had now become
resentful towards Butler, and did not give himself the trouble to
conceal it. His manner was quick and unaccommodating, showing his
vexation at his own want of sagacity, inferred by the successful flight
of Robinson. Expressions occasionally escaped him that indicated a
self-reproof on this subject, though they were partially disguised by an
affected undervaluing of the importance of having such a prisoner, so
long as he retained the custody of the principal object of the
enterprise. But the consciousness of being again baffled by a man who
had once before obtained the mastery over him, roused his pride into the
exhibition of a peevish and vindictive demeanor. In this temper he
seconded the brutal disposition of Habershaw, and abandoned the captive
officer to the coarse insults of those who exercised control over him.
There was some mitigation to this annoyance, in the reserved and partial
spirit in which the insurgent party of the squad manifested some slight
signs of good will towards him. An instance of this spirit was afforded
in a passing hint conveyed by Clopper, on one occasion when the troop
had halted to water their horses. "Whatever is to come of it, after we
give you up to other hands," he said, apart to Butler, "we will stick to
the ground we have taken, that no harm shall be done to you in our
keeping."

The day was intensely hot, and the road, over which the party travelled,
rugged and fatiguing; it was, therefore, near one o'clock when they came
in sight of the Tiger, a rough, bold, impetuous stream that rushed over
an almost unbroken bed of rocks. On the opposite bank was Blackstocks, a
rude hamlet of some two or three houses, scattered over a rugged
hill-side--a place subsequently rendered famous by the gallant repulse
of Tarleton by Sumpter. The troop struck into a narrow ford, and, with
some scrambling amongst the rocks, succeeded in crossing the stream;
they then galloped rapidly up the hill, towards a farm-house which
seemed to be the principal place of resort for the people of the
neighborhood. The approach of the party of cavalry drew to the door a
bevy of women, children, and negroes, who stood idly gaping at the
spectacle; and, in addition to these, a detachment of militia,
consisting of between twenty and thirty men, were seen to turn out and
form a line in front of the house. Habershaw, with an air of magnified
importance, halted opposite this detachment, gave a few prompt order