Singleton and his
youthful companion darted away at an easy pace into the woods, in
which they had scarcely shrouded themselves before they heard the
rushing and fierce cries of Tarleton's dragoons.
"Do you remember, Lance," said Singleton to the boy,--"do you
remember the chase we had from the Oaks when Proctor pursued us?"
"Yes, sir; and a narrow chance it was when your horse tumbled. I
thought they would have caught and killed you then, sir; but I
didn't know anything of fighting in the woods then."
"Keep cool, and there's little danger anywhere," responded
Singleton. "Men in a hurry are always in danger. To be safe, be
steady. But hark! do you not hear them now? Some of them have got
upon our track."
"I do hear a noise, sir: there was a dry bush that cracked then."
"And a voice,--that was a shout. Let us stop for a moment and
reload. A shot may be wanted."
Coolly dismounting, Singleton proceeded to charge his rifle,
which had been slung across his shoulder. His companion did the
same. While loading, the former felt a slight pain and stiffness
in his left arm: "I am hurt, Lance, I do believe.
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