CHAPTER IV

DISAPPOINTMENT

Strange as it may seem, I am not able to tell what occurred from the time we started on that mad rush down the hill until the redcoats and Tories were fleeing in every direction. The fever of excitement had such a hold upon me that I saw nothing, heard nothing, was conscious only of the desire to strike a blow, and might have discharged my weapon once, or a dozen times without knowing it save for the fact of the bullets in my pouch, which, on being counted later, showed that I had sent but two shots into that red-coated mass which rose up only when we were nearly riding over their encampment, and then dispersed.

I was aroused to distinct consciousness of the surroundings finally, when I heard Gabriel Marion shouting in my ear as if to awaken me from what can be called little less than the delirium of excitement:

“It is for us to find Seth Hastings! Have you seen him yet?”

I was so much ashamed at having lost myself entirely, as it were, that instead of declaring I had seen nothing save that mass of red which seemingly rose up from the earth, I simply replied in the negative to his question, and Archie Gordon, for it seems that we three lads had ridden closely together during the charge, shouted as he turned his horse around, thus forcing Gabriel and me to do the same:

“He must be among those who are fleeing down the river! If there is any bottom to our horses now is the time to bring it out.”

We had simply checked the speed of our steeds on coming to where half a dozen or more shelter-tents had been put up, and hardly a second was lost before we were in pursuit of the terror-stricken enemy.

Then it was I noted that even in the confusion of their surprise both soldiers and Tories had striven to mount their horses, leaving behind them saddles and bridles, for there had been no time to do more than leap upon the backs of the animals and cut the ropes by which they were picketed. It was simply a question as to which side was the better mounted, whether we take prisoners or no, and there was a sense of exultation in my heart as I felt the strong stride of the horse beneath me, telling of the pace which he was setting.

Now, because I am speaking of none save us three comrades, it must not be supposed that we were the only ones in pursuit of the fugitives. Considerably in advance of us I could see General Marion and Captain Horry riding side by side, while at their heels were ten or a dozen men, and as many more were behind us. Therefore we were not in good position to distinguish ourselves by making any captures, nor indeed did we hope to do so. Seth Hastings was the game we were after, and I question whether we would have turned aside to take so important a prisoner as Major Gainey, if perchance we had seen the traitorous cur who would have consigned us to the prison-ships.

It was a mad race in which was no semblance of military formation on either side, but simply one mob of men pursued by another, riding at hot speed down the bank of the stream regardless of the obstacles in their way, and more than one, venturing too near the water’s edge, was pitched out of the saddle as his steed floundered in the mire.

Within five minutes I understood that we were behind in the race. Our steeds were stout and honest, but not blooded; urged by blows and voice they were doing their best, while our leaders were outstripping us swiftly, and a few seconds after this fact had impressed itself upon my mind, old Peter, who had been as eager in the chase as either of us, urged his horse to my side as he said:

“Dar’s no sense, honey, in blowin’ dese yere horses fur nuffin.”

I pushed aside the hand which he would have laid upon my bridle-rein, impatient at the suggestion that I fall out of the race, so great was my desire to catch a glimpse of the lad to whom we owed such a debt, and would have pressed my horse on yet faster but for the fact that just then one of the troopers who had followed General Marion most closely came riding back as he shouted:

“The orders are to return to the encampment just vacated by the redcoats. Nothing can be gained by further pursuit, and there is a chance that these fellows in advance may be leading us into a trap.”

As a matter of course we brought our horses to a standstill, for young in the service as were we Minute Boys, it was well understood that an order from the officer in command must be obeyed on the instant, but Gabriel grumbled as he slipped out of the saddle to loosen the girth:

“It can be no more dangerous for us to go on, than for General Marion. Why should he not fall back and leave those who are of less importance to take the chance of falling into an ambush?”

“The orders are to go back to the camp we surprised,” the trooper replied curtly, and then it was I recognized him as one of the bravest defenders of Charleston during the siege. He was an old soldier, and as such had neither sympathy nor patience for lads who would discuss an order which had been given.

It is not necessary I make any attempt at picturing the disappointment we felt because of having failed in capturing or shooting down the traitor who had thus brought the enemy on our trail. Having flattered ourselves that with this surprise of the camp it would be a comparatively simple matter to take Seth Hastings prisoner, one can readily understand the feeling of chagrin amounting almost to shame, which was ours after having failed thus signally.

