This was spoken in such an earnest, and at the same time in so simple and candid a manner, that it was actually impossible to suspect for a moment that there was falsehood or treachery intended.  Nay,—­his pretended effort to undeceive her as to M’Carthy’s connection with the Whiteboys, was such a natural step after the drink which she supposed he had taken on the preceding night, and when cool reflection had returned to him, that she felt an indescribable curiosity—­one attended with pain and terror—­to hear the full extent of her lover’s perfidy.  Beyond all doubt, Moylan’s treacherous adroitness, and the simplicity and piety under which he contrived to veil his treachery and revenge, were perfect in their way.  As it was, he succeeded in banishing peace, and trust, and cheerfulness, from the heart of generous and affectionate Julia Purcel.

M’Carthy found the young men up, and after simply stating that the previous night was one of danger and adventure, he said that he wished to go to bed for a while, and that he would describe these adventures at more length after he had refreshed himself by some sleep.  This, indeed, they perceived to be absolutely necessary, from his exhausted and pallid look.  He accordingly went to rest—­and, sooth to say, the sense of security, joined to his complete exhaustion, and the comforts of a warm good bed, gave him such a perception of luxury as he had never conceived before.  In a few minutes he fell into a dreamless and unbroken trance.

Breakfast was postponed an hour on his account; for as he had extorted a promise from John Purcel, that he should either call him or have him called when the time for that meal arrived, they did not wish to disturb him so soon.  In the meantime, there was many a conjecture as to the cause of his absence, and as the fact of his black face could not be concealed, there was consequently many an opinion given as to the circumstances which occasioned that unexpected phenomenon.  Julia did not at all appear, but pleaded indisposition, and Alick had not yet returned-from O’Driscol’s, so there was only the proctor, his son John, his wife, and Mary, to discuss the matter.  At length, about half-past ten M’Carthy made his appearance, and after the usual civilities of the morning, he gave them a pretty clear, but not a very detailed account of the dangers he had undergone.  After a good deal of consideration, he resolved, in accordance with the wish of his unknown friend, to suppress all mention of the attack upon O’Driscol’s house, and of the young man who had been shot whilst it was going on.

Breakfast had not been concluded, when the Cannie Soogah, who had already got his hansel, as he called his breakfast, in the kitchen, made his appearance at the parlor window, which was immediately thrown up.

“God save all here,” he exclaimed, “long life and good health to every one of you!  Here I am, the rantin’ Cannie Soogah, as large as life; and upon my profits maybe a little larger if the truth was known.”