CHAPTER III.
THE TORY CAMP.
It was the first time Percy and I had ever taken part in a deadlyencounter, and, perchance, had there been opportunity for us toconsider the situation, one or both might have shown the white feather.
As it was, however, and I have since noted the fact on every similaroccasion, there was no opportunity for fear; the fever of excitementwas upon us; the odor of burned powder mounted to one's brain, as itwere, and we became more like brutes than human beings.
Then suddenly a redcoated Tory rushed toward me with upraised saber.--Page 49.]
There was to me a certain sense of satisfaction in the danger; asavage delight in shooting, with intent to kill, at the enemies of ourcountry, and above all, the knowledge that we were proving ourselvesworthy a place in the James family.
I saw Captain Mouzon's horse fall, and looked with a certain curiosityto see how he might extricate himself from the weight of the animal.
I also wondered where Sam Lee might be, hoping it would be my goodfortune to come upon him. Then suddenly, when my musket was empty, aredcoated Tory rushed toward me with upraised saber.
I tried to ward off the blow with my gun, knowing full well that Icould not hope to be successful in such an encounter, and then the mansuddenly fell to the ground as if stricken by a bolt of lightning.
It was Percy who had brought the Tory down, thus saving my life, and Iheard him, as one hears from afar off, cry impatiently:
"My last charge of powder is gone!"
It is impossible for me to say, and I have pondered over the matteragain and again, why it was that the scene suddenly changed, or how wethree--for now that Captain Mouzon was on foot he did not count as oneof our squad--emerged from that tangle of men, and found ourselves inpursuit of the fleeing, panic-stricken enemy. I remember clearly thatone moment it was as if we were entirely surrounded, and the next, allwas clear before us, save for that blotch of red in the distance whichwe pursued at the full speed of our horses, Major James shouting nowand again as if to give us lads courage:
"If it so be that we ride hard they cannot escape us! Spare not yourhorses, lads, and we shall soon clear Williamsburg district of the nestof vipers that should have been crushed out years ago!"
I was near to smiling, despite the fact that this was a race in whichhuman life had been put at stake, because our uncle should suggest thatwe might take any part in wiping out the "vipers," when our last chargeof ammunition was expended, and we carried no other arms than muskets.
Yet did we press on at his heels with all the speed of which CaptainMouzon's steeds were capable, eager to gain the advance if thatmight be, lest he should for a single instant fancy we had grownfaint-hearted.
It was the first time we had had an opportunity of proving that theJames blood ran in our veins, and had I been certain death awaited meat the end of that mad chase, I would have spurred my horse on yetfaster, exulting in the thought that I might come to my end in suchnoble fashion as now, when following the lead of Major James!
Percy shouted like one who is without sense, and yet there was nothought in my mind of chiding him, for I understood full well why itwas that the sound of his own voice seemed necessary--it was but thenatural vent of the excitement that had taken hold of him like asa fever, and I have since been told that I also cried out unmeaningwords; but yet was unconscious of having done so.
Then suddenly the scene changed again, and with this transformationcame into my heart what was very like fear.
One moment it was as if we had the whole of General Marion's forceat our heels, and the next we were alone, riding down into that massof fleeing Tories who outnumbered us two hundred to one, while not afriend of the Cause could be seen in the rear.
I saw Major James glancing over his shoulder, and involuntarily Icopied the movement, although for thirty seconds or more had I knownwe were so far in the advance as to be practically cut off from ourfriends.
There was no change of expression in my uncle's face when he realizedthat we were come into sore danger--for now we were well upon the heelsof the enemy;--but he looked at me as if asking whether the knowledgeof our situation brought timorousness into my heart.
I have ever been proud because at that instant I answered his inquiringlook with such words as tickled his fancy mightily:
"There be three of us, Major, and more are not needed."
It was the speech of a braggart, but yet under such circumstances thewords gave my uncle more confidence in our courage than almost anythingelse could have done, and an expression, which for the moment I took tobe affection, came over his face as he replied in a ringing tone:
"God bless the sister who gave to me such nephews!" Then, waving hissaber and shouting at the full strength of his lungs as if he had athousand men behind him, he cried, "Here they are, boys! Here they are!Come on!"
I believe of a verity that the Tories fancied he was calling to a largeforce, rather than to two lads who were practically weaponless, fortheir panic increased, if that could be possible, and they crowded uponeach other's heels until the advance was impeded.
