The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1890-06-01
CHAPTER XVI.
THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD HEATH.

THE BATTLE OF STAMFORD HEATH
Night came, and found US but midway be-
tween Temple and Launceston; for though
my comrade stepped briskly beside me, twas
useless to put Molly beyond walk; and. be-
sides, the mare was new from her days Jour
ney. This troubled me the less by reason of
the moon now almost at the full, and the
extreme whiteness of the road underfoot, so
that there was no fear of going astray. And
Billy engaged that by sunrise we should be in
sight of the kings troops.
Nay, Jack" he said, when by signs 1 Of
fered him to ride and tie; never rode o.
horseback but once, and that 'pon Parson
Splnks his red mare at Bideford. Parson i
those days was courtin' the widow Hambly,
over to Torrington; an l, that wanted to
fare to Barnstaple, spent that mornin' an
better part O. tn afternoon clawin off Tor
rlngton. And tn end was the larboard hall
yards broke, an the mare jibed an to Tor
rlngton Invent before the wind, VIII an I'M
seemly bloody nose. 'Ludr cries the widow.
It's the wrong man 'pon the right horse'
Pardon, mistress says l, the man is well
enow, but pom the wrong horse, for sure'"
We had some trouble at Launceston gate
where were few burgers posted for SEN
tries, and, as could see, ready to take fright
at their own shadows. But Billy gave the
watchword c'One and all'1, and presently
they let us through. As we passed along the
street we marked light in every window
almost, though twas near midnight; and the
people moving about behind their curtains.
There were groups, too, in the dark door
ways, gathered there discussing, that eyed us
as we went by, and answered Billy's Good
night, honest men!' very hoarse and doubt
fully
But when we were beyond the town, and
between hedges again, think l must have
dozed off in my saddle. For, though this was
road full of sharp memories, being the last
had Travelled with Della, have no remem-
brance to have felt them; or, indeed, of not
ing aught but the fresh night air, and the
constellation of the Bear blazing ahead, and
Bllly's voice resonant beside me-
And after this can recall passing the tower.
of Markham church, with the paling sky be-
hind it and some birds chattering in the
carved courses; and soon, it seemed, felt
Billy's grip on my knee. and opened my eyes
to see his finger pointing.
We stood on a ridge above a hollow vale
into which the sun, though now bright, did
not yet pierce, but passing over to high.
OOhiCeli ILL DSyOuu, SLIObe IeVel on line after
line of white tents-the prettiest sightl Twas
the enemy there encamped on the top and
some way down the sides, the smoke of their
trampled watch fires still curling among the
gorse bushes. | heard their trumpets calling
and drums beating to arms; for though,
glancing back at the sum- L judged it to be
hardly past in the morning, yet already the
slopes We're moving like an ant hill-the regi-
ments gathering, arms flashing, horsemen
galloping to and fro and the captains shout
ing their commands In the distance this
had sweet and cheerful sound, no more dis
quoting than pillow boy calling to his team.
Looking down into the valley at our feet,
at first saw no sign of our own troops-only
the roofs of little town, with overmuch
smoke spread above it, like morning mist
But here also l heard the church bells clash
ing and drum beating, and presently spied
CLEAN of arms down among the trees. and
then regiment of foot moving westward
along the base of the hill. Twas evident the
battle was at hand, and we quickened ourI
pace down into the street.
1t lay on the slope, and midway down we
passed some watch fires burned out; and then
soldier or two running and fastening their
straps; and last little child, that seemed wild
with the joy of living amid great events, but
led US pretty straight to the sign of 1.-THE
Tree" which indeed was the only tavern.
1t stood some way back from the street
with great elm before the porch, where by
table sat two men, with tankards beside
them, and a small company OF grooms and
soldiers standing roul>1. Both men were
more than ordinary tall and soldier like; only
the bigger wore a scarlet cloak, very richly
laced, and was shouting orders to his men;
while the other dressed in plain buff suit and
jack boots, had a map spread before him,
which he studied very attentively, writing
therein with quill pen.
What plague have we here2" cries the
big man as we drew up
Recruits, if it please you, sir" said I, dis
mounting and pulling off my hat, though his
insolenr tone offended me