his associates; besides, since it was hinted to me that he would seek
my life I am willing to give him a chance to take it, where neither he
nor I shall have help or witness."

"Are you armed?"

"With dirk and pistols, as he only is."

"A rather hazardous push, Harry. But go, and God prosper you to take
him, and with him that mischievous document. And one thing more: if
you live to reach Manchester, tell that Council of Safety, that if
they don't do something soon, we, the people, will set up for
ourselves in war-making. I, for one, don't believe I can keep my hands
off my rifle three days longer."

"Ay, ay," said Woodburn, springing into his saddle. "And now,
Lightfoot, here is a loose rein for you. Go!" he added, striking with
his heels the body, and with his hands the mane of the impatient
animal, that, at these well-understood signs, gave an irregular plunge
or two ahead, and then shot off like an arrow up the road.




CHAPTER III.

"What heroes from the woodland sprung,
When, through the fresh-awakened land,
The thrilling cry of freedom rung.
And to the work of warfare strung