son-house, and addressed himself to slumber. The noise he made
induced Coates to enter the room, which he did with a pistol in each
hand, followed by Titus with a pipe and candle; but finding all safe the
sentinels retired.

"One may see, with half an eye, that you're not used to a feather-bed,
my friend," said Titus, as the door was locked. "By the powers, he's a
tall chap, anyhow--why his feet almost touch the door. I should say that
room was a matter of six feet long, Mr. Coates."

"Exactly six feet, sir."

"Well, that's a good guess. Hang that ugly rascal, Tim; he's never
brought the whisky. But I'll be even with him to-morrow. Couldn't you
just see to the prisoner for ten minutes, Mr. Coates?"

"Not ten seconds. I shall report you, if you stir from your post."

Here the door was opened, and Tim entered with the whisky.

"Arrah! by my soul, Tim, and here you are at last--uncork it, man, and
give us a thimbleful--blob! there goes the stopper--here's a
glass"--smacking his lips--"whist, Tim, another drop--stuff like this
will never hurt a body. Mr. Coates, try it--no--I thought you'd be a man
of more taste."

"I must limit you to a certain quantity," replied Coates, "or you will
not be fit to keep guard--another glass must be the extent of your
allowance."

"Another glass! and do you think I'll submit to any such iniquitous
proposition?"

"Beg pardon, gentlemen," said Tim, "but her ladyship desires me to tell
you both, that she trusts you will keep the strictest watch upon the
prisoner. I have the same message also from Sir Ranulph."

"Do you hear that?" said Coates.

"And what are they all about now, Tim?" groaned Titus.

"Just starting, sir," returned Tim; "and, indeed, I must not lose my
time gossiping here, for I be wanted below. You must be pleased to take
care of yourselves, gentlemen, for an hour or so, for there will be only
a few women-kind left in the house. The storm's just over, and the men
are all lighting their torches. Oh, it's a grand sight!" And off set
Tim.

"Bad luck to myself, anyhow," ejaculated Titus; "this is more than I can
bear--I've had enough of this watch and ward business--if the prisoner
stirs, shoot him, if you think proper--I'll be back in an hour."

"I tell you what, Mr. Tyrconnel," said Coates, coolly taking up the
pistol from the table, "I'm a man of few words, but those few are, I
hope, to the purpose, and I'd have you to know if you stir from that
chair, or attemp