Although Gabriel pushed forward rapidly, we were by no means careless. Not minded to lose our opportunity by coming across any of the enemy who might overpower us before the work began, we took due heed to everything around, and within the time set were hidden among the bushes less than forty yards from the nearest camp-fire belonging to the redcoats, our muskets charged, the ammunition where it could be got at most readily. Our ears were strained to catch the faintest sound which would tell us of the approach of those gallant men whose coming we awaited with breathless expectancy; I speculating, without thought of fear, however, as to how long our small number might stand before so great a force. Then, far in the distance, I heard the muffled footfalls of the horses, and whispered to Gabriel: “They are coming!” “Ay, lad,” he said cautiously. “Now we will rise to our feet and be ready to join them as they come on, for I am not minded to bring up the rear at such a time.” It was as if he had hardly more than spoken when there came a mighty trampling noise, as though on the instant all our people had spurred their horses forward, and I saw by the gleam of those fires in front of me men rising up quickly here and there, showing they had been awaiting some such warning, until it seemed to me a full regiment was waiting to oppose us. After that there was no time for me to take in the details of this or that portion of the encampment, for Gabriel and I were running immediately behind the leaders, he having seized the tail of Captain Horry’s horse and I clinging to the general’s stirrup, until we were in the very midst of the enemy; muskets spitting fire; bullets whistling here and there; and with the pungent odor of burning powder filling one’s nostrils until the fever of battle was overpowering--until one was become as a machine, and yet a machine formed with the deadly purpose of taking human life. I remember dimly that Peter, while I was loading and discharging my weapon with careful aim as rapidly as possible, rode up and insisted that I take his horse, claiming he could fight better on foot, and indeed the old fellow was doing his full share of the desperate work. I refused the offer, giving no reason, but knowing that my aim would be better on the ground than in the saddle, and then came the knowledge that Gabriel Marion was pressing as closely to my side as he might, whereupon, when I moved as if to give him more room, he said grimly: “Let us stand together, lad, for if it so be we get a glimpse of our comrade, or of that churlish Seth Hastings, it is needed that we act in concert.” One more picture of that battle in the night still dwells in my memory, and it was presented when the Marshall boys, halting their horses by the side of Gabriel, leaped hurriedly to the ground and began firing at the redcoats as coolly as if engaged in a trial of skill, whereupon I said: