The colt darted forward at full speed with Mrs. Dillard.—Page 113.
The colt darted forward at full speed with Mrs. Dillard.—Page 113.
"Ay, I see no other course," Nathan replied,and then he devoted all his energies toward carrying out her instructions.
Not less than five minutes were spent in the battle between the boys and the animal, and then the former were the conquerers so far as having turned him around was concerned.
"Now stand ready to let him go, and leap back out of the way," Mrs. Dillard cried. "Then do you press on at your best speed in case I am thrown again, and forced to give over this method of traveling."
"Are you ready?" Evan cried.
"Ay, when you say the word."
"Let go!"
As the boys leaped back the colt darted forward at full speed, wildly lashing out with his hind feet, and in a twinkling the animal and his rider were lost to view in the gloom.
"She will have earned Captain Dillard's life, whether it be saved or not; but it will be at the expense of her own, for there is not a manin the Carolinas who can keep that beast on this mountain trail."
"It would have been better if we had not met her," Evan said gloomily, "for then she would have been forced to go back, instead of riding to her death as she is now doing."
To this Nathan made no reply, and while one might have counted twenty the two lads stood on the trail in the darkness as if there was nothing more for them to do this night.
It was Evan who first aroused himself to a full realization of the situation, and he said, much like one who awakes from a troubled dream:
"It is not for us to waste precious time here, Nathan. Believing that Sarah Dillard cannot gain Greene's Spring, we must press forward at the best of our ability, for there is a slight hope we may arrive in time to give the alarm, although it hardly seems possible at this moment."
"You are right, Evan, and from this instantthere shall be no halting," Nathan cried, as he set out with a regular, swinging gait, which promised to carry him at a speed of not less than three miles an hour.
Now, being fully convinced that the safety of Colonel Clarke's men depended entirely upon themselves, they hastened onward without thought of fatigue, making no halt save now and then when they stopped to refresh themselves with water from a mountain stream.
The gloom was now so dark that it was impossible to distinguish any imprints on the trail, and, consequently, the lads could form no idea as to whether Sarah Dillard was yet keeping in the direct course, or if the colt swerved from one side to the other, carrying her amid the underbrush, where she must inevitably be killed. Until they believed midnight was come Nathan and Evan had pressed steadily forward, and then came that sound which told them all their efforts were vain.
From the rear could be heard faintly the sound of horses' hoofs, and involuntarily the two halted.
"The Britishers are coming!" Evan whispered, and Nathan's voice was tremulous as he replied:
"They started even sooner than I feared, and all our efforts are vain so far, for it is not less than six miles from here to Greene's Spring."
"And our friends will be butchered!"
"There is hardly one chance in a hundred but that the surprise will be complete, in which case we know what must be the result."
They had ceased to believe in even the possibility that Sarah Dillard might have accomplished the journey in safety, and accepted it as a fact that the plans of the enemy, laid on information brought by Ephraim Sowers, would be carried through successfully.
Nearer and nearer came the horsemen until the two lads could hear the hum of conversationamong the men before they realized the necessity of concealing themselves.
No good could be accomplished, so far as those at Greene's Spring were concerned, by their capture, and it was reasonable to suppose much harm might come to themselves after they were carried back to where Ephraim Sowers might wreak his vengeance upon them.
Until this evening the young Tory had had no cause for enmity save on account of their having discovered his true character; but now, after remaining gagged and bound a certain number of hours, he must be panting for revenge, and it might be that Major Ferguson would not check him.
So long had they thus remained as if dazed that there was hardly time to conceal themselves in the underbrush a few feet distant from the trail before the foremost of the horsemen came into view.
The enemy were riding in couples, and fromhis hiding-place Evan counted ninety pairs of riders before the whole of the troop had passed.
Then it seemed as if fortune was determined to play her most scurvy trick upon these two lads, whose one desire was to save the lives of their friends.
Evan, who had crouched on one knee when he first sank behind the bushes, endeavored to change his position in order to relieve the strain upon his limb, and by so doing slipped on a rotten branch, which broke beneath his weight with a report seemingly as loud as that of a pistol-shot.
Instantly the troopers halted immediately opposite, and before the boys could have taken refuge in flight, two having dismounted, plunged into the underbrush.
All this had been done so quickly that the fugitives literally had no time to flee, and hardly more than thirty seconds elapsed from the breaking of the twig until each lad washeld roughly and firmly in the clutch of a soldier.
"What's wrong in there?" an officer from the trail shouted, and one of the captors replied as he dragged his prey out into the open:
"We have found a couple of young rebels, and they look much like the two we left behind us at the plantation."
Word was passed ahead for the entire troop to halt, and an officer whom the boys afterward recognized as a Tory by the name of Dunlap, who held the king's commission as colonel, came riding back.
"Who are you?" he asked as the troopers forced their prisoners in front of them on the trail where they might most readily be seen.
"Nathan Shelby and Evan McDowells."
"How is it you are here? Are you not the same who were taken prisoners this evening and confined in the Dillard house?"
"We are," Nathan replied without hesitation.
"How did you escape?"
"Ephraim Sowers was sent, or came of his own will, to make us march around the room by way of punishment."
"No such orders as that could have been given by Major Ferguson."
"I know not how that may be; but Ephraim acted the part of jailer, and commanded us to do his bidding, which was none other than that we march around the room even though we had been afoot all day."
"That doesn't explain how you escaped?"
"Ephraim was unarmed, but threatened to strike us when we refused. The result was the same as if almost any one else had been in our position. We made Ephraim a prisoner, and then, by forcing off one of the wooden bars, slipped out of the window."
"Then the boy is yet there?" the colonel said, as if in surprise that such should be the case.
"Ay, if he has not been released. We left him safely enough."
