Page:Surprising life and adventures of the gentleman-robber, Redmond O'Hanlon (2).pdf/12

12 the house, to call him as soon as they passed by, he stretched himself down to rest. The soldiers had not gone above an hundred yards past the end of the avenue, before Redmond went out on pretence of meeting them at a style by the road side a quarter of a mile off; but his intent was to make his escape another way, which he did for that time unperceived.

Not long afterwards he appeared in Armagh in the habit of a country gentleman, and requested on the commanding officer there to let him have a few men to guard him about eight miles further, for fear of being met by any of Redmond O'Hanlon's party, because he had a charge of money about him. The request was granted. He and the men passed on very jocosely for about seven miles, when he told them he was out of danger, and they might go back. He gave every man a piece of money, and desired them to make a discharge for joy of his safe passage, which they did; then he desired them to charge and do the like again, until at length they told him their ammunition was spent. This was what he expected, and giving a whistle, a parcel of his gang sprung out of the thicket, who stripped the soldiers, in which shameful condition, they were obliged to go back to their quarters.

The escape he made at the four mile house, between Dundalk and Newry, may claim the reader's attention. Being there overtaken by an officer and twelve men, he was made prisoner; but seeming to have a great respect for the soldiers, and they for him, there was no dispute made. His ready compliance and civility drew compassion from the men towards him, and he treated them with North country whisky, taking care to drink sparingly himself, until they were all overcome with that heady liquor. While they were in this condition, he got them all tied neck and heels, and leaving them in that positure