We were not in a mood for conversation as we wheeled about and moved up the stream at a leisurely pace, and once arriving at the enemy’s camping-place came to understand of how much importance this surprise would prove to those who had rendezvoused at Snow’s Island. As I have already said, our people were illy equipped, lacking almost everything except horses, and the party who had come in pursuit of us brought with them even luxuries.

In this encampment we found weapons, ammunition, provisions, and horse equipments beyond all expectation, and even those who, like my comrades and myself, were most bitterly disappointed at having been forced to turn back in the chase, forgot for the moment everything except the pleasing fact that in this first adventure the “ragged regiment” had won a most valuable victory, even though they failed in taking a single prisoner.

It was while we were gathering up the spoils preparatory to taking them to Snow’s Island that we saw the leaders return, and with them two captives, the sole fruit of the entire race.

Although our people had succeeded in capturing only a couple of men, it soon appeared that, so far as concerned us, the cream of all the mob of fugitives had been taken. They were Tories, and, like many of their breed, such arrant cowards that immediately after finding themselves in the clutches of the patriots, they were willing to tell all they knew, regardless of the fact that by so doing they were playing the traitor.

It was from these weak-kneed renegades that General Marion gained such information as was in the highest degree valuable, for if he had remained in ignorance regarding the matter, the chances were more than equal that all our little force would speedily have been gobbled up.

Without making too many words of what really deserves to be spun out into a longer story, I must content myself by explaining that the prisoners speedily confessed that somewhere on the banks of the Great Pedee, between where we then were and the ferry at Georgetown, was a large force of Britishers and Tories who had been sent to cooperate with Major Gainey, the plan having been that the latter advance along the Charleston road while this second and greatly superior force come up the river-bank. The report was that the other party could not be less than four hundred strong, under the command of Captain Barfield, a name which we of Charleston would not speedily forget, for he it was who had command of the squad that carried the chief citizens of the city to the prison-ships.

One needed not to be a soldier in order to understand what might have happened had our people continued the pursuit very long.

Those whom we had surprised, knowing of this larger force in the vicinity, were, of course, doing all they might to join them, and most likely hoping we would keep at their heels until finding ourselves confronted by a company which could speedily overcome us.

The cold chills of fear were creeping up my spine as I thus thought of all the possibilities, and I started like one who suddenly finds himself on the brink of a precipice, when a trooper came up quickly to say to us three lads:

“General Marion would have speech with you, and at once.”

“Speech with us?” I said half to myself. “We have done nothing which calls for reproof.”

“And why do you fancy we are to be reproved?” Gabriel asked with a laugh as he set about picketing his steed. “Do you suppose that my brother can wish to see us only in order to find fault?”

“But why should he have speech with us? Surely not to ask advice!” I said petulantly, because of my nervousness and disappointment, and Archie Gordon replied with a laugh:

“If you will make ready to obey the summons we shall the sooner know what is required.”

Like the simple I was, the summons disturbed me not a little, but when we were come a short distance down the stream where stood Captain Horry and General Marion, the latter greeted us with such a friendly smile that my forebodings speedily vanished, and I began almost to believe that during our mad rush down the hill, when I remained all in ignorance of what was being done because of the excitement upon me, I might have performed some great deed which was now to be publicly acknowledged.

I mention this fact only to show what a thorough simple I do make of myself at times. When we were approached so near the fire that a conversation could be carried on in a low tone, for it was evidently the intention of the commander that the remainder of the force should not hear what was said, the general spoke.

“You lads have announced your intention of forming an organization to be called the Minute Boys of South Carolina, and I have no doubt you expect to be received as an independent company in whatsoever army you may choose to honor.”

I wondered whether he had simply summoned us for the sake of making sport of our intentions, and remained silent, not knowing what to say, but Gabriel replied without hesitation:

“Ay, sir, that is our purpose.”

“And as yet you have had no experience as soldiers?”

“Save what we may have gained during the siege,” Archie interrupted, and the general added with a smile:

“I question whether that might be of any great value. However, the time has come when you may, if you so desire, prove your claim to enter the army as a distinct organization.”

Now it was that I began to have some inkling as to what he was driving at, and gathered myself sufficiently to ask before either of my companions could speak:

“What would you have us do, sir? If we can be of any service at this time, there is no need of overly many words to screw up our courage, for we are minded to do all that boys may, and perhaps a bit more.”

