Page:Tales of my landlord (Volume 4).djvu/73

 Barlay and Marton were both hurried off the field by the confused tide of fugitives. They made some attempt to defend the streets of Hamilton; but, while labouring to induce the flyers, to face about and stand to their weapons, Burley received a ballot which broke his sword-arm.

"May the hand be withered that shot the shot!" he exclaimed, as the sword which he was waving over his head fell powerless to his side. "I can fight no longer."

Then turning his horse's head, he retreated out of the confusion. Mortan too now saw that the continuing his unavailing efforts to rally: the flyers could only end in his own death or captivity, and, followed by the faithful Cuddie, be extricated himself from the press, and, being well mounted, leaped his horse over one or two enclosures, and got into the open country.