oad hid me from
view, increased my pace to a run. My horse, I should have stated, had
been left in sure hands at about two miles' distance. Could I reach so
far, there was, I felt, a chance. Unfortunately, I had not gone more
than five or six hundred yards, when a hubbub of shouts, and
musket-shots in my rear, announced that I was pursued. I glanced round;
and I assure you, gentlemen, I have seen in my life many pleasanter
prospects than met my view--Richmond Hill, for instance, on a fine
summer day. Between twenty and thirty voltigeurs, headed by my friend
Victor, who had armed himself, like the others, with a musket, were in
full pursuit; and once, I was quite satisfied, within gun-shot, my
business would be very effectually; and speedily settled.

"I ran on with eager desperation: and though gradually neared by my
friends, gained the hut where I had left the horse in safety. The
voltigeurs were thrown out for a few minutes They knew, however, that I
had not passed the thickish clumps of trees which partially concealed
the cottage; and they extended themselves in a semi-circle to inclose,
and thus make sure of their prey. Juan Sanchez, luckily for himself, was
not at home; but my horse, as I have stated, was safe, and in prime
condition for a race. I saddled, bridled, and brought him out, still
concealed by the trees and hut from the French, whose exulting shouts,
as they gradually closed upon the spot, grew momently louder and
fiercer. The sole desperate chance left was to dash right through them;
and I don't mind telling you, gentlemen, that I was confoundedly
frightened, and that but for the certainty of being instantly
sacrificed, without benefit of clergy, I should have surrendered at
once. There was, however, no time for shilly-shallying. I took another
pull at the saddle-girths, mounted, drove the only spur I had time to
strap on sharply into the animal's flank, and in an instant broke cover
in full and near view of the expecting and impatient voltigeurs; and a
very brilliant reception they gave me--quite a stunner in fact! It's a
very grand thing, no doubt, to be the exclusive object of attention to
twenty or thirty gallant men, but so little selfish, gentlemen, have I
been from my youth up ward in the article of 'glory,' that I assure you
I should have been remarkably well-pleased to have had a few
companions--the more the merrier--to share the monopoly which I
engrossed as I came suddenly in sight. The flash