The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-01-06


theory.
We had now skirtsd rouud the edge OF the
copse, and speaking in u low whisper, Jack
said: "We'll get over the hedge here. and
beat through the cover" saying which no
gave spring and leaped over the ditch.
There was rustic and cracking sort of
crash. and then the squires yoics gave utter
ance to something that sounded uncommonly
like an imprecation.
Whats wrong2" whispered.
"0h, hang IT," growled Jack.
"Well. what is it?'' | reiterated.
"Oh, come over; I'm staked -
I went over. but in slower and more eau
tious manner, and found that my friends
person and clothes had somewhat suffered
for he had jumped upon hedge stake; and
we had 20 spend FIVE minutes at least in ~
pair of damages by tearing up our pocket
handkerchief and binding up tho auttering
trowser to his sacrificed leg.
At last we set of again, the squire leading
the way. and stopping to listen every few
minutes after about quarter OF an hour
ramble up and down the narrow paths, prick
ing my legs. tripping over roots, and getting
smacks in the face from the rebounding hazel,
Jack turned round to me and said, They're
gone, Bob"
a very good job. too" said I. for folt
excessively crusty, and wished myself back
by the fire.
"Humph," said Jack.
Presently the squire tripped up, and went
sprawling in among the bushes. / helped
him to pick himself up, and we were both
muttering anathemas upon the darkness when
we heard sharp crack as Of a dead branch
snapped by passing footstep, and then tho
rustling OF the underwood as though some
body were forcing way through.
Now. Bob" said my friend, as, turning
in the direction Of the sound, he CROPPED his
way on.
Iwished myself anywhere but where was,
but there was nothing else tor it, so pushed
on after him, fully determined to have the
FIRST cut at anybody met. had but little
| time for thought, for there was scufile,
oaths, blows, and then great brute Of u fel-
low came at me like bull. There was no
stopping for conversation, and following out
my prcconceiyed determination, hit at him
and the bludgeon came down "thug" upon
the fellows shoulder. He roared out an
oath. and in moment my left arm fell
numbed to my side, all thoughts Of coward
ice vanishing with the pain. hit at him,
single stick fashion, and it was give and take
with us for the next five minutes. The iel-
low must had an iron scull. for | know j
brought him over it five times, and in return
received several nasty blows and cut on the
forehead, from which comfortable warm
stream began to flow. Just in the height OF
the conflict heard some one come blowing
and painting behind me. and dreading new
enemy. made u desperate cut ut my adver-
sary believe the blow fell upon his hand,
for his bludgeon dropped, and with sort of
howl he turned and fled just as the squire
came lImping up.
"The feds ours. but it's no use to follow
them, Bob" said he; "they know the coun-
try and what with that cursed hedge-stake,
aud the scutfle I've had, I'm about done up"
$50 am l." said |, mechanically putting
my hands in my pOckest and leaning against
n tree. "I've had fellow like q mad bull to
deal with. How have you Jared ?"
"Don,t ask" growled Jack, "I'm half
killed"
As we spoke one Of my hands came in
contact with powder flask; but the other
Jared better, for drew out my little leather
covered flask. which always ill before start
Ing out on any excursion, and on shaking 1t
found to my delight that il was half full.
"Here, old boy, take pull, said l, passing
the flask.
"Ha !" said the squire, drawing long
breath; that's like new life. What do you
say to pursuit, Bob?'
| / was too busy with the flask to answer at
once. hut when ut liberty returned decid-
cd negative. (which Is the nearest cut
hone?' I said, giving u species of grcan
with the pain was suffering.
"You seem bad, Bob; suppose we try
little more brandy. Now, follow me-" said
the squire; and he led on, but very slowly,
for We limpcd over the ground at very dit
ierent rate from which we came.
There was very little conversation till we
reached the house. my friend merely express
ing his wonder ut what the fellows had dons
with their guns. We went round to the
back entrance, and quietly entered the dining
room, SO as not to alarm the ladies'. The
butler stared at us with astonishment, ana
the same performance was reciprocated be-
tween ourselves. The squire was q perfect
scarecrow-G,ce torn, mouth bleeding, and
with one eye closed; and upon consulting
the glass found that | was in no better
plight. Glasses were sent for; and after the
decanter had passed twice-Thomson keep.
ing watch outside, that we might not be dis
covered by the occupants OF the drawing
room-Jack stretched out his hand, squeezed
mine and said, bob, old fellow, you are q
trump ..I..t..
I Saying which, We rose and were about to
adjourn to our rooms, when we heard voices
in the passage. and directly after, Thomson
pushed in his head with "Here's Jones and
the watcher. sir; they have just had q fray
with poachers"
"And got them p said the squire. .-.
! "Aud wants To SEQ you about going to the
magistrates. They have got It horful bad,
sirW
"Show 'em in" said his master. n
There was at once great deal OF shoe
rubbing. coughing and shutting. and then
in came Mr.. Jones the keeper. and the watch.
er. The latter gentleman had both eyes
nearly closed up, fearful cut across the
bridge of his nose. and q tooth knocked out.
Jones was all whiskers and blue handkerchief,
for his head was swathed in bandages, in ad-
dition to which. he carried his right arm in
sling. GOO. ,
The two men stood and stared, or tried to
stare nj US for few moments, when the
SQUIRE broke out, ''Lori bless my soul !! where
did this happen? Tho scoundrels arc out in
force to night. Here, my lads, have glass
Of wine"