Nathan believed that he and Evan would be roughly treated so soon as that which they had done was made known; but the troopers appeared to think it a laughing matter, and even the colonel who was in charge of the detachment did not look upon it with any great degree of severity, for he said after a brief pause:
"Ephraim must remain where he is until our return, and perhaps after this night he will be more careful when he puts himself into the power of his enemies. You who have taken the prisoners shall guard them until we have finished our work, and then it is likely we will have more to keep them company. Mount, and see to it that the rebels do not make their escape again."
The troopers obeyed, pulling the two lads after them into the saddle, with many a threat as to what would be the result if there was anyresistance, until Nathan said, but without show of temper or impatience:
"We are willing to ride, and shall not be so foolish as to resist when the odds are so strongly against us."
"We are not in the humor to put up with any more rebel tricks this night, and at the first show of an attempt to escape I shall use my knife in a way that won't be pleasant," the trooper replied as he put spurs to his horse, and the detachment rode three or four miles further before slackening pace.
Then they were come in the vicinity of Greene's Spring, and the boys who had already braved so much in the hope of being able to warn their friends in danger, believed that the time was very near at hand when they must perforce see Colonel Clarke's men ruthlessly cut down or captured.
Many wild plans came into Nathan's mind during the short time the main body of the detachment were halted while skirmishers went ahead to ascertain if Ephraim had correctly described the situation of affairs.
It seemed to him at this moment as if he must do something toward warning the friends of freedom of the danger which menaced, and was ready to act, whatever might be the cost to him.
Once he said to himself that he would wait until they were come nigh to the encampment, and then he and Evan should cry aloud at the full strength of their lungs, even though theBritishers killed them an instant later—their lives would count for but little if these others who were so necessary to the colonists might be saved.
A moment's reflection served to convince him that such a plan was impracticable, and in casting it aside he came to believe that possibly he and Evan might succeed in getting hold of one of the troopers' muskets sufficiently long to discharge it.
Anything which would make noise enough to arouse the sleeping men might answer his purpose, and yet he racked his brain in vain to hit upon that which should give promise of being successful.
Neither he nor Evan had an opportunity for private conversation. The two troopers held the lads six or eight feet from each other, as if suspecting they might plot mischief if allowed freedom of speech, and therefore it was they had no opportunity of comparing plans whichhad for their end only the welfare of Colonel Clarke's forces.
At the expiration of ten minutes word was passed along the line for the men to advance slowly, and every precaution was taken as the command was obeyed, to prevent even so much as the rattle of their accoutrements, lest by such means the Americans be apprised of the horrible fate in store for them.
Soon the detachment was come within a quarter of a mile, as nearly as Evan and Nathan could judge, of the spot Colonel Clarke had selected for the encampment, and now no man spoke above a whisper.
"This is serious business on which we are bent this night," the trooper who held Nathan captive whispered threateningly, and standing so near Evan that he also might overhear the words, "and the lives of two boys like you would not be allowed to come betwixt us and our purpose. Therefore take heed, lads, thatour orders are to kill you in cold blood rather than allow any alarm to be given. Now if it so chanced that you struck your foot against my musket, or shouted, or did anything to break the silence, I should consider it my duty to obey the commands, and as soon as might be one or both of you would be past all danger. Take an old soldier's advice, and make the best of a bad matter. It is no longer possible you can warn your friends, and the most you could accomplish would be your own death."
There was little need for the trooper to make this plain statement of the situation, for both the boys understood full well how summarily they would be dealt with in case they failed to obey any orders given by the men.
Now whispered commands came down the line for the soldiers to dismount, and for every fifth trooper to remain in the rear to care for the horses.
When this command had been obeyed, andthe animals tied with their heads together in groups of five, it was found that the man who held Evan prisoner was thus detailed to care for the animals, while his comrade belonged to the force which would advance.
Therefore it was that Nathan's captor turned him over to the other trooper, saying as he did so:
"If you have any doubts as to being able to keep these young rebels in proper subjection, I will truss them up before leaving; but it seems to me one Englishman can care for five horses and two boys, without any very great amount of difficulty."
"I am not afraid but that it can be done after some sort of fashion, yet I had rather not kill a lad even though he be a rebel, so if it is all the same to you, pass a couple of those saddle-straps over their arms, and I'll be more certain of keeping them here without using a bullet."
The trooper did as he was requested, and the boys were fettered in such a manner as precluded all possibility of escape.
With both arms stretched to their sides flight was out of the question, and the hearts of the lads were heavy in their breasts, for they must remain in the rear while the redcoats went on to do the slaughtering.
"I could kill Ephraim Sowers and never believe I had committed a murder," Nathan whispered when the two, placed back to back, were fastened to a convenient tree. "All the blood spilled this night will be upon his head, and that brave men should meet their death through such as him makes it all the more pitiful."
"There is a chance Sarah Dillard succeeded in getting through to the Spring," Evan whispered in a tremulous tone.
"I cannot believe it. The captain himself would never have made such a doubtful venture,and surely a woman could not succeed where he must have failed."
Now those of the troopers who had not been detailed to the care of the horses, were ordered forward, and soon only the animals, with perhaps twenty men to guard them, remained in this portion of the thicket.
Not a sound betrayed the movements of the redcoats as they advanced to do what seemed little less than murder.
Even the boys, knowing how many were making their way through the underbrush, listened in vain for the slightest noise which should tell of the progress. A band of Indians could hardly have moved more stealthily, and unless the members of the little encampment were already on the alert, the doom of all was sealed.
The suspense of the boys became so great as the moments passed that they could not carry on a conversation. Speculations were vainwhen in a few seconds the dreadful reality would be upon them, and their hearts beat so violently that it was as if the blood must burst from their veins.
The seconds passed like moments, and yet all too swiftly as the lads realized what time must bring to their friends.
It seemed to Nathan as if they had remained there silent and motionless fully an hour listening for the first sound of the conflict, or the massacre, whichever it might be, and yet all was as silent as when the troopers left.
He began to fancy that both Sarah Dillard and Ephraim Sowers had been mistaken in believing Colonel Clarke's men were encamped at the Spring, and when this thought had grown in his mind until it was almost a well-defined hope, the first musket-shot rang out.
