We advanced, making no more noise than would have been caused by an Indian, for in those days lads were trained to woodcraft from the time they could go abroad, until we were come to the edge of the road, on the opposite side of which was the fire, as if it had been built to attract attention. Around it, sitting or lying on the ground, were a dozen men or more, and on the side nearest us, where we could have a good view of his face, was that villainous traitor, Seth Hastings. Nearby were tethered the steeds belonging to the party, and because there were no pack-horses among them, I inferred that this squad had been sent out from Nelson’s Ferry to guide some expected party to a certain encampment. At the moment, however, I did not give full rein to my speculations, for the fellows were talking with Seth Hastings, and it stood us in hand to listen, because the information to be gained might be valuable. It would seem as if the men had been questioning Seth Hastings as to his ability to do something which had been spoken of, for one of them said when I came within earshot: “It’s a blind chase, this searching for a party of rebels who by this time may have returned home, hoping to keep secret the part they have been playing.” To this Seth Hastings replied quickly, as if speaking of a friend: “Francis Marion will never lay down his arms so long as one other can be found to stand by him.” “But what reason have we for believing you can lead us directly to him?” “Because I know his haunts,” the scoundrel said, as if he was telling the truth. “So far all they have accomplished has been done by surprising your people, and I guarantee that two companies of soldiers like you, who shall come out determined not to be taken off your guard, will make a different showing.” “Of that I have no question; but the rebels, knowing well the country, can easily disperse between the time we have ferreted them out and word has been sent back to the regiment. Then again, we must trust to your finding them, which I misdoubt greatly, else are you a keener lad than I have heretofore seen in the Carolinas.” Then it was that one who wore the straps of a sergeant, and was evidently the leader of the squad, said decidedly, as if he would put an end to the discussion without further words: “Even though the rebels may be where this lad has stated, I fail to see what excuse we have for advancing without orders. What is to be gained by spending the night in the saddle, when we may remain quietly until daylight, perhaps?” “For my part,” another trooper added, “I would rather sleep here than go scouting among the trees after such a slippery customer as Marion is said to be. By holding closely to the orders given us, we may lie down behind these bushes until those whom we are expecting come up.”