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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43714 ***
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+  Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original document have
+  been preserved. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
+
+  Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal
+  signs=.
+
+
+
+
+  [Illustration: Sandy looked around quickly and saw Sidney standing
+   with his rifle aimed and resting on the branch of the tree.--Page 22.
+   _With the Regulators._]
+
+
+
+
+     The Boy Spies
+     With the Regulators
+
+     The Story of how the Boys assisted the
+     Carolina Patriots to drive the British
+     from that State.
+
+     BY JAMES OTIS
+
+     A. L. BURT COMPANY
+     PUBLISHERS        NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+     Copyright 1901
+     BY A. L. BURT
+
+     Under the Title of With the Regulators
+
+     THE BOY SPIES WITH THE REGULATORS
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+     CHAPTER                                PAGE
+
+     I. OURSELVES                              1
+
+     II. A TREASONABLE ACT                    20
+
+     III. PROMISES                            41
+
+     IV. THE RESCUE                           62
+
+     V. AT BRUNSWICK                          83
+
+     VI. BESIEGED                            104
+
+     VII. TIMELY AID                         125
+
+     VIII. SANDY WELLS                       146
+
+     IX. TRYON'S DEMONSTRATION               167
+
+     X. THE LONG NIGHT                       188
+
+     XI. THE TRIAL                           209
+
+     XII. THE PROCLAMATION                   231
+
+     XIII. WAR DECLARED                      249
+
+     XIV. THE CONVOY                         269
+
+     XV. THE BATTLE                          289
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Spies With the Regulators
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+OURSELVES.
+
+
+It is not for one like me to make any pretense at trying to fashion a
+scholar's story out of the poor efforts of Sidney Hubbard, and myself,
+Clare Butler, to second the brave work of those noble men who, by
+enduring countless hardships and sparing not their own blood, finally
+rid the Carolinas of those leeches who claimed to be the king's
+servants--Governor William Tryon, Edmund Fanning and others of like
+brood.
+
+I count to set down on these pages such an account as I may be able to
+give concerning what we of the Carolinas did in those dark days eight
+years before the first patriot blood was shed at Lexington, and this
+task is to be performed simply that my descendants may, by reading
+our story, use their utmost efforts to preserve the fair country which
+has cost their forefathers so much of blood, anguish and bodily
+suffering.
+
+To begin, Sidney Hubbard is my first cousin, his mother and mine being
+sisters. We lived, in 1768, on the Alamance, near where, later, was
+fought what may rightly be termed the first battle in the struggle of
+the colonies for independence. Our fathers were humble farmers, with a
+scanty store of this world's goods, and continually ground down by
+those whom the king had set in authority over us, chief among which
+may be reckoned the Irishman Tryon, and Fanning, who was born on Long
+Island, if I remember rightly.
+
+I cannot set down in my own words a picture of the Carolinas at the
+time when Sidney Hubbard and I were come sixteen years of age,
+therefore, in order that all the conditions of public affairs may be
+fully understood, I shall copy here what was written many years later
+by one who may justly style himself a historian:[1]
+
+"The passage of the Stamp Act produced great uneasiness in the public
+mind in North Carolina, as well as in the other provinces. Already the
+extortions of public officers in the exactions of fees for legal services
+had greatly irritated the people, and they regarded the requirements
+of the Stamp Act as a more gigantic scheme for legal plunder....
+William Tryon had been acting governor and commander-in-chief of the
+province from the death of Governor Dobbs, April 1st, 1765, and now
+began his career of misrule in America. He was appointed governor
+toward the close of the year. This was the same Tryon, afterward
+governor of New York, haughty, innately cruel, fond of show,
+obsequious when wishing favors, and tyrannical when independent; he
+was entirely incompetent to govern a people like the free, outspoken
+colonists of the Upper Carolinas.
+
+"For several years previous to the Stamp Act excitement, rebellion had
+been ripening among the people in the western counties. The rapacity
+of public officers, and the corrupt character of ministers of justice,
+weighed heavily upon the property and spirits of the people. The most
+prominent evils complained of were the exorbitant charges of the
+clerks of the Superior Courts, whereby these courts had become
+instruments of oppression; and oppressive taxes exacted by the
+sheriffs, and the outrages committed by those officers when their
+authority was questioned in the least. These evils everywhere existed,
+and every petition of the people for redress appeared to be answered
+by increased extortions."
+
+It was William Husband, a Quaker from Pennsylvania, who banded our
+people together in what was called "A Regulation," and each member
+signed an agreement to pay no more taxes "until satisfied they were
+legal; to pay officers no more fees than the strict letter of the law
+required, unless forced to, and then to show open resentment; to be
+cautious in the selection of representatives, and to petition the
+governor, council, king and parliament for a redress of grievances; to
+keep up a continual correspondence with each other; to defray all
+necessary expenses, all differences in judgment to be submitted to
+the whole Regulation, the judgment of the majority to be final."
+
+Each member was bound by a solemn oath to stand faithful to the cause
+until matters had been brought to a true and just regulation. Meetings
+were held regularly in the vicinity of Hillsborough, and in a few
+weeks the Regulation was a permanent and a powerful body.
+
+About this time "the pride and folly of Governor Tryon led him to
+demand" from the Assembly an appropriation of twenty-five thousand
+dollars that he might build a palace, and this burden, together with
+the many which had been laid upon us, was most oppressive.
+
+"The inhabitants of North Carolina were now thoroughly awakened to the
+conviction that both the local and imperial government were
+practically hostile to the best interests of the colonists. The taxes
+hitherto were very burdensome; now the cost of the palace, and the
+appropriation to defray the expenses of running the dividing line
+between their province and the hunting-grounds of the Cherokees, made
+them insupportable. A poll tax of one dollar and fifty cents was
+levied on every male, white or black, between the ages of sixteen and
+sixty years of age.
+
+"The rapacity of public officers appeared to increase, and the people
+saw no prospect of relief. Among the most obnoxious men who had grown
+rich by extortionate fees, was Edmund Fanning, a lawyer of ability. He
+was regarded as a co-worker with the government. The people detested
+him, and avoided no occasion to express their displeasure. His first
+open rupture with the Regulators was in the spring of 1768. Tryon
+issued a proclamation, half menacing and half persuasive, evidently
+intended to awe the Regulation and persuade the other inhabitants to
+avoid that association. He sent his secretary, David Edwards, to
+cooperate with Fanning in giving force to the proclamation among the
+people.
