eady in the saddle, eying the opposite extremity
of the valley with the eagerness of expectation.

[Footnote 53: a mounted sentinel.]

CHAPTER VI.

THE SKIRMISH AND ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN WHARTON.

The videttes and patrols now came pouring in, each making in
succession his hasty report to the commanding officer, who gave his
orders coolly and with a promptitude that made obedience certain.

Major Dunwoodie had received from his scouts all the intelligence
concerning the foe which was necessary to enable him to make his
arrangements. The bottom of the valley was an even plain, that fell
with a slight inclination from the foot of the hills on either side to
the level of a natural meadow that wound through the country on the
banks of a small stream. This brook was easily forded, and the only
impediment it offered to the movements of the horse was in a place
where its banks were more steep and difficult of access than common.
Here the highway crossed it by a rough wooden bridge.

The hills on the eastern side of the valley were abrupt, and
frequently obtruded themselves in rocky prominences into its bosom.
One of these projections was but a short distance in the rear of the
squadron of dragoons, and Dunwoodie directed Captain Lawton to
withdraw with two troops behind its cover. Dunwoodie knew his man, and
had selected the captain for this service both because he feared his
precipitation in the field, and knew, when needed, his support would
never fail to appear. On the left of the ground on which Dunwoodie
intended to meet his foe was a close wood, which skirted that side of
the valley for the distance of a mile. Into this, then, the guides
retired, and took their station near its edge, in such a manner as
would enable them to maintain a scattering but effectual fire on the
advancing column of the enemy.

Dunwoodie's men now sat panting to be led once more against foes whom
they seldom charged in vain. A few minutes enabled the major to
distinguish their character. In one troop he saw the green coats of
the Cow-Boys and in the other the leathern helmets and wooden saddles
of the yagers.[54] Their numbers were about equal to the body under
his immediate orders.

[Footnote 54: These were Hessian soldiers (from Hesse-Cassel,
in Germany) hired by Great Britain. The Cow-Boys were
Americans enlisted as soldiers in the British army. On the
next page they are referred to as the "refugee troop."