"The murderers have begun," he said to his comrade in a voice so choked by emotion that the words sounded strange and indistinct.
Then came a volley—a second and a third, and the troopers who held the horses started in astonishment, perhaps fear, for this was not the absolute surprise on which they had counted.
Now the rattle of musketry increased until there could be no question but that it was a conflict, and not a massacre, which was taking place.
By some means the patriots had been warned in due season, and were ready to meet the foe, as they ever had been.
"It is Sarah Dillard's ride that has saved them!" Evan exclaimed as if questioning the truth of his own statement, and straightway Nathan fell to weeping, so great was the relief which came upon him as he realized that the friends of freedom had been prepared for the foe.
The troopers nearabout the boys were so excited and astonished, because what they had counted on as being a complete surprise proved to have been a failure, that no one heard Evan'sremark, and the prisoners could have shouted for very joy when the men began speculating one with the other as to how word might have been sent to the patriots.
"It is certain they were ready to receive us," one man said as if in anger because the plan was miscarrying. "That firing is being done by men who were ready for battle as were ours. There has been a traitor in the camp."
"How might that be?" another asked fiercely. "At the last halting-place we were twenty miles from the rebel encampment, and certain it is no one could have ridden ahead of us."
"These two boy did succeed in escaping, despite the fact that Major Ferguson believed them to be safe in the chamber of the dwelling."
"Ay; but what does that prove? We overtook them on the way, and surely you cannot claim that they might have walked twenty miles from the time of escaping until they were recaptured?"
The rattle of musketry increased, and to the eager ears of the boys it seemed as if the noise of the conflict was approaching, which would indicate that the Britishers were being driven back.
"Does it appear to you as if we heard those sounds more clearly?" Nathan asked, hoping he had not been mistaken, and yet feeling almost certain the patriots could do but little more than hold their own.
"I am positive of it!" Evan cried with a ring of joy and triumph in his tone. "Now and then I can hear voices even amid the tumult, and that was impossible five minutes ago."
One of the troopers, overhearing this remark, said to his comrade gloomily:
"The rebels are getting the best of us, who counted on taking them completely by surprise."
"There is no doubt of that," the other soldier replied, and straightway the men began making the horses ready for departure, as if they expectedtheir comrades would come back in full flight, and need the means of continuing it.
When five minutes more had passed there was no longer any question as to the result of the combat.
By this time the British were so near where the horses had been left that now and then stray bullets whistled among the branches above the heads of the prisoners, and the two lads began debating how it might be possible for them to escape when the troop should be in full flight.
However kind Fortune had been to the Americans on this night, she was not so indulgent as to give the lads their liberty.
As could be told from the rattle of musketry, the British made a stand after fifteen minutes' or more of hot fighting, and the Americans, having accomplished as much, and, perhaps, even more than they had expected, were willing the invaders should draw off if such was their disposition.
In less than half an hour from the time they set out to massacre the supposedly sleeping encampment, the redcoats had returned, and, standing by their horses, awaiting the command to mount. Now it was that even in the gloom the boys could see how many of the animals were without riders.
There had been no empty saddles when the troop rode up, and now on looking around there was hardly a squad of horses where more than two out of five had a man standing by his side.
"The slaughter was not wholly among our friends," Evan whispered to Nathan, and the latter, bent only on trying to escape, said hurriedly:
"Think of nothing but yourself just now. There must be a chance for us to give them the slip amid all this confusion."
He had no more than spoken before one of the officers came up and asked of those standing near by:
"Who had charge of these lads?"
The two troopers who had made the capture replied to the question, and then came the order:
"See to it that you hold them fast. There is no reason why your own beasts should carry double while there are so many spare horses; but lash them firmly to the saddles, for Major Ferguson must have speech with them by daylight."
"We are to suffer because the Britishers have been repulsed," Evan whispered, and Nathan replied manfully:
"Much can be endured, knowing as we do all that has taken place this night. While I am not hankering to come into the power of Ephraim Sowers again, as most like we shall, it will be less painful now this bloody plan has gone awry."
Considerable time was spent before the remnants of the detachment began the return march.
There were many wounded to be cared for, and a number so badly injured that they must remain behind. Some of the dead were to be buried, and the soldiers who had fallen nearest the encampment must have the last office performed for them by those whom they would have massacred.
Finally all was in readiness.
Nathan and Evan, each on a trooper's horse with his feet tied beneath the saddle, were given a place just in advance of their captors and about midway of the troop.
Colonel Dunlap and his officers set out in advance.
The command to "march" was given, and the crestfallen redcoats turned their faces toward Captain Dillard's plantation.
Now it was impossible for the prisoners to speak one with the other; during four hours they endured a most painful journey, bound in such manner that their limbs became cramped,and it was as if all the blood in their bodies had been forced toward their heads.
The lads were hardly conscious during the last hour of that painful march, and when, arriving at the plantation, the ropes were unloosed, they would have fallen to the ground but for the assistance of those who guarded them.
Ephraim Sowers was awaiting the return of those who had gone out because of the information he brought, and he gave vent to a loud cry of vindictive joy when he saw them bringing the two he most desired to see.
He was near at hand when the prisoners reeled helplessly in the saddles, and as they were laid upon the ground the young spy advanced as if to kick them; but was forced back by one of the soldiers, who said sharply:
"None of that, you young renegade. We who wear the king's uniform are not a band of painted savages; but men who fight fairly,never disgrace themselves by striking a helpless or an unarmed man."
"These rebels belong to me. I was in charge of them when they escaped, and shall work my will on them!" Ephraim cried in a rage as he attempted to force himself past the soldier.
"Not while I am standing nearby, unless you have Major Ferguson's written permission, and that I much misdoubt you will get."
It was useless for Ephraim to insist that these lads were his special property, and after learning that some of the men looked with favor upon his intention of torturing them as punishment for their having escaped, he went post haste to the commander.
