This was my first experience in this line, and my feeling, as I looked into the scowling faces of my captors after I had been jerked to my feet, were any thing but pleasant, I assure you.
I did not let them see how badly I was frightened, but looked them squarely in the eye, and nerved myself for the punishment which I expected would be inflicted upon me without an instant’s delay.
In this, however, I was most agreeably disappointed. Barney was either in no hurry to consummate his vengeance, or else he did not have time to do it then; for, as soon as he had helped me to my feet, he ran toward the camp, followed by his companions.
All these events, which I have been so long in describing, happened in a short space of time. From the discovery of Barney behind the log until the end of the fight between our fellows and the Swamp Dragoons and their allies, probably not more than five minutes had elapsed.
During that time our triumph had been turned into utter defeat, and our hard day’s work completely undone. We had been overpowered and whipped out.
My companions had escaped by throwing themselves upon their horses, and our enemies, after following them a short distance, returned to the camp, and were now gathered about the fire, talking loudly and laughing uproariously.
Remembering the reports of the gun and the cries of distress I had heard, I ran my eye over the group to see if any of them were wounded; but my fears on this score were set at rest when I discovered the bodies of a couple of blood-hounds lying in front of the cabin.
These animals, as I afterward learned, had attacked our fellows with the utmost ferocity, and had been promptly shot by Duke Hampton.
Almost the first man my eyes rested on was Luke Redman, no longer bound and helpless, but standing erect among his companions, carrying General Mason’s valise in one hand and holding Black Bess with the other.
He was looking down at the hounds, and I knew by the fierce frown on his face that somebody would have to suffer for their death. Would he vent all his spite upon me, now that my companions were out of his reach?