when their numbers are but few, and an armed opponent or two before
them, determined to give battle. Stand, therefore, by me, Andy, and, by
King William, should they have re-course to violence, we shall let them
see, and feel too, that we are not unprepared."

"I have but one life, sir," replied his faithful follower; "it was
spent--at least its best days were--in your service, and sooner than any
danger should come to you, it will be lost in your defence. If it was
only for the sake of her, that is not here, the _Cooleen Bawn_, I would
do it."

"Who goes there?" asked a deep and powerful voice when the parties had
come within about twenty yards of each other.

"By the powers!" exclaimed Andrew in a whisper, "it's himself the Red
Rapparee!"

"We are friends," he replied, "and have lost our way."

The other party approached, and, on joining our travellers, the Rapparee
started, exclaiming, "What, noble Squire, is it possible that this is
you? Hut! it can't be--let me look at you closer, till I make sure of
you."

"Keep your distance, sir," replied the old man with courage and dignity;
"keep your distance; you see that I and my servant are both well armed,
and determined to defend ourselves against violence."

An ominous and ferocious glance passed from the Rapparee to his
comrades, who, however, said nothing, but seemed to be resolved to guide