"
"See, there's a party drawing together. Is it to force the bridge?"
"Aye, aye, and there's another troop galloping up stream. Be they
running off, the cowards?"
"Not they. Depend on it some of our folks have told them of Colham
ford. Heaven be with them, brave lads."
"Most like Sir George is there, I don't see 'em."
"No, of course not, stupid, they'll be taking Colham Lane. See, see,
there's a lot of 'em drawn up to force the bridge. Good luck be with
them."
More puffs of smoke from the mill, larger ones from the bank, and a
rattle and roll came up to the watchers. There was a moment's shock
and pause in the assault, then a rush forward, and the distant sound
of a cheer, which those on the hill could not help repeating. But
from the red coats on and behind the bridge, proceeded a perfect
cloud of smoke, which hid everything, and when it began to clear away
on the wind, there seemed to be a hand-to-hand struggle going on upon
the bridge, smaller puffs, as though pistols were being used, and
forms falling over the parapet, at which sight the men held their
breath, and the women shrieked and cried "God have mercy on their
poor souls.
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