then attack the main body!' The wounded man flew to the troop; the
others were panic-struck, and fled. Francisco seized Wand, and would
have despatched him, but the poor wretch begged for his life; he was not
only an object of contempt, but pity. The eight horses that were left
behind, he gave him to conceal. Discovering Tarleton had despatched ten
more in pursuit of him, Francisco then made off, and evaded their
vigilance. They stopped to refresh themselves, and he, like an old fox,
doubled, and fell on their rear. He went the next day to Wand for his
horses; Wand demanded two for his trouble and generous intentions.
Finding his situation dangerous, and surrounded by enemies where he
ought to have found friends, Francisco went off with his six horses. He
intended to have avenged himself on Wand at a future day, but Providence
ordained he should not be his executioner, for he broke his neck by a
fall from of the very horses."

"Francisco displayed great courage, daring and presence of mind in that
scrape," observed Kinnison. "But I have heard of several encounters
quite equal to it."

"Yes, Francisco displayed great presence of mind, and that's the most
valuable quality of a soldier--it will save him when courage and
strength are palsied. Francisco performed many singular exploits down
South, and had a high reputation. He had much of the dare-devil in his
nature, and it seemed as if dangerous adventures agreed with him better
than easy success. He fought bravely in several battles, and was known
to many of the enemy as a man to be shunned. There wasn't a man among
the red-coats stout-hearted and strong-limbed enough to dare to meet
him. But you said you had heard of several encounters equal to the one I
just narrated," said Pitts.