n from several of the
troop, as a sharper scream, indicating some sudden increase of pain,
from Gideon Blake, assailed their ears. Then there were low and muttered
curses pronounced by Habershaw, in a tone that showed his apprehension
of some vengeance against himself; and these imprecations were mingled
with hints of the disloyalty of the trooper, and charges of a pretended
purpose to betray his fellow-soldiers, evidently insinuated by the
captain to excuse his act of violence. Then he approached the sick man
and felt his pulse, and examined his wound, and pronounced the hurt to
be trifling. "It will do him good," he said, with affected unconcern,
"and teach him to be more true to his comrades hereafter." But still the
fate of the man was manifestly doubtful, and the rising exasperation of
the troop became every instant more open. Alarmed and faint-hearted at
these symptoms of discontent, Habershaw at last called the men into a
circle and made them a speech, in which he expressed his sorrow for the
act he had committed, endeavored to excuse himself by the plea of
passion at the loss of his dog, and, finally, perceiving that these
excuses did not satisfy his hearers, acknowledged his drunken condition
and his unconsciousness of the deed he had done until the horrible
consequences of it were before his eyes. Here Peppercorn interposed in
his favor, alleging that he had examined the wound, and that, in his
opinion, the trooper's life was not in danger.

"And as the captain is sorry for it, lads," he concluded, "why, what is
to be done but let the thing drop? So, if there's another canteen in the
squad, we will wet our whistles, boys, and go to sleep."

This appeal was effectual, and was followed by a hearty cheer. So,
draining the dregs of the last flask, this debauched company retired to
rest--Habershaw sneaking away from them with a heart loaded with malice
and revenge.

A few men were employed, for a short time, in burying the bodies of the
troopers who were killed in the fray; and, excepting the guard, who
busied themselves in skinning the buck and broiling some choice slices
before the fire, and in watching the prisoners, or attending upon their
sick comrade, all were sunk into silence if not repose.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE TROOPERS MOVE WITH THEIR PRISONERS.

"Oft he that doth abide,
Is cause of his own paine,
But he that flieth in good tide,
Perhaps may fight again."--_Old Proverb._