+
+"They directed the sheriff to appoint a meeting of the vestry-men of
+the parishes and the leading Regulators, to consult upon the public
+good and settle all differences. Fair promises dispelled the
+suspicions of the Regulators, and their vigilance slumbered while
+awaiting the day of meeting. They were not yet fully acquainted with
+the falsity of their governor, or they would never have heeded the
+fair words of his proclamation. They were soon assured of the
+hollowness of his professions, for, while they were preparing, in good
+faith, to meet government officers in friendly convention, the
+sheriff, at the instigation of Fanning, proceeded, with thirty
+horsemen, to arrest Herman Husband and William Hunter on a charge of
+riotous conduct.
+
+"These, the most prominent men among the Regulators, were seized and
+cast into Hillsborough jail. The whole country was aroused by this
+treachery, and a large body of the people, led by Ninian Bell
+Hamilton, a brave old Scotchman of threescore-and-ten-years, marched
+toward Hillsborough to rescue the prisoners."
+
+Some idea may be had of our unhappy province, by aid of the above
+account, written in all fairness, and yet not stating our grievances
+as thoroughly as they should be set down, and now I feel warranted in
+saying that from the day of Masters Husband's and Hunter's arrest
+Sidney Hubbard and I began to prove ourselves _men_ of the Carolinas.
+
+We were both just turned sixteen, Sidney being but two days older than
+I, and already had the sheriff warned us that we must pay the taxes
+which had been assessed, or be sent to jail where many a poor wretch
+was confined, simply because he had not the money with which to
+satisfy the governor's unjust demands.
+
+It was on the day after the arrest of our neighbors that we two lads
+met old Jacob Peyster, a God-fearing man, and one who was ready and
+willing to lay down his life for the good of the Carolinas.
+
+"Why are ye abroad this morning?" he asked, reining in a mettlesome
+horse which he had raised from a colt, and we were forced to bring our
+steeds to a halt, or give fair proof that we lacked good breeding.
+
+"We came out to learn if there was any news concerning those honest
+men whom the king's knaves took into custody yesterday," Sidney made
+answer before I, who was ever slow of speech, could do so much as open
+my mouth.
+
+"Masters Husband and Hunter have been clapped in prison at
+Hillsborough," the old man said sorrowfully, "and unless the true men
+of the Carolinas take the matter in hand, they are like to be held by
+the brute Tryon till the little property they own has passed into the
+hands of his majesty's gluttons."
+
+"You speak as if there was some hope the men of the Carolinas would
+resist this outrage," Sidney cried excitedly.
+
+"Aye, lad, and so they will. Hamilton, the Scotchman, is in arms and
+enlisting under his flag those who love the colony better than they do
+the king. Have you youngsters paid the tax which is levied on all who
+have lived sixteen years or more?"
+
+"It is not likely that I shall be able to do so," I hastened to make
+answer. "My father cannot give me the money, and the little I had
+hoarded up from the sale of my furs, went toward paying the last levy
+made against our poor home."
+
+"It looks much as though both Clare and I might soon join Masters
+Husband and Hunter at Hillsborough, for I have heard it said that but
+a short time will be allowed us of the Carolinas in which to gather
+the money to pay the tax, so eager is Governor Tryon to build his
+palace," and as he spoke Sidney tried in vain to appear unconcerned,
+but I, who knew that which was in his mind, had good proof that he was
+in deadly fear of the arrest concerning which he spoke so glibly.
+
+"Aye, lads, the time will be made short indeed. I hear that Lawyer
+Fanning is issuing warrants for those who are not down on the
+governor's books as having paid the unjust assessment. You are like to
+be deprived of liberty soon, unless----"
+
+"Unless what?" Sidney asked eagerly as Master Peyster hesitated.
+
+"Perhaps it is wrong for me to speak further without knowing of what
+minds are your parents."
+
+"That can be easily learned; our fathers have not the money with which
+to pay their own tax, after giving up all they owned to aid in
+satisfying the thirst for gold with which the king's officers in this
+colony are afflicted," Sidney said with a laugh which had in it
+nothing of mirth.
+
+"Then how will you answer the collectors?" old Jacob asked, eying us
+sharply.
+
+"If it so be I can find a hiding-place, there will be no answer
+given," I made haste to reply. "Sidney and I were discussing the
+matter even as we met you."
+
+"By joining the force which Ninian Hamilton is gathering you may be
+free from the sheriffs for a time; but it is possible that by so doing
+you will be charged with treason."
+
+"Do you count on serving with him, Master Peyster?" Sidney asked, and
+the old man replied quickly,
+
+"I have already set down my name as one who will serve the colonies to
+the best of my poor powers, for I am of the Regulation, as are your
+fathers. I am but now summoning all of the association to the rescue
+of those who are so unjustly imprisoned--those who were taken because
+they put faith in Tryon's sworn word."
+
+"Where may Master Hamilton's force be found?" I asked eagerly, for now
+my mind was made up to join those who would measure strength against
+the king.
+
+My plight could not well be worse in case I should be charged with
+treason, for of a verity the inability to raise such an amount of
+money as the hungry officeholders demanded was, in the Carolinas, a
+greater crime than that of conspiring against the king himself.
+
+"The rendezvous is near Chapel Hill, where the highway crosses the New
+Hope River. You will not be welcomed, however, unless you go armed,
+for the association can provide neither weapons nor money."
+
+Having said this much old Jacob spurred his horse on, as if afraid of
+saying anything which might influence us in our decision; but he need
+not have been so particular, because even before he ceased speaking
+both Sidney and I were resolved.
+
+The dear lad turned to me with a question in his eyes when Master
+Peyster rode away, and I answered it by saying:
+
+"There is naught else left for us to do. From what the old man said we
+know that the sheriff's officers will soon be at our heels, and
+anything is better than rotting in Hillsborough jail."
+
+"Then we have only to turn back for our weapons, and the treason is
+complete," he said with a laugh, wheeling his horse around as he
+spoke.
+
+I could see nothing of mirthfulness in the act we were about to
+commit, although I was none the less determined to join Master
+Hamilton's forces.
+
+This hurried visit to our homes would be the last, perhaps, forever,
+and even under the most favorable circumstances, hiding as we should
+be from the sheriff's officers, neither Sidney nor I would be able to
+visit our loved ones, save by stealth, until many months had passed.
+
+I say again, it was a desperate act for two lads hardly more than
+sixteen years of age, and yet there appeared to be no alternative.
+
+We rode to our homes swiftly, and without indulging in conversation;
+each of us had so much food for thought that he could not speak of
+ordinary matters.
