and ready for a march before sunrise; but, contrary to the usual custom of late, the main army kept its ground, and La Bruyere's corps, reinforced by a strong detachment of light infantry, was advanced a few miles in front. Shortly after being dismissed from parade, Buckley was returning slowly, and alone, to his lodgings in an obscure part of the village, when just as he was about to enter the door, he was arrested by a fine musical voice, singing with great expression, although in a careless tone, a verse of a ballad, then very popular. A corner of the street concealed the singer, but he appeared rapidly approaching. The verse was as follows: "For resistance, I could fear none, To have fallen, my country crying— Of a grieved and broken heart." "Now that is not badly sung," ejaculated Buckley, who piqued himself upon considerable musical powers; "and if I Tistake not, I should know that voice. Why, Harry Lethbridge is this you? What wind has blown you here?" "A good wind, I hope," replied Henry, shaking him cordially by the hand, "since I have found an old acquaintance. What, you've mounted the cockade and the plume, have you?" "Even so; but come in to my quarters here, and let us know all about it,' as we used to say at school. What's the meaning of this hunting-shirt? You are in the militia, are you?" "That I am, Buck. But, how now, your eyes look red, and you seem moody-what's the matter?"" ume. Before Buckley could answer, Lieutenant Butterworth entered, and bowed to Henry. Buckley immediately introduced them, and a conversation on different subjects was carried on for some Butterworth seemed embarassed by Henry's presence, which, 25 soon as Buckley observed, he said-"You can speak without reserve before my friend Lethbridge. Butterworth, I can guess your message, and his presence need not prevent your deliver ing it." "I have come, Buckley, at the request of Chattachin, and as a friend to both parties, to prevent any serious consequences arising from that foolish affair last night. He considers his standing as an officer injured by your joke, for I can call it nothing else, and does not doubt but that you will have the magnaimity to retract it as publicly as it was given.", "I did virtually retract it on the spot, when I acknowledged it a joke; I think that is all that, in justice to us both, Chattachin can require, unless he is predetermined on making an affair of it." He disclaims any such intention," replied Butterworth;"" and I, as a mutual friend, would only consent to act, from the hope that you would not be unnecessarily punctilious." After giving Chattachin my hand, and receiving his in return, I did not expect to be called upon again." "From the disposition which you evinced last night, Chattachin feels no resentment, and he only claims, as a friend, that you should explicitly acknowledge it a joke before the club, when the acknowledgment may be distinctly understood, and no suspicion or ill blood remain between you.' "I will cut all this short at once, Butterworth. If I recollect ight, there was mutual provocation. I acknowledged the Monruth story a joke, in the presence of Captains Templeton and Beattie. If the rest of the fellows were drunk, and could not ear the acknowledgment-neither did they hear the offence. As gentleman and a soldier, I can do no more, and if Chattachin is ot satisfied, I cannot help it." "In that event, then," said Butterworth, "I have the unpleasant task of requesting, in behalf of Chattachin, an internew, beyond the pickets, at any hour most convenient. As the y may move in the afternoon, the morning would be preferle to him." The sooner the better, Butterworth; such affairs will not p well. In half-an-hour I will be ready at the west-end of te town. Lethbridge, you will accompany me?" Certainly," replied Henry; "I have listened in astonish ment to your short and pithy conversation, but I must confess I cannot comprehend it." "We had something of a row last night, in which this Scot took umbrage at what I acknowledged a jest. "He certainly is most ridiculously punctilious!" "He is a Scot, Harry, and that explains it at once-as poor as a church mouse, and as proud as the grand seignior, and, to do the fellow justice, as brave as a lion." "Could you not explain it personally, so as to avoid this dreadful affair, right in the presence of an enemy, and on the eve of battle?" "You see what I've done, and what he still demands. There seems no remedy." Buckley spoke rather sadly, but in a calm and resolute tone, and instantly rising, made the necessary preparations. The parties soon met upon a small bottom, at the distance of two miles from the village; the ground was measured, the pistols were loaded, and each took his station. The rule of the combat was, that they should fire their pistols, and then use their swords. At the word given to fire, the combatants with