horror of Smyth proceeded first to the outhouse: the door was banged open,
and after muttering something, a heavy substance was thrown in and the
door again pulled to. Presently they entered the kitchen, and Smyth's
heart beat high when his own name was mentioned. In the confusion of
voices, he could not make out much of their brogue, but it appeared that
the messenger sent by Colonel ---- had been waylaid, and the fellow that
attempted his life was sent in his stead: this party had arranged to meet
him at a certain place, on his return, but after waiting three hours,
apprehending treachery, they came away. He could make out little else,
except a volley of outlandish oaths at their unsuccessful trip. It
appeared evident from this that the temptation of plunder had induced the
guide to make the attack beforehand.

Every moment, however, that Smyth lingered in this den lessened his chance
of escape. Immediately above him hung a piece of rope, and after a violent
effort, he succeeded in getting his head once more into the fresh air; but
just as he clambered out upon the turf, the noise aroused the dogs in the
kitchen, and their furious barking, accompanied by a great stir amongst
the men, gave wings to Smyth's feet, and he plunged forward at random
again into the waste. At that moment the moon fell full upon his path,
though dense masses of clouds were sailing across the sky. He soon found
they had struck on his track, and already the yelling of dogs and men
boomed distinctly on his ears. By that instinct with which men are often
gifted in such cases, the footsteps of his pursuers already trod, as it
were, upon his heart. The voices of the bloodhounds which were
considerably in advance of the men, had an awful effect in the stillness
of the night. His strength now began to give way--his heart beat
thicker--he almost grew desperate, and more than once resolved to make a
stand, and sell his life dearly. From the rapidity of the chase, a
considerable distance had been traversed, and the sky which had long been