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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43806 ***
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+  Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original document have
+  been preserved. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
+
+  Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal
+  signs=.
+
+
+
+
+  [Illustration: "Wheel about, and march back to the house, or I shall
+   shoot," said the Tory. Page 153.]
+
+
+
+
+     SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE.
+
+     A Story of the Carolinas in 1780.
+
+     BY JAMES OTIS.
+
+     [Illustration]
+
+     With Six Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis.
+
+
+     A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS,
+     52-58 DUANE STREET, NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+     Copyright, 1898, by A. L. BURT.
+     Copyright, 1899, by A. L. BURT.
+
+     SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE.
+     BY JAMES OTIS.
+
+
+
+
+NOTE.
+
+
+"They were men admirably fitted by their daily pursuits for the
+privations they were called upon to endure. They had neither tents,
+baggage, bread, nor salt, and no commissary department to furnish
+regular supplies. Potatoes, pumpkins, roasted corn, and occasionally a
+bit of venison supplied by their own rifles, composed their daily
+food. Such were the men who were gathering among the mountains and
+valleys of the Upper Carolinas to beat back the invaders."--_Lossing's
+"Field-Book of the Revolution."_
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+     CHAPTER I.                  PAGE
+     A Britisher's Threat           1
+
+     CHAPTER II.
+     The Tory's Purpose            25
+
+     CHAPTER III.
+     A Desperate Venture           50
+
+     CHAPTER IV.
+     The Struggle                  74
+
+     CHAPTER V.
+     Sarah Dillard                 99
+
+     CHAPTER VI.
+     Greene's Spring              123
+
+     CHAPTER VII.
+     At Watuga                    149
+
+     CHAPTER VIII.
+     The Prisoner                 174
+
+     CHAPTER IX.
+     King's Mountain              200
+
+     CHAPTER X.
+     A Hot Chase                  214
+
+     CHAPTER XI.
+     Success                      238
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+
+                                                                  PAGE
+
+     "You are grown timorous indeed, Evan, if you can imagine
+     that noise to be caused by the Redcoats."                       7
+
+     "Take your hands off! I am not to be treated as a prisoner,"
+     Ephraim cried.                                                 32
+
+     Nathan did as his comrade suggested, and save for a slight
+     creaking now and then, the work was carried on.                91
+
+     The colt darted forward at full speed with Mrs. Dillard.      113
+
+     "Wheel about, and march back to the house, or I shall
+     shoot," said the Tory.                                        153
+
+     Nathan and Evan crept within three feet of the Tory.          193
+
+
+
+
+SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+A BRITISHER'S THREAT.
+
+
+In the year 1780 there was in North Carolina, west of Broad River, and
+near the site of what is now known as Rutherfordton, a settlement
+called Gilbert Town.
+
+Within five or six miles of this village on a certain September day in
+the year above mentioned, two lads, equipped for a hunting trip, had
+halted in the woods.
+
+One was Nathan Shelby, a boy sixteen years of age, and nephew of that
+Isaac Shelby whose name is so prominent in the early history of North
+Carolina; the other, Evan McDowells, son of Colonel Charles McDowells,
+was one year younger than Nathan.
+
+But for the fact that these two lads were sorely needed at their
+homes, both would have been enrolled either among the American forces,
+or with those hardy pioneers who were then known as Mountain Men, for
+the time was come when the struggling colonists required every arm
+that could raise a musket.
+
+On the previous month the American forces under General Gates had been
+defeated by Cornwallis at Camden. Tarleton had dispersed Sumter's
+forces at Rocky Mount, and the southern colonists appeared to have
+been entirely subdued by the royal troops.
+
+General Cornwallis, now at Camden, was bending his efforts to
+establish the king's government in South Carolina, and in punishing
+those "rebels" who, despite their many reverses, were yet among the
+mountains awaiting a favorable opportunity to strike another blow in
+behalf of freedom.
+
+It was at this time, and especially in the Carolinas, as if the
+attempt to free the colonists from the oppressive yoke of the British
+had utterly failed, and even the most sanguine despaired of being able
+to accomplish anything in that section until General Washington should
+lend them some assistance.
+
+Nathan and Evan, lads though they were, understood full well the
+situation of affairs, and as they sat upon the trunk of a fallen tree,
+resting from the labor of seeking food--for this hunting trip had been
+made for serious purposes, rather than in pursuit of sport--the two
+spoke concerning the reverses which had been visited upon the
+patriots.
+
+"It is as if we were already whipped into submission," Evan said
+sadly, "for how is it possible our people shall gather in such force
+as to be able to offer successful resistance?"
+
+"That seems indeed true," Nathan replied, "and yet will Colonel
+William Campbell of Virginia remain idle? Do you believe my uncle,
+Colonel Shelby, or Lieutenant-Colonel John Sevier, have laid down
+their arms? Or even if those three are subdued, is it likely, think
+you, that your father will rest content while the king's forces
+overrun the country at their pleasure?"
+
+"There are matters which cannot be mended, however brave men may be,
+and it seems to me that now has come the time when we must say that
+the struggle for liberty can no longer be continued."
+
+"If all who have for four years opposed the king's will were as
+faint-hearted as you, Evan, then indeed had the rebellion been crushed
+before it was well begun."
+
+"But tell me, Nathan, how may the Americans, with but few men, scanty
+equipments, and little or no money, even attempt to hold their own
+against the royal forces, which outnumber us mayhap ten to one?"
+
+"That I cannot do, and perchance even your father might find it
+difficult to make reply to such question, but this much I believe to
+be a certainty. The desire for freedom has not been crushed out from
+the hearts of the American people, and while it remains strong as at
+present, some way will be found whereby we shall have at least the
+semblance of an army again."
+
+"I would I could believe you."
+
+"Is your mother thus despondent?"
+
+"I cannot say, Nathan. It is now near two weeks, as you know, since I
+have seen her."
+
+"But think you she has lost all hope? She, who has dared to burn
+charcoal in the fireplace of her own home, while the Britishers were
+about, in order to carry it to your father, who was making gunpowder
+in a cave among the mountains."
+
+"My mother is brave, which is more, mayhap, than can be said for her
+son."
+
+"Ay; had she not been, when your father's cattle were driven off by
+the British skirmishers, she had hardly called the neighbors
+together, and by such show of strength recovered the property. With
+women like your mother, and men such as your father and my Uncle
+Isaac, I tell you, Evan, the cause of liberty is not lost."
+
+"But it would seem as if we were further from our purpose now than
+four years ago, when a declaration of our independence was read
+throughout the colonies. Then we had more money, and it was not as
+difficult to find recruits. Now ten dollars in paper is hardly worth
+two cents--in fact, I am told that even the troops consider it too
+cumbersome for its value to repay them for carrying it around."
+
+"That is the case only with the paper money."
+
+  [Illustration: "You are grown timorous indeed, Evan, if you can
+   imagine that noise to be caused by the Redcoats."--Page 7.]
+
+"Ay, Nathan; and as for gold and silver, we still trust to that on
+which is stamped the king's image. But it is not for you and I to talk
+of political matters, when both are really in the same way of
+thinking; the only difference between us is that I, who was never
+so courageous as you, have grown faint-hearted."
+
+Evan ceased speaking very suddenly, for at that instant both the lads
+heard the hoof-beats of horses in the distance, and started up in what
+was very like alarm as they listened, while exchanging inquiring
+glances.
+
+"It must be that the British are coming this way," Evan said, turning
+as if to flee; but his companion clutched him by the arm, saying with
+a laugh:
+
+"You are grown timorous indeed, Evan, if you can imagine that noise to
+be caused by the redcoats. Surely there are none nearabout here, and
+even though there were, it is not likely they would attempt to make
+their way through this wood."
+
+Evan ceased his efforts to flee, but turned as if unwilling, with a
+forced smile upon his face.
+
+"Of course it must be as you say, Nathan, for the Britishers would
+have no business here; yet it is even true they may be nearabout, for
+we have heard that General Cornwallis was bent on sending a force into
+this section, and he is not wise who refuses to take heed of any
+warning in these times."
+
+"You need not set me down as one who makes light of the information
+which has been brought by those whom we could trust; but I refuse to
+be alarmed without cause, and the idea that the Britishers would ride
+into this thicket is--They _are_ redcoats! It is _I_ who am playing
+the fool by setting myself up as an authority on those matters of
+which I know nothing!"
+
+The foremost of a mounted band had come into view, causing this sudden
+change in Nathan's speech, and the two boys gazed in alarm at the
+rapidly advancing horsemen, for now was it too late to make any
+attempt at flight. Both knew, from reports which had been spread
+through the country, of outrages committed among even those who were
+not in arms, what it might mean to fall into the hands of the enemy,
+who were bent on subjugating the country by any means, however harsh,
+and they had good reason to expect brutal treatment once they were
+caught in the clutches of the king's troops.
+
+Involuntarily the lads clasped hands. Although armed, there was no
+thought in the mind of either that resistance might be offered, and
+indeed it would have been in the highest degree foolhardy to have done
+other than they did at this moment--quietly await that foe from which
+escape was impossible.
+
+Where they stood the forest was open and free from underbrush,
+therefore while the troopers were yet a quarter of a mile away they
+were in full view, their red coats showing in vivid contrast among the
+green leaves, and before the advance squad were yet arrived at where
+the boys were standing, the entire company could be seen.
+
+Fully two hundred men, a goodly portion of whom were Tories, clad in
+the ordinary garb of the country, and the remainder wearing the king's
+uniform, made up the party.
+
+Among the foremost of the riders was one clad in the habiliments of a
+major, and from what had been told by those who brought the
+information of General Cornwallis' movements, the boys knew at once
+that this must be Patrick Ferguson of the Seventy-first Royal
+Regiment.
+
+It was this officer who accosted the frightened lads, by asking in a
+loud voice which had in it much of menace:
+
+"What are you two doing here armed? Rebel spawn no doubt, who lie in
+wait to do mischief when it may be accomplished without danger to
+yourselves."
+
+"We are out hunting, and if it please you, sir, in order to get meat
+for the family," Nathan replied, speaking stoutly, although he was
+inwardly quaking with fear.
+
+"Tell me no lies or it shall go the worse with you. How long has it
+been that you of the Carolinas must search for food in the forests?"
+
+"Since his majesty's troops overrode the colony, quartering themselves
+upon those whose store of provisions was already scanty."
+
+"Be careful how you speak! I am not in a mood to hear insolence from
+those who rebel against their lawful king," and the major made a
+threatening gesture, bending from his horse as if he would strike the
+boys.
+
+Evan stepped back a pace in fear; but Nathan boldly held his ground as
+he asked bravely:
+
+"Think you, sir, that two lads like us may do the king harm?"
+
+Major Ferguson's face reddened with rage, and motioning for one of the
+troopers to advance, he said:
+
+"Disarm and bind these insolent cubs who dare bandy words with their
+betters. They shall talk in a different strain before I am done with
+them."
+
+"Would you make prisoners of us who are not soldiers?" Nathan asked
+even as the man seized him by the arm. "Would you carry away from
+their homes two boys upon whom a family is depending for food?"
+
+"Where are your fathers?" Major Ferguson asked sharply.
+
+"I have none," Nathan replied. "My mother is a widow."
+
+"And yours?" he continued, turning toward Evan.
+
+"Colonel Charles McDowells."
+
+"As rank a rebel as lives in the Carolinas. See that you bind them
+well, my man, for I doubt not these two, innocent as they would
+appear, have already had their fingers in the rebel broth."
+
+"Since you are bent on making us prisoners, sir, it is useless to deny
+that we have done aught against the king, save it be a crime to
+perform our share in feeding those dependent upon us."
+
+"If those who make up the ragamuffin following of _Mister_ Washington
+could not depend on such as you to provide for the women and children,
+they might be forced to remain at home where they belong, instead of
+hatching treason, and I could then, perhaps, clear this portion of the
+colonies of every male inhabitant who is old enough to be of service
+in any capacity. Before I have performed my mission you of the
+Carolinas shall understand what rebellion means, for it is my purpose
+to teach you a lesson."
+
+Having said this the valiant major turned his horse that he might
+speak with some of his followers, and the trooper who was bidden to
+disarm and bind the lads had well-nigh finished with the task.
+
+Nathan and Evan were rudely searched, and with such effect that even
+their spare flints were taken from them. Their hands were bound
+behind their backs securely with leathern straps; the fowling pieces
+and the scanty store of ammunition were taken charge of by one of the
+troopers, and he who had been detailed to seize them stood as if
+awaiting orders of his commander.
+
+"Keep up a brave heart, Evan," Nathan whispered courageously. "Do not
+give yonder redcoated brute the satisfaction of seeing that we are
+afraid."
+
+"We are likely to be carried very far from home, Nathan, and it may be
+that much suffering is in store for us."
+
+"Of that there can be little doubt; but no good will come to us by
+showing the white feather, for of how much weight, think you, tears
+and prayers be upon such as our captor. It would please him were we to
+give free rein to our sorrow, and I am not minded he shall have such
+gratification from me."
+
+"But surely there is no reason why you should anger him by bold
+speaking--that will not avail us."
+
+"No more than it would if we pleaded for mercy, and there is much
+satisfaction to be gained by depriving him of the pleasure that would
+come with the sight of our tears. Hold firm, Evan McDowells, as your
+father and your mother would do were they in like situation, and
+mayhap the time will come when this Major Ferguson's grasp will be so
+far lessened that we shall see a chance of slipping through his
+fingers."
+
+"I have little hope of any such good fortune," Evan replied, with a
+long-drawn sigh, and then both the boys fell silent.
+
+The horsemen had dismounted, and it was evident that a prolonged halt
+would be made.
+
+The major gave no further orders concerning his prisoners, and the
+trooper stood guard over them four or five paces away, giving no
+apparent heed to the conversation in which they had been indulging.
+
+During half an hour the situation remained unchanged, and then came
+into view two hundred or more men on foot, the greater number wearing
+scarlet uniforms, the remainder being evidently Tories.
+
+At first glance the boys believed this last body of Britishers had
+come by accident upon the halting-place; but as the men exchanged
+salutations with the members of the advance party, it could be seen
+that they all formed one company under the leadership of Major
+Ferguson, and had been temporarily separated because of the more rapid
+traveling of the horsemen.
+
+When another half-hour had been spent here the order was given to
+resume the march, and an officer in the uniform of a captain brought
+word from the major to the man who was guarding the boys, that he
+would be relieved from duty, one of the foot-soldiers taking his
+place.
+
+When the change of guards had been effected, Nathan and Evan were
+ordered into line midway of the column, and thus hemmed in on every
+side they were forced to advance, traveling with difficulty, and even
+pain, because their arms were fettered.
+
+As a rule, the men gave very little attention to these young
+prisoners, save when one or the other of the boys fell slightly in the
+rear, and then a blow from the butt of a musket would warn him that he
+must keep pace with the remainder of the troop or suffer because of
+inability to do so.
+
+Now that the lads were completely surrounded by foes, no conversation
+of a private nature was possible, and in silence they marched on, with
+ample food for unpleasant thoughts.
+
+The only question in the minds of both was as to the destination of
+this body of Britishers, for there seemed little reason why so many
+men should penetrate this mountainous portion of the Carolinas, where
+there was no important stronghold to be captured.
+
+Until five o'clock in the afternoon the troop advanced steadily, and
+then the foot-soldiers were arrived at a small valley where the
+horsemen had already apparently halted for the night.
+
+Fires were kindled here and there; some of the soldiers were engaged
+in cooking, others in caring for the horses, and all so intent upon
+making themselves comfortable that it was as if the prisoners had been
+forgotten by everyone save him who was charged with their custody.
+
+When an hour had passed the lads were still standing where they had
+been halted, and Nathan said with a mirthless laugh:
+
+"It looks as though we might be forced to keep our feet until morning,
+for so nearly as I can make out food has been served to all save
+ourselves and our guard."
+
+"I am counting on being relieved before many more moments pass," the
+soldier said petulantly, for Nathan had spoken so loudly that he could
+not fail to hear the remark.
+
+"And are we to be starved because we neither wear red coats nor are
+willing to march shoulder to shoulder with them?"
+
+"It matters not to me what disposition may be made of you, so that I
+am given an opportunity of getting my rations," the soldier said, and
+a moment later one of his comrades came up, musket in hand, to relieve
+him.
+
+To this last guard Nathan repeated his question as to the probability
+of their being provided with supper, and the soldier replied
+carelessly:
+
+"I am not the quartermaster of this detachment, and if I was I
+question whether much time would be spent over such as you."
+
+Then he fell to pacing to and fro, watching his comrades as they
+lounged around the campfire; but all the while keeping close guard
+over the two lads, who were so weary from the hunting of the forenoon
+and the march of the afternoon that it is questionable whether they
+could have fled even if the opportunity presented itself.
+
+"I had expected to be ill-treated," Nathan said with an assumption of
+carelessness to his comrade; "but did not count on being starved. It
+is a pity, since we were to be made prisoners, that this gallant Major
+Ferguson could not have come up after we had partaken of dinner, for
+it seems as if many hours had passed since we ate breakfast."
+
+Evan was on the point of making some reply to this mournful remark
+when from the distance he observed a lad, who, coming directly across
+the valley, was halted by the sentinels stationed around the
+encampment.
+
+"Look there!" he said, in a low tone of excitement. "If I mistake not,
+it is Ephraim Sowers, and what may he be doing here among the
+redcoats?"
+
+"It is as I have always believed," Nathan cried, forgetting that the
+man who acted as their guard could hear every word he spoke. "Ephraim
+is neither more nor less than a Tory, and I venture to say he comes
+now to give information concerning our friends."
+
+"It is not the first time he has met this detachment of men," Evan
+added, "See! He speaks now with one of the soldiers as to an old
+acquaintance."
+
+"Who may say for how long he has acted the spy? When it was told on
+the day before yesterday that he had gold in his possession, I would
+not believe it; but now it is plain to be seen that there was truth in
+the statement, and we can say how he earned it."
+
+This Ephraim Sowers was the son of one who claimed to be "a man of
+peace;" one who by many a loud word had declared that he believed it
+a sin to resort to arms, whatever the provocation, and, living a near
+neighbor to the McDowells, was in a position, if it so pleased him, to
+give much of valuable information to the enemy. Until this moment,
+however, there had been no suspicion that he might be tempted to play
+the part of spy, and his son's arrival at this encampment told the
+boys as plainly as words could have done how it was General Cornwallis
+had reliable knowledge concerning that portion of the colony, for he
+had given good proof that he knew who among the inhabitants favored
+the king or the "rebels."
+
+Ephraim advanced leisurely, and with the air of one who believes he is
+expected, until his eyes rested upon the prisoners; then he started
+suddenly, a flush as of shame came over his face for the instant, and
+straightening himself defiantly, he walked up with a vindictive smile
+until he was within half a dozen paces of the two lads.
+
+"I had thought that the sight of a redcoat was so displeasing that it
+went against your stomachs," he said tauntingly, "and yet I find you
+hobnobbing with Major Ferguson's men."
+
+"It seems that you know who commands this detachment," Evan said
+sternly, forgetting all his fears now in the anger he felt that this
+lad whom he had once trusted should have been all the while a Tory.
+
+"I'll warrant you two know as much."
+
+"Ay; but we are here as prisoners, and you have come as a visitor--one
+who has seen these men before, to judge from the manner in which you
+accosted them."
+
+"Well, what does that prove?" Ephraim asked, an evil look coming into
+his eyes.
+
+"It proves you to be a spy, and when we shall make known what has been
+seen this night, I am thinking neither you nor your peace-loving
+father will find the Carolinas a pleasant abiding place."
+
+"And I am thinking that when such rebels as you have the chance to
+tell what has been seen, the rebellion will have been crushed out, for
+now that you are here, if my words go for anything, you will not soon
+be set at liberty."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE TORY'S PURPOSE.
+
+
+Until the moment when Ephraim Sowers had revealed his true self by
+coming into the British camp as a spy, neither Nathan nor Evan had
+felt any grave anxiety regarding the future.
+
+They knew full well that the redcoats were not given to being friendly
+in their intercourse with the so-called rebels, and that such persons
+as they took were treated with roughness, if not absolute harshness.
+
+Such treatment as had previously been dealt out to captured Americans
+the boys could endure without a murmur, therefore there was no painful
+anxiety regarding the outcome of the matter; but when Ephraim Sowers
+appeared, the situation of affairs seemed to be decidedly changed.
+
+Now that he had been recognized by these two, the news that he was a
+Tory and in league with the Britishers would be carried to all that
+country roundabout where he lived, whenever Nathan and Evan were set
+free.
+
+It was only reasonable to suppose he had some slight degree of
+influence in the camp, having served Major Ferguson as a spy, and
+these two lads might safely count on his doing whatsoever was in his
+power to have them held prisoners, even if worse did not follow, and
+it was evident Nathan feared this last possibility, for he said in a
+low tone to his comrade, when the young Tory had walked away with a
+swagger in the direction of Major Ferguson's tent:
+
+"No good will come to us through having seen that villain."
