“It is as if General Marion had arranged matters to suit our plans,” Archie cried exultingly, and Captain Horry said with an indulgent smile: “I question whether your traitorous friend, if it so be he remains with the Britishers, will risk his precious skin very far from the main camp; but, of course, there is always a possibility, and it is the unexpected which more often happens. Then I am to say to General Marion that you Minute Boys are willing to form a portion of the picked company?” “You will say to him, sir, if you please, that we are eager to do so, in addition to being willing, and then you will have told but half the truth, for we are indeed burning with the desire to do whatsoever we may, that Carolinians should do,” Gabriel cried passionately. “You are accepting a post of danger,” the captain said gravely, “for those who ride in advance stand every chance of being gobbled up by Tarleton or Wemyss.” Then he lingered an instant as if to learn whether one or more of us was minded to show the white feather, and seeing nothing save joyful anticipation written on our faces, he went out into the night leaving us congratulating each other upon what we considered our good fortune. CHAPTER IX A TRAP There is no good reason why I should go into details concerning the preparations which we made for this reconnoissance when we Minute Boys of South Carolina were to march shoulder to shoulder with picked troopers from General Marion’s command. In fact, we gave very little heed to the details, save to make certain our horses were in the pink of condition, and our weapons as they should be. We were so puffed up with pride because of having been selected as fit companions for the best men in the “ragged regiment,” as to have little room in our minds for aught else. Nor was our pride abated next morning when we learned that Captain Horry himself was to lead the detachment, and Gabriel said to me with an air of satisfaction: “It must be, William Rufus, that this movement is of more importance than we had anticipated, else Captain Horry would not march at the head. We shall have a commander who will not shirk his duty, however great may be the opposing force we meet.” And I, my heart warming to the dear lad because of the joy he displayed in thus being permitted to risk his life, said stoutly: “We would have a commander equally to be relied on, if the Minute Boys had been sent out on this mission alone.” For an instant Gabriel failed to understand my meaning, and then a deep flush overspread his face as he gripped me by the arm to show his gratitude. “You are not warranted in making any such statement, William Rufus, and I know full well you do so only because of the affection there is between us two.”