The Virginia horse will soon make the county too hot to
hold us."

" I'll have his blood," muttered the leader, " if I die for
it the next instant."

" Oh, you are very valiant here, in the wood," cried the



THE spy. 239

other, with a savage laugh; "why did you, who boast so
much of your aim, miss your man, at thirty yards?"

" 'Twas the horseman that disturbed me, or I would have
ended this Captain Lawton on the spot ; besides, the cold
had set me a-shivering, and I had no longer a steady hand."

" Say it was fear, and you will tell no lie," said his com-
rade with a sneer. " For my part, I think I shall never be
cold again ; my back burns as if a thousand gridirons were
laid on it."

"And you would tamely submit to such usage, and kiss
the rod that beat you?"

" As for kissing the rod, it would be no easy matter.
