Beadle's Dime Novels No. 13 — page 20: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

s - 22 CEDAR SWAMP; OR, WILD NAT’S BRIGADE. “ By heavens! you are right. If we could capture or dis perse this force that is to be sent against us, we could secure what we most need, horses and arms. Besides, it would give the men confidence. Here is a list of names,” continued Ern shaw, drawing a paper from his pocket; “do you hurry and see the fifteen whose names are first on that paper. Tell them the particulars, let them know the force that is coming, and then fix a rendezvous at the Black Rock, a mile this side of the mill. They must be there at stindown, armed. Leave your rifle here, for you will be back again before night. You are well mounted, don’t spare your horse. As for Simon, here, he had better stay until his nag is rested, then get back to Charles- ton aS soon as possible. He might be missed.” It was-by no means a light task to accomplish, this visiting thirty persons at as many different houses; leaving it undone might prove fatal. With their patriotic enthusiasm kindled, they bent themselves to their duty. Every one with whom the young patriots spoke felt as they did. An opportunity was now offered to strike for their country, and they were were willing to seize it. Such was the expedition used, that John Vail had returned to Nat’s, and was conversing with old Mr. Ernshaw by five o'clock ; half an hour later Nat himself returned. . In answer to Vale’s question—“ how did you succeed 2” he answered :— “Oh, admirably. Not one has shown any signs of backing out. If your success has been equal to mine, thirty as reso- lute fellows as ever looked through the sights of a rifle, or wielded a broadsword, will be assembled at Black Rock by sundown.” ’ Near the hour of sunset, an pe oe had he been stationed near the Black Rock—a spot so called from a huge black rock which lifted its head from the waters of Cedar Creek—might have noted the approach of a number of young men, all hur- rying in one direction. ‘Some were mounted, and others were on foot; all bore weapons of one kind or another—rifles, mus- kets, fowling- -pieces, and a few swords. They came, too, from every direction, by twos and threes, talking together, and apparently diseussing ¢ Comicbooks.com.s