you. But be cautious,
Mary, how you are seen talking with the prisoner. If they suspect you it
will spoil all."

"Trust to me," said the girl; "I warrant I have learned by this time how
to behave myself amongst these red-coats."

"There, John," continued Horse Shoe, "I have said all I want to say, and
as you, I have no doubt, have got a good deal to tell the girl, it is
but fair that you should have your chance. So, do you walk back with her
as far as the mill, and I'll wait here for you. But don't forget
yourself by overstaying your furlough."

"I must get home as fast as possible," said Mary; "they will be looking
for me."

"Away, John Ramsay--away," added Horse Shoe; "and have your eyes about
you, man."

With this command John Ramsay and the miller's daughter hastily
withdrew, and were soon out of the sergeant's hearing.

After an interval, which doubtless seemed short to the gallant dragoon,
he returned to his comrade, and the two set out rapidly in quest of
their horses; and once more having got into their saddles, they retraced
their steps at a brisk speed to Ramsay's cabin.

CHAPTER XXX.

All distant and faint were the sounds of the battle;
With the breezes they rise, with the breezes they fail,
Till the shout and the groan and the conflict's dread rattle,
And the chase's wild clamor come loading the gale.

THE MAID OF TORO.

In the confusion that ensued upon the defeat of Innis, James Curry
succeeded in conducting Butler from the field. His orders were to
retreat with the prisoner to Blackstock's; and he had accordingly set
out with about a dozen troopers, by a private path that led towards a
quarter secure from the molestation of the enemy, when the attack
commenced. Butler was mounted behind one of the men, and in this uneasy
condition was borne along the circuitous by-way that had been chosen,
without a moment's respite from the severe motion of the horse, nearly
at high speed, until, having accomplished three miles of the retreat,
the party arrived at the main road that extended between Innis's camp
and Blackstock's. Here Curry, conceiving himself to be out of danger of
pursuit, halted his men, with a purpose to remain until he could learn
something of the combat. Butler was in a state of the most exciting
bewilderment as to the cause of this sudden change in his affairs. No
explanation was given to him by his conductors; and although, from the
first, he was aware t