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"Now has come the time when we shall see how far that Tory sneak
may be allowed to go," Nathan whispered to his comrade. "Do not
give him the satisfaction of knowing that we suffer, whatever he may
find an opportunity of doing."
"I shall keep my thoughts on Sarah Dillard's ride and its result, and
then all pain will be blunted," Evan replied, after which the two
followed limpingly (for the blood was not yet circulating properly in
their veins) the messenger who had come for them.
Major Ferguson, Colonel Dunlap, Captain Depuyster, and four or five
other officers were in the dining-room of Captain Dillard's home
when the boys entered, and from the conversation which was being
had at that moment Nathan believed they were discussing the
question of how Colonel Clarke might have been warned.
This supposition seemed to be correct when the major asked
abruptly:
"After you lads escaped from this building, did you meet any one on
the road to Greene's Spring?"
For an instant Nathan hesitated to tell that which was a falsehood;
but it must be done unless he would betray the woman whose brave
ride of the night previous had saved so many lives, and there was
only the slightest pause before he replied:
"From the time we got away from Ephraim Sowers until your men
recaptured us, we saw no person save those who belonged to the
plantation."
"When did you last see the mistress of the house, Mrs. Dillard?"
"We saw her when we were taken upstairs."
"Did you have any further communication with her?"
"She spoke with us while we were in the room—she standing on the
outside of the locked door."
"Will you swear that she did not enter the room?"
"Yes; for if she had been able to do that much, I have no doubt she
would have aided us to escape."
"Did you have no assistance when you got out of the room which
had been converted into a prison?"
"None except from your spy, Ephraim Sowers," Nathan replied, and
then he told of the circumstances of the affair, showing that but for
the young Tory's vindictiveness the boys would yet have remained in
confinement.
"Will you swear that you sent no word to Colonel Clarke's forces?"
"Yes, sir," both the lads replied at the same instant, and with such
emphasis that there could be no question but that they were telling
the truth.
Then the officer questioned them concerning where they would have
gone but for having been overtaken by the troopers; inquired
concerning their families, and such other seemingly unimportant
matters, to all of which they gave truthful replies.
Perhaps twenty minutes had thus been spent when Major Ferguson
turned his head from them as if the interview was at an end, and
Nathan, with a mind fully made up to make known the threats in
which Ephraim had indulged, asked:
"Is it to be, sir, that the boy who would have ill-treated us when we
were supposed to be powerless, will have an opportunity now to
take his revenge?"
"Who gave you to understand anything of the kind?"
"He himself, sir. He has already boasted that we shall suffer for what
we did to him, although it was no more than one soldier might do to
another. He was in our power, and we could have abused him; yet
we stayed our hands, save so far as to put him in such condition
that an alarm could not be given."
"I ought to have you hanged offhand."
"But we have done nothing, sir, save to escape from one who would
have tortured us."
"You are rebels, and that is sufficient reason why you merit death;
but there is work I would have you do, and for that reason your lives
will be spared. I wish to send a message to all those rebels round
about who are now in arms against the king, and if you swear to
faithfully repeat my words, you shall go free from this plantation
within an hour."
The boys could hardly believe their ears were not deceiving them.
That they should be set free at so small a price, and in face of all the
threats Ephraim Sowers had made, was news so joyful as to be
incredible, and their astonishment was such that neither made reply
until the major asked impatiently:
"Well, well, do you refuse to do even that much in order to earn your
liberty?"
"Indeed we do not, sir," Nathan cried eagerly. "We are willing to
repeat whatsoever you desire, and to as many as you shall say, no
matter how far it may be necessary to travel."
"Are you acquainted with all the rebel leaders hereabouts?"
"With nearly all of them, sir; and I promise that Captain Dillard,
Colonel McDowells, or Colonel Campbell—all three gentlemen with
whom we have acquaintance—will put us on the way to find those
others in this section."
"And you swear faithfully to repeat every word of the message I give
you, to each of those rebels who is in command of a dozen or more
men?"
"Yes, sir."
"Mind, I am saying that you deserve to be hanged; but at the same
time I am in need of messengers, and believe that even though you
are among the enemies to the king, I can trust you two."
"We will perform all that we promise, sir."
"And see to it that you do. I am sent into this portion of the
Carolinas by General Cornwallis to crush the spirit of rebellion, and
here I shall stay until my work be finished. Therefore if you lads
attempt to play me false there will come a reckoning, for we shall
meet again."
"Even though we be rebels in the sight of the king, we hold to our
word, and that both of us have given. We will swear to it in
whatsoever manner may be most convincing to you, sir."
"I shall take your word, knowing that the time will speedily come
when I can punish you to the fullest extent if you break it. Now say
to all the rebels in and about this section of the colonies, even
though you are forced to travel many a day, that I have come from
General Cornwallis' army unhampered by any orders other than
those to crush out the spirit of rebellion, and that if they do not
desist from their armed resistance to the king's commands and take
protection under my standard, I will march my army over the
mountains, hang their leaders, and lay waste their country with fire
and sword."
These words he required the boys to repeat for him twice over, and
that done, he added:
"Remember what will be the result if you attempt to deceive me.
Now go, and see to it that you rest not until the message be
delivered to all those in rebellion within a circle of fifty miles. Captain
Depuyster, will you take care that they have safe conduct outside
our line of sentinels. If the boy Sowers chooses to follow them in the
hope of getting his revenge, it will not be in my power to prevent
him."
