Gabriel made no reply on receiving this command, but, saluting, wheeled about and led the way toward where our horses were stabled, we following his example as a matter of course. Then, instead of going through the form of drawing lots, the leader simply announced to the company that he, Archie Gordon, and Rufus Randolph would act as the scouts, and the remainder of the company were to fall in line with General Marion’s command when they set off. It can well be fancied how determined we were to do our work faithfully on this night in order to atone for what we yet insisted was a grievous blunder, and off we rode as quickly as might be, exchanging no words until well away from the plantation. Then, instead of talking about what we were to do, we spoke of the past, and of how thoroughly we would whip Harrison’s Tories; but keeping silent upon the purpose of our ride, not because we feared to lose courage, but that each fellow seemed to have it in mind to act and speak as if this work was so easily performed as to not need discussion or comment. And in fact so did it prove. When we were come near to Tarcote the horses were left in a convenient thicket, and we crept cautiously forward to reconnoitre. But, bless you, we might almost have walked boldly through the camp, so carelessly was it guarded. As a matter of fact we approached within earshot at a dozen points, and failed, strange as it may seem, to find a single sentinel on guard. These redcoats were living on the fat of the land, and with all the luxuries at their command. They had an ample supply of new canvas tents, and in these were men playing at cards or sleeping, while around the camp-fires lounged squads drinking and smoking as if they were simply out on a picnic. In a dwelling near by the officers were having a feast, carousing as if their one purpose was to so befuddle their senses that the Swamp Fox and his followers might work their will without danger and at ease. The reconnoissance was attended with as little peril as if we three had gone out sightseeing with our friends, and although I am not counting myself as being a particularly courageous lad, yet I was utterly ashamed of having accomplished the task so readily. When we stole away, not overly careful as to making a noise, and were mounting our horses, Gabriel said with a laugh, as if he had forgotten that we allowed Seth Hastings to make fools of us: “If all the Minute Boys had been with us, I dare venture to say we alone could have captured the camp, providing we waited until those sots were a little deeper in their cups. As it is, we have only to report to the general that the goods which Colonel Tyne brought for the Tories are at his disposal whenever he chooses to take them.” CHAPTER XVII SETH HASTINGS ONCE MORE