“Well spoken, Master Randolph, and it is what I might have expected one of your name would say. Here are the facts, if so be our prisoners have told the truth: Somewhere along the line of the river is a force of perhaps four hundred Britishers--I am inclined to believe the number has been overstated. However that may be, it is my purpose to advance upon them without unnecessary delay; in order to do so with any hope of success I must have some idea as to their position, and that within the shortest possible space of time.”

“Meaning that you would send us on the scout, sir?” Gabriel said quickly, his face lighting up with joy.

“Ay, lad, that is exactly my meaning, and it is not necessary for me to tell you how much danger there may be in such a reconnoissance, for those who have joined me here know full well that when men like us undertake to strike a blow at the king’s forces in this vicinity, they take their lives in their hands. Are you minded to set off at once?”

“There is no need for such a question, General Marion,” I made bold to say. “We came to Snow’s Island hoping there might be an opportunity for us to do a soldier’s full duty, therefore stand ready to obey any command.”

“But in such a case as this, lads, I would not give a command. He who sets out on the scout with the chances of running full upon an overwhelming force, must go as a volunteer.”

“That we are ready to do, sir,” Archie replied, and the general added, with a nod of his head as if he had already known what our answer would be:

“Then you are to start without delay. I would not undertake to say how the task can best be performed. The Tories who gave us the information were themselves ignorant of the precise location of Captain Barfield’s command, therefore your method of gaining information must be according to the circumstances which arise. Do not burden yourselves with rations or weapons; take only so much as may be necessary to defend yourself from the chance comer, and in the event of being surrounded, surrender quickly rather than sacrifice your lives. As to provisions, sufficient for one meal will be enough, since after breakfast to-morrow morning you will be in another world, with us again, or prisoners among the foe. At noon to-morrow we shall set out at a slow pace down the river, hoping to meet you on the way, and our course will be somewhat with that of the stream, although we may have to enter the woods to the southward of it in order to remain under cover of the timber. That which I want to know is somewhere near the number of the enemy, the general situation of the camp, and, if may be, an approach to it by which a surprise can best be effected. I shall hope to see you before sunset to-morrow, lads.”

With this the general turned away, thus showing that he had no further command to give, and I asked myself why he brought the interview to a close so abruptly? Was it because he had no further time to waste upon us, or that he dared not trust himself to say aught which might smack of parting lest he weaken our courage?

We did not speculate many moments as to this last. It was enough for us that we had our work cut out, and most eager were we to be at it.

When, on going back to where we had left our horses, we found the Marshall boys awaiting us, Edward asked eagerly:

“For what were you wanted?” and Gabriel explained in the fewest words possible the purport of the interview, but was not yet come to an end before Joseph began saddling his horse, whereupon Archie asked why he was making ready to move.

“That we may go with you, of course.”

“But the orders were given only to us three.”

“Yet we have joined you as members of the Minute Boys’ company, therefore it is our right to share in whatsoever danger you may encounter,” Edward cried hotly, and during the next few minutes we had quite a warm interview.

Finally Gabriel explained that the greater the number who went on the scout the greater the danger, also that it was the general’s privilege to select whomsoever he might for the mission, and the lads gave way, although, as I could see plainly, very much to their disappointment.

And thus I ever found it with the boys of South Carolina during those terrible days when the enemy so overrun us as to leave little or no hope as to the future. There was not a lad in the State, save of Tory inclination, who did not grieve when debarred from taking part in some perilous enterprise which might prove of benefit to the Cause.

We had no need to search for provisions, because the redcoats had left food in plenty behind them, therefore when we three had gathered up as much as might suffice for one meal, seen to the equipment of our horses, and the charging of our weapons, we were ready for the work.

No one of our people gave any particular heed to us as we rode slowly away. The fact of our having had an interview with the general was sufficient indication that we had been sent on an enterprise, and I fancy every one knew the purpose of our going.

I confess to feeling exceeding proud, as, leaving our people behind, we three rode out into the night on what must at best be an extremely hazardous adventure, for if the Tories had told the truth, then were we like at any moment, despite all precautions, to come upon a force of the enemy so great that resistance would be folly.

