In a few minutes after, Serjeant Higginbotham was in the presence of the pink of chivalry, Captain Stubbs. Having informed the latter briefly of the result of the pursuit, he added, that, when he was out, he had seen "something suspicious."
"What was it?" inquired Stubbs, in a tone and with a look of alarm.
"Why, sir," responded the serjeant, "a crowd of people assembled on the face of the hill where the fellow escaped us."
"The devil! Are they rebels, think you, serjeant?" said the captain, with increased perturbation.
"And, please your honour, I think as how there is no doubt of it," replied Higginbotham.
"In great force, you say, serjeant?" added Stubbs; "in overwhelming force—madness to attack them—you can depone on oath before a court-martial?"
"To be sure I can, sir," rejoined the former.
"That's a good fellow; order my horse to the door instantly, and let the men fall in."
These orders were immediately obeyed; and in the next instant Captain Stubbs appeared at the door.
"In what direction are these rascals?" he said, addressing the serjeant, as he was about to mount his charger.