I would have insisted that there could be no change in my sentiments regarding his ability as a leader whatsoever the feeling we entertained each for the other, but was interrupted by one of the troopers, who thrust his head in at the door of our hut, saying in a quiet tone, as if not minded that all should hear him: “The order is that all who are to follow Captain Horry shall be in readiness for the march within five minutes.” We Minute Boys were not minded that any of the older soldiers should obey the command more readily, and therefore it was that when Captain Horry had made his own preparations we were already in the saddle, standing in a squad by ourselves as if to show that it was our purpose to hold the company distinct from the troopers. There was no leave-taking when we departed from the camp, as a matter of course, for such signs of friendship are not considered, as I have since learned, seemly in those who follow the profession of arms; but when we rode out from the encampment General Marion waved his hand in a friendly manner, most like intending the gesture for his brother’s eye only. Once we were on the road, all our company were puffed up with pride, when Captain Horry called Gabriel to ride in the advance by his side. This was showing, as we would have it shown, that our leader was recognized as such, and we placed upon the footing so ardently desired--that of an independent company. We rode steadily at a brisk trot for a full hour, and then Gabriel slackened pace that he might fall back with us lads, I asking, as he pulled his horse in by my side: “Why did you not continue with the leader? It gave us hearty pleasure to see you in your proper place at the head of the column.” “And I am still keeping my proper place, William Rufus, therefore you need not begin to show jealousy lest the Minute Boys fail to receive due recognition. The fact is that we are to cut loose from this force within the next half-hour.” “And do a little work on our own account?” Archie, having overheard the words, asked eagerly. “Ay, that is the way it appears now, although the task is not to my liking, for through it we stand a good chance of being cut out from our share of the fight in case the advance-guard of the enemy is come upon.” “Tell us what you mean?” I cried irritably, for the possibility that we might be detached in order to prevent our taking full share of the danger was a blow to my pride. “In half an hour, as Captain Horry figures, we shall have come to the crossroads within a couple of miles of the Sinclair plantation, and no one can say in which direction the enemy may approach. Therefore is this force to be separated, one party bearing to the left, and the other halting at Sinclair’s.” “Then we are like to have an opportunity of going into action on our own account,” Archie cried gleefully, believing by such a move we might have an opportunity to show what the Minute Boys could do unaided.