+
+"On such a point there need be little discussion, for I am of the same
+mind, and it will be exceedingly fortunate if he leaves this
+encampment without having worked us some harm, although I cannot say
+in what way it might be done."
+
+"For his own safety, should he ever count on returning home, we must
+be silenced, Evan, and I am thinking Ephraim Sowers knows in this
+encampment enough of his own kidney who would aid him in thus doing."
+
+"Do you mean that he would dare to kill us?" and now Evan looked up in
+alarm.
+
+"He would dare do anything when there was no danger of his receiving
+bodily injury. But don't let me play upon your fears, for there is no
+reason why we should look abroad for trouble when we have sufficient
+of it close around us. We will trust to the chances that that young
+Tory is powerless, or too much occupied just at present, to give evil
+heed to us."
+
+"The last is what we should not take into consideration, for however
+actively engaged he may be it is necessary for his own safety, should
+he ever return among his neighbors, to prevent us from telling what we
+have just learned."
+
+"If you refuse such comfort as I try to give, then we will put it that
+he will be content so long as we are held prisoners here, and who
+shall say that we may not soon find an opportunity for escape?
+Captives while on the march are not like to be kept under overly
+strict guard."
+
+"Where did the Tory go? I was so bewildered both by seeing him here
+and realizing what his coming might mean, as to be almost in a daze
+while he was making his threats."
+
+"I fancied I saw some one nearabout Major Ferguson's tent beckoning
+for the scoundrel, and he hurried away as if bent on visiting the
+commander. I venture to predict we shall see him again before he
+leaves this locality."
+
+Then the lads fell to speculating as to how long young Sowers had been
+engaged as a British spy; what might be the result of Major
+Ferguson's march through the mountains, and in other ways discussing
+the situation as if they were to be spectators rather than
+participants in whatever might occur.
+
+When half an hour had passed, much to their surprise, for the boys had
+come to believe they would not be given food that night, rations were
+served out to them, and they were partaking of the limited meal with
+such keenness of appetite and eagerness as to be unaware of Ephraim
+Sowers' return until he stood close beside them.
+
+"Well, have you finished giving Major Ferguson all the information he
+desired?" Nathan asked curtly, only glancing toward the newcomer
+sufficiently to discover his identity.
+
+"I may have told him some things that wouldn't be pleasant for you to
+hear," the Tory replied surlily.
+
+"Of that I have no question, for it is easy to guess that you have
+done all the injury to your neighbors of which your tongue was
+capable."
+
+"I have given the major such a good account of you two that he won't
+be likely to part company with you for some time to come."
+
+"We are not surprised, because it was only what might have been
+expected after we found you were playing the part of spy," Evan said,
+determined to so far hide his fears that this vicious enemy should not
+suspect what was in his heart.
+
+"I am ready to do whatsoever I can against the enemies of the king,"
+Evan replied, assuming what he intended should be a dignified
+attitude.
+
+"His majesty must rest content now, if he knows that you stand ready
+to aid his officers by playing the spy upon those who have befriended
+you when you were in need."
+
+Nathan spoke distinctly and deliberately, in a tone so loud that all
+might hear, and Ephraim's face crimsoned with mingled rage and shame,
+for he knew full well that but for the aid afforded him by Nathan's
+uncle during the previous winter his sufferings might have been great
+indeed.
+
+"I shall do all in my power to overthrow the wicked plans of the
+rebels, and more particularly will I exert myself against the Mountain
+Men," he cried, in a fury of passion, whereat Evan added quietly:
+
+"We can well fancy that, for Master Isaac Shelby is a Mountain Man,
+and but for him you would have starved. Let me see: vipers have been
+supposed to be the only living things that would sting the hand which
+feeds them."
+
+"I shall sting you even worse than I have already done!" Ephraim
+cried, shaking his clinched hand in impotent rage, and so threatening
+was his attitude that the soldier on guard seized him, as if fearing
+the boy would strike the helpless prisoners.
+
+"Take your hands off!" Ephraim cried, literally trembling with
+passion. "I am not to be treated as a prisoner in this camp after all
+I have done."
+
+"Very true," the soldier replied quietly. "You shall not be deprived
+of your liberty save when it becomes necessary to prevent you from
+striking helpless captives, and that I would not allow my own comrade
+to do."
+
+"I had no idea of touching them."
+
+"Your actions told a different story, and even though these two lads
+be rebels, they shall be treated decently while I am on guard over
+them."
+
+"I will see them hanged, and that before long!" Ephraim screamed.
+
+The soldier released his hold of the infuriated Tory, but took the
+precaution of stepping directly in front of Nathan and Evan, as if to
+afford protection; while Ephraim, standing a few paces away, poured
+out a flood of invective, during the course of which much
+information was gained by those whom he menaced.
+
+  [Illustration: "Take your hands off! I am not to be treated as a
+   prisoner," Ephraim cried.--Page 32.]
+
+"I didn't come to this place empty-handed!" he cried, "nor will my
+visit be of little concern to the rebels! I brought Major Ferguson
+information that Clarke and his men are in camp at Greene's Spring,
+and to kill and capture them all will be a simple matter for this
+troop."
+
+"You have dared bring the enemy down upon your mother's own cousin,"
+Evan cried in astonishment.
+
+"He is no cousin of mine once he raises his hand against the king."
+
+"I'll venture to say there will be little desire on his part to claim
+relationship after he knows the part you have been playing," Nathan
+replied with a laugh, which yet further increased the Tory's wrath.
+"But have a care, Ephraim Sowers. The men in this colony are not
+easily whipped into submission, nor do they readily forget an enemy,
+and if it should so chance, as it has many times since '76, that the
+king's forces were driven out of the Carolinas, your life would not be
+an enviable one."
+
+"If anything of that kind should happen, and I am ready to wager all I
+possess it never will, you won't be here to know what comes to me, for
+before then I will take good care you are put where all rebels should
+be--under the sod."
+
+"If the king's officers will commit, or permit, murder at your
+request, then must they give up all claim to the name of soldiers,"
+and now Evan was rapidly becoming as excited as the Tory. "It may be
+you can succeed in having us killed; but the reckoning will come,
+Ephraim Sowers, and the longer it is deferred the more must you pay."
+
+"I will settle with you first after my own fashion, and when that has
+been done we will see what your ragamuffin friends are able to do
+about it."
+
+Ephraim would doubtless have indulged in further threats, but just at
+that instant a soldier came up from the direction of Major Ferguson's
+tent, and the vindictive lad was summoned to the commander's quarters.
+
+"It seems that his footing here is not so secure that he can give his
+tongue free rein many minutes at a time," Nathan said in a tone of
+relief as the spy walked reluctantly away, literally forced so to do
+by the messenger who had come in search of him.
+
+"It is not his words which trouble me," Evan said mournfully. "Just
+now he is in a position to work us great injury, and by yet further
+provoking his wrath we have made of him even a more bitter enemy than
+he naturally was."
+
+"I question if that could be possible."
+
+"Yet you cannot dispute his power to work us harm."
+
+"Neither do I. If he be willing, as it appears he has shown himself,
+to betray the whereabouts of Colonel Clarke's forces, knowing full
+well that this troop can readily cut them down, it is certain we stand
+a good show of learning how great is his power for mischief."
+
+"For myself I have little concern at this moment, because of the
+knowledge that our friends are in such peril."
+
+"And yet there is nothing we can do to aid them."
+
+"Unless it might be we could escape." Evan said suddenly, lowering his
+voice to a whisper lest the sentinel should overhear his words.
+
+"It is only needed that you look about in order to see how much hope
+there is of such a possibility," Nathan said despondently. "Even
+though we were fresh, instead of so weary that I question if we could
+travel a single mile further, and if we might so far elude the
+sentinel as to gain the cover of the thicket, it would be impossible
+to continue the flight two miles, for the Tories in this troop know
+the country as well, if not better, than we."
+
+"I was not so foolish as to believe that escape might be possible, but
+only spoke because my thoughts were with those who are threatened, and
+my desire is to aid them."
+
+"I wish it might be done," Nathan replied with a long-drawn sigh, and
+then the two fell silent, each occupied with his own gloomy thoughts.
+
+An hour passed, and nothing more had been seen or heard of the Tory
+spy.
+
+Even though they were in such desperate straits, the boys began
+unconsciously to yield themselves up to slumber, and after a time,
+bound as they were, both were reclining upon the green turf in at
+least partial repose.
+
+When morning came they ached in every limb, with arms so benumbed that
+it was as if those useful members had been paralyzed. They had slept
+fitfully, and were hardly more refreshed than when the halt was called
+after the day's march.
+
+Scanty rations were served out to them, and to the intense relief of
+both the lads a captain, more humane that his commander, ordered that
+the bonds be taken from their arms.
+
+They were to be tied together in such manner that any attempt at
+flight would be useless, and yet the labor of marching would be much
+lightened.
+
+The prisoners had expected another visit from the Tory before the
+troop started; but in this they were happily disappointed, and when
+the march was begun they almost believed Ephraim Sowers had been left
+behind, until shortly before noon they saw him riding with the mounted
+detachment.
+
+"He is most likely guiding the force to Greene's Spring," Nathan said
+bitterly. "He counts on seeing those who have played the part of
+friends to him shot down, and even though their blood will be upon his
+head, he is well pleased."
+
+To the relief of both the boys, their enemy did not come near where
+they were, and it was reasonable to suppose Major Ferguson, although
+not prone to be overcareful of the feelings of his "rebel" prisoners,
+had given Sowers orders to put a check upon his tongue.
+
+When noon came the detachment of foot soldiers arrived at Martin
+Drake's plantation, where the cavalry had already halted and were
+actively engaged in wantonly destroying property.
+
+Outbuildings were torn down, lambs, chickens, and geese were being
+slaughtered although they were not needed for food, and the household
+furniture which, rude though it was, represented all that went to make
+up the interior of the home, was thrown about the grounds, or chopped
+into kindlings, from sheer desire to work destruction.
+
+The horsemen could not have been at this place more than an hour when
+the foot soldiers came up, and yet in that short time they had
+completely wrecked the dwelling portion of the plantation, and caused
+such a scene of devastation as would lead one almost to believe that a
+desperate conflict had raged at that point.
+
+"All this must be pleasing to Ephraim Sowers," Evan said bitterly,
+"for it was Martin Drake's wife who tended him when he was ill with
+the fever, and this may be a satisfactory way of requiting her."
+
+"Have you seen him since we halted?"
+
+"No, and I am hoping he has gone ahead with the advanced detachment,
+for it seems certain all of the horsemen are not here."
+
+Although Master Blake's live stock had been slaughtered in such
+quantities that there was treble the amount of food the troop could
+consume, the boys were given nothing more than cornbread for dinner,
+and hardly so much of that as would suffice to satisfy their hunger.
+
+Not until everything portable had been destroyed, the doors torn from
+the house, and the windows shattered, was the march resumed, and then
+the prisoners heard the Tory who was acting as guide say that at
+nightfall they would camp on Captain Dillard's plantation.
+
+There was in this information a ray of hope, so far as warning Colonel
+Clarke's men of what threatened, for Captain Dillard was in his
+command, and if information could be conveyed to the mistress of the
+house it was possible she might send a message ahead.
+
+This much in substance Nathan had suggested to his comrade; but Evan
+failed to see any possibility that good might be effected so far as
+the friends of the cause were concerned.
+
+"Even though Mrs. Sarah Dillard can be told all that we know, it is
+not likely she will have an opportunity of sending a messenger from
+the plantation. Ephraim Sowers knows full well where the captain may
+be found, and will warn Major Ferguson against permitting any person
+to leave the place."
+
+"If Dicey Langston, a girl only sixteen years old, could baffle
+Cunningham's band, who gave themselves the name of the Bloody Scouts,
+as she did on that night when alone she crossed the Ennoree, swollen
+though the waters were, what may Sarah Dillard do when she knows her
+husband's life hangs in the balance?"
+
+"It is not a question of what she would do, but of what she can," Evan
+replied gloomily. "Thanks to Ephraim Sowers, the commander of this
+force will know only too well how eager she must be to send news ahead
+of his whereabouts, and will take precautions accordingly."
+
+"That is as may be. We can at least hope for the best," Nathan replied
+bravely, and then word was given for the troop to resume the march.
+
+During the afternoon the British soldiery came upon two plantations,
+the buildings of which they utterly wrecked, shooting from sheer
+wantonness the live stock that could not be run down without too much
+labor, and seeming eager in every way to mark their trail by
+destruction.
+
+It was an hour before sunset when the boys saw in the distance the
+buildings of the Dillard plantation, and knew that the time was near
+at hand when, if ever, they must get word to that little band whose
+lives were in such deadly peril.
+
+Ephraim Sowers was nowhere to be seen; but slight comfort could be
+derived from this fact, for it seemed reasonable to suppose he was
+making himself obnoxious in the dwelling of those people whom he had
+once claimed as his friends, but was now visiting as their bitterest
+enemy.
+
+"Keep your wits about you for the first opportunity to gain speech
+with Sarah Dillard," Nathan whispered to his comrade, and Evan sighed
+as he nodded in reply, for it seemed to him there was little chance
+they would be permitted to hold a conversation with any acquaintance,
+because of the probable fact that Ephraim Sowers would guard against
+such a proceeding.
+
+The prisoners were marched directly up to the dwelling, and there,
+with the windows and doors flung wide open, they had a full view of
+the entire interior, but their enemy was nowhere to be seen.
+
+This, to Evan, unaccountable absence, troubled him not a little, for
+he believed it betokened yet more mischief on the part of the
+vindictive Tory, but Nathan was not so ready to take alarm.
+
+"It may be that he is keeping out of sight, hoping Sarah Dillard will
+still look upon him as a friend, and, in case the captain should
+succeed in escaping, confide the secret of his whereabouts to him."
+
+The mistress of the house was doing all in her power to satisfy the
+exacting demands of the officers who had quartered themselves upon
+her, as the boys could see while they remained halted near the
+doorway.
+
+It appeared that such servants as she had were not sufficient in
+numbers to please these fastidious red-coated gentlemen, and they had
+insisted that Mrs. Dillard should perform her share of waiting upon
+them. Now one would call out some peremptory order, and then follow it
+with a demand that the mistress of the house give it her especial
+attention, while, despite such insolence, Sarah Dillard moved with
+dignity here or there, as if it were pleasure rather than necessity
+which caused her to so demean herself.
+
+On the outside roundabout the soldiers were engaged in their customary
+diversion of killing every animal which came within range of their
+guns, and a huge bonfire had been built of the corncribs, near which a
+score or more of men were preparing the evening meal.
+
+A spectator would have said that the dwelling itself was spared only
+because in it the officers had taken up their quarters, and once they
+were ready to depart it would be demolished as the other structures
+surrounding it had been.
+
+During half an hour or more the boys stood close by the door under
+close guard, and then one of the officers appeared to have suddenly
+become conscious of their existence, for he called in a loud tone to
+Mrs. Dillard:
+
+"We desire of you, madam, some apartment which will serve as a prison
+for two rebel cubs that we have lately taken. Can the cellar be
+securely fastened?"
+
+"There is only a light lattice-work at the windows, which might
+readily be broken out if your prisoners made an effort at escape,"
+Mrs. Dillard replied.
+
+"But surely you have some apartment which will answer our purpose? If
+not, the men can speedily nail bars on the outside of one of the
+chamber windows."
+
+"There is a room above, the window of which is already barred, that
+may serve your purpose," Mrs. Dillard said, as she glanced toward the
+boys with a certain uplifting of the eyes, as if to say that they
+should not recognize her as an acquaintance.
+
+"Show it to me and we will soon decide if that be what is required, or
+whether we shall call upon our troopers to turn carpenters," the
+officer said with a laugh, as if believing he had given words to some
+witticism, and in silence Mrs. Dillard motioned one of the servants to
+lead the way to the floor above.
+
+The brief survey which he made appeared to satisfy the Britisher, for
+on his return he said to Major Ferguson, who was seated at the head of
+the table, giving his undivided attention to the generous supply of
+food which the mistress of the house had been forced to bring out:
+
+"There is but one window in the room of which our fair hostess spoke,
+and that overlooks the stable-yard; it is barred on the outside with
+oaken rails stout enough to resist the efforts of any three of our
+troopers, I should say. The door can be not only bolted, but locked on
+the outside, and in my opinion there should be no need of a sentinel
+stationed inside the building."
+
+"If such is the case, why spend so much breath in describing the
+dungeon," Major Ferguson said with a laugh. "It is enough for our
+purpose if the lads cannot break out, and the sooner they are lodged
+within the sooner you will be ready to hold your peace, thus giving me
+an opportunity of enjoying this admirable game pie. Put the rebels
+away and sit down here, for it may be many days before another such
+chance presents itself."
+
+Word was passed to the soldier who had the prisoners in charge for him
+to take them to the upper floor, and this trifling matter having been
+arranged, the gallant British officers turned their attention once
+more to converting their hostess into a servant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+A DESPERATE VENTURE.
+
+
+The meaning look which Mrs. Dillard had bestowed upon the prisoners,
+brief though it was, sufficed to revive their spirits wonderfully. Not
+that there was any promise in it; but it showed they were recognized
+by the hostess and, knowing her as they did, the boys knew that if
+there was a loophole of escape for them she would point it out.
+
+While preceding the soldier up the stairs it was much as though they
+were guests in Sarah Dillard's home, and there came with the fancy a
+certain sense of relief and security such as had not been theirs for
+many hours.
+
+The apartment selected to serve as prison was by no means dismal; it
+was cleanly, like unto every other portion of Sarah Dillard's home,
+and sufficiently large to permit of moderate exercise, with a barred
+window overlooking the stable-yard which allowed all that took place
+in the rear of the dwelling to be seen.
+
+"I shouldn't mind being a rebel myself for a few hours in order to get
+such quarters as these," the soldier said as he followed the boys into
+the chamber. "Not a bad place in which to spend the night."
+
+"With a couple of blankets a body might be very comfortable," Nathan
+replied in a cheery tone, for despite the dangers which threatened
+that little band at Greene's Spring, despite Ephraim Sowers' avowed
+enmity and probable ability to do harm, despite the fact that he was a
+prisoner, this enforced visit to Captain Dillard's house was so much
+like a home-coming that his spirits were raised at once.
+
+"And you have the effrontery to ask for blankets after getting such a
+prison as makes a soldier's mouth water," the Britisher said with a
+certain rough good-nature in his tone. "You rebels have a precious
+queer idea of this sort of business, if you can complain because of
+lack of blankets."
+
+"I am not complaining," Nathan replied with a laugh. "Of course there
+is no situation which cannot be bettered in some way, and I was simply
+speaking of how this might be improved. We are satisfied with it,
+however, as it is."
+
+"And so you had better be, for I am thinking there are not two rebel
+prisoners as comfortably bottled up, and by this time to-morrow night
+you will be wishing yourselves back," replied the guard.
+
+Then the soldier locked and barred the door on the outside, trying it
+again and again to make certain it could not readily be forced open,
+and a few seconds later the sound of his footsteps told that the boys
+were comparatively alone for the time being.
+
+Now was come the moment when they should make known the danger which
+threatened the friends of freedom through Ephraim Sowers' perfidy, for
+every second might be precious if a warning message could be sent, and
+involuntarily both the lads ran to the window, looking eagerly out
+through the bars in the hope of seeing some member of the household
+whose attention might be attracted.
+
+Major Ferguson's subordinates were not so careless as to allow their
+prisoners many opportunities of such a nature. All the servants, and
+in fact every person on the plantation, was kept busily engaged
+waiting upon the redcoats, a goodly number of whom could be seen in
+the stable-yards, which knowledge caused Evan to say mournfully:
+
+"We are not like to get speech with any one who could carry word to
+Greene's Spring. It stands to reason Ephraim Sowers has warned the
+Britishers that such an attempt might be made, and you may be
+certain, Nathan, no one can leave the plantation without Major
+Ferguson's permission."
+
+"It is possible he can prevent a message being carried; but I shall
+not give up hope yet awhile."
+
+"Before many hours have passed the troop, or at least a portion of it,
+will set out to slaughter our friends. I would I knew where that Tory
+spy was at this moment!"
+
+"Most likely he has gone ahead to make sure his victims do not escape.
+We shall hear of him again 'twixt now and daybreak."
+
+"I am afraid so," Evan replied with a long-drawn sigh, and then,
+leaning his forehead against the wooden bars, he gazed out longingly
+in the direction his feet would have taken had he been at liberty.
+
+With two hours' start he might save the lives, perhaps of a hundred
+men, all of whom could be accounted his friends, and yet because of
+one lad's wickedness that little band of patriots was in imminent
+danger of being massacred.
