Horse-Shoe Robinson: A Tale of the Tory Ascendency

by John Pendleton Kennedy

  CHAPTER XIX.

  Horse Shoe's successful escape from the hands of the Tories, it will beconjectured, had been aided by Clopper. The sergeant had sufficientlyassured himself of the present safety of Butler, from the spirit withwhich a strong party of Habershaw's followers had resisted the bloodypurpose of their leader before breakfast; and he had also, by the timelyreward secretly conveyed to Clopper, received a pledge from thatindividual that the same protection should still be accorded to themajor, in the event of his own extrication from the gang by the perilousexploit which he then meditated. It is no doubt apparent to the reader,that the favor which saved the lives of the prisoners was won from thecaptors by the address of Robinson, and that whatever good will waskindled up amongst them, was appropriated principally to the sergeant,Butler having elicited but little consideration from the band, beyondthat interest which the roughest men are apt to take in the fortunes ofa young and enterprising soldier. Neither the major's manners nor temperwere adapted to conciliate any special regard from such natures.

  The escape of the sergeant, therefore, although it added nothing to theperils of Butler's situation, still operated in some degree to hispresent inconvenience. It caused him to be more rigorously guarded thanbefore, and consequently to be more restricted in his personal comfort.He was hurried forward at a rough and uneasy pace; and both fromHabershaw and Curry, and those more immediately of their party, heexperienced a surly indifference to the pain that this occasioned him.They seemed to have no regard either to his wants or feelings, and inthe passing remarks that fell from them he could gather harsh surmisesas to the manner in which he was now likely to be disposed of.

  "It is their own fault," said one of them to his companion, as Butleroverheard the conversation; "if every prisoner is strung up and shotnow-a-days. He makes no more of hanging out people than so many wolves;and there was Captain Huck--will any man say that Sumpter hadn't himmurdered in cold blood?"

  "Yes," added the other, "let a Tory be caught over yonder amongst theIredell Whigs, on t'other side of the line, or in Tryon, or down here atthe Waxhaws, why, a grey fox in a barn yard with forty dogs would haveas good a chance for his life. So, for my share, I am glad to see ourfolks break up that blasted breed, root and branch."

  "Innis has got as keen a nose for a Whig as a bloodhound," said thefirst speaker, "and won't stop long to consider what's right to be done,if he gets this chap in his clutches; so it is of no great account thatwe didn't make short work of it this morning."

  Such remarks produced a gloomy effect upon Butler's mind. He hadwitnessed enough, in the scenes of the morning, to convince him thatHabershaw had been employed to waylay him and take his life, and thatthe latter purpose had only failed by the lucky conjuncture ofcircumstances which led to the mutiny. He was aware, too, that Curry wasthe prime conductor of the scheme, and drove matters, by a secretinfluence, as far as he could towards its accomplishment, whilst with aprofessional hardihood and most hypocritical bearing he affected to beindifferent to the issue. This fellow's malice was the more venomousfrom his address, and the gay, swaggering, remorseless levity with whichhe could mask the most atrocious designs: nothing could baffle hisequanimity; and he seemed to be provided, at all times, with a presentexpedient to meet the emergency of his condition.

  The most perplexing feature in this man's present position was hisrecent connexion with Tyrrel; a fact that recurred to Butler with manyalarming doubts. All the other circumstances accompanying Butler'scondition, at this moment, were subjects of distressful uncertainty.Ignorant of the place to which he was to be taken, into whose hands hewas to be delivered, how he was to be disposed of, he could onlyanticipate the worst. It was obvious that his journey was an expectedone, and that the gang who held him were employed by persons inauthority, set on, no doubt, by the agency of Tyrrel: but where washe--and who was he?--and what influence could he bring to bear againsthis, Butler's life, now that he had failed in his bloody purpose oflying in wait; and that it was resolved by these ruffians, who had inpart only obeyed his behests, to deliver their prisoner up to theregular authorities of the British army? The mention of the name ofInnis by one of the troopers was not calculated to allay his inquietude.This person he knew to have been an active confederate and eager adviserof the new court, lately established at Charleston, to promote theconfiscation of the estates of the inhabitants of Carolina disaffectedto the royal cause. He was, besides, a zealous Tory partisan, and,having lately joined the army, was now in command of a detachment ofloyalists on the Ennoree.

  Then, again, there was abundant cause of anxiety to the unfortunateofficer in the question whether Robinson could be kept acquainted withhis condition, or even of the place to which he might be removed--and ifacquainted with these particulars, whether, in the disturbed state ofthe country, he could render any service. These thoughts all contributedto sink his spirits.

