Year: 1860

on, my boys-close column. Burning eyes,
eager hands, brave hearts that wins the day


Bowen smiled grimly, but his encourage
ment was ali action his voice was now sell
dom heard, save in the din of battle, in
high and stern command.


Thanks to Hardy's delay at the Mansion
House, they were enabled to get beyond
the crossing of the creek before his troops
reached it. Posting his men in the thick
woods on the opposite side, Bowen waited
the approach of the enemy.


wait till you see them in the middle OF
the stream he whispered, his eyes flashing
with terrible joy; 'let every one pick out
his man, take sure aim, fire and charge =
Presently, unhapprehensive Of danger, the
troop came in sight, scattering up and down
the stream in order to water their horses.
Mounted on strong and fiery charger, in
the centre of the troop, Davie was riding
behind Hercules of trooper Graham
and Mr. Willoughby, on their own horses,
were little apart, and were quietly waiting
for the summons to move on.


That fellow who has charge of the Ma
jor, is mine,' said Bowen, his voice trem'
bling in eagerness. ..


sAre you all ready? Sure and steady
then Fire R5he thundered and every crack
sent death messenger. Hercules tumbled
from his horse-there was no time for an
other load.


'Chargep shouted Bowen. A deafenine
bray from the impromptu bugle seemed, in
deed, sufficient to raise the dead with its
discordant notes, and ere they could recov
er the panic, the surprise, and the terrible
Yelling of those notes had thrown them into
Bowen was down on them, his men snatch
ing the muskets that had fallen from the
hands Of the slain, or clubbing their guns,
giving with furious strokes, the final blow


Kill the prisoner. Don't let him escape,
shouted Hardy, rushing on Davie, who had
been almost borne down by his falling
guard, and was now striving to catch the
bride which the dying man still clutched
But Graham was by his side, and dashing
up the descending sword, said


you must not and shall not kill him, and
he incapable of defence. I will save him
from murder, if my life pays the forfeit
Think of saving your men and less of your
private malice. What madness is thisT


On them, lads, on them,' bravely shout
ed Bowen, dashing into their midst. Strike
for the Major. Another blow and we have
him God bless you, Major! he cried,
springiug to his side and placing in his
hands his own sword.


We've got him boys he shouted Now
charge the red coat villians-rein up, or
6re!' he cried, as those who could escape
the carnage bounded away.


Hold Bowen. Spare him ! said Davie
trembling for the safety of the friend, who
had so generously interposed for his life.


Bowen reluctantly dropped his musket.


For your sake, Major; but we'll have
a dash attheir leader And rising in his stir.
rups, he waved his sword in fiery circles as
in his charging voice, he thundered to his
boys to follow.


Rescue Mr.. Willougbby, if you can,
said Davie, dashing after, suddenly espyine
him borne off by trooper who kept a de-
tanning hand on his bride.


But Sewer was before them all for Selim
was not easily distanced. His eye was on
Hardy, and the chase became close and
eager. Hardy's horse though strong and
powerful, was no match for selim, and
Sewer evidently gained upon him. On
they went, Gathering down the road, till
advancing in dangerous proximity to the
main army, Davies voice was heard in re-
CALL Reluctantly giving out all hope of
single hand encounter, Sewer urged his
noble horse to one more effort, and cheering
him with voice and spur, he gained on Har'
dy sufficiently to plunge his bayonet in his
back. The steel separated from the gun,
and with no time to extricate it, Hardy
galloped into camp. The wound was not
fatal, and the bayonet preserved its position
more from the sideling thrust which buried
it in bis thick military coat, than from any
deep wound. Sewer reluctantly turning
his horse, was soon rapidly seeking bis own
safety. The surprise had been so complete
that not mao of their little party had been
injured but dreading the alarm might bring
fresh troops after them, they did not draw
their rcins till distance made them feel Sc.
cure. Davie, however, released one of his
prisoners, in order to warn CORVALLIS to
bury the men that had fallen. Sewer, al
so insisted it was point of honor to recov'
er his bayonet, and finding the young trump
eter quite willing to act as messenger, he
dispatched him with flag to CORVALLIS,
demanding his property, and gravely assur'
ing him if it was not returned, he would take
means to avenge himself OF the atfront, and
six of his men should answer for it with
their lives. He would also beg leave to
refer him to Capt. Hardy, as one competent
to judge of the value and temper of the
metal. Hardy was furious at this absurd
and audacious message, and would have ia,
ken the life of the bold boy that dared to
carry it, but fortunately he being no favor,
ite, the English officers were disposed to
treat it as good joke, and CORVALLIS him
self, in view of the pretty trap his favorite
Tarleton was preparing for the imputent
rascals, good humoredly declared it should
be returned. Sewer received the weapon
without manifesting any surprise, and after
dressing the wounds of a poor fellow, who
was unable to keep up with them, he mount:
ed him on one of the captured horses and