"
"Let me down, I say," screamed Katy; "I shall fall and be killed.
Besides, I have nothing to hold on with; my arms are full of valuables."
"True," returned the trooper, observing that he had brought bundle and
all from the ground. "I perceive that you belong to the baggage guard;
but my sword belt will encircle your little waist, as well as my own."
Katy was too much pleased with this compliment to make any resistance,
while he buckled her close to his own herculean frame, and, driving a
spur into his charger, they flew from the lawn with a rapidity that
defied further denial. After proceeding for some time, at a rate that a
good deal discomposed the spinster, they overtook the cart of the
washerwoman driving slowly over the stones, with a proper consideration
for the wounds of Captain Singleton. The occurrences of that eventful
night had produced an excitement in the young soldier, that was followed
by the ordinary lassitude of reaction and he lay carefully enveloped in
blankets, and supported by his man, but little able to converse, though
deeply brooding over the past. The dialogue between Lawton and his
companion ceased with the commencement of their motions, but a footpace
being more favorable to speech, the trooper began anew:
"Then, you have been an inmate in the same house with Harvey Birch?"
"For more than nine years," said Katy, drawing her breath, and rejoicing
greatly that their speed was abated.
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