"He broke down in the chase," replied the Skinner quickly; "but I can
tell you where one is to be found that is worth him and his sire."
"Liar! I will help myself when I am in need; you had better call upon
God for aid, as your hour is short." On concluding this consoling
advice, he struck the barrel a violent blow with his heavy foot, and the
slender staves flew in every direction, leaving the Skinner whirling in
the air. As his hands were unconfined, he threw them upwards, and held
himself suspended by main strength.
"Come, captain," he said, coaxingly, a little huskiness creeping into
his voice, and his knees beginning to shake with tremor, "end the joke;
'tis enough to make a laugh, and my arms begin to tire--I can't hold on
much longer."
"Harkee, Mr. Peddler," said the refugee, in a voice that would not be
denied, "I want not your company. Through that door lies your
road--march! offer to touch that dog, and you'll swing in his place,
though twenty Sir Henrys wanted your services." So saying, he retired to
the road with the sergeant, as the peddler precipitately retreated
down the bank.
Birch went no farther than a bush that opportunely offered itself as a
screen to his person, while he yielded to an unconquerable desire to
witness the termination of this extraordinary scene.
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