It was while this manœuvre was being effected that the main body of General Marion’s force charged down upon them, and this was sufficient to scatter their ranks in confusion. We lads closed in behind the horsemen to make the greatest show possible, and then it was we saw coming up from where the right flank of the enemy had been stationed, a party of thirty or forty, the greater portion of whom were negroes, all eager to participate in the victory. So hotly did the “ragged regiment” press them, that instead of making a stand behind the slave quarters, the Britishers changed their line of retreat in order to gain the road, and such of our people as were mounted joined in the pursuit, for it was necessary to keep them on the run. “There is no need for us who are on foot to do further battle,” I heard a voice from out the darkness say when our troopers, driving the redcoats before them, had gained the highway. “It is best we remain here, where, in case the king’s men come to their senses, we can hold a shelter for our people.” Then it was that, coming up to the speaker, I saw Master Sinclair, and in my astonishment at finding him there asked him from whence he came. “I have been yonder, near the grape arbors, and it strikes me I was of considerable assistance in this little affair. The negroes handled their muskets and stood their ground better than I had believed possible.” “But where did you come _from_, and how did it chance that you abandoned your home, leaving everything at the mercy of the enemy?” I cried, so curious for a solution of what had been a mystery that I could wait no longer for an answer. “Word was brought yesterday morning by one of the field-hands that the redcoats were coming in large numbers, and I beat a retreat into the swamp with family, overseers, and slaves, there to wait until the enemy should have passed, for my Lord Clinton has announced his intention of sending me to the prison-ships as soon as I am taken. Hearing the noise of the battle, it was only natural that such of my company as could bear arms should be pressed into service, and it seems as if we were fortunate in selecting the time and position.” Before I could ask any more questions two horsemen came riding up the lane from the direction in which our people had followed the foe, and I shouted to the Minute Boys to stand firm, fearing lest by some odd chance the Britishers had doubled back on us, when a dear, familiar voice rang out: “It is I, William Rufus! It is I, Gabriel!” and added to these welcome words were others which set my pulses throbbing with gratitude to the good God, for it was Archie Gordon who shouted laughingly: “Ay, close up, lads, and stand ready to receive your commander!”