Page:Surprising life and adventures of the gentleman-robber, Redmond O'Hanlon (2).pdf/10

10 about the money.—The boy confessed that he had received it, upon which the other desired him to let him see it. The boy made several excuses, but they all availed him nothing; for, the other began, to demand with some authority, and would have taken hold of him, had he not been something afraid of receiving a kick from the mad horse. Amongst other excuses, the boy alleged that his master would think he had made away with the money himself, for which reason he could not part with it; but Redmond threatening to shoot him if he refused any longer, the boy took his wallet, and east it over a slough by the road side, and told Redmond that if he must have it, he should follow it. Upon this Redmond alighted from his horse, and having tied him to a tree, with some difficulty he got the place where the wallet lay. While he was upon this expedition, the boy exchanged horses, much for the better, and rode home with speed, having the money he received at Newry, safely quilted up in his waistcoat, and though Redmond called after him to stay, yet he left him to make the best hand he could of an old garron and a bag of halfpence.

Short after this, Redmond was presented with the king's protection for three years, on trial of his good behaviour, by cornet Montgomery, and remained for the space of two years very inoffensive in the country, and kept company with some of the best gentlemen in the kingdom. However, tho he knew well, if he had continued his good behaviour for the term granted, he might have obtained a general pardon, yet this honest way of living did not relish well with him: he had an itch to be at the old game, and accordingly began it before the limited time was expired, growing ten times more wicked and notorious than ever he had been before.

In imitation of Oliver Cromwell, lord protector