CHAPTER XIII

THE SEARCH FOR THE TRAITOR

It goes without saying that we lads were furious at having lost the prisoner whom we had been so eager to take, but after talking the matter over with Captain Horry we forgot our own disappointment in a measure, as we understood more fully the meaning of that which the general had said.

That some one in the encampment had aided Seth Hastings to escape was positive, for all us Minute Boys had assured ourselves that the young traitor could not by any possibility remove his bonds, and this we did not only twice or three times during the day, but when we left him for the night.

It was equally certain the Tories could not have rendered any assistance, for they were as helpless as he, and therefore did the matter narrow down to two questions. The first, as to whether some of our company of Minute Boys, angered because the cur was to be treated as a prisoner of war, had taken him away in order to wreak vengeance; while the second and more serious was, in the event of our company being able to show that the Minute Boys had no hand in the matter, as to who had released the wretch.

It was indeed a serious matter in more ways than one if Seth had been released and was now able to work us harm, because it was within his power to conduct the enemy over the trail which led across the swamp to our encampment.

More serious indeed than this last, was the fact that if the villain had found a friend in our encampment, then had we a traitor among us, and this possibility was sufficient to make even the most courageous tremble.

General Marion’s plans were not kept secret from his followers, and if one was ready to do whatsoever he might against the Cause, then were the possibilities for mischief greater far than we could reckon.

Our company of Minute Boys were gathered in the camp we had built, discussing the matter, when Captain Horry came over to have a talk with us, and after he had gone we remained there until, considerably to our surprise, General Marion appeared.

He shook his head when we arose to our feet expecting he would enter, and said in a tone more grave than I had ever heard him use:

“I have no time to waste, lads, for it may be the situation demands immediate change of camp. It is of the highest importance that I know beyond a peradventure whether any of you Minute Boys, believing it your right to inflict punishment upon your own prisoner, have taken Seth Hastings away. I will not ask what you may have done with him; but this it is necessary for the safety of all I should know: Are any of you responsible for his absence? Do not answer now,” he said, holding up his hand as half a dozen of us rose to speak. “Discuss the matter among yourselves until you are thoroughly well convinced of the gravity of the situation, and then tell the truth like honest men. The question simply is if one of you know how the lad escaped? I shall expect an answer within half an hour.”

With that the general walked away, and we remained silent and motionless, staring at each other, for already had we come to realize how dangerous was the position of this handful of men who yet remained true to the Cause if the scoundrel was at liberty, and I hoped sincerely that some of our fellows would be able to declare with truth that they had had a hand in his escape, for then would our position be far less perilous.

Gabriel put the question to all in such a way that I understood he had much the same thoughts as mine, and I fancied he, like me, was hoping, even though it would have been to the discredit of our company, that some of the lads had taken it upon themselves to punish the cur regardless of the pledge we had much the same as made.

Not a lad spoke in reply to the question as to whether any one could give information concerning Seth Hastings, and Gabriel said, pleading with the members of our company for the truth:

“The general has told us that he will put no other question than the one I have just asked, which is: ‘Does any lad among us know how Seth Hastings got away?’ We will drop all inquiry if one or more of you acknowledge having had a hand in his disappearance, and, so far as I am concerned, gain most intense relief of mind, because then there can be no question that any of those who have pledged their services to the Cause under General Marion did so with traitorous intent.”

No lad spoke, and Archie cried passionately:

“Put the question to each in turn, asking every lad to say on his oath as a Minute Boy, and as a native of the Carolinas, whether he knows aught concerning him.”

“I solemnly swear that I did not see or have any communication whatsoever with Seth Hastings from the time I left him last night bound securely, and have no knowledge whatsoever of how he may have escaped or been spirited away,” Gabriel said, answering first for himself, and then turning to me, put the same question, following it up by naming each lad in turn.

Thus it was we Minute Boys swore positively we had no hand whatsoever in the disappearance of the traitor, and I knew beyond a possibility of doubt that each and every one had spoken the truth.

