Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-02-06
MARION'S BRIGADE
BY MAJOR j. H. ROBINSON

BE calm, good Benjamin" said Daw-
son. Il love quietness and order. Strife
and discord are repugnant to my ma
ture."
Look here, my little giant" resumed
Ben. wrathfully ''The queer notion has
entered my head that you must fight,
conscience or no conscience. What say
you to that, son of Anak"
Verify, l have fallen into the hands
of the Philistines," said Dawson. with
out the least sign of being disturbed in
temper.
The horsemen swept on, increasing
their cautiousness as they approached
the Tory camps. 1t was nearly morn
ing when they halted about a mile from
Britton's Neck. Gen. Marion, Major
James, Col. Horny and Capt. Logan then
held brief consultation. They con-
versed earnestly few moments, and
then took their respective positions ac-
cording to rank. Marion then made a
short and spirited address to his men.
He spoke of innocent blood poured out
like water upon the sacred affairs OF
liberty; of happy homes made desolate;
and the hottest human relations desecrat-
ed and trampled upon. He begged OF
every man to bear these things in mind,
and to strike home.
1--WE will strike deep and sule," said
Forstall
murmur of appreciation ran along
the lines, and the men cried out in stern
voices
Lead US onr'
Marion now put himself at the head
of the brigade, and the party again NOV
ed forward. Forstall thought of Ruth
Strickland, and earnestly hoped that he
might meet Gainey face to face. Job
Dawson was still in the ranks next to
Ben Rowan. His great saber hung at
his side, and his demeanor was charac-
terized by the same tranquility that had
distinguished him from the first. Ben
Rowan appeared rather surly, and occa-
sionally cast threatening gldnces at Job.
Now comes the rub of this game" he
said to the latter; ''and it won't be ex-
actly wholesome for you to show your
back to the enemy. If you play us any
of your Quaker tricks, will send some
thing after you that will bring you to
your bearings of sudden"
IF thine enemy smite thee on one
cheek, turn to him the other also," said
Dawson.
You're humbug," retorted Rowan.
"Be silentv said Capt. Logan. "Yon-
der are the camp fires of the Tories.
Softly, men-softly. Hold on to your
weapons; don't let them jingle too much.
Be ready to charge when the General
gives the word. Try and do your best,
my boys. Give those heavy downward
cuts that save a surgeon further trou-
ble."
"Haltr' said Marion, in low voice.
"Mr, Forstall,' he added, go forward,
cautiously, and reconnoiter a little Be
prudent and don't keep US waiting long"
Forstall threw his bridal rein to Ben
Rowan, dismounted and proceeded to
obey orders. He advanced silently about
three hundred yards, when the Tory en-
campment appeared in full view. 1t was
now near daylight, and some of the enc
my were already astir. In one place a
group were sitting upon the earth, con
versing in low tones. A half-dozen were
stretched out at full length upon the
ground beside a smoldering fire. In an
other place two or three were standing
| and as many more reclining. Others
were preparing to cook breakfast. The
sentinels had neglected their duty; one
was asleep on his post and another was
| talking with some of the men. In the
rear of the encampment Forstall saw a
| few early risers looking after their
horses and rubbing them down.
Our hero FASTENED back, relating what
he had seen and received the thanks
OF the general for his services. Prep
arations were instantly made to charge
into the Tory camp. At this crisis the
accidental discharge of a pistol produc-
ed sudden tumult in the enemy's quar-
tiers. Before a minute had elapsed many
of the Tories were in the saddle, and
the voice of Gainey was heard calling
on them to make a bold stand and ac-
quit themselves like men.
Charge, my brave fellows, and be
merciful to those who ask quarterv'
cried Marion.
"Come onp' exclaimed Ben Rowan,
darling a threatening look at Job Daw-
son. Lay hold of your war scythe and
keep your face in the right direction;
none Of the white feather here"
Forstall glanced at Job. He saw that
|
but the large horse which he bestrode
was rearing and plunginC and champing
the steel bit as if animated and mad
dened with the spirit of battle The
brigade bore down like a resstless ava
lanche upon the foe A discharge of
pistols and carbines did not stagger them
or do any mischief. and in an instant
the sabers of the dragons were doing
fearful work.
Forstall resolved to keep his eyes on
poor Job Dawson. Our hero felt quite
sure that were he ever so much dispos-
ed to fight, he would not WELD the ex-
traordinary weapon with which he had
provided himself. Notwithstanding all
the excitement of battle, he reproached
himself that he had not interfered to pre-
vent Rowan from forcing him into dan
ger.
But it was now too late to indulge in
regrets-and Job for a moment was shut
from his sight by a cloud of smoke.
Forstall had now enough to occupy his
attention, and as he laid about him with
strength and ardor, he had no time to
look after his Quaker friend.
The Tories fell back and made another
stand, encouraged by their c. mrades
who had turned out and rallied in the
rear. At that juncture Forstall saw
Ben Rowan in a most critical condition.
He had in his impetuosity, advanced
beyond his division and was surrounded
by the enemy.
Forstan pressed the spurs into his
horses sides and endeavored to reach
his friend, but the Tories had rallied.
and he now found himself in as exposed
and dangerous position-and ne gave
Ben Rowan mp for lost CHANGING to-
ward him second time he saw Job
Dawson's mammoth horse plunging for
ward with irresistible fury, bearing down
all in his way, until he was half his
length in advance of Rowan.
But what surprised our hero most of
all was to see Job Dawson grasp his ire
mendous saber and swing it in the air
as though it was but fiimsy lath For
stall held his breath with establishment
and expectation. He saw the ponderous