+
+From the apartments below the coarse laugh and coarser jest of a
+Britisher could be heard, telling that the enemy were still bent on
+making themselves as obnoxious to the inmates of the household as was
+possible, while now and then from the outside came sounds of the
+splintering of wood or the cackling of poultry as the soldiery
+continued their work of wanton destruction.
+
+Both officers and men grew more nearly quiet as the shadows of night
+began to lengthen. The Britishers were weary with asserting their
+pretended right as victors, and the stable-yard was well-nigh deserted
+of its redcoated occupants.
+
+The young prisoners were standing near the window in silence, when a
+slight noise as of some animal scratching at the door attracted their
+attention, and instantly the same thought came into the mind of each.
+
+Sarah Dillard, freed for the time being from the exacting demands of
+the unwelcome visitors, had come, perchance, to point out some way of
+escape.
+
+Now was arrived the moment when they might reveal to this brave woman
+the dangers which threatened, and yet for the instant Nathan hesitated
+so to do, because it appeared to him that he would be distressing her
+needlessly, since it was hardly probable she could find means of
+conveying the warning to those in peril. By making her acquainted with
+all that threatened he would be doing no more than to increase her
+distress of mind.
+
+Evan, however, was not looking so far into the future. He only
+realized that perhaps now was the moment when he would make known
+Ephraim Sowers' perfidy, and crept noiselessly toward the door,
+whispering eagerly:
+
+"Is that you, Mistress Dillard?"
+
+"Yes, boys, and I have come in the almost vain hope that it may be
+possible to serve you, although I know not how. When did you fall into
+the hands of the enemy?"
+
+"Have you seen Ephraim Sowers here?" Evan asked, heeding not the
+question.
+
+"No. Has he also been made prisoner?"
+
+"It is far worse than that. He is a spy in the service of the
+redcoats, and has revealed to them the whereabouts of Colonel Clarke's
+band."
+
+"That is impossible, for the entire company were here not more than
+eight hours ago, and with them was my husband."
+
+"Then the miserable spy is mistaken, and these Britishers will have
+their journey for their pains," Nathan whispered in a tone of intense
+relief. "Ephraim has told Major Ferguson that they were encamped at
+Greene's Spring, and there----"
+
+"And it is to Greene's Spring they are going!" Mrs. Dillard cried
+unconsciously loud. "How could any spy have learned of their intended
+movements?"
+
+"You must remember that Ephraim Sowers has not been looked upon as a
+spy. Perchance no one except the Britishers knew it until we two saw
+him coming into the camp where we were prisoners," and Nathan spoke
+hurriedly. "It is not for us to speculate how our friends have been
+betrayed; but to give the warning to them without loss of time."
+
+Mrs. Dillard did not reply immediately, and the prisoners could well
+fancy that she was trying to decide how the danger might best be
+warded off.
+
+"Is it not possible for you to release us?" Nathan asked after a brief
+pause. "If either Evan or I were at liberty we might be able, by rapid
+running, to cover the distance between here and Greene's Springs
+before the redcoats could arrive there, for it is not likely they will
+start very early in the night."
+
+"To escape from the window while the soldiers are in the stable-yard
+is impossible," Mrs. Dillard replied, much as though speaking to
+herself, "and as for getting you out by this way I am powerless. One
+of the officers has a key to the door, and even if it was in our
+possession, there is little chance you could make your way through the
+house secretly."
+
+"But something must be done, and at once," Nathan whispered in an
+agony of apprehension, and at that moment the sound of footsteps on
+the floor below caused Mrs. Dillard to beat a retreat.
+
+The boys could hear the swish of her garments as she ran through the
+hallway, and it was as if the good woman had no more than hidden
+herself from view before the heavy footsteps of a man on the stairs
+told that some one of the Britishers was coming to make certain the
+prisoners were securely confined.
+
+Creeping noiselessly away from the door lest the redcoat should enter
+and find them in a position which betokened that they had been holding
+converse with some one on the outside, the lads remained silent and
+motionless until the noise of footsteps told that this cautious
+Britisher, having satisfied himself all was as it should be, had
+returned to the floor below.
+
+Then the lads stole softly back near the door where they awaited the
+coming of the woman whom they hoped might show them the way to
+freedom, even though at the time it seemed impossible she could do so.
+
+The moments passed like hours while she remained absent, and then once
+more they heard a faint scratching at the door which told of her
+return.
+
+"Tell me all you know regarding this boy Sowers being a spy," Mrs.
+Dillard whispered when she was once more where private conversation
+could be carried on, and Nathan said nervously:
+
+"Why speak of him at a time when every moment is precious? Instead of
+giving such as that villain a place in our thoughts we should be
+trying to form some plan whereby the lives of our friends may be
+saved."
+
+"It is yet too early in the night for us to make any move," the brave
+woman replied as if her mind was already made up to a course of
+action. "Until the men have quieted down somewhat we cannot so much as
+cross the yard without being challenged, and I would know all that may
+be told before setting out for Greene's Spring."
+
+"Do you count on making such a venture?" Evan asked in surprise.
+
+"Some one must do it, and since I cannot set you free, I must act as
+messenger."
+
+"But there is hardly one chance in a hundred you will succeed."
+
+"Yet I shall try to take advantage of that hundredth chance."
+
+"But how may you get there? It is twenty miles over a rough mountain
+road."
+
+"Even though it were ten times as far, and the peril greater an
+hundredfold, do you not think I would brave it in the hope of saving
+the lives of those brave men?"
+
+Evan ceased to find objections to her plan; but asked how she might be
+able to make the journey.
+
+"There is in the stable a colt which the Britishers will hardly
+attempt to drive away because he has not yet been broken. I shall do
+my best at riding him, and trust in the good God for protection."
+
+Nathan was not a cowardly lad; his acquaintances spoke of him as one
+having much courage, and yet he trembled at the thought of this woman
+attempting to bridle an unbroken colt, and then ride him twenty miles
+over the rough mountain roads where only the steadiest of horses might
+safely be used.
+
+He would have said something in the hope of dissuading her from her
+purpose; but it was as if his tongue refused its office, for Sarah
+Dillard would ride that night not only to save a hundred or more
+friends of freedom, but to save the life of her husband.
+
+"Tell me all you know of the spy, so that I may warn our people
+against him with fair proof."
+
+Neither Evan nor Nathan made any attempt at giving advice; the woman's
+courage so far eclipsed theirs that it was as if she should command
+and they obey--as if they had no right even to offer a suggestion.
+Obedient to her wishes they repeated all they had heard the vindictive
+Tory say, and described in detail his reception at Major Ferguson's
+camp.
+
+"If you could only take us with you, or what would be better, so
+manage it that we might go in your stead," Nathan said when his
+account of Ephraim Sowers was brought to an end.
+
+"I would willingly do so if it might be possible; but I can see no way
+to accomplish such a purpose."
+
+"Yet there are many chances against your being able to ride the colt,
+however willing you may be," Evan said, as if hoping such suggestion
+might cause her to devise another means of forwarding the warning.
+
+"I know full well how many chances there are against success, and yet
+because it is the only hope, I shall venture."
+
+But little conversation was indulged in after this assertion, which
+seemed prompted by despair.
+
+Nathan told the brave woman all he knew regarding the most direct path
+through the thicket to the American encampment, and Evan warned her to
+be on the alert for Sowers nearabout the spring, where both he and his
+comrade believed the spy had gone to make certain his intended victims
+did not escape.
+
+Then all fell silent as if awed by the dangers which were to be
+voluntarily encountered, and presently the boys knew from the faint
+sounds that Sarah Dillard had stolen swiftly away without so much as a
+word of adieu.
+
+"She will never be able to get an unbroken colt out of the stable,
+even if she succeeds in bridling him," Evan whispered, and Nathan
+replied with a certain hopefulness in his tone, although he was far
+from believing the venture might succeed:
+
+"It is possible the task may be accomplished. I have more faith in her
+gaining the mastery of the colt for a certain time than I have of her
+being able to keep him on the trail. There are many places 'twixt here
+and Greene's Spring where a single misstep, such as an untrained
+animal is likely to make, will send them both into eternity."
+
+As if by a common impulse the boys moved toward the window, and there
+stood gazing out, waiting for the appearance of the brave woman who
+had not only to master an untamed horse, but to keep herself concealed
+from view while surrounded by enemies.
+
+The troopers' steeds had been stabled in the huge barns to the right
+of the dwelling, where were kept the draft animals, and, as the boys
+well knew, Captain Dillard's saddle horses and the colt to which his
+wife had referred, were housed in the small building directly across
+the stable-yard from the improvised prison.
+
+This particular portion of the plantation appeared to be entirely
+abandoned by redcoats; but the officers in the dwelling were so near
+at hand that any unusual noise in or around the yard would immediately
+attract their attention, even though the sentinels were remiss in
+their duty, and it seemed well-nigh impossible that Sarah Dillard
+could so much as lead the most steady animal out into the open without
+betraying her movements to the enemy.
+
+"She won't be able to bridle the colt without something of a fight,"
+Evan said half to himself, and Nathan added as if he would find some
+ray of hope in the gloom which surrounded them:
+
+"It is fortunate that the stable has no floor, and the colt may do
+considerable prancing around without giving an alarm."
+
+"Yet it is not likely she can ride him out without a certain amount of
+noise."
+
+"I know the venture is a desperate one," Nathan replied mournfully;
+"but I am forcing myself to believe it may succeed."
+
+At this instant a dark form was seen moving cautiously around the
+corner of the house in the direction of the small stable, and the boys
+knew that the desperate venture was begun.
+
+Although the night had fully come it was not so dark but that
+surrounding objects could be seen with reasonable distinctness, and
+from the moment Sarah Dillard thus came in view the prisoners were
+able to follow her every movement.
+
+No frontiersman could have made his way across the yard with less
+noise than she did; not so much as the breaking of a twig betrayed her
+movements, and if this stealing out of the house had been the only
+difficult part of her task, then one might say she would accomplish it
+readily.
+
+The boys hardly dared to breathe as she came from the shadows of the
+building, moving with reasonable rapidity across the yard until she
+was lost to view in the gloom of the stable, and then, although no
+creaking of hinges betrayed her purpose, both knew she had effected an
+entrance.
+
+It was only the easiest portion of the work which had been
+accomplished, however, and the prisoners stood with every nerve
+strained to its utmost tension as they listened for what would betoken
+that the struggle with the untamed animal had begun.
+
+Once, just for an instant, they saw her form at the door, and then she
+suddenly disappeared as if the colt had pulled her back; but as yet,
+even though on the alert, they could hear nothing unusual, and unless
+the British officers grew suspicious because of her absence, she was
+yet in safety.
+
+One, two, three moments passed almost as if they were hours, and then
+the brave woman could be seen fondling and petting the colt, who
+already wore the bridle, as she peered out from the doorway to learn
+if the coast was yet clear.
+
+"She has bridled him, and without making a noise," Evan whispered in a
+tone of astonishment.
+
+"It was easier to do that in the darkness than it would have been in
+the light, and if she is wise she will mount inside, instead of trying
+to do so out here."
+
+It was as if Nathan had no more than spoken when with a bound the
+colt, bearing on his back the woman who was risking her life to save
+her husband, came over the threshold, rearing straight up on his hind
+feet until there seemed every danger he would topple backward; but yet
+his rider kept her seat.
+
+"I had never believed a woman could do that," Evan exclaimed in a
+whisper.
+
+"Perhaps this one might not have been able to but for the necessity.
+It hardly seems possible she can get out of the yard without
+detection, for the sound of his hoofs as he rears and plunges must of
+necessity bring the redcoats out in the belief that their own horses
+have been stampeded."
+
+The colt struggled desperately to free himself from the strange burden
+upon his back, and yet, singularly enough, never once did he come down
+upon the ground with sufficient force to cause alarm. He alternately
+reared and plunged while one might have counted ten, his rider
+clinging to him meanwhile as if she had been strapped securely down,
+and then with a bound he cleared the stack of brush which was piled
+just behind the stable, disappearing an instant later amid the forest,
+which on this side the plantation had been left standing within a
+hundred yards of the dwelling.
+
+"She is off, and headed in the right direction," Nathan said in a tone
+of amazement, as if it was almost incredible the feat had been
+accomplished, and the words were no more than uttered before out of
+the house came trooping half a dozen men, alarmed by the thud of the
+animal's hoofs.
+
+"They have heard her," Evan cried in an agony of apprehension, "and
+now the chase will begin, for they must understand what her purpose is
+in thus running away."
+
+Fortunately for the safety of that little band at Greene's Spring, the
+Britishers were not so well informed by the noise of all that had
+taken place as Evan believed.
+
+The thud of the colt's feet had simply caused them to believe there
+might be a disturbance among their own animals, and they were very far
+from suspecting the real truth of the matter.
+
+They went hurriedly toward the barns wherein their horses were
+stabled, however, and seeing this both the boys believed that chase
+was about to be given.
+
+"If she can keep the colt straight on the course, I have no fear they
+will overtake her," Nathan said, much as though speaking to himself;
+"but it is not probable the beast will be so tractable."
+
+Now the prisoners watched in anxious suspense to see the first of the
+troop ride out in pursuit, and as the moments passed their spirits
+increased almost to bewilderment because no such move was made.
+
+Finally, one by one, the redcoats returned to the house as if
+satisfied everything was as it should be, and Evan whispered, as if
+doubting the truth of his own statement:
+
+"It must be that they fail to suspect anything is wrong. There is yet
+a possibility, Nathan, that Sarah Dillard will accomplish the task
+which half an hour ago I would have said was absolutely beyond her
+powers."
+
+"And if she can bridle and mount the beast, I am tempted to believe
+she may reach Greene's Spring in time, for certain it is that up to
+this moment no one suspects that she has left the plantation."
+
+"I could----"
+
+Evan ceased speaking very suddenly, and it was with difficulty he
+could repress a cry of fear, for at this instant the key was turned in
+the lock, the door flung open, and as the prisoners suddenly faced
+around, they saw before them Ephraim Sowers, looking satisfied and
+triumphant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE STRUGGLE.
+
+
+The first and most natural thought that came into the minds of the
+boys, as they turned to see their enemy standing in the doorway, was
+that he had discovered the flight, and, perhaps, counted on doing
+something toward checking it even now, when Sarah Dillard must have
+been a mile or more away.
+
+Almost as soon as this idea presented itself, however, both realized
+that if the grinning Tory had even so much as a suspicion of the real
+state of affairs he would be urging the troopers on in pursuit, rather
+than standing idly there.
+
+The young scoundrel remained for an instant in the doorway enjoying
+his triumph, and Nathan found it difficult to repress a smile of
+satisfaction as he saw the spy thus unsuspicious, while Sarah Dillard
+was speeding toward Greene's Spring to carry the warning which, if
+told, would most likely save the lives of a hundred men.
+
+Ephraim, firmly convinced that nothing could avert the fate shaped by
+him for Colonel Clarke and his force, was enjoying the situation as
+pictured in his mind, to the utmost of his mean nature, and the boys
+almost forgot they were prisoners in the pleasure born of the
+knowledge that the Tory might yet be outwitted.
+
+"What are you fellows doing over there by the window?" Ephraim asked
+peremptorily after surveying the two in silence fully a moment.
+
+"Have the Britishers any law or rule which forbids one deprived of
+liberty from seeking fresh air whenever he may be so fortunate as to
+get an opportunity?" Nathan asked sharply.
+
+"Hark you, Nathan Shelby, I am tired of hearing your long-winded
+speeches, and we will have done with them from this out--at least, so
+long as I am the master."
+
+"So long as you are the master!" Evan repeated in a tone of contempt.
+"We haven't been aware that such was the case."
+
+"Then you may know it now for a certainty. I am counting on you two
+trying to escape, and therefore have come to stand guard in this
+room."
+
+"And a valiant guard you will be, Ephraim Sowers, if your courage is
+no greater than it was one year ago, when you fled in hot haste from
+what proved to be a turkey-cock, thinking you saw the head of an
+Indian among the weeds," Nathan said jeeringly, and the spy retorted
+angrily:
+
+"Have a care over your tongue, my bold rebel! Matters have changed
+now from what they were forty-eight hours ago. You are among those who
+obey the king, and do not allow sedition-breeders free rein of their
+tongues."
+
+"And now hark you, Master Sowers," Nathan cried, losing his temper
+somewhat because of the air of authority which this fellow assumed.
+"'Rebels and sedition-breeders' are names which have too much meaning
+in these days for you to let them fall so trippingly from your tongue!
+Have a care, you Tory sneak, lest even while acting the part of guard
+over your betters, you come to grief! I'm not minded to take many
+threats from a coward and a spy."
+
+"In this case, however, you will take whatsoever I choose to give,
+Nathan Shelby, for it needs only that I raise my voice to bring here
+those who would shoot you down did you so much as lift your hand
+against me."
+
+"And it is such knowledge which makes you so wondrous brave," Evan
+said with a laugh of scorn which did more to rouse the young spy's
+anger than words could have done.
+
+He struggled for an instant to speak; but stammered and hesitated as
+the blood rushed into his face until, losing the last semblance of
+patience, he motioned for them to move back toward the window from
+which they had just come.
+
+"If this is what you mean, we are willing to take our stations here
+without your running the risk of bursting because of your own sense of
+importance," Nathan said as he moved back a few paces, Evan following
+the example. "Have a care, however, that you do not attempt to give
+such orders as we shall be indisposed to obey, lest it seem as if your
+authority amounted to nothing."
+
+By this time Ephraim so far regained the mastery over himself as to be
+able to speak, and he cried in a fury:
+
+"We'll soon see whether you dare disobey, and to that end I will keep
+you busy for an hour or more, until you have learned that I am really
+the master. Now then, you rebels, remember that the king's troops are
+near at hand to shoot you down at the first sign of insubordination,
+and take good heed to move exactly as I command."
+
+Ephraim straightened his body with a consequential air, and stood for
+an instant as if reflecting upon how he had best prove his authority,
+while the two prisoners gazed at him in astonishment that he should
+thus dare trust himself unarmed alone with them.
+
+"Stand straight and look me in the face!" he commanded. "If the day's
+march was not enough to break your spirits, we will see what a little
+exercise will do for you now. Keep step, and travel around this room
+until I give you permission to stop."
+
+"Do you think we are to be bullied by such as you?" Nathan asked in
+great astonishment.
+
+"If you think it is wise, refuse to do as I say, and before five
+minutes have gone by you will learn the result of disobedience."
+
+Neither Evan nor Nathan moved, but stood looking inquiringly into each
+other's eyes with an expression on their faces which would have warned
+the Tory of mischief had he been less deeply occupied with his own
+fancied importance.
+
+"Fall into line and march, or it will be the worse for you!" he cried,
+advancing threateningly with upraised hand until he was within
+striking distance of the prisoners, and for an instant it appeared as
+if he intended to inflict punishment then and there.
+
+Whatever idea may have been in his mind cannot be said, yet it hardly
+seems possible he would have attempted personal violence while alone
+with those whom he had wronged, even though the soldiers were so near
+at hand.
+
+It is certain, however, the boys fully believed he would carry out
+the implied threat, and without thinking of the possible consequences,
+or stopping to realize what might be the result if this spy was
+roughly handled, as if with one accord they leaped upon him, Nathan
+taking the precaution of clapping his hand over the bully's mouth at
+the first onset in such manner that it was impossible for him to speak
+or make an outcry.
+
+Even a stronger lad than Ephraim Sowers would have gone down before
+this sudden attack as quickly as did he, and in a twinkling the
+prisoners held him upon the floor in such fashion that only one arm
+remained free.
+
+Evan sat upon his feet, while Nathan, in addition to covering his
+mouth, held his right arm firmly.
+
+With his left hand Ephraim struck out to the best of his ability, but
+without accomplishing anything whatsoever, and he was permitted to
+thus thrash around, doing no harm to any save himself, until he had
+been thoroughly wearied by the struggle.
+
+"I reckon we have got time enough to teach you quite a lesson," Nathan
+whispered with but slight show of anger. "You are supposed to be
+guarding us prisoners, and the redcoats will give little heed to you
+for some hours to come. While we are alone you shall get a taste of
+what you would deal out to others."
+
+As a matter of course Ephraim made no reply, because it was impossible
+so to do; but his captors could read in his eyes the threats his
+tongue was powerless to utter.
+
+"I know what you would say, my fine Tory spy. You have in your mind
+the thought that we must in time let you up, and then it shall be your
+turn, for the soldiers will be called in to perform what you fail in
+doing. How well would that plan work if we did our duty, and killed
+you here and now? It is what should be done to a lad who, having
+received nothing but favors in this section of the colony, betrays to
+their death a hundred or more of his neighbors."
+
+Anger had rapidly died out of Ephraim's eyes as Nathan spoke, for by
+the tone of the latter, one would have said that he was in deadly
+earnest, and really questioned whether or no it was not his duty to
+take this worthless life.