Therefore it was there could be no longer any question but that among the men who had sworn to labor earnestly for the Cause was one who stood ready to do whatsoever he might against us. If you can picture to yourself our position, surrounded on every hand by redcoats and Tories who thirsted for our blood,--we the only persons in all the Carolinas who were ready to bear arms against the enemy,--you may have some faint idea of the consternation, ay, the terror, which came upon us with such knowledge.

Gabriel lost no time in reporting to his brother the result of the questioning, and while he was absent we lads whispered among ourselves, speaking as people do in the presence of the dead, for already did it seem as if we were doomed.

Through the information that had been brought in by those who yet remained friendly to the Cause, we knew that Tarleton with his legion, and Colonel Wemyss in command of not less than a full regiment, were hot in pursuit of us, and if either of these forces should so surround our little band that retreat was impossible, then would we be cut down to the last man, for according to my Lord Clinton’s proclamation, no mercy was to be shown--we were outlaws already doomed to death.

Before Gabriel returned, the scouts who had been sent out four and twenty hours in advance of us lads, returned bringing with them such a budget of news as would have raised our spirits to the highest notch, but for the fact that we had among us one who might not be trusted, and who he was it seemed impossible to learn.

Each man must perforce look at his neighbor with doubt, and those who were most devoted to the Cause could not but understand that they were liable at any moment to be suspected of traitorous design. It seemed to me as if the efficiency of the force must be weakened until it was possible to discover which of that devoted band was playing the Judas.

Now let me set down here what we learned from our lately returned scouts, the information covering all the time from the day when we set free the one hundred and fifty prisoners who refused, save in the case of a few true men, to join our force. Major Wemyss had marched seventy miles from Nelson’s Ferry straight across the district of Williamsburg, devastating a path fifteen miles in breadth after such a merciless fashion that one would have said he had been taught in the school of the savage.

All the dwellings on his way, save those occupied by well-known Tories, were given to flames; the people were plundered of their possessions; such property as the troopers could not use was destroyed, while the animals were wantonly shot and allowed to rot where they fell; those who were thus plundered saw all of their buildings swept away by fire, and they, even to the women and children, were held forcibly back to prevent them from saving the smallest article of value.

Men were hung without a semblance of trial, and when their loved ones pleaded for mercy, the British soldiers rode them down. All the time it seemed almost as if the good God had forsaken the Colonies, yet we came to know that these acts of barbarous cruelty were necessary to arouse our people from the fear and despondency into which they had fallen.

The scouts reported that those men who had been lukewarm in the Cause, and yet were not Tories, had been aroused by these acts of wanton cruelty, and now asked only for an opportunity to make reprisals and at the same time defend their homes. They were ready, so the information came, to join General Marion as soon as he should be willing to receive them, and even those who had been rescued at Nelson’s Ferry and refused at the time to enlist, were now begging for an opportunity to bear arms against the foe.

Verily did it seem as if the people of the Carolinas had needed just such a lesson as the Britishers were eager to give them, in order that they might be taught their duty, and now has come the time when the “ragged regiment” could be recruited to a full battalion.

Save for the fact of that unknown traitor who lurked among us, we would have rejoiced exceedingly at the news brought in, for it told us that at last might it be possible for us to stand up like men against the foe, instead of being forced to skulk here and there, striking a blow only against small bands of Tories or detached squads of soldiers.

We lads speculated long and earnestly after hearing the reports of the scouts, as to what General Marion might decide upon doing, and before the sun set did we have an inkling of his plans, for then word was given that each man should provide himself with as much of provisions and ammunition as could be conveniently carried, to the end that he be ready for the march at a moment’s notice.

Now, as Gabriel and I figured it out, and as a matter of course we could but little more than guess at what might be in the commander’s mind, it had been decided we must continue the work while the traitor remained a member of the force, for it would be impossible to ferret him out, because if the question was put, as it had been to us lads, to the other members of the company, he who was ready to sell his country to the enemy would be loudest in protesting his innocence.

