As
the deceased was the immediate sentinel over the person of young
Wharton, and the other was not to be blamed for defending the horses,
which were more particularly under his care, his captain heard him with
uneasiness but without anger.
This intelligence made an entire change in the views of Major Dunwoodie.
He saw at once that his own reputation was involved in the escape of his
prisoner. The order to recall the guides was countermanded, and he now
joined his second in command, watching as eagerly as the impetuous
Lawton himself, for some opening to assail his foe to advantage.
But two hours before, and Dunwoodie had felt the chance which made Henry
Wharton his captive, as the severest blow he had ever sustained. Now he
panted for an opportunity in which, by risking his own life, he might
recapture his friend. All other considerations were lost in the goadings
of a wounded spirit, and he might have soon emulated Lawton in
hardihood, had not Wellmere and his troops at this moment crossed the
brook into the open plain.
"There," cried the delighted captain, as he pointed out the movement
with his finger, "there comes John Bull into the mousetrap, and with
eyes wide open."
"Surely," said Dunwoodie eagerly, "he will not deploy his column on that
flat.
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