Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-08-08

was over, though he remained the last on
the field of battle, had directed his course
towards the South, for his home was in
Devon. Being one of Monmouth's prin-
cipal generals, he was regarded as rebel
of too great importance to be permitted
to escape; and the men now in pursuit
of him were soldiers belonging in King
James army.
Sir Basilstill bent over his saddle bow,
and piled the scourge and steel. The
fight was for life or death. Would that
the moon were not in Heaven! for dark
ness would have favored his escape. Must
he fall into the hands of those, his blood
thirsty enemies ?-his trusty steed had
borne him many mile, even before that
chase commenced. The animal painted
his eyes were blood-shot yet on he
strained and labored, as if conscious that
his masters safety depended upon his
speed. Why did he give that neigh
that shrill neigh of agony? 1t told that
his last effort had been made; yes, his
strength was gone; he could serve his
master no more; he staggered-sank
upon the heath-the generous beast was
dead? -
A savage and exulting shout broke
from the men as they witnessed the con-
dition of him whom they pursued. In a
moment they reined up their steeds by
his side, and ordered him In the kings
name, to yield himself prisoner. The
rebel general made no reply; but, having
cast plying look on the fallen horse,
he threw off his cloak and drew his sword.
His eyes shot fire, like that of the ensnared
tiger. He would repulse them both, or
perish! One of his adversaries was a
commissioned officer; but the appearance
of the other bespoke him a private SOL
der: both were robust men, so that little
probability existed of his being able to
prevail against them. They confronted
him at short distance, and the officer
after minutes pause, spoke in superci-
lious manner:-
/
"Fellow! why hast thou given us SC
much trouble !? Hadst thou quietly Weld
ed thyself prisoner, it would have been
better for thee. Marry, should be jus.
titled in shooting thee where thou dost
stand howbeit, / would bear the back tc
the kings army alive: wherefore, deliver
up that useless sword, and demean thy.
self peaceably." ~
"Come and take that useless sword ?
said Sir Basil Temple, haughtily.
"Why, braggart, thou will not surely
resist us? Thy pistols, it seems, for lacE
of ball, stand thee in no further service
We have still the means of blowing th1
brains out Lower thy sword Instant,
surrender Wilt not? Then Heav
en- assail thy soul Graham, irer'
They pulled the triggers ;-the repor
echoed around, yet Sir Basil did not fall
his agility had saved him; the momen
the weapons were leveled he stopped low
and springing forward, dashed his swor
at one of the men; thus the balls passe
over him, or did not strike a vital part
and he succeeded in entirely disabling th
most forminable of his enemies.
| He turned to confront his remainin
foe; but the officer of the king, thong
] valiant in words, was in act coward
{ great, therefore, was Sir Basils surpris
e to discover that he had mounted h
' horse, and was now securing over tn
a plain; the horse, also, which had b,
e longed 10 the fallen soldier, galloped a
# ter him. The rebel general was free !
2 But could he leave his wounded enem
+ beneath that inelement sky to bleed |
d death? No; he kindly supported hi
s and led his tottering steps towards ligh
r which, on their approach, was found |
e proceed from cottage window. Whetl
{. er the man were sensible of the generos
Z, ty shown him, did not appear; he spoil
: no word; but Sir Basil saw him sal
n within the warm and little domicil: the
I: knowing not whether himself to fly, f
r every man was now his foe, and his hon
. was yet many weary mile distant, ]
struck on foot across the barren moor.
, The mansion of Sir Basil Temple W
e. speedily in possession of the soldiery
ID the king, for his house was considered &
ir house of a rebel. And where was L
in late master? Not yet in the hands of /
enemies, he still wandered over the cou
ist try. His less fortunate companions
be arms, who had been captured, were dai
he undergoing the last penalty of the law,
" Dorchester, Taunton, and Exeter, for {
ite cruel Jeffreys, who had been comm
4 ~