he stern call of public duty--the
judge and condemner of his brother; and though the military law, which I
was called upon to administer, would permit no other course or sentence
than the bloody one which I was compelled to pursue, yet even to this
hour the recollection of that deed is heavy at my breast.

As soon as I saw this man I felt that my safety depended upon the
accident of his not recognising me through the disguise which I had
assumed, an accident against which were many chances, for he well knew
my person and appearance.

It was too late now to destroy General Sarsfield's instructions; any
attempt to do so would ensure detection. All then depended upon a cast
of the die.

When the first moment of dismay and heart-sickening agitation had
passed, it seemed to me as if my mind acquired a collectedness and
clearness more complete and intense than I had ever experienced before.

I instantly perceived that he did not know me, for turning from me to
the soldier with all air of indifference, he said,

'Is this a prisoner or a deserter? What have you brought him here for,
sirra?'

'Your wisdom will regard him as you see fit, may it please you,' said
the corporal. 'The man is a travelling merchant, and, overtaking him
upon the road, close by old Dame MacDonagh's cot, I thought I might as
well make a sort of prisoner of him that your honour might use him as
it might appear most convenient; he has many commododies which are not
unworthy of price in this wilderness, and some which you may condescend
to make use of yourself. May he exhibit the goods he has for sale, an't
please you?'

'Ay, let us see them,' said he.

'Unbuckle your pack,' exclaimed the corporal, with the same tone
of command with which, at the head of his guard, he would have said
'Recover your arms.' 'Unbuckle your pack, fellow, and show your goods to
the captain--here, where you are.'

The conclusion of his directions was suggested by my endeavouring to
move round in order to get my back towards the windows, hoping, by
keeping my face in the shade, to escape detection.

In this manoeuvre, however, I was foiled by the imperiousness of the
soldier; and inwardly cursing his ill-timed interference, I proceeded to
present my merchandise to the loving contemplation of the officers who
thronged around me, with a strong light from an opposite window full
upon my face.

As I continued to traffic with these gentlemen, I observed with no small
anxie