  Notwithstanding the usual assumed levity of Curry, he had now becomeresentful towards Butler, and did not give himself the trouble toconceal it. His manner was quick and unaccommodating, showing hisvexation at his own want of sagacity, inferred by the successful flightof Robinson. Expressions occasionally escaped him that indicated aself-reproof on this subject, though they were partially disguised by anaffected undervaluing of the importance of having such a prisoner, solong as he retained the custody of the principal object of theenterprise. But the consciousness of being again baffled by a man whohad once before obtained the mastery over him, roused his pride into theexhibition of a peevish and vindictive demeanor. In this temper heseconded the brutal disposition of Habershaw, and abandoned the captiveofficer to the coarse insults of those who exercised control over him.There was some mitigation to this annoyance, in the reserved and partialspirit in which the insurgent party of the squad manifested some slightsigns of good will towards him. An instance of this spirit was affordedin a passing hint conveyed by Clopper, on one occasion when the troophad halted to water their horses. "Whatever is to come of it, after wegive you up to other hands," he said, apart to Butler, "we will stick tothe ground we have taken, that no harm shall be done to you in ourkeeping."

  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 camein sight of the Tiger, a rough, bold, impetuous stream that rushed overan almost unbroken bed of rocks. On the opposite bank was Blackstocks, arude hamlet of some two or three houses, scattered over a ruggedhill-side--a place subsequently rendered famous by the gallant repulseof Tarleton by Sumpter. The troop struck into a narrow ford, and, withsome scrambling amongst the rocks, succeeded in crossing the stream;they then galloped rapidly up the hill, towards a farm-house whichseemed to be the principal place of resort for the people of theneighborhood. The approach of the party of cavalry drew to the door abevy of women, children, and negroes, who stood idly gaping at thespectacle; and, in addition to these, a detachment of militia,consisting of between twenty and thirty men, were seen to turn out andform a line in front of the house. Habershaw, with an air of magnifiedimportance, halted opposite this detachment, gave a few prompt orders toCurry in regard to the disposition of the troop, and in an authoritativetone of command, ordered the officer of the militia to detail a guardfor the safe keeping of a prisoner of state. The personage addressed--atall, ungainly, and awkward subaltern--signified his acquiescence with abow, and immediately took possession of Butler by seizing the rein ofhis horse and leading him to one side, where two men, armed with rifles,placed themselves at either stirrup. Habershaw now directed his men toalight, accompanying the order with a caution that the prisoner was notto be allowed to enter the house. "The d----d rascal," he added, "shallnot play the trick of his rebel associate: no more privilege of goinginto bar-rooms, and lounging about doors! See the man stowed away in thebarn; and tell the sentinels never to take their eyes off of him--do youhear, lieutenant?"

  "You may depend upon my look-out," replied the lieutenant, with aflourish of a hacked and rusty sword. "M
en, march your prisoner straightto the barn. Have a relief, Corporal, every two hours, and towardsnight, set four on the watch at a time."

  "Look to it, Lieutenant!" shouted Habershaw. "No words, sir: do yourduty!"

  And having thus given vent to his own high opinion of himself the bulkycaptain withdrew into the house.

  Butler was now marched into a large log barn, in one corner of which anarmful of fodder, or dried blades of Indian corn, were shaken out forhis bed; and this, he was told, was to be his prison until other ordersawaited him. The guard, consisting of two sentinels, were stationed onthe inner side of the door, having the prisoner immediately under theireye; and, this disposition being completed, the officer commanding thedetachment retired to mingle with the troopers in the farm-house.

  Half an hour had scarcely elapsed after the arrival of the troopers atBlackstocks, before James Curry had refreshed himself with a hasty meal,and had his horse brought to the door. He seemed bound upon some urgentmission.

  "Captain St. Jermyn, you say, left this at sunrise this morning?" saidthe dragoon, addressing the lieutenant of the militia.

  "He did. He was here all day yesterday, and thought he should hear fromyou last night."

  "What route did he take?"

  "To Turnbull, at Ninety-Six."

  "Is Turnbull there now, think you?"

  "He is," replied the lieutenant. "They say orders have gone up fromCornwallis to the post for four light companies, and it is expected thatCaptain Campbell is now on his way with them towards Camden; neitherTurnbull nor Cruger would leave the post."

  "I have heard that this corps was marching to head-quarters Are you sureSt. Jermyn is not with Campbell?"

  "He said nothing about it yesterday, but I think he wishes to joinColonel Innis with the loyalist cavalry."

  "Where is Innis?" inquired Curry.