great steadiness raised their arms, and a loud report, as of a single pistol, was heard. They both stood erect, Buckley's pistol still extended, Chattachin's reeking at the touch-hole and muzzle, and hanging by his side. "I do not fire at you, Chat.," said Buckley, dropping his pistol, and drawing his sword; it remain for you to say, whether we must cut each other's throats, or whether you are satis fied." Chattachin, who had stood erect and motionless as a rock, awaiting Buckley's fire, which he supposed he had purposely reserved to render more fatal, as soon as Buckley had finished speaking, immediately advanced with his open hand extended. "Lieutenant Buckley, ye are a brave man, and a noble soldier, and by my soul, I am sorry for this. I felt no anger against ye, Buckley, but ye ken the laws of honour, whilk is the breath of a soldier." "And now," said Buckley, "I can tell you, Chattachin, that I am equally sorry for the offence; and as you were scarcely sober when you made that reflection upon the moral of the song, I have no doubt that, in your cooler moments, you will acknowledge that you have done me a hasty injustice. "I do not preceesely recollect the sang," replied the Scot, with great gravity, "but if ye are willing to say that ye meant nothing immoral, I'll uphold"Here's Henry Lethbridge-as good a singer, and as complete a judgeOh! the song is spotless as a virgin," interrupted Butterworth, laughing; "we'll let you sing it over to us at a more convenient time and place. But here is our captain coming, with a posse comitatus at his heels-close, lads, close as wax. Say we were practising at a mark and missed, or Templeton will have us all arrested. "I HAVE summoned you, gentlemen," said Gates to his fieldofficers assembled in council, "in order to have the benefit of your opinions, in the very delicate state of affairs which exist at present. Our continental force amounts to near two thousand-our militia, including the brigade of General Lethbridge, may amount to near double that number. From the best intelligence which I have been able to procure, the force under Lord Cornwallis does not exceed three thousand, exclusive of the Tory militia who may join his standard. Whether, under these circumstances, it would be prudent to advance upon his lordship, and put the destiny of the South upon the issue of a battle, or whether we should endeavour to protract the war, and take up some strong defensive position, are questions which are now submitted to your judgments. General Lethbridge, you are best acquainted with the ground, and with the peculiar character of southern warfare-what say you?" CAMDEN. The general arose, and, lifting his plumed hat from his head, stood, in the presence of his commander, in all the dignity of age, rendered venerable by his grey hairs, and mild amiable features. "I would willingly have heard the opinion of my superiors in rank, general, before I ventured to express my own; but since you call upon me for my poor judgment, I will express it briefly and decisively. March upon Camden, and either compel him to relinquish the upper country, or abide the consequences of battle.' *Your reasons, general, if you please." "The country, sir, is a pine forest, intersected with creeks and swamps, consequently unfavourable to a regular force, and affording strong natural advantages to the native sharp-shooter again, the season is unhealthy, particularly to our Mary, landers, who are totally unprepared for a southern climate, and disease will make worse havoc in our ranks than the sword; and lastly, our militia will leave us in a few weeks to depend upon our continentals, inferior in number, and enfeebled by disease. I would, therefore, humbly suggest the propriety of taking a position behind Sawney's Creek, in front of Camden, where we shall be secure against attack, and from which position we can best learn whether the town itself is assailable. By cutting off his lordship's supplies, and breaking up munications, we shall either compel him to retire, which alone, his in its effects, will be equivalent to victory, or, at the worst, it will bring on an action, the event of which is in the hands of the God of battles." com The good old veteran spoke with a simple earnestness and energy, which attracted deep attention, and his last words were delivered with a solemnity, which marked the deep devotion with which he desired the blessing of Heaven upon their arms. There was a pause of a few moments after the general sat down, when Gates exclaimed-" Baron, what think you of the general's plan?" A tall, plain, benevolent-looking officer deliberately arose; his locks, strongly tending towards grey, formed a lively contrast with his cheeks, which were still smooth and blooming with the ruddy hue of youth. "In the main, sir, I heartily coincide with the general, particularly as it regards the