+
+The Hubbard plantation was no more than two miles from my home, and it
+came first on our road.
+
+I remained outside, not dismounting, while Sidney entered, and when
+perhaps half an hour had passed he joined me, turning his head ever so
+little lest I should see traces of tears on his cheeks.
+
+He had with him his rifle, a brace of pistols which had been his
+father's, a new hunting knife, and a package which I fancied was made
+up of provisions.
+
+"Did your father make any protest?" I asked while he was mounting.
+
+"He set off for the rendezvous an hour ago," Sidney replied, doing his
+best to suppress a sob. "Mother believed it was best for me to join
+him rather than go to Hillsborough jail, and did what she might to
+hasten my departure."
+
+When he was mounted we rode on to my home, and he remained outside
+while I broke the news to my mother.
+
+She, dear soul, was not surprised. Old Jacob had stopped there to
+summon father, who was one of the Regulators, and almost before I
+could speak she clasped me to her bosom, saying gently and lovingly:
+
+"Yes, you must go, my boy, and my share of the heavy burden which the
+Lord has laid upon the colony will be to remain here alone, trembling
+at every sound lest it betokens the coming of some one who brings
+tidings that my son or my husband has been killed. If perchance such a
+blow is dealt me, I shall know that you died like brave men in the
+performance of duty--for it is your duty to aid the oppressed. Do not
+delay, gather up such articles as will be needed, and then kiss me
+farewell; I cannot linger on the parting."
+
+In less than half an hour I joined Sidney, giving no heed as to
+whether he could see the tears in my eyes, and during a full hour we
+rode at a gentle pace towards the rendezvous without speaking.
+
+In that time it seemed to me that I had passed the age of boyhood and
+was become a man, for of a verity I had set my face towards a man's
+work whether I might accomplish it or no.
+
+Then we both struggled to throw off the grief which enveloped us until
+the day was like unto the night, and spoke of what might be done if
+all who had joined the Regulation came forward in response to duty,
+little dreaming of that dreadful day when so many of our friends and
+neighbors would lie stark and cold upon the field of battle.
+
+It was but natural that we should speak of the possible glory to be
+won, and not to be wondered at that each of us believed he could
+perform all which might be required. We had yet to learn how great was
+the task set the men of the Carolinas before the yoke of the
+oppressors was finally thrown off.
+
+From our homes to New Hope River was but little more than twelve
+miles, and when we judged that half the distance had been traversed we
+drew rein to give the horses a breathing spell, for they had traveled
+ten miles or more before we came upon old Jacob.
+
+We drew from our store of provisions sufficient for the noonday meal,
+picketed the horses where they might feast on the rich grass, and gave
+ourselves up to a brief time of repose.
+
+The meal had no more than been eaten, however, when hoof-beats in the
+distance told that a horseman was approaching, and I seized my rifle,
+for the sorrows which had been mine during the day made me
+apprehensive of danger from every point.
+
+"Don't be foolish," Sidney said sharply. "It will be said that we are
+afraid of our own shadows, if some friend finds us ready for an
+attack. There are others beside ourselves who will ride to New Hope
+River this day, and he who comes is most likely one of Master
+Hamilton's party."
+
+"If so he is headed in the wrong direction," I replied; but I drew
+back from my weapon nevertheless, and an instant later regretted
+having done so when Sandy Wells, one of the sheriff's officers, rode
+up beside us.
+
+"We are well met, young sirs," he said in a mocking tone as he drew
+from his pocket two folded papers. "I was but this moment counting
+the miles 'twixt me and your homes, for if I mistake not you are Clare
+Butler," he said looking at me, and, turning toward my comrade, added,
+"You are Sidney Hubbard."
+
+It was useless to deny the fact, since Sandy knew our faces full well,
+and I asked, steadying my voice till it sounded reasonably firm:
+
+"What have we two lads to do with so gallant an officer as you, sir?"
+
+"Nothing whatsoever, if it so be you have paid the poll tax which his
+worshipful excellency has levied on all males, white or black, between
+the ages of sixteen and sixty."
+
+"You must know we have not paid that extortion to provide the governor
+with a palace, for it is hardly more than six weeks since a levy was
+made of two shillings to the acre of all tilled lands, and we, who
+owned not a single rod, were forced to help our fathers pay that," I
+said stoutly, noting the fact that Sidney was drawing his rifle toward
+him.
+
+"Then must I serve these warrants to the end that I may legally take
+you to Hillsborough until such time as you shall pay the just and
+lawful demands of his worshipful excellency, Governor Tryon."
+
+"And how may we come by the money while we are shut up in jail?" I
+asked, beginning to have an inkling of what Sidney would do.
+
+"That is not for me to say, my pert gentleman. If you cannot pay the
+tax, here is my authority for taking you to Hillsborough," and the
+conceited rascal proceeded to read in a loud voice the documents he
+had drawn from his pocket.
+
+I could understand but little of their purport, so filled were they
+with attorney's words and phrases, nor did I cudgel my brains
+overmuch, because of what I could see out of the tail of my eye.
+
+Sidney had his rifle in hand, and the expression on his face told me
+that he had no intention of going to Hillsborough as Sandy Wells'
+prisoner.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[1] Benson J. Lossing, "Field Book of the Revolution."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A TREASONABLE ACT.
+
+
+So great was my excitement, knowing Sidney meditated an attack upon
+the king's officer, which could be called neither more nor less than
+rank treason and would put us beyond the pale of ordinary offenders,
+that I could not understand one word Sandy Wells was reading.
+
+His voice came to me like the droning of bees in the summer, and it
+sounded far off. I could neither hear nor think; but all my faculties
+were centered in my eyes as I watched Sidney's stealthy movements.
+
+Without really having the power of connected thought, I realized that
+to resist the sheriff's officer was an offense which Governor Tryon
+would never pardon, particularly since that officer was engaged in the
+effort to collect taxes. From the moment we made forcible resistance
+we would be the same as outlawed, and shut off from the possibility of
+returning again to our homes until the king's rule had been set aside
+in the Carolinas.
+
+Desperate indeed would be our position once an overt act against the
+recognized authority of the colony had been committed, and yet I would
+not have checked Sidney by so much as a hair's breadth had it been
+possible.
+
+Sandy Wells continued to read as if delighting in the sound of his own
+voice, and my comrade made his preparations leisurely, being slightly
+in the rear of the sheriff's officer where he could not well be seen,
+while the latter's eyes were fixed upon the paper.
+
+When Sidney cautiously drew himself up to his feet by aid of an
+overhanging bough, clutching his rifle firmly, I knew the struggle was
+about to begin, and during an instant there was a film before my eyes,
+red like blood.