  "Over on Ennoree, about two miles from Musgrove's mill."

  "Humph!" said Curry, thoughtfully, "I must ride to the garrison atNinety-Six. The devil take this cantering about the country! I have hadmore than enough of it."

  And saying this, the dragoon mounted his horse, and clapping spurs tothe restive animal, was soon out of sight.

  It was late in the day before the wants of Butler were attended to. Hehad thrown aside his coat, from the oppressive heat of the weather, and,placing it under his head for a pillow, had fallen into a sleep, fromwhich he was awakened by a summons from one of the sentinels to partakeof food. There was more kindness apparent in the demeanor of the soldierthan Butler had been accustomed to meet from the persons who held himcaptive, and this circumstance won upon his heart and induced him toaccept with courtesy the proffered attentions.

  "You live in a divided country, and witness much to make a good man wishthis unhappy war was at an end," said Butler, after he had eaten of theprovisions placed before him.

  "Indeed we do, sir," replied the soldier, "and it is enough to make aman's heart bleed to see brothers fighting against each other, andkindred that ought to hold together seeking each other's lives. Men willhave, and ought to have their opinions, sir; but it is hardly goodreason for treating one another like savage Indians, because all cannotthink alike."

  "Do you live in this neighborhood?" inquired Butler.

  "Not far away," answered the man.

  "You are married?"

  "Yes, and have six children."

  "They should be young," said Butler, "judging by your own age."

  "Thank God, sir!" exclaimed the soldier, with fervor, "they are young!And I would pray that they may never live to be old if these wars are tolast. No father can count upon his own child's living in harmony withhim. My boys, if they were grown enough, might be the first I shouldmeet in battle."

  "Your name, friend?" said Butler.

  "Bruce," replied the other.

  "A good and a brave name; a name once friendly to the liberty of hiscountry."

  "Stop, sir!" said the sentinel. "This is not the place to talk uponquestions that might make us angry with each other. It is a name stillfriendly to the liberty of his country; that liberty that supports theking and laws, and punishes treason."

  "I cannot debate with you," replied Butler; "I am your prisoner."

  "I am a man," said the soldier, firmly, "and would not take advantage ofhim that cannot take his own part; but these questions, sir, are bestdropped--they have made all the provinces mad. However, I do not blameyou, sir; I will not deny that there are good men on your side."

  "And on yours, doubtless," returned Butler.

  "We have many bad ones, sir," returned the soldier; "and as you havespoken like a well-tempered gentleman to me, I will give you a friendlyhint." Here the sentinel spoke in a lowered tone. "Have your eyes aboutyou; these men are none of the best, and would think but little oftaking from you anything of value. As you slept, just now, I saw agolden trinket hanging by a ribbon in your bosom. You are a young man,sir, and a soldier, I hear; this may be some present from your lady, asI guess you have one. If others had seen it, as I saw it, you might havebeen the loser. That's all."

  "Thank you, honest friend! from my heart, I thank you!" replied Butlereagerly. "Oh, God! that bauble is a consolation to me that in this hourI would not part with--no, no! Thank you, friend, a thousand times!"

  "Have done," said the soldier, "and in future be more careful. Therelief is coming this way."

  And the sentinel, taking up his rifle, repaired to his post. In a fewmoments the guard was changed, and those lately on duty were marched tothe dwelling-house.

  When night came on the immediate guard around Butler's person wasdoubled. Some few comforts were added to his forlorn prison by thekindness of the soldier Bruce, and he was left to pass the weary hoursof darkness in communion with his own thoughts, or in the enjoyment ofsuch repose as his unhappy state of thraldom allowed. If the agitationof his spirit had permitted sleep, there were but few moments of thenight when it might have been indulged. The outbursts of revelry, theloud and boisterous laugh, and still louder oaths of the party whooccupied the dwelling-house near at hand, showed that they had plungedinto their usual debauch, and now caroused over their frequently filledcups; and the clamor that broke upon the night might have baffled theslumbers of a mind less anxious and wakeful than his own.

  The party of troopers and militia sat at the door to take advantage ofthe coolness of the night, and as they plied the busy flagon, and withheavy draught grew more noisy, scarce a word fell from their lips thatwas not distinctly heard by Butler. It was with intense interest,therefore, that he listened to the conversation when it led to a topicthat greatly concerned himself; and that he might not alarm thesuspicion of the speakers he affected sleep.

  "Sumpter has been hovering about Ninety-Six," said the lieutenant; "andif one could believe all the stories that are told about him, he must bea full cousin at least to a certain person that it wouldn't be right tomention in respectable company; for, by the accounts, he is one day onthe Wateree, and the next, whoop and away!--and there he is, almost overat Augusta. It seems almost past the power of human legs for a mortalman to make such strides as they tell of him."