Then with a gesture Nathan and Evan were dismissed, and they
walked out of the room as if in a daze, for it did not seem to them
possible they had thus been dismissed from captivity.
 CHAPTER VII.

AT WATUGA.

Captain Depuyster, who had been charged by Major Ferguson with

seeing that the boys were passed through the line of sentinels
surrounding the encampment, lingered behind for a moment to
speak with the commander, and the newly-released prisoners were
still in such a maze of bewilderment at having been given their
liberty that they failed to realize there might be necessity for a
captain's escort.
They went out of the dwelling, past the sentinels at the door in
silence; it was as if neither dared to speak lest the sound of his voice
might cause the British commander to reconsider his determination.
Without so much as looking behind them to learn if Captain
Depuyster was following, for as a matter of fact they hardly heard
the command which Major Ferguson gave relative to their departure,
they went straight from the door toward the trail which led to
Greene's Spring; but before having advanced twenty paces they
were brought to a halt as Ephraim Sowers stepped in front of them.
"Have a care you rebels!" the Tory cried threateningly. "Don't get the
idea that you can run away whenever the fancy takes you, for I am
not to be caught at a disadvantage every hour in the day, as I was
last night."
"If we come in contact with you again there will be more damage
done than when we contented ourselves with making you prisoner,"
Nathan said sharply. "Stand aside, or it will be the worse for you."
Ephraim looked up in surprise that the prisoners should have
retained such an independent bearing after their interview with the
major, for he counted upon their having been reduced to abject
submission. He was not to be frightened by their threats, however,
now that he was in the open air with the redcoated soldiery all
around him; and instead of obeying Nathan's command he
brandished his fists as he cried:
"Get back to the house until I can learn what is to be done with
you."
"We will give you the information without any necessity for your
returning," Evan said with a laugh, which only served to irritate the
Tory. "We have Major Ferguson's permission to depart, and count on
doing so without allowing ourselves to be delayed by such as you."
"Major Ferguson's permission to depart!" Ephraim repeated stupidly.
"Step aside, or we may be called upon to put you out of our path
with more force than is agreeable."
"You lie when you say the major has released you!"
"Hark you, Ephraim Sowers; I am not minded to get into a brawl
hereabouts; but so much as repeat that word, and I shall give no
heed as to the consequences," Nathan said sternly. "You and I have
a long reckoning to be settled, and I do not desire to begin it now;
yet I shall if you are not choice of your words."
Ephraim looked from one to the other questioningly, as if trying to
decide how he might best reduce these lads to the proper state of
submission, and then called peremptorily to a soldier who was
passing near by:
"Hello there! Here are two prisoners who count on escaping by
pretending that Major Ferguson has given them permission to
depart. Come and take them in charge."
"Are these your orders, or do you repeat some other's words?"
"Don't stop to talk; but lay hold of these two rebels, lest by sheer
boldness they succeed in making off."
"Best keep a quiet and civil tongue in your head, youngster, for I am
not minded to take orders from one who does such dirty work as
you," the soldier said surlily, and passed on, leaving Ephraim crimson
with rage.
Near by where the boys had been halted was a stack of muskets,
and running quickly up to them the Tory seized one, regardless of
the fact that by so doing he allowed all the others to fall to the
ground.
Then, turning suddenly, he aimed the weapon full at the two lads,
crying as he did so:
"Wheel about, and march back to the house, or I shall shoot. Don't
think you can get the upperhand of me as readily as you did last
night, for I am not minded to deal gently with you now."
"Ho, there! Guard!" a voice cried. "Seize that lad and let him be
deprived of his liberty until he has sense enough to keep in his own
station."
The soldier who had refused to obey Ephraim wheeled about
suddenly upon receiving this command from Captain Depuyster, who
had just come from the dwelling, and before the young Tory was
well aware of the change in the position of affairs, he was being
marched toward the stables, the trooper's hand clutching his collar
so tightly as to render breathing a difficult operation.
"You can go on now, and see to it that you do not loiter, until you
have repeated Major Ferguson's words to the rebels round about."
Once more the boys set their faces toward Greene's Spring, and as
they marched rapidly away the captain followed them until they
were past the line of sentinels.
Then he turned on his heel, and the two who had so lately been
prisoners slackened not their pace until a mile or more was
traversed, when as if with one accord they came to a halt, in order
to congratulate each other upon the fortunate and unexpected turn
of affairs.
It is not necessary to repeat here what they said, for one can well
fancy how extravagant were their words and demonstrations of joy
at finding themselves free when it had seemed positive they were
doomed to a long term of imprisonment, during which time Ephraim
Sowers might often play the part of jailer.
They hugged each other as if the thankfulness in their hearts could
be thus shown better than by words, and laughed loud and long at
the discomfiture of the Tory spy, who had counted so certainly on
making them atone for their treatment of him.
In fact, so elated were the lads that their words as well as gestures
were extravagant; perhaps half an hour had thus been spent before
either bethought himself that it was necessary they should push
ahead with all speed, for no rations had been served since the night
previous, and food was not to be obtained until they were among
friends once more.
Once the boys were well on the journey, and after the first excess of
joy had passed away, both realized their extreme weariness.
The previous day was spent in marching. No sleep had come during
the night, and much excitement had tended to increase their fatigue.
Now twenty miles must be traversed, without food, before they
could gain the needed rest, and it is not strange that when another
hour passed they found it difficult to continue the advance.
