Cover the priest, Robinson." [Illustration: PAGE 65a--I entreat you, to show these men mercy now] "Boys," said the priest, addressing the insurgent party, "hold back, for God's sake, and for mine.

Remember that these men are only doing their duty, and that whoever is to be blamed, it is not they--no, but the wicked men and cruel laws that set them upon us.

Why, now, if these; men, out of compassion and a feeling of kindness to poor persecuted creatures, as we are, took it into their heads or their hearts to let that man and me off, they would have been, probably, treated like dogs for neglecting their duty.

I am, as you know, a minister of God, and a man of peace, whose duty it is to prevent bloodshed whenever I can, and save human life, whether it is that of a Catholic or a Protestant.
Recollect, my friends, that you will, every one of you, have to stand before the judgment throne of God to seek for mercy and salvation.

As you hope for that mercy, then, at the moment of your utmost need, I implore, I entreat you, to show these men mercy now, and allow them to go their way in safety." "I agree with every word the priest has said," added Reilly; "not from any apprehension of the threat held out against myself, but from, I trust, a higher principle.