+
+"It would not be a hard matter to let his life-blood out," Evan added,
+intent only on doing his share toward frightening the spy, "and
+perhaps it will be best even though he had not betrayed Colonel Clarke
+and his men, for we can have a very fair idea of what he will be, once
+power is his."
+
+"Find something with which to tie his feet and hands, and then we will
+contrive a gag so that it is not necessary to sit over him in this
+fashion."
+
+Evan obeyed the command by tearing from the lad's hunting-shirt two or
+three strips of material sufficiently stout to resist all his
+struggles, and in a comparatively short space of time the Tory was
+bound hand and foot, with one sleeve of his own garment stuffed inside
+his mouth as a gag.
+
+He was powerless now either to move or speak, and only when the work
+was accomplished did the boys fully realize that they had, perhaps,
+injured themselves by thus temporarily turning the tables.
+
+"It would have been better had we let him go his own gait," Evan said
+in a whisper as he drew Nathan toward the window where the helpless
+Tory could not overhear his words. "Of course we cannot hope to keep
+him here longer than morning, and it is hardly likely the redcoats
+will suffer him to be absent so many hours without making certain he
+is safe. Once the troopers come we shall suffer for this bit of
+pleasantry."
+
+"They are not like to put in an appearance for several hours yet,
+more especially if the villain gave out that he would stand guard
+until weary of the sport."
+
+"Yet the end must finally come."
+
+Nathan started as if a sudden thought had flashed upon him, and turned
+quickly toward the window as he seized one of the heavy bars.
+
+"Have you any idea that it might be possible to pull that down?" Evan
+asked wonderingly.
+
+"Hark you, lad," and now Nathan appeared like one laboring under great
+excitement. "Why might we not escape? The Britishers will have no care
+for us while it is believed that sneak is acting as sentinel, and if
+one of these bars could be removed, we might count on at least an
+hour's start."
+
+"But there is no hope of our being able to remove the barrier."
+
+"Who shall say until it has been tried?"
+
+"I am certain that with our bare hands we might tug and strain until
+morning without so much as loosening one of the fastenings."
+
+It was as if this suggestion excited Nathan to a yet more brilliant
+flight of fancy in the line of escape, for suddenly he darted toward
+the door where he stood a moment in the attitude of a listener, and
+then retracing his steps, whispered to Evan:
+
+"It is almost certain the Britishers are on the floor below. This Tory
+has the key of the door in his pocket----"
+
+"Surely you are not thinking of attempting to make your way down past
+all those who have taken possession of the house?"
+
+"By no means; yet what will prevent our venturing into some of the
+chambers nearby, where perchance we shall find what will serve as a
+lever to remove these bars."
+
+Evan seized his comrade's hands ecstatically. There was every reason
+to believe such a venture might be made, and without waiting to
+discuss it he began searching Ephraim's pockets for the key.
+
+This was soon found. A bulky iron instrument fashioned by hand, and
+mostlike brought from the mother country, it could not well be
+concealed.
+
+Cautiously, lest the slightest grating of the iron should give the
+alarm, the boys shot the bolt back; the door was opened, and they were
+at last free of the upper portion of the house.
+
+It was not safe to loiter in their work, however, for at any moment
+some one might come from below to ascertain what Ephraim was doing,
+and the boys moved as swiftly as they did noiselessly until, when
+hardly more than a minute had elapsed, they had in their possession
+such tools as it seemed positive would enable them to effect the
+purpose.
+
+An old musket barrel, and a strip of oak which went to make up a
+quilting-frame, were the articles which the lads brought into the
+room, carefully barring the door behind them and replacing the key in
+Ephraim's pocket.
+
+These implements would serve to pry off the bars of the window, but
+whether it might be done silently or not was a matter that could only
+be determined by experiment.
+
+The helpless spy was watching their every movement, and by bending
+over him now and then the lads could see, even in the gloom, an
+expression of anger in his eyes.
+
+He must have realized now that the chances in favor of their escape
+were brought about wholly through his desire to gloat over those whom
+he believed were in his power.
+
+It can readily be believed, however, that the two lads did not spend
+much time upon the spy. Had there been a possibility of taking him
+with them, they would have run many risks in order to accomplish such
+a purpose; but since that was out of the question, and he powerless
+for harm during a certain time at least, they could not afford to
+waste precious moments upon him.
+
+"I will use this bar as a lever, and do you stand by with the
+musket-barrel to hold such advantage as may be gained," Nathan said.
+"It is reasonable to suppose there will be some creaking as the nails
+are forced out; but that we cannot prevent."
+
+"Work as cautiously as may be possible, for we have ample time."
+
+The lower bar was within three inches of the window-ledge, and upon
+this Nathan determined to direct his efforts, since it would probably
+be the most easily removed.
+
+The stout quilting-frame was inserted beneath it edgewise, which
+brought one end some distance into the room, the window-ledge serving
+as a fulcrum.
+
+Evan stood near at hand, ready with the musket-barrel in case a
+shorter lever could be used to better advantage, and, after listening
+for an instant to make certain that none of the enemy were nearabout
+on the outside, the boys began that work which it was hoped would open
+the door to freedom.
+
+Slowly and steadily the bar was raised upward as the hand-fashioned
+nails bent under the strain, and then came a creaking as the iron was
+drawn through the wood; not loud, but sounding in the ears of the
+anxious lads to be of such volume that it seemed positive an alarm
+would be given.
+
+Both ceased their efforts, and stood near the window listening.
+
+No unusual sounds betokened that the redcoats had heard the warning
+noise.
+
+All was still save for the sounds of revelry in the apartment below,
+and the hum of the soldiers' voices nearabout the stables on the other
+side of the dwelling.
+
+"Try it again," Evan whispered with feverish eagerness. "We have
+raised it half an inch already, and as much more of a strain will
+leave it in such shape that it can be readily pushed aside."
+
+  [Illustration: Nathan did as his comrade suggested, and save for a
+   slight creaking now and then, the work was carried on.--Page 91.]
+
+Nathan did as his comrade suggested, and save for a slight creaking
+now and then, the work was carried on in almost perfect silence until
+the bar hung only by the points of the nails.
+
+It remained simply to force it outward with their hands, at the same
+time preventing it from falling to the ground.
+
+With this removed, the aperture would be sufficiently large to admit
+of their crawling through, and the time had come, thanks to the spy
+who would have taken their lives had his power been sufficient, that
+they might follow on the trail of Sarah Dillard to Greene's Spring, if
+her mad ride had not led her to death elsewhere.
+
+"There is no reason why we should waste any time here," Evan said
+hurriedly, nervous now that the moment for action had arrived. "The
+redcoats may come at any moment to see how their spy is faring, and it
+would be a grievous disappointment to find ourselves checked at the
+instant when it seems as if we were freed."
+
+"I have got just one word to say to that Tory villain, and then I am
+ready," Nathan replied. "Do you push off the bar, taking good care
+that it does not drop from your hands, while I warn him of what will
+surely be his fate if he continues on the road he has chosen."
+
+Evan acted upon this suggestion as Nathan kneeled by the side of
+Ephraim and whispered:
+
+"You can have the satisfaction of knowing that we would yet be fast
+prisoners but for your having come to bully us. Until the moment you
+threatened to strike I had no idea escape would be possible; but the
+opportunity has arrived, and we shall take advantage of it. Now hark
+you, Master Sowers, and remember all I say, for there be more than
+Evan and I who will carry out this threat. Continue your spying upon
+the Americans, serve the Britishers longer, and you shall be marked
+for what may be worse than death. When the life of such as you is
+necessary in the cause of freedom no one would hesitate to take it,
+coward and sneak though you be. Turn about from your ways this moment,
+or expect that the hand of every Mountain Man and every American
+soldier will be against you."
+
+Ephraim twisted about as if it would have pleased him right well could
+he have spoken at that moment, but the gag choked his words, and he
+perforce remained silent however much he would have liked to use his
+voice.
+
+Then all was ready for the flight.
+
+The bar had been removed, and Evan stood beside the window impatient
+to be off, fearing each instant lest one of the enemy should ascend
+the stairs.
+
+"Go you ahead," Nathan whispered, "and if when you reach the ground
+the redcoats appear, do your best to make good your escape, thinking
+not of me."
+
+"I will never desert a comrade."
+
+"You must in this case, if it so be opportunity for flight presents
+itself. It is not your life nor mine, Evan, which is of moment now. We
+must remember only those who are in such great peril, for I have many
+doubts as to whether Sarah Dillard can force that colt over the
+mountain road. Hesitate no longer; but set out, and from this instant
+cease to think of anything save that you are to arrive at Colonel
+Clarke's encampment without loss of time."
+
+Thus urged, Evan delayed no longer than was necessary, but a certain
+number of seconds were spent in the effort to force his body through
+the narrow aperture, because of the awkward position which the
+circumstances demanded.
+
+With Nathan's help he pushed his feet through first, and when half his
+body was outside, allowed himself to slip down at the expense of
+severe scratching from the bar, which yet remained in position above,
+until he hung by his hands on the window-ledge.
+
+"The distance is not great," Nathan whispered encouragingly, "and you
+should be able to drop without making much noise. Do not speak once
+you are on the ground; but get behind the smaller stable as soon as
+may be, and if in five minutes I do not join you, push on toward
+Greene's Spring alone."
+
+"You will not delay?"
+
+"Not so much as a minute. Now drop."
+
+A slight jar, such as might have been made by a child leaping from a
+height of ten feet, was all that came back to the anxious listener at
+the window to tell of his comrade's movements, and then he in turn
+set about following the example.
+
+Now it was that Ephraim made strenuous efforts to free himself.
+
+He writhed to and fro on the floor as if bending all his energies to
+break the bonds which confined his limbs, and so fearful was Nathan
+lest the Tory spy should succeed in his purpose, that he turned back
+to make certain the boy was yet helpless.
+
+"I am almost tempted to pay off the score 'twixt you and I before
+leaving; but it would be cowardly to strike one who is helpless, I
+suppose," the lad said half to himself, and then turned resolutely, as
+if finding it difficult to resist the temptation, setting off on the
+road to freedom.
+
+It was not as easy to force himself out between the ledge and the bar
+as in the case of Evan, because of his being considerably larger, and
+the clothing was literally torn from his back before he was finally
+in a position where nothing more was required than to drop to the
+ground.
+
+It appeared to him as if he made double as much noise as had his
+comrade, and before daring to creep across the stable-yard to the
+rendezvous agreed upon, he remained several seconds on the alert for
+the slightest sound betokening the movements of the Britishers.
+
+No unusual noise came upon his ear, and saying to himself that it was
+hardly possible he and Evan had succeeded in making their escape with
+so little difficulty, he pushed cautiously forward until, when he was
+within the gloom of the building, his comrade seized him by the hands.
+
+This was no time for conversation, nor was it the place in which to
+loiter. Advantage must be taken of every second from this instant
+until they had carried the warning to Colonel Clarke's men, or learned
+that Sarah Dillard had succeeded in her ride, and Nathan pressed
+Evan's hand in token that they should push forward without delay.
+
+The direct trail was well defined, and the boys struck into it an
+hundred yards or more from the stable, when Nathan whispered
+triumphantly:
+
+"Now that we have succeeded in making our escape, Evan, it is only a
+question of endurance, and we must not think of self until after
+having met Sarah Dillard, or had speech with Colonel Clarke."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+SARAH DILLARD.
+
+
+Nathan and Evan had good cause for self-congratulations.
+
+The escape had been accomplished almost as if the enemy themselves
+contributed to its success, and so long as the two remained within
+earshot of the plantation, nothing was heard to betoken that their
+flight had been discovered.
+
+Thanks to the fact that Ephraim Sowers had taken it upon himself to
+wreak a little private revenge simply because the lads had discovered
+his true nature, the Britishers would rest content, believing their
+prisoners were secure under his guard, and it might be several hours
+before any member of Major Ferguson's party had sufficient curiosity
+to inquire regarding the young Tory's absence.
+
+Unless, perchance, he was to act as guide for the party who would
+march to Greene's Spring, neither Englishman nor Tory would have use
+for the spy before daylight, and it was quite within the range of
+possibility that he might remain gagged and bound upon the floor of
+the improvised prison until the troop was ready to resume the march
+next morning.
+
+Once they were clear of the dwelling Nathan and Evan wasted little
+thought on Ephraim.
+
+When the time should come that they might make known his true
+character among those who had befriended the lad, then would they
+remember him to some purpose; but while they were pressing forward
+through the thicket at full speed, now catching a glimpse of the
+footprints of Sarah Dillard's horse, and again being convinced that he
+had left the trail, it was as if Ephraim had no existence.
+
+Many times before the first three miles of distance had been traversed
+did they speculate as to the probable time when Major Ferguson would
+send forward those men who were to butcher or capture the little band
+of Americans at the Spring; but without arriving at any definite
+conclusion.
+
+From the Dillard plantation to the encampment concerning which Ephraim
+had given information, was no less than twenty miles, and in case the
+horsemen should be selected to do the bloody work, about three hours
+would be required for the journey.
+
+If the foot-soldiers were chosen for the task, then six hours would be
+none too long; but neither of the boys believed the infantry would
+take part in the proposed maneuver, otherwise the men would most
+likely have set out before dark.
+
+"We can hold certain that the horsemen will make the attack, and I am
+guessing they will not start before eleven o'clock to-night. They may
+then fall upon our men between two and three in the morning, when it
+is said sleep weighs heaviest upon the eyelids, and if neither Sarah
+Dillard nor we succeed in getting through to give the alarm, there is
+little doubt but that all under Colonel Clarke's command will fall
+victims."
+
+"We _must_ get through," Evan cried with energy, and Nathan added:
+
+"We shall do it, lad; never you fear, for there is like to be nothing
+that can stop us, unless by some unfortunate chance the troopers begin
+their journey before we have reckoned on."
+
+Then once more the boys trudged on in silence until, perhaps ten
+minutes later, they were brought to a sudden standstill by sounds in
+the distance which seemed to proclaim the movement of some heavy body
+through the underbrush.
+
+Unarmed as they were, flight was their only defence, and the two bent
+forward in the attitude of listeners, keenly on the alert for the
+first indication as to the character of this noisy traveler.
+
+At one moment Nathan would announce positively that the disturbance
+was caused by some animal, and again he felt equally certain he could
+hear in the distance the sound of human voices.
+
+"There is only one thing of which I am fully convinced," he said after
+being thus forced to change his opinion several times. "Whoever may be
+out there yonder is a stranger in this section of the colony,
+otherwise he would be more careful in proclaiming his whereabouts in
+such fashion."
+
+"In that case we may safely venture to creep up nearer," Evan
+suggested. "So far as I can make out, that disturber of the peace
+neither lessens nor increases his distance, and we might wait here
+until the troopers come up without being any the wiser."
+
+To this Nathan agreed, and the two advanced cautiously pace by pace
+until suddenly, and at the same instant, a low exclamation of surprise
+burst from the lips of both.
+
+They had recognized Sarah Dillard's voice, and knew without waiting
+for further proof that her mad ride had come to a sudden and untimely
+end.
+
+Now the two pressed forward at a run, slackening not the pace until
+they were where such a view could be had of the struggling animal and
+the courageous woman as was possible in the gloom.
+
+"Who is it?" she called, hearing the advance of the boys, and there
+was a ring of alarm in her tone which told that she feared the
+redcoats might have pushed forward to make the attack.
+
+"It is Nathan Shelby and Evan McDowells," the former cried, and
+gained some idea of the good woman's surprise when she failed for a
+moment to speak.
+
+"Step out here where I may see you; but take care not to further alarm
+the colt," she said, distrusting the announcement even though she
+recognized the voice.
+
+The boys obeyed, and when Mrs. Dillard had the proof of her own eyes
+as to their identity, she demanded to be told how they had succeeded
+in escaping.
+
+"The Britishers must have left the plantation, otherwise how could you
+be here?"
+
+"If Major Ferguson's troop had gone we should have been forced to
+accompany them, else Ephraim Sowers has less influence than he
+believes."
+
+Then, without waiting for further questioning, and in as few words as
+possible, Nathan explained all, so far as he knew, that had taken
+place at the plantation immediately after the departure of Mrs.
+Dillard, asking as he concluded the story:
+
+"Was it not possible for you to keep the colt on the trail?"
+
+"He threw me when he got nearabout this point; but I contrived to
+retain hold of the bridle, and have kept him with me, although thus
+far it has availed me little, since I am unable to remount."
+
+"Suppose you let either Evan or I ride him? There will be less
+likelihood of his throwing one of us."
+
+"I question if you could come so near doing it as I can, for he is
+acquainted with me, and would not allow either of you to approach
+him."
+
+"I can ride any horse that another can bridle," Nathan replied
+confidently, as he went toward the colt, who during this brief
+conversation had been standing comparatively quiet.
+
+It was much as if he had heard the rash assertion, and was determined
+to prove it false, for the boy had no sooner begun to advance than he
+reared and plunged in such a frantic manner that Mrs. Dillard
+well-nigh lost her hold of the bridle.
+
+"It is useless for you to attempt it," she said as soon as the animal
+had quieted down somewhat. "He has been accustomed to no one but me,
+and because I had been able to lead him by the halter, did I venture
+to put on the bridle."
+
+"There seems little chance you will be able to mount," Evan said after
+a brief pause, "and every moment increases the danger to those at
+Greene's Spring. No one can say how soon the Britishers may set out,
+and there are not less than eighteen miles to be traversed."
+
+"I know it," Mrs. Dillard cried like one nearly frantic with
+apprehension. "I know it, and yet what may be done? It is certain
+neither of you boys can come as near managing the horse as I, and yet,
+I am unable to remount."
+
+"Would you venture to lead him back?"
+
+"To what end?"
+
+"Evan and I might push forward on foot, trusting to getting through in
+time."
+
+"And there is little chance you could succeed, lads. Eighteen miles
+over this rough road would require certainly no less than six hours,
+and before that time has passed the redcoats must have overtaken you."
+
+Then Mrs. Dillard turned her attention to soothing the colt, and
+during five minutes or more the boys waited with ill-concealed
+impatience as he alternately advanced to receive her caresses, and
+then reared and plunged when she attempted to throw her arm over his
+neck.
+
+"It is better we push ahead, trusting to the poor chance of arriving
+in time, than to stand here idle," Nathan said at length. "I do not
+believe you could force him to keep the trail even though you succeed
+in remounting."
+
+"It must be done," Mrs. Dillard cried sharply. "There is no other
+means by which we may be certain of warning those who are in danger,
+and the colt shall be made to perform his part."
+
+"How can we help you?"
+
+The anxious woman looked about her an instant as if trying to decide
+how the task might be accomplished, and then she said in the tone of
+one who ventures upon an experiment:
+
+"Suppose you two come up gently toward him, one on each side, with the
+idea of seizing him by the bridle. If that could be done, and you were
+able to hold him a few seconds, I promise to get upon his back."
+
+"And perhaps only to have your brains dashed out the next instant."
+
+"There is no reason why we should speculate as to the result. I must
+mount him, boys, and he must be made to go forward. It is our only
+hope, and when so many lives hang in the balance it surely seems as if
+the good Lord would permit that I should do what at this moment
+appears to be impossible."
+
+Neither Evan nor Nathan believed they could on foot traverse the
+distance which lay between them and Greene's Spring before the
+Britishers should arrive, and yet at the same time they had little
+hope the restive animal would be brought into submission; but at the
+moment it seemed to be the only alternative, and without delay they
+set about acting upon Mrs. Dillard's suggestion.
+
+Making a short detour through the bushes, they came up on his flank,
+on either side, while the animal reared and plunged until it seemed
+certain he would shake off the woman's hold upon the bridle. Then with
+a sudden dash both boys gained his head at the same instant, and this
+much of the work was accomplished.
+
+Now the animal redoubled his efforts to escape, frightened by the
+touch of strangers; but the boys held bravely on, at times raised
+high from the ground, until it became a question as to whether the
+bridle would stand the strain which was put upon it.
+
+"Don't let go," Nathan cried as the colt made a more furious leap,
+forcing Evan to jump quickly aside lest he be struck by the animal's
+hoofs. "Don't let go, and we may possibly so far tire him out that
+Mrs. Dillard can mount."
+
+"She could not ride this beast even though he was saddled," Evan
+muttered, now losing all hope that the message might be delivered in
+time.
+
+During such while as the boys had been struggling with the colt, Mrs.
+Dillard stood dangerously near his flanks, watching for an
+opportunity, and Evan had no more than uttered his gloomy prediction
+when, clutching the animal's mane with her left hand, she vaulted on
+to his back, seizing the bridle as she leaped.
+
+"Now if you can head him up the trail, you may let go," she said
+hurriedly; but Nathan was not minded Captain Dillard's wife should
+ride to what seemed almost certain death without another protest from
+him.
