‘There’s plenty more of the same sort—not exactly as good as him, perhaps, for Dan was a gentleman once.’
‘And is, probably, still?’
‘It would be hard for him, with the rapscallions he has to live with, and not five shillings in his pocket, besides.’
‘I don’t know, after all, if you’ll be happier for giving him up to the law. He may have a mother, a sister, a wife, or a sweetheart.’
‘He may have a sweetheart, but I know he has none of the others. He said, in the dock, that no man could quit life at less cost—that there wasn’t one to grieve after him.’
‘Poor fellow! that was a sad confession.’
‘We’re not all to turn Fenians, Miss Nina, because we’re only children and unmarried.’
‘You are too clever for me to dispute with,’ said she, in affected humility; ‘but I like greatly to hear you talk of Ireland. Now, what number of people have you here?’
‘I have my orderly, and two men to patrol the demesne; but to-morrow we’ll draw the net tighter. We’ll call in all the party from Moate, and from information I have got, we’re sure to track him.’
‘What confidences is Curtis making with Mademoiselle Nina?’ said Atlee, who, though affecting to join the general conversation, had never ceased to watch them.