Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/288

272 and there await the coming of his allies, and Robert concluded that the other expected forces had not as yet arrived.

Almost mechanically he was moving with the men now, but the ever-present purpose to break away from them and strive to escape received a fresh impetus as he thought of the darkness among the great trees in the place to which they evidently were going.

Suddenly the peaceful scene was dispelled, and from the road behind them, from the woods, as well as from the road before them, arose shouts and shots, and almost as if they had sprung from the ground itself men appeared. Despite the sharp call of the lieutenant, who at first bravely stood his ground, the advancing little force of redcoats was thrown into confusion. The men scattered and fled, and the surprise and consternation were complete. But in whichever direction they turned, apparently enemies were there to meet them, and they were turned back only to try to escape by fleeing in another direction. But the shouts and the numbers of the attacking party increased with every passing moment.

Left to himself for the time, Robert Dorlon instantly made use of the unexpected opportunity to escape that had presented itself.