Page:The Partisan, v2.djvu/13

 to pieces ; and how the inyader marched over t{)e coun* try, and called it his. Anon, they would show you the little gathering in the swamp— the small scouting squad timidly stealing forth into llie plain, and contenting it- self with cutting off a foraging party or a baggage wagon, or rescuing a disconsolate group of captives on their way to the city and the prison-ships. Soon, im- boldened by success, the little squad is increased by numbers, and aims at larger game. Under some such leader as Colonel Washington, you should see them, anon, well mounted, streaking along the Ashley river road, by the peep of day, well skilled in the manage- ment of their steeds, whose high necks beautifully arch under the curb, while, in obedience to their rider's will, they plunge fearlessly through brake and through brier, over the fallen tree, and into the suspicious water. Heedless of all things but the proper achieve- ment of their bold adventure, the warriors go onward, while the broadswords flash in the sunlight, and the trumpet cheers them with a tone of victory. And goodlier still is the sight, when, turning the narrow lane, thick fringed with the scrubby oak and the pleasant myrtle, you behold them come suddenly to the encouu« ter with the hostile invaders. How they hurra, and rush to the charge with a mad emotion that the steed partakes — his ears erect, and his nostrils distended, while his eyeballs start forward, and grow red with the straining effort ; then, how the riders bear down all before them, and, with swords shooting out from their cheeks, make nothing of the upraised bayonet and pointed spear, but, striking in, flank and front, carry con- fusion wherever they go-— while the hot sands drink in the life-blood of friend and foe, streaming through a thousand wounds. Hear them tell of these, and of the '' Game Cock,*' Sumter ; how, always ready for fight, with a valour which was frequently rashness, he would rush into the hostile ranks, and, with his powerful frame and sweeping sabre, would single out for inveterate strife his own particular enemy. Then, of the subtle '* Swamp Fox,*' Marion, Who, slender