Indeed, he went to more than empty words; for once, when a rumour spread that a cargo of powder and shot was expected off Malin, he himself led the party which for three days lay in wait to intercept it.

And no one knew except himself and me that during those very three days, while he kicked his loyal heels on Malin Head, the _Cigale_ ran quietly into Lough Swilly, and after resting a few hours, ran as quietly out, with a good deal less ballast in her than she came with.
I remember that well, for it was a day when I was secretly plotting to take advantage of my master's absence to steal up to Kilgorman.

I had indeed got not far from the place when, to my disgust, Martin and another man overtook me on horseback, and ordered me to return at once to Knockowen at my mistress's bidding.
I durst not disobey, or betray my purpose, so turned back sulkily, leaving them to canter on; and, to add to my chagrin, as I looked round presently from the hill-top, I recognised the flaunting sails of the _Cigale_ standing in for the shore.

This sight filled me with a new longing to see Tim, on whom for two years now I had only once, for an hour, set eyes.

Come what would, I must steal away and hail him as soon as ever I could escape for an hour or so.