The cold chills of fear were creeping up my spine as I thus thought of all the possibilities, and I started like one who suddenly finds himself on the brink of a precipice, when a trooper came up quickly to say to us three lads: “General Marion would have speech with you, and at once.” “Speech with us?” I said half to myself. “We have done nothing which calls for reproof.” “And why do you fancy we are to be reproved?” Gabriel asked with a laugh as he set about picketing his steed. “Do you suppose that my brother can wish to see us only in order to find fault?” “But why should he have speech with us? Surely not to ask advice!” I said petulantly, because of my nervousness and disappointment, and Archie Gordon replied with a laugh: “If you will make ready to obey the summons we shall the sooner know what is required.” Like the simple I was, the summons disturbed me not a little, but when we were come a short distance down the stream where stood Captain Horry and General Marion, the latter greeted us with such a friendly smile that my forebodings speedily vanished, and I began almost to believe that during our mad rush down the hill, when I remained all in ignorance of what was being done because of the excitement upon me, I might have performed some great deed which was now to be publicly acknowledged. I mention this fact only to show what a thorough simple I do make of myself at times. When we were approached so near the fire that a conversation could be carried on in a low tone, for it was evidently the intention of the commander that the remainder of the force should not hear what was said, the general spoke. “You lads have announced your intention of forming an organization to be called the Minute Boys of South Carolina, and I have no doubt you expect to be received as an independent company in whatsoever army you may choose to honor.” I wondered whether he had simply summoned us for the sake of making sport of our intentions, and remained silent, not knowing what to say, but Gabriel replied without hesitation: “Ay, sir, that is our purpose.” “And as yet you have had no experience as soldiers?” “Save what we may have gained during the siege,” Archie interrupted, and the general added with a smile: “I question whether that might be of any great value. However, the time has come when you may, if you so desire, prove your claim to enter the army as a distinct organization.” Now it was that I began to have some inkling as to what he was driving at, and gathered myself sufficiently to ask before either of my companions could speak: “What would you have us do, sir? If we can be of any service at this time, there is no need of overly many words to screw up our courage, for we are minded to do all that boys may, and perhaps a bit more.”