Some of the redcoats had given the prisoners water, and in a short time they revived sufficiently to be conscious of all that was going on about them.
It was at the moment Ephraim returned that they sat upright, and to their surprise he madeno attack upon them, but contented himself by saying threateningly:
"Before this day comes to an end I will have got even with you for last night's work, and you may be certain I shall settle the score with full measure."
"Since you failed in sending death to those at Greene's Spring, we can well afford to listen to your threats," Nathan replied, and then refused to so much as look toward the spy.
From the fact that Ephraim lingered nearby it seemed positive he must have received some promise regarding the custody of the prisoners from Major Ferguson; but yet as the time passed he made no effort to interfere with them, and when the detachment had been at the plantation an hour or more, a messenger came with orders that the two lads be taken into the house, where the commander would have speech with them.
"Now has come the time when we shall seehow far that Tory sneak may be allowed to go," Nathan whispered to his comrade. "Do not give him the satisfaction of knowing that we suffer, whatever he may find an opportunity of doing."
"I shall keep my thoughts on Sarah Dillard's ride and its result, and then all pain will be blunted," Evan replied, after which the two followed limpingly (for the blood was not yet circulating properly in their veins) the messenger who had come for them.
Major Ferguson, Colonel Dunlap, Captain Depuyster, and four or five other officers were in the dining-room of Captain Dillard's home when the boys entered, and from the conversation which was being had at that moment Nathan believed they were discussing the question of how Colonel Clarke might have been warned.
This supposition seemed to be correct when the major asked abruptly:
"After you lads escaped from this building, did you meet any one on the road to Greene's Spring?"
For an instant Nathan hesitated to tell that which was a falsehood; but it must be done unless he would betray the woman whose brave ride of the night previous had saved so many lives, and there was only the slightest pause before he replied:
"From the time we got away from Ephraim Sowers until your men recaptured us, we saw no person save those who belonged to the plantation."
"When did you last see the mistress of the house, Mrs. Dillard?"
"We saw her when we were taken upstairs."
"Did you have any further communication with her?"
"She spoke with us while we were in the room—she standing on the outside of the locked door."
"Will you swear that she did not enter the room?"
"Yes; for if she had been able to do that much, I have no doubt she would have aided us to escape."
"Did you have no assistance when you got out of the room which had been converted into a prison?"
"None except from your spy, Ephraim Sowers," Nathan replied, and then he told of the circumstances of the affair, showing that but for the young Tory's vindictiveness the boys would yet have remained in confinement.
"Will you swear that you sent no word to Colonel Clarke's forces?"
"Yes, sir," both the lads replied at the same instant, and with such emphasis that there could be no question but that they were telling the truth.
Then the officer questioned them concerning where they would have gone but for havingbeen overtaken by the troopers; inquired concerning their families, and such other seemingly unimportant matters, to all of which they gave truthful replies.
Perhaps twenty minutes had thus been spent when Major Ferguson turned his head from them as if the interview was at an end, and Nathan, with a mind fully made up to make known the threats in which Ephraim had indulged, asked:
"Is it to be, sir, that the boy who would have ill-treated us when we were supposed to be powerless, will have an opportunity now to take his revenge?"
"Who gave you to understand anything of the kind?"
"He himself, sir. He has already boasted that we shall suffer for what we did to him, although it was no more than one soldier might do to another. He was in our power, and we could have abused him; yet we stayed our hands,save so far as to put him in such condition that an alarm could not be given."
"I ought to have you hanged offhand."
"But we have done nothing, sir, save to escape from one who would have tortured us."
"You are rebels, and that is sufficient reason why you merit death; but there is work I would have you do, and for that reason your lives will be spared. I wish to send a message to all those rebels round about who are now in arms against the king, and if you swear to faithfully repeat my words, you shall go free from this plantation within an hour."
The boys could hardly believe their ears were not deceiving them.
That they should be set free at so small a price, and in face of all the threats Ephraim Sowers had made, was news so joyful as to be incredible, and their astonishment was such that neither made reply until the major asked impatiently:
"Well, well, do you refuse to do even that much in order to earn your liberty?"
"Indeed we do not, sir," Nathan cried eagerly. "We are willing to repeat whatsoever you desire, and to as many as you shall say, no matter how far it may be necessary to travel."
"Are you acquainted with all the rebel leaders hereabouts?"
"With nearly all of them, sir; and I promise that Captain Dillard, Colonel McDowells, or Colonel Campbell—all three gentlemen with whom we have acquaintance—will put us on the way to find those others in this section."
"And you swear faithfully to repeat every word of the message I give you, to each of those rebels who is in command of a dozen or more men?"
"Yes, sir."
"Mind, I am saying that you deserve to be hanged; but at the same time I am in need of messengers, and believe that even though youare among the enemies to the king, I can trust you two."
"We will perform all that we promise, sir."
"And see to it that you do. I am sent into this portion of the Carolinas by General Cornwallis to crush the spirit of rebellion, and here I shall stay until my work be finished. Therefore if you lads attempt to play me false there will come a reckoning, for we shall meet again."
"Even though we be rebels in the sight of the king, we hold to our word, and that both of us have given. We will swear to it in whatsoever manner may be most convincing to you, sir."
"I shall take your word, knowing that the time will speedily come when I can punish you to the fullest extent if you break it. Now say to all the rebels in and about this section of the colonies, even though you are forced to travel many a day, that I have come from General Cornwallis' army unhampered by any orders otherthan those to crush out the spirit of rebellion, and that if they do not desist from their armed resistance to the king's commands and take protection under my standard, I will march my army over the mountains, hang their leaders, and lay waste their country with fire and sword."
These words he required the boys to repeat for him twice over, and that done, he added:
"Remember what will be the result if you attempt to deceive me. Now go, and see to it that you rest not until the message be delivered to all those in rebellion within a circle of fifty miles. Captain Depuyster, will you take care that they have safe conduct outside our line of sentinels. If the boy Sowers chooses to follow them in the hope of getting his revenge, it will not be in my power to prevent him."