It was a great risk to run, thus setting off with one in our midst who was looking for every opportunity to betray us, and yet no other course could be pursued. We might not remain even in hiding now that Seth Hastings was escaped to tell what he knew concerning our whereabouts.

The encampment in the Black Mingo was abandoned in much the same fashion as had been the one at Snow’s Island, save that in this instance we left no men behind to guard the plunder, for it would have been dooming them to death in case Seth Hastings led any force to that place. Whatsoever we had there that could not be carried away on our saddles, must fall into the hands of the enemy, since we could not guard it.

It was two hours before sunset when word was given to break camp, and little did we lads, as we climbed into the saddle, dream of the exhausting march before us.

I might fill many pages with words descriptive of what we suffered, but must leave it to the imagination of him who reads these lines, simply stating that during the succeeding three days and three nights we made no more of halts than was absolutely necessary in order to keep the animals up to their work; at times so stiff and lame that it was with difficulty we could remain in the saddle, and on dismounting required assistance before it was possible to take our position in the line.

I question if many of us could have withstood such a physical strain, but for the fact that here and there, as we rode along, our force was joined by men who had hitherto been lukewarm in the Cause yet were now burning with that same desire which had animated us, and this knowledge, that the people of the Carolinas were at last awakening from the lethargy which had come upon them when the redcoats overran the land, gave us a certain fictitious strength to hold out until the end of the journey.

The end came when we were once more on the banks of Lynch’s Creek, where were gathered no less than four hundred well-armed men waiting for the commander whom they knew full well would lead them wheresoever the enemy might be found, regardless of the dangers.

Here it was, while we lay upon the ground absolutely helpless after the long march, that we learned of the work which lay near at hand, and if it was to be performed, must be begun with the least possible delay, so it appeared to us. These new recruits told us that Colonel Wemyss had retired to Georgetown, weary with chasing the “Swamp Fox,” and a body of six hundred well-armed Tories, under the command of Captain John Bell, were encamped only fifteen miles below us on the bank of the creek.

Now it must be understood that we had arrived at this halting-place when the afternoon of the third day was about half-spent, and I venture to say that of all our company who had come from the Black Mingo, none save the commander himself, and, possibly, Captain Horry, had been able to hold their eyes open, so heavily did slumber weigh upon them. Yet these two, quite as much fatigued as any of the others, had such devotion to their country, that instead of giving themselves up to the repose which was so sadly needed, turned all their attention, regardless of bodily weariness, toward mapping out for that very night another blow to be struck against those who were devastating the Carolinas.

That General Marion was considerate of those who followed him, ever ready to take upon himself the brunt of all the hard knocks, is shown by the fact that not until near midnight did he and Captain Horry set about wakening us, who lay in a deep sleep of fatigue like unto dead men. It was necessary that some of the men be dragged around roughly, and even lifted to their feet, before the chain of slumber was shaken off. As a matter of fact, I saw a trooper mounting his horse, having saddled him while his eyes were closed, and I believe of a verity the man was even then moving unconsciously in his sleep.

When we were mounted, however, General Marion awakened us most thoroughly by saying in that clear, ringing voice of his, which was like unto a trumpet:

“Hardly more than two hour’s ride from this encampment is a force of those renegades whom we call Tories. They outnumber us slightly, but even though they were twice as many, I believe you who have served so gallantly since I came into the Williamsburg district could whip them in open field. We are told that recruits are flocking from every quarter to this section to join us, and by waiting we may double our strength, yet it is possible the enemy might take alarm if given too much time. Therefore have I proposed that we march at once to strike such a blow as shall give Tarleton and Wemyss to understand that the spirit of liberty has been revived, rather than broken, by their butcheries and barbarities.”

A ringing cheer, in which every man participated, was the answer to this speech, and more than that no commander could need.