More than once Evan urged that a halt be made for two or three
hours, lest they should not be able to hold out until the end; but
Nathan steadily refused to listen to any suggestions, and they toiled
painfully on, stumbling here or staggering there, hardly conscious of
their movements.
It was as if in a dream that they finally saw that band of Americans
who had repulsed the British forces a few hours previous, and then
all was a blank, for consciousness literally deserted them.
During the remainder of the day and all of the following night the
weary lads slept.
The sun was rising, and Colonel Clarke's men were making ready for
a change of camp, when Captain Dillard awakened the lads by
shaking each gently by the arm, as he cried in a cheery tone:
"Rise up, or sleep will wear your eyes out. Unless I am much
mistaken you are more in need of food just now than of additional
slumber, and it is time you were stirring."
The boys sprang to their feet refreshed by the long repose, and
ravenously hungry, but so eager were they to learn the particulars of
the combat which they had heard from the distance that neither
realized his need of food.
"You shall hear it all very shortly; but it will be on full stomachs, for I
am not minded to have you starve yet awhile, and it is Sarah's right
to tell the story."
"Then Mrs. Dillard did get here in time?" Nathan cried.
"Ay, lads, else were we like to have been murdered while we slept.
And a brave ride it was; but I am not the one to tell it. Come over by
the fire, and after you have filled yourselves up I will put you in the
way to listen to all which I know you are eager to hear."
Half an hour later, after they had literally obeyed the injunction to
"fill themselves up," the boys and Captain Dillard were pressing on in
advance of the American force, to the dwelling where Mrs. Dillard
had sought shelter, and before noon they had arrived at their
destination.
There was much to be told on both sides, and as the quickest
method of gaining the information he desired, Nathan first explained
how they had left the British camp, and gave all the details of their
advance from the time of parting with Mrs. Dillard on the mountain
trail.
Then it was his turn to act the part of listener, and eagerly did he
and Evan drink in the vivid account of that night ride, and the
combat which ensued.
It seemed as if the colt recognized the uselessness of struggling
further against the determined woman who was bent on riding him,
for when the boys had let go their hold he darted forward straight as
an arrow over the trail, and at full speed.
There were many places where the narrow road ran along the side
of the mountain, when a single misstep would have thrown him
headlong over the cliffs, and yet no mountaineer's steed ever
traveled with a surer footing, and at so swift a pace.
Once only did he make any effort at throwing his rider. Then,
fortunately, it was in a valley where there were no trees, and Sarah
Dillard was sufficiently expert an equestrienne to baffle him.
During ten minutes or more the steed plunged and kicked, and then,
as if again becoming convinced that he must carry the life-saving
message, he darted onward, slackening not the pace until they were
arrived in the midst of the encampment.
The amazement of the patriots at seeing the hostess from whom
they had so lately parted at such an hour, can well be fancied, and it
may also be readily understood that, having accomplished the
dangerous journey, Sarah Dillard lost no time in making known the
fateful news which she brought.
One word was sufficient to these men who were inured to hardships
of every kind and accustomed to face danger in every form.
Within five minutes after Mrs. Dillard's arrival they were prepared to
give Major Ferguson's force a warm reception, and so sure were the
men in their ability to hold the encampment against the enemy, that
a squad of four was sent, as escort to the brave rider, a dozen miles
or more away where dwelt one in whose fidelity to the Cause there
could be no question.
The colt, so Captain Dillard said, had done his share in saving the
lives of an hundred men, and he should be called upon to perform
no meaner work so long as he might live, than that of bearing on his
back the woman who had literally taken her life in her hands when
she set out on that perilous ride.
As to the combat, the captain dismissed it with few words:
"We were ready for the redcoats when they came up, and had been
for two hours or more. When the horses were picketed our scouts
brought us word, and then it was only a question of figuring in our
own minds how long it would take them to creep up on us.
"We could see the Britishers as they surrounded the encampment;
but never a man raised his gun until they had their muskets at their
shoulders, and then we sent a volley among them that mowed down
a full half of those in the front rank. I thought at the moment that
they would retreat without so much as firing a shot, because of the
astonishment which must have come over them. Fancy, every
redcoat there felt certain in his own mind that we would be taken
wholly by surprise—that they had simply to fire into a crowd of
sleeping men, and it would have staggered the best of soldiers to
have a shower of bullets sent among them thus suddenly.
"They did give us a volley, however—perhaps half a dozen of them
during fifteen minutes that passed from the time we first opened fire
until the last musket was discharged, and then I can say truthfully
that fully half their number was left behind, for, as we figured it, not
more than two hundred came out, and we found dead and wounded
ninety-eight. As for ourselves, but one man was harmed by British
lead, and he got a bullet through his arm in such fashion that he will
not be off duty a single day."
"We have buried the dead, sent the disabled over the mountains
where they will be well cared for, and now stand prepared to meet
Major Ferguson's force again. But tell me what is the message which
he charged you to deliver to all the rebels within fifty miles?"
"We are to say to those who fight in the cause of freedom, that
Major Ferguson has come from Cornwallis' army unhampered by any
orders other than those to crush out the spirit of rebellion, and if you
do not desist from your armed resistance to the king's commands,
and take protection under his standard, he will march his army over
the mountains, hang your leaders, and lay waste the country with
fire and sword."
