Page:The Partisan (revised).djvu/47

 gathered in his eyes, and with a bitter emphasis, though in low tones, as if he felt all the shame of his acknowledgment, he replied&mdash;

"God help me, but I did! I was one of those who took a protection. Here it is&mdash;here's the paper. Here's where I sold my country, and put myself down in black and white, to be beaten like a dog with hickories. But it's not too late; and look you, stranger, I believe you're true blue, but if you aint, why it's all the same thing&mdash;I care not&mdash;you may go tell quick as you please; but I will break the bargain."

"Ha!&mdash;speak!" and the form of the stranger was advanced and his eyes dilated, as he watched the earnest glow in every feature of his companion.

"By tearing up the paper: see,"&mdash;and, as he spoke, he tore into small bite the guaranty of British protection, which, in common with most of his neighbours, he had been persuaded to accept from the commandant for his security, and as a condition of that return, which he pledged, at the same time, to his duty and his allegiance.

"Your life is in my hands," exclaimed his companion, deliberately. "Your life is in my hands."

"Take it!" cried the countryman, and he threw himself upon his guard, and while his right hand threw up the cudgel which he carried, the fingers of his left clutched fiercely and drew forth the hunting knife which was concealed in his bosom. His small person, slight but active, thrown back, every muscle in action and ready for contest; his broad-brimmed white hat dashed from his brow; his black, glossy hair dishevelled and flying in the wind; lips closely compressed, while his deep, dark eye shot forth fires of anger, fiercely enlivening the dusky sallow of his cheek&mdash;all gave to him a most imposing expression of animated life and courage in the eye of his companion.

"Take it&mdash;take the worthless life!" he cried, in low but emphatic accents. "It is worthless, but you will hev' to fight for it."

The other regarded him with a look of admiration sobered into calm.

"Your life is in my hands, but it is safe. God forbid, Master Davis," said he, with solemnity, "God forbid that I should assail it.