The Irish standard., 1912-05-11


edge Of the stream. There was a
young moon in the sky yielding
spectral light, barely making those
faces nearest me visible. At the sum-
NIT of the clay bank, Swallowed by the
forest growth encircling them. we're
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-
Der before we came?"
"Forty.seven rifles" the Lieuten-
ants voice nasal, and high pitched.
'The men from Orchard and Spring
dale arc not in yet How many ar
rived with you?"
Twenty: ample for our purpose,
even II the others fai! us. This is
Major Lawrence Of the Maryland
Line"
shook his long, thin hand, marking
the iron grip of the fingers.
We'll introduce you to some typical
Jersey fighting tonight, Major" he
said genially 1--WE have q style all
our own"
II had supposed had witnessed all
styles"
We'll see; the difference is that
! every man among us has some outrage
to revenge. Our quarrel is 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 a wagon train loaded with stuff
gathered up between Medford an
Mount Holly, together with consid-
cradle drove of cattle and some
horses"
"And what force?"
about fifty men originally. but re-
lnforced this afternoon with as many
more to help guard the train into
Philadelphia"
"Mounted?'
"The achievements were, but the
original foragers we're afoot; they
were Hessians: the others Grants
company of Queens Rangers"
"Glory be to God!" exclaimed a
voice near at hand. did We hear that.
lads? It's Dutchmen and Tories we're
against tonight Be CORY! wouldn't
have missed the chance Of this shindy
fer the best farm in Camden"
There was low growl from the
cluster of men. and an ominous move
ment of bodies pressing closer. Duval
LAUGHED mirthlessly.
THE bloodhound takes the scent
he said grimly. God help those poor
devils when we cut the leash, Far.
rell. Where do you propose meeting
them?"
Across there In the bluffs" point.
| ing, where the road turns In between
the high clay banks. Well leave ou1
horses here, an cross on foot. Is that
the right plan, boys?"
There was murmur Of acquies
cence, a few questions, and then the
silence Of approval. 1t 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 Strengthened
them out so as to count the number
| presenk
"Sixty-nine. all told" he announced
briefly. Cali right, boys, come on, and
keep your powder out Of the water >
It was firm bottom, but the water
rose above the waist, with sufficient
current 80 we had to brace against II