Horse Shoe's successful escape from the hands of the Tories, it will be
conjectured, had been aided by Clopper. The sergeant had sufficiently
assured himself of the present safety of Butler, from the spirit with
which a strong party of Habershaw's followers had resisted the bloody
purpose of their leader before breakfast; and he had also, by the timely
reward secretly conveyed to Clopper, received a pledge from that
individual that the same protection should still be accorded to the
major, in the event of his own extrication from the gang by the perilous
exploit which he then meditated. It is no doubt apparent to the reader,
that the favor which saved the lives of the prisoners was won from the
captors by the address of Robinson, and that whatever good will was
kindled up amongst them, was appropriated principally to the sergeant,
Butler having elicited but little consideration from the band, beyond
that interest which the roughest men are apt to take in the fortunes of
a young and enterprising soldier. Neither the major's manners nor temper
were adapted to conciliate any special regard from such natures.
The escape of the sergeant, therefore, although it added nothing to the
perils of Butler's situation, still operated in some degree to his
present inconvenience. It caused him to be more rigorously guarded than
before, and consequently to be more restricted in his personal comfort.
He was hurried forward at a rough and uneasy pace; and both from
Habershaw and Curry, and those more immediately of their party, he
experienced a surly indifference to the pain that this occasioned him.
They seemed to have no regard either to his wants or feelings, and in
the passing remarks that fell from them he could gather harsh surmises
as to the manner in which he was now likely to be disposed of.
"It is their own fault," said one of them to his companion, as Butler
overheard the conversation; "if every prisoner is strung up and shot
now-a-days. He makes no more of hanging out people than so many wolves;
and there was Captain Huck--will any man say that Sumpter hadn't him
murdered in cold blood?"
"Yes," added the other, "let a Tory be caught over yonder amongst the
Iredell Whigs, on t'other side of the line, or in Tryon, or down here at
the Waxhaws, why, a grey fox in a barn yard with forty dogs would have
as good a chance for his life. So, for my share, I am glad to see our
folks break up that blasted breed, root and branch."
"Innis has got as keen a nose for a Whig as a bloodhound," said the
first speaker, "and won't stop long to consider what's right to be done,
if he gets this chap in his clutches; so it is of no great account that
we didn't make short work of it this morning."
Such remarks produced a gloomy effect upon Butler's mind. He had
witnessed enough, in the scenes of the morning, to convince him that
Habershaw had been employed to waylay him and take his life, and that
the latter purpose had only failed by the lucky conjuncture of
circumstances which led to the mutiny. He was aware, too, that Curry was
the prime conductor of the scheme, and drove matters, by a secret
influence, as far as he could towards its accomplishment, whilst with a
professional hardihood and most hypocritical bearing he affected to be
indifferent to the issue. This fellow's malice was the more venomous
from his address, and the gay, swaggering, remorseless levity with which
he could mask the most atrocious designs: nothing could baffle his
equanimity; and he seemed to be provided, at all times, with a present
expedient to meet the emergency of his condition.
The most perplexing feature in this man's present position was his
recent connexion with Tyrrel; a fact that recurred to Butler with many
alarming doubts. All the other circumstances accompanying Butler's
condition, at this moment, were subjects of distressful uncertainty.
Ignorant of the place to which he was to be taken, into whose hands he
was to be delivered, how he was to be disposed of, he could only
anticipate the worst. It was obvious that his journey was an expected
one, and that the gang who held him were employed by persons in
authority, set on, no doubt, by the agency of Tyrrel: but where was
he--and who was he?--and what influence could he bring to bear against
his, Butler's life, now that he had failed in his bloody purpose of
lying in wait; and that it was resolved by these ruffians, who had in
part only obeyed his behests, to deliver their prisoner up to the
regular authorities of the British army? The mention of the name of
Innis by one of the troopers was not calculated to allay his inquietude.
This person he knew to have been an active confederate and eager adviser
of the new court, lately established at Charleston, to promote the
confiscation of the estates of the inhabitants of Carolina disaffected
to the royal cause. He was, besides, a zealous Tory partisan, and,
having lately joined the army, was now in command of a detachment of
loyalists on the Ennoree.
Then, again, there was abundant cause of anxiety to the unfortunate
officer in the question whether Robinson could be kept acquainted with
his condition, or even of the place to which he might be removed--and if
acquainted with these particulars, whether, in the disturbed state of
the country, he could render any service. These thoughts all contributed
to sink his spirits.