"The gentleman has considerable to say for himself, eh?" and
Captain Dillard indulged in a hearty laugh. "I wonder if Major
Ferguson of the Seventy-first regiment thinks the men hereabout are
of such milk-and-water natures that he can disperse them with a
word. If I am not mistaken he tried to lay waste Greene's Spring
with fire and sword, and got decidedly the worst of the attempt. It
may so chance that he will fail the next time he tries the same
game. However, it is not for you to question his method of making
war until after you have paid the price of your release. Get you gone
as soon as may be, lads, and we will utilize the gallant major's
paroled prisoners to the calling together of our men, at the same
time his threatening words are repeated. You shall be supplied with
horses, and I will write down a list of those 'rebels' holding
command nearabout, so that each and every one of them may be
visited. Having repeated the threat, you shall then say that Colonel
Clarke has heard the message, and gone on to Watuga, where he
awaits the coming of those who resist the king's commands. In other
words, lads, we will make Watuga a rendezvous, and the time for all
to be there is not later than the 25th of September."
"Now get you gone, for there be many miles of traveling, and many
days to be spent ere your mission is ended and you have the right to
call yourselves free lads once more. Ride with all speed, and waste
not an hour, for the time has come when General Cornwallis shall be
taught a lesson, or I am mistaken in my neighbors."
Thus it was that Nathan and Evan set off on their long and devious
journey with no more of a halt than was necessary to relate their
story and hear that which Captain and Mrs. Dillard had to tell.
To repeat in detail all their wanderings would form dry reading,
therefore let us simply recount what was done from that day until
the twenty-fifth of September, when, as Captain Dillard had
arranged, the patriots assembled at Watuga.
They repeated Major Ferguson's message to Colonel William
Campbell of Washington County, in Virginia, and he promised to join
the patriots with four hundred men.
They had speech with Nathan's uncle, Colonel Isaac Shelby, who
agreed to bring two hundred and forty from Sullivan County in North
Carolina.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Sevier, who received them most hospitably,
declared that he, with two hundred and forty of his neighbors from
Washington County, in North Carolina, would start at once for
Watuga.
Colonel Charles McDowells, Evan's father, returned answer that he,
with an hundred and sixty from the counties of Burke and
Rutherford, would join the force, and Colonel Cleaveland answered
for three hundred and fifty from the counties of Wilkes and Surry;
but agreed to join force with the other Americans somewhere on the
Catawba River.
Colonel James Williams urged that the force march to the Cowpens,
on Broad River in South Carolina, where he would add four hundred
trained soldiers to the command.
It was not until the morning of the 25th of September that Nathan
and Evan completed their work of repeating Major Ferguson's
message and summoning the mountain men to the rendezvous.
Then they were free, so far as the British officer could have any
claim upon them, and believed themselves entitled to a place in the
ranks by virtue of what they had done for the cause.
Many miles had been traversed, some on horseback, many in boats,
and not a few afoot. They were received everywhere with the
utmost hospitality, and perhaps never were two lads shown more
respect than they, because of the fact that they were doing, and had
done, the work of men, although only boys.
They were justly proud on the day of their arrival at Watuga, to be
received by these sturdy patriots like equals, and to be besieged on
every side with questions as to the general feeling among the people
of the districts which they had visited.
Evan's father gave them a place in his troop, and when some of the
men insisted that the boys should be allowed to play the part of
officers because of the particular and difficult work they had
performed, Colonel McDowells replied:
"If it is the purpose of the lads to serve their country, they can best
do so with muskets in their hands, but if they simply desire to
parade themselves before the people in fine feathers, the Carolinas
is no place for them. They had better go where they can have better
fare and more opportunity for admiration."
It troubled the boys but little that, after having been intrusted with
important business, they were to have no more responsible part
than that of private soldiers, for they knew full well that neither was
fitted for a command, and it sufficed that the privilege was given
them to serve the cause in howsoever humble capacity.
They were in the ranks on that 26th day of September when the
little force went out from Watuga down the Catawba River, and by
the 5th of October, when the patriots had arrived at the Cowpens
where Colonel Williams kept his word by marching up with twenty
men more than he had promised, it was said among the men as well
as the officers that there were no more promising soldiers in the
force than these two lads whose first experience in military matters
had been gained as prisoners.
During this time they made diligent inquiries of all who might have
such information concerning Ephraim Sowers, but without learning
anything whatsoever.
"Don't let that fret you, lads," Captain Dillard said when they went
into camp at the Cowpens, and learned from the scouts that Major
Ferguson's force was encamped not more than thirty miles distant
near the Cherokee Ford of Broad River. "Don't let that fret you.
Unless I am very much mistaken, we shall not remain here many
hours, for there is a council of war being held, and from what I know
of our commanding officers, we shall give the gallant major all the
hot work he can desire. Then, if your Tory spy be not weak-kneed,
you will have an opportunity of coming face to face with him, for
once we have met this gentleman who proposes to lay waste our
country with fire and sword, we shall not leave him until after having
made the acquaintance of a goodly number of his men."
"But Ephraim Sowers is not a soldier," Evan said with a laugh, "and I
am of the opinion that he is weak-kneed."
"Even then the chances are he yet remains with Ferguson's troop,
for hark you, lad, the Tories have joined the major in such numbers
that hereabouts in the Carolinas are none left at their homes. The
spy must stick to his red-coated friends whom he served so well, or
have a mighty lonesome time of it by himself. If I had played his
part, doing all in my power to bring about the death of those who
had befriended me, I should make it my business to keep ever
within sight of a red uniform, lest some of those whose death I had
sought to compass might fall upon me. You shall see Ephraim
Sowers and have a long talk with him."
