The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-03-18

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Tommy Rufles said nothing. Though it
was evinced that he did not relish this
most interesting period for their foes,
be kept his place with iron resolution,
and determined to die rather than shrink
from his post of duty.
TIE little command of Americans were
in the thickest part of the wood, where
an object could not be seen dozen
PAGES away.
Captain Alton really depended as
much on his sense of hearing as upon
sight.
After listening few minutes they be-
gan to advance. Slowly and cautiously,
like beasts of prey stealing upon some
sleeping victim, the Americans crept
the woods, over hill and dale.
At every few rods they stopped and
listened, then continued still more cau-
tiously through the thickets and woods.
Their course was due north, and they
were getting between the right wing OF
the British army and the sea coast.
They came to small, narrow valley, IN
the center of which was cleared spot OF
ground, where was small mound.
Upon this mound Griffith halted and
told his followers it would be better fof
them to rest and listen. If the enemy
were making any move they could doubt
less hear them.
Griffith, what dye think them thar
Britishers are goin' to do, any way?"
asked one of the villagers.
II don't know. Ben but it certainly
has the appearance of concentrating
their forces toward the coast, as II the!
had an idea Of going aboard the man-of'
war"
Coin aboard the ship"
Yes"
What furp"
Doubtless to leave the coast"
"Why, law bless me, Grih, let 'em 60,
cried the villager; -ef they're tired o
Manoa. an want to give it up, don't tr!
to hinder EN-"
IF the prisoner on board the man-of-
war was safe in Manoa we would have nc
objections to their raising the siege OF
any moment; but if they should set sail
with Miss Ola Gatrell there is no telling
when, if ever, she would be released. Be-
sides, her most bitter enemy is aboard
that man -of-war.
4Oh, yes, GrifT; it is that scamp Bridges
what heerd about year ago. She met
him some ars, aud he kinder fell III love
with 'er, didn't he?"
He pretended that he did, but such an
infamous scoundrel as he is incapable OF
loving any one."
Ben, who was q very inquisitive fellow,
continued:
Didn't ys ys hev little fuss with him
I'VE have exchanged shots, and within
the last few hours crossed swords.
Il thought I heerd somethin' about tibet
afore, but guess I've forgot all that
did hear"
Quiet" commanded the Captain in an
under tone. Unless my ears deceive me,
hear the tread of many feet"
All became quiet as death, and in few
the tread Of feet became more
audible.
"Thar's some 'un, Griff; sure's you live.
thar's some 'un goin' round through them
woods.
Remain hert-don't move," cautioned
Captain Alton. UNLESS my ears entirely
deceive Inc, the British army is marching
down to the coast.
The villagers from Manoa sssented, and
Captain Alton, accompanied by Tommy
Rutfles only, crept over the hill in the
direction Of the sounds Of marching men.
CHAPTER XIII.
SIGNAL.
The quick, nervous ear of Tommy
Ruffles was painfully strained.
Als. eyes we're opened to their widest
extent, and he jerked his head from side
to side, as if he expected some British
sharp shooter WAS about to blaze away Of
him.
Griffith Captain Alton-d'ye see
NO. Tommy: We will be as likely to
discover them as they us, and more so,
for they Go not suspect our being SO near
them, while We know just where they
ere," Captain Alton answered, in mens-
ure to assure his somewhat timid COM
panion.
-B.b-but, -Griff, we are but hand
full and they great army"
They have no knowledge of our num-
bers, and so long as they are in ignorance
of that fact we are safe. They may think
that We have an army concealed IN these
woods, and we need not tell them that We
do not number score.
1t Will soon be pltcn-uaTk.
Yes; but that will be to our advantage
tho Captain said. While it is yet light
let US ascertain from whence come
those sounds of marching men"
The sounds they heard were but short
distance away, and despite all his efforts
10 take matters coolly, Tommy Ruffies,
nervousness increased.
However, he had worked himself up to
that pitch that, had he known it was Ger.
tain death to take forward step, he
would have kept at the side of hs COM
panior, who was advancing fear!essly
up the ascent among the trees. The sun
was down, and q dark-gray twilight was
stealing over the face of nature, which
was considerably intensified by the black
branches of the dense forest.
They once more halted and Captain
Alton slid:
Tommy, do you remember the old
road which leads from Belfast around
those bluffs and highlands 10 the beach,"
yes"
We must be near it, are we not?'
Yes, I don't think it can be very far
awav, but it's gettin so dark, Gritf, We kin
hardly see anything"
We'll find the British on that road
Tommy" continued the anxious Captain,
who was paying little attention to the
lateness of the hour or the new danger ii
might ense, der. Now hold your breath,
Tommy, tip.toe and follow me-.
although Tommy was quaking like an
aspen, and would ha-I given everything
he possessed at that moment to be safe at
home, he set his chattering teeth close
together, and followed his leader. They
crcpt forward until the sounds of march
ing mon seemed but few rods away.
Haiti" voice in the darkness COM
manded.