e
Mr. Thady's name so great, that there'd be no pace for a boy at all
av he war to say a word agin him."

"Then it's a coward you are afther all, Brady?"

"No, yer honour, I'm no coward; but it's a bad thing living in a
counthry, where all the boys is sworn to stretch you."

"Nonsense, Pat; did they ever stretch me? and haven't I done as bad
and worse to them twenty times. They're trying to frighten you out of
your duty, and you're going to let them. Any way, I see you are not
the man for me. I thought you had more pluck in you."

"Why thin, Mr. Keegan, I've pluck enough; but faix, I don't like
hanging the young man thin--and now it's out."

"Very well--then you'll be transported for perjury, that's all; all
the things you've to swear to have been sent written out to the
Counsellor; and when you contradict in court what you have already
declared to be the truth they'll prosecute you for perjury, and a
deal of good you'll do young Macdermot afther all!"

After a few more arguments of a similar nature, Brady was again
reduced to his allegiance, and at last was dismissed, having promised
to swear stiffly both that Ussher's death had been agreed on at the
meeting at Mrs. Mehan's, and also that in private conversation with
him (Pat Brady) Macdermot had frequently expressed his determination
of being revenged on Ussher for the injury he was doing to his
sister. And Hyacinth Keegan betook himself to the company of the
fair partner of his prosperity and misfortunes, comforting himself
with the idea that he was sure of success in his attempts to secure
Thady's conviction, and flattering himself that Mr. O'Malley could at
the worst only ask him some few teasing questions about the property.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THADY'S TRIAL IS COMMENCED.

On the same evening, namely that immediately before the trial, Father
John visited Thady in prison, and it was the last time that they were
to meet before the fate of the latter was decided. The priest had
constantly visited the young man in his confinement, and had done
all in his power to support and cheer his spirits under the horrible
circumstances in which he was placed, and not without success. Thady
had borne his incarceration and distress with the greatest courage.
When remaining at Aughacashel among the lawless associates with whom
he had so foolishly looked for safety, he had completely lost his
fortitude and power of endurance; he was aware that he was doing
what was i