The Forrest City times., 1899-11-03

tney had no other alternative, and hur- rying to the rendezvous, every man armed himself to await events.
 As Dougal Mackenzie entered the hut where Lindsay and Margaret had pre- ceded him he called out:
 Reach me down my sword, good daughter. With this weapon" he con- tinued, did my father slay five men as they sought to enter his home, and we'll and brave did he fight until the long, bearded Dalyell cleft his skull in twain. May my hand prove no disgrace to the hilt that was once clasped by one so firm"
 Coming out of the hut he waved his hand to the people and cried: Let us pray to the almighty disposer of events, that He may fight in our cause"
 The people reverently knelt while their pastor invoked aid from on high.
 It was a strange sight to see those men and women gathered there in the gloaming, the former with stern faces and uncouth weapons, the latter with pale and anxious looks. The pastor and elders encouraged the people to stand firm and trust in the might of the Lord.
 In the short period allotted them be- fore the appearance of the foe they made such disposition for defense as they were best able. Several of the larger huts were torn down, and with the debris they formed a barricade in front of the cot where Dougal Maeken- zia had r,laaal tho ;.I almost at hand when the work was hastily completed, and not a moment too soon were they, for in the distance the troopers were seen coming, headed by the wild and goddess Bonshaw.
 Stand to your arms, brethren" cried the pastor, who seemed by common consent to take the direction of affairs. stand to your arms, and fear not what the unrighteous can do. Yield not one foot of ground to the unhallowed in- vaders. The Lord of Hosts is with us. He fighteth on the side of His servants. While one warm drop of blood remains in your hearts resist. Think of your wives and children, think of your reli- zion and your fame."
 Dougal Mackenzie was standing in the midst of his people grasping his sword, while he gazed into the distance with an eager and defiant look. He ap- peared positively heroic as he awaited the attack. deep consciousness that he was doing his duty in exhorting his flock to resistance caused everything like trepidation to leave his heart. He stood as firm as the hills, and when his people broke out with psalm a smile of joy illuminated his rugged face.
 On came the troopers, and they counted nearly double the number of the Covenanters, while their discipline gave them a great advantage over their foes.
 Bonshaw rode at the head, waving his hat in his usual reckless style, while his voice rang high as he cheered on his fol- lowers.
 ''There is little mercy in such lead err" exclaimed Elder McLane.
 "Who talks of mercy when mention ing the name of Bonshaw ?" responded Robert Lindsay. Did wonder wretch show mercy to my gallant father as he lay wounded and helpless on the earth ?'' And he ground his teeth bitterly as he recalled the dredful night when his home was laid in ashes and his father cold and stiff in death.
 Suddenly the troops dismounted and prepared for the assault.
 Charge the smooth-faced hypo- critics; down with the villains!" shout ed Bonshaw.
 Give the sons of Belial to the edge of the sword" cried the Covenanters. Kill and spare not"
 The next instant volley from the firearms rang out on the night air, and the troopers charged the barricade.
 Unaccustomed to military drill and discipline, the Covenanters were no match for Bonshaw's troopers, and yet they were not adversaries to be lightly despised. They were earnest men, sternly intent in doing that which was to them righteous and praiseworthy act.
 \ terrible volley was poured into the faces of the troopers as they dashed on the barricade. For an instant they wavered, and then with loud cheers they leaped upon the breastwork and were engaged in hand-to-hand com bat. Foremost among those who fought with desperation was Dougal Mackenzie. He appeared as if renewed in strength, and battled with so much courage for the old cause that few who met him could resist the nerve and fury of his arm. His right hand did not dis grace his fathers sword that night Neither was his young companion, Rob ert Lindsay, behind him in valorous ex- ploits. Twice did Lindsay cross swords with Bonshaw, and as often were they borne away from each other by the tide of contention. Both were wounded and conspicuous as they were in their bau aanh oil har xx-ith