“’ Mat Midnight.

     “’B.  N.—­It’s it that was latterrally occupied by the
     Grogans.’

“This occasioned Simmons and the other magistrates of the barony to hold a meeting, at which they subscribed to the amount of fifty pounds as a reward for discovering the author or authors of the threatening notice; but the advertisement containing the reward, which was posted in the usual places through the parish, was torn down on the first night after it was put up.  In the meantime, a man, nicknamed Vengeance—­Vesey Vengeance, in consequence of his daring and fearless spirit, and his bitterness in retaliating injury—­came to Simmons, and proposed for the farm.  The latter candidly mentioned the circumstances of the notice, and fairly told him that he was running a personal risk in taking it.

“‘Leave that to me, sir,’ said Vengeance; ’if you will set me the farm at the terms I offer, I am willing to become your tenant; and let them that posted up the notices go to old Nick, or, if they annoy me, let them take care I don’t send them there.  I am a true blue, sir—­a purple man*—­have lots of fire-arms, and plenty of stout fellows in the parish ready and willing to back me; and, by the light of day if they make or meddle with me or mine, we will hunt them in the face of the world, like so many mad dogs, out of the country:  what are they but a pack of ribles, that would cut our throats, if they dared?’

     * These terms denote certain stages of initiation in
     the Orange system

“‘I have no objection,’ said Simmons, ’that you should express a firm determination to defend your life and protect your property; but I utterly condemn the spirit with which you seem to be animated.  Be temperate and sober, but be firm.  I will afford you every assistance and protection in my power, both as a magistrate and a landlord; but if you speak so incautiously, the result may be serious, if not fatal, to yourself.’

“Instead of that,’ said Vengeance, ’the more a man appears to be afeard, the more danger he is in, as I know by what I have seen; but, at any rate, if they injure me, I wouldn’t ask better sport than taking down the ribles—­the bloody-minded villains!  Isn’t it a purty thing that a man darn’t put one foat past the other only as they wish.  By the light o’ day, I’ll pepper them!’

“Shortly after this, Vengeance, braving all their threats, removed to the farm, and set about its cultivation with skill and vigor.  He had not been long there, however, when, a notice was posted one night on his door, giving him ten days to clear off from this interdicted spot, threatening, in case of non-compliance, to make a bonfire of the house and offices, inmates included.  The reply, which Vengeance made to this was fearless and characteristic.  He wrote another notice, which he posted on the chapel-door, stating that he would not budge an inch—­recommending, at the same time, such as intended paying him a nightly