ty the eyes of Captain Oliver frequently fixed upon me with a kind
of dubious inquiring gaze.

'I think, my honest fellow,' he said at last, 'that I have seen you
somewhere before this. Have you often dealt with the military?'

'I have traded, sir,' said I, 'with the soldiery many a time, and always
been honourably treated. Will your worship please to buy a pair of lace
ruffles?--very cheap, your worship.'

'Why do you wear your hair so much over your face, sir?' said Oliver,
without noticing my suggestion. 'I promise you, I think no good of thee;
throw back your hair, and let me see thee plainly. Hold up your face,
and look straight at me; throw back your hair, sir.'

I felt that all chance of escape was at an end; and stepping forward as
near as the table would allow me to him, I raised my head, threw back my
hair, and fixed my eyes sternly and boldly upon his face.

I saw that he knew me instantly, for his countenance turned as pale
as ashes with surprise and hatred. He started up, placing his hand
instinctively upon his sword-hilt, and glaring at me with a look so
deadly, that I thought every moment he would strike his sword into my
heart. He said in a kind of whisper: 'Hardress Fitzgerald?'

'Yes;' said I, boldly, for the excitement of the scene had effectually
stirred my blood, 'Hardress Fitzgerald is before you. I know you well,
Captain Oliver. I know how you hate me. I know how you thirst for my
blood; but in a good cause, and in the hands of God, I defy you.'

'You are a desperate villain, sir,' said Captain Oliver; 'a rebel and a
murderer! Holloa, there! guard, seize him!'

As the soldiers entered, I threw my eyes hastily round the room, and
observing a glowing fire upon the hearth, I suddenly drew General
Sarsfield's packet from my bosom, and casting it upon the embers,
planted my foot upon it.

'Secure the papers!' shouted the captain; and almost instantly I was
laid prostrate and senseless upon the floor, by a blow from the butt of
a carbine.

I cannot say how long I continued in a state of torpor; but at
length, having slowly recovered my senses, I found myself lying firmly
handcuffed upon the floor of a small chamber, through a narrow loophole
in one of whose walls the evening sun was shining. I was chilled
with cold and damp, and drenched in blood, which had flowed in large
quantities from the wound on my head. By a strong effort I shook off the
sick drowsiness which still hung upon me, and, w