nst the weather. Some of these were situated
near the bank of the stream, projecting over the water, whilst others
towered at different heights, in such a manner as to bear a resemblance
to a flight of huge steps cut in the slope of the mountain, and by this
likeness, doubtless, suggesting the imaginative name by which the spot
was known to the few hunters to whom it was familiar. The cavern-like
structure of these ledges abundantly supplied the means of concealment
to both men and horses, from the casual notice of such persons as
accident might have brought into this sequestered defile.

When the party arrived at the foot of the Devil's Ladder, it was with
great satisfaction to all that they now made a halt. A short time was
spent in selecting a spot, amongst the impending cliffs, of such a
character as might afford the advantage of shelter, as well as the means
of ready look-out and escape in case of discovery or pursuit. The place
chosen was about half way up the hill, where the ridge of a promontory
enabled the occupants to see some distance up and down the valley;
whilst the crag itself contained within its recesses a chamber
sufficiently large for the purpose to which it was to be applied. A
natural platform, near this point, allowed sufficient space for the
horses, which might be conducted there by a sideling path up the slope;
at the same time, the means of retreat were furnished by the nature of
the ground towards the top of the hill.

To this place of security the ensign was ordered by his guard, and,
being released from his bonds, he dismounted and threw himself at length
upon the mossy surface of the rock, where he lay wearied in body and
dejected in mind. The horses were taken in charge by Shaw; provisions
were produced, and all arrangements of caution and comfort were made for
passing the next two or three days in this wild sojourn.

Here, for the present, we must leave our adventurers, to tell of other
matters that are proper to be made known to the reader of this history.

In due time David Ramsay returned from Musgrove's. Precisely at three
o'clock in the morning, the soldiers were released according to the
terms of the parole; and my reader will, no doubt, be pleased to hear
that Andy, being discharged from duty, went to bed as drowsy as e'er a
man of mould after a feat of glory, and slept with a sleep altogether
worthy of his heroic achievement.

The next day passed by, at Ramsay's dwelling, with