+
+Then everything came plain within my line of vision; the tremor of
+fear passed away, and I was on the alert to second anything Sidney
+should attempt, even though our lives might be the forfeit.
+
+Sandy Wells had nearly come to an end of the warrants which had been
+filled out that two lads who could not pay the sum of three dollars
+might be thrust into jail, when Sidney, his rifle leveled at the
+officer's head, said sharply and sternly:
+
+"Do not so much as move, Master Wells, else I will send a bullet into
+your brain. Be careful not to take your hands from that piece of
+stamped paper, or I shall believe that you mean mischief!"
+
+Sandy looked around quickly; only his eyes moved, for he must have
+understood that my comrade meant every word which had been spoken, and
+he saw Sidney standing with his rifle aimed and resting on the branch
+of the tree.
+
+At such short range there could be no mistake as to the course of the
+bullet, and, realizing this, the officer's face grew white with fear,
+for of a verity he was standing very near to death at that moment.
+
+"Would you resist me in the performance of my sworn duty?" he asked,
+his voice trembling and his teeth literally chattering with fear.
+
+"That is what I count on doing. Neither Clare nor I will be taken to
+Hillsborough jail simply because we cannot pay the poll tax."
+
+"Do you know that this is treason, now the warrants have been read?"
+
+"I can well fancy that Lawyer Fanning will twist it in that way."
+
+"Not only is it treason against the king, but you are laying yourself
+open to the penalties made and provided for resisting an officer of
+the colony."
+
+"You cannot serve Tryon and the colony at the same time, Master Wells,
+and that you know right well. Does it so chance that you have any
+weapons about you?"
+
+"I am armed, as you may well see."
+
+"I am more concerned to know if you have other weapons which cannot be
+seen. Keep your hands on that paper, Master Wells, while Clare lays
+violent hands upon your sacred person in order to learn to what extent
+you are fitted out for taking into custody two lads whose only crime
+is their lack of money."
+
+"You might have been forgiven the tax; but that which you are about to
+do will bring you close to the gallows," Sandy cried in impotent rage.
+
+"Even while standing there we shall be no nearer death than you are at
+this instant if it so be you so much as raise a finger. Clare, take
+away his rifle, and search him for other weapons."
+
+I lost no time in doing his bidding, for now was Sidney Hubbard the
+leader and commander.
+
+Sandy, the livid hue of fear yet on his cheek, offered no resistance
+as I made thorough search, bringing to light two pistols and a long
+knife which would have served at a pinch as sword, and Sidney cried
+derisively as I laid the weapons at his feet:
+
+"You were bravely armed, Master Wells, for the arrest of two boys who
+are worth in the eyes of Governor Tryon's law but one dollar and a
+half per head, and in fact, not the value of a penny."
+
+"I shall live to see you hanged!" Sandy snarled.
+
+"In which case, as I figure it, you will live to a green old age, and
+it may be, suffer not a few discomforts before you die."
+
+"Now that you two villains have robbed me, I suppose I may go my way,"
+Master Wells cried as Sidney lowered his rifle.
+
+"Not unless your way is the same as ours, for I am not minded to set
+you loose until after learning what Captain Hamilton has to say on the
+subject."
+
+"What?" Sandy cried in mingled rage and surprise. "Would you also take
+me prisoner?"
+
+"It is no more than you would have done by us, and surely turn about
+is fair play."
+
+Now it was that I lost courage. The crime of resisting one of the
+sheriff's officers was as great as I felt willing to commit; but to
+actually take him prisoner seemed the height of folly.
+
+Sidney seemed to read my thoughts in my eyes, for he said quietly,
+thus showing himself to be the brave soldier he afterward proved:
+
+"We can make matters no worse by taking him to Master Hamilton, and it
+seems to me wise that we get that gentleman's opinion before setting
+this worthy officer loose to spread the tiding of our misdeeds.
+Fanning and Tryon can never overlook the fact that we have refused to
+pay the tax; but I'm thinking it won't trouble them greatly if Master
+Wells suffers a little discomfort."
+
+Sandy began to bluster, threatening us with the direst vengeance of
+his master and himself; but Sidney soon cut the flow of words short by
+saying sternly:
+
+"You will mount your horse, Master Wells, and also do well to remember
+that a silent tongue oftentimes stands a man as friend."
+
+Our prisoner ceased his threats, probably understanding that Sidney's
+temper was none of the best once it had been aroused, and clambered
+into the saddle obediently, my comrade holding his rifle ready for
+immediate use in case the fellow made any attempt at leaving us.
+
+Once Sandy had mounted, Sidney fastened his legs beneath the animal's
+belly, as a precaution against escape, and, bringing up his own
+steed, seated himself in the saddle as he slipped the bridle of the
+prisoner's horse over his arm.
+
+If it had been possible to do so without being overheard by Master
+Wells, I would have tried to dissuade my comrade from this last
+portion of the business, for it seemed to me that by carrying him to
+the rendezvous we were but bringing additional trouble upon our own
+heads without due justification. I was unwilling, however, to let
+Sandy suspect that there was any difference of opinion between us,
+therefore held my tongue, meekly climbing into the saddle when Sidney
+showed himself impatient to continue the journey.
+
+The one fear in my mind as we set out, Sidney leading the way with our
+prisoner and I bringing up the rear, was that Master Hamilton and his
+associates would reprove us severely for having brought the officer to
+the rendezvous, for it seemed certain that Sandy would hamper the
+Regulators to considerable extent.
+
+However, the deed was done, and I question whether I could have
+changed the situation in the slightest, however good an argument I
+might have brought to bear. Therefore it was that I resolved to give
+Sidney the leadership, obeying his orders scrupulously, and standing
+by him as a comrade should in case our actions were condemned by the
+Regulation.
+
+Sandy Wells evidently had no desire for conversation, and we two lads
+could not speak one with another save he heard every word, therefore
+the three of us rode forward in silence, keeping a sharp lookout both
+ahead and behind lest we might inadvertently come upon one of the
+officer's friends.
+
+There is little need for me to set down all the thoughts and fears
+which came into my mind as we rode forward, for there is more of
+importance than my timorousness to be written before I shall come to
+an end of the sufferings endured by the people of the Carolinas in
+that struggle which, God be praised, finally resulted in the freedom
+of this fair country.
+
+It is enough if I pass over the remainder of our journey in silence,
+and describe our reception when we were in the midst of the men of
+Carolina who, having chosen Master Hamilton as their leader, were in
+the act of what Governor Tryon was pleased to term "open rebellion."
