And now as the youth addressed the fisherman in a few rapid sentences, the other answered as quickly, making a gesture with his hands that implied grief, or even despair.
‘We can interpret that for ourselves,’ broke in Humbert; ‘he is telling you that the game is up.’
‘Exactly so, general; he says that the insurrection has been completely put down, that the Irish forces are scattered or disbanded, and all the leaders taken.’
‘The fellow is just as likely to be an English spy,’ said Madgett, in a whisper; but Humbert’s gesture of impatience showed how little trust he reposed in the allegation.
‘Ask him what English troops are quartered in this part of the country,’ said the general.
‘A few militia, and two squadrons of dragoons,’ was the prompt reply.
‘No artillery?’
‘None.’
‘Is there any rumour of our coming abroad, or have the frigates been seen?’ asked Humbert.
‘They were seen last night from the church steeple of Killala, general,’ said Conolly, translating, ‘but believed to be English.’