Dexter approached somewhat
nearer, as if to obtain a more perfect view; and, while the Georgian,
without suspicion, seeing his advance, and supposing that to be his
object, held it more toward him, the ruffian, with an active and sudden
bound, tore it from his hands, and leaping, followed by all his group,
over his defences, was in a moment close under cover, and out of all
danger. Rising from his concealment, however, in the presence of the
officer, he tore the instrument into atoms, and dashing them toward
their proprietor, exclaimed--
"Now, captain, what's the worth of your authority? Be off now in a
hurry, or I shall fire upon you in short order!"
We may not describe the furious anger of the Georgian. Irritated beyond
the control of a proper caution, he precipitately--and without that due
degree of deliberation which must have taught him the madness and
inefficacy of any assault by his present force upon an enemy so
admirably disposed of--gave the command to fire; and after the
ineffectual discharge, which had no other result than to call forth a
shout of derision from the besieged, he proceeded to charge the barrier,
himself fearlessly leading the way.
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