For some minutes Nat did not speak. The distance from Cedar Swamp to the Black Run spoken of in the letter was but little, if any, over seven miles, and every man in the brigade was well acquainted with the road. There was no necessity for immediate action, as the distance could be got over, on the following day, from sunset till ten o’clock.
“Well, Simon, you are our good genius,” said Nat. “The intelligence you bring is important enough, and you can tell your father he may rest assured that I will act upon it. Gen. Clinton will find that the best hundred men in the British army would be insufficient to effect our capture; and, as for the tories of Black Run, all I have to say is, that if there are not a few unwelcome guests intruding upon their meeting before it comes to a close, it will be because there are no true patriots left in the Carolinas. Will you remain with us to-night?”
“I guess I had better. You see the roan can stand as hard a pelt as most horses, but it will not do to work her too hard. She has got over near thirty miles to-day, and thirty more would be a little too much.”
“You are right, Simon; turn in with us. Accommodations are rather poor, but I think you can stand it.”
“If I stay to-night, I am afraid you will have to keep me to-morrow, too. The Britishers are on the road, and stopped me as I was coming down, but I trumped up a pretty long story for them. If they see me again, they may stick a little closer.”
“Never mind that. You are welcome to stay as long as you choose, provided you are willing to brave our hardships and dangers. You shall always be welcome. For to-night you must share my bed, such as it is.”
Wearied with his long ride, the young patriot needed no second urging. He was soon fast asleep. Early in the following morning the whole brigade was, as usual, up and astir. Simon’s mysterious appearance created some surprise, for the arrival of the previous night had not been spoken of by the sentinel; but when it was hinted that he brought important intelligence, which would doubtless bring them face to face with the enemy again, considerable enthusiasm was manifested, and two or three of the more immediate acquaintances of the blacksmith’s son, assumed the pleasant task of “pumping” him. Their success in this undertaking was by no means equal to their perseverance.
After an hour of ungratified curiosity had passed, the men were drawn up by command of Ernshaw, who stated that he had something to communicate, which, doubtless, they would be glad to hear.
“From a devoted friend of liberty,” said Nat, “residing in Charleston, I have just received a message. There is to be a meeting of tories held to-night at Ben Graham’s, on Black Run. From what I hear, I think it is their intention to assist the British troops in attempting our capture. Of course you know what I would wish to do; are you all with me?”
“All!” was the answer, given in a single breath.