Indeed he was such a perfect Proteus that no vigilance of the Executive was ever a match for his versatility of appearance, swiftness of foot, and caution.

These frequent defeats of the authorities of that day made him extremely popular with the people, who were always ready to afford him shelter and means of concealment, in return for which he assisted them with food, money, and the spoils of his predatory life.

This, indeed, was the sagacious principle of the Irish Robbers and Rapparees from the beginning to _rob from the rich and give to the poor_ being their motto.
The persons who accompanied him on this occasion were three of his own gang, who usually constituted his body-guard, and acted as videttes, either for his protection or for the purpose of bringing him information of such travellers as from their known wealth or external appearance might be supposed worth attacking.

They were well-made, active, and athletic men, in whom it would not be easy to recognise any particular character at variance with that of the peasantry around them.

It is unnecessary to say that they were all armed.