at a moderate trot towards the house. His plight told a tale upon him of
discomfiture. One side of his face was bleeding with a recent bruise,
his dress disarranged and his back covered with dust. The side of his
horse also bore the same taint of the soil.

He rode up to Habershaw--who was already upon the road at the head of
the remaining members of the squad, having Butler in charge--and
informed him that he had pursued the sergeant at full speed until he
came in sight of him, when the fugitive had slackened his gait as if on
purpose to allow himself to be overtaken.

"But, the devil grip the fellow!" he added, "he has a broad-side like a
man-of-war! In my hurry I left my sword behind me, and, when I came up
with him, I laid my hand upon his bridle; but, by some sudden sleight
which he has taught his horse, he contrived, somehow or other, to upset
me--horse and all--down a bank on the road-side. And, when I lay on the
ground sprawling, do you think the jolly runagate didn't rein up and
give me a broad laugh, and ask me if he could be of any _sarvice_ to me?
He then bade me good bye, saying he had an engagement that prevented him
from favoring me any longer with his company. Gad! it was so civilly
done that all I could say was, luck go with you, Mr. Horse Shoe; and,
since we are to part company so soon, may the devil pad your saddle for
you! I'll do him the justice to say that he's a better horseman than I
took him for. I can hardly begrudge a man his liberty who can win it as
cleverly as he has done."

"Well, there's no more to be said about it," remarked Habershaw. "He is
only game for another day. He is like a bear's cub; which is as much as
to signify that he has a hard time before him. He would have only given
us trouble; so let him go. Now, boys, away for Blackstock's; I will
engage I keep the fox that's left safely enough."

With these words the troop proceeded upon their march.

CHAPTER XIX.

Horse Shoe's successful escape from the hands of the Tories, it will be
conjectured, had been aided by Clopper. The sergeant had sufficiently
assured himself of the present safety of Butler, from the spirit with
which a strong party of Habershaw's followers had resisted the bloody
purpose of their leader before breakfast; and he had also, by the timely
reward secretly conveyed to Clopper, received a pledge from that
individual that the same protection should still be accorded to the
major, in the event of his