," replied Butler, "I knew the fellow the
moment we met; but, thank Heaven, this humble dress concealed me."

"Faster, Major!" cried John, "these cursed horses are calling after each
other now. Pray, push forward until we get out of hearing. How unlucky
that Christopher Shaw should have given you one of the wagon cattle!"

"Look back, lads!" exclaimed Winter with great earnestness, "there is
something wrong, these fellows are returning. Whip and spur, or we are
overtaken!"

Macdonald's soldier, it seems, having his attention drawn to the
singular motions of his horse, had become suddenly confirmed in the
suspicion which at the late meeting for a moment rested upon his mind,
as to the identity of Butler; and having communicated his thought to the
commanding officer, the whole party of the Tory militia had wheeled
about to demand a further investigation: they were now some hundred
paces in the rear of the fugitives, and were pressing forward at high
speed, the officer in the front calling out at the same time,

"Hold!--Rein up and return! We have questions to ask. Halt, or we shall
fire!"

"To it, boys!" cried Harry Winter. "Your safety is in your legs!"

And the party pricked onward as fast as they could urge their cavalry
along the road. The chase continued for some half hour or more; the
little escort of Butler leaving the road and plunging into the recesses
of the forest. An occasional pistol-shot was fired during this retreat,
but without effect on either side. The tangled character of the ground
over which they passed, greatly retarded the pursuit, and before the
half hour was spent none but a few of the boldest horsemen of the
assailants were found persevering in the chase. Seeing their number
diminished, and finding also that the horses of his own comrades were
beginning to flag, John Ramsay assumed the command, and directed his
party to turn about and offer battle to the pursuers. The immediate
effect of this movement was to bring the assailants to a halt, which
was no sooner witnessed by John, than he shouted, "Charge, lads, charge
and the day is ours! Hack and hew, good fellows: down with the
bloodhounds!"

This animated exhortation was followed up by a prompt onset, in which
the brave trooper led the way; and such was the impetuosity of the
assault that the enemy, although consisting of twice the number of those
who attacked them, were forced to give ground. A sharp skirmish ensued,
during which severa