“In such a warfare as we of the Carolinas must carry on now in order to hold even a footing in our native State,” Gabriel said, “it stands to reason that for a time at least whenever we make a movement, the odds will be heavy against us. Therefore it is I have somewhat of an idea that Captain Barfield’s camp will not remain undisturbed to-night. Neither Captain Horry nor General Marion is inclined to count the odds when there is an opportunity to strike a telling blow, and that information which we can give regarding the number of the force behind us may have weight with those two officers. In which case, unless we are cut down at the outset, you and I may yet be able to raise a hand in behalf of Archie Gordon.” Although there was little hope in my mind just then that our people would do other than give the encampment a wide berth, Gabriel’s words soothed somewhat the pain in my heart, and from that moment, until we joined our friends, we ceased to speak of the possibilities, but gave every attention to making the utmost speed, for it was important we should come up with our party as soon as might be. It yet lacked two hours of sunset when we caught a glimpse of those who were scouting in the advance of the troop, and five minutes later we were telling our story to the commander, giving it in the minutest details, even to the mysterious behavior of Seth Hastings. To my surprise General Marion gave little heed to that portion of the story which related to the disaster at Camden. I had feared when he learned that most of our troops in the Carolinas had been cut down and dispersed, his first thought would be to secure the safety of those who had joined him; but he brushed the matter aside as if of no consequence as compared with the information we gave concerning the location of the camp. Even the size of the force under Captain Barfield was to him of secondary importance. Then, our report having come to an end, he said quietly, as if reading the thoughts of all who were concerned in the capture of Archie: “At the time you met the traitor he probably knew that in the immediate vicinity were a greater or less number of Barfield’s force, and counted that while holding you in conversation they would come up and capture all three. He did not make any objection to being gagged, because of knowing there were so many redcoats around him that he could not long remain undiscovered, and hoped to be able to bag you as well as Archie.” “But the puzzle of it is that we heard no sound betokening a struggle while we crept up to get a view of the encampment,” Gabriel interrupted.