“How is this, O'Donnel? Have you thrown aside your uniform?”
“I didn't think I'd be called out on duty again to-night, sir.”
“It doesn't matter, O'Donnel—it doesn't matter. What do you think of the bonfire?”
“Begad, it was a beauty, sir, and well managed.”
“Ay, but I am afraid, O'Donnel, I went a little too far—that I stretched my authority somewhat.”
“But isn't he a rebel and an outlaw, Sir Robert? and in that case—”
“Yes, O'Donnel; and a rebel and an outlaw of my own making, which is the best of it. The fellow might have lain there, concocting his treason, long enough, only for my vigilance. However, it's all right. The government, to which I have rendered such important services, will stand by me, and fetch me out of the burning—that is, if there has been any transgression of the law in it. The Papists are privately recruiting for the French service, and that is felony; Reilly also was recruiting for the French service—was he not?”
“He offered me a commission, sir.”
“Very good; that's all right, but can you prove that?”
“Why, I can swear it, Sir Robert.”