The Major's eyes flashed as we told the story and his hand went nervously to his sword hilt. "I didn't hit him hard enough," he said fiercely, when we had told of the actions of the soldiers at the Hall. While we continued speaking, we were interrupted by an uproar which arose from the street beyond the college, and on looking in that direction from which the sounds proceeded we suddenly saw the figure of a man, covered completely from head to foot with feathers, come running along the pavement towards us. Behind him came a howling mob, armed with every conceivable sort of weapon, and they pressed closely upon the runner's heels. The fugitive stopped suddenly in front of me and spoke out-- "If you'll give me that sword of mine for a few minutes, I think I might show these fools the absurdity of playing their infernal games upon one of his Majesty's soldiers," he said coolly, and I instantly recognized the voice of the corporal who had engaged us so hotly the day before. He was almost completely hidden under his coat of tar and feathers, and the only part of his face visible was his nose and eyes. Barron and the Major burst into uncontrollable laughter, in which I joined. But the man's tormentors were upon him before I had even time to consider his proposition. They surrounded him and began prodding him with sticks and bayonets, shouting and jeering in derision. Bullbeggor was the first of us to recover himself. He drew his sword and struck his spurs into his powerful mare, making her spring forward through the crowd. He knocked down several men in his path and reined up alongside the prisoner. "Disperse!" he roared. "Break away!" And he struck some of the men nearest him with the flat side of his blade. Barron and I spurred forward and joined him, for the natives were waxing furious at this interruption and I noticed one man bringing his musket to his shoulder. The Major saw the fellow in time to avert disaster, and he leaned forward and smote the weapon so strongly that it fell from the scoundrel's hands. Then we closed around the prisoner with our swords sweeping at arm's length, and the Major thundered forth orders for the men to disperse, threatening them with all sorts of military punishments if they did not. But these wild men had no idea of discipline, and feared nothing, so they still crowded sulkily around us, brandishing their weapons and cursing us heartily for interfering with their sport. The uproar had been heard at headquarters, and Colonel Henry appeared on the verandah accompanied by Colonel Bullet, Woodford, and some other officers. Colonel Woodford roared out orders, and some of the men about us turned to see who our new ally was. Then they suddenly recognized Patrick Henry, as he stood there in his waistcoat on the verandah.