The Spy; A Tale of the Neutral Ground (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 Excerpt: ...none of the disciplinarians began to count urivJ they had tried their whips by a dozen or more blows, by the way, as they said themselves, of finding out the proper places to strike. As soon as this summary operation was satisfactorily completed, Lawton directed his men to leave the skinners to replace their own clothes, and to mount their harses, for they were a party who had been detailed for the purpose of patrolling lowei down in the county. "You see, my friend," said the captain to th leader of the skinners, after he had prepared himself to depart, " I can cover you to some purpose when necessary. If we meet often, you will be covered with scars, which, if not very honourable, will, at least, be merited." The fellow made no reply, but was busy with his musket, and hastening his comrades to march; when, every thing being ready, they proceeded sullenly towards some rocks, at no great distance, which were overhung by a deep wood. The moon was just rising, and the group of dragoons could easily be distinguished where they had been left. Suddenly turning, the whole gang levelled their pieces and drew the triggers. The action was noticed, and the. snapping of the locks was heard by the soldiers, who returned theii futile attempt with a laugh of derision, the captain crying aloud--"Ah rascals, I know you, and have taken away your flints." u You should have taken away the one in my pocket too," shouted the leader, tiring his gun in the next instant. The bullet grazed the ear oi Lawton, who laughed as he shook his head, and said, "a miss was as good as a mile." One of the diagoons had noticed the preparations of the skinner--who had been left alone by the rest of his ang, as soon as they had made their abortive atte...