ompassed.

Whatever might have been the sentiments of the crowded court regarding
the former life and opinions of Fortescue and the piper, it was clear
that now only one impression prevailed,--a general feeling of horror at
the complicated villany of Crofts, whose whole existence had been one
tissue of the basest treachery.

The testimony was heard with attention throughout; no cross-examination
was entered on; and the judge, briefly adverting to the case which
was before the jury, and from whose immediate consideration subsequent
events had in a great measure withdrawn their minds, directed them to
deliver a verdict of "Not guilty."

The words were re-echoed by the jury, who, man for man, exclaimed these
words aloud, amid the most deafening cheers from every side.

As I walked from the dock, fatigued, worn out, and exhausted, a dozen
hands were stretched out to seize mine; but one powerful grasp caught my
arm, and a well-known voice called in my ear,--

"An' ye wor with Boney, Master Tom? Tare and 'ounds, didn't I know you'd
be a great man yet."

At the same instant Fortescue came through the crowd towards me, with
his hands outstretched.

"We should be friends, sir," said he, "for we both have suffered from a
common enemy. If I am at liberty to leave this--"

"You are not, sir," interposed a deep voice behind. We turned and beheld
Major Barton. "The massacre at Kil-macshogue has yet to be atoned for."

Fortescue's face grew actually livid at the mention of the word, and his
breathing became thick and short.

"Here," continued Barton, "is the warrant for your committal. And you
also, Darby," said he, turning round; "we want your company once more in
Newgate."

"Bedad, I suppose there's no use in sending an apology when friends is
so pressing," said he, buttoning his coat as coolly as possible; "but I
hope you 'll let the master come in to see me."

"Mr. Burke shall be admitted at all times," said Barton, with an
obsequious civility I had never witnessed in him previously.

"Faix, maybe you 'll not be for letting him out so aisy," said Darby,
dryly, for his notions of justice were tempered by a considerable dash
of suspicion.

I had only time left to press my purse into the honest fellow's hand,
and salute Fortescue hastily, as they both were removed, under the
custody of Barton. And I now made my way through the crowd into the
hall, which opened a line for me as I went; a thousand welcomes meeting
me