position at Sawney's Creek. I must deprecate the risk of a pitched battle, however, until our militia are in some degree accustomed to service, which can be easily done, by frequent skirmishing. Their time of service will not expire for six weeks, and from the character of Cornwallis, I am convinced that we may have battle when we please. It is evidently his interest, and equally plainly his inclination, to bring matters to a speedy decision; and I am convinced that no line of policy, on our part, would give him more serious uneasiness than a cautious refusal of immediate battle, and a course of skirmishing, which would straiten him in his quarters, and give spirit to our raw militia. Indeed I think it highly probable, that by taking up the strong defensive position behind Sawney's Creek, and intercepting his lordship's convoys, which our numerous light troops will easily enable us to do, that he may be driven to attack us in our camp, where our militia will be perfectly at home." The baron calmly took his seat, and drawing a silver tobaccobox from his pocket, proceeded to exchange his exhausted quid for a fresh supply of the weed. Gates listened with equal attention to the calm and deliberate caution of the veteran, who had figured under Daun, Soubise, and Richelieu, and was evidently struck with the wisdom of the -advice. After the usual pause, he continued-" Well, Smallwood, what say you?" "I coincide with both the generals, sir." "General Gist." "Nothing in addition to what has been said, sir." The general turned to the colonels. "I should be happy to hear from you, gentlemen. Carson, you, as commander of the first Maryland, may be entitled to speak first." culty will be in reaching the desired position without a general action, as I feel convinced, from the general's description of the country around Camden, that Cornwallis will not choose to fight upon that ground, but will advance to meet us. I think, therefore, that the ground should be taken immediately, by a forced night march, which will thus prevent the British general's obtaining intelligence of our design. If the position can once be taken up, and if the banks of the creek are as steep and impracticable as I have heard, I shall consider it equivalent to a decisive victory." occupying the northern banks of the creek; the only difference is, as to the possibility of taking, such a position, without the "You all seem to agree, gentlemen, in the importance of risk of a battle with his lordship." that subject, sir," replied the baron; "I admit the probability adoption." "What say you, General Lethbridge?" take up the line of march in one hour (looking at his watch); it public annunciation of the decision of the council of war. The of whose house Caroline and Emily, and their hostess in person, "And where are the Carolina militia posted?" how the devil did the quartermaster know that I belonged to the "I cannot tell, captain; excuse me, I am in a hurry." would be ashamed to drive a dromedary at such a rate, and all "I could not wish my opinion better stated, sir, than in the words of the generals. I only doubt whether Cornwallis will permit us to sit down in the position which has been pointed out, as it would evidently compel him, either to retreat or attack us in our entrenchments, either of which would be de-a structive to his influence. I think, sir, that the principal diffi which might run thus :— "All night and all day, row, boys, row! of Mrs. Wells, he found all three of the ladies, besides some half Make a nigger run away, row, boys, row!" march." "To march! Where?" off in an hour." shade of anxiety passed over his fine features. "There will be a battle!" said Emily, turning pale; “where is our brother, Caroline?" Careline looked at Templeton, and was silent; but the glance saat misunderstood. I have exerted my utmost influence to induce Henry to reain, but he will not listen to it; he insists on accompanying his ther." My dear father! where is he?" At the head of his brigade. He will not march until eleven lock, and you will see him in a few minutes. Be easy, my Miss Lethbridge-the general-in-chief is determined to da battle. I have but a few minutes to spare, as my regint leads the van." rode up, and directed Carson to permit the files to open, for the comfort of the men, as the day was intensely hot.