He lost not a moment in throwing himself upon the first steed he could find, and galloped at full speed upon the ice, in hopes of gaining the friendly shore of Cortland's Manor above the Croton, but as he attempted to pass the two royal officers, they rode out westerly and cut off his retreat. Odell now found that many of his compan-ions were endeavoring to secure their safety by following the route he had taken, while close behind them were DeLancey's dragoons in full career, pushing forward with execration and outcry. Not being certain whether the pursuers, in the heat of combat, would give quarter, and unwilling to be captured, he turned his horse's head to the west, and rode toward the middle of the Hudson river, where the channel still remained unfrozen, determined, if the enemy persevered in the chase, to plunge into the water and make for the opposite shore.

84 THE MCDONALD PAPERS Fortunately, the only refugees whose attention he had at-tracted were the two officers who had overtaken Williams, but these were instantly in full pursuit, and soon came up upon his right. Totten, who was nearest, approached and struck with his sword at momentary intervals, but his blows, somewhat awkwardly directed across his bridle arm, were readily parried by Odell, who constantly held his sabre at guard, contenting himself with remaining upon the defensive, and keeping both antagonists in view. At length Lieutenant-colonel Holmes was heard to exclaim: "Take care, Captain - he'll cut you," and immediately afterwards checked his speed, for the purpose of changing his position and of attack-ing the fugitive guide upon the left. Odell comprehended the manoeuvre at once, and seeing himself about to be as-sailed on both sides simultaneously, adopted the only expedi-ent now left for escape, and drawing rein with all his might, threw his horse almost upon his haunches at the very moment when Totten passed by.