Fergus, who had seen all their motions most distinctly, took occasion to pass up the avenue a few minutes afterwards, where he met the stranger still leading Purcel's horse.
"What's your name, my good fellow ?" he asked.
"Phil Hart, sir." "Do you know if the man who summoned Mr.Purcel before my father has gone out ?" "I don't know, plaise your honor." "Did any person go out within the last few minutes ?" "Yes, sir, there went a man out; maybe it was him." "You don't know Hourigan's appearance, then ?" "No, sir.

Hourigan, was that his name ?" "Yes.

Are you a native of this county ?" "Not exactly, sir; but I have friends in it." "Who are they ?" "The Ahernes, sir, up in the mountains behind Lisnagola beyant." "And who recommended you to Mr.Arthur ?" "His brother-in-law, sir, one Frank Finnerty, in the mountains above; that is, they're both marrid upon the two shisthers, plaise your honor." "And what caused you to leave your native place ?" "Why, sir, my father houlds a bit o' land; he owed some tithe, sir, and--" "Would not pay it; they consequently took proceedings--you resisted the execution of the law, and then you had to run for it." "Well, not exactly, sir." "How was it, then ?" "Why, sir, we paid the tithes; an' whin this was discovered, I, at any rate, had to run for it.

The people, your honor, found out that it was I that ped them, an' I was glad, of coorse, to fly for my life.

I'd thank you, sir, to keep what I tould you to yourself, for even if it was known in this neighborhood that I ped them, I wouldn't be safe." "You don't know Hourigan, then ?" "How could I, sir, and me a sthranger ?" "Faith, and whether you do or not, it seems to me there's a strong family likeness between you and him." "Maybe so," the fellow replied, with a grin.