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PREFACE. |
XXI |
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have no fears, my Lord, that any thing I might say would criminate myself; but it might tend to involve others, and I despise the character of the person who could be led, under any such circumstances, to inform against his associates." This was aimed at some of the revelations of the preceding day; and, as I learned afterwards, was so understood. "How old are you, Sir?" he then asked. " Between seventeen and eighteen, my Lord." He then turned to his assessor, Duigenan, and exchanged a few words with him, in an under tone of voice. " We cannot," he resumed, again addressing me, "suffer any one to remain in our University, who refuses to take this oath." "I shall, then, my Lord," I replied, "take the oath,—still reserving to myself the power of refusing to answer any such questions as I have just described." " We do not sit here to argue with you, Sir," he rejoined sharply; upon which I took the oath, and seated myself in the witnesses' chair.
The following are the questions and answers that then ensued. After adverting to the proved existence of United Irish Societies in the University, he asked, " Have you ever belonged to any of these societies ?" " No, my Lord." " Have you ever known of any of the proceedings that took place in them ? " " No, my Lord." "Did you ever hear of a proposal at any of their meetings, for the purchase of arms and ammunition ?" " Never, my Lord." " Did you ever hear of a proposition made, in one of these societies, with respect to the expediency of assassiÂnation?" "Oh no, my Lord." He then turned |
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