“We have much to be thankful for. It is little less than ingratitude to look forward into the future for trouble,” Master Sinclair said when I put into words the thoughts which were in my mind concerning our people. “Unless Francis Marion has changed since last I saw him, he will not lead his followers into a place from which they cannot extricate themselves. Therefore, now that the wounded are in better hands than ours, let us enjoy ourselves at breakfast, for I am of the belief that it will not be my privilege to entertain many more guests in this house for some time to come.” “Why do you speak in that sad strain, Master Sinclair?” Gabriel asked, and the planter replied with a feeble attempt at a smile: “Now indeed am I doing exactly what I warned you lads against--looking ahead for trouble. In my case, however, I have better reason for doing so than you, for from advices from Charleston and Georgetown, dated no later than the day before yesterday, I know beyond a peradventure that the enemy in this section of the country is so strong that it will be folly for us to attempt to stand before them. My Lord Clinton has ordered Tarleton to scour the Carolinas with his legion, and entrap or kill the ‘Swamp Fox.’” “Who may that be, sir?” Gabriel asked. “None other than your brother, my lad, so-named because he has his rendezvous in the swamps. The British commander-in-chief thinks himself witty to bestow upon Marion the name of ‘Swamp Fox,’ and I venture to say that he will be longer riding down such a fox, than any he ever coursed in the old country.” I had not yet gathered in the full meaning of Master Sinclair’s words when came the summons to breakfast, and right pleasant was it to sit down once more at a well-appointed table, for I had not enjoyed such an opportunity since Charleston capitulated. We were yet eating when the thud of horses’ feet outside caused us to start up eagerly. Then we saw coming through the avenue of trees our “Swamp Fox,” Captain Horry at his side, followed by those brave hearts who were ready to sacrifice even life itself for their country. It is not needed I should make any attempt at describing the happiness which was ours that morning when we were Master Sinclair’s guests! We had better reason for feasting and excesses than those who had lately occupied this hospitable mansion in the absence of its owner, and yet we were temperate, for never one among us did more than satisfy his hunger. I had counted on hearing General Marion tell of the chase, and in what condition he left the redcoats; but to my surprise, no sooner was the meal finished than the captain, the commander, Master Sinclair, and mayhap half a dozen of the troopers, went to an adjoining apartment as if to hold a secret council.