Owen hesitated, not because he was aware that the man before him was O'Harrall, the enemy of his family, but because he was unwilling to expose his mother to the penalty of harbouring a fugitive from justice. He rose from his seat and said, "I now know you to be Brian O'Harrall." His visitor started, and drew back a pace, as if about to leave the cottage, believing that all hope of assistance must be abandoned. "Stay," continued Owen, his generous feelings getting the better of him, "I do not on that account the less desire to save you if I can. Should you not have been traced here, I may yet be able to do so." "I am not likely to have been traced, for my flight can scarcely yet have been discovered," answered O'Harrall. "You will run no risk, and I will be grateful if I can find an opportunity. I have proved that I am not destitute of gratitude. When on board the _Ouzel Galley_, I obtained better terms for you from Thurot than you would otherwise have enjoyed." "Follow me, then," said Owen, "and I will conceal you till you have an opportunity of escaping; but promise me that you will not again return to this part of the country." "I have no hesitation in doing that, for I intend to do my best to escape from Ireland, never with my own free will to come back," answered O'Harrall. "That is sufficient," said Owen; and he led the way through the cottage to an outbuilding at some short distance, over which there was a loft, long disused. Owen found a ladder, by which the fugitive mounted to it. "You can easily leap to the ground when you think fit to continue your flight," said Owen, who had followed him up. "I will bring you some food, to afford you support both for the present and on your journey; and if you want money, I will supply you." "I give you my thanks, but I have a purse full of gold. Be quick, however, with the food, or my pursuers may be here and prevent you from bringing it to me," replied O'Harrall.