See, Judge Conway; it is in regular
form. 'At Utica, New York, Mortimer Davenant to Lucretia Conway.'
Attested by seal and signature. There can be no doubt of its
genuineness."
Suddenly a hoarse exclamation was heard, and a poniard gleamed in the
hand of the woman.
With a single bound, she reached Georgia Conway, and struck at her
heart. The corsage of the young lady, however, turned the poniard, and
at the same instant a thundering volley of musketry resounded without.
Furious cries were then heard; the wild trampling of horses; and a loud
voice ordering:--
"Put them to the bayonet!"
Darke drew his sword, and reached the side of the woman at a bound.
Throwing his arms around her, he raised her, and rushed, with his
burden, through the hall, toward the lawn, where a fierce combat was in
progress.
Suddenly the woman uttered a wild cry, and relaxed her grasp upon his
neck. A bullet had buried itself in her bosom.
Darke's hoarse and menacing voice echoed the cry; but he did not
release the body; with superhuman strength he raised it aloft, and
bounded down the steps.
As he reached the bottom, a man rushed upon him, and drove his bayonet
through his breast. It was withdrawn, streaming with blood.
"Put all to the bayonet!" shouted the voice of General Davenant, as he
charged with his young son, Charles, beside him.
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