“We should be near about twenty miles from Nelson’s Ferry.” “Well?” cried Gabriel eagerly as the general ceased speaking. “Perhaps you have already guessed our destination, and I am telling you nothing new when I say that probably early to-morrow morning there will be many men from Cornwallis’s army cross at the ferry with American prisoners. Now it is important I should have early information of such movements, and to that end have sent for you lads, because, small though this company is, it would awaken suspicion in the minds of the Tories living near about if we should be seen, whereas you lads would not be so likely to attract attention.” “When are we to start, sir?” Archie cried joyously, not waiting for the command to be given, and General Marion continued, heedless of the interruption: “Any force coming from Camden will make certain halt near about the ferry. I propose that this troop go into camp within an hour, and that you ride on along the river-bank, keeping under cover as much as may be, until discovering the approach of the enemy. Then you are to wait only so long as may be necessary to learn how strong he is in numbers, before riding back to Tar Heel Creek, on the first bend of which we shall be encamped. You know the place, Gabriel? It is where we have often slept while hunting.” “Shall we set off now, sir?” I asked, tightening my horse’s rein. “There is no reason why you should not ride with us so far as we are counting on going, and when word to halt is next given you are to continue on without making unnecessary show of having been sent on a mission.” We all understood this to mean that it was not well the remainder of our force should know exactly what we were about, and I set the example of saluting him as a soldier should his commander, after which we fell back to our proper places in the line, our hearts beating high with excitement and hope, for it seemed probable we might not only be able to free some of our people who were being driven like sheep into the prison-ships, but at the same time strike a blow for ourselves upon that traitorous cur, Seth Hastings. CHAPTER VII NELSON’S FERRY Edward and Joseph Marshall were in high glee at thus being allowed to undertake a mission of danger, or as they themselves put it, “were feeling right well satisfied because commands had been given to the Minute Boys as if they were in truth an independent company.” “Take care not to be too careless in your gratification,” Gabriel said warningly, “else are you like to advertise among the men that which it appears to me the general intended should be kept secret.” “What harm would come if they suspected that we were going out on a scout?” Joseph asked quickly. “That I am not able to say; but certain it is we should try our best at doing what the commander wishes. Otherwise might we interfere with his affairs.”