Page:Surprising life and adventures of the gentleman-robber, Redmond O'Hanlon (2).pdf/8

8 observed the dispute on both sides, and the defence made by the steward, which, though he maintained it with bravery for some time, yet was overpowered by numbers, and obliged to deliver his purse to save his life. When the booty was divided, captain O'Hanlon made a present of his part to the cornet's young son, who was at nurse in the same place, which he sent by the steward, with strict orders to deliver it, and took his acknowledgment for the same payable on demand. This he did out of a pure regard that he had for the cornet, on account of some favour he had done him formerly; and the cornet to make him a requittal for so generous an action, made a promise that he would use his best endeavours to obtain the king's pardon for him, in hopes of him forsaking his new trade; and was as good as his word, as by the sequel will appear.

A little after this action, a merchant in Dundalk had a draught on a merchant in Newry, for a large sum, but was so much afraid of Redmond O'Hanlon, that he was afraid either to send for the money, or to go for it himself. While he was thus consulting with his wife how to get the money safely home, his apprentice, a lad about sixteen years of age, overheard their discourse, and as soon as he got an opportunity, desired his master to tell him why he was so much afraid of sending to Newry? The master having answered his request; the boy asked him whether he would venture to trust him with so much money? The master said he did not doubt his honesty; but on that occasion he could not know what to think of the matter. However, by many entreaties, the boy prevailed on the master to let him go for the money, promising to forfeit his ears if he lost one halfpenny of it. Tho boy having obtained privilege to go for the money, immediately set about preparing himself for the journey; and, by his master's assistance, being provided with about