In Maamtrassna, however, they have certainly overdone this terror, and
excited nothing but horror, and a determination to throw off the yoke. It appears that a farmer of Cappanacreeha, about four miles from Maamtrassna, heard the barking of dogs on Thursday night, and going out to look, saw a party of six men, whom he believed to be bent on mischief. He went out and lay down among his own potatoes to watch, and when they passed his house, began to entertain fears for his brother, whom he took a short cut to warn, and was joined by the brother and his son. He then tracked the party of six to a cabin, where they got four additional confederates. The three then tracked the ten to Maamtrassna, where they wore in the garden at the time of the murders, but feared, on account of their inferior numbers, to attempt any interference ; indeed, they fled as fast as they could. Nevertheless, it is stated that they can swear to every one of the ten, having been concealed within a few yards of them, and the night being clear, though moonless. The country people of the district are said to feel the utmost horror of the assassins, and to be eager to rid the neighbourhood of them, saying that they live in terror of their lives while the confederation exists. If this be confirmed, it will be the best social sign for Ireland that we have had for many a year ; and part of the change must, we think, be ascribed to the Crime Preven- tion Act, as that alone would assure the people that if they give satisfactory evidence against the assassins, they can get them duly hanged.