-" You will on no account permit any soldier to leave his colours, colonel; spch is the general's express orders. We shall halt at the mills to refresh." The march continued with a steady pace, the captains being compelled to turn a deaf ear to the petitions of the overmarched and fainting soldiers, to drop out of the line of march. Carson, although scrupulously exact in enforcing the orders which he had received, permitted the non-commissioned officers who marched upon the flank, to replenish the exhausted canteens of the men; and observing a young soldier fainting with fatigue Where is General Lethbridge stationed?" said Emily. "Caro- and ready to sink under his knapsack, he dismounted from his I will walk down to meet him. Mrs. Wells, will you ac-own horse, and kindly offered it to the youth, as a short respite pany me! Come, Maria, go with us; we will only walk to from toil. foot of the hill." The widow, not understanding the meaning of Emily's Louvre, showed some reluctance: but the young lady seizing t arm, instantly walked down the hill, to the great relief of Templeton. may never see you again, Miss Lethbridge, and I cannot take leave of you, perhaps for ever, without expressing again my derpregret-my most sincere grief "Close your files, colonel," shouted Smallwood, who commanded the first brigade; "the dust rolls very thick in front here," 66 Unlimber your guns, Harrison," said De Kalb, "and point them so as to sweep the road. But stay; that surely is our cavalry, and in good order too." Do not mention it, sir," said Caroline, in an agitated tone. "If will afford you any pleasure, be assured that-"She" apped in much embarrassment. know that you are all gentleness," replied he, taking her Land; "and if I should be permitted to see you again, could you forgive the madness, the infatuation of my former conduct, and more consent to honour me with your regard?" 'Captain Templeton," she replied, "this is no moment for the interchange of vows. My father and brother are marching to another field, and," bursting into tears, I feel a sad presen tment that I shall see them no more." "Do not yield to it, dearest Caroline-a battle is by no means certain; and be assured, that if the sacrifice of my life can avail ther, you shall see them again. The general is brave, but not rash, and the life of Henry shall be dearer to me than my ་་ "What, dearest Caroline? do not leave me in suspense.' Gates rode up to the front, attracted by the disposition which the commandant of artillery was making, as if for a shower of grape-shot, and raising his glass to his eye, exclaimed calmly— It is La Bruyere. Move on, Harrison; they appear in good order." The commandant of artillery obeyed, and the march was continued. The Frenchman reported, that the legion of Tarleton had been drawn in-that even M'Arthur had retired; and, from appearances, he concluded that his lordship was disposed to retreat. "How far were you in advance, sir?" said Gates. "In tree four mile of Camden, sir." "Did you hear the rumbling of waggons, sir, or any sounds indicating a general movement?" 66 None, sir; all quiet as de grave." Gates and De Kalb exceanged a glance upou this intelligence. "What think you, baron?" "We are within an hour's march of the mills, sir: we can there halt; and if all seems quiet, we can easily occupy our position, by a rapid march of a few hours after night." "Does this inactivity on his lordship's part bespeak intimidation or is it the stillness of the atmosphere before a thunderstorm?" "Wa cannot possibly tell at this distance; at any rate, we must not retrograde.' Gates mused an instant, and then striking his horse with the spur, cried-" Forward!" "Ever lovely and amiable Caroline," replied Templeton, dy, "how can I express my sense of such gentleness and In the mean time, the girls were left a prey to the most Condescension! Farewell! that drum summons me away! cruel anxiety and suspense. Emily's natural buoyancy Heaven for ever bless you, my beloved Caroline! and if this of feeling enabled her to support the deep feeling ld be our last meeting-if I am destined never to see you of regret with which she saw her lover buckle on his n-ob, may your lot in life be as happy as your virtues maiden sword, and repair to the ranks of death: but ve-more I cannot wish! Dearest, loveliest Miss Leth-Caroline's feelings were of a deeper and more pensive chage, farewell!" He tore himself away, and pulling his mili- cracter; she had seen her father and brothers twice march to hat over his eyes, was rapidly descending the hill, when he the aid of the continental army, and each time she had seen tered the general and Henry, accompanied by the ladies, him return in an agony of grief, for the loss of his sons, and the rely advancing. misery of his country, and her heart was rent with the most agonizing anticipation of future calamity. She was by no means insensible to the risk of her lover; but her feelings towards her grey-headed and affectionate father were of a higher and holier character. They sat together at the window which looked towards Camden, and gazing with aching eyes upon the plain so lately alive with the uniforms, and resounding with the shrill summons of the fife, and lengthened roll of the drum, but now deserted and cheerless as the house of death. What, captain, is that your drum?" es, general; I must be gone immediately; you follow us, hhere." yes, my Carolineans