“And we are to leave all these camp equipments for the next bunch of Tories that comes along?” “I am reckoning they will be burned, unless orders are given to the contrary.” “And why should you destroy what so many of our soldiers up North are needing most woefully?” a cheery voice cried, and turning, Archie saw Captain Horry, who had come up from behind the tent and was sniffing at the air so heavily laden with the odor of fried bacon. “The general said last night that nothing could be carried away, so it stands to reason he is counting on leaving all these fashionable articles of warfare, and it seems a pity to let a crowd of renegades in where honest men have spent the night.” “I am reckoning, Master Minute Boy, that very much will be done toward saving this plunder, with the exception of what the men have already appropriated,” Captain Horry said with a laugh. “Already some of the troopers have been sent out with the hope of finding wagons in which the goods can be transported to Kingstree.” “And why to that place?” Jacob Breen asked. “Because word has been brought that Colonel Baker is there with considerable of a following, and it is believed he may be able to hold the place while we are keeping the redcoats busy in this section.” “It is a big relief to know that the stuff is not to be left behind,” Archie said, “though I _would_ like to try the experiment of sleeping another night in such a shelter as that.” “And so you may, lad,” the captain replied, helping himself to some of Archie’s bacon. “Even if the general was so disposed, it would not be possible to send forward these stores immediately, and there is little doubt but that we shall remain in camp three or four days before the quarters of the Minute Boys are disturbed.” “Well, say, that’s great news, captain! Take more of the bacon--take it all, and I will keep right on toasting to repay you for the information. Three or four days here will be just like a dream, although I am not so sure but it will come all the harder for us when we strike once more such a nest in the swamp as the commander likes to pick out.” Captain Horry had not paid us this visit simply from motives of curiosity, but in order to send two of our company back to the Davis plantation with word regarding the success, and that Master Davis might be urged to forward as many wagons for the transportation of the goods as he could come at conveniently. It was simply to carry a message where there was naught of danger to be encountered, or honor to be won, and I who had listened to the conversation just set down, was careful not to make myself too conspicuous lest I be signalled out as one of the couriers, for, like Archie Gordon, I had a great desire to spend all the time possible in such an encampment as I had never before seen.