he's least likely to go, that is, to the
north. He's a cunning fellow is Dan, and he'd make for the Shannon if he
could; but now that he knows we 're after him, he'll turn to Antrim or
Derry. He'll cut across Westmeath, and make north, if he gets away from
this.'

'That is a very acute calculation of yours; and where do you suspect he may
be now--I mean, at this moment we're talking?'

'He's not three miles from where we're sitting,' said he, in a low whisper,
and a cautious glance round the table. 'He's hid in the bog outside.
There's scores of places there a man could hide in, and never be tracked;
and there's few fellows would like to meet Donogan single-handed. He's as
active as a rope-dancer, and he's as courageous as the devil.'

'It would be a pity to hang such a fellow.'

'There's plenty more of the same sort--not exactly as good as him, perhaps,
for Dan was a gentleman once.'

'And is, probably, still?'

'It would be hard for him, with the rapscallions he has to live with, and
not five shillings in his pocket, besides.'

'I don't know, after all, if you'll be happier for giving him up to the
law. He may have a mother, a sister, a wife, or a sweetheart.'

'He may have a sweetheart, but I know he has none of the others. He said,
in the dock, that no man could quit life at less cost--that there wasn't
one to grieve after him.'

'Poor fellow! that was a sad confession.'

'We're not all to turn Fenians, Miss Nina, because we're only children and
unmarried.'

'You are too clever for me to dispute with,' said she, in affected
humility; 'but I like greatly to hear you talk of Ireland. Now, what number
of people have you here?'

'I have my orderly, and two men to patrol the demesne; but to-morrow we'll
draw the net tighter. We'll call in all the party from Moate, and from
information I have got, we're sure to track him.'

'What confidences is Curtis making with Mademoiselle Nina?' said Atlee,
who, though affecting to join the general conversation, had never ceased to
watch them.

'The captain is telling me how he put down the Fenians in the rising of
'61,' said Nina calmly.

'And did he? I say, Curtis, have you really suppressed rebellion in
Ireland?'

'No; nor won't, Mr. Joe Atlee, till we put down the rascally press--the
unprincipled penny-a-liners, that write treason to pay for their dinner.'

'Poor fellows!' replied Atlee. 'Let us hope it does not interfere with
their digestion. But seriously,