CHAPTER THREE.
WAKING.
Had it not been for what I dreaded to find at home, my journey back from Derry would have been light enough; for now I was rid of my turnips I had nothing to fear from inquisitive wayfarers.

Nor had I cause to be anxious as to the way, for my mare knew she was homeward bound, and stepped out briskly with no encouragement from me.
Indeed I had so little to do that about noon, when we had got off the highroad on to the hill-track, I curled myself up in the straw and fell asleep.

Nor did I wake till the cart suddenly came to a standstill, and I felt myself being lifted out of my nest.
At first I thought I was back already at Knockowen, and wondered at the speed the old jade had made while I slept.

But as soon as I had rubbed my eyes I found we were still on the hillside, and that my awakers were a handful of soldiers.
They demanded my name and my master's.

When I told them Mr Gorman of Knockowen, they were a thought less rough with me; for his honour was known as a friend of the government.