, and has just proved herself to be the best girl in the
country."

This little passage of mirth between the parents and their son, led to a
full narrative by David Ramsay of the events which had occurred in the
last two or three days, concluding with the capture of the ensign, and
the retreat of Horse Shoe and Christopher Shaw to the Devil's Ladder.
The communication wrought a grave and thoughtful mood on the young
soldier. It presented a crisis to him for immediate action. He was
wearied with a long ride, but it seemed to him to be no time for rest.

"Father," he said, after turning over in his thoughts the intelligence
he had just received, "it was a brave and beautiful thing for so young a
lad as Andy to do; and the taking of the ensign has served a useful
purpose, but it brings this house and family into danger. And I fear for
poor Mary. Christopher Shaw must get back to the mill, and quickly too.
His absence will bring his uncle's family into trouble. I will take
Christopher's place, and go to Horse Shoe's assistance this night. We
may take the prisoner with us to Williams."

"To-night!" said the mother anxiously, "you would not leave us to-night,
John?"

"Aye, to-night, wife," answered David Ramsay, "the boy is right, there
is no time to spare."

"Have mercy upon us," exclaimed the dame; "to ride so far to-night,
after so heavy a journey, John!--you have not strength."

"Dear mother," said John, "think that you are all in danger and that
Mary, who has behaved so well, might be suspected, and brought to harm.
I must hurry forward to Colonel Williams, and this road by the Devil's
Ladder is far out of my way. No, I am not so much fatigued, mother, as
you suppose. I will rest for a few hours, and then try the woods.
Daybreak, I warrant, shall not find me far from Horse Shoe."

John Ramsay was not above six-and-twenty. He was endued with a stout and
manly frame, well adapted to hard service; and this was associated with
a bold and intelligent countenance, which, notwithstanding the dint of
wind and weather, was handsome. He had for a year or two past been
actively engaged in the war, and his manners had, in consequence,
acquired that maturity and decision which are generally found in those
whose habits of life render them familiar with perils. On the present
occasion he regarded the necessity of co-operation with Robinson as so
urgent, that no other thought crossed his mind but that which belonged
to the care