+
+The people were gathered in a thick bit of woods near-by the highway,
+and we were forced to give an account of ourselves to the sentinels
+before being allowed to ride into the midst of the large assembly,
+which was little less than a veritable army.
+
+The first person we saw was my father, and toward him Sidney rode,
+telling our story in few words, after which he asked:
+
+"Does it please you that Master Wells be kept a prisoner, sir?"
+
+"I am at a loss to give you an answer, lad," my father replied in
+evident perplexity. "It has only been decided that we would release
+those who are confined in Hillsborough jail, and I cannot guess how
+the gentleman will view your bold act. Give him into my charge, and we
+will soon have the case before the Regulation."
+
+He laid hold of Sandy's bridle, leading the horse further into the
+woods, while we lads were forced to remain where we had halted,
+because of the crowd which suddenly gathered to learn how we had
+chanced to come in company with a sheriff's officer.
+
+Once our story was told it could plainly be seen that we had won the
+good opinion of those who listened, for without exception each man
+bestowed praise upon us, until my cheeks were flushed a deep red from
+hearing myself spoken of as a brave lad who would one day do his full
+share toward freeing the Carolinas from the money-gluttons who were
+impoverishing the people.
+
+Well, we were made much of, and all with whom we spoke agreed that we
+should be allowed to become members of the Regulation, as if we were
+indeed men grown; but I observed with sorrow that every one treated it
+as a matter of course that we could not return to our homes until
+great changes had taken place in the colony.
+
+The idea that years might elapse before I could see my mother again
+had in it sufficient to prevent me from being puffed up with pride
+because of what was said concerning me, and when the gentlemen were
+come to an end of questioning us I unsaddled my horse, taking up
+quarters at the foot of a huge gum tree.
+
+In this army which had gathered responsive to the call of Master
+Hamilton, there were no tents or camp equipage of any kind. Each man
+brought everything he might need, including provisions, and the place
+where the Regulators encamped had more the appearance of being used
+for religious or social purposes, than as a military rendezvous.
+
+Here and there, wherever it best pleased them, were the recruits which
+had been so hastily brought together. Horses were picketed where the
+best feeding places could be found, and their owners lay under the
+shade of the trees, walked as fancy dictated, or gathered in little
+squads, having no care save to keep within the lines marked out as the
+bounds of the encampment.
+
+Twenty or more sentinels paced to and fro, rather for the purpose of
+marking the limits of the camp than because any attack was to be
+apprehended, and these were not so strict in their duty as to prevent
+those from straying outside the lines who felt the inclination to do
+so.
+
+Sidney found a friend with whom he went away hoping to gain speech
+with our general, Master Hamilton, and I remained alone a good hour or
+more, when my father came up in search of me.
+
+"The prisoner will be held until after we have marched to
+Hillsborough," he said by way of explaining what had been decided
+upon, and added with a sigh: "It is to be regretted that your evil
+fortune brought you in Sandy Wells' path, my son."
+
+"It was he who crossed our path, sir," I said, trying to speak in a
+cheery tone, although my heart was like lead in my bosom.
+
+"It recks little which way it was. What affects us is, that you and
+Sidney will be forced to remain in hiding, no one knows how
+long--certainly until some arrangement can be made to obtain pardon
+for what has been done."
+
+"I thought the Regulators had assembled for the purpose of taking into
+their own hands the government of the colony, in which case there can
+be no question but that our sins against the person of Sandy Wells
+will be forgiven."
+
+"It is not probable that the Regulation will be able to effect any
+very radical change in the condition of affairs. We shall march to
+Hillsborough to demand the release of the prisoners, and if they are
+given liberty, there is no longer any pressing need for us to remain
+under arms."
+
+"Might the Regulators not also demand that we be pardoned?" I asked,
+growing cold with fear.
+
+"I question if the gentlemen would be willing, after this display of
+force in order to demand justice, to ask that an offender against the
+laws of the colony be forgiven."
+
+"Then what is to become of us?" I cried in fear. "Surely these
+gentlemen will not deliver us up to the king's officers!"
+
+"Certainly not; your deliverance must come about without the aid of
+the Regulation, however. If it becomes necessary for you to remain in
+hiding, go with all speed to your uncle's home in Virginia, on the
+bank of the Dan River, and there remain until word comes from me that
+you may safely return."
+
+There was no longer an opportunity for him to give me the advice which
+I needed. Word was passed from one to another that the order had been
+given to begin the march toward Hillsborough, and in a few moments all
+was bustle and confusion as each member of the party made his
+preparations for the journey.
+
+Half an hour later the Regulators were in line, awaiting the final
+word, and a goodly array they presented. There were upwards of four
+hundred horsemen, all fully armed, and at their head Master Hamilton,
+a patriarch of seventy years.
+
+The word was given, and we set off at a gentle pace, Sidney and I
+riding side by side, and a short distance in advance of us, Sandy
+Wells, guarded by two men.
+
+The rebellion against the king's authority was begun, and from that
+day we might be counted by those in office as traitors to his majesty;
+but it could never be said that there was any treachery in our hearts
+against the colony of the Carolinas which we were ever ready to defend
+with our heart's blood.
+
+The march had been begun near nightfall in order that we might arrive
+at Hillsborough early in the morning, and since the distance was but
+twenty miles, we were put to it to keep the animals back, instead of
+trying to urge them forward.
+
+Some of the men fell asleep in their saddles; but neither Sidney nor I
+had any desire for slumber because of the disquiet in our hearts. With
+the exception of Master Hamilton, who would likely be charged with
+having stirred up the people to sedition, we were in a worse plight
+than the others, and whichever way the matter turned, it was probable
+we must hide ourselves in Virginia for a time.
+
+With the rising of the sun our party halted on the bank of the Eno,
+opposite Hillsborough, and there discovered that the king's officers
+had received news of our coming, being greatly disturbed thereat.
+
+Twenty or more men were standing near the edge of the river on the
+Hillsborough side, and foremost among them was Attorney Fanning, he
+who was equally guilty with Governor Tryon in burdening us with taxes
+which were beyond our power to pay.
+
+To have seen him then, when he was in fear of his life, one would have
+said that the Regulators of the Carolinas had no warmer friend than
+he. When we were drawn up in line, waiting for the word to ford the
+river, Fanning shouted, holding up a bottle of rum in one hand and a
+bottle of wine in the other:
+
+"We have been waiting for you, my brave Hamilton, knowing that you
+will not willingly do that which will cause blood to flow. Let's you
+and I have a glass together, and decide this troublesome business
+without such a warlike parade."