"You speak, Captain, as if there could be no question of the result,
once we are come up with the force."
"Neither is there, lad. We of the Carolinas have each a home to
protect, and so many wrongs to avenge that there can be no
backward move on our part once the fight is opened."
"How many men think you Major Ferguson can muster?"
"In regulars and Tories from fourteen to fifteen hundred."
"And our own forces?"
"Not far from seventeen hundred."
"Then we are the stronger?"
"Not so, Nathan, my boy. Did we number two thousand the force
would hardly be equal, because of disparity of weapons. The king's
troops are well equipped, and they bring with them muskets and
ammunition in plenty for the Tories who join them. We have only
such as each man can provide, and some of us so poorly armed that
half a dozen rounds would see the powder-horns and shot pouches
emptied. But we are fighting for the cause, and they for the King. In
that you have the whole story, and therefore this I say: When we
come face to face with Major Ferguson, as I believe we shall within
twenty-four hours, we will stay with him so long that you will have
ample time in which to seek out this spy who would have compassed
the death of us at Greene's Spring."
 CHAPTER VIII.

THE PRISONER.

Nathan and Evan were enjoying to the utmost this conversation with
Captain Dillard.
It is true they had seen him seldom since the first greeting after
Sarah Dillard's ride; but on each occasion he had appeared much as
if trying to show the world that he had espoused respect and
admiration for these two lads.
This was particularly pleasing to the boys, because Captain Dillard
was one who was choice of his associates, and it was often said that
"Dillard's friendship was given only to brave men."
Nathan and Evan were proud at being seen with this gallant
Carolinian as if they were his bosom friends, and when a messenger
came from Colonel McDowells summoning them to an interview with
the commander of the forces from Burke and Rutherford, they were
not well pleased at being obliged to part company from the man
who among all the troops they most admired.
With evident reluctance they rose to their feet, and while walking
toward Colonel McDowells' quarters, Nathan said:
"I don't think we did any very gallant deed, Evan, when we turned
the tables on Ephraim Sowers, or aided Sarah Dillard to remount the
colt. Neither have we done anything of which to boast in repeating
Major Ferguson's message, or summoning friends of the cause to
the rendezvous; but yet because of all those adventures have we
been marked out before the entire camp as lads with whom Captain
Dillard is pleased to hold conversation, and even though we had
suffered much, such a reward would be sufficient."
"The captain believes we shall come up with the Britishers within
twenty-four hours," Evan said, as if he had not heard his comrade's
remark.
"Ay, and it is said they are only twenty miles away, eager to meet
us."
"Then there is like to be battle."
"Ay; how else could it be when both sides are ready to fight?"
"And shall you rejoice at finding yourself standing musket in hand
before the foe?"
"Of a verity I shall! Why not? Would you avoid the encounter if it
could be done honorably?" and halting suddenly, Nathan looked his
comrade full in the face.
"It is a shameful thing for a lad to say, of that I am well aware,"
Evan replied hesitatingly; "but I grow timorous at the thought, and
have great fear lest I shall betray some signs of cowardice."
Nathan laughed long and loud.
"When Captain Charles McDowells' son, he whose grandmother has
proven herself on more than one occasion to be as brave as the
most courageous men, speaks of showing cowardice, there is reason
for laughing."
"But I have never stood in line with soldiers during the heat of
battle, and fear much lest I should shame my father."
"You never have done so yet, lad, and I will answer for it that he has
no cause to blush in your behalf. Put such idle fancies from your
mind, and when the hour comes that we meet Major Ferguson's
force, never fear but that you will be foremost among the friends of
freedom."
Evan would have said more regarding this sudden timorousness
which had come upon him, but for the fact that they were then
arrived at Colonel McDowells' tent, and the subject of the interview
for which he had summoned them was so startling and unexpected
as to drive all other thoughts from the boy's mind.
"You two, who claim the right to be called soldiers, although never
having marched in the ranks until the day we left Watuga, know full
well that the Britishers are within thirty or forty miles of us at this
moment."
The colonel paused as if for reply, and Evan said:
"We have heard it so spoken among the men, sir."
"You understand, also, that we are like to measure strength with
them before many hours?"
"Yes, sir."
"While I cast no discredit on your courage, I am free to say that men
who have had more experience in this business will be of greater
service to us in time of battle than you lads."
"But surely, father, you won't say that we shall not bear our share in
the combat," Evan cried, suddenly forgetting the fears of which he
had made mention to his comrade.
"It is not my purpose to prevent you from bearing your full share of
danger, and in fact I now propose to place you in a position more
perilous than, perhaps, would be your regular stations in the
regiment. I simply wish to explain why I called upon you for a
certain service, rather than men who may be needed elsewhere."
The boys looked in bewilderment at the colonel, trying in vain to
understand the meaning of this vague explanation, and after a brief
pause he continued:
"It has been proposed that we send out a certain number of men to
gain all possible information regarding the strength and disposition
of the enemy. To such suggestions I have argued that we could ill
afford to spare even two soldiers, and yet I know it is necessary we
should have such knowledge. Therefore have I said to those who are
associated with me in the command, that we would hold those who
had already proven themselves, and send out such as yet had a
name to win. The mission is one of extreme danger, and requires
most careful work. If you lads shrink not from the task, I would have
you volunteer to set about it, for this is a service to which I would
not order any person. Go, if you can, of your own free will; but if the
undertaking seems too dangerous, no one shall taunt you for having
refused."