It can well be fancied that we did not indulge in overly many words during the journey, for silence was our best friend at such a time. The raising of our voices in conversation would have been much the same as giving the enemy warning of our approach. Only once did Gabriel speak, and that was perhaps ten minutes after we left the encampment, when he said half to himself:

“If we had the slightest idea as to how far away this Captain Barfield may be, the work could be done much more quickly.”

Neither Archie nor I made reply to this, and indeed there was no necessity, for we recognized the truth of it; not one of us but would have given all of worldly goods he possessed to have known within a radius of two or three miles where the enemy had encamped.

During half an hour more we rode on in almost perfect silence, save for the hoof-beats of the horses, and then, when we were come to the bottom-lands, which were covered with a growth of scrub-oaks, we heard a noise as of a horseman forcing his way through the foliage.

There is no need for me to say that we halted on the instant and unslung our muskets, for we knew by the noise that but one was approaching, and were determined to be the party which should give the surprise.

Silently, hardly daring to breathe, fearing each instant lest the noise from one of the steeds should betoken our whereabouts, we waited in nervous expectancy, never dreaming of that which was coming upon us.

One, two, three minutes passed, and then there rode out from amid the scrub-oaks none other than that traitorous cur, Seth Hastings!

“Halt!” Gabriel cried, and the fellow looked up to see three muskets levelled full upon him.

If I had had time in which to consider the matter, I would have expected to see a look of dismay and fear overspread his face; but much to my surprise the whelp gazed at us, while obeying the command, as if this unexpected meeting gave him the greatest pleasure.

“So you have left Snow’s Island, eh?” he asked insolently, before either of us had an opportunity to make answer, but Gabriel said sternly:

“It makes little difference to a renegade like you where we have come from; dismount and throw down your weapons!”

Seth Hastings obeyed as if there was nothing in the matter to cause him the slightest apprehension, and Gabriel said to Archie as the fellow stood there with uplifted hands anticipating that which was to come:

“Dismount and search the cur; but make certain he strikes you no foul blow, for a boy who will turn tail, when he is one of a party of a hundred or more, to flee in hot haste from only twenty, is cowardly enough to take any wicked advantage.”

I could see on the instant that Gabriel Marion had made a grave mistake and at the same time aroused Seth Hastings’s anger, for he had unwittingly proclaimed the feebleness of General Marion’s force when he taunted the fellow with cowardice, although at the moment it did not seem such a serious matter, because while we held him prisoner there was little opportunity of his repeating the information thus gained.

[Illustration: “‘DISMOUNT AND THROW DOWN YOUR WEAPONS!’”]

“There is no need for us friends of the king to exchange shots with you rebels,” Seth Hastings cried vindictively while Archie was making thorough search of his clothing for concealed weapons. “The situation of affairs in the Carolinas has changed since you ran away from Charleston, and in four and twenty hours there will not be a rebel left within the borders of the two States.”

“Meaning that Captain Barfield’s force is going to wipe us all out of existence, or into the prison-ships,” Gabriel said with a scornful laugh which still further roused the Tory’s ire, and he replied with a hiss which was much like that of an angry cat:

“Meaning that your General Gates with his ragtag, bob-tail of an army has been cut to pieces at Camden by Lord Cornwallis, and there is now left in the Carolinas none to uphold what you have boastingly called the ‘Cause,’ save those twenty on Snow’s Island of whom you speak.”

Had he struck me full in the face I could not have been more surprised and angered, yet I knew he must have told the truth regarding the disaster to General Gates, for since we held him prisoner he could be made to answer for any cock-and-bull story which he might invent on the moment.

We three sat speechless with dismay, gazing at each other questioningly, and yet believing what the villain had said.

Unfortunately we soon came to learn that he had exaggerated no part of it. And now right here, in order to show, while Archie is searching and binding the prisoner, in what sore distress were we who still adhered to the Cause, let me round out his story. General Gates, who was less of a soldier than he believed himself to be, gave battle with raw recruits, on lines formed in a swamp, to the most experienced of the king’s soldiers that were in the Carolinas, and one can fancy what would be the result of such a meeting, particularly when, with all other disadvantages, Gates’s men had been drawn up in the most awkward place that could have been found.

The battle of Camden had been half-fought and wholly lost, and to us who sat there gazing in dismay and astonishment at the villainous Tory, it seemed indeed that we who had struggled so hard for freedom were at last entirely undone.