+
+"You may keep your liquor for those who do not know you as well as do
+I," Master Hamilton cried scornfully, and our people set up a shout of
+satisfaction.
+
+Master Fanning waved his hands as if asking for silence, and after a
+time, when those on our side of the river were inclined to hear what
+kind of a proposition Tryon's tool had to make, he called out as if
+addressing his best friend:
+
+"Send a horse over that I may cross, my worthy Master Hamilton. I fain
+would give your people some refreshments," and here he held up the
+bottles again, "in addition to having a friendly chat with you."
+
+Some of our men would have made a contemptuous reply, but the others
+motioned for silence in order that Master Hamilton might act as
+spokesman, which was his right.
+
+"I'll send no horse," our brave leader cried. "You're none too good to
+wade, and wade you shall if you come over!"
+
+I supposed Attorney Fanning would go back to his home in anger after
+receiving such a reply, and said as much to Sidney; but no sooner had
+I spoken than the lawyer waded into the stream, and over he came,
+holding out his bottles as if believing that Master Hamilton would be
+rejoiced at having an opportunity of drinking with him.
+
+Our leader waved him away in short order, and then the scheming
+rascal went from man to man of the front rank, asking each to have a
+glass of liquor in token of friendship; but none would accept, and
+more than one gave him such insults as a truckling knave like himself
+deserved.
+
+Before he had come to an end of the line, and when it must have been
+made plain that not one of the Regulators cared to bestow the
+commonest civility upon him, he espied Sandy Wells.
+
+"What, have you resigned your office?" the attorney asked sharply, and
+our prisoner replied whiningly:
+
+"I'm held here by force, good Master Fanning, having been taken
+prisoner by two lads."
+
+Our people burst into laughter at this mournful reply, and hoping,
+most likely, to curry favor with the Regulators, the lawyer said with
+a grin:
+
+"If two lads took you prisoner, I'd advise you to hold your tongue
+about it. Not many hours since you declared yourself to be a match for
+any three men in the Carolinas, providing you were not come upon in
+ambush."
+
+"I was taken by surprise, even while reading the warrants for their
+arrest, and it's by no means to my shame, since I never dreamed they
+would be bold enough to make an attack upon the representative of our
+worthy sheriff."
+
+"You'd best give over reading warrants, Sandy," some person shouted,
+and Fanning laughed at the gibe as he continued on along the line of
+horsemen, trying in vain to find one who would drink with him.
+
+I must set down here, at risk of interfering somewhat with the thread
+of the story, two verses which were afterward written about this
+effort of the attorney's to curry favor with those who had come in the
+name of justice to rescue innocent men from prison:
+
+     "At length their head man they sent out
+       To save their town from fire;
+     To see Ned Fanning wade Eno,
+       Brave boys, you'll all admire.
+
+     "With hat in hand, at our command,
+       To salute us every one, sir,
+     And after that, kept off his hat,
+       To salute old Hamilton, sir."
+
+I must admit that the poetry is not what might be called exceedingly
+fine; but it was made next night in camp by one of our Regulators, and
+because of such fact I think it well to set it down in this story.
+
+Well, bow and cringe as he might, our people would not listen to
+Fanning, and Master Hamilton told him sharply to get to the rear lest
+he be trampled under the feet of the horses.
+
+"We'll have neither you nor your liquor," he cried angrily, "and
+unless you get out of sight I'll not be answerable for the temper of
+these good friends who have come in search of Masters Husband and
+Hunter."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+PROMISES.
+
+
+"The sooner we march into Hillsborough and make an attack on the jail,
+the better for the Cause," Sidney Hubbard whispered to me when Fanning
+had come to understand that not one in all our company was willing to
+hob-nob with him. "To sit idly here is much like admitting we are
+afraid to do that which we have threatened, or as if we doubted the
+righteousness of our mission."
+
+It was not for one like me, who knew nothing whatsoever of warfare, to
+criticize what Master Hamilton might see fit to do, and yet I held
+much the same opinion as did Sidney.
+
+It would have been more to my liking had we crossed the river at full
+speed, surrounded the jail, and forced the keepers to deliver up the
+keys without parley.
+
+I would have had the matter settled in one way or another, within ten
+minutes, and surely there would be no more treason in the act if done
+quickly, than if we dawdled around half a day listening to the
+vaporings of those who claimed to be loyal servants of the king.
+
+We were yet drawn up in line, gazing at the town as if trying to
+decide whether we would go forward or back, when Master David Edwards,
+Governor Tryon's secretary, rode up opposite us, halted an instant to
+view the scene properly, and then began fording the stream.
+
+"Whether yonder royalist will try to frighten or cajole us, he is
+setting about the business in proper fashion," Sidney whispered
+approvingly. "He can't be accused of wasting time."
+
+"Hush!" I said, laying my hand on his to still him. "I would hear his
+speech with Master Hamilton, for if I mistake not he will settle the
+matter in short order, one way or another."
+
+The secretary had by this time crossed the river and was spurring his
+horse toward where Master Hamilton was posted, and as Sidney and I
+watched he saluted our commander courteously, not in lick-spittle
+fashion as had Fanning.
+
+"Why this war-like array, sir?" he asked, and Master Hamilton replied:
+
+"We have come for our friends who were made prisoners even while
+depending upon the governor's assurance that he wished simply to hold
+a parley. It was a breach of faith not seemly in one who represents
+his majesty, and we will never brook such high-handed proceedings."
+
+"In that you are to be commended, sir," the secretary replied,
+speaking fair and softly; "but I warrant you have not fully considered
+what may be the result of such show of force. Your friends have been
+taken into custody in what appeared to his excellency like a lawful
+manner, and it is meet they should be released with due form, else may
+you plunge this fair colony into all the horrors of civil war. For the
+sake of the people, Master Hamilton, I beg of you to withdraw, at
+least until his majesty's judges have time to deliberate upon the
+matter."
+
+"We are here, and can work our will, therefore it would be little
+less than folly to abandon the advantage."
+
+"You need not do so. I pledge my word as a gentleman that all the
+grievances of the people shall be redressed, if you allow this unhappy
+business to be settled in lawful fashion. Retire, and the matter will
+speedily be arranged as you desire. By so doing you may avoid
+bloodshed and the charges of treason."
+
+"And we have your sacred word, Master Edwards, that all this shall be
+done without loss of time?" one of the party who sat near our
+commander asked.
