And now as the youth addressed the fisherman in a few rapid sentences, the other answered as quickly, making a gesture with his hands that implied grief, or even despair.
‘We can interpret that for ourselves,’ broke in Humbert; ‘he is telling you that the game is up.’
‘Exactly so, general; he says that the insurrection has been completely put down, that the Irish forces are scattered or disbanded, and all the leaders taken.’
‘The fellow is just as likely to be an English spy,’ said Madgett, in a whisper; but Humbert’s gesture of impatience showed how little trust he reposed in the allegation.
‘Ask him what English troops are quartered in this part of the country,’ said the general.
‘A few militia, and two squadrons of dragoons,’ was the prompt reply.
‘Is there any rumour of our coming abroad, or have the frigates been seen?’ asked Humbert.
‘They were seen last night from the church steeple of Killala, general,’ said Conolly, translating, ‘but believed to be English.’
‘Come; that is the best news he has brought us yet,’ said Humbert, laughing; ‘we shall at least surprise them a little. Ask him what men of rank or consequence live in the neighbourhood, and how are they affected towards the expedition?’
A few words, and a low dry laugh, made all the peasant’s reply.
‘He says, sir, that, except a Protestant bishop, there’s nothing of the rank of gentry here.’
‘I suppose we need scarcely expect his blessing on our efforts,’ said Humbert, with a hearty laugh. ‘What is he saying now?--what is he looking at?’
‘He says that we are now in the very best anchorage of the bay,’ said Conolly, ‘and that on the whole coast there’s not a safer spot.’
A brief consultation now took place between the general and naval officers, and in a few seconds the word was given to take in all sail and anchor.
‘I wish I could speak to that honest fellow myself,’ said Humbert, as he stood watching the fisherman, who, with a peasant curiosity, had now approached the mast, and was passing his fingers across the blades of the cutlasses as they stood in the sword-rack.
‘Sharp enough for the English, eh?’ cried Humbert, in French, but with a gesture that seemed at once intelligible. A dry nod of the head gave assent to the remark.