Why, of course they would! Don't we know all that's been and gone?
Aren't Irishmen in France grown rich in industry there after having lost every penny of their property here?
Aren't there Irishmen there, always conniving to put England at defiance here by breaking her laws, cheating her officers, seducing her patriots?
Of course; but what astounds me is that a man of your standing should believe the French are coming here now to Ireland.

No, no, Boyne; I'm not taking your word for any of these things.

You're a gossip; you're a damned, pertinacious, preposterous gossip, and I'll say it as often as you like." "So it's proof you want, is it?
Well, then, here it is." Boyne drew from his pocket a small leather-bound case and took from it a letter, which he laid on the table in front of Dyck.
Dyck looked at the document, then said: "Ah, that's what you are, eh ?--a captain in the French artillery! Well, that'd be a surprise in Ireland if it were told." "It isn't going to be told unless you tell it, Calhoun, and you're too much of a sportsman for that.

Besides: "Why shouldn't you have one of these if you want it--if you want it!" "What'd be the good of my wanting it?
I could get a commission here in the army of George III, if I wanted it, but I don't want it; and any man that offers it to me, I'll hand it back with thanks and be damned to you!" "Listen to me, then, Calhoun," remarked Boyne, reaching out a hand to lay it on Dyck's arm.
Dyck saw the motion, however, and carefully drew back in his chair.

"I'm not an adventurer," he said; "but if I were, what would there be in it for me ?" Boyne misunderstood the look on Dyck's face.