ndon Augusta."

"Yes, and in haste, let me tell you. And marches in this direction,
Major Butler, as he needs must. I shall make his acquaintance: and
inasmuch as you went to seek him, you may count it a lucky accident that
brought you here--you will find him all the sooner by it."

"Doubtless, sir, Colonel Clarke will feel proud to see you," returned
Butler.

"Well, M'Alpine," said Ferguson, "I have my hands full of business; for
I certainly have the wildest crew of devil's babies that ever stole
cattle, or fired a haystack. I am obliged to coax them into discipline
by a somewhat free use of this mother's milk"--(pointing to the
bottles)--"to which I now and then add a gentle castigation at the
drum-head, and, when that doesn't serve, a dose of powder and lead,
administered at ten paces from a few files of grenadiers. I have shot a
brace of them, since you left me, only for impertinence to their
officers! This waiting for Clarke plays the devil with us. I must be
moving, and have some thought of crossing the mountains westward, and
burning out the settlements. Faith! I would do it, just to keep my lads
in spirits, if I thought Clarke would give me another week. How, now,
Thady?--that buck should have been half roasted by this time. We shall
never have dinner with your slow work. Look at that, M'Alpine, there is
something to make your mouth water--an inch and a half of fat on the
very ridge of the back. Give over your prisoners to the camp major--he
will take care of them: and, hark you, captain," he added, beckoning his
comrade aside, "if you choose, as you seem to think well of this Major
Butler, you may bring him in to dinner presently, with my compliments.
Now, away--I must to business."

The prisoners were conducted to a separate building, where they were put
in charge of an officer, who performed the duties of provost-marshal
over some twenty or more Whigs that had been captured in the late
excursions of the Tories, and brought into camp for safe keeping. The
place of their confinement was narrow and uncomfortable, and Butler was
soon made aware that in the exchange of his prison at Musgrove's mill
for his present one, he had made an unprofitable venture. His condition
with Ferguson, however, was alleviated by the constantly-exciting hope
that the events which were immediately in prospect might, by the chances
of war, redound to his advantage.

In this situation Butler remained for several days. For although