out the object I had seen. It was a
peculiarly old-fashioned, unattractive-looking case, and from its
outward appearance no one would have supposed that it contained objects
of value. I felt sure that I was right, and that I had got the object I
was seeking. I sang out to O'Driscoll, who after a little time heard my
voice and was delighted at my good fortune. Calling Rockets, we then
hurried back to the boat. There was no time to be lost, for night was
coming on; we had a long pull before us, and I was anxious to deliver
the case to Colonel Carlyon without delay. After this I had to assist
in getting the boats ready for the embarkation of the troops. Away we
pulled. O'Driscoll was in high feather, laughing and joking to his
heart's content.

"You're in a fair way now, at all events, to win the lady, my boy," said
he. "Only just keep moving, and put yourself under my guidance. We
must soon knock this rebellion on the head, and then, do ye see, you can
step in and be of still greater service to the father and the family,
and claim your reward. Oh! it's beautiful. I see it all now as clear
as a pikestaff."

Certainly, we neither of us at the time thought what a different turn
affairs were to take from what he was then calculating on. Yet, I must
own, I had even then my misgivings on the subject. As soon as we
landed, I hurried as fast as my legs could carry me to the cottage where
Colonel Carlyon was kept a prisoner. His satisfaction was very great
when I delivered the case to him, and the way in which he expressed his
gratitude was manly and cordial in the extreme.

"It is useless for a prisoner to make promises, which, should your party
finally triumph, he may never be able to fulfil," he observed with a
grave look. "In the latter case, those taken with arms in their hands
may be hung, drawn and quartered as traitors, in accordance with the
time-honoured custom of our fathers. If the patriots are victorious,
the prisoners will be liberated with all the honours which can be
showered on them, and I may have the satisfaction of proving that I am
not ungrateful for what you have done for me and mine."

I found some difficulty in answering properly to these remarks. I could
not say that I wished the royal cause not to succeed, and yet I
certainly did not desire to see the Americans completely defeated and
humbled. I therefore said--

"I trust that a peace, honourable to both parties, may ere long be
e