Notwithstanding the usual assumed levity of Curry, he had now become
resentful towards Butler, and did not give himself the trouble to
conceal it. His manner was quick and unaccommodating, showing his
vexation at his own want of sagacity, inferred by the successful flight
of Robinson. Expressions occasionally escaped him that indicated a
self-reproof on this subject, though they were partially disguised by an
affected undervaluing of the importance of having such a prisoner, so
long as he retained the custody of the principal object of the
enterprise. But the consciousness of being again baffled by a man who
had once before obtained the mastery over him, roused his pride into the
exhibition of a peevish and vindictive demeanor. In this temper he
seconded the brutal disposition of Habershaw, and abandoned the captive
officer to the coarse insults of those who exercised control over him.
There was some mitigation to this annoyance, in the reserved and partial
spirit in which the insurgent party of the squad manifested some slight
signs of good will towards him. An instance of this spirit was afforded
in a passing hint conveyed by Clopper, on one occasion when the troop
had halted to water their horses. "Whatever is to come of it, after we
give you up to other hands," he said, apart to Butler, "we will stick to
the ground we have taken, that no harm shall be done to you in our
keeping."
The day was intensely hot, and the road, over which the party travelled,
rugged and fatiguing; it was, therefore, near one o'clock when they came
in sight of the Tiger, a rough, bold, impetuous stream that rushed over
an almost unbroken bed of rocks. On the opposite bank was Blackstocks, a
rude hamlet of some two or three houses, scattered over a rugged
hill-side--a place subsequently rendered famous by the gallant repulse
of Tarleton by Sumpter. The troop struck into a narrow ford, and, with
some scrambling amongst the rocks, succeeded in crossing the stream;
they then galloped rapidly up the hill, towards a farm-house which
seemed to be the principal place of resort for the people of the
neighborhood. The approach of the party of cavalry drew to the door a
bevy of women, children, and negroes, who stood idly gaping at the
spectacle; and, in addition to these, a detachment of militia,
consisting of between twenty and thirty men, were seen to turn out and
form a line in front of the house. Habershaw, with an air of magnified
importance, halted opposite this detachment, gave a few prompt orders to
Curry in regard to the disposition of the troop, and in an authoritative
tone of command, ordered the officer of the militia to detail a guard
for the safe keeping of a prisoner of state. The personage addressed--a
tall, ungainly, and awkward subaltern--signified his acquiescence with a
bow, and immediately took possession of Butler by seizing the rein of
his horse and leading him to one side, where two men, armed with rifles,
placed themselves at either stirrup. Habershaw now directed his men to
alight, accompanying the order with a caution that the prisoner was not
to be allowed to enter the house. "The d----d rascal," he added, "shall
not play the trick of his rebel associate: no more privilege of going
into bar-rooms, and lounging about doors! See the man stowed away in the
barn; and tell the sentinels never to take their eyes off of him--do you
hear, lieutenant?"
"You may depend upon my look-out," replied the lieutenant, with a
flourish of a hacked and rusty sword. "Men, march your prisoner straight
to the barn. Have a relief, Corporal, every two hours, and towards
night, set four on the watch at a time."
"Look to it, Lieutenant!" shouted Habershaw. "No words, sir: do your
duty!"
And having thus given vent to his own high opinion of himself the bulky
captain withdrew into the house.
Butler was now marched into a large log barn, in one corner of which an
armful of fodder, or dried blades of Indian corn, were shaken out for
his bed; and this, he was told, was to be his prison until other orders
awaited him. The guard, consisting of two sentinels, were stationed on
the inner side of the door, having the prisoner immediately under their
eye; and, this disposition being completed, the officer commanding the
detachment retired to mingle with the troopers in the farm-house.
Half an hour had scarcely elapsed after the arrival of the troopers at
Blackstocks, before James Curry had refreshed himself with a hasty meal,
and had his horse brought to the door. He seemed bound upon some urgent
mission.
"Captain St. Jermyn, you say, left this at sunrise this morning?" said
the dragoon, addressing the lieutenant of the militia.
"He did. He was here all day yesterday, and thought he should hear from
you last night."
"What route did he take?"
"To Turnbull, at Ninety-Six."
"Is Turnbull there now, think you?"
"He is," replied the lieutenant. "They say orders have gone up from
Cornwallis to the post for four light companies, and it is expected that
Captain Campbell is now on his way with them towards Camden; neither
Turnbull nor Cruger would leave the post."
"I have heard that this corps was marching to head-quarters Are you sure
St. Jermyn is not with Campbell?"
"He said nothing about it yesterday, but I think he wishes to join
Colonel Innis with the loyalist cavalry."
"Where is Innis?" inquired Curry.
