Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1911-Jan 1912)

ARRAH-NA-POGUE 45 arresting of suspected rebels. He was an Irishman himself — he understood the situation — and his leniency even extended to working to obtain a pardon for The McCoul. In this object, he was not wholly disinterested, for his beautiful ward, Fanny Power, had forbidden him to declare his love for her until he could bring her the pardon of Beamish McCoul. He had obtained a pardon, but the clause "provided he is not implicated in the fresh disturbances which once more threaten to agitate your neighborhood," rendered it worthless. Fanny, with a sigh, advised the Colonel to throw the paper into the fire. It was on the heels of this setback that Major Coffin arrived with Feeny. Colonel 0 'Grady greeted the latter with scant civility, even reminding him of the occasion when he had been kicked from the hall-door to the lodge-gate. But, as magistrate, the Colonel was obliged to take the informer's deposition. Fanny, listening at the door of the adjoining room, heard the plan for trapping Beamish at Arrah's cottage. She resolved to * accompany the Colonel, and try to find some way of warning the man she loved. Arrah and Shaun's wedding festivities were in full swing. With jigs and songs, the fun grew fast and furious, and every timber in the old barn vibrated with the revelry. At its height, a sudden hush fell upon the company, for the doorway was blocked with soldiers, thru whose ranks passed Colonel 0 'Grady, Fanny Power, Major Coffin, and Michael Feeny. "Guard the doors; let no one pass," commanded the Major. Colonel 0 'Grady's attitude was friendly, and his explanation of the intrusion was prefaced by an apology. "Is it a thafe ye are afther, sir?" asked Shaun. "Ah, thin, if anny sich is hereunder this roof, ye are welcome to him." "Now, Mr. Feeny," said the Major, "whom do you charge with having possession of the plunder?" ' ' That woman — Arrah Meelish, ' ' came the answer. "We'll find the money in her pocket — lit her be searched. ' ' "Lay a finger on her, an' I'll brain ye!" shouted Shaun. "Arrest that fellow!" ordered the Major. But Colonel 0 'Grady stopped the sergeant about to execute the order. "Aisy, Major!" he remonstrated. ' ' What would you do if a man offered to lay a hand on the woman you loved? Shaun, my man, the thing is settled in a moment. We dont believe a word this fellow has deposed to; but, if Arrah has any money — bank notes — about her " ' ' She has, ' ' said Shaun, promptly. "Then, just let us look at them," said the Colonel, kindly. "Wid all the pleasure in life. Arrah, dear, give me thim notes you showed me a while ago. Dont be frightened, darlint. Come!" Slowly Arrah drew forth the notes and gave them to Shaun. Feeny eagerly peered at them, as the Colonel looked them over. "They are a part of thim that I was robbed av last night. I'll swear to thim! Luk an' ye '11 find me name on the back of one of thim ! There — that one. See! d'ye believe me now?" "Where and from whom did you receive this money?" the Colonel asked Arrah. She stood with dark lashes sweeping her paling cheeks, and made no attempt to answer. The Colonel tried again. "I am sure you wont refuse to tell us how you became possessed of these notes. After what you have heard, if you are innocent, you wont help to screen the thief." Still no answer came from the girl's white lips. "Well, then," took up the Major, "perhaps you will answer another question. Where is the young man who has been concealed in your cabin the last six weeks? Do you hear? I want the young man, your lover — the secret leader of the rebel movement