take the centre, and are panting for mal." arewell, Miss Emily! I hope to welcome you in Camden e a week is over. Farewell, Mrs. Wells." Does Colonel Carson go with you, captain?" asked the Templeton had already passed them, but turning around, he ed in the affirmative. widow looked embarrassed, and hastily said-" Well, I you success most cordially.' regiment was at the head of the column of Marylanders, arrived just in time to assume his position at the head of pany as the march commenced. "Well, captain," said Carson, carelessly, "you are not as pt as usual to-day. It is seldom that the second tap of the Ends you missing." empleton made no reply, and just then the baron De Kalb Busk ye, on the banks of Tweed, And think nae mair on the braes of Yarrow." "How can I be cheerful, Emily, when all I love in this world are in danger which I cannot share or prevent?" True, most true," replied she, with a sigh; "but do you think I feel nothing, when I see Henry on the eve of battle? I assure you, I could sit down and cry heartily, if I would yield to my feelings, or if crying could do any good. But they will not fight-they will not fight-you heard the general say so himself-it was his last word at parting, and Henry assured me that we should see Camden in three days; and then, Caroline, you will reward the sage Captain Templeton for his long constancy. Come, let me sing you that ballad that you used to be so fond of after your return from Virginia, and which I now know how to interpret. Aha! Caroline, have you forgotten it?" She then sang, in a sweet voice, and with something of her usual archness of expression, as follows: "Thou hast left me, thou false one? To languish alone, While each scene must remind me Of him who is gone. The foam of the ocean And the billows' glad motion Will waft thee away. "How could With love's gentle tone, "Thou art gone! and for ever, Far over the main, And thy Mary will never Yet though oceans remove thee Thou false-hearted boy!' And thy Mary will never Behold thee again!' that rings in my ears like an ill-boding prophecy, Caroline," she cried, starting up. "For Heaven's sake, let us follow them; they will halt at the mills-I heard Roebuck say so; Cæsar can drive us there by sunset. The horses are fresh, and we can stay with old Mrs. Walton, as well as here. learn with certainty what is going on, and not be agitated by At any rate, we shall such cruel suspense. Emily's feelings having now taken a fresh direction, were scarcely to be restrained within the bounds of reason, and she quickly became almost wild with eagerness to follow the line of march. It was now three o'clock in the evening, and the mills near thirty miles off; yet they calculated upon overtaking the army by sunset, and neither of them was prepared to estimate the risk of the journey. Anxiety and suspense cannot bear inaction, and the girls felt their hearts bound with pleasure, as, under the guardianship of Cæsar alone, they rolled rapidly over the sandy road which led to Camden. authority of Scott, has remarked, that life affords few more pleaDr. Johnson, upon the sant sensations than those produced by being wheeled along rapidly in a post-chaise; and all must have felt the thrilling bound of the heart, "the pulse's maddening play," as Byron most magically expresses it, produced by the skimming motion of a carriage, a steam-boat, or a ship under a press of canvass, particularly when it bears us to those we love, and from whom we have long been separated. Their spirits arose at once from deep dejection to almost wild delight, as the " deserted village" faded away from their view, and even the tall forest of" green pine" seemed rapidly retreating behind them. plied the lash with great steadiness, and the flanks of his highCæsar ever spirited bloods were smoking, and white with foam, when as the sun was setting, they caught a view of a distant and d Passing a variety of stragglers, who seemed completely fused mass, which seemed completely to occupy the r the crowd of men, whose, hunting-shirts declared them mili hausted by the rapidity of the march, Cæsar at length reac and whose total disregard to order, announced them st glers. confiding in the importance of his master, no small portion "Let 'em pass dere," cried Cæsar, cracking his whip, which he considered as appertaining to himself. here's the emperor of Morocco, rolling in his coach and six"Who the devil are you?" replied a sulky voice-" w] you pass hey! I'll see you damned first." "Damn a nigger,' ," cried a second, 66 he has no business i carriage, any how! He's a runaway; pull him off the s Here a man made his way through the crowd.