It is not my intention to linger long over that which we did on this night, however much pride I could have in the telling. If I am to set down what we Minute Boys did before the invaders were driven from the soil, then must I hurry over this action, else shall I find myself cut short for lack of space before the tale is really come to an end. Therefore it is that I propose to copy down here what I afterward saw printed; it was written by one of those men who make a business of telling the history of one portion of the world or another, and because you can take it as no more than bare truth, I stand no chance of hearing it said I colored matters too highly simply to give more glory to the Minute Boys of South Carolina than they deserved.

It is necessary I first explain, however, what we came to learn on arriving near where the Tories were encamped. There it was we learned that the enemy were on the south side of the creek, and in order to come at them we must cross a wooden bridge upon which, however cautiously we might ride, the sound of our horses’ hoofs would ring out sharply enough to give the alarm. It was thus that the Tories were made aware of our coming, for no sooner had the foremost of our men ridden across the planks than the alarm was sounded from the encampment. Now shall the story be told in words of another:

“After the alarm-gun sounded, promptness and swift riding were as necessary as had been caution, and the general ordered his men to follow him at a gallop until the force reached the main road, about three hundred yards from where it was known the enemy lay.

“Here, with the exception of a small number who were to act as cavalry, the entire command dismounted. A body of picked men was ordered down the road to attack the house where a goodly portion of the Tories had been posted. Two companies of footmen under Captain Horry were sent to the right, the cavalry being ordered to the left to support the attack, and General Marion himself bringing up the rear.

“It so happened, however, that the Tories had left the house immediately after being alarmed, and were strongly drawn up in a field near at hand. Here it was they encountered Horry’s command on the advance, with a fire equally severe and unexpected. The effect was that of a surprise upon the Colonists, and Horry’s troops fell back in confusion, but were promptly rallied and brought on the charge.

“Immediately the battle became obstinate and bloody, but the appearance of the men who had been ordered to attack the house, and who came up suddenly in the rear of the Tories, soon brought it to a close. Finding themselves between two fires, the enemy gave way in all directions to flee for refuge toward the neighboring swamp.”

The same historian states that we lost near about twenty men, when as a matter of fact, I know beyond a peradventure we had but one killed and two wounded.

Another mistake which the same historian makes, is that we took twenty-three prisoners, whereas I saw one hundred and two ranged in line when the last of the fugitives had disappeared in the swamp.

The Minute Boys saw but little of this engagement, owing to the fact that they were counted as among the cavalry, and the mounted men had little of fighting to do, not being ordered into action until mayhap four or five minutes before the victory was complete.

It was another feather in the cap of General Marion, and yet further reason why Tarleton and Wemyss should come once more upon our trail, but of this fact we gave little heed just then, for having been hunted so long, it was no new sensation.

We understood, however, that this last victory would win for us yet more recruits, and was of greatest aid to us in the work of driving the invader from the Carolinas.

It is not needed I say we took possession of the Tory encampment that night. Immediately after our work had been so thoroughly done, it was as if every man who had taken part in the long march from the Black Mingo suddenly became conscious of the fatigue which was his, and which had been banished only by the excitement of the engagement. Those recruits whom we found awaiting us on the bank of Lynch’s Creek stood guard against a possible attack, and we weary ones, after giving our faithful steeds a goodly store of provender belonging to the Tories, lay down wherever we chanced to be, there to sleep without interruption until the sun marked the hour of noon.

The first duty which we Minute Boys attended to after being aroused from a most refreshing slumber was the care of our horses. The poor animals had not been groomed since we left the Black Mingo, and more than one of them was severely galled from having worn a saddle so long. Therefore it was we had little opportunity for conversation until the day was well-nigh at an end, and word whispered about camp that shortly after sunset we were to make another change of quarters lest the enemy come upon us unawares. More than one of our fellows grumbled because, after striking a blow, we were forced to run away like frightened sheep, and to these Gabriel made answer much like this:

“Before our work has been finished we shall march and countermarch many a weary mile, for I question if there be true men enough living in the Carolinas to make up such an army as would be needed to stand long against the force which the Britishers will send. Because Tarleton and Wemyss have seemingly tired of chasing us, is no proof that they will not soon be in hot pursuit. While we were at the Black Mingo they may have believed it was General Marion’s desire to run away, but now they know to their cost that we are somewhat alive.”

