Page:Surprising life and adventures of the gentleman-robber, Redmond O'Hanlon (2).pdf/11

11 of the commonwealth, 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 as, in contempt of his protection and 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 on him, and five pounds more.

He understood the art of dissimulation well; sometimes appearing like an officer, sometimes like a country gentleman, sometimes like a footman, and could alter the tone of his voice at pleasure; so that the 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 distance behind him; then he hastened to a gentleman’s house near the road, and told him he was an officer, who was sent out with a party of men in pursuit of Redmond O’Hanlon, but being a little fatigued, made bold to call and rest himself until his men came up; then desiring the people of