This only heightened their mirth, in the midst of which he entered Hewson’s room; and ere the action could be deemed possible, they had exchanged clothes.
“Now,” said he, “fly. Behind the garden Miss Moore is waitin’ for you; she knows all. Take the bridle-road through the broad bog, an’ get into Captain Corny’s demesne. Take my advice too, an’ go both of you to America, if you can. But, aisy. God forgive me for pullin’ you by the nose instead of shakin’ you by the hand, an’ me may never see you more.”
The poor fellow’s voice became unsteady with emotion, although the smile at his own humour was upon his face at the time.
“As I came in with a bloody nose,” he proceeded, giving that of Hewson a fresh pull, “you know you must go out with one. An’ now God’s blessin’ be with you! Think of one who loved you as none else did.”
The next morning there was uproar, tumult, and confusion in the house of the old loyalist magistrate, when it was discovered that his daughter and the butler were not forthcoming. But when, on examining the observatory, it was ascertained that Finnegan was safe and Hewson gone, no language can describe the rage and fury of Moore, Irwin, and the military in general. Our readers may anticipate what occurred. The noble fellow was brought to the drum-head, tried, and sentenced to be shot where he stood: but ere the sentence was put in execution, Moore addressed him. “Now, Finnegan,” said he, “I will get you off, if you tell us where Hewson and my daughter are. I pledge my honour publicly that I’ll save your life, and get you a free pardon, if you enable us to trace and recover them.”
“I don’t know where they are,” he replied, “but even if I did, I would not betray them.”
“Think of what has been said to you,” added Irwin. “I give you my pledge also to the same effect.”
“Mr Irwin,” he replied, “I have but one word to say. When I did what I did, I knew very well that my life would go for his; an’ I know that if he had thought so, he would be standin’ now in my place. Put your sentence in execution; I’m prepared.”
“Take five minutes,” said Moore. “Give him up and live.”
“Mr Moore,” said he, with a decision and energy which startled them, “I am his Foster-Brother!”