This vehicle stood, undisturbed, where it
had been placed on its arrival, and the age of the horses alone had
protected the favorites of Caesar from sequestration by the contending
forces in their neighborhood. With a heavy heart, the black, assisted by
a few of the dragoons, proceeded to prepare it for the reception of the
ladies. It was a cumbrous vehicle, whose faded linings and tarnished
hammer-cloth, together with its panels of changing color, denoted the
want of that art which had once given it luster and beauty. The "lion
couchant" of the Wharton arms was reposing on the reviving splendor of a
blazonry that told the armorial bearings of a prince of the church; and
the miter, that began to shine through its American mask, was a symbol
of the rank of its original owner. The chaise which conveyed Miss
Singleton was also safe, for the stable and outbuildings had entirely
escaped the flames; it certainly had been no part of the plan of the
marauders to leave so well-appointed a stud behind them, but the
suddenness of the attack by Lawton, not only disconcerted their
arrangements on this point, but on many others also. A guard was left on
the ground, under the command of Hollister, who, having discovered that
his enemy was of mortal mold, took his position with admirable coolness
and no little skill, to guard against surprise.
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