was neutral ground used by Orangemen and Nationalists alike, a
convenient arrangement, indeed a necessary arrangement, for there was no
other public-house nearer than Curraghfin.

"Dan," said James McNiece, "I'm an Orangeman and a Protestant and a
loyalist, and what I've always said about Home Rule and always will say
is this:--We'll not have it and to Hell with the rebels. But I'm telling
you now I'd rather you had them, papist and rebel and all as you are,
than see them swept off that way by the police. And what's more, I'm
not the only one says that. The Colonel was talking to me after he
heard what happened, and what he said was this--'The Government of this
country,' said he, meaning the police, 'is a disgrace to civilization.'"

"Give me your hand, James McNiece," said Gallaher. "Let me shake your
hand to show there's no ill feeling about the way I bid against you at
the sale to-day."

McNiece laid down the glass of whisky which he was raising to his lips
and stretched out his hand. Gallaher grasped it and held it.

"Tell me this now, James McNiece," he said, "for it's what I was never
sure of--How many was there behind that hay?"

McNiece looked round him carefully and made sure that no third person
could hear him. Neglecting no precaution he sank his voice to a whisper.

"Twenty rifles," he said, "of the latest pattern, the same as the
soldiers use, and four hundred rounds of ball cartridge."

"Gosh," said Gallaher, "but we'd have done great work with them. Either
your lads or mine, James McNiece, would have done great work with them.
But, sure, what's the use of talking? The police has them now."

"Damn the police," said James McNiece.

XIII ~~ OLD BIDDY AND THE REBELS

The other servants--there were four of them--spoke of her as "the
ould cat" or in moments of extreme exasperation "that divil Biddy
O'Halloran." When they spoke to her they called her "Mrs. O'Halloran,"
or even "Mrs. O'Halloran, ma'am." Even Lady Devereux, though nominal
mistress of the house, did not dare to call her "Biddy," She would as
soon have addressed an archbishop as "Dickie," if, indeed, there is an
arch-bishop whose Christian name is Richard. There is probably not
a woman anywhere, however brave, who would venture to speak to Mrs.
O'Halloran face to face and call her "Biddy." But a man, especially if
he be young and good-looking, is in a different case. Harry Devereux
called her "Biddy." He had earned the right to be