"Where are we to go, sir?" Evan asked.
"As near to Major Ferguson's encampment as may be necessary in
order to learn exactly the number and disposition of his men."
"When are we to start?"
"As soon as may be. There is no time for delay, since we must push
forward steadily, and not allow it to be believed that we shrink from
the battle."
"Then it would be best Evan and I did not spend any further time in
asking questions," Nathan interrupted. "We will be off at once."
"And you have no hesitation about the matter, young Shelby?"
Colonel McDowells asked as he gazed at the boys sharply.
"Both Evan and I are ready to do all that may be in our power, and
even though the task was one which we shrank from, both of us
have too much pride to allow that fact to become known. However,
this doesn't seem as dangerous as when we set out about making
our escape from the Dillard plantation, and there is no reason why
we should falter. My only fear is lest we may not be sufficiently well
versed in military matters to bring such information as is required."
"Keep your eyes and ears open, remembering everything which is
seen and heard, and I doubt not but that you can perform the
mission as well as the ablest soldier among us. It is necessary you
exercise great prudence, however, for should Major Ferguson detect
you in loitering around his encampment, he would be justified in
hanging you as spies with but scant ceremony."
"Have you any further orders, sir?" Evan asked nervously, for this
reminder of the peril they were about to incur was not pleasing.
"None," and the colonel rose to his feet as he held out both hands to
the boys.
A fervent hand-clasp was the only token of parting, and the lads
went directly from this interview to prepare themselves for the
journey.
Captain Dillard came up as they were refilling the powder horns, and
counting out an additional store of bullets.
"So the colonel has sent his son rather than risk the life of one of the
men," he said half to himself, and Evan looked up with a smile as he
replied:
"When favors are to be bestowed, captain, it is right the father
should remember first his son."
"And this is a favor with a vengeance," Dillard muttered, after which,
realizing he had been imprudent in thus voicing his apprehensions,
he whistled a cheery tune as if there was no reason why he or any
other in the encampment should be gloomy.
In less than ten minutes the boys had made their preparations for
the scout, and were debating as to the best course to be pursued.
"Make straight for Cherokee Ford, lads, and trust to luck for all the
remainder. I do not mean that you are to go blindly ahead without
taking due precautions; but it seldom pays at such times to map out
an elaborate plan, for much depends upon accident."
Then the captain turned abruptly away, most likely to avoid a leave-
taking, and the two boys marched side by side out of the
encampment, the men following them with their eyes but speaking
no word, for each understood upon what a perilous venture they
were embarked.
It was nightfall, and the young scouts were unfamiliar with the
country over which it would be necessary to travel.
They knew, however, that a well-defined trail led from the Cowpens
to Cherokee Ford, and along this they advanced at a smart pace, for
it seemed necessary the journey should be performed during the
hours of darkness.
Neither felt inclined for conversation. The silence of the men as they
left the encampment struck them much like predictions of evil, and
they were weighted down by a sense of danger in the air
everywhere around them.
At near midnight they made the first halt, and up to that time not
more than half a dozen words had been exchanged.
Now it was as if the nearness of the foe revived their courage rather
than depressed them, and they discussed the situation as calmly as
they might have spoken of the most ordinary affair.
"We must have been five hours on the march, and covered no less
than seventeen or eighteen miles," Nathan suggested.
"Surely we are that far from the encampment, and it stands us in
hand to have an eye out for redcoats, because they or the Tories will
likely be scouting nearabout their halting place."
"And by going blindly ahead we may come upon them sooner than
would be pleasant," Nathan added with a laugh. "Now it is my
proposition that we tarry here until daybreak, rather than run our
noses into trouble."
"Father said we were to perform the mission as quickly as might be."
"True; but yet he did not propose that we discover the foe by
running into their very midst."
"We are yet a good dozen miles from Cherokee Ford, and by waiting
here until daybreak will be forced to spend three or four hours
before we can hope to see the main body."
"If it is your belief that we should push on yet further, I am ready,"
Nathan replied in a tone of content, and thus it was decided that
they should not make camp until having arrived at least six miles
nearer the supposed location of the Britishers.
After fifteen minutes had been spent in resting the lads set forward
again, and, as nearly as they could judge, it was two o'clock in the
morning when Evan announced that he was ready to make a lengthy
halt.
Creeping into the thicket a few yards from the trail where they could
remain concealed from view, and yet be enabled to see any who
might pass, the boys set about gaining such repose as might be
possible.
One slept while the other watched, and every half-hour they
changed positions, so that by daybreak each had had his share of
slumber.
When the first grey light of dawn appeared they set out for the final
and most perilous stage of the journey, advancing cautiously, halting
to listen at every unfamiliar sound, and oftentimes making a detour
through the thicket when there was a sharp bend in the trail which
might have led them suddenly upon a scouting party of the foe.
By such method their progress was exceedingly slow, and by sunrise
they had advanced no more than three miles.
Now if the information brought to the American encampment was
correct, they were close upon the Britishers, and might at any
moment expect to see a scarlet coat through the foliage.