Then with a gesture Nathan and Evan were dismissed, and they walked out of the room as if in a daze, for it did not seem to them possible they had thus been dismissed from captivity.
Captain Depuyster, who had been charged by Major Ferguson with seeing that the boys were passed through the line of sentinels surrounding the encampment, lingered behind for a moment to speak with the commander, and the newly-released prisoners were still in such a maze of bewilderment at having been given their liberty that they failed to realize there might be necessity for a captain's escort.
They went out of the dwelling, past the sentinels at the door in silence; it was as if neither dared to speak lest the sound of his voice might cause the British commander to reconsider his determination.
Without so much as looking behind them tolearn if Captain Depuyster was following, for as a matter of fact they hardly heard the command which Major Ferguson gave relative to their departure, they went straight from the door toward the trail which led to Greene's Spring; but before having advanced twenty paces they were brought to a halt as Ephraim Sowers stepped in front of them.
"Have a care you rebels!" the Tory cried threateningly. "Don't get the idea that you can run away whenever the fancy takes you, for I am not to be caught at a disadvantage every hour in the day, as I was last night."
"If we come in contact with you again there will be more damage done than when we contented ourselves with making you prisoner," Nathan said sharply. "Stand aside, or it will be the worse for you."
Ephraim looked up in surprise that the prisoners should have retained such an independent bearing after their interview with the major, forhe counted upon their having been reduced to abject submission. He was not to be frightened by their threats, however, now that he was in the open air with the redcoated soldiery all around him; and instead of obeying Nathan's command he brandished his fists as he cried:
"Get back to the house until I can learn what is to be done with you."
"We will give you the information without any necessity for your returning," Evan said with a laugh, which only served to irritate the Tory. "We have Major Ferguson's permission to depart, and count on doing so without allowing ourselves to be delayed by such as you."
"Major Ferguson's permission to depart!" Ephraim repeated stupidly.
"Step aside, or we may be called upon to put you out of our path with more force than is agreeable."
"You lie when you say the major has released you!"
"Hark you, Ephraim Sowers; I am not minded to get into a brawl hereabouts; but so much as repeat that word, and I shall give no heed as to the consequences," Nathan said sternly. "You and I have a long reckoning to be settled, and I do not desire to begin it now; yet I shall if you are not choice of your words."
Ephraim looked from one to the other questioningly, as if trying to decide how he might best reduce these lads to the proper state of submission, and then called peremptorily to a soldier who was passing near by:
"Hello there! Here are two prisoners who count on escaping by pretending that Major Ferguson has given them permission to depart. Come and take them in charge."
"Are these your orders, or do you repeat some other's words?"
"Don't stop to talk; but lay hold of these two rebels, lest by sheer boldness they succeed in making off."
"Best keep a quiet and civil tongue in your head, youngster, for I am not minded to take orders from one who does such dirty work as you," the soldier said surlily, and passed on, leaving Ephraim crimson with rage.
Near by where the boys had been halted was a stack of muskets, and running quickly up to them the Tory seized one, regardless of the fact that by so doing he allowed all the others to fall to the ground.
Then, turning suddenly, he aimed the weapon full at the two lads, crying as he did so:
"Wheel about, and march back to the house, or I shall shoot. Don't think you can get the upperhand of me as readily as you did last night, for I am not minded to deal gently with you now."
"Ho, there! Guard!" a voice cried. "Seize that lad and let him be deprived of his liberty until he has sense enough to keep in his own station."
The soldier who had refused to obey Ephraim wheeled about suddenly upon receiving this command from Captain Depuyster, who had just come from the dwelling, and before the young Tory was well aware of the change in the position of affairs, he was being marched toward the stables, the trooper's hand clutching his collar so tightly as to render breathing a difficult operation.
"You can go on now, and see to it that you do not loiter, until you have repeated Major Ferguson's words to the rebels round about."
Once more the boys set their faces toward Greene's Spring, and as they marched rapidly away the captain followed them until they were past the line of sentinels.
Then he turned on his heel, and the two who had so lately been prisoners slackened not their pace until a mile or more was traversed, when as if with one accord they came to a halt, inorder to congratulate each other upon the fortunate and unexpected turn of affairs.
It is not necessary to repeat here what they said, for one can well fancy how extravagant were their words and demonstrations of joy at finding themselves free when it had seemed positive they were doomed to a long term of imprisonment, during which time Ephraim Sowers might often play the part of jailer.
They hugged each other as if the thankfulness in their hearts could be thus shown better than by words, and laughed loud and long at the discomfiture of the Tory spy, who had counted so certainly on making them atone for their treatment of him.
In fact, so elated were the lads that their words as well as gestures were extravagant; perhaps half an hour had thus been spent before either bethought himself that it was necessary they should push ahead with all speed, for no rations had been served since the night previous,and food was not to be obtained until they were among friends once more.
Once the boys were well on the journey, and after the first excess of joy had passed away, both realized their extreme weariness.
The previous day was spent in marching. No sleep had come during the night, and much excitement had tended to increase their fatigue.
Now twenty miles must be traversed, without food, before they could gain the needed rest, and it is not strange that when another hour passed they found it difficult to continue the advance.
More than once Evan urged that a halt be made for two or three hours, lest they should not be able to hold out until the end; but Nathan steadily refused to listen to any suggestions, and they toiled painfully on, stumbling here or staggering there, hardly conscious of their movements.
It was as if in a dream that they finally sawthat band of Americans who had repulsed the British forces a few hours previous, and then all was a blank, for consciousness literally deserted them.
During the remainder of the day and all of the following night the weary lads slept.
The sun was rising, and Colonel Clarke's men were making ready for a change of camp, when Captain Dillard awakened the lads by shaking each gently by the arm, as he cried in a cheery tone:
"Rise up, or sleep will wear your eyes out. Unless I am much mistaken you are more in need of food just now than of additional slumber, and it is time you were stirring."
