h
and went out. I had seen the squad break, running each way, to
surround us. D'ri grabbed my hand as the dark fell, and we went
plunging through the little pines, hitting a man heavily, who fell
grunting. We had begun to hear the rattle of boats, a shouting,
and quick steps on the shore. We crouched a moment. D'ri blew the
moose-horn, pulling me aside with him quickly after the blast.
Lights were now flashing near. I could see little hope for us, and
D'ri, I thought, had gone crazy. He ran at the oncomers, yelling,
"Hey, Rube!" at the top of his lungs. I lay low in the brush a
moment. They rushed by me, D'ri in the fore with fending sabre. A
tawny hound was running in the lead, his nose down, baying loudly.
Then I saw the truth, and made after them with all the speed of my
legs. They hustled over the ridge, their lights flashing under.
For a jiffy I could see only, here and there, a leaping glow in the
tree-tops. I rushed on, passing one who had tumbled headlong. The
lights below me scattered quickly and stopped. I heard a great
yelling, a roar of muskets, and a clash of swords. A hush fell on
them as I came near, Then I heard a voice that thrilled me.

"Your sword, sir!" it commanded.

"Stop," said I, sharply, coming near.

There stood my father in the lantern-light, his sword drawn, his
gray hair stirring in the breeze. Before him was my old adversary,
his Lordship, sword in hand. Near by, the squad of British, now
surrounded, were giving up their arms. They had backed to the
river's edge; I could hear it lapping their heels. His Lordship
sneered, looking at the veteran who stood in a gray frock of
homespun, for all the world, I fancy, like one of those old yeomen
who fought with Cromwell.

"Your sword, sir," my father repeated.

"Pardon me," said the young man, with a fascinating coolness of
manner, "but I shall have to trouble you--"

He hesitated, feeling his blade.

"How?" said my father.

"To fight for it," said his Lordship, quietly.

"Surrender--fool!" my father answered. "You cannot escape."

"Tut, tut!" said his Lordship. "I never heard so poor a
compliment. Come in reach, and I shall make you think better of
me."

"Give up your sword."

"After my life, then my sword," said he, with a quick thrust.

Before I could take a step, their swords were clashing in deadly
combat. I rushed up to break in upon them, but the air was full of
steel, and then my father needed no he