The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-08-12


course and british rnbbe.
In this manner her conductors struggled through the
streets, until IN sight of the umphtheatre Here at
the corner of ono ofthe ways, they met by n
vast crowd composed OF the lowest mob of the city,
who hearing of the condemnation of the Nuzarone.
had gathered together for mischief Led on by some
of the vilest of their demngogues they had resolved
to assault the officers in charge Of the prisoner, that
they might sacrifice her summarily than by the
lion in the arena.
"Stund buck!" said tho captain OF the guard, un-
sheathing hs sword Inc the threatening aspect
Of the crowd.
"Down with him" cried one Of the rabble ,hurling
a missile at his head "Gve us the prisoner, or you
die with her."
"Close in, men, close I'M" shouted the officer I'M
dauntedy. You pay with your lives for the safety Of
the prisoner
The little band gathered in a compact circle round
the maiden, and prepared to maintain the unequal
contest.
"Down with them ALL" shouted one Of the most
prominent of the rioters 'sodiers and prsoner-they
are all secretly Nazarenes. Down with them"
With these words he headed a rush Of the crowd,
that bore back the scanty band Of the soldiery like
feathers that are swept by the gale Stones and
BRICKS MEANWHILE filled the air, and though the SOL
ders defended by Shields several wound
ed. The priso in the outset would have fallen a
victim the missiles of the mob, bot for OF the
moro humane Of the soldiery, who covered her with
{ cir buckers. Thus pushed back by the rabbe The
guards rereated against the wall OF a neghborng
house, and being covered in the rear, essayed
with hopes Of success to make good their stand
until should arrive from the city legonares.
But the rut,y oftheir hope was soon apparent
The mob sweled rapidly, extending far down the
thorOughfares either hand. The whole city SEEM
ed up. There were doubtless among the crowd ma
ny who secretly favorable TO the prisoner, and
still greater number who wished to her per-
ish except by lawful DEATH bu, the more violent, If
not the more numerous, had attained the temporary
ascendancy, and the others uncertain of their power
were afraid to move in her behalf
More than half OF the guard had now fallen; the
others were worn ont and wounded The soldiers
began TO murmur.
"Why should we die 10 protect for hour or two
the life ora Naznrene?" cried one OF them. "Com-
rades let US surrender her to the people,
A sullen Of assent along tho scaniy
ranks and the mob, hearing the mutnous ords, de-
sisted, and broke into huzzas. The iden saw tina:
her hour had come, and sank shuddering to her
knees, lifting her agonizod eyes TO heaven in last
appeal. Suddenly, over the deep OF the huzzas
the trumpet of cavalry, and the pavement SEEM
ed to the kneelng girl to rock beneath her. under the
tramp ofmany horsemen. She started to her feet
with sudden hope. The shouts OF the popunce had
ceased simultaneously, an now heard, close at
hand the catter of boofs and the shrl sound of the
trumpet. Like flock OF sheep awaiting the APP
proach Of wolves, stood the late riotous mob ST.
lent, with black faces, and standing ngape at the sud-
den apparition of the horsemen. Down they came,
the solid earth shaking under thcm while far in tho
van, a barbed horse, their leader.
"Disperse ye knaves!" he cried, in n tone used to
command he haughtily in his stirrups. "Dis-
perse, or we ride you down. And turning to his
troops, he waved his sword and shouted,
'Charge!"
The word struck terror into the popuace. For
one instant they hestatcd but for instant only
Up the long avenue, TO where it turned to the left,
they beheld the gitterng lines Of cavalry advancing
at n galop, each file Wheeling round continuously as
ifcountess numbers yet remained behind, and at tho
sight, the stoutest hearts gave way The cry, "hy
for your ves,'' every hand, md darling in
to the bye-streets or rushing headong down the main
thoroughare the mob dispersed with the rapidity of
magic. By the time the leader Of the cavalry had
come the street empty.
Throwing his proud stced back on his launches as
he reached the guard, the commander of the cohort
addressed his brother officer.
"We were just in time, see. heard, on land
ing that there a riot in the city, and the cnuse,
and galloped at once thither. We are to-day come
from Italy; and bring important news. Dioclctlan
is Dead and the prosecutions against the Christians
are to be stopped. 1t is we'll wo came up as we
did"
He would have spoken further, but at this instant
his attention was arrested by shrek from the prs-
oner and the mention Of his name. He turned
quickly around, and for the first time his eyes fell
on the maiden. Quick as lightning he leaped from
his horse Aingng the bride the nearest bystander
and rushed towards her.
"Jular "Antony!'' were the mutual EXPLANATIONS
of the lovers they fell into each others arms for
was the Numidian hunter, risen to high rank,
who had thus OPPORTUNITY arrived to rescue his mis-.
tress.
Language would be too weak to describe that meet
ing. In haste the lover ordered chariot to he