"A goodly turn-out, Duval," he commented briefly. "What was the number before we came?" "Forty-seven rifles," the Lieutenant's voice nasal, and high pitched. "The men from Orchard and Springdale are not in yet. How many arrived with you?" "Twenty; ample for our purpose, even if the others fail us. This is Major Lawrence of the Maryland Line." I shook his long, thin hand, marking the iron grip of the fingers. "We'll introduce you to some typical Jersey fighting to-night, Major," he said genially. "We have a style all our own." "I had supposed I had witnessed all styles." "We'll see; the difference is that every man among us has some outrage to revenge. Our quarrel is a personal one against thieves and murderers. What is the programme, Farrell?" "To intercept Delavan's raiders. They will be along the main road within the hour from all reports. He has a wagon train loaded with stuff gathered up between Medford an' Mount Holly, together with a considerable drove of cattle and some horses." "And what force?" "About fifty men originally, but reinforced this afternoon with as many more to help guard the train into Philadelphia." "Mounted?" "The reinforcements were, but the original foragers were afoot; they were Hessians; the others Grant's company of Queen's Rangers." "Glory be to God!" exclaimed a voice near at hand. "Did ye hear that, lads? It's Dutchmen and Tories we're against to-night. Be Gorry! I wouldn't have missed the chance of this shindy fer the best farm in Camden." There was a low growl from the cluster of men, and an ominous movement of bodies pressing closer. Duval laughed mirthlessly. "The bloodhound takes the scent," he said grimly. "God help those poor devils when we cut the leash, Farrell. Where do you propose meeting them?" "Across there in the bluffs," pointing, "where the road turns in between the high clay banks. We'll leave our horses here, an' cross on foot. Is that the right plan, boys?" There was a murmur of acquiescence, a few questions, and then the silence of approval. It was evident these minute men were under small discipline, and their officers led only by force of character. Without orders the horses were led away, tied securely in the black depths of the woods, and the men came straggling back, rifles in hand, grouping themselves along the edge of the stream. There was no attempt at military formation, but Duval straightened them out so as to count the number present. "Sixty-nine, all told," he announced briefly. "All right, boys, come on, and keep your powder out of the water."