Page:Wonderful magazine of strange adventures, singular occurrences, and remarkable incidents.pdf/11

 bread and cheese, and a sword to protect himself. At midnight the door flew open, and in stalked three figures dressed so as to appear like devils; they walked round the room to try to intimidate the soldier, but the old veteran, who had never feared to oppose an enemy, was not to be panic-struck, but broke silence, and accosted them in these words:—"You, Mr Devils, if one of you lays a hand upon that body, I will cut it off." After some time, one more courageous than the rest seized upon the feet of the corpse, and another took hold of the head: the soldier made a chop at the hand of the first, and nearly cut off his arm; the other he wounded on the shoulder; a scuffle ensued; but in a short time the DEVILS disappeared, leaving a large quantity of blood behind them, which showed that they were human. The next day the family waited on the praefect, and related to him this strange circumstance, when he sent for the priest who had refused to give EXTREME UNCTION. The priest returned for answer, that he was unwell, and could not attend him; after several messengers had been despatched, without success, to inform him HE MUST COME, a guard of soldiers was sent, who brought him up, and he proved to be the very devil whom the old soldier had cut across the arm!

Kennedies, two common thieves, took the young Pretender under their protection, and kept him with faith inviolable, notwithstanding they knew an immense reward was offered for his head.