+
+"Aye, sir," the secretary cried, raising his voice that all might
+hear, "the affair shall be inquired into as soon as may be."
+
+"There are other matters that need attention, sir," Master Hamilton
+said stoutly. "Money has been extorted by Edward Fanning, from very
+many here, and without color of lawfulness."
+
+"Master Fanning shall answer to the judges of this colony, and, if
+found guilty of illegal proceedings, will be punished as should be
+the lowest of our citizens," Master Edwards cried, holding up his
+right hand as if taking a solemn oath.
+
+"And will you also pledge yourself that whatsoever has been done by
+those who belong to the Regulation, in the effort to gain redress,
+remains in abeyance until the first question has been settled?" our
+commander asked, and the secretary replied in the affirmative.
+
+"Here is one of your tax-collectors who, while attempting to arrest
+two lads, was himself made prisoner," and Master Hamilton pointed
+toward Sandy Wells. "Such resistance might be given the name of
+treason, if you were inclined to play us false."
+
+"The act shall pass as if it had never been committed, provided that
+you release your prisoner. Go to your homes, and at the earliest
+possible moment Governor Tryon will take the necessary steps to have
+all this unhappy business disposed of to your satisfaction."
+
+Master Hamilton wheeled his horse around, and, addressing our party,
+cried:
+
+"You hear, gentlemen all, what the representative of the governor has
+promised in the name of his master. Are you agreed to do as he
+proposes to the end that bloodshed may be averted?"
+
+"We are agreed," our people cried as if with one voice, and an instant
+later Sandy Wells was allowed to ride out from among the party, when
+he forded the river hurriedly as if fearing some one might try to hold
+him back.
+
+"We yet have his weapons as spoils of war," Sidney said gleefully to
+me, "and I warrant you he will not venture near Alamance for many days
+to come."
+
+"Think you we shall go free after having raised our hands against
+him?" I asked, hardly able to believe that such good fortune might be
+ours.
+
+"We have the secretary's solemn word for it," Sidney replied, and he
+had no more than spoken when the command was given for our people to
+wheel about in the direction of Maddock's Mill.
+
+The return was made at a rapid pace, and when we were arrived at this
+place a general halt was called, the assembly being told that the
+Regulation would be in session at George Sally's house next day "to
+consult upon the public good."
+
+Sidney and I thought just then more about our own bodies than the
+burning questions of the hour, and after taking care of our horses we
+camped in a grove near the mill, with nothing save the bushes to
+shelter us from dew and sun.
+
+We slept nearly eighteen hours, which atoned for the repose that was
+lost during the march to Hillsborough, and then, on the morning after
+our appearance before Hillsborough, were ready to discuss the
+condition of the "rebellion."
+
+That we were included in the truce was a matter of rejoicing, for it
+had seemed certain we would become fugitives, hiding on the Dan River;
+but both of us decided that it would not be well to venture within
+reach of Sandy Wells, unless we were so well armed as to be able to
+care for ourselves.
+
+As a matter of course we two lads went to George Sally's with the
+Regulators, but neither of us ventured to take any part in the
+proceedings, although much was done of which we did not approve.
+
+In the first place the Regulation prepared a petition to be presented
+to Governor Tryon, begging that Messrs. Husband and Hunter be speedily
+released in accordance with the promise made by Master Edwards; that
+the taxes of those who, by reason of their poverty, could not raise
+the required amount of money, be abated; and that Master Fanning and
+other court officers be restrained from oppressing the people by
+exorbitant fees whenever a legal document was required or served.
+
+As I chanced to know full well, neither my father nor Master Hamilton
+approved such a course as pleading with the governor after showing his
+minions that the Regulation was sufficiently strong to make demands;
+but the majority of the gentlemen were in favor of proving that the
+Regulators were not disposed to transgress the laws, and the petition
+was written out by Malichi Tyke, who had once served as clerk of
+courts.
+
+Sidney and I were both very much dissatisfied with the turn of
+affairs, although we took good care not to give words to our
+discontent in the hearing of the gentlemen who formed the Regulation.
+
+In our opinion we should have encamped near about Hillsborough until
+all which Master Edwards promised had been performed, for Governor
+Tryon could better be moved by a show of force than an humble
+petition.
+
+However, as Sidney wisely said, it was no real concern of ours, since
+the elders of the association would contrive to manage affairs after
+their own fashion, without giving overly much heed to boys or
+hot-heads, and if we wished to be numbered among the Regulators it
+stood us in hand to obey the voice of the majority without grumbling.
+
+It was also decided at this meeting in George Sally's barn, that
+Masters Rednap Howell and James Hunter be appointed deputies of the
+Regulation to present the petition to Governor Tryon, and that they
+set out at once for Brunswick, where his excellency then was.
+
+Now the upper Carolina was not in as peaceful a state as could have
+been desired. Some of the more wealthy inhabitants favored the
+representatives of the king, and upheld them in all their iniquitous
+proceedings; calling themselves royalists, and us of the Regulation
+rebels. They oftentimes, when a fair opportunity presented itself,
+took the right to discipline the people who grumbled against the
+money-gluttons.
+
+It was not impossible that some of these aristocrats might meet our
+deputies, and, being the stronger in numbers, attempt to prevent them
+from appearing before Tryon, therefore to put a check upon such a
+possibility it was decided that at least two others should accompany
+Masters Howell and Hunter.
+
+It was my father who proposed that Sidney and I be chosen as the
+escort, giving as a reason why we two lads should be selected, that it
+was possible, despite the promise of Master Edwards, Sandy Wells might
+try to make trouble for us because of our taking him prisoner. It was
+better, so he urged, that we be kept out of sight until the Regulation
+had accomplished its work, and by accompanying the deputies to
+Brunswick, Sandy would not readily find us.
+
+Master Howell himself seconded the proposition, kindly stating that he
+desired no abler escort than our two selves, and thus was the matter
+settled, much to my satisfaction, even though there was more than the
+shadow of a suspicion in my mind as to the reception with which we
+might meet.
+
+The Regulation also decided that we four should set out as soon as
+Master Malichi Tyke had made a fair copy of the petition, and he was
+so expeditious with the work that everything was in readiness for our
+departure on the following morning.
+
+We had before us a ride of about two hundred miles, and to Sidney and
+me, who had never before traveled an eighth part of that distance from
+home, the journey offered much in the way of novelty.
+
+There were no preparations to be made save saddling our horses: we
+would sleep wheresoever night overtook us, and procure food at such
+dwellings as we came across, or, failing in this, depend upon finding
+game enough to satisfy our wants.