"We must take some chances in order to push ahead more rapidly,
or we shall not be able to return before to-morrow morning," Nathan
whispered impatiently, after they had literally crawled through the
thicket half an hour more, and the words were hardly uttered when
the sounds of footsteps upon the beaten path a short distance in
advance of them, caused both to suddenly seek a hiding-place.
It is well the lads were on the alert, for within a few seconds four
Britishers came down the trail in a leisurely fashion, as if out for no
other purpose than that of a stroll, and Evan gripped Nathan's arm
hard as he saw in the rear of these men none other than Ephraim
Sowers.
The young Tory was walking slowly, as if displeased with himself for
having ventured away from the camp, while the Britishers were in
the best of spirits, laughing and chatting merrily without paying any
attention to their gloomy-visaged companion.
It was when he arrived at a point directly opposite the hidden scouts
that Ephraim stopped, leaned his musket against a rock, and seated
himself upon a fallen tree-trunk, as he said petulantly:
"I am tired of this wandering around when we are like to come upon
a party of rebels at any minute."
"Then why do you follow? No person prevents you from returning to
the camp," one of the soldiers said with a laugh.
"I am minded to go back alone, and you know full well the orders
were that no man should stray very far from the mountain."
"Then you are not disobeying, since I'll go bail there's little of the
man about you."
"How dare you speak in that way when Major Ferguson is nearby to
overhear the words?" and now Ephraim displayed anger.
"Don't pride yourself, lad, on being the especial pet of the major. He
is not given to much affection for cowards, even though they be
spies, and I am willing to wager considerable that no member of the
command would be reproved for speaking harshly to such as you."
During this brief conversation the soldiers had continued to advance,
while Ephraim remained sitting upon the log, and when the last
remark was made the redcoats were hidden from view by the
foliage.
The young Tory kicked idly at the earth in front of him, looked up
and down the trail as if in search of something entertaining, and
then leaned lazily back against a convenient bush.
The footsteps of the soldiers sounded fainter and fainter in the
distance, telling that the men were continuing to advance, until
finally all was silent.
The two lads were within forty feet of the boy who would have done
the cause of freedom such grievous wrong, and each instant those
who might lend him a helping hand were drawing further away.
Nathan glanced at Evan with a question in his eye, and the latter
understood it as well as if he had spoken.
"It might be done," he whispered cautiously; "but we should not
neglect the work which was set us."
"It is not safe to advance while these men are between us and Major
Ferguson's force, therefore unless we make him prisoner it is
necessary to remain idle."
"What could be done with him?"
"I'll venture to say he might be frightened into telling all we would
know."
Nathan hesitated an instant. They had been sent out solely to gain
some knowledge of the enemy's force and disposition. To take this
boy a prisoner, even though he was their bitterest foe, seemed to be
deviating from the course Colonel McDowells had marked out, but
yet, as Nathan said, they must remain idle there until these four
men should return. Therefore it would not be such a woeful waste of
time.
"If we can do it without giving the alarm, I am ready," Evan
whispered, and instead of replying, Nathan began creeping
cautiously in the direction of the Tory, who sat with his back turned
toward them.
Many a time had these two lads crept quietly upon a flock of wild
turkeys without alarming the shy birds, and to go through the same
maneuvers when a dull boy like Ephraim Sowers was the game to be
stalked did not prove difficult.
Side by side they advanced with hardly so much as disturbing a
single twig, and had gained the cover of a bush within three feet of
him before he so much as changed his position.
Then he started to his feet, and the two in hiding crouched yet
closer to the ground, fearing lest he had grown suspicious; but it
was merely to change his position, and after looking up and down
the trail, muttering threats against the soldiers because they
continued their stroll when it was not to his liking, he reseated
himself without having so much as touched his musket.
 Nathan and Evan crept within three feet
of the Tory.—Page 193.

It was possible the redcoats might even now be retracing their

steps, and whatever the lads counted on doing must be done
without loss of time.
Nathan pressed Evan's hand in token that he was ready for the
venture, and the latter nodded his head.
The two rose to their feet, standing motionless a single instant, and
then, darting forward with a sudden spring, they landed directly
upon the unsuspecting Tory.
Nathan had counted upon covering the spy's mouth with his hand;
but missed the aim, and Ephraim was enabled to utter one shrill cry,
after which he was powerless to do more than breathe.
"Work quickly now, for the soldiers may have heard that, and we are
like to be prisoners ourselves instead of capturing this sneak,"
Nathan whispered. "We must tie his hands again, and contrive
something for a gag quickly."
As deftly, and yet more rapidly than on that night when Sarah Dillard
rode the unbroken colt, Evan bound the prisoner, and from the time
they first leaped upon him until Ephraim's hands were tied and his
mouth choked by a portion of his own garments, no more than three
minutes had passed.
"Take his musket, for it must appear as if he had gone back to the
camp, and see to it that you wipe out all traces of a struggle, while I
carry him into the thicket."
Then the boy lifted Ephraim to his shoulder as if he had been no
more than a package of bulky merchandise, and while Evan carried
out the instructions to the best of his ability, the spy was taken an
hundred yards or more into the thicket.
Here Nathan halted until his comrade joined him, when the two
continued the flight until they were fully half a mile from the trail,
and all this while Ephraim Sowers was unable to give vent to his
anger or his fears.
