“So it was, sir,” said the man, standing up and crossing his arms, not without something of pride in his look,--“I'm Freney.” Daly arose and gazed at the man with all that curious scrutiny one bestows upon some remarkable object, measuring his strong, athletic frame with the eye of a connoisseur, and, as it were, calculating the physical resources of so powerful a figure. “You see, sir,” said the robber, at last, “I was right when I told you that you saved my life: there were thirteen indictments hanging over my head that day, and if I 'd been taken they 'd have hanged me as round as a turnip.” “You owe it to yourself,” said Daly; “had you not stopped for the child, it was just as likely that I 'd have tripped you up myself.” “'Tis a feeling I never could get over,” said the robber; “'twas a little boy, about the same age as that, that saved the Kells coach the night I stopped it near Dangan. And now, sir, let me ask you what in the world brought you into the village of Horseleap? For I am sure,” added he with a laugh, “it was never to look after me.” “You are right there, friend; I'm on my way up to town to be present at the debate in Parliament on the Union,--a question that has its interest for yourself too.” “How so, sir?” said the other, curiously. “Plainly enough, man; if they carry the Union, they'll not leave a man worth robbing in the island. You 'll have to take to an honest calling, Freney,--turn cattle-drover. By the way, they tell me you 're a good judge of a horse.” “Except yourself, there's not a better in the island; and if you 've no objection, I 'll mount and keep you company as far as Maynooth, where you 'll easily get horses--and it will be broad daylight by that time--to bring you into Dublin.” “I accept the offer willingly. I'll venture to say we shall not be robbed on the journey.” “Well, sir, the horses won't be here for an hour yet, and if you 'll join me in a bit of supper I was going to have when you came in, it will help to pass the time till we are ready to start.” Daly assented, not the less readily that he had not eaten anything since morning, and Freney left the room to hasten the preparations for the meal. “Come, Freney,” said Daly, as the other entered the room a few moments after, “was it the strength of conscious rectitude that made you stand my fire as you did a while ago, or did you think me so bad a marksman at four paces?” “Neither, sir,” replied the robber, laughing; “I saw the pan of the lock half open as you drew it from your pocket, and I knew the priming must have fallen out; but for that--” “You had probably fired, yourself?” “Just so,” rejoined he, with a short nod. “I could have shot you before you levelled at me. Now, sir, here's something far better than burning powder. I am sure you are too old a traveller not to be able to eat a rasher of bacon.”