The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1867-10-17
Gales, gkettbes, 9netAutes, &e.
AN IRIsHMAN's REVENGE.

During the autumn of the year 1898
half the county of Wexford was in a state
of insurrection. This partial revolt, how
ever, led to no important results The
insurgents were defeated and compelled to
submit once more to the iron rod of the
English government. To restrain the
populace, 10 ferret out and inf1ict summa-
ry justice on the guilty, numerous detach-
ments OF soldiers were sent, who overran
the whole country One of these detach-
ments had established itself for several
days on the little island of the Virgin,
when one morning the commanding officer
received visit from one of the sergeants.
"Well, Dennis" be inquired, ''whats
the news :"
"They've brought in Patrick O'Darcy,"
replied the sergeant, F'and have ordered
out platoon, and 1 now come to receive
your honor's orders to shoot the prisoner"
''Have we a right to do so 2" demanded
the officer.
'With your honor's permission, I be-
lieve it is always lawful to rid the country
of a rebel and papist Besides, he spent
all last night from his home, which is a
sufficient crime of itself"
els it known where he went, and what
he has been doing during the night %
esI have heard it said that he went to
see his brother, the sailor, who lately ar
rived at Wexford but that story is not
clearly proven, and this O'Darcy does not
bear too good a reputation. Shall l des-
patch him %
"By my faith, Dennis" replied the of
ficer, "since he is now in our hands we
can't go wrong, think, in sending the
fellow out of the world"
The sergeant Immediately withdrew.
Left alone, the officer, rejecting on what
had passed, quickly repen ted of having so
lightly condemned to death a man who
was probably innocent. Springing up he
hastened to stop the execution, but had
not taken twenty steps before he heard a
discharge of musketry. The next moment
he found himself in the presence of the in
animate corpse of the victim. He was
, young man of great size and of a hand
? some and interesting appearance. His
clothes were such as are worn by the poor
class of Ireland. After viewing him for
an instant, the officer retired racked with
remorse.
5 Among the spectators of this frightful
$ scene was the brother of Patrick O'Darcy.
The execution over, he hastened tc the
dwelling of the deceaseds widow, utterine
=, words of vengeance against the murderers.
: He had scarcely entered when some one
D knocked.
e 'It is the priest cried one of the chill
r dren who ran to open the door.
: Walking into the cottage, the man o.
God found the brother of Patrick O'Dar
cy engaged in cleaning an old pistol, while
: the two eldest sons Of the murdered mar
e were melting lead to run into bullets. A.
for the poor widow, she sat on a high stoo
near the fire, regarding with dry eyes anC
;. a vacant stare the preparations going OF
5. around her.
d e'Is it an assassination you intend t.
IS commit p said tie priest with severity
Q addressing himself to the brother of Pat'l
0 O'Darcy.
'sThey have killed my brother in COLI
: blood-my innocent brother," replied tn
,r sailor, still continuing to polish the rust!
n weapon which he held in his hands.
E. "What!' said the priest, 'thoughts O
E revenge in the heart of Christian 3
d Does not God forbid the shedding of blood
IL Leave to Him the punishment of the gull
!. ty; terrible remorse in this life, eterna
" punishment in the other, will do justice t
ii the crimes committed here below"
He continued to speak for long tim
in this tone. The sailor sometimes nod
x. ded his head--sometimes hazarded a brie
observation. At last the words of tn
priest seemed to make an impression upo
Ill him. He interrupted the good man, re
u hected moment, and then said:
- 'I believe, in fact, you are right.
N is his conscience alone which shall aveng
1d me. | promise that will not raise
lis hand against him."
ng On the evening of the same day, Will
'ss the officer was in his chamber rehectin
v bitterly on the events of the morning, ii
sergeant rushed in, his face pale as deaf
and his hair flowing in disorder. II
% handed to the officer letter with blaC
"f seal, which was found to contain simpl
les these words:
ey ePatrict o. Darcy died Oct. ], 1898.
lal s'Cdpt. O. Gun,eH ,ciu die Oct. i, 1899.
e; "rwELVE MONTHS"
i,s "Who gave you this letter ?' demande
lg- the officer.
nd ''Patrick O'Darcy," replied the Sc
geant, with trembling voice.
"Patrick O'Darcy is dead, you fool. ,
ssI assisted at his execution, and l WI
'm present when his corpse was thrown in
nd the lake." replied the sergeant, ''but if Il
u, words now pronounce were the last whi'
ms us should ever issue from my mouth, l wou
he swear that it was himself who brought Il
by letter.
by O'Gunnel was not superstitious, ,
B. this mysterious letter inspired him Wi