114 HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL SKETCH OF 



conducted the party to the spot ; numerous tracks 

 were found, and the party, now confirmed in their 

 suspicions, continued with renewed alacrity, deter- 

 mined to make a certain house in Dean Swamp the 

 first object of their visit. 



A short time before nightfall they approached 

 the house, and determined to remain concealed until 

 the night should be well advanced. A horse was 

 heard to neigh ; several answered, and Mr. Palmer, 

 turning to Col. Maham, said : '' Uncle Maham, I '11 

 pledge my life that that is the voice of Fantail." 

 A countryman happening to pass was detained as a 

 prisoner. He acknowledged that he was bound to 

 the house which the party intended to visit, and ac- 

 quainted them that a large gathering of men and 

 women was expected there that night for a frolic. 

 With this information they were sure of their game ; 

 and, having divided themselves into a convenient 

 number of parties, they separated, appointing to 

 approach the house on a certain signal, which would 

 be given by Col. Maham. Every thing succeeded. 

 When the noise within indicated that the frolic 

 was going on fast and furious, the signal was given ; 

 the parties simultaneously entered the house, and 

 the marauders found themselves suddenly affronted 

 by armed guests, whose presence boded them no 

 good. They fled. The women, on the contrary, 

 fought boldly ; and Col. Maham declared that if 

 they had been seconded by their gallants the pursu- 



