“And then,” the sergeant added, “we have simply to go back to Nelson’s Ferry, when those who have remained idle in camp may watch over the hundred or more scurvy rebels which are being brought down from Camden.” Then it was that the troopers ceased speaking, as if the matter had been definitely settled among them, and we had no need to remain longer, since we knew very much of that which the commander had desired we should learn. I pressed Gabriel’s arm in token that it was time we moved on, and he turned to retrace his steps at once, knowing, most like, that it was time for us to be up and doing. When we were arrived at where our comrades were sleeping I gave words to the perplexity which was in my mind: “We know full well why the squad is camping there, but how does it chance that Seth Hastings can be with every party of redcoats whom we come across?” “It would be of little benefit could we know of his movements, because he was so thoroughly frightened last night,” Gabriel said with a laugh; “but the chances are that the men in Captain Barfield’s command had had quite as much of the sneaking traitor as they desired, and cast him off. In making his way to Nelson’s Ferry, perhaps in the rear of those whom he had lately called friends, the scoundrel came upon this squad and attached himself to it, promising, in order to gain friendship, that he would lead them directly to General Marion’s camping-place.” “Unless he makes a longer halt than he has since we joined him, I question whether it can be said that he ever does have a camping-place,” I replied, and Gabriel interrupted, as if believing we had no time for idle conversation: “It is plain we must first have a look at the enemy near Nelson’s Ferry in order to be able to give such information as is needed. Then must we ride back at full speed, for, as it appears to me, our work will then have been completed.” “There is no need of your going to Nelson’s Ferry,” Jared Green said quickly, “for most likely the general already has news regarding the situation there. Our party had a good view of the camp as we came up, and learned from those who lived near by that the redcoats were halted there to take charge of the prisoners which were to be brought from Camden. They are scattered along the water’s edge a full quarter of a mile on either side of the ferry, and if it would be possible to come upon them during the night, I question if they could make very much of a stand.” I was eager to ride back at once with such report as we would be able to give, for knowing now of Seth Hastings’s whereabouts, I said that the next time we made a dash that traitor should be my prisoner. Gabriel was of the same mind, as I learned when we awakened our comrades, and ten minutes later we were leading our horses through the woods at a respectable distance from the road, until having come to where old Peter had stationed himself.