The Hidden Children by Robert William Chambers Chapter 3 Page 58

calling off amid a whirlwind of rearing horses and excited men.

Below in the village, the British had heard and perfectly understood the volley from Thomas’s regiment, and the cavalry and mounted infantry of the Legion were assembling in the smoke, and already beginning a rapid retreat by the Bedford road.

As Boyd and I went clattering down the hill, we saw Major Lockwood with Thomas’s men, and we rode up to him. He passed his sword to the left hand, and leaning across in his saddle, exchanged a grip with us. His face was ghastly.

“I know — I know,” he said hurriedly. “I have seen my wife and children. My wife is not badly injured. All are in safety. Thank you, gentlemen.