leg-bail

I often hoped he would be caught before reaching the post, but he seemed to know intuitively when the time had come to take leg-bail, for his advent at the garrison generally preceded by but a few hours the death of some poor dupe.

Gutenberg - Recent changes [en] Kreeder 2010

I often hoped he would be caught before reaching the post, but he seemed to know intuitively when the time had come to take leg-bail, for his advent at the garrison generally preceded by but a few hours the death of some poor dupe.

She Makes Her Mouth Small & Round & Other Stories 2010

He was kept in this position from 9 o'clock A.M. until after dark; but night coming on, he took leg-bail for our works, reaching them without further adventure.

History of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during its term of service John R. Kinnear

The rebel was now at their mercy, if they could catch him, for he took leg-bail.

History of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during its term of service John R. Kinnear

I often hoped he would be caught before reaching the post, but he seemed to know intuitively when the time had come to take leg-bail, for his advent at the garrison generally preceded by but a few hours the death of some poor dupe.

Memoirs of the Union's Three Great Civil War Generals David Widger

But, from the way in which the bearers who had carried us, and some other fellows with bows and arrows and broad-bladed knives in their belts, closed round us at the word of command from "yellow hat," we would have fared ill had we attempted just then to give him and his retainers "leg-bail."

Crown and Anchor Under the Pen'ant John B. [Illustrator] Greene

Jack, however, following closely after them now without a trace of fear, resolving to aid his fellow-countrymen in making a stand, although he had given them leg-bail when he stood alone against them, as the first mate had abandoned him at the wheel the moment the Greeks rushed aft, and even now remained trembling in the mizzen-top, instead of backing up

Picked up at Sea The Gold Miners of Minturne Creek

And the next thing I remember was seeing my master's leg-bail fall to the ground.

Tell England A Study in a Generation Ernest Raymond 1931

Before the outlaws could realize the logic of events he had gathered all the arrows under his arm, put one to the string of the bow and cried, "I am Cam-Ruadh, who never misses, never before until now, and you who are without arrows had better take leg-bail," which they quickly did.

The Black Colonel James Milne 1908

I am inclined to think that at this time, in 1770, he was in the possession of his liberty, having got it in the same manner that very many slaves since obtained their freedom, by giving "leg-bail."

Masterpieces of Negro Eloquence The Best Speeches Delivered by the Negro from the days of Slavery to the Present Time Various 1905