I am too well aware of the disturbed state of the country, and that, being a friend of Mr.Purcel, I may not be popular.

I consider myself, however, under your protection and under the protection of your roof, and for this reason I shall hold you accountable for my safety; and, at all events, unless you insist on expelling me, I shall remain where I am until morning." "Why, if you insist upon it, I'll go," replied Finnerty, and four friends about you will be betther and safer than one; but in troth, to tell you the truth, Mr.M'Carthy, I'm a'most fairly knocked up myself, havin' been down the counthry and through the hills the greater part of the day.

I have a great number of cattle to look afther, an' am seldom off my foot." "Don't, sir," said his wife, in tones which were now perfectly intelligible to him, "don't ax poor Frank to go wid you tonight; you'll be as well widout him, especially as the night's so bright and clear; he's tired indeed, and, be the same token, I don't like to be here in the clouds of the night, wid nobody wid me but myself." "If you're a gentlemen, sir," said the friendly voice, "you won't take this honest man from his wife at such an hour o' the night.

If you take my advice too, I'd recommend you to come along wid ourselves at wanst." There was no mistaking the friendly voice embodied in these words, as well as in those of Mrs.Finnerty.

M'Carthy accordingly replied:-- "Very, well, Finnerty, I will proceed with these men.