Page:Surprising life and adventures of the gentleman-robber, Redmond O'Hanlon (2).pdf/16

16 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, or 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 confess you are the heartiest lad I ever met with—I never was so worsted before." So they kissed and became friends, and ho made a league to tarry with Redmond a year and a half in the north ; but not relishing bannocks and oatmeal, he returned to his own country, and surveyed only the Munster roads afterwards.

Before he departed they made a truce, and promised to give one another notice if at any time either of them was put in prison, or in distress, that the one at liberty might rescue the other if possible. Soon after this the Munster tory was put into Clonmel gaol, for murdering a traveller, on Kilnagowna, near the place where Patrick Sarsfield afterwards had the fortune to blow up King William's artillery, and nail down the cannon. According to their compact he wrote a letter to Redmond, which he communicated to his trusty comrades, Patrick Mactigh, John Reily, Shan Bernagh, Phil. Galloge, Pat. Meel, Arthur O'Neal, and the famous O'Quigley, they took the affair into consideration; but the time being very short, Redmond posted away alone, and only reached Clonmel the evening before the Munster champion was led out to Kilnagowna to be executed. Being in the habit of a gentleman, ho found means of communieating to Power that he intended to set the town