We have seen something of Ferguson's quality, however, and we may simply take it that he did not want to escape.

He had been planning to cross the high hills--to him, the Highlander, no barrier but a challenge--to fight these men.

Now that they had taken the initiative he would not show them his back.

He craved the battle.

So he sent out runners to the main army and rode on along the eastern base of the mountains, seeking a favorable site to go into camp and wait for Cornwallis's aid.