The boys sprang to their feet refreshed by the long repose, and ravenously hungry, but so eager were they to learn the particulars of the combat which they had heard from the distance that neither realized his need of food.
"You shall hear it all very shortly; but itwill be on full stomachs, for I am not minded to have you starve yet awhile, and it is Sarah's right to tell the story."
"Then Mrs. Dillarddidget here in time?" Nathan cried.
"Ay, lads, else were we like to have been murdered while we slept. And a brave ride it was; but I am not the one to tell it. Come over by the fire, and after you have filled yourselves up I will put you in the way to listen to all which I know you are eager to hear."
Half an hour later, after they had literally obeyed the injunction to "fill themselves up," the boys and Captain Dillard were pressing on in advance of the American force, to the dwelling where Mrs. Dillard had sought shelter, and before noon they had arrived at their destination.
There was much to be told on both sides, and as the quickest method of gaining the information he desired, Nathan first explained how theyhad left the British camp, and gave all the details of their advance from the time of parting with Mrs. Dillard on the mountain trail.
Then it was his turn to act the part of listener, and eagerly did he and Evan drink in the vivid account of that night ride, and the combat which ensued.
It seemed as if the colt recognized the uselessness of struggling further against the determined woman who was bent on riding him, for when the boys had let go their hold he darted forward straight as an arrow over the trail, and at full speed.
There were many places where the narrow road ran along the side of the mountain, when a single misstep would have thrown him headlong over the cliffs, and yet no mountaineer's steed ever traveled with a surer footing, and at so swift a pace.
Once only did he make any effort at throwing his rider. Then, fortunately, it was in a valleywhere there were no trees, and Sarah Dillard was sufficiently expert an equestrienne to baffle him.
During ten minutes or more the steed plunged and kicked, and then, as if again becoming convinced that he must carry the life-saving message, he darted onward, slackening not the pace until they were arrived in the midst of the encampment.
The amazement of the patriots at seeing the hostess from whom they had so lately parted at such an hour, can well be fancied, and it may also be readily understood that, having accomplished the dangerous journey, Sarah Dillard lost no time in making known the fateful news which she brought.
One word was sufficient to these men who were inured to hardships of every kind and accustomed to face danger in every form.
Within five minutes after Mrs. Dillard's arrival they were prepared to give Major Ferguson'sforce a warm reception, and so sure were the men in their ability to hold the encampment against the enemy, that a squad of four was sent, as escort to the brave rider, a dozen miles or more away where dwelt one in whose fidelity to the Cause there could be no question.
The colt, so Captain Dillard said, had done his share in saving the lives of an hundred men, and he should be called upon to perform no meaner work so long as he might live, than that of bearing on his back the woman who had literally taken her life in her hands when she set out on that perilous ride.
As to the combat, the captain dismissed it with few words:
"We were ready for the redcoats when they came up, and had been for two hours or more. When the horses were picketed our scouts brought us word, and then it was only a question of figuring in our own minds how long it would take them to creep up on us.
"We could see the Britishers as they surrounded the encampment; but never a man raised his gun until they had their muskets at their shoulders, and then we sent a volley among them that mowed down a full half of those in the front rank. I thought at the moment that they would retreat without so much as firing a shot, because of the astonishment which must have come over them. Fancy, every redcoat there felt certain in his own mind that we would be taken wholly by surprise—that they had simply to fire into a crowd of sleeping men, and it would have staggered the best of soldiers to have a shower of bullets sent among them thus suddenly.
"They did give us a volley, however—perhaps half a dozen of them during fifteen minutes that passed from the time we first opened fire until the last musket was discharged, and then I can say truthfully that fully half their number was left behind, for, as we figured it, not morethan two hundred came out, and we found dead and wounded ninety-eight. As for ourselves, but one man was harmed by British lead, and he got a bullet through his arm in such fashion that he will not be off duty a single day."
"We have buried the dead, sent the disabled over the mountains where they will be well cared for, and now stand prepared to meet Major Ferguson's force again. But tell me what is the message which he charged you to deliver to all the rebels within fifty miles?"
"We are to say to those who fight in the cause of freedom, that Major Ferguson has come from Cornwallis' army unhampered by any orders other than those to crush out the spirit of rebellion, and if you do not desist from your armed resistance to the king's commands, and take protection under his standard, he will march his army over the mountains, hang your leaders, and lay waste the country with fire and sword."
"The gentleman has considerable to say for himself, eh?" and Captain Dillard indulged in a hearty laugh. "I wonder if Major Ferguson of the Seventy-first regiment thinks the men hereabout are of such milk-and-water natures that he can disperse them with a word. If I am not mistaken he tried to lay waste Greene's Spring with fire and sword, and got decidedly the worst of the attempt. It may so chance that he will fail the next time he tries the same game. However, it is not for you to question his method of making war until after you have paid the price of your release. Get you gone as soon as may be, lads, and we will utilize the gallant major's paroled prisoners to the calling together of our men, at the same time his threatening words are repeated. You shall be supplied with horses, and I will write down a list of those 'rebels' holding command nearabout, so that each and every one of them may be visited. Having repeated the threat, you shall then say thatColonel Clarke has heard the message, and gone on to Watuga, where he awaits the coming of those who resist the king's commands. In other words, lads, we will make Watuga a rendezvous, and the time for all to be there is not later than the 25th of September."
"Now get you gone, for there be many miles of traveling, and many days to be spent ere your mission is ended and you have the right to call yourselves free lads once more. Ride with all speed, and waste not an hour, for the time has come when General Cornwallis shall be taught a lesson, or I am mistaken in my neighbors."
Thus it was that Nathan and Evan set off on their long and devious journey with no more of a halt than was necessary to relate their story and hear that which Captain and Mrs. Dillard had to tell.
To repeat in detail all their wanderings would form dry reading, therefore let us simply recountwhat was done from that day until the twenty-fifth of September, when, as Captain Dillard had arranged, the patriots assembled at Watuga.