  "Who says Sumpter is near Ninety-Six?" inquired one of the party; "I canonly say, if that's true, he is a ghost--that's all. Here's Harry Turnerwill swear that he saw him, day before yesterday, in North Carolina, onhis march towards Burk."

  "Indeed did I," responded Harry, one of the militia-men.

  "There is no mistake about it," interposed the lieutenant. "A vidette ofBrown's came scampering through here this morning, who reported thenews; and the man had good right to know, for he saw Cruger yesterday,who told him all about it, and then sent him off to Wahab's plantation,near the Catawba fords, for Hanger's rangers. It was on his way backthis morning that he stopped here five minutes, only to give uswarning?"

  "This is only some story that your drunken head has been dreaming about,Gabriel," said Habershaw. "There is not a word of truth in it; therangers went down to Camden three days ago.
Who saw the vidette besidesyourself?"

  "The whole detachment," replied the lieutenant. "We talked to the manand had the story from him--and a queer fellow he was--a good stout chapthat liked to have been caught by a pair of reconnoitring Whigs, a fewmiles back between this and Pacolet; they pushed him up to thesaddleflaps. But you must have seen him yourself, Captain Habershaw;for he told us you were on the road."

  "From towards Pacolet!" exclaimed the captain with surprise. "We sawnobody on that road. When did the man arrive?"

  "About an hour before you. He came at full speed, with his horse--agreat, black, snorting beast seventeen hands high at least--all in afoam. He was first for passing by without stopping, but we challengedhim and brought him short upon his haunches, and then he told us he wasin a hurry, and mustn't be delayed."

  "What kind of a looking man was he?" inquired Habershaw.

  "A jolly fellow," replied the lieutenant: "almost as big as his horse. Agood civil fellow, too, that swigs well at a canteen. He made a joke ofthe matter about your coming up, and called you old Cat-o'-ninetails--said that you were the cat, and your nine tag-rags were thetails--ha, ha ha!"

  "Blast the bastard!" exclaimed Habershaw; "who could he be?"

  "Why we asked that, but he roared out with a great haw-haw--took anotherdrink, and said he was never christened."

  "You should, as a good soldier," said Habershaw, "have made him give hisname."

  "I tried him again, and he would only let us have a nickname; he told usthen that he was called Jack-o'-Lantern, and had a special good stomach,and that if we wanted more of him we must give him a snatch of somethingto eat. Well, we did so. After that, he said he must have our landlord'ssword, for his own had been torn from him by the Whig troopers thatpushed him so hard, and that the bill for it must be sent to Cruger. Sohe got the old cheese-knife that used to hang over the fire-place andstrung it across his shoulder. He laughed so hard, and seemed sogood-natured, that there was no doing anything with him. At last hemounted his horse again, just stooped down and whispered in my ear atparting, that he was an old friend of yours, and that you could tell usall the news, and away he went, like a mad bully, clinking it over thehill at twenty miles to the hour."

  "A black horse did you say?" inquired Habershaw. "Had he a white star inthe forehead, and the two hind legs white below the knee?"

  "Exactly," said the lieutenant and several others of the party.

  "It was Horse Shoe Robinson!" exclaimed Habershaw, "by all the blackdevils!"

  "Horse Shoe, Horse Shoe, to be sure!" responded half a dozen voices.

  "He was a famous good rider, Horse Shoe or anybody else," said thelieutenant.

  "That beats all!" said one of the troopers; "the cunning old fox! Hetold the truth when he said you would tell the news, captain: but tothink of his lies getting him past the guard, with a sword and abellyfull into the bargain!"

  "Why didn't you report instantly upon our arrival?" asked Habershaw.

  "Bless you," replied the lieutenant, "I never suspicioned him, more thanI did you. The fellow laughed so naturally that I would never havethought him a runaway."

  "There it is," said Habershaw; "that's the want of discipline. Theservice will never thrive till these loggerheads are taught the rules ofwar."

  Butler had heard enough to satisfy him on one material point, namely,that Robinson had secured his escape, and was in condition to takewhatever advantage of circumstances the times might afford him. It was aconsolation to him also to know that the sergeant had taken this route,as it brought him nearer to the scene in which the major himself waslikely to mingle. With this dawn of comfort brightening up his doubts,he addressed himself more composedly to sleep, and before daylight, thesounds of riot having sunk into a lower and more drowsy tone, hesucceeded in winning a temporary oblivion from his cares.