"Over on Ennoree, about two miles from Musgrove's mill."
"Humph!" said Curry, thoughtfully, "I must ride to the garrison at
Ninety-Six. The devil take this cantering about the country! I have had
more than enough of it."
And saying this, the dragoon mounted his horse, and clapping spurs to
the restive animal, was soon out of sight.
It was late in the day before the wants of Butler were attended to. He
had thrown aside his coat, from the oppressive heat of the weather, and,
placing it under his head for a pillow, had fallen into a sleep, from
which he was awakened by a summons from one of the sentinels to partake
of food. There was more kindness apparent in the demeanor of the soldier
than Butler had been accustomed to meet from the persons who held him
captive, and this circumstance won upon his heart and induced him to
accept with courtesy the proffered attentions.
"You live in a divided country, and witness much to make a good man wish
this unhappy war was at an end," said Butler, after he had eaten of the
provisions placed before him.
"Indeed we do, sir," replied the soldier, "and it is enough to make a
man's heart bleed to see brothers fighting against each other, and
kindred that ought to hold together seeking each other's lives. Men will
have, and ought to have their opinions, sir; but it is hardly good
reason for treating one another like savage Indians, because all cannot
think alike."
"Do you live in this neighborhood?" inquired Butler.
"Not far away," answered the man.
"You are married?"
"Yes, and have six children."
"They should be young," said Butler, "judging by your own age."
"Thank God, sir!" exclaimed the soldier, with fervor, "they are young!
And I would pray that they may never live to be old if these wars are to
last. No father can count upon his own child's living in harmony with
him. My boys, if they were grown enough, might be the first I should
meet in battle."
"Your name, friend?" said Butler.
"Bruce," replied the other.
"A good and a brave name; a name once friendly to the liberty of his
country."
"Stop, sir!" said the sentinel. "This is not the place to talk upon
questions that might make us angry with each other. It is a name still
friendly to the liberty of his country; that liberty that supports the
king and laws, and punishes treason."
"I cannot debate with you," replied Butler; "I am your prisoner."
"I am a man," said the soldier, firmly, "and would not take advantage of
him that cannot take his own part; but these questions, sir, are best
dropped--they have made all the provinces mad. However, I do not blame
you, sir; I will not deny that there are good men on your side."
"And on yours, doubtless," returned Butler.
"We have many bad ones, sir," returned the soldier; "and as you have
spoken like a well-tempered gentleman to me, I will give you a friendly
hint." Here the sentinel spoke in a lowered tone. "Have your eyes about
you; these men are none of the best, and would think but little of
taking from you anything of value. As you slept, just now, I saw a
golden trinket hanging by a ribbon in your bosom. You are a young man,
sir, and a soldier, I hear; this may be some present from your lady, as
I guess you have one. If others had seen it, as I saw it, you might have
been the loser. That's all."
"Thank you, honest friend! from my heart, I thank you!" replied Butler
eagerly. "Oh, God! that bauble is a consolation to me that in this hour
I would not part with--no, no! Thank you, friend, a thousand times!"
"Have done," said the soldier, "and in future be more careful. The
relief is coming this way."
And the sentinel, taking up his rifle, repaired to his post. In a few
moments the guard was changed, and those lately on duty were marched to
the dwelling-house.
When night came on the immediate guard around Butler's person was
doubled. Some few comforts were added to his forlorn prison by the
kindness of the soldier Bruce, and he was left to pass the weary hours
of darkness in communion with his own thoughts, or in the enjoyment of
such repose as his unhappy state of thraldom allowed. If the agitation
of his spirit had permitted sleep, there were but few moments of the
night when it might have been indulged. The outbursts of revelry, the
loud and boisterous laugh, and still louder oaths of the party who
occupied the dwelling-house near at hand, showed that they had plunged
into their usual debauch, and now caroused over their frequently filled
cups; and the clamor that broke upon the night might have baffled the
slumbers of a mind less anxious and wakeful than his own.
The party of troopers and militia sat at the door to take advantage of
the coolness of the night, and as they plied the busy flagon, and with
heavy draught grew more noisy, scarce a word fell from their lips that
was not distinctly heard by Butler. It was with intense interest,
therefore, that he listened to the conversation when it led to a topic
that greatly concerned himself; and that he might not alarm the
suspicion of the speakers he affected sleep.
"Sumpter has been hovering about Ninety-Six," said the lieutenant; "and
if one could believe all the stories that are told about him, he must be
a full cousin at least to a certain person that it wouldn't be right to
mention in respectable company; for, by the accounts, he is one day on
the Wateree, and the next, whoop and away!--and there he is, almost over
at Augusta. It seems almost past the power of human legs for a mortal
man to make such strides as they tell of him."
