48 



and thus gains a few jumps the start. Half a mile off, runs Muddy 

 Creek, a miry slough at that place, near thirty feet wide. The race is 

 desperate; the trooper's yell rings closer; he gains the summit of the 

 hill, reins up Roebuck, reaches the edge of the slough, and at one leap 

 his noble little animal lands upon the firm earth beyond He gallops 

 leisurely up the opposite slope ; down come the troopers en masse ; in 

 the 7Tiud they plunge, and not a horse or rider can extricate themselves. 

 James waves his hat at the muddy crowd. And in a short time the 

 merry men of 'Snow's Island ' gather around the General's fire to bear 

 James relate the story of his escape." 



The second escape on "Roebuck" is thus related: 



" My grandfather had a horse called Roebuck, fit for such exploits as 

 he was frequently called upon to perform. On one occasion he was taken 

 prisoner while on a scout. He was one of those who could expect no 

 favor, and the Tories had determined to hang him as soon as tliey had 

 despatched their breakfast. They were busy at their meal, and he was 

 guarded by a single soldier, who walked back and forth near him. Just 

 before the soldiers had finished their meal, the guard stopped a moment 

 at the end of his promenade next the fire. Roebuck was tied to a limb, 

 not more than thirty feet off. Choosing that moment, my gi-andfather 

 sprung for his horse, leaped into the saddle, and slipped the bridle olf his 

 horses head, and was gone. Shot after shot whistled close by, and he was 

 pursued by the crowd ; but in vain, it was another escape. " 