With fifty well-armed men at that time I venture to say we might havewiped out Major Gainey's entire force, and that officer himself wasnigh to being taken prisoner when my uncle, spurring his horse into thevery midst of the fugitives, singled out the leader as if challenginghim to mortal combat.
Major Gainey, although he was a Tory, had never been called a coward;but on this morning he absolutely refused the challenge, and instead ofhalting to meet the foe as he would have done had his cause been just,he forced aside the weaker of his following, and succeeded in makinggood an escape.
"It was shame enough that one from Williamsburg should be a Tory," myuncle cried, brandishing his saber in impotent rage; "but that a Gaineywould show himself a coward as well, I have never believed until thishour."
It was strange indeed that of all the enemy we pursued so hotly and soclosely, none turned upon us.
It would have been a simple task for a dozen of them, armed as weknew they were, to have allowed us to come into their midst, and then,closing, taken all three prisoners, or shot us down as might best havesuited their fancy.
The fever of fear, however, was upon them until there was no thoughtin the minds of any save of individual safety, and during ten minutesor more we rode upon the heels of that retreating rabble, taunting themwith such words as should have turned the faintest-hearted at bay.
There were seconds during that chase when I trembled with what was likeunto a fear, realizing all which it was possible for them to do, andthen that sensation would pass away while rage took possession of mebecause of my inability to do other than lash the miserable Tories withmy tongue.
Then Major James wheeled suddenly about, for we had come to the edge ofPedee Swamp, and, by his gesture rather than words, we understood thatit was our turn to retreat.
The Tories were forced, because of the water, to ride more slowly, andshould we still press upon them they must, even like rats, turn at bay;when, as a matter of course, the end would have come for us.
We had shown them what a man could do whose cause was just, and itwould have been folly to continue on to the useless sacrifice of ourown lives.
We turned about, as I have said, in obedience to my uncle's signal, androde to the rear faster than we came, for now was there fear some ofthe cowardly foe might shoot us in the back, and before drawing rein wecame upon General Marion and Captain M'Cottry.
These two were, like ourselves, far in advance, and by reining in hishorse the general forced us to halt.
Now occurred that which I shall ever remember with the most intensepride and satisfaction so long as the breath remains in my body.
He who was to be afterward so well-known as the "Swamp Fox," he who wasthe bravest among all the brave men in the Carolinas, leaning forwardin the saddle held out his hands, one to each of us lads, and said ina tone so hearty that there could be no mistaking the sentiment
in hisheart:
"I have ever believed the members of the James family to be true totheir country, their friends, and to themselves; but never before hadI expected to see two boys ride at their kinsman's call straight intowhat seemed certain danger. I am proud indeed that you were eager toseek service under my command, and promise that if my life be sparedyou shall have fitting opportunity to show your devotion to the Cause."
We lads were unable to speak because of the pride and pleasure whichfilled our hearts to overflowing; but my uncle, taking off his hat withmore of homage than I had ever seen him bestow upon any other man, madereply:
"When General Marion is pleased to speak such words to members of myfamily, he places under obligation every one of us."
"There can be no sense of obligation, Major, when the praise has beenwon so handsomely."
"In that I agree with you, General, and more particularly becauseneither of my nephews had a charge of ammunition. After the first rushthey followed bravely, although virtually weaponless, and I am happyto be able to call them my sister's sons. The ride is completed, and wenow await your orders."
"Have all the force escaped?" the general asked.
"Ay, sir, all save those who may have been rendered unable to continuethe retreat. They are in Pedee Swamp where it would be worse than follyto make any attempt at following them."
The general wheeled his horse around, motioning Percy and I to rideby his side, and together we returned to where the main body of ourbrigade was halted.
Here after a short time we learned that a captain and nine men hadbeen killed from among the Tory force, while our loss amounted to onlytwo wounded, and it was safe to say that many days would elapse beforeMajor Gainey's regiment could be got into fighting shape again.
There was no reason why any of us should longer suffer from hunger,for we were in possession of the Tory camp where were provisions inabundance, and during an hour we feasted, Percy and I, as only lads canwho have been without food nigh on to four and twenty hours.
