y wondher he stuck to me so long: but sure he
wouldn't, only I bate the courage in, and the fear out of him. You're
right, Brian," said he upon reflection, "let us lose no time, but be
off. Do ye mind?" he added to his nephews; "Did ye hear me? If you see
him, let him come back, an' all will be berrid; but, if he doesn't, you
know your fate!" Saying which, he and his accomplices departed amid the
howling of the storm.

The next morning, Carnmore, and indeed the whole parish, was in an
uproar; a horse, worth eighty guineas, had been stolen in the most
daring manner from the Cassidys, and the hue-and-cry was up after the
thief or thieves who took him. For several days the search was closely
maintained, but without success; not the slightest trace could be found
of him or them. The Cassidys could very well bear to lose him; but there
were many struggling farmers, on whose property serious depredations
had been committed, who could not sustain their loss so easily. It was
natural under these circumstances that suspicion should attach to many
persons, some of whom had but indifferent characters before as well as
to several who certainly had never deserved suspicion. When a fortnight
or so had elapsed, and no circumstances transpired that might lead to
discovery, the neighbors, including those who had principally suffered
by the robberies, determined to assemble upon a certain day at
Cassidy's house, for the purpose of clearing themselves, on oath, of
the imputation thrown out against some of them, as accomplices in the
thefts. In order, however, that the ceremony should be performed as
solemnly as possible, they determined to send for Father Farrell, and
Mr. Nicholson, a magistrate, both of whom they requested to undertake
the task of jointly presiding upon this occasion; and, that the
circumstance should have every publicity, it was announced from the
altar by the priest, on the preceding Sabbath, and published on the
church-gate in large legible characters ingeniously printed with a pen
by the village schoolmaster.

In fact, the intended meeting, and the object of it, were already
notorious; and much conversation was held upon its probable result, and
the measures which might be taken against those who should refuse to
swear. Of the latter, description there was but one opinion, which was
that their refusal in such a case would be tantamount to guilt. The
innocent were anxious to vindicate themselves from suspicion: and,