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."