It irritated me because he should be thinking about spoils of war when it was of such great importance that the prisoners be lodged where they could not give information concerning what had been learned since their capture, and I would have spoken sharply, but that Archie reminded me of my duty as a soldier by saying cheerily: “It’s for you to say, captain, and we’d be mighty poor Minute Boys if we kicked against any orders you may be pleased to give.” By using ropes made of twisted vines, we fastened the muskets to the back of our saddles in such a manner that they would not be likely to catch in the bushes while we rode through the underbrush, and no more than five minutes were spent in thus making ready. Then the prisoners’ horses were fastened by their bridle-reins, head and tail, in a fashion which would force each animal to keep the pace set by the leader, and the steed rode by the foremost, which was Seth Hastings, was to be led by Gabriel. My post was immediately in the rear, where I could keep sharp watch of the entire line, and Archie rode midway the column to make certain the prisoners were not trying to wriggle out of their bonds. It would not be possible for us to travel swiftly in this fashion, but however necessary it might be to make haste, there was infinitely more need to prevent the escape of a prisoner, for if even one gave us the slip he could carry to the Britishers news of our whereabouts as well as if the whole boiling got away. “Keep your eyes and ears open,” Gabriel said warningly, as he urged his horse forward, forcing the entire line to move, and at a walk we made our way through the underbrush until coming to the road, when, with a word of warning that the pace was to be increased, Gabriel pushed forward at a sharp trot. It must have been a disagreeable ride for those who were tied in their saddles, but we gave little thought to their discomforts, and even though we had, I question if we would have made any great effort to relieve men who had been trying to work us all possible harm. Now it was we took the chances that there might be enemies in front of us, for instead of making any effort to learn if the way was clear, we rode on at our best pace without regard to the possibility, all three of us believing that unless we could regain the encampment before another day came the danger would have increased tenfold. Twice did we stop to give the horses water, but at such times, no conversation was indulged in. One of the eldest of the Tories would have asked how much farther he must ride thus strapped to the saddle, but Gabriel sharply told him to hold his peace, else would we gag all the party, and from that on, until we were arrived, never one of the renegades ventured to wag his tongue.