ness. It was not the
time to look back, but forward, and perhaps, over other scenes of blood
and brutality, to that happier hour, when I should have redeemed my
promise, and won the prize, beautiful Zoe.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

My reverie was interrupted. I heard voices and footsteps; they were
approaching the spot where I lay. I could see that there were two men
engaged in an earnest conversation. They did not notice me, as I was
behind some fragments of the broken parapet, and in the shadow. As they
drew nearer, I recognised the patois of my Canadian follower, and that
of his companion was not to be mistaken. The brogue was Barney's,
beyond a doubt.

These worthies, I had lately noticed, had become "as thick as two
thieves," and were much in each other's company. Some act of kindness
had endeared the "infantry" to his more astute and experienced
associate, who had taken him under his patronage and protection.

I was vexed at the intrusion; but prompted by some impulse of curiosity,
I lay still and listened.

Barney was speaking as they approached.

"In trath, Misther Gowdey, an' it's meself 'ud go far this blissed night
for a dhrap o' the crayter. I noticed the little kig afore; but divil
resave me av I thought it was anythin' barrin' cowld water. Vistment!
only think o' the owld Dutch sinner bringin' a whole kig wid 'im, an'
keepin' it all to himself. Yez are sure now it's the stuff?"

"Oui! oui! C'est liqueur! aguardiente."

"Agwardenty, ye say, div ye?"

"Oui! c'est vrai, Monsieur Barney. I have him smell, ver many time. It
is of stink tres fort: strong! good!"

"But why cudn't ye stale it yerself? Yez know exactly where the doctor
keeps it, an' ye might get at it a hape handier than I can."

"Pourquoi, Barney? pecause, mon ami, I help pack les possibles of
Monsieur le docteur. Pardieu! he would me suspect."

"I don't see the raison clear. He may suspect ye at all evints. How
thin?"

"Ah! then, n'importe. I sall make von grand swear. No! I sall have
ver clear conscience then."

"Be the powers! we must get the licker anyhow; av you won't, Misther
Gowdey, I will; that's said, isn't it?"

"Oui! Tres bien!"

"Well, thin, now or niver's the time. The ould fellow's just walked
out, for I saw him meself. This is a nate place to drink it in. Come
an' show me where he keeps it; and, by Saint Patrick! I'm yer man to
hook it."