t-generalled. Whilst he and his men were
being diverted by a feigned attack in front, two different parties had
been despatched by circuitous routes to get in his rear. In executing
the part of the plan intrusted to him, Ropes had unexpectedly come upon
the schoolmaster and his companion. A minute later both were seized and
dragged up from the bed of the torrent.

"Ye don't escape me this time!" said Silas, with brutal exultation. "Tie
him up to the tree thar; serve the old one the same. We can't be
bothered with prisoners."

"What are you going to do to that helpless, blind old man?" cried Penn.
"Do what you please with me; I expect no mercy,--I ask none. But I
entreat you, respect his gray hair!"

The appeal seemed to have some effect even on the savage-hearted Silas.
He glanced at his men: they were evidently of the opinion that the
slaughter of the old clergyman was uncalled for.

"Wal, tie the old ranter, and leave him. Quick work, boys. Got the
schoolmaster fast?"

"All right," said the men.

"Wal, now stand back here, and les' have a little bayonet practice."

Penn knew very well what that meant. His clothes were stripped from him,
in order to present a fair mark for the murderous steel; and he was
bound to a tree.

"One at a time," said Silas. "Try your hand, Griffin.
_Charge--bayonet!_"

In vain the old minister endeavored to make himself heard in his
friend's behalf. He could only pray for him.

Penn saw the ferocious soldier springing towards him, the deadly bayonet
thrust straight at his heart. In an instant the murder would have been
done. But when within two paces of his victim, the steel almost touching
his breast, Griffin uttered a yell, dropped his gun, flung up his hands,
and fell dead at Penn's feet.

At the same moment a light curl of smoke was wafted from the heaped
bowlders in the chasm above, and the echoes of a rifle-crack
reverberated among the rocks.

The assassins were terror-struck. They looked all around; not a human
being was in sight. Distant firing proclaimed that Stackridge and his
men were still engaged. The death that struck down Griffin seemed to
have fallen from heaven. They waited but a moment, then fled
precipitately, leaving Penn still bound, but uninjured, with the dead
rebel at his feet.

Then two figures came gliding swiftly down over the rocks. Penn uttered
a cry of joy. It was Pomp and Cudjo.

XXIV.

_THE DEAD REBEL'S MUSKET._

Pomp came reloadi