Page:Surprising life and adventures of the gentleman-robber, Redmond O'Hanlon (2).pdf/15

15 was readily granted him, and the officer, with eight men, stood at the door, resting on their arms, while the other twelve guarded the house on all sides without, until Redmond had done; then he started up, taking his blunderbuss in his hand, and presenting it to the officer, said, "Now you take me for your prisoner, but you must give me a little play, that the world should not have it to say that I was taken so silly; you bear the title of captain, so do I; if you refuse to give me horse-room and ear-room, I'll discharge my piece at you this instant: I expect nothing but death, gentlemen, but yet am resolved to have fair play, and die honourably; I have but one life to lose, you can take no more, and perhaps I'll make three or four of you bear me company; for 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 to consent: upon which Redmond forced out of the door, and escaped.

It was about this time that Power, the greatest robber in Munster, took a journey to the county of Armagh, for the sake of seeing Redmond O’Hanlon, of whom he had heard abundance of fine stories. When he came near the place of Redmond's abode, he put up at an inn. 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 him, and overtook him. On 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 them 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 a while, and agreed