第96章 Volume 3(24)

The name of this man whose unexpected appearance thus affected me was Hugh Oliver,and good and strong reason had Ito dread him,for so bitterly did he hate me,that to this moment I do verily believe he would have compassed my death if it lay in his power to do so,even at the hazard of his own life and soul,for I had been--though God knows with many sore strugglings and at the stern call of public duty--the judge and condemner of his brother;and though the military law,which I was called upon to administer,would permit no other course or sentence than the bloody one which I was compelled to pursue,yet even to this hour the recollection of that deed is heavy at my breast.

As soon as I saw this man I felt that my safety depended upon the accident of his not recognising me through the disguise which I had assumed,an accident against which were many chances,for he well knew my person and appearance.

It was too late now to destroy General Sarsfield's instructions;any attempt to do so would ensure detection.All then depended upon a cast of the die.

When the first moment of dismay and heart-sickening agitation had passed,it seemed to me as if my mind acquired a collectedness and clearness more complete and intense than I had ever experienced before.

I instantly perceived that he did not know me,for turning from me to the soldier with all air of indifference,he said,'Is this a prisoner or a deserter?What have you brought him here for,sirra?'

'Your wisdom will regard him as you see fit,may it please you,'said the corporal.

'The man is a travelling merchant,and,overtaking him upon the road,close by old Dame MacDonagh's cot,I thought I might as well make a sort of prisoner of him that your honour might use him as it might appear most convenient;he has many commododies which are not unworthy of price in this wilderness,and some which you may condescend to make use of yourself.

May he exhibit the goods he has for sale,an't please you?'

'Ay,let us see them,'said he.

'Unbuckle your pack,'exclaimed the corporal,with the same tone of command with which,at the head of his guard,he would have said 'Recover your arms.'

'Unbuckle your pack,fellow,and show your goods to the captain--here,where you are.'

The conclusion of his directions was suggested by my endeavouring to move round in order to get my back towards the windows,hoping,by keeping my face in the shade,to escape detection.

In this manoeuvre,however,I was foiled by the imperiousness of the soldier;and inwardly cursing his ill-timed interference,I proceeded to present my merchandise to the loving contemplation of the officers who thronged around me,with a strong light from an opposite window full upon my face.

As I continued to traffic with these gentlemen,I observed with no small anxiety 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 loop-hole 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,weak and giddy,I rose with pain and difficulty to my feet.

The chamber,or rather cell,in which I stood was about eight feet square,and of a height very disproportioned to its other dimensions;its altitude from the floor to the ceiling being not less than twelve or fourteen feet.A narrow slit placed high in the wall admitted a scanty light,but sufficient to assure me that my prison contained nothing to render the sojourn of its tenant a whit less comfortless than my worst enemy could have wished.

My first impulse was naturally to examine the security of the door,the loop-hole which I have mentioned being too high and too narrow to afford a chance of escape.I listened attentively to ascer-tain if possible whether or not a guard had been placed upon the outside.