Hastening on, Ernshaw wished only to meet with his men. Whether or no there was pursuit, he could not, as yet, tell; but this he felt assured of: once with his company, he would not be afraid to turn and face any force that would be sent for his capture, or rather for the recapture of John Vale. With the first flush of early light, came to the ears of the flying the sounds of pursuit. The company of Reginald rode hard, and a company of fifty horsemen, going at full speed, made no slight noise.
“They come!” cried Ernshaw, as he heard the sounds.
Kate said nothing, but clung tighter to her brother.
“Let them come,” responded Hunt. “Another mile will see us in safety, unless some unforeseen accident may chance to occur. Five minutes’ riding should bring us to the brigade, and with the start which we have, they can not come up with us in that time.”
“On! on!” exclaimed Vale; and in silence the flight was continued.
The sounds behind became more distinct, as more brightly the morning broke above them. On the brow of a hill, Hunt turned partly round and glanced behind. Half a mile away he could distinguish the forms of horsemen riding recklessly on, gaining at almost every stride. Ten minutes more, at the pace they were going, would bring them within pistol-shot distance. Would that ten minutes bring them to Ernshaw’s brigade?
Down the hill Simon spurred his horse, the others keeping close company; but the animal which John Vale bestrode was beginning to lag, for it carried double weight.
“Thank Heaven! we are safe!” exclaimed Hunt; and “Safe!” ejaculated Ernshaw, as, at the distance of but a few hundred yards, a dozen of the patriot troopers could be seen standing by the sides of their saddled steeds. A wild hurrah burst from these men as they saw their captain and his friend appear, all unharmed. At the cheer, from the wood which stood by the road-side, or rather through which the road passed, a score or more of men emerged and joined their shouts with those of their comrades. A moment more and the four were in the midst of the patriot brigade.
Forty hands were stretched out toward Nathaniel and Vale, and forty lips clamored forth congratulations.
“I accept your congratulations,” said Nat, “but this is no time for words. Hard behind me rides a large force of British dragoons. They may outnumber us by ten or a dozen men, but we can easily crush them at a blow. What say ye, men? Shall we fight or retreat?”