Seeing this, the rascal made a vicious cut at Barron's mount and almost hamstrung him, and then he dropped back while the poor animal hobbled ahead desperately for several minutes, and finally brought up dead lame. "That man will certainly prove he is equal to both of us," said Barron, "and put at variance all laws of heredity, if we don't do something to stop him." "It's a pity I didn't shoot him, for that was my last shot," I said. "Here he comes, and unless you can hold him in check until I get a charge into this pistol, we will indeed see Dunmore or the devil to-night." As I spoke the figure of the Corporal showed through the gathering darkness, coming along the edge of the road at a smart walk with his long sword in front of him. "You ride on ahead and let me settle with him," said Barron, quietly. "It is uncommon shameful to have to run from this vermin," I said, "but I had him at my mercy once and let him go." "So had he you, my boy," laughed Barron. It did seem hard to have to get away from this creature, the acknowledged offspring of a prostitute, but it was apparently certain death to face him. I strove to get a charge into one of my pistols, but by the time I had the powder in the barrel he was up with us. He saw what I was about and instantly started for me. And then, yes, I shall have to confess it, then I put spurs to my mount and went down that dark road as though thirty devils were at my heels. The corporal's long sword could not reach me, so he soon gave up the chase and turned his attention to Barron. In another minute my pistol was loaded and I was riding back again as fast as I could. Barron had dismounted and they had just begun a passage as I rode up. I was almost beside myself with rage and I rode close to the soldier to be certain of my aim. I meant to end matters and would run no risk at night, so I shot quick and sure for the centre of the man's body and had the satisfaction of seeing him double up and drop in the roadway. Barron stooped over him and picked up his long straight sword. He looked at it for a moment and then passed it to me. It was a very heavy weapon and as sharp as a razor. "Come," said Barron, "let us carry him into the bushes and go ahead." The form of the soldier moved slightly as he spoke. "I thought you killed him," he continued, and he sprang forward with his sword drawn back for a final thrust. "Hold on!" I cried, "he's dead unless made of iron," and I jumped down from my horse and bent over the fallen man just as he started to raise himself. "His belt! Quick!" I cried, and I grasped him around the body with all my strength. Before he fully realized what was taking place, we had his elbows lashed fast behind him and I had a chance to find out why he not was dead.