The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-11-20
THE PRIEST HUNTER,
An Irish Tale of the Penal Times
(Continued.)
BY NJ. ARCHDEACoN, ESQ.

Shemus now, advancing some yards seaward
strobe boldly out on the strand, after having
first flung a rapid but searching glance at the
W as closely succeeded by Sir John and the
captain. The girth of Rorke's horse had been
burst in his previous unwonted exertions, and
Tony WIS busily assisting him in arranging it,
while the re-fnounted dragons followed their
leaders, three abreast.
Heavisides putting in the rear when
Tony, after whispering few words with the
guager, across his horses neck, which had an
effect the reverse of accelerating his arrange
ments thrust large bunch of furze, which he
had picked up for the purpose, under the tail
of the chestnut. Heated by the previous cxer-
else, and goaded by the punctures OF the furZe,
the animal dashed and plunged furionsly, SO
that the troop eTjeant-major, unprepared for
the violent motion, though good horsenan,
was speedily pitched from the saddle, amid
the ieers OF the rear file of his comr AIDES, who
perceived his disaster. Fortunately, however,
his fall was the soft heath and, recovering
himself speedily, he was preparing to put foot
in stirrnp once more when, Tony again applying
the furze the horse took light, galloping along
the sward by the edge of the strand, as Tony
stood between himau the other horses, which
he would otherw wise, of course, have instinct
lively followed.
For an instant Heavisides stood, as if unde-
cided whether he would not cut down the
dacious STRIPPING; his pistols were borne away
in the holster. BUT Tony did not look like one
who would be fool enough to wait quietly for
q sword-cut; and to do the SERGEANT JUSTICE his
native goodness of heart and manliness would
not permit him to cut at an unarmed and de-
fenceess boy.
tFolly yer horse, SERGEANT" said Tony, "and
don't be in "a hurry ketchin' him aither. That's
the best gallop for you he took this month; an
he was med take it for the sake O. Bessy And
drews am Harry German, God rest his soul.
Heavisides started on hearing the Names
and was about to question the speaker further;
but Tony was already on his way towards the
curate, who was just app oaching the strand,
somewhat nearer its termination than where
they had been standing; and the SERGEANT ma
for went in pursuit of his horse, which had
been stopped by small stream into which the
tide was flowing, and on the edge of which he
now stood snatching scanty mouthtui OF the
thin heritage bordering it.
Eyer reverence is just in time" said Tony,
as the curate came up to him, II was waltin
for you; an we can Grass here, without going
as high as the throopers."
"But is it safe ~
"Safer in very dhry weather, like this, be-
kase it's harder; and yer reverence might see
the tide is up TO the horses hoofs inreddy, an
what nd it be, when we'd be as far as them T.
Dixon though he could not see the water, in
consequence of the dense mist curtain, was
aware that thetide must be driving IN more
rapidly than usual the gale was from the
Southwest, and he could hear the turbulent
and unceasing dash of the waters, minSlinS
with the screams of the sea fowl.
''Then lead on" he said, as he followed his
treacberons guide on the strand.
The strand, when Sir John and the party
first entered it, was perfectly hard; but, be-
fore the b9ronet,and the front men had reach
ed the middle. the horses were sinking at each
steD half way to the knee, and the tide begin
ming to sweep by them in longer reaching
waves.
elbow is this, ruffian-I thought You said
twas all hard 2" exclaimed Sir John to the
guide who was still in advance.
$50 it, is yer honor, after You wanst pass the
little sthrame in the cinther."-pointing to