He dashed into the midst of his band and raised his hand, exclaiming:
“Break up your bivouac! Boots and saddles! A squadron of the enemy’s cavalry are out in search of us, and they have struck our trail!”
A yell of defiance responded to this announcement, as the men all started to go in search of their horses, which were left tied in the pine woods.
A few men, however, remained, guarding the prisoners.
“Leave these people to find their way home as they can! We cannot be encumbered with them! And Mutchison! seize that girl and bring her along after me! that girl in the claret-colored dress!” cried Goldsborough.
“Claret?” repeated Mutchison, looking around in perplexity; for he was very considerably “fuddled.”
“Seize the girl in the red stuff gown, and bring her after me!” cried Goldsborough, as he turned and rode off.
“Oh!” exclaimed Mutchison.
And without more ado he pounced upon Elfie, threw her over his great shoulders and bore her off, she screaming and struggling violently, in the direction taken by Goldsborough.
Little Mim sprang instantly to the rescue, gave chase, overtook the giant, and attempted to stop him by seizing his leg. The act nearly threw the guerrilla down, but he quickly recovered himself, whirled around, and with the iron handle of his sword aimed a blow on the head of Mim, which struck the little hero, bleeding and senseless, to the ground.