With this the general turned away, thus showing that he had no further command to give, and I asked myself why he brought the interview to a close so abruptly? Was it because he had no further time to waste upon us, or that he dared not trust himself to say aught which might smack of parting lest he weaken our courage? We did not speculate many moments as to this last. It was enough for us that we had our work cut out, and most eager were we to be at it. When, on going back to where we had left our horses, we found the Marshall boys awaiting us, Edward asked eagerly: “For what were you wanted?” and Gabriel explained in the fewest words possible the purport of the interview, but was not yet come to an end before Joseph began saddling his horse, whereupon Archie asked why he was making ready to move. “That we may go with you, of course.” “But the orders were given only to us three.” “Yet we have joined you as members of the Minute Boys’ company, therefore it is our right to share in whatsoever danger you may encounter,” Edward cried hotly, and during the next few minutes we had quite a warm interview. Finally Gabriel explained that the greater the number who went on the scout the greater the danger, also that it was the general’s privilege to select whomsoever he might for the mission, and the lads gave way, although, as I could see plainly, very much to their disappointment. And thus I ever found it with the boys of South Carolina during those terrible days when the enemy so overrun us as to leave little or no hope as to the future. There was not a lad in the State, save of Tory inclination, who did not grieve when debarred from taking part in some perilous enterprise which might prove of benefit to the Cause. We had no need to search for provisions, because the redcoats had left food in plenty behind them, therefore when we three had gathered up as much as might suffice for one meal, seen to the equipment of our horses, and the charging of our weapons, we were ready for the work. No one of our people gave any particular heed to us as we rode slowly away. The fact of our having had an interview with the general was sufficient indication that we had been sent on an enterprise, and I fancy every one knew the purpose of our going. I confess to feeling exceeding proud, as, leaving our people behind, we three rode out into the night on what must at best be an extremely hazardous adventure, for if the Tories had told the truth, then were we like at any moment, despite all precautions, to come upon a force of the enemy so great that resistance would be folly. It can well be fancied that we did not indulge in overly many words during the journey, for silence was our best friend at such a time. The raising of our voices in conversation would have been much the same as giving the enemy warning of our approach. Only once did Gabriel speak, and that was perhaps ten minutes after we left the encampment, when he said half to himself: