Page:History of Redmond O'Hanlon.pdf/12

 12 of the common wealth, he took upon him either the title of protector of the rights and properties of his benefactors and contributors, chief ranger of the mountains, surveyor general of the high roads of Ireland, or lord examiner of all passengers, committing such villanies and barbarities on sturdy travellers as were never heard of before, often driving away whole herds of cattle from such ain contempt of his protection an authority, had given him offence by running in arrears. Yet he seldom robbed a poor man, but on the contrary, was always generous to men in necessity or distress Having. Once overtaken a poor man, who had but one cow, which he was driving to a fair to be sold to raise the rent for his landlord, he asked him several questions, till he found certainly that he was in want, and then lent him five pounds, which he was to pay him, at an inn, a few weeks after. The poor man went with the money according to compact, which pleased Redmond so well, that he bestowed it and five pounds more on him.

He was likewise very generous to a soldier, if he met him alone, and understood the art of dissimulation, or disguising himself, as well as any man: sometimes appearing like an officer, sometimes like a country gentleman, and sometimes like a footman, and could alter the tone of his voice at pleasure; so that she soldiers seldom knew him, though he often gave them money to drink. The Duke of Ormond, ordered a party of foot and horse to pursue him, who being informed where he was, but not mistrusting his disguise, went after him hot foot. 'Redmond dressed himself like an officer, and went quietly along the high road, until he saw the red coats at a good