CHAPTER XIII .-- Reilly is Taken, but Connived at by the Sheriff.
-- The Mountain Mass Reilly and the bishop traversed a wild and remote part of the country, in which there was nothing to be seen but long barren wastes, over which were studded, here and there, a few solitary huts; upon its extremity, however, there were some houses of a more comfortable description, the habitations of middling farmers, who possessed small farms at a moderate rent.

As they went along, the prelate addressed Reilly in the following-terms: "Mr.Reilly," said he, "I would advise you to get out of this unhappy country as soon as you can." "My lord," replied Reilly, who was all candor and truth, and never could conceal his sentiments, at whatever risk, "I cannot think of leaving the country, let the consequences be what they may.

I will not trouble your lordship with my motives, because they are at variance with your character and religious feelings; but they are not at variance with religion or morality.

It is enough to say that I wish to prevent a beautiful and innocent girl from being sacrificed.

My lord, you know too well that persecution is abroad; and when I tell you that, through the influence which this admirable creature has over her father--who, by the way, has himself the character of a persecutor--many Catholics have been protected by him, I am sure you will not blame me for the interest which I feel in her fate.