Page:Surprising life and adventures of the gentleman-robber, Redmond O'Hanlon (2).pdf/19

19 in the morning, and following the tracks of the horses, came within sight of them about nine o'clock in the morning, in the valley aforesaid. As soon as captain O'Hanlon perceived the pursuers, he ordered his men to draw up the horses into a half-moon, and prepare for battle. His reason for making out the circle was, that his men might keep the face of the half-moon still towards the enemy; because he knew very well the dragoons did not pursue them with an intent to kill their own horses.

In this posture they were just by the side of a large trench, when the officer came within shot. Captain O'Hanlon gave the officer a fair challenge either to decide the matter by a field battle, or to give three guineas a piece for the horses; but the offer was rejected, and several stratagems were made use of by the officer to break the order of the raparees; which Redmond observing, and fearing that the footmen would find a passage over the trench, and get behind him while the rest were before, he thought proper to make a moderate offer, which was to return the horses at a guinea apiece, and to be allowed the liberty of marching off unmolested: if this were refused, he swore that every man he had should fire upon the army, making no doubt but they should kill eighteen at least, and that several of themselves would escape afterwards. This audacious challenge occasioned a council of war to be held, wherein it was concluded to give him the last demand, with a privilege of retiring an hundred yards before a soldier moved from his place, to prevent the loss of men and horses. A messenger was sent with the money; which when captain O'Hanlon had received, he and his men retired behind the trench, which was before unperceived by the officer, who otherwise, upon an earlier discovery, might have made Redmond a prisoner. Thus this surprising adventure ended without striking a blow.