diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-03-07 14:18:24 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-03-07 14:18:24 -0800 |
| commit | 0f49199cc551adac768f3af171627553c7f761b1 (patch) | |
| tree | 383e181ae78d2d2fc96d388593156ab00ff7a930 /43806-8.txt | |
| parent | e22687fd06810e08bfc6282ba4486932fa8bc20b (diff) | |
Diffstat (limited to '43806-8.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 43806-8.txt | 6287 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 6287 deletions
diff --git a/43806-8.txt b/43806-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8c957ba..0000000 --- a/43806-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6287 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Sarah Dillard's Ride, by James Otis - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Sarah Dillard's Ride - A Story of the Carolinas in 1780 - -Author: James Otis - -Illustrator: J. Watson Davis - -Release Date: September 23, 2013 [EBook #43806] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE *** - - - - -Produced by Melissa McDaniel and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - -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."--=Athenĉum.= - -=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."--=Athenĉum.= - -=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."--=Athenĉum.= - -=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 THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SARAH DILLARD'S RIDE *** - -***** This file should be named 43806-8.txt or 43806-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/8/0/43806/ - -Produced by Melissa McDaniel and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at - www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 -North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email -contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the -Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |