The state herald., 1912-11-29

NIT of the clay bank. shadowed by the
forest growth enclrcling them, were
the Others who had gathered at this
war rendezvous, the majority dis
mounted, holding their horses In readi-
ness for action. AS we rode in among
them neighbors clasped hands silent
ly but the words exchanged were few.
Farrell forced his horse through the
press toward where tall figure sat
stiff in the saddle, and my own horse
followed unguided.
"A goodly turnout, Duval." he COM
mented briefly. What was the num-
ber before we came?"
"Forty-seven rifles" the Lieuten-
ants voice nasal. and high pitched.
THE men from Orchard and Spring
dale are not in yet. How many ar
rived with your"
Twenty; ample for our purpose.
even II the others fail us. This is
Major Lawrence of the Maryland
Line"
shook his long thin hand, marking
the iron grip Of the fingers.
Wen introduce you to some typical
Jersey fighting tonight. Major" he
said genlally. I'VE have n style all
our own"
81 had supposed had witnessed all
styles"
Wen see; the difference is that
every man among us has some outrage
to revenge Our quarrel is n personal
one against thieves and murderers.
What is the program. Farrell?"
ITO intercept Delavan's raiders.
They will be along the main road
within the hour from all reports He
has wagon train loaded with stur
gathered up between Medford an
Mount Holly. together with a consld.
cradle drove Of cattle and some
horses"
And what force?"
about fifty men originally. but re-
inforced this afternoon with as many
more to help guard the train into
Philadelphia"
'Mounted?"
The reinforcements were, but the
original forngers were afoot: they
were llessians; the others Grants
company Of Queens Rangers"
GLORY be to Cod" exclaimed a
voice near nt hand. Did ye hear that.
lads? IT'S Dntchmen and Tories we're
against tonight BE CORY! wouldn't
have missed tho chance Of this shindy
fer the best farm In Camden"
There was a low growl from the
cluster OF men. and an omlnous move
ment OF bodies pressing closer. Duyal
laughed nnrthlessly.
THE bloodhound takes the scent"
he said grlmly. God help those poor
devils when We cut the leash. Far.
rell. Where do you propose meeting
them"
Across there in the bluns." point.
ing. where the road turns in between
the high clay banks. Wen leave our
horses here, an cross on foot Is that
the right plan. boys9"
There was murmur OF acqnies.
cence. few questions. and then the
silence OF approval It was evident
these minute men were under small
discipline. and their officers led only
by force Of character. without orders
the horses were led away. tied Sc,
curely In the black depths Of the
woods. and the men came struggling
back. rifles In hand. grouping them.
/ selves along the edge OF the stream.
There was no attempt at military
formation. but Duval stralghioned
them out No as to count the number
present
'SiXty-nlne, all told" he announced
briefly IAN right. boys. come on. and
keep your powder out OF the water. &"
II was firm bottom but the water
rose above the waist with sufficient
current so We had to brace against Il
In mid-stream. We tralled dropping
up the eastern bank. coming out upon
d welltrayelod road a hundred feet
beyond was the cleft through the clay.
and there Farrell halted uE. dividing
the men into two parties Under his
orders they disappeared like magic.
the silent night onFulhnF them com.
plctcly The three OF ur. Duyal. Far.
rell. and myself alone remained Ia
the deserted road
"Duyal." said tho blacksmith quiet.
~, "you an the Major feel your way
along 10 the top. an discover what ia
happening l'll stay here. an take
care OF the boys
The road was gradual rise, the
clay packed hard under foot, but from
tho summit We could look away for
some distance over a level country.
dlmly revealed under the new moon.
There was nothing In sight and no
sound disturbed the solitude We sat
down on n bunch Of turf. rines in
hand 10 walt patiently, our eyes scan.
ninT the distance
tru ma CONTINUED