l pistol-shots were discharged on both sides, and
some encounters, hand to hand, were sustained with a sturdy resolution;
but, at last, our friends succeeded in turning their opponents to
flight. The combat had been maintained in that pell-mell form of attack
and defence, which defied compact or organized resistance; and the
individuals of each party had been scattered over the wood for a
considerable distance, so that when the late pursuers were compelled to
retreat, each man urged his horse in such a direction as was most
favorable to his escape. By degrees, Butler's few companions began to
reassemble at that part of the wood where they had made their first
stand.

"There is nothing like striking the first blow at the right time," said
Harry Winter, as, with his hat in his hand to allow the air to cool his
brow, he rode up to Butler, and halted to gain breath. "Give me a hot
charge on a slow enemy, and I don't care much about two to one of odds.
Thank God that business is cleanly done, and here we are all safe I
hope. Where is John Ramsay?" he inquired, looking around him, and
observing that their comrade was not amongst the number assembled.

"I saw him close at the heels of the runaways," said one of the men.
"John has a trick of seeing a scrimmage to the end; and it is an even
bet that he is now upon the trail like a fresh hound. The last I noticed
of him was at the crupper of a couple of the rascals that, I'll engage,
before now he has set his mark upon."

"Then we must to his assistance!" exclaimed Butler, eagerly; and without
waiting for further consultation he set off at full speed, in the
supposed direction of John Ramsay's pursuit. The rest followed. They had
ridden some distance without being able to perceive any traces of their
missing companion. Butler called aloud upon Ramsay, but there was no
answer; and, for some moments, there was an anxious suspense as the
party halted to listen for the sound of the footsteps of the trooper's
approach. At length, a horse was seen far off in the wood, bounding over
the turf at a wild and frightened pace; the saddle was empty, and the
bridle-rein hung about his feet. On seeing his companions, the excited
steed set up a frequent neigh, and, with head and tail erect, coursed
immediately up to the group of horsemen. Here he came to a sudden halt,
snorting with the terror of his late alarm. There were drops of blood
upon the saddle.

"Gracious Heaven!" cried Butler, "so