alment
and temporary rest.

"Stand," said John Ramsay, who had just reached this point on his way to
the house, and now, taken by surprise, presented a pistol to Butler's
breast. "One word above your breath and you die. Be silent, and here is
gold for you."

"Ramsay," said Butler, in a low tone, "is it you?"

"Your name?" demanded the trooper, still presenting the pistol.

"Butler," was the reply.

"Thanks--thanks, good Major, for that word! You have been before me. I
thought you would not miss this rain. Is all well?"

"Better, much better, than we could have hoped," answered Butler.
"Seeing the sentinel was off his guard, I took time by the forelock, and
have saved you trouble."

"For God's sake, Major, let us not delay here. Our horses are waiting
for us above."

"I am ready," said Butler, having now put on his shoes. "My brave
fellow, I owe you more than I can find words to utter: lead the way."

The liberated captive and his gallant comrade instantly hastened towards
the horses, and mounting with a joyful alacrity, soon set forward at a
gallop in the direction leading to David Ramsay's cottage. Here they
arrived just as the day began to dawn.

CHAPTER XLIV.

A MELANCHOLY INCIDENT.

The hand of the reaper
Takes the ears that are hoary,
But the voice of the weeper
Wails manhood in glory.--_Scott._

Brief time was taken by the fugitives for refreshment at David Ramsay's
dwelling. Here Butler put on the disguise which Christopher Shaw had
provided for him. Then arming himself with a pair of pistols which John
had appropriated to his use, the trooper himself using a similar
precaution, our two adventurers resumed their journey. Their first
object was to gain a point, some seven or eight miles distant, in the
direction of the Fair Forest, where John Ramsay had concealed a few
troopers that had been furnished him by Williams, to give their aid, if
necessary, in securing Butler's escape.

From this point they were to proceed, with all possible despatch, to
Williams's camp. However hazardous the experiment of attempting to
traverse the country in open daylight, it was deemed still more
dangerous to tarry any length of time so near the scene of their late
adventure. Butler and his comrade, therefore, pushed forward with as
much expedition as possible, resolved to outrun the fresh pursuit which
they had reason to apprehend upon the discovery which the morning must
produce at the mi