-" Cæsar, w are you doing here?" Tom." Driving Miss Caroline, massa Hadyn." "Make way, lads," said Noah, "for the daughter of Gene Lethbridge. "Hurra for the old general for ever!" cried twenty voice (6 you are welcome, Miss-your pappy has some heart, and not drive a poor devil as if he was a dray-horse-old Caroli for ever!" They gave way immediately upon Hadyn's interference, wi much noise and professions of respect. He'm got apple brandy plenty," said Cæsar, as he crack his whip, and rolled rapidly through the living mass of bodi who parted upon each side. As it grew more dark, and they e countered fresh masses, Cæsar found it necessary to drive slowl the young ladies became seriously alarmed, as oaths and execr tions were heard on all sides, and the heavy tramp of feet, an dark forms of the over-marched militia, as they sullenly sta gered and tottered on recalled them unpleasantly to a sense their condition. The masses at length began to assume an a of regularity, and a long column of bayonets glittered in th moonlight, which was blended with the expiring twilight, an announced that they had mistaken the column. Here Caroline could no longer repress her anxiety to learn th post of her father; dropping the window of the carriage, sh called out-"Will any of you be kind enough to inform us wher General Lethbridge is?" "Gederal who?" exclaimed several voices. "General Lethbridge, of Pinewood." "That's a wide direction, honey," exclaimed an elderly man "for devil a stick but pine have I seen since I left Virginny." "Drive on, Cæsar! there are the Virginia militia; my fathe is further on.' and Caroline was about to repeat her question, when she hear In a short time they overtook the centre of the line of march a well-known voice exclaim-Come, captain, cheer up, we wil soon halt." "Halt!" replied a querulous voice, " "by I shall halt al foundered horse; if I should live to the age of Methuselah, the days of my life! I'm spavined, by Jericho-I'm stiff as shall never get over it; a Lapland buck never get over ground with such a stretch of limbs.' " ing tones of delightful surprise. Henry, brother Henry !" cried both ladies at once, in thrill here?" 66 Emily! Caroline! am I dreaming? What are you doing "Riding in a comfortable carriage," replied Roebuck, ruefully the ladies myself." as you can. Henry, remain with the company, and drive them on as well Cæsar, you villain, dismount instantly; I will drive disposition for the exchange. "De hosses will scare, captain," replied Cæsar, who felt no 66 "there is plenty of room." Come into the carriage, captain," said Emily, laughing; equally delighted at the meeting. "Do, captain," said Caroline and Henry both at once, all Cæsar. The door was opened by "Let down the steps, you dog!" cried the captain to Cæsar. "Do you think I'm as active as a squirrel? There, give me your himself with a deep groan upon the cushion. hand, you scoundrel! easy, easy; there, that will do," seating "Where is my father, captain?" said Caroline. At the head of the column, Miss Caroline. How do you do, Mi Emily?" "Perfectly well, I thank you, captain. How do you feel after the fatigue of the day?" "I don't feel at all, Miss Emily; I'm callous and hardened& perfect vacuum, Miss Emily." You have had a hot march, and a long one." "Yes, and a last one, Miss Emily. I'm willing to fight for old Carolina, Miss Caroline; but I am made of flesh and blood, nerves and bones: I can't live without food, drink, or sleep." Here the general appeared at the window of the carriage"My dearest girls, what has induced you to follow us, and all alone too?" "But Linden saw another sight, Ar the hour of ten, the weary army of Gates was aroused from its short repose, and without tap of drum, or any military music, was silently formed in columns, for their last march. By two o'clock in the morning, the general calculated upon arriving at the much-wished-for camp, from which, with security to his forces, he might be enabled to reconnoitre the enemy's position, and at as circumstances might require. The Maryland divigen, ander Major-general Baron De Kalb, as usual, led the van; the Carolina militia followed; and the Virginians, under Stevens, brought up the rear. They marched in three successive columns, with artillery at the head of each; the whole preceded by the legionary corps, reinforced by detachments of light infantry, who marched in parallel lines upon each flank. The whole moved on in deep silence: the rumbling of the artillery, and the deep measured tread of a multitude, alone broke the deathlike stillness of the pine forest. It was a beautiful night; the moon rode high in the heavens, and the thousands of stars which form "night's lovely diadem," were each glittering in rival splendour, the whole forming one bright constellation, which, but for the deep forest through which they marched, might have turned night into day. The moon is very bright to-night, Buckley," said Lieutenant Butterworth. "Yes," replied he, looking up; "her ladyship, surrounded by her stars, reminds me of the description which I have read of Queen Elizabeth, surrounded