It is unnecessary to say that these men had their journey for nothing; but at the same time one fact resulted from it, which I was, that the ragged mendicant they had met must have been some one well worth looking after. The deuce of it was, however, that, owing to the darkness of the night, there was not one among them who could have known Fergus the next day if they had met him. They knew, however, that O'Donnel, the Rapparee, was a good authority on the subject, and the discovery of the pretended mendicant's imposture was a proof of it. On this account, when they had reached the _boreen_ alluded to, on their return from Graham's, they came to the resolution of leaving their horses in charge, as had been suggested to them, and in silence, and with stealthy steps, pounce at once into the widow's cabin. Before they arrived there, however, we shall take the liberty of preceding them for a few minutes, and once more transport our readers to its bright but humble hearth. About three hours or better had elapsed, and our two friends were still seated, maintaining the usual chat with Mrs. Buckley, who had finished her prayers and once, more rejoined them. “Fergus, like a good fellow,” whispered Reilly, “slip out for a minute or two; there's--a circumstance I wish to mention to Molly--I assure you it's of a very private and particular nature and only for her own ear.” “To be sure,” replied Fergus; “I want, at all events, to stretch my legs, and to see what the night's about.” He accordingly left the cabin. “Mrs. Buckley,” said Reilly, “it was not for nothing I came here to-night. I have a favor to ask of you.” “Your favor's granted, sir,” she replied--“granted, Mr. Reilly, even before I hear it--that is, supposin' always that it's in my power--to do it for you.” “It is simply to carry a letter--and be certain that it shall be delivered to the proper person.” “Well,” she replied, “sure that's aisily done. And where am I to deliver it?” she asked. “That I shall let you know on some future occasion--perhaps within the course of a week or so.” “Well, sir,” she replied, “I'd go twenty miles to deliver it--and will do so wid a heart and a half.” “Well, Molly, I can tell you your journey won't be so far; but there is one thing you are to observe--you must never breathe it to a human creature.” “I thought you knew me better, Mr. Reilly.” “It would be impossible, however, to be too strict here, because you don't know how much depends upon it.” At this moment Fergus put in his head, and said, “For Christ's sake, snuff out the candle, and Reilly--fly!--There are people in the next field!--quick!--quick!” Reilly snatched up his hat, and whispered to the widow, “Deny that you saw me, or that there was any one here!--Put out the candle!--they might see our figures darkening the light as we go out!”