"Nay--and I'm sure of nothing, dear. But why don't the boys prick their
horses and jog a trot? The mare is mighty un'asy, and it's no warm in
this cursed valley, riding as much like a funeral party as old rags is
to continental." [Footnote: The paper money issued by congress was
familiarly called continental money. This term "continental" was applied
to the army, the congress, the ships of war, and in short, to almost
everything of interest which belonged to the new government. It would
seem to have been invented as the opposite of the insular position of
the mother country.] "Fairly and softly, aye, and prudently, Mrs.
Flanagan; it's not rashness that makes the good officer. If we have to
encounter a spirit, it's more than likely he'll make his attack by
surprise; horses are not very powerful in the dark, and I have a
character to lose, good woman."
"Caractur! and isn't it caractur and life too that Captain Jack has to
lose!"
"Halt!" cried the sergeant. "What is that lurking near the foot of the
rock, on the left?"
"Sure, it's nothing, unless it be a matter of Captain Jack's sowl that's
come to haunt ye, for not being brisker on the march."
"Betty, your levity makes you an unfit comrade for such an expedition.
Advance, one of you, and reconnoiter the spot; draw swords!--rear rank,
close to the front!"
"Pshaw!" shouted Betty, "is it a big fool or a big coward that ye are?
Jist wheel from the road, boys, and I'll shove the mare down upon it in
the twinkling of an eye--and it's no ghost that I fear.
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