'“Don't distress yourself, Major,” said Basset, “for the decent people are a good six miles off at the bog, and couldn't hear you if you whistled ever so loud.”
'The moment he said this Bob saw that the old rogue was up to him, and he began to wonder within himself what was best to be done.
'“See now, Nick,” said he, “it isn't like a friend to bring up all these red-coats here upon me, before my tenantry, disgracing me in the face of my people. Send them back to the town, and go up yourself with Mr. Hennessy there, and do whatever you have to do.”
'“No, no!” screamed Hennessy, “I'll never part with the soldiers!”
'“Very well,” said Bob, “take your own way, and see what will come of it.”
'He put spurs to his pony as he said this, and was just striking into the gallop when Nick called out—
'“Wait a bit, Major! wait a bit! If we leave the dragoons where we are now, will you give us your word of honour not to hurt or molest us in the discharge of our duty, nor let any one else do so?”
'“I will,” said Bob, “now that you talk reasonably; I'll treat you well.”
'After a little parley it was settled that part of the dragoons were to wait on the road, and the rest of them in the lawn before the house, while Nick and his friend were to go through the ceremony of seizing Bob's effects, and make an inventory of everything they could find.
'“A mere matter of form, Major Mahon,” said he. “We 'll make it as short as possible, and leave a couple of men in possession; and as I know the affair will be arranged in a few days——”