lips, whilst his Herculean breast heaved up and down with
agitation; "I didn't intend to do it, or to break in upon it, but now
I must, for it's life or death with the three that's left me; and I
durstn't go into the town to ask it there. I have lost four already.
Maybe, sir, you could change this pound note for me? For the sake of the
Almighty, do; as you hope for mercy don't refuse me. That's all I ask.
I know that you stop in the inn in the town there above--that you'r