cincts of the Fort; often traversing with his suite the spacious strand, while the advancing tide left upon his charger's rapid hoof its glittering traces. Protected by the ocean, if danger from the rebels was to be apprehended, it came but from the distant land, where not unfrequently were discerned an assembled few, in secret converse, but too weak or irresolute to make any attack, beyond their reach and artful stratagems as was the General.
Sometimes, however, to decoy him nearer and throw him off his guard, they cunningly sheltered themselves beneath the furze, brambles, or fences that lay beside the pathway; some more deeply malignant, and treacherously intent upon their purpose, tossing their hats in the air, might be heard to cry, "Long live the General! huzza!" Thus, as carnivorous vultures watch to englut their prey, the rapacious rebels enjoyed a savage delight in the hope of ensnaring him, whose head once severed would become a prize of such high value, and who, brave to excess and devoid of all personal fear, was often seen in advance, boldly and incautiously outriding his companions—sometimes even approaching within the boundary where the assassin meditated his villainous aim.
And wherefore lie skulking in ambush? Why, when so desperately sanguine, did not these bravos
