Beadle's Dime Novels No. 13 — page 86: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

88 . CEDAR SVAMP; OR, WILD NAT’S BRIGADE, more then ten minutes’ start had the patriots—and fairly flying in the pursuit came the British captain, his heart wild with rage and a burning desire to wreak its revenge. That blow burned upon his forehead like fire; his prisoned bird, caught with so much care and money, again was free—the thought of these awoke all the mad energy of his wicked nature. He would have the fugitives, or die ! 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 fly- ing 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 usin 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 reck- lessly 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 Ern- shaw’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 comliiclbooks.com