+
+"The colt is maddened by his struggles with us, and in far more
+dangerous a condition than when you first mounted. It is madness to
+think of attempting to make your way through the thicket in the
+darkness. I implore you to give over the attempt, and let us press on
+as best we may afoot."
+
+"Now you are asking that I leave these brave men, and among them my
+husband, to be surprised by an enemy that knows no mercy, for it is
+positive you could not get through in time. Turn the colt, if it so be
+you can, and once he is headed in the right direction, jump aside."
+
+"Shall we do it?" Evan asked, for even now it was in his mind to
+disobey the brave woman's commands.
+
+  [Illustration: 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 man
+in 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 instant there 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 conversation among 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 from his 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 was held 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 any
+resistance, 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.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+GREENE'S SPRING.
+
+
+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 the Britishers 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 which had
+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, that our 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, and the 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 vain when
+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's remark, 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 expected their 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 made no 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 see how 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 having been 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 you are
+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 other than 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.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+AT WATUGA.
+
+
+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 to learn 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, for
+he 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, in order 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 saw that 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 it will 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. Dillard _did_ get 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 they
+had 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 valley where 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's force 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 more than 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 that Colonel 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 recount what 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 Cleaveland answered 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 utmost
+hospitality, 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 had better 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 inquiries of 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. But we 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."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE PRISONER.
+
+
+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 from
+Colonel 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 from bearing 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 such as 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, he
+whistled 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.
+
+Now it was as if the nearness of the foe revived their courage rather
+than depressed them, and they discussed the situation as calmly as
+they might have spoken of the most ordinary affair.
+
+"We must have been five hours on the march, and covered no less than
+seventeen or eighteen miles," Nathan suggested.
+
+"Surely we are that far from the encampment, and it stands us in hand
+to have an eye out for redcoats, because they or the Tories will
+likely be scouting nearabout their halting place."
+
+"And by going blindly ahead we may come upon them sooner than would be
+pleasant," Nathan added with a laugh. "Now it is my proposition that
+we tarry here until daybreak, rather than run our noses into trouble."
+
+"Father said we were to perform the mission as quickly as might be."
+
+"True; but yet he did not propose that we discover the foe by running
+into their very midst."
+
+"We are yet a good dozen miles from Cherokee Ford, and by waiting here
+until daybreak will be forced to spend three or four hours before we
+can hope to see the main body."
+
+"If it is your belief that we should push on yet further, I am ready,"
+Nathan replied in a tone of content, and thus it was decided that
+they should not make camp until having arrived at least six miles
+nearer the supposed location of the Britishers.
+
+After fifteen minutes had been spent in resting the lads set forward
+again, and, as nearly as they could judge, it was two o'clock in the
+morning when Evan announced that he was ready to make a lengthy halt.
+
+Creeping into the thicket a few yards from the trail where they could
+remain concealed from view, and yet be enabled to see any who might
+pass, the boys set about gaining such repose as might be possible.
+
+One slept while the other watched, and every half-hour they changed
+positions, so that by daybreak each had had his share of slumber.
+
+When the first grey light of dawn appeared they set out for the final
+and most perilous stage of the journey, advancing cautiously, halting
+to listen at every unfamiliar sound, and oftentimes making a detour
+through the thicket when there was a sharp bend in the trail which
+might have led them suddenly upon a scouting party of the foe.
+
+By such method their progress was exceedingly slow, and by sunrise
+they had advanced no more than three miles.
+
+Now if the information brought to the American encampment was correct,
+they were close upon the Britishers, and might at any moment expect to
+see a scarlet coat through the foliage.
+
+"We must take some chances in order to push ahead more rapidly, or we
+shall not be able to return before to-morrow morning," Nathan
+whispered impatiently, after they had literally crawled through the
+thicket half an hour more, and the words were hardly uttered when the
+sounds of footsteps upon the beaten path a short distance in advance
+of them, caused both to suddenly seek a hiding-place.
+
+It is well the lads were on the alert, for within a few seconds four
+Britishers came down the trail in a leisurely fashion, as if out for
+no other purpose than that of a stroll, and Evan gripped Nathan's arm
+hard as he saw in the rear of these men none other than Ephraim
+Sowers.
+
+The young Tory was walking slowly, as if displeased with himself for
+having ventured away from the camp, while the Britishers were in the
+best of spirits, laughing and chatting merrily without paying any
+attention to their gloomy-visaged companion.
+
+It was when he arrived at a point directly opposite the hidden scouts
+that Ephraim stopped, leaned his musket against a rock, and seated
+himself upon a fallen tree-trunk, as he said petulantly:
+
+"I am tired of this wandering around when we are like to come upon a
+party of rebels at any minute."
+
+"Then why do you follow? No person prevents you from returning to the
+camp," one of the soldiers said with a laugh.
+
+"I am minded to go back alone, and you know full well the orders were
+that no man should stray very far from the mountain."
+
+"Then you are not disobeying, since I'll go bail there's little of the
+man about you."
+
+"How dare you speak in that way when Major Ferguson is nearby to
+overhear the words?" and now Ephraim displayed anger.
+
+"Don't pride yourself, lad, on being the especial pet of the major. He
+is not given to much affection for cowards, even though they be spies,
+and I am willing to wager considerable that no member of the command
+would be reproved for speaking harshly to such as you."
+
+During this brief conversation the soldiers had continued to advance,
+while Ephraim remained sitting upon the log, and when the last remark
+was made the redcoats were hidden from view by the foliage.
+
+The young Tory kicked idly at the earth in front of him, looked up and
+down the trail as if in search of something entertaining, and then
+leaned lazily back against a convenient bush.
+
+The footsteps of the soldiers sounded fainter and fainter in the
+distance, telling that the men were continuing to advance, until
+finally all was silent.
+
+The two lads were within forty feet of the boy who would have done the
+cause of freedom such grievous wrong, and each instant those who might
+lend him a helping hand were drawing further away.
+
+Nathan glanced at Evan with a question in his eye, and the latter
+understood it as well as if he had spoken.
+
+"It might be done," he whispered cautiously; "but we should not
+neglect the work which was set us."
+
+"It is not safe to advance while these men are between us and Major
+Ferguson's force, therefore unless we make him prisoner it is
+necessary to remain idle."
+
+"What could be done with him?"
+
+"I'll venture to say he might be frightened into telling all we would
+know."
+
+Nathan hesitated an instant. They had been sent out solely to gain
+some knowledge of the enemy's force and disposition. To take this boy
+a prisoner, even though he was their bitterest foe, seemed to be
+deviating from the course Colonel McDowells had marked out, but yet,
+as Nathan said, they must remain idle there until these four men
+should return. Therefore it would not be such a woeful waste of time.
+
+"If we can do it without giving the alarm, I am ready," Evan
+whispered, and instead of replying, Nathan began creeping cautiously
+in the direction of the Tory, who sat with his back turned toward
+them.
+
+Many a time had these two lads crept quietly upon a flock of wild
+turkeys without alarming the shy birds, and to go through the same
+maneuvers when a dull boy like Ephraim Sowers was the game to be
+stalked did not prove difficult.
+
+Side by side they advanced with hardly so much as disturbing a single
+twig, and had gained the cover of a bush within three feet of him
+before he so much as changed his position.
+
+Then he started to his feet, and the two in hiding crouched yet closer
+to the ground, fearing lest he had grown suspicious; but it was merely
+to change his position, and after looking up and down the trail,
+muttering threats against the soldiers because they continued their
+stroll when it was not to his liking, he reseated himself without
+having so much as touched his musket.
+
+  [Illustration: Nathan and Evan crept within three feet of the
+   Tory.--Page 193.]
+
+It was possible the redcoats might even now be retracing their steps,
+and whatever the lads counted on doing must be done without loss of
+time.
+
+Nathan pressed Evan's hand in token that he was ready for the venture,
+and the latter nodded his head.
+
+The two rose to their feet, standing motionless a single instant, and
+then, darting forward with a sudden spring, they landed directly upon
+the unsuspecting Tory.
+
+Nathan had counted upon covering the spy's mouth with his hand; but
+missed the aim, and Ephraim was enabled to utter one shrill cry, after
+which he was powerless to do more than breathe.
+
+"Work quickly now, for the soldiers may have heard that, and we are
+like to be prisoners ourselves instead of capturing this sneak,"
+Nathan whispered. "We must tie his hands again, and contrive something
+for a gag quickly."
+
+As deftly, and yet more rapidly than on that night when Sarah Dillard
+rode the unbroken colt, Evan bound the prisoner, and from the time
+they first leaped upon him until Ephraim's hands were tied and his
+mouth choked by a portion of his own garments, no more than three
+minutes had passed.
+
+"Take his musket, for it must appear as if he had gone back to the
+camp, and see to it that you wipe out all traces of a struggle, while
+I carry him into the thicket."
+
+Then the boy lifted Ephraim to his shoulder as if he had been no more
+than a package of bulky merchandise, and while Evan carried out the
+instructions to the best of his ability, the spy was taken an hundred
+yards or more into the thicket.
+
+Here Nathan halted until his comrade joined him, when the two
+continued the flight until they were fully half a mile from the trail,
+and all this while Ephraim Sowers was unable to give vent to his anger
+or his fears.
+
+"That was a neat job, and one that need not interfere with the
+purpose of our journey," Nathan said in a tone of exultation, as he
+wiped the perspiration from his face and sat down where he could look
+full at the discomfited Tory. "By this means we have made certain of
+coming face to face with Ephraim Sowers again, for I misdoubt if he
+would have been found in the battle unless peradventure the Britishers
+were getting much the best of it."
+
+"Now that we have got the sneak, what is to be done with him?"
+
+"Tie him up here until we have concluded our work, and then carry him
+back to the men of Colonel Clarke's command, who have a score to
+settle because of his efforts to deliver them over to their butchers."
+
+The expression in Ephraim's eyes gave good token of the terror which
+was in his heart, and in furtherance of the plan he had lately
+conceived Nathan took the gag from the boy's mouth.
+
+"Those men would murder me!" Ephraim screamed as soon as his mouth was
+freed from the gag.
+
+"Ay, so it appears to me, else will they be more forgiving than I can
+well believe," Nathan replied calmly, as if in his mind the spy was
+already doomed.
+
+"Would you take me, who has never done you any wrong, to where I shall
+be killed?" he whined.
+
+"How much wrong would you have done had we not set upon you the night
+the force at Greene's Spring were to be massacred?" Evan asked
+sternly. "When we were again captured was it in your mind to treat us
+as friends?"
+
+"I would not have killed you."
+
+"Then you lied in order to frighten us."
+
+"I did want to make you weaken, but had no thought of doing you a
+wrong."
+
+"Such a controversy is useless, and we have not the time to spend upon
+it," Nathan interrupted. "Colonel Clarke's men are doubtless eager to
+meet with this Tory who devoted so much of his time to them, and if it
+so be we are forced to continue on in order to gain information
+concerning the Britishers, we can do no other than deliver him up to
+them."
+
+"What is it you want to know?" Ephraim asked, a ray of hope coming
+into his eyes.
+
+"We are sent to learn concerning the British forces. How many there
+are, where they are encamped, and such other matters as may be
+necessary for the guidance of those who direct the attack."
+
+"Is there to be a battle?" Ephraim asked eagerly.
+
+"Not before we have had time to deliver you over to those who will
+thank us for so doing."
+
+The gleam of hope died away very suddenly, and the spy, knowing full
+well what would likely be his fate, did he fall into the hands of the
+men who would have been killed or captured had his plans not failed,
+now gave evidence of the liveliest terror.
+
+"If you will save my life, I swear to tell you all I know about Major
+Ferguson's forces, and none can give the information better, for I
+have been with them every hour since you were allowed to leave
+Dillard's plantation."
+
+"It might be that we could take advantage of the offer, if it was
+possible to believe a single word you uttered," Nathan said, as if
+debating whether to accept the proposition or not.
+
+"I swear to you that every word shall be true, and if you hold me
+prisoner it will be easy to know whether I have told the truth or
+not," Ephraim pleaded. "Promise that if I give all the information
+needed you will save my life, and you shall have such a description of
+the camp as could not be gotten by scouting around it for a week."
+
+"Shall we accept the offer, Evan?" Nathan asked, as if it was a
+matter of indifference to him, and Ephraim cried imploringly:
+
+"Give me one chance! Don't turn me over to those who have good reason
+for murdering me! I will answer every question truly, and you shall
+keep me prisoner until it has been proven that all I said was
+correct."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+KING'S MOUNTAIN.
+
+
+Having brought Ephraim Sowers into that frame of mind where he could
+be utilized, Nathan made the pretense of consulting with Evan as to
+the advisability of accepting the spy's information.
+
+"If Evan will agree to it, we may promise that you shall not be given
+up to Colonel Clarke's men, although, as a matter of course, we have
+no intention of setting you at liberty."
+
+"All I ask is that you put me under the charge of Colonel Charles
+McDowells, you promising me in his name that I shall receive the same
+treatment as any other prisoner."
+
+"It is a great deal you are asking, Ephraim Sowers, after all you have
+done and tried to do; but it may be that we can arrange it. Come this
+way, Evan," and Nathan stepped aside a few paces to give the Tory an
+idea that considerable argument would be necessary in order to induce
+his comrade to enter into the agreement.
+
+"Can we believe what he says?" Evan asked when he and Nathan stood at
+such a distance from the prisoner that their words could not be
+overheard.
+
+"I do not understand how he would dare to tell a lie. When our men
+advance it will be known if he has given the correct information, and
+we will make it plain that should he tell us anything which was proven
+to be incorrect, then our promises are withdrawn."
+
+"Go on, and arrange the matter as soon as you can, for no one can say
+when some of the redcoats may come this way on a scout, and if we
+should chance to fall into the hands of the enemy now, I think that
+Tory sneak would kill us, if the murder could be compassed."
+
+The two remained as if in conversation a moment longer, and then
+returning to the terrified spy, Nathan said in a solemn tone:
+
+"We have agreed that if you give us all the information in your power
+concerning Major Ferguson's force, and you claim to know everything
+regarding it, we will carry you as prisoner to Evan's father,
+promising in his name that you shall be treated the same as any
+Britisher that might be captured. Should, however, it be discovered
+that you played us false in the slightest detail, it will be the same
+as if our promise had not been given, and you will be turned over to
+Colonel Clarke's men."
+
+"I am not likely to tell that which is not true when my life depends
+upon the truth," Ephraim said in a tone which convinced his hearers
+that, perhaps for the first time in his life, he was resolved to make
+a correct statement.
+
+"Well," Evan said impatiently after a brief pause. "Why don't you
+begin?"
+
+"What shall I tell you?"
+
+"How many men has Major Ferguson?"
+
+"I must not be held as to the truth of numbers, for I only know what I
+heard a commissary sergeant say, which was that there were eleven
+hundred and twenty all told upon the mountain."
+
+"What mountain?"
+
+"The force is encamped on the summit of King's Mountain, which is
+about twelve miles north of the Cherokee Ford."
+
+"How far from here?"
+
+"I should say less than an hour's march."
+
+"Have the troops any other weapons than muskets?"
+
+"No."
+
+"How many are the king's soldiers, and how many Tories?"
+
+"There are not above two hundred of his majesty's troops."
+
+"Have you any idea why the major chanced to take that place as an
+encampment?"
+
+"Our scouts have brought in the word that the rebels were gathering in
+large numbers, and the major established his camp where it could not
+well be attacked."
+
+"How long has he been there?"
+
+"Two days."
+
+"Do you know if he intends making a move soon?"
+
+"I have heard it said in the camp that we were like to stay there a
+long while--at least until reinforcements can be sent by General
+Cornwallis."
+
+"Beside the men who came out with you on the trail, how many are
+scouting around in this neighborhood?"
+
+"There are perhaps twenty who set out this morning."
+
+"Are they soldiers or Tories?"
+
+"I suppose you would call them Tories, but nevertheless they are
+royalists."
+
+"There is a distinction without a difference in those terms,
+Ephraim," Nathan said grimly, "but I'll venture to say there are very
+few who are both Tory and spy, with an inclination to bring death upon
+those who had befriended them."
+
+"In taking to Major Ferguson information as to Colonel Clarke's force
+I only did my duty, for I was serving the king, and should look upon
+all those who offer armed resistance to his laws as enemies."
+
+"You were not so strict in your allegiance last winter, when you
+begged for food."
+
+Ephraim winced but made no reply, and Evan said thoughtfully:
+
+"It appears to me we have gotten all the information he has to give,
+and it stands us in hand to return to camp as soon as may be, if you
+think we are justified in pinning our faith upon his statements."
+
+"I swear that I have told you only the truth," Ephraim cried,
+beginning to fear lest his captors might recede from the position
+they had taken.
+
+"If there are twenty Britishers scouting around the mountain I do not
+believe we can learn any more than he has told us," Nathan said half
+to himself, "and it appears to me as if we had good reason for
+believing our mission had been fulfilled."
+
+"Then let us lose no time in retracing our steps, for there yet
+remains twenty-six or twenty-seven miles to be traversed nightfall."
+
+"Where are your forces encamped?" Ephraim asked.
+
+"At the Cowpens, on Broad River. I heard Captain Depuyster say, when
+it was told him that some of the rebels--I mean your friends--were
+gathered there, that it was twenty-eight miles away."
+
+"Then you know the exact distance it is necessary for you to walk
+before sunset," Nathan replied. "We shall not be so cruel as to
+confine your arms, but you must march not more than three paces in
+advance of us, and remember, Ephraim Sowers, if you make any movement
+which has the appearance as if you were trying to give us the slip, we
+shall fire with intent to kill, and at such short range there can be
+little doubt as to the accuracy of our aim. Are you ready, Evan?"
+
+"Yes, and the sooner we set out the better I shall be pleased."
+
+But for the fact that the young Tory was dependent upon these two for
+his life, he would have remonstrated against being forced to make so
+long and hurried a journey; but under the circumstances he did not
+dare say a single word which might sound like a complaint.
+
+He waited meekly until Nathan pointed out the direction to be pursued,
+and then set off as if eager to arrive at the destination, his captors
+meanwhile keeping their eyes upon him and being on the alert for any
+attempt at escape.
+
+There is little to tell regarding this long tramp, a portion of which
+was made through the thicket, and the remainder over the trail, save
+to say that both the prisoner and his captors were nearly exhausted
+before it came to an ending.
+
+Twice only did they halt, and then not more than ten minutes at a
+time, lest by remaining quiet too long their wearied limbs should
+become stiffened.
+
+Evan and Nathan had brought with them a scanty supply of food, and
+this they shared with Ephraim; but it was so small in quantity that it
+served hardly more than to whet their appetites, and when, shortly
+after sunset, they were arrived at the American encampment, it seemed
+to all three as if they were literally on the verge of exhaustion.
+
+The coming of the boys was hailed with shouts of joy by the men, and
+when it was learned who they brought with them as prisoner, it
+appeared much as if the promise Ephraim's captors had made would avail
+him nothing.
+
+Before they could make their way to Colonel McDowells' quarters the
+three were surrounded by a throng of hungry men, who insisted that the
+Tory should be hanged offhand for his crime; and but little attention
+was paid to the entreaties of Nathan and Evan, who announced again and
+again that they had pledged their word for his safety.
+
+"We have sworn that he shall be put into the custody of Colonel
+Charles McDowells, and trusting in our word he has given us valuable
+information concerning the enemy," Nathan cried at the full strength
+of his lungs, when the throng became so great that they were forced to
+come to a halt.
+
+"Hang the spy! He is one who brought Ferguson's troopers down to
+Greene's Spring that Clarke's men might be massacred. Hang him!"
+
+Ephraim kneeled upon the ground, clinging to the legs of the boys,
+alternately praying that they would guard him and reminding them of
+the promises made.
+
+"Although he merits death we will keep faith with him, and he who lays
+a hand on the Tory must first dispose of us!" Evan cried.
+
+The men were in no mood to listen to reason, and it is more than
+likely the boys would have failed in their purpose but that Colonel
+William Campbell, hearing the tumult, came quickly up to learn the
+cause.
+
+Hurriedly and in the fewest possible words Nathan explained the
+situation of affairs, and Ephraim's life was saved for the time being,
+for the colonel, calling for the Virginia force, formed a guard around
+the prisoner and his captors, holding the mob in check until all were
+arrived at Colonel McDowells' quarters.
+
+Here Ephraim was delivered to Evan's father and Colonel James
+Williams, and these two officers decided that the young scouts had
+acted wisely in returning, for they placed every dependence in the
+statements made by Ephraim, who, as Colonel Williams said, "had for
+the first time the truth frightened out of him."
+
+The lads were directed to go in search of food, and when, an hour
+later, they returned to Colonel McDowells' quarters, Ephraim was
+nowhere to be seen.
+
+"What have you done with the Tory?" Evan asked, fearing for the
+instant lest his father had forgotten that their word was pledged for
+his safe keeping.
