Page:Tales of my landlord (Volume 3).djvu/62

 "I am not to be intimidated from the discharge of my duty by the menaces of a murderer," said Cornet Grahame.—"Hear me, good people; I proclaim, in the name of the King and of my commanding officer, full and free pardon to all, excepting"

"I give thee fair warning," said Burley, presenting his piece.

"A free pardon to all," continued the young officer, still addressing the body of the insurgents—"to all but"

"Then the Lord grant grace to thy soul—amen," said Burley.

With these words he fired, and Cornet Richard Grahame dropped from his horse. The shot was mortal. The poor young gentleman had only strength to turn himself on the ground and mutter forth, "My poor mother!" when life forsook him in the effort. His startled horse fled back to the regiment at the gallop, as did his scarce less-affrighted attendant.

"What have you done?" said one of Balfour's brother-officers.