Then, when believing it would be possible to return to our homefor a short time--and we were eager to tell our mother of the prouddistinction we had won--word was brought by one of the troopers thatGeneral Marion would speak with us.
I venture to say there was not a man in the brigade who did not envyus two lads as we went toward that portion of the thicket where thecommander was seated under a live oak tree with his officers clusteredabout him, and I am also quite certain that of all the force, we twohad the least right to be praised or singled out for preferment.
Among those who served the Cause in the Carolinas there were nocowards; it appeared much as if the timorous ones turned Toriesbecause, by professing to serve the king, a colonist is not required tobear so many hardships or encounter so many dangers, as those who wouldthrow off his majesty's yoke. Therefore it was that when an officerlike General Marion selected two from among all that gathering, it wasindeed a great distinction, and we understood by his sending for usthat we were like to be called upon for an especial service, as he hadalready intimated.
Although unused to such a life as we had so suddenly embarked upon,Percy and I contrived to salute the general in something approachingmilitary fashion, and he, returning it, asked in the tone of a friendrather than of one who commands:
"Are you lads minded to set out on a venture which has in it much ofdanger?"
Percy looked at me as if to say that I should act as spokesman, and Ireplied more readily than perhaps was courteous, fearing lest it mightbe fancied we hesitated:
"Aye, sir; that we are, and the more of danger the more readily do weset out. I say this last not in a boasting manner, but to show you,sir, that we are right willing to lay down our lives for the good ofthe Cause which our uncle serves."
"It is well spoken, young sir. I had no doubt of your willingness; butrather made mention of the danger that you might have an opportunityto draw back honorably, if it so be you shrank in any degree from thetask, for it is one through which little honor can be gained, althoughthe service must be performed."
"We are ready for whatsoever pleases you, sir," I said, and Percy laidhis hand in mine that it might be understood he repeated the words.
"Between here and Dubose Ferry--the precise location you mustyourselves determine--one Captain Barfield lies encamped, havingunder him a force not less than four hundred strong. Our purpose isto advance upon him immediately; but having learned that there is apossibility his men may far exceed ours in numbers, it is necessarywe have full information before venturing an attack. Are you minded toseek him out, and learn all that may be ascertained within a few hours,returning to us before nightfall?"
"We will set out at once, sir. Captain Mouzon lent us horses that wemight join in the march, and perhaps he will allow us to use them inthis service," I said, turning toward the captain, who replied readily:
"That you may, lads, and in welcome. I am right glad that the Mouzonstables can furnish mounts for such riders as you have shown yourselvesto be."
"Then we will set out at once, sir," I said to the general. "The horseshave already been cared for, and should be able to make the journeywithout distress."
"There is no time to be lost. You yourselves are to decide how theinformation we desire can best and most safely be obtained, for itwould be unwise to hamper you with advice or commands. At about noonthe brigade will set out at a slow pace in the direction of DuboseFerry, and I hope you may be able to meet us several miles this sideof the encampment. We shall ride so nearly as may be in a straightline, and at about nightfall keep sharp watch for your approach. Themost important information is as to the number of the enemy; then thegeneral position of the camp, and, finally, how it may be best comeupon."
Having said this the general saluted, as did the officers round abouthim, and Percy and I, understanding that we were dismissed, would havemoved away, but that the major, my uncle, stepped forward, taking useach by the hand.
He spoke no word; but I understood that he was bidding us good-by, andhis manner of doing it told me, had such information been necessary,how dangerous was the mission with which we were charged.
Again the general and his officers saluted, and then we, turning on ourheels, set about making ready for the departure.
Some of the men lounging nearabout would have spoken with us; but Iwas not minded to indulge in conversation just at that moment, and itseemed much as if Percy had the same idea.
Beginning to realize more fully each moment what this duty on which wewere embarked might mean, I feared lest we grow faint-hearted becauseof the perils. To have spoken with any one regarding the service, wouldhave been to show us more plainly all that it meant, and silence wassafest if we would hold our uncle's good opinion.
The horses were saddled, and we about to mount when Gavin Witherspoon,whom I had not seen since the attack, came up hurriedly and with theair of one who is in a fault-finding mood.
"So! We are much puffed up with pride, eh, since it has been our goodfortune to follow Major James in pursuit of a lot of scurvy Tories? Wedon't care to speak with old friends?"
