Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-02-13
MARION'S BRIGADE
By MAJOR j. H. ROBINSON

While Halves was speaking the ad-
vance of the Tory band swept round a
point into sight, and presently the whole
party was visible.
AS soon as the advancing horsemen
| perceived the captains little party OF
ten they spurred forward more furiously
| with loud shouts of exultation. 1t was
very obvious that they felt sure of cut
ting the force of Rocky Greek to pieces
without losing a man; for it seemed to
| them like sheer madness for so small
party to resist them.
John Henderson sprang into the sad
die ard Captain Halves hurried his men
from the approaching enemy at double
| quick step. When he had retreated
about hundred yards he gave the or
der to halt" and right about face"
and the parties stood boldly with their
front to the foe
Here / mean to stay" exclaimed the
| captain, energetically, until some of
| them saddles are empty. Straight en- up,
| my lads, and stand firm; and if they try
to ride you down, fire, and let 'em ride
on the p'ints of your baganets, if they
want to. Here they are: now wen see
what our fellows in ambush will do"
The Tories came on, unconscious of
danger; but the bold bearing of the
handful of men under Halves caused
them to abate their speed when they had
reached the plateau between the thick
cts. The moment was suspicious for the
patriots; well-directed fire blazed from
the ambushed Americans; the effect was
to put many of the Tories into confu-
sion
Hawes improved the tine and poured
in his fire, which effectually checked
their advance. The voice of the leader
was heard trying to rally the astonished
Tories; but they could not be easily raj.
lied, for their enemies were concealed
from view, and their fears magnifed
their numbers greatly. The Tory Off
GERS shouted and threatened in vain;
those who could do so turned and fled,
and the officers were obliged to follow
their example.
When once fairly in motion their ter
ror seemed to lend them wings, and
they spurred on without regard to order,
glory or superiors, until they were far
beyond the reach of the men of Rocky
Creek.
IF your men were only mountedw
exclaimed Henderson.
'They must be mounted" replied
Halves. eve can never do what we
want to without horses. I've been think
in ont for some time. Horses are
scarce, for the Britishers and Tories
have stolen the best ones; but where
there's a will there's way. Men, catch
them animals that are runnin' about
yonder without any riders"
Several of the Royalsts were found
dead and half a dozen were severely
wounded. The dead were buried on the
spot, and the wounded were suitably
cared for.
They didn't make much by that
movement" said HAYES, thoughtfully,
''and we are in duty bound to thank
you for it, stranger" he added, turn
ing 70 Henderson.
The latter bowed without reply, and
the captain resumed, in a lower tone of
voice:
THAT there is an informer among my
men L am fully convinced. The Tories
couldn't have come down upon US so
sudden, and with so much certainty, if
they had not been we'll informed about
regard to our meetin's and intentions;
and if there hadn't been a traitor among
US, things couldn't have leaked out so
SOON"
DO you suspect am oneT asked
Henderson.
YES" replied Halves, "and l shall
keep my eye on him mighty sharp. Come,
stranger, go with us up to the settle
ment. l should like to have your ad-
vice, as you appear 70 be we'll acquaint
ed with the state of the country. J
have got a scheme in my head to pro-
vide my fellers with horses and arms,
and l dare say you are both able and
willin' to assist me, providin' you amt
otherwise engaged"
The Independent Fire-Eaters were
then faced for the settlement, and
marched away.