+
+"It was best he should not remain in camp, for the men were grown so
+excited that I doubt if I could have held them in check. Your spy has
+been sent away where we can make certain he will be held in safe
+custody."
+
+Then the colonel asked for the details of the journey just ended, and
+when this had been given, he startled them by saying:
+
+"Since receiving the information from Ephraim Sowers, it has been
+decided that we will set out at once in pursuit of the enemy, lest
+Major Ferguson change his plans, and lead us a long chase. We have
+nine hundred men well mounted, and these will start within an hour,
+continuing the march until they shall come up with the enemy;
+meanwhile the footmen, and those whose animals are not in the best of
+condition, will follow as fast as possible."
+
+"Do you intend to attack the Britishers, intrenched as they are on the
+mountain?" Evan asked in surprise.
+
+"Ay, lad, we will set upon them wherever they may be found, and whip
+them too, till there shall be no more left of this force which has
+come to lay waste the country with fire and sword."
+
+"But what of Nathan and I?" Evan asked anxiously. "Are we to be left
+behind?"
+
+"It is time you had some rest, lads, and better you should follow
+with those who march afoot."
+
+"In that case, sir, we might miss the battle," Nathan interrupted.
+
+"Perhaps it were better if you did."
+
+"We have thought, sir, Evan and I, that because of working hard for
+the cause, we would be given the first opportunity to show what we
+might do."
+
+"And you are eager to go into the combat?" Colonel McDowells asked of
+his son.
+
+"It would sadden me if I was not allowed to do so, sir, although, as I
+have confessed to Nathan several times, I fear my courage may fail
+me."
+
+"If it does, you will be the first McDowells who has shown the white
+feather, and perhaps it is time we should know whether you are of the
+right strain. You shall ride with the advance forces," Colonel
+McDowells said decidedly, and then turned away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A HOT CHASE.
+
+
+The two lads were well content with the assurance given by Colonel
+McDowells, even though each would have been forced to admit, in event
+of close questioning, that, while eager to bear a full share of all
+the dangers, the prospect of taking part in a pitched battle brought
+with it a certain degree of nervous apprehension.
+
+It was known because of what Ephraim Sowers had told, and could have
+been well understood even though the Tory lad had not chosen to
+purchase safety by revealing the secrets of those whom he claimed as
+friends, that Major Ferguson's force was intrenched after such fashion
+as was possible, and, in addition, the position was rendered yet
+stronger by being on the mountain, up which the "rebels" must climb in
+order to make an attack.
+
+Another advantage which the Britishers had, was in point of weapons
+and ammunition. They were thoroughly well equipped with the best
+quality of arms, with powder and ball in abundance, while the friends
+of liberty had but a scanty supply of either.
+
+Despite such facts, however, not a man among those who had sworn to
+relieve the colonies from the yoke of the oppressor counted the odds.
+The only thought was that at last the Britishers were where a battle
+could not be avoided, and the mountain men were determined that the
+conflict should result in a victory for the "rebels."
+
+The troop did not begin the march as soon as Colonel McDowells had
+proposed, however.
+
+Although the colonists were few in numbers and with scanty outfit,
+there was much to be done by way of preparation for the unequal
+struggle, and when an hour had elapsed they were yet in camp, but
+nearly ready to set out.
+
+During such time Nathan and Evan had nothing to do save watch the
+movements of those around them, without being able to take any part in
+the work, and although both were in need of repose, it was impossible
+to rest at a time when they were laboring under the mental excitement
+caused by the knowledge of what was before them.
+
+Now and then one or another of the men would question the lads
+regarding their reconnoissance of Major Ferguson's camp, when Ephraim
+Sowers was captured, and in the course of such conversations the two
+boys soon learned where their prisoner had been taken.
+
+One of the squad which had been charged with conveying the young Tory
+beyond reach of those who would have hanged him without loss of time,
+returned to camp in order to accompany his comrades on the march which
+it was believed would be ended by a battle, and displayed no little
+curiosity as to how Ephraim had been captured.
+
+"To hear the young villain talk, one would think a dozen men couldn't
+overpower him. He declared that his reluctance to shed the blood of
+former playmates saved you lads from death."
+
+"It would seem that he has recovered somewhat from his fears," Nathan
+replied with a hearty laugh. "When I last saw him he was playing the
+part of coward to perfection."
+
+"He insists that you took advantage of his former friendship, and
+while calling for assistance, basely fell upon him when he was giving
+the aid you begged for."
+
+To Nathan there was something extremely comical in such a story as
+told by Ephraim Sowers, who never displayed the slightest semblance
+of courage save when there was no possible chance he could come to any
+harm.
+
+Evan's anger was aroused, however, and without delay he not only
+explained how they had captured the Tory, but gave additional details
+concerning the incident at Captain Dillard's house, when Ephraim
+suddenly found the tables turned upon him.
+
+"He could not have attempted to do a more deadly wrong than when he
+gave information which he fully believed would result in the death or
+capture of Colonel Clark's force at Greene's Springs," Evan said in
+conclusion, "and while Nathan and I have given our word that he shall
+be held safe from personal harm, I hope careful watch will be kept
+upon him. Insignificant though the lad is, he may be able to do us
+very much injury."
+
+"Joseph Abbott has been detailed to guard him," the trooper said
+thoughtfully, "and perhaps a more steady man should have been
+assigned to the work. Abbott means well; but is inclined to be
+careless, although it's certain he understands how necessary it is the
+Tory be held safely this night."
+
+"Yes, and for many a long day to come," Nathan added gravely. "Until
+the Britishers have been driven from the Carolinas, Ephraim must be
+held close prisoner, because it is in his power to give them all
+needful information as to our probable movements. There can be no
+question but that his father aids in the work, and while it is not
+generally understood that such is the case, much harm can be done."
+
+The trooper felt confident that Abbott could be relied upon for
+twenty-four hours at least, because he would remain at his own home,
+and surely there he should be able to make certain the prisoner did
+not escape.
+
+Then the conversation turned upon the probable battle, and this was of
+such vital interest to the boys that, for the moment, they almost
+forgot such a lad as Ephraim Sowers ever had an existence.
+
+It was fated, however, that they were to drop him from their thoughts
+for some time to come, and soon there was more reason than ever before
+to fear his power of working mischief.
+
+Word had been passed for the horses to be saddled preparatory to
+beginning the march toward King's Mountain, and Nathan and Evan were
+attending to the steeds which had been provided for them, when a
+sudden commotion on the outskirts of the encampment caused every
+member of the troop to look about him in alarm.
+
+The sound of voices in loud, angry conversation could be heard; but it
+was not possible for the lads to distinguish any words save these:
+
+"He should have been hanged! It was little less than a crime to allow
+him to live!"
+
+"Of whom are they speaking?" Evan asked in surprise.
+
+"It can be none other than Ephraim, and yet I had supposed he would be
+forgotten, until after the battle."
+
+"The men must have learned more of his doings, for certain it is that
+no one has given him a thought during the last half-hour."
+
+A moment later it became evident that whatever had caused this last
+outburst against the Tory spy was of considerable importance, for the
+cries of anger were redoubled as a full third of the little army
+ceased their work of preparation to gather around the officers'
+quarters.
+
+"Something has gone wrong!" Nathan exclaimed as the confusion
+increased. "When the command has been given for us to saddle, the men
+would not spend valuable time crying out against such as Ephraim
+Sowers. Can it be possible he has escaped?"
+
+"That is an idle proposition, for Joseph Abbott could not have been so
+careless," Evan replied; but there was a sudden tremor of his voice
+which told that he was not as confident as the words implied.
+
+The boys no longer gave any heed to their steed; but pressed on toward
+the throng which was surging around the officers' quarters, until it
+was possible to hear yet more of that which the excited men said.
+
+"Abbott was the last man in the Carolinas who should have been trusted
+with such a duty!"
+
+"If we had hanged the villain it would not now be possible for him to
+do us so much mischief!"
+
+"Now that the Britishers are certain to be warned of our movements,
+there is little hope of taking them by surprise!"
+
+These and similar remarks gave the eager, perturbed boys a fair idea
+of what had occurred; but yet Nathan would not credit that which
+appeared to be a fact until having more definite assurance that the
+young Tory was in a condition to work wrong to the patriots of the
+Carolinas.
+
+"What has happened?" he asked of a man who was insisting that the
+officers were guilty of a great crime when they prevented the men from
+hanging the prisoner.
+
+"Happened?" the man repeated angrily. "That young Tory whose neck
+should have been stretched an hour ago, has given Joseph Abbott the
+slip, an' is most likely on his way to King's Mountain in order to
+inform Major Ferguson of what we would have done this night!"
+
+"Ephraim escaped?" Evan repeated in dismay, and immediately there came
+to him the knowledge of all it might be possible for the Tories to
+effect.
+
+It was certain that once Major Ferguson had been warned of the
+proposed attack, it would be so guarded against that a heavy loss of
+life on the part of the Americans must inevitably be the result, and
+prudence would dictate that the movement be abandoned.
+
+Insignificant though Ephraim Sowers was, he now had it in his power to
+save the king's troops from severe loss, and could, most likely,
+thwart the patriots at the very moment when they might strike such a
+blow as would free the Carolinas from the invaders.
+
+The escape of the Tory was the most disastrous happening that could
+have been brought about by the enemies of the colonies, and the
+knowledge that it was possible only by sheer carelessness on the part
+of a true friend to the Cause, served to aggravate the offense which
+had been committed.
+
+Here and there a man swore to hang Joseph Abbott if he dared to show
+himself in this section of the country again, and the more hot-headed
+demanded that Colonel Campbell and Colonel McDowells should suffer in
+some way because of having interposed to save the prisoner's life
+when there were troopers standing by ready to execute him.
+
+During ten minutes or more the tumult was great; all discipline had
+been lost sight of, and there seemed every danger much mischief would
+be done by those justly angry men who believed themselves thus
+prevented from breaking the rule of the king in the Carolinas at the
+very moment when it might have been successfully accomplished.
+
+During this time Nathan and Evan had been forcing their way toward
+that point where Colonel McDowells and Colonel Campbell were facing
+the angry soldiers, believing for the moment that an attack was about
+to be made upon them, and then it was Evan's father spoke for the
+first time since the lads had come within earshot.
+
+"I am ashamed that men of the Carolinas will thus cry out for the
+death of a boy, how ever much injury he may have done, or can yet do
+us. We war against the representatives of the king, not with
+children."
+
+"It was he who would have compassed our death!" one of Colonel Clark's
+men shouted vindictively.
+
+"Very true, and it is right that he be deprived of his liberty; but
+more than that would have been a stain upon your honor such as could
+never be rubbed out."
+
+"If he had been held prisoner we should have remained silent," another
+soldier cried. "Now he is turned lose to carry Major Ferguson such
+information as will put to naught all our efforts."
+
+"Is Abbott here to say how the lad escaped?" Colonel Campbell asked.
+
+"His wife came with the news that her husband has gone on the trail of
+the viper."
+
+"Then who shall say that such mischief has been done?" Colonel
+McDowells cried, his voice taking on a more hopeful ring. "To hear
+such bewailing as you men are indulging in, one would say there is no
+remedy left us. It is probably true the Tory has escaped; but he
+cannot have very much of a start, since no more than three hours are
+passed since he was led from this camp. There are twenty-eight miles
+between us and King's Mountain. We are ready to set out at once. Will
+you admit that such horses as are owned by you may not cover that
+distance before a boy can do so on foot? Shame upon you for thus
+showing the white feather when there is a possibility of repairing the
+mischief!"
+
+Some of the throng stepped back a few paces as if regretting that they
+had been so loud spoken; but the greater number remained in front of
+the two officers in a defiant and angry attitude.
+
+"Where is Evan McDowells?" the colonel cried, raising his voice that
+the question might be heard throughout the encampment, and he had no
+sooner spoken than Evan and Nathan forced their way through the crowd
+until standing directly before the officer, who added to the
+insubordinate men, "My son and Nathan Shelby--the same lads who
+captured the Tory--shall go out in search of him. Half a dozen more
+will be sent in as many different directions, and instead of standing
+here indulging in vain words, we may repair the mischief. This,
+however, I demand, and will consider him my personal enemy who
+disobeys what is a positive command: When the spy is retaken, see to
+it, each and every one, that his life be held sacred! These boys gave
+him an assurance, in return for certain information, that he should
+not come to harm, and I will never allow such pledge to be broken."
+
+"We shall only be safe when he is dead!" a trooper cried in a surly
+tone.
+
+"And you are willing, Angus McLeod, to admit that you are afraid of a
+boy!"
+
+"Ay, Colonel McDowells, of such a boy as is that young Tory. While he
+lives we know full well all our doings will be carried to the king's
+officers."
+
+"How may that be now that we have come to know him for what he is? A
+month ago it was different, because you allowed him in and around your
+encampment; but to-day, with full knowledge of his character, how can
+he do you harm? When he is taken, as I feel certain he must be within
+a short time, turn him over to me; I will be personally responsible
+that he no longer has the power to work us an injury."
+
+Then turning from the discontented men as if he had done with them,
+the colonel said to Evan and Nathan:
+
+"Lads, now has come the time when you may perform such a service for
+the Carolinas as, perhaps, is not within the power of any other. I do
+not hold that you are more skillful or keen on the trail than your
+companions; but there is in my mind the belief that you will succeed
+where older searchers may fail. Set out immediately; spare not your
+horses, nor yourselves, until Ephraim Sowers is once more your
+prisoner."
+
+"But in event of our being so fortunate as to come upon him, sir, we
+shall be deprived of taking part in the battle," Evan said mournfully,
+and his father replied quickly, but in a whisper:
+
+"There will be no battle if he escapes to carry information to Major
+Ferguson."
+
+"There will be in case we shall make him prisoner within a few hours."
+
+"In that event you may leave him with Abbott, whom, I dare venture to
+say, will not give way to carelessness again, or in the custody of any
+whom you know to be true. We shall ride the direct trail to King's
+Mountain, and you should be able to overtake us if the work be
+performed quickly."
+
+There was no thought in the mind of either lad that such an order as
+the colonel had given could be slighted, and while it would have
+grieved them to the heart had an engagement come off while they were
+absent from the troop, neither hesitated.
+
+As they turned to leave, Colonel Campbell gave orders to several of
+the men that they ride at once in pursuit of the late prisoner, and
+Nathan whispered to his comrade while they walked as quickly as the
+throng would permit toward where their horses had been left:
+
+"I am not positive, Evan, how we might carry ourselves in the midst of
+a battle. While neither of us would admit to being cowardly, it is
+possible we showed a certain amount of fear when brought face to face
+with the king's troops. Now we have one more opportunity of proving
+ourselves equal to the part of men, without chance of displaying the
+white feather."
+
+"I fail to understand the meaning of so many words," Evan replied
+petulantly. "To me the only thing certain is, that we may not follow
+where much honor is to be won."
+
+"If it should so chance that we come upon Ephraim Sowers, when others
+failed of finding him, we will gain more credit than if we rode in the
+front ranks of those whom I hope will charge Major Ferguson's force
+before to-morrow night. Let us give over repining at what cannot be
+changed, and set ourselves about the task of running that miserable
+Tory down!"
+
+Evan was not disposed to look at the matter in such a light, although
+never for a moment did he dream of disobeying his father's commands.
+To him this setting off on a blind search for the young spy was simply
+shutting themselves out from all chance of riding with the men of the
+Carolinas when they charged the enemy, and it seemed for the moment as
+if no greater misfortune could befall them.
+
+However, he made no protest against whatever his comrade suggested,
+although confident that with a start in his favor of even one hour, it
+would be impossible for them to overtake Ephraim Sowers, more
+particularly since half a dozen men were to join in the hunt, and
+without loss of time the two lads made ready for the search.
+
+There was no thought of making provisions for any lengthy absence; the
+work, to be of any avail, must be done before midnight, and if at that
+time the Tory was yet at liberty, then might the searchers return to
+their comrades, for it would be good proof Ephraim had succeeded in
+eluding them so far as to be able to give Major Ferguson information
+of what was afoot.
+
+Therefore the only care was to make certain their supply of ammunition
+would be sufficient for a spirited attack or resistance, after which
+they rode through the encampment, and half a mile beyond were halted
+by Mrs. Abbott, who was returning slowly to her home.
+
+"Are you young gentlemen setting out in search of the Tory?" she asked
+when the two lads halted in response to her signal.
+
+"We are, and many others will ride on the same errand."
+
+"The soldiers were so angry with Joseph that I had no opportunity to
+repeat all the message he sent. It was not through the fault of my
+husband that the prisoner escaped; he was left bound by the hands as
+when brought to our house, while we made ready a room in which he
+could be safely kept, and by some means managed to free himself."
+
+"We have no time for such unimportant particulars," Nathan
+interrupted. "The main fact is that he is free, and we are among those
+charged with the search for him."
+
+"Joseph set out on the same errand within five minutes after his
+escape was discovered, and he bade me say to whosoever might come,
+that the trail led over the hills to the westward. You will have no
+difficulty in following it, and should come up with my husband before
+riding very far."
+
+"We thank you for the information, and would ride ahead if you are
+able to direct us to your home," Nathan replied.
+
+Mrs. Abbott, who appeared to be in deepest distress because the
+prisoner intrusted to her husband's keeping had made his escape, gave
+the boys ample directions for finding the house and as the two rode
+rapidly forward Nathan said in a hopeful tone:
+
+"There is yet a chance, Evan, that we shall succeed where the others
+failed, thanks to our having met Abbott's wife. If the trail is
+well-defined, we shall be able to ride it down, capture the spy, and
+return to the encampment before our people have set out.
+
+"That is what we should do, but whether we can or not is quite
+another matter," Evan replied gloomily. "It is a pity we promised the
+Tory our protection, otherwise he would have been beyond all power for
+harm long ere this."
+
+"And would you like to remember that we captured a lad who was once
+our friend, for others to hang in cold blood?"
+
+"Almost anything would be better than that we were shut out from
+following those with whom we should ride this night."
+
+"I am counting that we will yet bear them company," Nathan replied
+cheerily. "Even a Tory cannot make his way across the country without
+leaving a trail, and now that we know where it may be taken up, the
+rest ought to be easy."
+
+"Unless he has suddenly lost his senses, we cannot follow him on
+horseback. If I was trying to escape from mounted men, it would not be
+difficult to strike such a course as should be impossible for them to
+follow."
+
+"That he did not do so at the start is positive, else Abbott would
+never have sent such word by his wife," Nathan replied, heeding not
+the petulance of his comrade. "If we hold to it that Ephraim Sowers
+has made his escape, then is he the same as free, but I shall continue
+to claim we have fair chance of overtaking him, until we know beyond a
+peradventure that he cannot be found. Every second is of value to us
+now, and we'll waste no more time in idle talk."
+
+With this remark, which Evan might well have construed as a rebuke,
+Nathan struck his horse sharply with the spurs, and the two quickly
+left Mrs. Abbott far in the rear.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+SUCCESS.
+
+
+In silence the two lads rode on at the full speed of their horses
+until they were come to the home of the man who had caused so much
+trouble through his carelessness, and here Nathan dismounted, leading
+his steed by the bridle as he made a complete circuit of the building.
+
+To boys who had been taught the art of woodcraft because it was
+absolutely necessary they should be expert in following a trail or
+hiding one, it was a simple matter to ascertain where the Tory had
+made his escape from the house, and at what point he struck into the
+woods, although a person ignorant of such matters might have looked
+in vain for any token of the flight.
+
+"There's no need of spending much time over such a plain sign as
+that," Evan said, now recovered somewhat from his petulance, for hope
+that they might soon recapture the spy had sprung up in his heart. "I
+never would have believed Ephraim Sowers was such a simple as to thus
+give information regarding his movements! Surely he knew Abbott would
+set out at once in pursuit, and yet has made no attempt to hide his
+trail."
+
+"He is a coward who allows his fears to blind him from anything except
+immediate danger. Having seen an unexpected opportunity to escape, he
+takes advantage of it, and thinks only of putting a great distance
+between himself and his enemies. We shall soon ride him down!"
+
+"Unless he gathers his wits, and takes to the thicket where we cannot
+follow."
+
+"Then it will be necessary to make our way on foot, and I'll warrant
+that we travel as fast as he can. But I'm not allowing he'll gather
+his wits until having come to a British camp."
+
+During this brief conversation Nathan remounted, and the two rode
+along the trail, having no difficulty in keeping well in view the
+signs left by both the pursued and the pursuer.
+
+Abbot had taken good care not to cover the footsteps of the Tory, and
+to leave ample token of the course he was following; therefore it was
+certain the lads must soon come upon one or the other, since they were
+well mounted.
+
+There was one danger Evan had failed to realize, but which was strong
+in Nathan's mind. If Ephraim could retain his liberty until night
+came, then would it be well-nigh impossible to follow him during the
+hours of darkness; and this very important fact may have been in the
+spy's mind when he pushed on regardless of thus giving good proof as
+to his whereabouts to those who might come in pursuit.
