I knew that grandfather's horse was a hardy, swift animal, and was therefore perplexed and troubled to see the others gain so rapidly on him. The cause was soon apparent. The pursuers in their eagerness to take him dead or alive, had discharged their pieces at random ; and before giving them time to reload, he slackened his horse's speed, and drawing his pistols from their holsters, took deliberate aim at the two foremost, and fired in quick succession. Both reeled in their saddles, and for a moment it was doubtful whether they could retain their seats.

Profiting by the confusion into which they were thrown, the rebel, as the)- called my husband, put spurs to his horse and again they began that fearful ride, the one urged by love of country, of family, and of life, the other by hatred and revenge. They soon passed entirely from sight ; but now and then a loud shout, and an occasional report, that was borne with great distinctness upon the frosty night air, assured me that the race was still kept up.

Two things, in a measure,' served to relieve my apprehension : the excellence of your grandfather's horse, and his own perfect knowledge of the country through which he must pass. But still, a chance shot might disable the horse, or wound him, and if he fell into their hands no mercy would be shown him.

But what a night that was to me ! I was alone with my children, without any protection save that which the house afforded, and that I knew to be but little, when these brutal men were around. They would stop at nothing to accomplish their purposes. If lock and bars offered an effectual resistance, they would not hesitate to burn.