[Micah Clarke by Arthur Conan Doyle]@TWC D-Link book
Micah Clarke

CHAPTER XV
8/25

Let us show the redcoats that we know how to use it.
"Who then dreads the violent, Or fears the man of pride?
Or shall I flee from two or three If He be by my side ?"' Seven score voices broke in, in a hoarse roar, upon the chorus-- 'Who then fears to draw the sword, And fight the battle of the Lord ?' I could well believe at that moment that the Spartans had found the lame singer Tyrtaeus the most successful of their generals, for the sound of their own voices increased the confidence of the country folk, while the martial words of the old hymn roused the dogged spirit in their breasts.
So high did their courage run that they broke off their song with a loud warlike shout, waving their weapons above their heads, and ready I verily believe to march out from their barricades and make straight for the horsemen.

In the midst of this clamour and turmoil the young dragoon officer, a handsome, olive-faced lad, rode fearlessly up to the barrier, and pulling up his beautiful roan steed, held up his hand with an imperious gesture which demanded silence.
'Who is the leader of this conventicle ?' he asked.
'Address your message to me, sir,' said our leader from the top of the waggon, 'but understand that your white flag will only protect you whilst you use such language as may come from one courteous adversary to another.

Say your say or retire.' 'Courtesy and honour,' said the officer, with a sneer, 'are not extended to rebels who are in arms against their lawful sovereign.

If you are the leader of this rabble, I warn you if they are not dispersed within five minutes by this watch'-- he pulled out an elegant gold time-piece--'we shall ride down upon them and cut them to pieces.' 'The Lord can protect His own,' Saxon answered, amid a fierce hum of approval from the crowd.

'Is this all thy message ?' 'It is all, and you will find it enough, you Presbyterian traitor,' cried the dragoon cornet.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books