+
+Therefore it was Nathan rode on at the best speed of his horse, and
+his comrade found it difficult to maintain the pace, consequently
+there was no opportunity for conversation during twenty minutes or
+more, at the end of which time they were come up with Abbott.
+
+That the trooper was suffering keenest mental distress because of his
+carelessness, which had permitted of the spy's escape, could readily
+be seen even during the hurried interview they held with the man.
+
+"You are come in good time, for the Tory can't be more than a mile
+ahead of us," he said with a sigh of relief. "The sun will not set for
+two hours, and long before then you should have him in your keeping
+once more."
+
+"You will follow as close as may be, for we count on turning him over
+to you again in order that we may ride to King's Mountain with the
+American force," Nathan replied, not averse to giving his horse a
+brief breathing spell.
+
+"You may be certain he won't get out of my sight again! Any other
+might have had the same misfortune as I. His hands were bound, and I
+left him in an upper room while I made ready the chamber that was to
+serve as prison."
+
+"Why did you not keep him with you?" Evan asked sharply.
+
+"That is what should have been done, as I now know full well; but at
+the time it seemed as if the lad was as secure as if surrounded by a
+troop of soldiers. Certain it is he can't free his hands, and,
+therefore, must necessarily travel slowly. I suppose every man at the
+camp bears down heavily upon me?"
+
+Nathan would have evaded this question; but Evan was minded that the
+careless soldier should be made to realize how great was his offence,
+therefore he answered bluntly:
+
+"I believe of a verity you would have been hanged had it been possible
+for the men to get hold of you when the news of the escape was first
+brought in. If Ephraim Sowers succeeds in remaining at liberty, the
+attack upon King's Mountain will be abandoned, and that at a time when
+it might have been a success but for your carelessness."
+
+"See here, Abbott," Nathan added soothingly, "it is not for me to deny
+the truth of what Evan says; but he is describing that first moment of
+disappointment. Your comrades have grown more calm by this time, and
+if it so be we overhaul the Tory, it is Colonel McDowell's orders that
+he be given into your custody again."
+
+"I'll shoot the villain rather than let him get a dozen yards from me,
+if he falls into my clutches once more, an' I've sworn not to go home
+inside of forty-eight hours without him."
+
+It was in Evan's mind to say that it would have been better had Abbott
+kept a close watch of his prisoner, in which case such desperate
+measures would not now be necessary; but he realized in time to check
+his speech, that harsh words were of no avail now the mischief was
+done, and contented himself with the caution:
+
+"It will be well to remember how much trouble has been caused, if we
+are so fortunate as to catch the Tory. My fear is that he may succeed
+in giving us the slip after all, in which case the attack on Major
+Ferguson's force is frustrated even before being made."
+
+The horses had been allowed as long a resting spell as Nathan thought
+necessary, and he brought the interview to an end by saying as he
+tightened rein:
+
+"We shall ride the trail at our best pace, and do you follow on until
+finding that we are forced to leave the steeds, when it will be known
+that there is no longer a hope of taking him in time to set the fears
+of our people at rest before the hour for making an advance. In event
+of our coming upon him, we shall be glad to turn him over to your
+keeping once more, as soon as may be possible."
+
+"I'll keep mighty near your horses' heels, unless you ride at a better
+gait than I believe will be possible. Don't hesitate to shoot him down
+if you get within range and find there's a chance of his getting the
+best of the chase."
+
+"There's no need to give us such advice," Evan replied grimly. "Do
+your part at holding him, if it so be you have another chance."
+
+Nathan had urged his steed forward, and the two spurred on at a sharp
+trot, each rider's eyes fastened upon the ground where could be
+plainly seen, by those accustomed to such work, the footprints of the
+Tory.
+
+Evan was rapidly recovering from the fit of petulance which had seized
+upon when it appeared most likely they would be shut out from riding
+into battle with the American force.
+
+Now it began to seem possible they might perform the task set them
+and return to the encampment before the advance was begun, unless it
+so chanced that Ephraim Sowers suddenly showed sufficient wit to seek
+refuge in a thicket where the horses could not follow.
+
+Something of this kind Evan said to his comrade as they rode on the
+trail nearly side by side, and the latter replied cheerily:
+
+"The miserable Tory don't dare do anything of the kind lest he lose
+his way. I venture to say his only thought is that Abbott will set out
+in pursuit of him, rather than spend time by going to the encampment,
+therefore he has only to fear what one man afoot may be able to do. It
+hasn't come into his thick head that the woman could be sent with a
+message, while her husband took to the trail, therefore he will hold
+to the open path until hearing the hoof-beats of our horses."
+
+And this was indeed what Ephraim Sowers did, as his pursuers soon
+learned.
+
+Nathan and Evan rode swiftly and in silence during twenty minutes or
+more after leaving Abbott, understanding full well that the trail was
+growing fresher each instant; and then the former saw a certain
+suspicious movement of branches at one side of the path some distance
+away.
+
+"He has seen us!" the lad cried excitedly, spurring his horse forward
+until he came to that point where the trail suddenly branched off
+toward the thicket.
+
+There could be no question but that the Tory had failed of hearing the
+noise of the pursuit until his enemies were close upon him, and then
+he did what he should have done an hour before.
+
+There was not a second to be lost, for once the lad was so far in
+advance that his movements could not be followed by the motion of the
+foliage, it would be like the proverbial hunt for a needle in a
+haystack to find him.
+
+"Look after the horses!" Nathan cried, reining in his steed and
+leaping to the ground musket in hand, and even before Evan could come
+up, although but a few paces in the rear, Isaac Shelby's nephew had
+disappeared in the thicket.
+
+Young McDowells was not disposed to obey this command strictly. He
+cared for the steeds by hurriedly tying their bridles to the trunk of
+a tree, and after a delay of no more than half a minute, followed his
+comrade into the forest, with musket in hand ready to be discharged at
+the first glimpse of the fugitive.
+
+So close behind Nathan was Evan, that he could readily follow his
+movements by the commotion among the underbrush, and, with a sudden
+burst of speed, regardless of possible accident, he succeeded in
+coming close to his comrade's heels.
+
+"Have you lost sight of him?" he asked breathlessly.
+
+"Not a bit of it!" was the cheery reply. "There is little fear he can
+give us the slip now we are so near!"
+
+"Why don't you fire on the chance of winging him? I can give you my
+loaded musket when yours is empty."
+
+"There's no need of wasting a cartridge upon him; we shall soon bring
+the villain in sight."
+
+It was not possible to carry on any extended conversation while
+running at full speed among the foliage, at great risk of falling
+headlong over a projecting root, or being stricken down by a
+low-hanging limb.
+
+They were gaining in the chase as could readily be seen, and when
+perhaps ten minutes had passed the lads were so near that it seemed
+certain Ephraim could be no more than a dozen yards in advance.
+
+"No one can say what accident may happen at any moment to give him an
+advantage!" Evan said sharply, speaking with difficulty because of
+his heavy breathing. "You must bring him down soon, or we may get back
+to the encampment too late!"
+
+No suggestion could have been made which would have had greater weight
+than this; and, raising his voice, at the same time priming the musket
+as he ran, Nathan cried:
+
+"Come to a halt, Ephraim Sowers, or I shall fire! At this short range
+there is little danger but that my bullet will strike its target, with
+such good token of your whereabouts as you are giving us."
+
+The Tory made no reply; and the waving of the bushes could still be
+seen, thus showing that he had not obeyed the command.
+
+"Do not delay, but shoot at once, and then exchange muskets with me!"
+Evan cried in an agony of apprehension, lest some unforeseen chance
+give the fugitive such an advantage as they could not overcome.
+
+Nathan hesitated no longer. Raising the weapon he fired in a line with
+the moving foliage, and the report of the musket was followed by a
+scream as of pain.
+
+"I'm sorry I didn't wait a few minutes longer!" the lad cried, in a
+tone of deepest regret. "Of course we were bound to stop him; but it
+might have been done without killing!"
+
+Evan shared his comrade's regrets, believing Ephraim had been
+seriously if not dangerously wounded, and the two ran forward with all
+speed, fully expecting to find their enemy disabled or dead.
+
+Therefore was their surprise all the greater when the swaying of the
+branches told that the Tory was yet able to keep his feet, and once
+more Nathan shouted, this time in a tone of anger:
+
+"Halt, or I shall fire again! Give me your musket, Evan, and do you
+load this one! Work quickly, for I'm not minded to linger over the
+task of stopping him!"
+
+The exchange of weapons was made without delay, and once more Nathan
+fired. Again came a scream as of pain from the fugitive; but this time
+the pursuers were not troubled in mind lest they had needlessly
+inflicted pain.
+
+Nathan leaped forward as he discharged the musket, and an instant
+later stood face to face with Ephraim Sowers, who, with a rotten
+branch upraised as a club, stood at bay where a perfect network of
+trees, that had most likely been overturned by the wind, barred his
+further passage.
+
+"I'll beat your brains out!" Ephraim screamed viciously, brandishing
+his poor apology for a weapon. "Don't make the mistake of thinkin'
+I'll be carried back among them rebels!"
+
+"You had better give in peaceably, for we shan't spend much time in
+arguing the matter," Nathan said decidedly; but yet he did not
+advance for the very good reason that he was virtually unarmed, having
+dropped his musket at the moment of emptying it, in order that he
+might not be impeded in his movements.
+
+Because he remained motionless, Ephraim believed the lad was afraid,
+and pressed his supposed advantage by crying, in a tone that was very
+like the snarl of a cat:
+
+"Keep your distance or I'll kill you! This club will stand me as good
+a turn as the empty muskets do you, an' I count on using it!"
+
+By this time Evan came into view carrying both weapons, and, seeing
+that the game was brought to bay without opportunity of continuing the
+flight, said quietly:
+
+"Keep your eye on him, Nathan, and I'll soon put in a charge that will
+bring him to terms."
+
+He had begun to load the musket as he spoke, doing so with
+deliberation as if there was no good reason why he should make haste;
+and such leisurely movements had even more effect upon the Tory than
+did the show of ammunition.
+
+"I didn't count you had more than a single charge," he said, with a
+whine.
+
+"It seemed odd to me that you should suddenly have plucked up so much
+courage," Nathan replied scornfully. "Even though our ammunition had
+been exhausted, you could not have held us back with that rotten club.
+Load carefully, Evan, for I don't want to make any mistake as to aim!"
+
+"Are you countin' on killin' me?" Ephraim cried, in an agony of
+terror, flinging down his poor weapon and holding out both hands in
+supplication. "Would you murder a fellow who never did you any harm?"
+
+"You are the veriest coward in the Carolinas;" and Nathan spoke in a
+tone of such contempt that even the thick-skinned Tory winced.
+
+"Come out here, and we'll make certain of taking you back to Broad
+River!"
+
+The Tory meekly obeyed, making no show of protest lest he might bring
+down the anger of his captors upon himself; and Evan said, as he
+finished loading both weapons:
+
+"Do you walk ahead, Nathan, and let him follow. I'll come close at his
+heels, and we'll spend no more time over this job than may be
+necessary. Abbott should be near at hand by the time we get back to
+the trail."
+
+Ephraim obeyed in silence and, because he neither begged nor whined,
+the boys feared lest he had some plan of escape in his mind.
+
+"Do not take your eyes from him for a single instant," Nathan cried
+warningly as he led the way in the manner suggested by Evan, "and
+shoot at the first suspicious move he makes. We have done this work in
+short order, and now it will be because of our own carelessness if the
+troop sets off without us."
+
+"Don't think that I'm going to be so foolish as to make another try at
+gettin' away," Ephraim said sulkily. "There's no show for me in this
+section of the country while the king's troops are so far away, an' I
+ain't countin' on takin' the chances of bein' shot."
+
+"We shan't be so foolish as to take your word for it," Evan replied.
+"I'll admit that you won't make much of a fist toward escaping; but
+time is precious with us just now, and we can't afford to waste any in
+chasing you."
+
+From that moment until they were come to the trail where the horses
+had been left, no word was spoken; and then the lads were greeted by a
+cry of joy and triumph from Abbott, who had just come into view.
+
+"I knew you'd overhaul him!" the trooper said exultantly; "and if he
+gives me the slip again there'll be good reason for my bein' hanged!"
+
+"Do you think it will be safe for us to leave him here with you?"
+Nathan asked, as if undecided what course he ought to pursue.
+
+"I'll answer for him with my life! Don't think there is any chance of
+slipping up on the work again, after all that's been in my mind since
+he got away."
+
+After a brief consultation the two lads concluded it would be safe to
+leave the prisoner with Abbott, particularly since Colonel McDowells
+had so instructed them; and in less than two hours from the time of
+leaving the encampment, they were riding back at full speed, hoping it
+might be possible to arrive before the force had started on the march
+toward King's Mountain.
+
+And in this they were successful.
+
+The soldiers were on the point of setting out when the lads arrived,
+and the reception with which they were met can well be imagined.
+
+As soon as their story could be told, and it was generally understood
+there was no longer any reason to fear that Ephraim Sowers might
+carry information of their movements to Major Ferguson, the command
+was in motion, with Nathan and Evan riding either side of Colonel
+McDowells.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In the report of the battle, which is signed by Colonel Benjamin
+Cleaveland, Colonel Isaac Shelby, and Colonel William Campbell, is the
+following account:
+
+"We began our march with nine hundred of the best men about eight
+o'clock the same evening, and, marching all night, came up with the
+enemy about three o'clock P.M. of the seventh, who lay encamped on the
+top of King's Mountain, twelve miles north of the Cherokee Ford, in
+the confidence that they could not be forced from so advantageous a
+post. Previous to the attack, on our march, the following disposition
+was made: Colonel Shelby's regiment formed a column in the center, on
+the left; Colonel Campbell's regiment another on the right, with part
+of Colonel Cleaveland's regiment, headed in front by Major Joseph
+Winston; and Colonel Sevier's formed a large column on the right wing.
+The other part of Colonel Cleaveland's regiment, headed by Colonel
+Cleaveland himself, and Colonel Williams' regiment, composed the left
+wing. In this order we advanced, and got within a quarter of a mile of
+the enemy before we were discovered."
+
+Evan and Nathan rode by the side of the latter's uncle, and as Colonel
+Shelby's and Colonel Cleaveland's regiments began the attack, they
+were the first in action.
+
+"I am growing timorous," Evan whispered to Nathan as the troops began
+the ascent of the hill, and the latter replied:
+
+"A fellow who spends twenty-four hours in walking, and twenty-four
+hours in riding, without repose, can well be forgiven for losing some
+portion of his courage. My own knees are not oversteady, and I am
+beginning to wonder whether they will bear me out when we are within
+range of British lead."
+
+Five minutes later Major Ferguson's force opened fire, and Colonel
+Isaac Shelby had no cause to complain of the lads' behavior.
+
+As Evan afterward admitted, he was hardly conscious of what he did
+from the moment he saw the first man fall.
+
+One of the troopers reported to Colonel McDowells, who asked
+concerning his son after the engagement was at an end:
+
+"The two boys fought side by side, and like veteran soldiers. I saw
+them making their way up the hill when the shot was flying around them
+like hail, and it was as if neither realized the peril, or, realizing
+it, as if he heeded not the possibility that death might come at any
+instant. Never faltering, they continued the ascent, pressing close on
+Isaac Shelby's heels until they were the foremost, fighting hand to
+hand with the Britishers.
+
+"They were within a dozen feet of Colonel Williams when he received
+his death wound, and then the redcoats were pressing us so hotly that
+no man dared step aside to aid the officer. Yet these two went out of
+their course to give him succor, and, finding that he was already
+unconscious, pressed forward once more. I was just behind them when we
+arrived at the spot where Major Ferguson lay dead."
+
+"Evan feared his courage might fail him when in the heat of action,"
+the colonel said half to himself, and the trooper replied with
+emphasis:
+
+"It must have increased rather than failed, colonel, for those two
+lads shamed many a man of us during the hour and five minutes which we
+spent grappling with the Britishers. Twice were we forced to fall
+back; but they remained in the front line, and each time when we
+rallied they were first to take the forward step. Not until Colonel
+Depuyster hoisted the white flag did I see them cease their efforts,
+and then, the excitement being gone, it was as if both of them
+collapsed, and little wonder, colonel, for if you will stop to think,
+these lads spent forty-eight hours riding and walking before going
+into as hot an engagement as we in the Carolinas have ever
+experienced."
+
+The battle of King's Mountain came to an end as the trooper had said,
+in one hour and five minutes after it began, and when the American
+forces were drawn up in line it was found that of the nine hundred,
+only twenty were killed; but more than five times that number had been
+wounded.
+
+Of the king's soldiers, four officers and fifteen privates were
+killed, and thirty-five privates seriously wounded. Eighteen officers
+and fifteen privates were taken prisoners. Of the Tories, five
+officers and two hundred and one men were killed; one officer and one
+hundred and twenty-seven men wounded, while forty-eight officers and
+six hundred men were taken prisoners.
+
+According to the official report of that engagement, only twenty of
+Major Ferguson's force escaped, and among that number, one--Ephraim
+Sowers--could be accounted for as already a prisoner in the hands of
+the Americans.
+
+The historian, Lossing, writes regarding this engagement:
+
+"No battle during the war was more obstinately contested than this;
+for the Americans were greatly exasperated by the cruelty of the
+Tories, and to the latter it was a question of life or death. It was
+with difficulty that the Americans, remembering Tarleton's cruelty at
+Buford's defeat, could be restrained from slaughter, even after
+quarter was asked.
+
+"On the morning after the battle a court-martial was held, and several
+of the Tory prisoners were found guilty of murder and other high
+crimes and hanged. Colonel Cleaveland had previously declared that if
+certain persons, who were the chief marauders, and who had forfeited
+their lives, should fall into his hands, he would hang them. Ten of
+these men were suspended upon a tulip tree, which is yet standing--a
+venerable giant of the forest. This was the closing scene of the
+battle on King's Mountain, an event which completely crushed the
+spirits of the Loyalists, and weakened, beyond recovery, the royal
+power in the Carolinas. Intelligence of the defeat of Ferguson
+destroyed all Cornwallis' hopes of Tory aid. He instantly left
+Charlotte, retrograded, and established his camp at Winnsborough, in
+Fairfield District, between the Wateree and Broad Rivers."
+
+It was because of Sarah Dillard's ride that the battle of King's
+Mountain became possible, and consequently it was through her
+indirectly that the royal power in the Carolinas was "weakened beyond
+recovery."
+
+In telling the story of her brave act, it has been necessary to
+introduce the two lads who bore so honorable a part in that brief
+campaign, and also the Tory spy, but it is not possible within the
+limits of this tale to follow the adventures of the two young
+Americans who, before the independence of the United States was
+gained, made for themselves most enviable records among most gallant
+men.
+
+At some time in the future, when the reader shall be ready to go into
+the more important engagements with Evan and Nathan, a further account
+of their deeds will be set down, and then can be described all which
+Ephraim Sowers finally did to clear his name of the taint which had
+been put upon it by his own deeds.
+
+It suffices now to say that the spy was held as prisoner by Colonel
+McDowells for two months or more, when, agreeably to his sworn
+promise that he would never do aught against the cause of freedom, he
+was released with the understanding that he should leave the Carolinas
+forever.
+
+Within one week after the battle of King's Mountain Nathan and Evan
+were regularly enrolled among the soldiers under Colonel Charles
+McDowells' command, and when General Cornwallis surrendered were among
+the troops who had contributed to that officer's discomfiture.
+
+It was on the day set for the formal surrender at Yorktown when the
+two lads were standing side by side in the ranks, that Evan whispered
+to his comrade:
+
+"Who ever dreamed on that night when Ephraim Sowers lorded it over us
+at Captain Dillard's home that we should stand here waiting to see the
+proudest general among all the Britishers give up his sword to the
+'rebel' commander?"
+
+"Do you know that this victory was really begun when Sarah Dillard
+rode over the mountain trail to Greene's Spring, for from that moment
+all General Cornwallis' power in the South began to wane."
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+A. L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for Young People by Popular Writers,
+52-58 Duane Street, New York
+
+
+BOOKS FOR BOYS.
+
+=Joe's Luck=: A Boy's Adventures in California. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amusing
+situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and
+the fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike
+Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck"
+is certainly one of his best.
+
+=Tom the Bootblack=; or, The Road to Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all
+ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better
+himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr.
+Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad.
+The plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a
+comfortable fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.
+
+=Dan the Newsboy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is
+pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of
+New York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the
+Mordaunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the
+house where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the
+little heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good
+qualities that she adopts him as her heir.
+
+=Tony the Hero=: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By HORATIO ALGER,
+JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
+Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away and
+gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large
+estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws him down
+a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him,
+and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony is
+prosperous. A very entertaining book.
