“Now what may be going on?” Archie Gordon cried merrily. “It would seem to me that we could afford to spend this day in merrymaking, after having read the king a third reasonably strong lesson, yet it looks as if another campaign was being planned.” “But one far different from those we have participated in, lad,” Gabriel said gravely, and I, not minded that he should make a kill-joy of himself at such a time, cried reproachfully: [Illustration: “THEN WE SAW COMING THROUGH THE AVENUE OF TREES OUR ‘SWAMP FOX.’”] “Is it well that the commander of the Minute Boys of South Carolina should wear a long face at the very moment when he has most reason to smile?” “It is true we have reason for rejoicing,” Gabriel replied with the same sombre look upon his face, “but it may be well for us not to spend overly much time in such manner. Have you already forgotten what Master Sinclair said regarding his advices from Charleston and Georgetown?” “The words are yet in my mind,” I replied laughingly, “as is also the memory of Major Gainey’s and Captain Barfield’s commands, which gave us but little trouble although General Marion rode with no more than forty men. Now, when he has a legion at his back, what can Tarleton hope to do?” “You must remember that Tarleton has all the British army behind him,” Gabriel replied, and then he was interrupted by the return of those who had gone into council. CHAPTER XI OUR RETREAT When General Marion reëntered the room where we boys were yet at table, he gave the word for his followers to be assembled in front of the dwelling, speaking not until this had been done. Then, standing on the veranda in front of the force, he began in a tone and with the manner of a man who says that which is disagreeable to himself: “My men, it is the opinion of all in command, as well as those whose judgment is entitled to the greatest respect, that we return without delay to Snow’s Island, and I ask you to have confidence in us who have arrived at this decision, which is as distasteful to those who made it as it is to those who hear it. We know beyond a question that, because of what has been done, the British commander is determined to wipe us out, and it behooves us to gain a position which may be held against so large force as will be sent from the coast. “Nothing can be accomplished by staying here, where capture or death must be the inevitable result; but so long as we remain at liberty so long will the Cause live, and I promise that however unpleasant and apparently disastrous may seem this move at the very moment when we have been victorious, you shall yet have many opportunities of striking a blow at British uniforms. I ask you to obey cheerfully and without question, believing this plan has not been decided upon without due deliberation.” “We are to retreat,” Gabriel whispered in my ear, and at the same moment a groan was heard from all the assembled men.