“What of the Donegal men?” inquired Lord Edward, looking at a paper before him. “I see there is a question of treachery there.”
“By your lordship’s leave,” said my companion, starting up, “I denounce Maurice Gorman of Knockowen as a traitor to the cause. He has been in Dublin within the last week in conference at the Castle.”
Lord Edward’s brow clouded.
“Was it not through him the Donegal men got their arms?”
“It was; and it’s through him many of them have lost them, for he’s as busy now disarming as he was a few years back arming.”
“What is the reason of the change?”
“Money, my lord. He’s grown a rich man; he must keep in with the government, or his estates will be taken.”
Lord Edward shrugged his shoulders.
“We have not much to fear from a poltroon like him; but let the Provincial Directory of Ulster deal with the matter. Meanwhile we want to know that Donegal is as ready as other parts. We have some good men there surely. Order a return of all secretaries and officers in a month,” said he to the clerk.
Then other matters were talked of, including the prospect of a French landing; and presently the meeting broke up. At the end of it Lord Edward walked straight up to me.