Beadle's Dime Novels No. 13 — page 39: what you’re looking at

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

A NIGHT MARCH TO BLACK RUN: 4} “From a devoted friend of liberty,” said Nat, “residing in’ Charleston, I have just received a message. There is to bea meeting of tories held to-night at Ben Graham’s, on Black Run. From what I hear, I think it is their intention to assist the British troops in attempting our capture. Of course you know what I would wish to do; are you all with me” “ All!’ was the answer, given in a single breath. “Then hold youselves in readiness to march at sunset, in the direction of Graham’s. We will strike such a blow as will make these sgoundrels, who would make a profit on the blood of their countrymen, &t least a deal more cautious how they attempt to carry on their trade within reach of the strong arms of American freemen. Look well to your arms, boys; herve your hearts for a determined struggle, and to-night we Will strike again for liberty.” . During the day there was a bustle among the men of the _ brigade, that told’ the British prisoners, confined “within the Tecesses of the swamp, that something of more than ordinary importance was about to take place. Swords were brighten- ed and sharpened, cartridges were made, and a look, which Spake of eager impatience, was worn by all. As night flung her shadow on all, Nat Ernshaw’s brigade rode out into the- darkness, and the confines of Cedar Swamp were untenanted save by the dozen English prisoners and the five patriots left to guard them. For a time the noise of footsteps came faintly to their listening ears; then all was silence. Let us return to Captain Preston and his schemes, « With their plot and counterplot, they enter into the thread of our story to color it all. The gallant Briton was hastily pacing the room. His face, — flushed_as if with anger, wore a well-settled scowl. Half an hour before he had returned from: one of his afternoon excur- Sions at such a pace that-one might think forty troopers were Close behind in hot pursuit. r Casting his bridle to a soldier in waiting, Preston strode tway to his room. Once there, he cast his chapeau upon the bed, and began his hasty walk, in which, however, he wag interrupted by a knock on the door. In none of the best-of Umors he said, “Come in!” The summons was obeyed by comicbooks.com