Page:History of James Allan.pdf/12

 place, discovered that the deserter had lowered himself down, and escaped by a channel connected with the place. A party was immediately despatched to guard the outlet. In the meantime, Allan explored his way through a narrow nasty dark passage; and, after much struggling, and being nearly suffocated, he emerged from the disgusting channel, near to the Town Moor, where he hid himself among the furze. The bustle about the guard-house, and the search of the soldiers, attracted the attention of several people, who joined in the pursuit; and Jemmy was much alarmed by the near approach of his pursuers. At this critical moment, the corporal seized a townsman much like Allan in size and dress, and called for assistance. In an instant Jemmy sprung upon his legs, shouting louder than the rest, “Where is the rascal” The mistake was soon discovered, and Allan continued to appear anxious in the search; yet gradually moving away in a wider range, at length slipped off; and aided, by the darkness of the night, made good his escape. Allan not liking to appear in such a miserable plight among his friends, at Rothbury, found refuge with one of the faa-gang at Morpeth, and knowing he could trust his vagrant friends, they spent the day in drinking. Having got his clothes properly cleaned, at night he set off for Rothbury: and, with light step and joyful heart, he bounded over the dreary hills of Rimsice Moor: and though it was mid-night when he reached his native place he could not forbear visiting his favourite haunts.

The news of his arrival spread like wild-fire through the little town of Rothbury; and, surrounded by his old friends, he had the satisfaction of again tuning his elegant small pipes, the gift of the Countess of Northumberland, which he valued so highly, that for fear of accident, he had left them with a gentleman; but having got possession of them once more, he determined never again to part with them. While thus happy among his old cronies, a secret message was forwarded to Newcastle: the colonel of the regiment immediately dispatched a trusty sergeant, and five men of courage, to apprehend this daring deserter. The party reached Rothbury in the afternoon; Allan was playing at cards, when a boy standing at the window cried out, “What fine soldiers