They repeated Major Ferguson's message to Colonel William Campbell of Washington County, in Virginia, and he promised to join the patriots with four hundred men.
They had speech with Nathan's uncle, Colonel Isaac Shelby, who agreed to bring two hundred and forty from Sullivan County in North Carolina.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Sevier, who received them most hospitably, declared that he, with two hundred and forty of his neighbors from Washington County, in North Carolina, would start at once for Watuga.
Colonel Charles McDowells, Evan's father, returned answer that he, with an hundred and sixty from the counties of Burke and Rutherford, would join the force, and Colonel Cleavelandanswered for three hundred and fifty from the counties of Wilkes and Surry; but agreed to join force with the other Americans somewhere on the Catawba River.
Colonel James Williams urged that the force march to the Cowpens, on Broad River in South Carolina, where he would add four hundred trained soldiers to the command.
It was not until the morning of the 25th of September that Nathan and Evan completed their work of repeating Major Ferguson's message and summoning the mountain men to the rendezvous.
Then they were free, so far as the British officer could have any claim upon them, and believed themselves entitled to a place in the ranks by virtue of what they had done for the cause.
Many miles had been traversed, some on horseback, many in boats, and not a few afoot. They were received everywhere with the utmosthospitality, and perhaps never were two lads shown more respect than they, because of the fact that they were doing, and had done, the work of men, although only boys.
They were justly proud on the day of their arrival at Watuga, to be received by these sturdy patriots like equals, and to be besieged on every side with questions as to the general feeling among the people of the districts which they had visited.
Evan's father gave them a place in his troop, and when some of the men insisted that the boys should be allowed to play the part of officers because of the particular and difficult work they had performed, Colonel McDowells replied:
"If it is the purpose of the lads to serve their country, they can best do so with muskets in their hands, but if they simply desire to parade themselves before the people in fine feathers, the Carolinas is no place for them. They hadbetter go where they can have better fare and more opportunity for admiration."
It troubled the boys but little that, after having been intrusted with important business, they were to have no more responsible part than that of private soldiers, for they knew full well that neither was fitted for a command, and it sufficed that the privilege was given them to serve the cause in howsoever humble capacity.
They were in the ranks on that 26th day of September when the little force went out from Watuga down the Catawba River, and by the 5th of October, when the patriots had arrived at the Cowpens where Colonel Williams kept his word by marching up with twenty men more than he had promised, it was said among the men as well as the officers that there were no more promising soldiers in the force than these two lads whose first experience in military matters had been gained as prisoners.
During this time they made diligent inquiriesof all who might have such information concerning Ephraim Sowers, but without learning anything whatsoever.
"Don't let that fret you, lads," Captain Dillard said when they went into camp at the Cowpens, and learned from the scouts that Major Ferguson's force was encamped not more than thirty miles distant near the Cherokee Ford of Broad River. "Don't let that fret you. Unless I am very much mistaken, we shall not remain here many hours, for there is a council of war being held, and from what I know of our commanding officers, we shall give the gallant major all the hot work he can desire. Then, if your Tory spy be not weak-kneed, you will have an opportunity of coming face to face with him, for once we have met this gentleman who proposes to lay waste our country with fire and sword, we shall not leave him until after having made the acquaintance of a goodly number of his men."
"But Ephraim Sowers is not a soldier," Evan said with a laugh, "and I am of the opinion that he is weak-kneed."
"Even then the chances are he yet remains with Ferguson's troop, for hark you, lad, the Tories have joined the major in such numbers that hereabouts in the Carolinas are none left at their homes. The spy must stick to his red-coated friends whom he served so well, or have a mighty lonesome time of it by himself. If I had played his part, doing all in my power to bring about the death of those who had befriended me, I should make it my business to keep ever within sight of a red uniform, lest some of those whose death I had sought to compass might fall upon me. You shall see Ephraim Sowers and have a long talk with him."
"You speak, Captain, as if there could be no question of the result, once we are come up with the force."
"Neither is there, lad. We of the Carolinas have each a home to protect, and so many wrongs to avenge that there can be no backward move on our part once the fight is opened."
"How many men think you Major Ferguson can muster?"
"In regulars and Tories from fourteen to fifteen hundred."
"And our own forces?"
"Not far from seventeen hundred."
"Then we are the stronger?"
"Not so, Nathan, my boy. Did we number two thousand the force would hardly be equal, because of disparity of weapons. The king's troops are well equipped, and they bring with them muskets and ammunition in plenty for the Tories who join them. We have only such as each man can provide, and some of us so poorly armed that half a dozen rounds would see the powder-horns and shot pouches emptied. Butwe are fighting for the cause, and they for the King. In that you have the whole story, and therefore this I say: When we come face to face with Major Ferguson, as I believe we shall within twenty-four hours, we will stay with him so long that you will have ample time in which to seek out this spy who would have compassed the death of us at Greene's Spring."
Nathan and Evan were enjoying to the utmost this conversation with Captain Dillard.
It is true they had seen him seldom since the first greeting after Sarah Dillard's ride; but on each occasion he had appeared much as if trying to show the world that he had espoused respect and admiration for these two lads.
This was particularly pleasing to the boys, because Captain Dillard was one who was choice of his associates, and it was often said that "Dillard's friendship was given only to brave men."
Nathan and Evan were proud at being seen with this gallant Carolinian as if they were his bosom friends, and when a messenger came fromColonel McDowells summoning them to an interview with the commander of the forces from Burke and Rutherford, they were not well pleased at being obliged to part company from the man who among all the troops they most admired.
With evident reluctance they rose to their feet, and while walking toward Colonel McDowells' quarters, Nathan said:
"I don't think we did any very gallant deed, Evan, when we turned the tables on Ephraim Sowers, or aided Sarah Dillard to remount the colt. Neither have we done anything of which to boast in repeating Major Ferguson's message, or summoning friends of the cause to the rendezvous; but yet because of all those adventures have we been marked out before the entire camp as lads with whom Captain Dillard is pleased to hold conversation, and even though we had suffered much, such a reward would be sufficient."
