d that covered a small tract of marshy
ground, the nature of which brought the party into a more compact body
as they approached the narrowest point of the defile. At a short
distance beyond this impediment the track became broader, where it
ascended a hill thickly covered with an undergrowth of bushes.

Our friends had scarcely arrived in the narrow pass before they
perceived on the hill in front of them, a company of some ten or fifteen
horse, rapidly advancing towards them. In a moment all conversation was
checked, and Harry Winter turning to his companions, had barely time to
remark,

"I answer all questions: be silent, and if asked, swear to the truth of
every word I say--steady: these fellows are Tories."

As he ceased speaking, the foremost of the strangers had already come up
to them.

"Where from, and whither do you go?" asked Harry Winter, with a stern
accent.

"From below Ninety-Six, and on our road to Fort Granby," replied a
clownish voice.

"Peace, you knave!" interrupted one who appeared to be the leader of the
party, and whose carriage and demeanor announced him to be an officer;
"by what authority do you undertake to answer a challenge on the
highway? Back, to your place, sir."

The rebuked rustic hung his head, as he reined his horse back into the
crowd that now thronged the road.

"As we are of the larger party," said the same person, addressing
himself to Winter, "we have the right to the word. Who are you and
whence come you?"

"We belong to Floyd's new draft," replied Winter with great coolness,
"and left Winnsborough yesterday morning."

"And where bound?"

"To Augusta, on business with Brown."

"Ah ha!" exclaimed the officer, "Brown is pinched by the rebels. It is
well you have thought of him. What have you to say to him? Do you bear
despatches?"

"Your pardon, sir--that's a secret."

"You need not be afraid, good fellow, we are friends."

"I can hardly tell you the exact business," replied Winter. "You will
meet Floyd himself with a hundred men, before you ride five miles. I
believe we are going to reinforce the garrison."

"You will be very welcome," said the Tory officer, "Brown will give you
a hearty reception, but devilish slim fare; he is surrounded with
hornets."

"So much the better," replied Winter, "we have a knack at taking the
sting out of the hornets, now-a-days. Good morning, sir. Report us, if
you please, to Colonel Floyd, when you come across him, and tell h