Archie Gordon had not allowed this disheartening information to interfere with his duties, and while Gabriel and I were almost entirely overcome by dismay, he had expeditiously searched the prisoner and bound his hands behind his back, asking, after that had been done:

“Where will it please you to have this fellow?”

“Help him to mount his horse, and use your knife if he does not aid himself. Whether General Gates has been defeated or not, we have our work to perform, and it shall be done.”

“Meaning that you are minded to find Captain Barfield’s camping-place, eh?” Seth Hastings asked in a tone which aroused my anger afresh, although his seemed to have died away entirely. “If it so be that is what you want, I have no hesitation about acting the part of guide.”

The impudence and boldness of this proposition struck me dumb; surely the Britishers must be in greater force than we had been led to believe, and nearer at hand, else would he have been less rash, or striven to give us the slip rather than thus propose to show us the way.

Gabriel gave no heed to either the Tory’s words or his tone, but said cheerily:

“If it so be you please, we will take advantage of the offer; but remember this, Seth Hastings, if by chance or intention you lead us into an ambush, my first act shall be to blow out your brains.”

“I question if he have any,” Archie said as he mounted, and Seth replied in a scornful tone:

“It may be I have too many for your purpose. At all events you shall blow my brains out if I lead you into an ambush, and you shall set me free when I have shown you Captain Barfield’s force.”

“I say ‘yes’ to the first, and ‘no’ to the last,” Gabriel replied sternly. “You may guide us or not, but we shall proceed.”

“Then you have less than half a mile to go,” the cur said quietly, and I racked my brain to know what purpose he had in his mind, for surely there must be something which he knew that would work to our undoing.

Gabriel led the way, and Archie and I followed with Seth Hastings riding between us, I carrying my musket over one arm in order to execute the threat which Gabriel had made, if so be there were any signs of fresh treachery.

We rode at a walk five minutes longer, and then far in the distance was it possible to see the glow of many camp-fires, thus telling that Seth Hastings had indeed done what he proposed, for we were come as straight to the camp as a crow could fly.

Gabriel brought us to a halt with a softly spoken word, and, dismounting, said as he handed the bridle of his horse to me:

“Wait here until I return.”

“But surely you are not going alone,” Archie Gordon cried in dismay, and I added, following Gabriel’s example:

“Indeed he has no need. One is sufficient to guard that Tory cur and look after the horses, therefore I shall go with you, Gabriel.”

He made no protest; as a matter of fact I believe he felt relieved rather than otherwise that he was to have company, and after cautioning Archie not to move out of his tracks, since it might be we would have need of coming upon him in a hurry and must know exactly where he was, we started, but before having gone many paces Gabriel wheeled about, saying as he did so:

“We are proving ourselves poor soldiers indeed, if we leave that Tory in such shape that he may be able to raise an alarm in case any of his companions pass by. A bit of a gag in his mouth will do him no harm, and guarantee silence.”

Again was I mystified by seeing Seth Hastings peacefully open his mouth for the billet of wood which Gabriel clapped between his teeth, buckling it in place with the cur’s own waist-belt. It was as if all which we did met with the approbation of the scoundrel. This done, once more Gabriel and I turned about to perform the task for which we had been sent.

The work proved easy, although it was not possible to absolutely count the men, who were scattered over quite an area, some sleeping, others playing cards by the camp-fires, and not a few carousing. From a careful estimate both Gabriel and I decided that there were more than four hundred, rather than less, and this information we deemed sufficient for General Marion’s needs. As to the location of the camp itself, the troop might come upon it most readily by the same course which we had pursued in our advance, the scrub-oaks on the bottom-lands affording ample cover.

“I see no reason why we should linger here,” Gabriel said within five minutes after we had crept up to where a view of the camp-fires could be had, and then we retraced our steps, but although going back as I believed on our own trail, we failed to find either Archie or the prisoner.

There was no thought in our minds that anything had gone awry; first, because we had been absent no more than ten minutes, during which time nothing of a suspicious nature had been heard, and secondly, we felt positive our comrade would have contrived to let us know, either by discharging his gun or shouting, if an attack had been made.

Then we set resolutely at work to find him, blaming ourselves for being stupid, and searched here, there, and everywhere along the bank of the river above the encampment, until a full half-hour was spent in the fruitless task.

Then, not suddenly, but gradually, was the horrible truth forced upon us. The enemy--surely it could not have been Seth Hastings alone--had captured Archie Gordon, and taken possession of the horses!