“What about the prisoners we have taken?” Jared Breen asked, as if fearing it might become his duty to aid in guarding them, and one of the troopers near by replied:

“They have been sent away, lad. You need have no fear that our commander will hamper himself with such as they.”

“Sent away?” I cried with something very near akin to horror, for at the instant I fancied he might be telling us they had been sent out of the world in the same manner the Britishers had disposed of score upon score of our people.

“The ‘Swamp Fox’ does not fight that way,” the trooper replied. “Even though the Britishers declare we are not soldiers, but only a ‘ragged regiment’ of planters who hardly know how to load a musket, we guard our honor as men, and refrain from murdering prisoners. I can’t say where the Tories have been sent, but certain it is from this time out we shall hold all that can be captured and cared for, instead of letting them go free to have another blow at us.”

It was a relief to know we were not to be hampered with prisoners, and, as a matter of fact, if we had considered the situation for a moment we would have understood full well that with such tactics as the general was employing, it would be impossible to carry on our swift marches any such useless and even dangerous lumber.

I was more concerned in learning who might be the traitor among us, and what had become of Seth Hastings, therefore said as much to Gabriel, who replied in a tone of irritation:

“I am counting that it will be many a long day before the first question can be answered, and as to the second, we need not give overly much care until such time as we are able to lay hands upon him once more, for now this last attack has been made it is of little moment that he tells the enemy where we were three days ago.”

“But it is in my mind that we Minute Boys should give whatsoever attention we may toward finding him, for until the scoundrel has answered in some way for the injury he would have done us, I shall not believe we have performed our duty.”

“I am more than willing to join in any attempt which it is possible to make, William Rufus,” the lad said laughingly, “but it is my opinion that we have our work cut out for us yet this many a day, and hunting a traitorous cur will not be a portion of it.”

“What do you mean?” I asked in surprise thinking perhaps he had information from his brother as to our possible movements.

“Nothing more than you yourself can see plainly,” he replied. “The Tories whom we have driven into the swamp will soon make it known that the ‘ragged regiment’ has increased in size until able to give fair battle to an army of five hundred, and such news having been carried to the British camp, what think you will be the result?”

“They will come hotfoot after us, as a matter of course,” I replied, and it was as if the words had no more than been uttered when two of our people came riding into the encampment at full speed, their horses white with foam, and the riders urging them on until having come directly in front of our commander.

We who saw this had no need to ask questions. The evidences of hard riding told quite as plainly as words could, that the enemy was near at hand, and in such numbers that flight was necessary.

While they were yet talking with the general I began saddling my horse, and the remainder of our company of Minute Boys followed my example, all of us believing that within a few moments at the most would the command be given to break camp.

We lads went even so far as to mount, with our few belongings strapped to the saddles, and then came that word which caused me greatest astonishment.

“Picket the horses in the building,” Captain Horry shouted, “and see to it that they are tethered securely.”

I dismounted like one in a daze, saying to Gabriel:

“Can it be possible that we are to fight a pitched battle?”

“Surely it has that appearance, lad, and I am not to be considered a braggart when I say to you that it gives me much pleasure, even though the odds may be so strongly against us. We have turned tail after every successful attack, as if it was possible only for us to fight when we could surprise the foe, and it seems to me that a good drubbing, if we were not wiped entirely out of existence, would be better than beating so many retreats.”

The dear lad showed real enthusiasm at this prospect of making a stand against the enemy, and while I am by no means willing to own myself a coward, I must in truth confess that the prospect was far from pleasing to me.

The cold chill of fear ran up and down my spine, and I asked myself whether at the time when courage was most needed I might not show the white feather.

It was the fear of showing that I was afraid, rather than of meeting the enemy, which caused me discomfort of mind.