Had it not been for what I dreaded to find at home, my journey back from
Derry would have been light enough; for now I was rid of my turnips I
had nothing to fear from inquisitive wayfarers. Nor had I cause to be
anxious as to the way, for my mare knew she was homeward bound, and
stepped out briskly with no encouragement from me.
Indeed I had so little to do that about noon, when we had got off the
highroad on to the hill-track, I curled myself up in the straw and fell
asleep. Nor did I wake till the cart suddenly came to a standstill, and
I felt myself being lifted out of my nest.
At first I thought I was back already at Knockowen, and wondered at the
speed the old jade had made while I slept. But as soon as I had rubbed
my eyes I found we were still on the hillside, and that my awakers were
a handful of soldiers.
They demanded my name and my master's. When I told them Mr Gorman of
Knockowen, they were a thought less rough with me; for his honour was
known as a friend of the government. Nevertheless they said they must
search my cart, and bade me help them to unload the straw.