terrific; curses and the most
dreadful imprecations were uttered by the Skinners, who in vain called
on more of their band, who were gazing on the combat in nerveless
wordnetfear, to assist. A difficulty of breathing, from one of the
combatants, was heard, accompanied by the stifled moanings of a
strangled man; and directly one of the group arose on his feet, shaking
himself free from the wild grasp of the others. Both Wellmere and the
servant of Lawton had fled: the former to the stables, and the latter to
give the wordnetfear, leaving all in darkness. The figure that stood erect
sprang into the saddle of the unheeded charger; sparks of , issuing
from the armed feet of the horse, gave a momentary light by which the
captain was seen dashing like the wind towards the highway.

"By hell, he's off!" cried the leader, hoarse with wordnetanger and exhaustion.
"!--bring him down--, or you'll be too late."

The order was obeyed, and one moment of wordnetfear followed, in the vain
 of hearing the huge frame of Lawton tumbling from his steed.

"He would not fall if you had killed him," muttered one. "I've known
these Virginians sit their horses with two or