antly with eggs, bacon, and wheaten cakes, which I
discussed with a zeal which almost surprised myself.

Having disposed of the solid part of my entertainment, I was proceeding
to regale myself with a brimming measure of strong waters, when my
attention was arrested by the sound of horses' hoofs in brisk motion
upon the broken road, and evidently approaching the hovel in which I was
at that moment seated.

The ominous clank of sword scabbards and the jingle of brass
accoutrements announced, unequivocally, that the horsemen were of the
military profession.

'The red-coats will stop here undoubtedly,' said the old woman,
observing, I suppose, the anxiety of my countenance; 'they never pass us
without coming in for half an hour to drink or smoke. If you desire to
avoid them, I can hide you safely; but don't lose a moment. They will be
here before you can count a hundred.'

I thanked the good woman for her hospitable zeal; but I felt a
repugnance to concealing myself as she suggested, which was enhanced by
the consciousness that if by any accident I were detected while lurking
in the room, my situation would of itself inevitably lead to suspicions,
and probably to discovery.

I therefore declined her offer, and awaited in suspense the entrance of
the soldiers.

I had time before they made their appearance to move my seat hurriedly
from the table to the hearth, where, under the shade of the large
chimney, I might observe the coming visitors with less chance of being
myself remarked upon.

As my hostess had anticipated, the horsemen drew up at the door of the
hut, and five dragoons entered the dark chamber where I awaited them.

Leaving their horses at the entrance, with much noise and clatter they
proceeded to seat themselves and call for liquor.

Three of these fellows were Dutchmen, and, indeed, all belonged, as I
afterwards found, to a Dutch regiment, which had been recruited with
Irish and English, as also partly officered from the same nations.

Being supplied with pipes and drink they soon became merry; and not
suffering their smoking to interfere with their conversation, they
talked loud and quickly, for the most part in a sort of barbarous
language, neither Dutch nor English, but compounded of both.

They were so occupied with their own jocularity that I had very great
hopes of escaping observation altogether, and remained quietly seated in
a corner of the chimney, leaning back upon my seat as if asleep.