O'Brien, Dillon and Meagher had left Dublin on learning that the Habeas Corpus Act was suspended; and that it was supposed their object was to throw themselves on the courage of the country.

This intelligence rested on the authority of two trusted members of the council of the Confederation, Messrs.
James Cantwell, and P.J.Smyth.

The fact was all which I then cared to know.

I parted from my sister in half-an-hour, and rode off in the direction of Carrick-on-Suir, where I was certain Mr.O'Brien would direct his way, whether he came alone or followed by his countrymen in arms.

'Mid the lone silence of that journey, while there was leisure to revolve all the difficulties and hazards of the future, the idea never once occurred to me that, supposing my information correct, the step was rashly taken.