We were the more ready to agree to his proposition because of having remained in the saddle sufficiently long to cramp our limbs, and therefore it was that our scout came to end, for the time being, hardly fifteen miles from the starting-point. We picketed our horses in a clump of bushes forty or fifty feet from the road over which we had been riding, and then, partaking sparingly of our provisions, stretched ourselves at full length on the ground near the animals. How it chanced that we three remained there without speaking I cannot explain, but because of our silence we were enabled to accomplish that which had seemed improbable. The sun was already setting when faintly from the distance, but sounding nearer and nearer each instant, came the thud of horses’ hoofs, causing us to hastily seek better concealment. In due time we saw coming up the bank of the stream from the south, a party of seven armed men, or so it seemed, who were making their way with a certain degree of caution, which told that they were in search of something or some one. Although not absolutely certain, we felt reasonably sure these travellers were enemies; but when the party passed near where we were in hiding they ceased conversation, and therefore we had no means of determining who they were, save that all whom we could see from our place of concealment wore British accoutrements, while our people held to the powder-horn and shot-pouch. Not until they were lost to view in the distance did either of us speak, and then it was Archie who said, much as if he had made an important discovery: “They are Tories, and searching for General Marion’s encampment!” “I allow all that to be true, lad, and now what may be our duty?” Gabriel asked, as if questioning himself, whereupon I said, without giving weight to the words: “We should learn where they halt for the night, and then carry the information back to camp.” “What say you, Archie?” and I saw from the expression on Gabriel’s face that he had already formed some plan in his mind. “I believe we have been sent out to learn whatsoever we may concerning just such people as those who have passed, and therefore, it seeming reasonable they will halt for the night shortly, we ought to creep up on them, for surely some word will be dropped during their conversation which will give us an idea of what they are about.” “And in case we learn beyond question that they are Tories?” the dear lad continued with a smile on his face which told me more positively his mind was already made up as to our proper course. “That is for you to say,” Archie replied. “Surely Rufus and I have no right to dictate to the commander of the Minute Boys.”