"Who says Sumpter is near Ninety-Six?" inquired one of the party; "I can
only say, if that's true, he is a ghost--that's all. Here's Harry Turner
will swear that he saw him, day before yesterday, in North Carolina, on
his march towards Burk."
"Indeed did I," responded Harry, one of the militia-men.
"There is no mistake about it," interposed the lieutenant. "A vidette of
Brown's came scampering through here this morning, who reported the
news; and the man had good right to know, for he saw Cruger yesterday,
who told him all about it, and then sent him off to Wahab's plantation,
near the Catawba fords, for Hanger's rangers. It was on his way back
this morning that he stopped here five minutes, only to give us
warning?"
"This is only some story that your drunken head has been dreaming about,
Gabriel," said Habershaw. "There is not a word of truth in it; the
rangers went down to Camden three days ago. Who saw the vidette besides
yourself?"
"The whole detachment," replied the lieutenant. "We talked to the man
and had the story from him--and a queer fellow he was--a good stout chap
that liked to have been caught by a pair of reconnoitring Whigs, a few
miles back between this and Pacolet; they pushed him up to the
saddleflaps. But you must have seen him yourself, Captain Habershaw;
for he told us you were on the road."
"From towards Pacolet!" exclaimed the captain with surprise. "We saw
nobody on that road. When did the man arrive?"
"About an hour before you. He came at full speed, with his horse--a
great, black, snorting beast seventeen hands high at least--all in a
foam. He was first for passing by without stopping, but we challenged
him and brought him short upon his haunches, and then he told us he was
in a hurry, and mustn't be delayed."
"What kind of a looking man was he?" inquired Habershaw.
"A jolly fellow," replied the lieutenant: "almost as big as his horse. A
good civil fellow, too, that swigs well at a canteen. He made a joke of
the matter about your coming up, and called you old Cat-o'-nine
tails--said that you were the cat, and your nine tag-rags were the
tails--ha, ha ha!"
"Blast the bastard!" exclaimed Habershaw; "who could he be?"
"Why we asked that, but he roared out with a great haw-haw--took another
drink, and said he was never christened."
"You should, as a good soldier," said Habershaw, "have made him give his
name."
"I tried him again, and he would only let us have a nickname; he told us
then that he was called Jack-o'-Lantern, and had a special good stomach,
and that if we wanted more of him we must give him a snatch of something
to eat. Well, we did so. After that, he said he must have our landlord's
sword, for his own had been torn from him by the Whig troopers that
pushed him so hard, and that the bill for it must be sent to Cruger. So
he got the old cheese-knife that used to hang over the fire-place and
strung it across his shoulder. He laughed so hard, and seemed so
good-natured, that there was no doing anything with him. At last he
mounted his horse again, just stooped down and whispered in my ear at
parting, that he was an old friend of yours, and that you could tell us
all the news, and away he went, like a mad bully, clinking it over the
hill at twenty miles to the hour."
"A black horse did you say?" inquired Habershaw. "Had he a white star in
the forehead, and the two hind legs white below the knee?"
"Exactly," said the lieutenant and several others of the party.
"It was Horse Shoe Robinson!" exclaimed Habershaw, "by all the black
devils!"
"Horse Shoe, Horse Shoe, to be sure!" responded half a dozen voices.
"He was a famous good rider, Horse Shoe or anybody else," said the
lieutenant.
"That beats all!" said one of the troopers; "the cunning old fox! He
told the truth when he said you would tell the news, captain: but to
think of his lies getting him past the guard, with a sword and a
bellyfull into the bargain!"
"Why didn't you report instantly upon our arrival?" asked Habershaw.
"Bless you," replied the lieutenant, "I never suspicioned him, more than
I did you. The fellow laughed so naturally that I would never have
thought him a runaway."
"There it is," said Habershaw; "that's the want of discipline. The
service will never thrive till these loggerheads are taught the rules of
war."
Butler had heard enough to satisfy him on one material point, namely,
that Robinson had secured his escape, and was in condition to take
whatever advantage of circumstances the times might afford him. It was a
consolation to him also to know that the sergeant had taken this route,
as it brought him nearer to the scene in which the major himself was
likely to mingle. With this dawn of comfort brightening up his doubts,
he addressed himself more composedly to sleep, and before daylight, the
sounds of riot having sunk into a lower and more drowsy tone, he
succeeded in winning a temporary oblivion from his cares.