"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 rumor 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."
"Come; that is the best news he has brought us yet," said Humbert, laughing; "we shall at least surprise them a little. Ask him what men of rank or consequence live in the neighborhood, and how are they affected toward the expedition?"
A few words, and a low, dry laugh, made all the peasant's reply.
"Eh, what says he?" asked Humbert.
"He says, sir, that, except a Protestant bishop, there's nothing of the rank of gentry here."