Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-05-01
CHAPTER xIx.-econtinued1

i suppose that we might put the same
question to you that you have proposed
to us" said Forstall.
Perhaps you might, mister, but as
we happen to be the strongest party, we
can have it pretty much our own way,
i take il" returned one of the party with
an insolent voice. "Are you the kings
men?"
IL you insist on knowing" said Hen
derson, boldly, ''we are going to join
Major Gainey on the Pedee."
thought So" said one Of the men
to his comrades. They appeared to be
like kings men from the first"
Now we have been frank with you,
we would like to know whether we are
dealing with friends or foes" asked Hen
derson, laying hand on his sword.
We are of the right sort-so make
yourselves easy. We're going to join
Major Wemyss, who has been enlisting
men on the Black river, but is now work
ing up toward the Catawba. When he
gets his complement of men he's going
to cooperate with Col. Tarleton in driv-
Ing Marion out of the country"
THAT will be a welcome event to ali
true Loyalsts," replied Forstall
1T will, indeed" replied one of the
Tories, land it is an event which Will
soon take place"
They say Marion and his men are
ragged, cowardly vagabonds who can't
stand a regular charge of disciplined
troops" said another.
"Wemyss and Tarleton will soon burst
on him like a clap of thunder" added a
third.
"Gainey, l understand, is near Brit
tons Neck" observed Henderson, by way
of a feeler.
About four miles below" was the I'M
hesitating reply, which convinced both
Forstall and Henderson that be spoke
the truth.
He's a terrible fellow, but they say
he's dead in love, Notwithstanding" add
ed the Loyalist THE gals a Wing.
One of Stricklands gals, up to Britton's
Neck. Her father was at the battle of
Camden, and was taken prisoner"
There's love on both sides, l sup
pose| continued Frank.
Not a bit of it; but that don't daunt
him. | know very we'll what he intends
to do
What do you think?'
Why, some time he'll send up de-
tachment of men and march the gal
away
Henderson now piled the Tories with
questions, until he had extorted all they
knew in relation to the movements of the
different predatory bands, and some of the
information thus obtained was of consid-
cradle Importance.
II wonder" said Forstall, whit will
be done with all the rebel prisoners taken
at the battle of Camden?
Two hundred of 'em are on the way
to Charleston, under guard of ninety
British soldiers" replied the Loyalist
who had been most laxative.
Franks heart beat high with hope and
expectation when he heard this announce
ment, for possibly Mr. Strickland was
among the prisoners; if so, there was a
strong possibility that something might
be done to set him at liberty.
THAT is an excellent idea !" exclaimed
Forstall. II dare say they will pass Mel
sons Ferry on the way"
81 know they will, for l heard Capt.
Ball say So" was the reply.
Our two friends wished them a good
night" and rode forward, glad to shake
them off, and gratifed by the valuable
information they had so unexpectedly OBJ
tanned.
"Since we parted with those fellows"
said Forstall, after they had ridden some
distance, Il have thought of plan by
which | might not only benefit our cause
generally, if l succeed, but also crafty a
desire of my own, of a more private ma
ture. 1t is to ride boldly toward Cam
den, and meet the prisoners that are on
the way to Charleston"
But what will insure your personal
safety?" said Henderson.
II will confidently assert. when ques-
toned, that l am going to Camden to
join the forces under CORVALLIS"
That may answer your purpose, and
it may not; it is bold measure. and l
seriously doubt whether it is practicable"
Il will test its practicability. at all
events. l will leave you at Britton's
Neck, and trust myself to the uncertain
chances of success" replied Forstal. in
firm tone.
Having determined on this enterprise
no arguments could divert him from mis-
purpose; and accordingly, Forstall part
ed with his friend and turned his horses
head toward Camden. He passed Mr..
Strickiand's dwelling, and sighed as it
faded from view.
The incidents of our story now oblire
rs to leave Frank for while, and look
after Cunningham and his band. Since
ais last repulse by Capt. Halves he had
oeen busily engaged in recruiting his
i9rces and committing depredations uDon
he inhabitants about Nelson's Ferry and
all along between the Santee and tba
Pedee He had been the most active in
distributing printed copies of Lord Corn.
wallis last proclamation, and in corsa.
,uence of it, had received daily additior,
% his ranks. To see a man coming into
amp with a musket upon his shouldar
was an event so common that it scarcely
attracted attention: therefore on the fol
owing morning nobody wondered or OK
iibited establishment when a stout and
awkward young man Stalked into the en-
.ampment of the Bloody Scout" If the
newcomer excited any particular atten-
ion it was that prompted by curiosity :
or his dress was unique, his hair long
md tangled. his face decidedly verdaut in
expression. and his bearing far from dig
nifed He stalked in among the Loyal
SITS with an old rusty sword hanging hv
his side; horse pistols of the very largest
,ize were sticking from each pocket of a
tinted roundabout, and ne was industri-
'usly gnawing a crust of bread.
He stopped and stared at the horses.
he saddles, the arms and accoutrements
VI all kinds and in fact at everything
that met his vision but during all the
lime he was feasting his eyes he did not
tease TO gnaw at his crust.
You seem to be very much interested
n what you see here remarked an oti-
ser. addressing the young man.
I've come up to jine." said the inter
,sting youth addressed. taking large
bite from the nearest side of his crust.
Cunningham, attracted by the crowd.
1t that moment approached the stranger.
What's your name. my fine lad?' be
asked
''Eldad Tewksbury, at your service
and I've got an all jumpin' appetite. This
Junk of perviSion was loaf of bread
b,,~ I hoo. -, an tho south -s-1a 81