"Now you are disgruntled without cause, Gavin Witherspoon," Percysaid laughingly. "How may it be possible that we speak with old ornew friends when we fail to meet them. Since you dropped the fish sohurriedly, we have not had a glimpse of your face, and I question ifyou cared to meet us until, perhaps, within an hour."
"I have been looking for you high and low since we came to a halt here."
"Then it must be your eyes are grown dim with age," I said, now joiningmy brother in his mirth, for the old man's anger was comical ratherthan serious. "We unsaddled our horses in this spot, and have remaineduntil within ten minutes under this same tree, therefore it could nothave been a difficult matter to find us."
"But there is no reason for fault-finding, and we have little time tospend in conversation," Percy added.
"You will speak with me though!" Gavin said, seizing the bridle of myhorse as if fearing I was a
bout to ride away. "In what direction areyou two lads going?"
"That we may not say," Percy replied quickly. "It is enough that we areacting upon General Marion's orders."
"That is as I suspected," Gavin cried, shaking his fist at Percy asif the lad had proven himself guilty of some serious crime. "You wouldslip away from the old man, believing yourselves so wondrous brave thathe isn't fit to join in any adventure however trifling?"
"Now you are talking wildly, Gavin Witherspoon," I said, losing mypatience, for, knowing we had but little time at our disposal, Iwas fretted by what seemed to me no more than folly. "We have beenentrusted with a duty which must be performed immediately, and may notstand here parleying with you over trifling matters."
"It is my intention you shall remain until I can have speech withGeneral Marion, or failing him, with Major James."
"Why should we wait for that?" Percy asked, leaping into the saddle,and as he did so the old man seized the bridle of his horse also.
"Because I am counting on going with you. I promised your mother sixmonths or more ago that when you two lads were minded to turn soldiersI would keep an eye upon you, and now has come the time when I mustfulfil the pledge, or write myself down a liar."
I knew enough of the old man's character to understand that we couldnot browbeat him into loosing his hold of the bridle, and was notminded to ride over him. Therefore said with as much of patience as Icould assume:
"So that you move quickly, we will wait until you can speak with eitherofficer you name; but remember, Gavin, we are under orders to set offwithout delay."
"What have you in the way of weapons?"
Until this moment, strange as it may seem, I had entirely lost sight ofthe fact that we were virtually unarmed, and now I realized the follyof setting out so wholly unprepared.
"We must have ammunition if nothing more," I said hurriedly, "and whileyou are gone in search of the general, I will set about procuring it.Therefore the time spent in waiting for you will not be wasted."
Gavin Witherspoon now seemed to have every confidence that we wouldnot slip away from him, and hurried off toward the other end of theencampment, while I went from one acquaintance to another in search ofpowder and ball.
In this quest I was more successful than had seemed possible.
Knowing that we lads had been entrusted with a mission, the menbestirred themselves to see that we were outfitted properly, andsoon our store of ammunition was even greater than could be used toadvantage.
We had two horns full of powder, thirty or forty balls, and a couple ofpistols; more than that would have hampered our movements.
Perhaps no more than ten minutes had been spent in outfittingourselves, and yet this time was sufficient for Gavin to make hispreparations to accompany us, as was shown when he rode up while I wasdividing the ammunition with Percy.
"Is it really your purpose to follow us?" I asked in surprise, for ithad not seemed to me probable the old man would be allowed to join inthe venture.
"I am not countin' to _follow_, lads; but ride side by side with you,and perhaps somewhat in advance. I'm not thinkin' of letting you go onthis mission alone----"
"It may be safer for two than for three," Percy said half to himself,and the old man, without so much as turning his head, replied solemnlyand in such a tone as impressed me strangely:
"There is nothing whatsoever of safety in an attempt to ride from hereto Dubose Ferry, for two, or even a dozen of those who love the cause.My going with you will neither increase nor lessen the danger, becausethat is impossible. It may be, however, that I can give a word ofadvice which will prevent your coming to a final end quite so soon, forI hold to it that General Marion and Major James have this day sent youlads to what is little less than death."
Having thus spoken, and in a manner well calculated to disturb even thestoutest hearted lad, the old man wheeled his horse about and rode inthe direction of Dubose Ferry, never so much as turning his head to seeif we were following him.
With the Swamp Fox: A Story of General Marion's Young Spies Page 3
