open, Father," said I, "but they'll
be comfortably housed if we get there in time. Now, Peel, I make you
captain of the men, as you've got them together, and so, Forward, my
lads."

They struck out along the road, walking a dozen different kinds of
steps, although there were only nine of them; some with the swords
over their shoulders, some using them like walking-sticks, till I told
them to be more careful of the points; but they walked rapidly and got
over the ground, for the clank of the five guineas that was in each
man's pocket played the right kind of march for them.

"Listen to reason, O'Ruddy, and even now turn back," said Father
Donovan.

"I'll not turn back now," said I, "and, sure, you can't expect it of
me. You're an obstinate man yourself, if I must say so, Father."

"It's a foolhardy exploit," he continued, frowning. "There's prison at
the end of it for some one," he murmured.

"No, it's the House of Brede, Father, that's at the end of it."

"Supposing the Earl of Westport brings a thousand men against
you,--what are you going to do?"

"Give them the finest fight they have ever seen in this part of
England."

In spite of himself I saw a sparkle in Father Donovan's eye. The
nationality of him was getting the better of his profession.

"If it were legitimate and lawful," at last he said, "it would be a
fine sight to see."

"It will be legitimate and lawful enough when the Earl and myself come
to terms. You need have no fear that we're going to get into the
courts, Father."

"Do you think he'll fight?" demanded the father suddenly, with a glint
in his eyes that I have seen in my own father's when he was telling us
of his battles in France.

"Fight? Why of course he'll fight, for he's as full of malice as an
egg's full of meat; but nevertheless he's a sensible old curmudgeon,
when the last word's said, and before he'll have it noised over
England that his title to the land is disputed he'll give me what I
want, although at first he'll try to master me."

"Can you depend on these men?"

"I think I can. They're old smugglers and pirates, most of them."

"I wonder who the Earl will bring against you?" said Father Donovan,
speaking more to himself than to me. "Will it be farmers or regular
soldiers?"

"I expect they will be from among his own tenantry; there's plenty of
them, and they'll all have to do his bidding."

"But that doesn't give a man courage in battle?"

"No, but he'll have goo