Page:Surprising life and adventures of the gentleman-robber, Redmond O'Hanlon (2).pdf/9

9 forty shillings in halfpence, he divided them into two parcels, and tied them close up in a little wallet at each end, and then went to the field and brought home an old vicious stone horse, (much of the same humour with Sir Teague O'Regan's war horse, on which he rode out to meet duke Scomberg after the surrender of Charlemont,) that when anyother came up to meet him on the road, he always strove to bite or kick him, by which means he commonly kept the road to himself. With proper accoutrements the boy mounted, and had the fortune to meet Redmond on the road as he was going, who, as it was usual with him, demanded where he was going? The boy told him to Newry: Pray what business have you there? says Redmond. Why, says the boy, to receive above 100l. for my master. And when do you think you'll be back? says Redmond. Why, says the boy, I believe about this time tomorrow. Well, my good boy, says Redmond, you had better take care not to tell every body what your business is, for fear you should be robbed.—Oh, says the boy, I'm sure such a gentleman as you would not rob me, I do not intend to tell any body else. Upon this Redmond made him a present of a ducat to drink his health, or to hire another horse, if the one he had under him should tire; and so they parted good friends for that time.

Redmond was then under some necessities for a little money; and as none of his companions were present at the dialogue, he was resolved not to let them know any thing of the matter, that he might have all the booty to himself. And to make himself more sure of the prey, he ordered his comrades to a different post the next morning, and waited himself alone on the road leading from Newry, till the boy returned.

When the boy came in sight, Redmond saluted him, and, began to ask him the necessary questions