, 1841-11-27

caught sight OF the fuSItlve5 coat tails a
they disappeared outside.
"'An escaped shouted the judge, starting
to his feet; sheriff, your prisoner. The cap
tain's off,
''On the instant the talesmen were forgot
ton, and sheriff, deputies, tipstaves and free
holders turned around, with open mouths and
curious eyes. 1t was a minute or more be-
fore the matter could be explained, and by
that time l saw that Slashbey had got noun
ted. | shouted stop thief at this, and sprang
out of the window, as if in pursuit, followed
by the sheriff and his constables, tumbIlng
helter-skelter over each other alterme. The
officers no sooner caugh sight Of the fugitive
than they road Justify to stop him, while the
sheriff bawled for the "p0sse comitaius' like a
bull of Bashan. 1t was no time to respect
property, SO followed the example of the
officers, and sprang on the first steed | came
across, eager TO see the fun.
"The court house stood nearly at the OPP
posite end of the village, from that out Of
which led the road to Squankum, and when
| mounted my horse, SIashbey was securing
down the main street some hundred yards
ahead. Before a minute, however, the
sheriff and his pack were in full cry at the
fugitive's heels, while as many Of the specta-
tors as could find horses and vehicles started
of, a few to aid the law, but most to enjoy
the sport. And, by my faith! what a sight
it was! Foremost in the chase galIopped the
his ha, off and his queue flying be-
hind, bawling himself red in the face by cries
of stop thief head him off, maintain the
amid the laughter of some and the
shouts of others of the crowd. At every
leaps Slashbey would turn his face rue
around to see whether his pursuers gai.
ned on him or not--reminding one of Tam
OShanter, Of bIissiul memory, VIXEN he saw
the witches yelling after him. The captain
wou'd never have Won the prize at AstIey's
for horsemansiip, and now, wha, betwixt
his hurry and alright, he rode like a trigh-
monkey alta ciIcus. GiIpin did not
create more excitement in his famous race.
The shopmen left their counters. the black.
smith hurried from his forge, the school chill,
iren followed the pedagoeue TO the window.
md the very chandeliers, unwilling TO let
he hubbub go by without they partook in
t, tapped their wings on the garden fences
md crowed Justify. But with your leave.
pause 10 fill my glass, for i man telling a
story Is like Il steam-engine-he can't get on
he keeps the fire blazing.
"The race was now at its height. The
lproar was tremendous. Up flew the win
and out popped the heads. The wo-
rem shrleked, the pigs squealed. the men
aughed, the boys cheercd. and a dozen Ours
hurried velping and swapping at ,hunderer's
reels, who, alarmed at the hue and cry
lround him, pricked up his ears, snorted. and
airly taking the bit in his teeth. went off at
frantic pace. You would have died with
had you seen SIashbey then. Hold
nc on to the rein with one hand, be grasped
he name desperately with the other, and.
his feet up 10 the heels in the slirrup.
lie leaned forward until he lay almost pros
rate on The horses neck, while the tails of
lis coat flying up behind disclosed the fair ro-
undity beneath, over which his shining new
'utf caSslmeres were stretched rs tight as a
lrum-head. At every leap he bounced three
eet from the saddle. The shouts of the
'osse in his rear increased, while the cap
ans rue!ul looks behind became more fire.
uent. Some cried murder others bawled
stop thief The perspiration poured down
he captains cheeks. He gasped for breath.
md, to crown all, as he got opposite his
harmer's dwelling, a puffof wind swept off
Is wlg-for his hat had been left in the court {
ouse in his hurry-and the envied locks u
aIl'ng away to the rear amid convulsive i
nouts of laughter on the part of the crowd, il
etrayed the bald pate Of Slashbey g~listen- q
e like FURNISHED silver in the sun. v
$50 it fat 'un, and never mind the scratch v
pared a ragged spectator, who was fairly
ancing with delight,
"'Hip-ho-heave ahead there shouted .