Page:History of Redmond O'Hanlon.pdf/17

 17 to gaol I never will go alive.' This language surprised the officer, who seemed to give way a little, as though he had a mind co consent; upon which, Redmond forced out of the door and escaped.

It was about this time that Pewer, the greatest robber in Munster, took a journey to the country of Armagh, to see Redmond, of whom he had heard many fine stories. When he came near the place of Redmond's abode, he put up at an inn, and observing a gentleman, as he thought, telling over a good sum of money, he took care to be informed which road he intended to take in the morning; upon which he pursued and overtook him at the side of a wood. At coming up he demanded the money, which he told him he saw him reckoning the night before. The other told him he had money sure enough, but swore whoever took it should fight for it; upon which each of then discharged a pistol without any damage, and then drew their swords, with which they fought some time on horseback; at length looking on one another, they forebore awhile, and agreed to alight and decide the quarrel on foot: having alighted the victory was contended for with equal bravery and loss of blood on both sides, until they were able to fight no longer: then sitting down to rest, pray,' says the Sampson of the north, who are you, and what's your name?' Upon this, the other confessed he was the chief robber of Munster, who hearing a great deal of Redmond O'Hanlon's fame, came purposely to get acquainted with him. Says Redmond, then you have satisfied your curiosity, for I am the man; and I must conſess you are the heartiest lad I ever met with I never was so worsted before."