“Hold your ground,” roared Clarage, his bull-like voice plainly to be heard above all the confusion. His men had drawn together in a group, their horses pawing and fighting for their heads against the tautly-drawn bridles.
“The pistols,” whispered Tom. “Fire!”
The long-barreled pistols, of which each of the swamp-riders carried two, exploded in their turn; a man and several horses went down; then the second pistol came into play for a third volley with deadly results. By this time Clarage and his followers, or what were left of them, were struck by a panic; the three volleys of shots from the thicket made it seem as though the ambushment was composed of a great number of men; so, when the four leaped in a body into the road, their swords flashing, and Tom turned and called, as though cheering on still more, “Come on, lads; down with the Tories,” the escort could not be restrained, but gave rein to their steeds and fled down the road toward the Congaree with the raging Clarage thundering at their heels at every bound.
At their flight Tom placed his foot on the hub of a wheel and sprang into the leading wagon.
“Lucy,” he cried, “Mr. Foster.”
“It’s Mars Tom,” cried Dogberry, who had been driving the wagon, but who at the first shot had dived under the seat. “It’s Mars Tom, Missy Lucy. We’s safe again. Ha, ha, ha!”
In a moment Lucy Foster and her father were thanking them for this timely service. Both were pale and worn-looking, especially Mr. Foster, who had been greatly disturbed at the attack of the swamp-riders.
“We were on our way north,” explained Mr. Foster, “and were approaching Fishdam Ferry when we were pounced upon by this man Clarage and his ruffians. All that I have been able to save is contained in these wagons; that and our lives, also, would have been lost had you not appeared just as you did.”
“Oh, when will it all end,” cried poor Lucy, wringing her hands. “It is dreadful; I shall never forget the scenes I have witnessed in the past few weeks!”
“Don’t fear,” soothed Tom. “Marion will lend you an escort and see your father safe on your journey. Meanwhile we had better be on our way back. Major James will be awaiting us.”