And all save beardless Jamie turned to flee

For shelter from that steep, lead-harrowed slope.

Yet, hardly courage, but blind rage agrope

Inspired the foolish deed.

‘Twas then old Hugh

Tore off the gray mask, and the heart shone through.

For, halting in a dry, flood-guttered draw,

The trappers rallied, looked aloft and saw

That travesty of war against the sky.

Out of a breathless hush, the old man’s cry