He paroled a
kinsman of Shelby's, whom he had taken prisoner in the chase, and
sent him home with the letter. Then he set about his usual
business of gathering up Tories and making soldiers of them, and
of hunting down rebels.
One of the "rebels" was a certain Captain Lytle. When Ferguson
drew up at Lytle's door, Lytle had already made his escape; but
Mrs. Lytle was there. She was a very handsome woman and she had
dressed herself in her best to receive Ferguson, who was reported
a gallant as well as a wolf. After a few spirited passages
between the lady in the doorway and the officer on the white
horse before it, the latter advised Mrs. Lytle to use her
influence to bring her husband back to his duty. She became grave
then and answered that her husband would never turn traitor to
his country. Ferguson frowned at the word "traitor," but
presently he said: "Madam, I admire you as the handsomest woman I
have seen in North Carolina. I even half way admire your zeal in
a bad cause. But take my word for it, the rebellion has had its
day and is now virtually put down. Give my regards to Captain
Lytle and tell him to come in. He wiil not be asked to compromise
his honor. His verbal pledge not again to take up arms against
the King is all that will be asked of him.
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