Steen then related the circumstances with which our readers are acquainted, adding that he suggested to Johnston the necessity of sending a couple of men up with him to ascertain whether what, he said was true or not; but that he flatly refused to do so--and after some nonsense about a barn he let him off. “I'll tell you what, sir,” said Johnston, “I'll hunt a priest or a Papish that breaks the law with any man livin', but hang me if ever I'll hunt a harmless beggarman lookin' for his bit.” At this period of the conversation the Red Rapparee, now in military uniform, entered the parlor, accompanied by some others of those violent men. “Steen,” said the baronet, “what or who do you suppose this ragged ruffian was?” “Either a Rapparee, sir, or Reilly himself.” “O'Donnel,” said he, addressing the Red Robber, “what description of disguises do these villains usually assume? Do they often go about as beggarmen?” “They may have changed their hand, sir, since I became a legal subject, but, before that, three-fourths of us--of them--the villains, I mane--went about in the shape of beggars.” “That's important,” exclaimed the baronet. “Steen, take half a dozen mounted men--a cavalry party have arrived here a little while ago, and are waiting further orders--I thought if Reilly had been secured it might have been necessary for them to escort him to Sligo. Well, take half a dozen mounted I men, and, as you very properly suggested, proceed with all haste to farmer Graham's, and see whether this mendicant is there or not; if he is there, take him into custody at all events, and if he is not, then it is clear he is a man for whom we ought to be on the lookout.” “I should like to go with them, your honor,” said the Red Rapparee. “O'Donnel,” said Sir Robert, “I have other business for you to-night.” “Well, plaise your honor,” said O'Donnel, “as they're goin' in that direction, let them turn to the left after passin' the little stranie that crosses the road, I mane on their way home; if they look sharp they'll find a little _boreen_ that--but indeed they'll scarcely make it out in the dark, for it's a good way back in the fields--I mane the cabin of widow Buckley. If there's one house more than another in the whole countryside where! Reilly is likely to take shelter in, that's it. He gave her that cabin and a large garden free, and besides allows her a small yearly pension. But remember, you can't bring your horses wid you--you must lave some of the men to take charge of them in the _boreen_ till you come back. I wish you'd let me go with them, sir.” “I cannot, O'Donnel; I have other occupation for you to-night.” Three or four of them declared that they knew the cottage right well, and could find it out without much difficulty. “They had been there,” they said, “some six or eight months before upon a priest chase.” The matter was so arranged, and the party set out upon their expedition.