+
+=The Errand Boy=; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a smart
+country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper named
+Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's subsequent
+troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the situation of
+errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.
+
+=Tom Temple's Career.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.
+
+Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village
+to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to
+California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling
+that the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall
+have been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating
+style.
+
+=Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for
+himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a
+situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a
+wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter
+helps the lad to gain success and fortune.
+
+=Tom Thatcher's Fortune.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his
+mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John
+Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts
+overland for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is
+told in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so
+many homes.
+
+=The Train Boy.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
+$1.00.
+
+Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother
+and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee
+Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a
+young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul
+is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude
+takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and is
+well started on the road to business prominence.
+
+=Mark Mason's Victory.= The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy. By
+HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily
+won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many
+difficulties. This story will please the very large class of boys who
+regard Mr. Alger as a favorite author.
+
+=A Debt of Honor.= The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the Far West.
+By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and
+disappointments which he passed through before he attained success,
+will interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this
+delightful author.
+
+=Ben Bruce.= Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By HORATIO ALGER,
+JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts,
+and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success,
+are most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr.
+Alger's most fascinating style.
+
+=The Castaways=; or, On the Florida Reefs. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea Queen
+leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the
+coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through
+her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to the
+leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake
+the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young
+people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite.
+
+=Wrecked on Spider Island=; or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a
+livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there
+discovers a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable
+amount of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of
+the voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the
+most captious boy could desire.
+
+=The Search for the Silver City=: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht Day
+Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by fire, and
+then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They hear of the
+wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, and with the
+help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the golden images
+from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last their escape
+is effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting
+incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and
+realism of the narrative.
+
+=A Runaway Brig=; or, An Accidental Cruise. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide
+shimmering sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself
+afloat with Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old
+shell-back, Bob Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a
+mysterious document which enables them to find a buried treasure. They
+are stranded on an island and at last are rescued with the treasure.
+The boys are sure to be fascinated with this entertaining story.
+
+=The Treasure Finders=: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By JAMES OTIS.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's
+indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The
+boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three
+golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest
+difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We
+doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The
+Treasure Finders."
+
+=Jack, the Hunchback.= A Story of the Coast of Maine. By JAMES OTIS.
+Price $1.00.
+
+This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elizabeth,
+on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting.
+From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It
+bears us along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but
+never loses its force.
+
+=With Washington at Monmouth=: A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price
+$1.50.
+
+Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular and
+frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British
+occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life
+skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are
+given show that the work has not been hastily done, or without
+considerable study. The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as
+are all of Mr. Otis' works.
+
+=With Lafayette at Yorktown=: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the
+Continental Army. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine
+edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+Two lads from Portmouth, N. H., attempt to enlist in the Colonial
+Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting
+incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful
+excitement brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar
+with, and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays
+and Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will
+remain in his memory long after that which he has memorized from
+textbooks has been forgotten.
+
+=At the Siege of Havana.= Being the Experiences of Three Boys Serving
+under Israel Putnam in 1762. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth,
+olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+"At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's
+history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the
+assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col.
+Israel Putnam.
+
+The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as
+telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas
+Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent,
+necessarily, in the tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable
+stories founded on historical facts.
+
+=The Defense of Fort Henry.= A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or
+thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women who
+founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The
+recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as
+can be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch and
+his gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their
+sacrifice of blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young
+readers.
+
+=The Capture of the Laughing Mary.= A Story of Three New York Boys in
+1776. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.50.
+
+"During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the
+Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General
+Washington's person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot
+cause. They do some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way
+for an American navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the
+work. Mr. Otis' books are too well known to require any particular
+commendation to the young."--=Evening Post.=
+
+=With Warren at Bunker Hill.= A Story of the Siege of Boston. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+"This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after
+the doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life
+in Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown,
+shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the battle
+of Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising of the siege. The three
+heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, incur the
+enmity of a young Tory, who causes them many adventures the boys will
+like to read."--=Detroit Free Press.=
+
+=With the Swamp Fox.= The Story of General Marion's Spies. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the
+Carolinas. General Marion's arrival to take command of these brave men
+and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and although
+the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox is ever
+present in the mind of the reader.
+
+=On the Kentucky Frontier.= A Story of the Fighting Pioneers of the
+West. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than
+that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of
+frontiersmen. Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from
+the arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia
+was captured. He relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history
+which is not usually touched upon either by the historian or the story
+teller. This is one of the most entertaining books for young people
+which has been published.
+
+=Sarah Dillard's Ride.= A Story of South Carolina in 1780. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail
+of the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's
+troops. Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story,
+which is told as though coming from a youth who experienced these
+adventures. In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought
+out as an incident of the plot."--=Boston Journal.=
+
+=A Tory Plot.= A Story of the Attempt to Kill General Washington. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something of the
+plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture or
+murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. Putnam and
+are commissioned by him to play the role of detectives in the matter.
+They do so, and meet with many adventures and hairbreadth escapes. The
+boys are, of course, mythical, but they serve to enable the author to
+put into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge concerning one
+phase of the Revolution."--=Pittsburgh Times.=
+
+=A Traitor's Escape.= A Story of the Attempt to Seize Benedict Arnold.
+By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter,
+bringing clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early
+settlers in this country. In an historical work dealing with this
+country's past, no plot can hold the attention closer than this one,
+which describes the attempt and partial success of Benedict Arnold's
+escape to New York, where he remained as the guest of Sir Henry
+Clinton. All those who actually figured in the arrest of the traitor,
+as well as Gen. Washington, are included as characters."--=Albany
+Union.=
+
+=A Cruise with Paul Jones.= A Story of Naval Warfare in 1776. By JAMES
+OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life when
+he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an opportunity to
+strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with his descent
+upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and the famous
+battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale is one who was
+taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this particular
+cruise was begun."--=Chicago Inter-Ocean.=
+
+=Corporal Lige's Recruit.= A Story of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an
+old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king in '58, and
+who takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad
+acquits himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the
+continental congress,' infuses much martial spirit into the narrative,
+which will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point,
+Ticonderoga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical
+names appear in this dramatic tale."--=Boston Globe.=
+
+=Morgan, the Jersey Spy.= A Story of the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. By
+JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the details
+of the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived
+on the banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his
+dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit
+Yorktown, are suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan
+risks his life to save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter
+with a squad of red coats, when they are exposed equally to the
+bullets of friends and foes, told in a masterly fashion, makes of this
+volume one of the most entertaining books of the year."--=Inter-Ocean.=
+
+=The Young Scout=: The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By EDWARD S.
+ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most
+terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a
+tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid.
+The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point.
+Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate
+chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly
+escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of
+Indian stories now before the public.
+
+=Adrift in the Wilds=: The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. By EDWARD
+S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Francisco. Off
+the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys reach the
+shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon becomes separated
+from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, but is afterwards
+rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of Southern California.
+
+=A Young Hero=; or, Fighting to Win. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from
+the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded ladies. Fred
+Sheldon, the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves
+and have them arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he
+succeeds in discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The
+story is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be
+glad to read this delightful book.
+
+=Lost in the Rockies.= A Story of Adventure in the Rocky Mountains. By
+EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+Incident succeeds incident, and adventure is piled upon adventure, and
+at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced
+breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures
+in the Rockies and among the Indians.
+
+=A Jaunt Through Java=: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain.
+By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of two
+cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the island of
+Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the Royal
+Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be met
+with, it is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a
+lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book.
+
+=The Boy Patriot.= A Story of Jack, the Young Friend of Washington. By
+EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
+
+"There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose
+pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are
+always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest,
+manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid
+description of the battle of Trenton is also found in this
+story."--=Journal of Education.=
+
+=A Yankee Lad's Pluck.= How Bert Larkin Saved his Father's Ranch in
+Porto Rico. By WM. P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+"Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration, and
+is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst
+the story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This
+will, we think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this
+season."--=Gazette.=
+
+=A Brave Defense.= A Story of the Massacre at Fort Griswold in 1781. By
+WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during
+the Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights,
+Conn., in 1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster
+rolls, either at Fort Trumbull on the New London side, or of Fort
+Griswold on the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who
+follows Halsey Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their
+equally brave comrades, through their thrilling adventures will be
+learning something more than historical facts; they will be imbibing
+lessons of fidelity, of bravery, of heroism, and of manliness, which
+must prove serviceable in the arena of life.
+
+=The Young Minuteman.= A Story of the Capture of General Prescott in
+1777. By WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the
+British occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and
+William Northrop belong to "the coast patrol." The story is a strong
+one, dealing only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of
+thrilling adventure, and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain
+the book will find not only that his historical knowledge is
+increased, but that his own patriotism and love of country are
+deepened.
+
+=For the Temple=: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. HENTY. With
+illustrations by S. J. SOLOMON. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.00.
+
+"Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance
+to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the
+world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts."--=Graphic.=
+
+=Roy Gilbert's Search=: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By WM. P. CHIPMAN.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges
+with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam
+launch. The three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes.
+Afterwards the lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a
+sinking yacht. Later on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The
+hero is a manly, self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed
+with interest.
+
+=The Slate Picker=: The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines. By
+HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Ben
+Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he
+advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the
+position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a
+book of extreme interest to every boy reader.
+
+=The Boy Cruisers=; or, Paddling in Florida. By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00
+
+Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the Gulf
+coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure is with
+a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into a gale in
+the Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alligators and
+Andrew gets into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians. Mr.
+Rathborne knows just how to interest the boys, and lads who are in
+search of a rare treat will do well to read this entertaining story.
+
+=Captured by Zulus=: A Story of Trapping in Africa. By HARRY PRENTICE.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob
+Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture
+Dick and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The
+lads escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night.
+They are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice
+tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their
+native stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining
+reading.
+
+=Tom the Ready=; or, Up from the Lowest. By RANDOLPH HILL. 12mo, cloth,
+illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless,
+ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and
+the governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a
+purpose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages
+to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills
+the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end.
+
+=Captain Kidd's Gold=: The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
+JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea
+of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy
+Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes.
+There were many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt.
+Kidd. Paul Jones Garry inherits a document which locates a
+considerable treasure buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this
+book is an ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water New England
+ancestry, and his efforts to reach the island and secure the money
+form one of the most absorbing tales for our youth that has come from
+the press.
+
+=The Boy Explorers=: The Adventures of Two Boys in Alaska. By HARRY
+PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Two boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel to Alaska to join their
+father in search of their uncle. On their arrival at Sitka the boys
+with an Indian guide set off across the mountains. The trip is fraught
+with perils that test the lads' courage to the utmost. All through
+their exciting adventures the lads demonstrate what can be
+accomplished by pluck and resolution, and their experience makes one
+of the most interesting tales ever written.
+
+=The Island Treasure=; or, Harry Darrel's Fortune. By FRANK H. CONVERSE.
+12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Harry Darrel, having received a nautical training on a school-ship, is
+bent on going to sea. A runaway horse changes his prospects. Harry
+saves Dr. Gregg from drowning and afterward becomes sailing-master of
+a sloop yacht. Mr. Converse's stories possess a charm of their own
+which is appreciated by lads who delight in good healthy tales that
+smack of salt water.
+
+=Guy Harris=: The Runaway. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
+price $1.00.
+
+Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the Great
+Lakes. He is persuaded to go to sea, and gets a glimpse of the rough
+side of life in a sailor's boarding house. He ships on a vessel and
+for five months leads a hard life. The book will interest boys
+generally on account of its graphic style. This is one of Castlemon's
+most attractive stories.
+
+=Julian Mortimer=: A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune. By HARRY
+CASTLEMON. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+The scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi River, in the days
+when emigrants made their perilous way across the great plains to the
+land of gold. There is an attack upon the wagon train by a large party
+of Indians. Our hero is a lad of uncommon nerve and pluck. Befriended
+by a stalwart trapper, a real rough diamond, our hero achieves the
+most happy results.
+
+=By Pike and Dyke=: A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. By G. A.
+HENTY. With illustrations by MAYNARD BROWN. 12mo, cloth, olivine
+edges, price $1.00.
+
+"Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with the
+book, while the rest who only care for adventure will be students in
+spite of themselves."--=St. James's Gazette.=
+
+=St. George for England=: A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By G. A. HENTY.
+With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.00.
+
+"A story of very great interest for boys. In his own forcible style
+the author has endeavored to show that determination and enthusiasm
+can accomplish marvellous results; and that courage is generally
+accompanied by magnanimity and gentleness."--=Pall Mall Gazette.=
+
+=Captain Bayley's Heir=: A Tale of the Gold Fields of California. By G.
+A. HENTY. With illustrations by H. M. PAGET. 12mo, cloth, olivine
+edges, price $1.00.
+
+"Mr. Henty is careful to mingle instruction with entertainment; and the
+humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl, the Westminster
+dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have excelled."--=Christian
+Leader.=
+
+=Budd Boyd's Triumph=; or, The Boy Firm of Fox Island. By WILLIAM P.
+CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett Bay,
+and the leading incidents have a strong salt-water flavor. The two
+boys, Budd Boyd and Judd Floyd, being ambitious and clear sighted,
+form a partnership to catch and sell fish. Budd's pluck and good sense
+carry him through many troubles. In following the career of the boy
+firm of Boyd & Floyd, the youthful reader will find a useful
+lesson--that industry and perseverance are bound to lead to ultimate
+success.
+
+=Lost in the Canyon=: Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great Colorado. By
+ALFRED R. CALHOUN. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.
+
+This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett, the hero, and the
+fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad dies
+before he shall have reached his majority. The story of his father's
+peril and of Sam's desperate trip down the great canyon on a raft, and
+how the party finally escape from their perils is described in a
+graphic style that stamps Mr. Calhoun as a master of his art.
+
+=Captured by Apes=: The Wonderful Adventures of a Young Animal Trainer.
+By HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
+
+Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, sets sail for
+Eastern seas in quest of a new stock of living curiosities. The vessel
+is wrecked off the coast of Borneo, and young Garland is cast ashore
+on a small island, and captured by the apes that overrun the place.
+Very novel indeed is the way by which the young man escapes death. Mr.
+Prentice is a writer of undoubted skill.
+
+=Under Drake's Flag=: A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. A. HENTY. With
+illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.00.
+
+"There is not a dull chapter, nor, indeed, a dull page in the book; but
+the author has so carefully worked up his subject that the exciting
+deeds of his heroes are never incongruous nor absurd."--=Observer.=
+
+=By Sheer Pluck=: A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. A. HENTY. With
+illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.00.
+
+The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the details
+of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a witness.
+
+"Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys' stories. 'By
+Sheer Pluck' will be eagerly read."--=Athenæum.=
+
+=With Lee in Virginia=: A Story of the American Civil War. By G. A.
+HENTY. With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine
+edges, price $1.00.
+
+"One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet written. The
+picture is full of life and color, and the stirring and romantic
+incidents are skillfully blended with the personal interest and charm
+of the story."--=Standard.=
+
+=By England's Aid=; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-1604). By
+G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. 12mo, cloth, olivine
+edges, price $1.00.
+
+"It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with stirring
+incident and exciting adventure, and the color of the era and of the
+scene are finely reproduced. The illustrations add to its
+attractiveness."--=Boston Gazette.=
+
+=By Right of Conquest=; or, With Cortez in Mexico. By G. A. HENTY. With
+illustrations by W. S. STACEY. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.50.
+
+"The conquest of Mexico by a small band of resolute men under the
+magnificent leadership of Cortez is always rightfully ranked among the
+most romantic and daring exploits in history. 'By Right of Conquest'
+is the neatest approach to a perfectly successful historical tale that
+Mr. Henty has yet published."--=Academy.=
+
+=For Name and Fame=; or, Through Afghan Passes. By G. A. HENTY. With
+illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.00.
+
+"Not only a rousing story, replete with all the varied forms of
+excitement of a campaign, but, what is still more useful, an account
+of a territory and its inhabitants which must for a long time possess
+a supreme interest for Englishmen, as being the key to our Indian
+Empire."--=Glasgow Herald.=
+
+=The Bravest of the Brave=; or, With Peterborough in Spain. By G. A.
+HENTY. With illustrations by H. M. PAGET. 12mo cloth, olivine edges,
+price $1.00.
+
+"Mr. Henty never loses sight of the moral purpose of his work--to
+enforce the doctrine of courage and truth, mercy and loving kindness,
+as indispensable to the making of a gentleman. Boys will read 'The
+Bravest of the Brave' with pleasure and profit; of that we are quite
+sure."--=Daily Telegraph.=
+
+=The Cat of Bubastes=: A Story of Ancient Egypt. By G. A. HENTY. With
+illustrations. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.
+
+"The story, from the critical moment of the killing of the sacred cat
+to the perilous exodus into Asia with which it closes, is very
+skillfully constructed and full of exciting adventures. It is
+admirably illustrated."--=Saturday Review.=
+
+=Bonnie Prince Charlie=: A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden. By G. A.
+HENTY. With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine
+edges, price $1.00.
+
+"Ronald, the hero, is very like the hero of 'Quentin Durward.' The
+lad's journey across France, and his hairbreadth escapes, makes up as
+good a narrative of the kind as we have ever read. For freshness of
+treatment and variety of incident Mr. Henty has surpassed
+himself."--=Spectator.=
+
+=With Clive in India=; or, The Beginnings of an Empire. By G. A. HENTY.
+With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.00.
+
+"He has taken a period of Indian history of the most vital importance,
+and he has embroidered on the historical facts a story which of itself
+is deeply interesting. Young people assuredly will be delighted with
+the volume."--=Scotsman.=
+
+=In the Reign of Terror=: The Adventures of a Westminster Boy. By G. A.
+HENTY. With illustrations by J. SCHÖNBERG. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges,
+price $1.00.
+
+"Harry Sandwith, the Westminster boy, may fairly be said to beat Mr.
+Henty's record. His adventures will delight boys by the audacity and
+peril they depict. The story is one of Mr. Henty's best."--=Saturday
+Review.=
+
+=The Lion of the North=: A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the Wars of
+Religion. By G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by JOHN SCHÖNBERG. 12mo,
+cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00.
+
+"A praiseworthy attempt to interest British youth in the great deeds
+of the Scotch Brigade in the wars of Gustavus Adolphus. Mackey,
+Hepburn, and Munro live again in Mr. Henty's pages, as those deserve
+to live whose disciplined bands formed really the germ of the modern
+British army."--=Athenæum.=
+
+=The Dragon and the Raven=; or, The Days of King Alfred. By G. A. HENTY.
+With illustrations by C. J. STANILAND. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges,
+price $1.00.
+
+"In this story the author gives an account of the fierce struggle
+between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents a vivid
+picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was reduced by the
+ravages of the sea-wolves. The story is treated in a manner most
+attractive to the boyish reader."--=Athenæum.=
+
+=The Young Carthaginian=: A Story of the Times of Hannibal. By G. A.
+HENTY. With illustrations by C. J. STANILAND. 12mo, cloth, olivine
+edges, price $1.00.
+
+"Well constructed and vividly told. From first to last nothing stays
+the interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a stream whose
+current varies in direction, but never loses its force."--=Saturday
+Review.=
+
+=In Freedom's Cause=: A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By G. A. HENTY. With
+illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.00.
+
+"It is written in the author's best style. Full of the wildest and
+most remarkable achievements, it is a tale of great interest, which a
+boy, once he has begun it, will not willingly put one side."--=The
+Schoolmaster.=
+
+=With Wolfe in Canada=; or, The Winning of a Continent. By G. A. HENTY.
+With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.00.
+
+"A model of what a boys' story-book should be. Mr. Henty has a great
+power of infusing into the dead facts of history new life, and as no
+pains are spared by him to ensure accuracy in historic details, his
+books supply useful aids to study as well as amusement."--=School
+Guardian.=
+
+=True to the Old Flag=: A Tale of the American War of Independence. By
+G. A. HENTY. With illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, olivine
+edges, price $1.00.
+
+"Does justice to the pluck and determination of the British soldiers
+during the unfortunate struggle against American emancipation. The son
+of an American loyalist, who remains true to our flag, falls among the
+hostile red-skins in that very Huron country which has been endeared
+to us by the exploits of Hawkeye and Chingachgook."--=The Times.=
+
+=A Final Reckoning=: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia. By G. A. HENTY.
+With illustrations by W. B. WOLLEN. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price
+$1.00.
+
+"All boys will read this story with eager and unflagging interest. The
+episodes are in Mr. Henty's very best vein--graphic, exciting, realistic;
+and, as in all Mr. Henty's books, the tendency is to the formation of
+an honorable, manly, and even heroic character."--=Birmingham Post.=
+
+     For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt
+     of price by the publisher, =A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street,
+     New York=.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Sarah Dillard's Ride, by James Otis
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43806 ***