“I had no intention of forgetting them, sir; and that scheme for throwing the guilt of his own villany on Mr. Reilly is another reason why I appear against him.”

It was not, indeed, very easy for the Rapparee to escape.  Whitecraft got home safe, a little before dusk, after putting his unfortunate horse to more than his natural speed.  On his arrival he ordered wine to be brought, and sat down to meditate upon the most feasible plan for reinstating himself in the good graces of the new Government.  After pondering over many speculations to that effect, it occurred to him that to secure the Rapparee, now that he could, as an agent and a guide, be of no further use to him, was the most likely procedure to effect his purpose.  He accordingly rang for his usual attendant, and asked him if he knew where O’Donnel was.  The man replied that he waa generally in or about Mary Mahon’s.

“Then,” proceeded his master, “let him be with me to-morrow morning at eleven o’clock.”

“If I see him, sir, I shall tell him.”

“And say that I have something to his advantage to mention to him.”

“Yes, sir; I shan’t forget it.”

“Now,” said he, after the servant had withdrawn, and taking a bumper of wine, “I know not how it is, but I feel very uncomfortable somehow.  I certaintly did not expect a change in the Administration, nor a relaxation in the carrying out of the laws against Papists; and, under this impression, I fear I have gone too far, and that I may be brought over the coals for my conduct.  I understand that the old French Abbe is returned, and once more a resident in the family of that cursed marquis.  I think, by the way, I should go and apologize to both the marquis and the Abbe, and throw the blame of my own violence upon the conduct and instructions of the last Government; that, and the giving up of this ruffianly Rapparee to the present, may do something for me.  This country, however, now that matters have taken such an unexpected turn, shall not long be my place of residence.  As for Reilly, my marriage on the day after tomorrow with that stubborn beauty, Helen Folliard, will place an impassable barrier between him and her.  I am glad he has escaped, for he will not be in our way, and we shall start for my English estates immediately after the ceremony.  To-morrow, however, I shall secure the Rapparee, and hand him over to the authorities.  I could have wished to hang Reilly, but now it is impossible; still, we shall start for England immediately after the nuptial knot is tied, for I don’t think I could consider myself safe, now that he is at large, and at liberty to appear in his proper name and person especially after all the mischief I have done him, in addition to the fact of my bearing away his Cooleen Bawn, as she is called.”