“I know not what you mean by that,” Jacob replied in perplexity. “We met the negro less than a quarter of a mile up the road, and there he remains looking after our horses.” Now indeed was I puzzled, as well I might be, for when we left the “ragged army,” Peter was riding in the rear of the force as if his only desire was to hear the word given which should halt that company, and I said to Gabriel in my perplexity: “Can you make out what your friend means, lad?” “Ay, that I can, William Rufus. When old Peter saw us riding away after word had been given to halt, he understood what was in the wind, for that old negro’s head isn’t as thick as you may think. Without permission from my brother he has followed, keeping just far enough in the rear to prevent us from seeing or hearing him, while at the same time he could get a fairly good idea of what we were about.” “It is fortunate for us that he did so,” Jared Green said in a matter-of-fact tone, “else might we have gone on to meet the general’s forces, when, if what Peter tells us be true, this is where we belong.” “What did he tell you?” Gabriel asked curiously. “That you lads were forming an independent command to be known as Minute Boys, and such is the company we desire to join. Of course, when we halted and turned back in search of you, the remainder of the party went on, having been told by the negro where they would probably find the general and Captain Horry.” “What do you mean by the remainder of the party?” I cried, as a great hope sprung up in my breast, and it was destined not to be dashed, for the lad replied: “We numbered sixteen when at Gardine’s Ferry, but we three were the only lads.” “Then Marion’s force will be nearly doubled!” I cried in exultation, and while Gabriel did not give words to his joy, I understood that he was no less pleased with the information than myself. It was as if we forgot entirely that a squad of the enemy lay near at hand, and not until Gabriel had explained with considerable of detail what we lads counted to do in the raising of a company of Minute Boys, did I realize that it stood us in hand to have a look at those whose camp-fire I had seen. “How many are there yonder of the enemy?” Gabriel asked when I brought to his mind the fact that we had other work than that of discussing private matters, and Jacob Green replied: “Twelve or fourteen, counting the boy, and from what we saw of the party it did not appear that they were camping there for the night, but had halted to await the coming of friends.” “Let us see if we can learn more concerning them,” Gabriel suggested, and as we arose to our feet I stepped aside, thus indicating that he was to take the lead, for there was none in all the Colonies who could do such work better.