pt from the common weakness. He, however,
thought it incumbent on him to disclaim the dignity, to which Primus
answered, that if he were not a Squire he ought to be, and would be
next year.

A tall figure, which, from the gait and dress, appeared to be that of
Holden, was now seen approaching deliberately in the moonlight, and
the constable addressed himself to the performance of his duty. It was
thought best to allow the fugitive to pass the cabin, so that in the
event of an attempt at evasion, which was not anticipated indeed, but
which the prudent General thought ought to be guarded against, the
difficulty of escape might be greater. As the man advanced, the
constable was certain it was Holden. There was the long beard falling
on his breast, and the grey frock girt with a sash; and had not the
cap been pulled down low over his forehead, even the features might
have been distinguishable.

After the person had passed, Basset cautiously opened the door and
quietly stole after him, but, in spite of every precaution, it was
impossible to move without making a sound on the crisp snow, easily
heard in the still night. The person heard it, and turning his head,
beheld the constable two or three rods in the rear. Basset observing
him look round, quickened his pace, and advanced confidently to make
the capture; but in the same proportion the figure hastened his steps.
Thereupon the constable increased his speed, in which he was imitated
by the other, until both pursuer and pursued were in a run.

It was now who should run the fastest. The race had hitherto been
in the road, and Basset was evidently gaining on the fugitive, when,
turning short, the latter jumped over some bars which had been left
down, and directed his course across a field. The constable's blood
was up, and without hesitation, he followed, every moment lessening
the distance between himself and the chase. He could not help, as he
ran, wondering at the agility of Holden, from whom, on account of his
seeming age, he had not anticipated such activity, and ascribed it
now to his greater length of limb, and habit of constant exercise and
exposure. And now he was within a few feet of him, and extending his
arm to place his hand on the captive's shoulder, when suddenly the
ground gave way under his feet, and he was precipitated to an unknown
depth, while the snow came tumbling down upon his head, blinding and
covering him up, so as to leave him at first in total d