_The Conclusion_ I have no words--my voice is in my sword. Thou bloodier villain than terms can give thee out. _Shakespeare._ After finding themselves so thoroughly vanquished at every hand, the panic-stricken rebels fled in every direction, with the utmost precipitation. Their infantry fled into the thick adjoining woods, and thus made their way to the wide spreading prairie beyond, while their cavalry, taking advantage of a moment when the Body-guard were most busily engaged with the infantry lines, sped across an adjoining field, and were soon beyond the reach of danger. It was in consequence of the general confusion which ensued, that many of the most guilty and cowardly were enabled to effect their escape. This was especially the case with Branch. At the moment of the explosion under the gallows, he determined not to fight, but to effect his escape with his victims. He urged forward the frightened cattle attached to the cart which contained Alibamo and the inanimate form of Miss Hayward. He proceeded to the western side of the enclosure, and tearing away the high board fence, emerged into the street. Here he beheld the battle raging in the distance, but was too far from the scene to anticipate any particular danger. He opened the fence opposite the place from that which he had left the Fair-Ground, and, driving into a thick wood beyond, soon struck a narrow path, just large enough to admit the passage of the cart. Now for the first time he turned to Alibamo, and said: "What think you now, my fair one? Is Captain Branch foiled so easily?" Alibamo did not reply. She held the insensible form of Miss Hayward in her arms, and was striving in every possible way to restore her to consciousness. At length she said: "Branch, will you not pass me some water from that stream?" "Will you have it in my cap? It is the only thing in which I can convey it to you!" replied Branch. "No!" answered Alibamo. "Let us pause for a moment, and you can assist me in removing this dying maiden to the side of the stream. Perhaps the water, dripping cool and fresh upon her forehead will bring her back to consciousness." "I shall not pause," replied Branch, as he reached the maiden his cap, which he had filled with water. "You are a vile coward!" replied Alibamo. At this moment her eyes caught the glimpse of something moving among the thick brush near her. Alibamo gazed eagerly forward, as if endeavoring to satisfy herself, and then raising her voice so as to be distinctly heard by any person who might happen to be within several rods of her, she said: "It is true that you are _alone_, Branch. Here are only two women to oppose you, and one of them is entirely helpless! And yet you fear!" These words were scarcely spoken, when there was a rustling among the brush, and a dark form appeared. "No, I am _not_ alone," replied Branch. "Look!"