"That was a neat job, and one that need not interfere with the
purpose of our journey," Nathan said in a tone of exultation, as he
wiped the perspiration from his face and sat down where he could
look full at the discomfited Tory. "By this means we have made
certain of coming face to face with Ephraim Sowers again, for I
misdoubt if he would have been found in the battle unless
peradventure the Britishers were getting much the best of it."
"Now that we have got the sneak, what is to be done with him?"
"Tie him up here until we have concluded our work, and then carry
him back to the men of Colonel Clarke's command, who have a score
to settle because of his efforts to deliver them over to their
butchers."
The expression in Ephraim's eyes gave good token of the terror
which was in his heart, and in furtherance of the plan he had lately
conceived Nathan took the gag from the boy's mouth.
"Those men would murder me!" Ephraim screamed as soon as his
mouth was freed from the gag.
"Ay, so it appears to me, else will they be more forgiving than I can
well believe," Nathan replied calmly, as if in his mind the spy was
already doomed.
"Would you take me, who has never done you any wrong, to where I
shall be killed?" he whined.
"How much wrong would you have done had we not set upon you
the night the force at Greene's Spring were to be massacred?" Evan
asked sternly. "When we were again captured was it in your mind to
treat us as friends?"
"I would not have killed you."
"Then you lied in order to frighten us."
"I did want to make you weaken, but had no thought of doing you a
wrong."
"Such a controversy is useless, and we have not the time to spend
upon it," Nathan interrupted. "Colonel Clarke's men are doubtless
eager to meet with this Tory who devoted so much of his time to
them, and if it so be we are forced to continue on in order to gain
information concerning the Britishers, we can do no other than
deliver him up to them."
"What is it you want to know?" Ephraim asked, a ray of hope coming
into his eyes.
"We are sent to learn concerning the British forces. How many there
are, where they are encamped, and such other matters as may be
necessary for the guidance of those who direct the attack."
"Is there to be a battle?" Ephraim asked eagerly.
"Not before we have had time to deliver you over to those who will
thank us for so doing."
The gleam of hope died away very suddenly, and the spy, knowing
full well what would likely be his fate, did he fall into the hands of
the men who would have been killed or captured had his plans not
failed, now gave evidence of the liveliest terror.
"If you will save my life, I swear to tell you all I know about Major
Ferguson's forces, and none can give the information better, for I
have been with them every hour since you were allowed to leave
Dillard's plantation."
"It might be that we could take advantage of the offer, if it was
possible to believe a single word you uttered," Nathan said, as if
debating whether to accept the proposition or not.
"I swear to you that every word shall be true, and if you hold me
prisoner it will be easy to know whether I have told the truth or
not," Ephraim pleaded. "Promise that if I give all the information
needed you will save my life, and you shall have such a description
of the camp as could not be gotten by scouting around it for a
week."
"Shall we accept the offer, Evan?" Nathan asked, as if it was a
matter of indifference to him, and Ephraim cried imploringly:
"Give me one chance! Don't turn me over to those who have good
reason for murdering me! I will answer every question truly, and you
shall keep me prisoner until it has been proven that all I said was
correct."
 CHAPTER IX.

KING'S MOUNTAIN.

Having brought Ephraim Sowers into that frame of mind where he

could be utilized, Nathan made the pretense of consulting with Evan
as to the advisability of accepting the spy's information.
"If Evan will agree to it, we may promise that you shall not be given
up to Colonel Clarke's men, although, as a matter of course, we
have no intention of setting you at liberty."
"All I ask is that you put me under the charge of Colonel Charles
McDowells, you promising me in his name that I shall receive the
same treatment as any other prisoner."
"It is a great deal you are asking, Ephraim Sowers, after all you have
done and tried to do; but it may be that we can arrange it. Come
this way, Evan," and Nathan stepped aside a few paces to give the
Tory an idea that considerable argument would be necessary in
order to induce his comrade to enter into the agreement.
"Can we believe what he says?" Evan asked when he and Nathan
stood at such a distance from the prisoner that their words could not
be overheard.
"I do not understand how he would dare to tell a lie. When our men
advance it will be known if he has given the correct information, and
we will make it plain that should he tell us anything which was
proven to be incorrect, then our promises are withdrawn."
"Go on, and arrange the matter as soon as you can, for no one can
say when some of the redcoats may come this way on a scout, and
if we should chance to fall into the hands of the enemy now, I think
that Tory sneak would kill us, if the murder could be compassed."
The two remained as if in conversation a moment longer, and then
returning to the terrified spy, Nathan said in a solemn tone:
"We have agreed that if you give us all the information in your
power concerning Major Ferguson's force, and you claim to know
everything regarding it, we will carry you as prisoner to Evan's
father, promising in his name that you shall be treated the same as
any Britisher that might be captured. Should, however, it be
discovered that you played us false in the slightest detail, it will be
the same as if our promise had not been given, and you will be
turned over to Colonel Clarke's men."
"I am not likely to tell that which is not true when my life depends
upon the truth," Ephraim said in a tone which convinced his hearers
that, perhaps for the first time in his life, he was resolved to make a
correct statement.
"Well," Evan said impatiently after a brief pause. "Why don't you
begin?"
"What shall I tell you?"
"How many men has Major Ferguson?"
"I must not be held as to the truth of numbers, for I only know what
I heard a commissary sergeant say, which was that there were
eleven hundred and twenty all told upon the mountain."
"What mountain?"
"The force is encamped on the summit of King's Mountain, which is
about twelve miles north of the Cherokee Ford."
"How far from here?"
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