by her maids of honour. Elizabeth was very partial to jewels, and was as chaste a virgin as the moon is generally represented by us poets." "Us poets!" replied the other; who the devil made you a poet?" A rhymester, then, confound you," replied Buckley; "it is the same thing" How do you know that Queen Elizabeth was chaste? Hume seems to hint to the contrary.' "I don't think he's in a very good humour, unless he's changed mightily. I've had a brush with him before to-day; he's as fierce as a wild cat." "Where did you feel him?" "In the Jerseys, with Stirling; at Brandywine, with Greene. I know him of old, I tell you; and you'll know him too before to-morrow night." "You think he'll fight then, do you?" Fight! yes, like the devil, as old corporal Flist says of Wayne, his name's fight!'" “Well, with all my heart; we are two to one." Butterworth made no reply, and the column moved on in uninterrupted silence. In the meantime, Gates rode at the head of the Maryland division, and conversed with the Baron in rather a confidential tone. "All goes well, so far, Baron." "Yes, sir; I think we have fairly stolen a march upon his lordship; he certainly is ignorant of our intention." "I do not understand his motive for calling in his outposts, unless he is disposed to retreat." "He will not retreat," said De Kalb, positively. Gates looked at him with some surprise. "Why, Baron, you are as positive as if you had intercepted a letter, or corrupted an aid-de-camp.' "I have done neither, sir, but his measures are not suited to a retreat; he has not kept his position thus long, to give it up with precipitation. A retreat would destroy him." "If he don't retreat he shall be destroyed, or it shall not be my fault. Another hour will put us in possession of Sawney's Creek, and then let his lordship. look to himself. What time have you, baron? my watch is too fast." The baron pulled out his watch, and holding it up in the moonlight, replied "Half-past eleven." "What sound is that in front?" said Gates, in a tone of deep interest" Hark! I hear the sound of a water-course. Is it possible we are so near it?" "That is no water-course," replied the baron, listening attentively. Before he had finished speaking, a pistol-shot was heard at a short distance in front; another and another followed in quick succession-then a clash of swords, a rushing sound as of many horses, startled, snorting, and dashing in wild confusion through the woods. In an instant the head of the column was borne down, and thrown into great disorder by an inundation of horses running masterless, dismounted dragoons, and others still mounted-but all in the last stage of confusion, dismay, and panic, and all pressing wildly to the rear, riding down every thing before them. This was instantly succeeded by a sharp fire of musketry in front, and then a loud shout, as if from many hundred voices, rose high above the sound of the skirmish, and announced to the startled Americans that Cornwallis was upon them. Baron," said Gates, with startling quickness, "display your column immediately. Wilkinson, off with the speed of light, and direct Caswell and Stevens to bring up their militia-they understand the order of battle. Point your guns, Harrison; stand firm, my lads, and let them know that they have men in front of them." While Gates was hastily making arrangements for battle, which was expected every instant, the firing had ceased in front, and presently a detachment of infantry appeared, bringing in several prisoners. "Where is Porterfield, Porson?" said Gates, riding to meet the detachment. "He is badly wounded, sir, and was taken into the nearest house." "Do the enemy follow you?" "They have fallen back upon the main body, sir. Cornwallis is out in person, and the whole British army is within cannonSilence in the ranks!" cried the deep voice of their briga-shot." He had scarcely spoken, when a loud and martial flou dier, who was then riding by, The order was obeyed until he had passed; the chit-chat then recommenced. "This would be a beautiful night for hunting," aid Buckley. "Yes; we are out now on a kind of hunt, and the buck will be at buy in the morning." rish of trumpets was heard, apparently a mile in advance, announcing to all who were concerned in the intelligence, that Tarleton was with the enemy. The militia were brought up by their commanders in great haste, and formed upon the left of the Marylanders, agreeably to the order of battle. The trumpets had scarcely ceased, when a most beautiful air He at bay indeed!" replied the other. "I'll bet one thou-was played by the band of music, the drum, the fife, the flageoand continental dollars, that he's off to Charleston to-night, like let, the clarionet, all uniting to give life, spirit, and effect, to the race-horse. Do you think he's mad?" celebrated national air of "God save the King." It appeared |