They were seven in number, unarmed, and knew nothing of the force of the assailant.

His own more timid followers drew near in sufficient time to assist in securing the prisoners.

There was another Witherspoon with Marion, John, a brother of Gavin, and like him distinguished for great coolness, strength, and courage.

Both of the brothers delighted in such adventures, and were always ready to engage in them,--the rashness of the attempt giving a sort of relish to the danger, which always sweetened it to the taste of our partisans.
The return of the various scouting parties which Marion sent out, soon set his little brigade in motion.

The intelligence which they brought was well calculated to sting his soldiers, as well as himself, into immediate activity.