We informed him he was to be executed. We gave him every facility for communicating with his wife and children, and for writing any messages he wished. I never felt more sorry in my life at having to carry out such an unpleasant task. We discussed the matter from every aspect and agreed we had no alternative. Potter was a kind and cultured gentleman, and a brave officer. Before he was executed he gave us a diary, a signet ring and a gold watch with the request that we should return them to his wife. We fulfilled his request. As an official reprisal for his death the British military authorities blew up ten farmhouses in South Tipperary. Amongst them was Mrs. Tobin’s, of Tincurry, where Sean Treacy, Hogan and I had sheltered the night after the Soloheadbeg affair. CHAPTER XXV. MARRIED IN THE BATTLE LINE. On the 12th June, 1921, just one month before the Truce with the English forces, I was married in circumstances as strange as they were romantic. In an earlier chapter I have already told how I first met my future wife, Brighid Malone, in September, 1919, and how she and her sister served us and our cause when sympathisers were few. From the day of our first visit to the home of the Malone’s, our friendship began and soon developed into a deeper feeling. I knew it was to Brighid’s constant care and nursing that I owed my speedy recovery from the wounds I received at Ashtown. During the months that I spent in her mother’s house after that encounter our attachment became stronger, and in 1920 we became formally engaged. After the fight at Drumcondra in October, 1920, Brighid came to see me whenever it was safe. We decided to get married as soon as I would be completely recovered. I knew well the risks I was asking her to take for my sake; but she never hesitated in taking them. To be known as a friend of mine involved all the petty tyranny and torture of which the British were capable. What then would it mean for the girl against whom the terrible crime could be laid that she was my fiancee or my wife? I knew that spies would forever after dog her steps, that her home would be raided night and day, and she herself insulted, and perhaps tortured for information. But she never flinched. She was willing to take her chance, and I, for my part, felt I could be still as good a soldier of Ireland. Early in 1921 we agreed that the marriage would take place in June. Brighid would have her holidays at that time, and therefore her journey to the country, if noticed, might not arouse so much suspicion. At the end of May we had completed all arrangements. To have the ceremony in a church was out of the question. Churches were constantly being raided and searched, and even sacrilege was of little concern to the Auxiliaries. Besides, a marriage ceremony in a local church arouses the curiosity of the neighbourhood.