"The captain believes we shall come up with the Britishers within twenty-four hours," Evan said, as if he had not heard his comrade's remark.
"Ay, and it is said they are only twenty miles away, eager to meet us."
"Then there is like to be battle."
"Ay; how else could it be when both sides are ready to fight?"
"And shall you rejoice at finding yourself standing musket in hand before the foe?"
"Of a verity I shall! Why not? Would you avoid the encounter if it could be done honorably?" and halting suddenly, Nathan looked his comrade full in the face.
"It is a shameful thing for a lad to say, of that I am well aware," Evan replied hesitatingly; "but I grow timorous at the thought, and have great fear lest I shall betray some signs of cowardice."
Nathan laughed long and loud.
"When Captain Charles McDowells' son, he whose grandmother has proven herself on more than one occasion to be as brave as the most courageous men, speaks of showing cowardice, there is reason for laughing."
"But I have never stood in line with soldiers during the heat of battle, and fear much lest I should shame my father."
"You never have done so yet, lad, and I will answer for it that he has no cause to blush in your behalf. Put such idle fancies from your mind, and when the hour comes that we meet Major Ferguson's force, never fear but that you will be foremost among the friends of freedom."
Evan would have said more regarding this sudden timorousness which had come upon him, but for the fact that they were then arrived at Colonel McDowells' tent, and the subject of the interview for which he had summoned them was so startling and unexpected as to drive all other thoughts from the boy's mind.
"You two, who claim the right to be called soldiers, although never having marched in the ranks until the day we left Watuga, know full well that the Britishers are within thirty or forty miles of us at this moment."
The colonel paused as if for reply, and Evan said:
"We have heard it so spoken among the men, sir."
"You understand, also, that we are like to measure strength with them before many hours?"
"Yes, sir."
"While I cast no discredit on your courage, I am free to say that men who have had more experience in this business will be of greater service to us in time of battle than you lads."
"But surely, father, you won't say that we shall not bear our share in the combat," Evan cried, suddenly forgetting the fears of which he had made mention to his comrade.
"It is not my purpose to prevent you frombearing your full share of danger, and in fact I now propose to place you in a position more perilous than, perhaps, would be your regular stations in the regiment. I simply wish to explain why I called upon you for a certain service, rather than men who may be needed elsewhere."
The boys looked in bewilderment at the colonel, trying in vain to understand the meaning of this vague explanation, and after a brief pause he continued:
"It has been proposed that we send out a certain number of men to gain all possible information regarding the strength and disposition of the enemy. To such suggestions I have argued that we could ill afford to spare even two soldiers, and yet I know it is necessary we should have such knowledge. Therefore have I said to those who are associated with me in the command, that we would hold those who had already proven themselves, and send out suchas yet had a name to win. The mission is one of extreme danger, and requires most careful work. If you lads shrink not from the task, I would have you volunteer to set about it, for this is a service to which I would not order any person. Go, if you can, of your own free will; but if the undertaking seems too dangerous, no one shall taunt you for having refused."
"Where are we to go, sir?" Evan asked.
"As near to Major Ferguson's encampment as may be necessary in order to learn exactly the number and disposition of his men."
"When are we to start?"
"As soon as may be. There is no time for delay, since we must push forward steadily, and not allow it to be believed that we shrink from the battle."
"Then it would be best Evan and I did not spend any further time in asking questions," Nathan interrupted. "We will be off at once."
"And you have no hesitation about the matter,young Shelby?" Colonel McDowells asked as he gazed at the boys sharply.
"Both Evan and I are ready to do all that may be in our power, and even though the task was one which we shrank from, both of us have too much pride to allow that fact to become known. However, this doesn't seem as dangerous as when we set out about making our escape from the Dillard plantation, and there is no reason why we should falter. My only fear is lest we may not be sufficiently well versed in military matters to bring such information as is required."
"Keep your eyes and ears open, remembering everything which is seen and heard, and I doubt not but that you can perform the mission as well as the ablest soldier among us. It is necessary you exercise great prudence, however, for should Major Ferguson detect you in loitering around his encampment, he would be justified in hanging you as spies with but scant ceremony."
"Have you any further orders, sir?" Evan asked nervously, for this reminder of the peril they were about to incur was not pleasing.
"None," and the colonel rose to his feet as he held out both hands to the boys.
A fervent hand-clasp was the only token of parting, and the lads went directly from this interview to prepare themselves for the journey.
Captain Dillard came up as they were refilling the powder horns, and counting out an additional store of bullets.
"So the colonel has sent his son rather than risk the life of one of the men," he said half to himself, and Evan looked up with a smile as he replied:
"When favors are to be bestowed, captain, it is right the father should remember first his son."
"And this is a favor with a vengeance," Dillard muttered, after which, realizing he had been imprudent in thus voicing his apprehensions, hewhistled a cheery tune as if there was no reason why he or any other in the encampment should be gloomy.
In less than ten minutes the boys had made their preparations for the scout, and were debating as to the best course to be pursued.
"Make straight for Cherokee Ford, lads, and trust to luck for all the remainder. I do not mean that you are to go blindly ahead without taking due precautions; but it seldom pays at such times to map out an elaborate plan, for much depends upon accident."
Then the captain turned abruptly away, most likely to avoid a leave-taking, and the two boys marched side by side out of the encampment, the men following them with their eyes but speaking no word, for each understood upon what a perilous venture they were embarked.
It was nightfall, and the young scouts were unfamiliar with the country over which it would be necessary to travel.
They knew, however, that a well-defined trail led from the Cowpens to Cherokee Ford, and along this they advanced at a smart pace, for it seemed necessary the journey should be performed during the hours of darkness.
Neither felt inclined for conversation. The silence of the men as they left the encampment struck them much like predictions of evil, and they were weighted down by a sense of danger in the air everywhere around them.
At near midnight they made the first halt, and up to that time not more than half a dozen words had been exchanged.