+
+"Remember that Masters Howell and Hunter are to be obeyed strictly by
+you, lads," my father said to us as we were saddling the steeds, "and
+do not put me to shame by behaving other than as gentlemen."
+
+As a matter of course we promised faithfully to heed his words, and
+with high anticipations set off, riding immediately behind those whom
+we were supposed to guard.
+
+During this first day, when we were yet within our own home
+neighborhood, the ride was without especial incident, save that at
+nightfall, when we were encamped in a lean-to which Sidney and I had
+put up while the gentlemen were cooking a couple of hares I had killed
+late in the afternoon, Master Howell amused himself with writing the
+verses I shall set down below, and which I afterward saw in a pamphlet
+entitled "A Fan for Fanning," that had been printed in Boston in 1771:
+
+     "When Fanning first to Orange came,
+       He looked both pale and wan;
+     An old patched coat upon his back--
+       An old mare he rode on.
+
+     "Both man and mare wa'n't worth five pounds,
+       As I've been often told,
+     But by his civil robberies
+       He's laced his coat with gold."
+
+When these lines had been read to us Master Hunter declared that it
+was no more than right Master Howell should touch up Thomas Frohock,
+who, as clerk of the Superior Court in Salisbury, had done quite as
+much as Fanning to extort money from the people, and then it was that
+our deputy wrote these verses, which were afterward published in the
+same pamphlet of which I have spoken:
+
+     "Says Fanning to Frohock, to tell the plain truth,
+     When I came to this country I was but a youth;
+     Me father sent for me; I wa'n't worth a cross,
+     And then my first study was to steal for a horse.
+     I quickly got credit, and then ran away,
+     And haven't paid for him to this very day.
+
+     "Says Fanning to Frohock, 'tis a folly to lie;
+     I rode an old mare that was blind of an eye;
+     Five shillings in money I had in my purse,
+     My coat it was patched, but not much the worse:
+     But now we've got rich, and 'tis very well known
+     That we'll do very well if they'll let us alone."
+
+Master Howell laughingly said that as poetry the verses were of little
+account; but the sentiment could not be bettered, according to my
+ideas, and before we went to sleep that night I could repeat the lines
+without missing a word.
+
+We set out on our journey next morning shortly after sunrise, and,
+just before noon, when we were looking for a place in which to camp,
+two men, attended by a negro slave, undertook to make us explain our
+business.
+
+The whites had halted in the middle of the road, with the black
+immediately behind them, and when we advanced made a great showing of
+pistols.
+
+"Halt, gentlemen, and make us acquainted with your destination and
+your purpose in traveling this way!" one of them cried peremptorily,
+and in a twinkling Sidney and I, who were slightly in the rear of the
+deputies, had our rifles ready for use.
+
+"Why shall we make explanations to you or any other in the
+Carolinas?" Master Hunter cried angrily.
+
+"Fair and softly, good sir," the spokesman said, looking well to the
+priming of his weapon. "We are told that there are in the Carolinas
+those who speak against his majesty the king, and with such as they we
+would have a few words."
+
+"Except we are so minded, you will have no words with us," Master
+Howell said sharply, and I observed that he was fingering his revolver
+as if itching to draw it from the holster.
+
+"You will at least explain from what part of the colony you have
+lately come," the stranger said, this time speaking in a more gentle
+tone.
+
+"I am willing to give you so much information as that; but no more,
+for I deny that any person, save the king's representatives, have the
+right to question me. We are lately from Hillsborough."
+
+The two strangers exchanged glances, and he who had first spoken said
+quietly:
+
+"I have heard that the good people near there talk of banding together
+to resist the king's officers in their duty of collecting lawful
+taxes."
+
+"It can now be seen how much the governor's secretary meant when he
+gave us such fair promises," Sidney whispered. "Edwards himself has
+sent these fellows in advance to prevent us from going to Brunswick."
+
+There was much the same thought in my own mind; but I made no answer
+just then, for the very good reason that Master Hunter was replying to
+what was little less than a question.
+
+"Our people have banded together; but it is for the purpose of
+declaring ourselves against _unlawful_ taxation."
+
+"And you are one of the so-called Regulators, I may suppose?" the
+stranger said with a sneer.
+
+Sidney and I moved nearer until we were almost side by side with our
+deputies, for now did it seem certain that we were fallen upon those
+who would make trouble.
+
+"We have not come out either for the purpose of discussing politics
+with strangers, or indulging in a brawl," Master Hunter said stoutly,
+drawing his pistols deliberately. "It is our purpose to ride forward
+without too great delay, and if you oppose us the blood which is shed
+will be upon your heads."
+
+"Might it not interest you to know who we are?" the stranger asked
+menacingly.
+
+"Not a whit; _we_ are peaceful travelers who pursue our journey
+without molesting any man who does not seek a brawl. We shall go
+forward at whatever cost."
+
+Now it was that I believed a fight would be begun in a twinkling, and
+my rifle was raised, ready to do my share, when we heard the trampling
+of horses' hoofs in the distance.
+
+"There is some treachery afoot," Master Howell said in a low tone.
+"These fellows have kept us in conversation until the remainder of the
+party can come up. It would be useless to oppose an overwhelming
+force."
+
+"True," Master Hunter added, and then, as if seized by a sudden
+thought, he added in a low tone to me, who sat nearest him, "You two
+lads may perchance escape and carry to our companions of the
+association the information of our trouble. Back your horses off till
+you are partially screened by the trees, and then ride at full
+speed."
+
+"There are four of us, and each one ready to give a good account of
+himself," Sidney said, much as if he was eager to take part in a fray
+where blood must inevitably be spilled.
+
+"Do not stop to argue, lad. It is necessary the Regulation know that
+our passage is barred by some treachery of Edwards and Fanning, and
+you must carry the news."
+
+I remembered what my father had said, and pulled my horse back, step
+by step, until he was amid the bushes that bordered the road on either
+side.
+
+The strangers gave but little heed to my maneuvers, probably because
+they believed that a lad like me was of but little importance as
+compared with the deputies--I had no doubt but that they were
+acquainted with the purpose of Masters Howell and Hunter--and,
+therefore, I was soon partially screened from view.
+
+Sidney delayed until a party of horsemen numbering four or five came
+into view, and then he wheeled around suddenly, riding at full speed
+past me as a couple of pistol balls whistled by his head.
+
+I joined him, as may be supposed, and we rode at a sharp pace for a
+mile or more, when we pulled up as if by common consent.
+
+No chase had been given, and thus was I all the more strongly
+convinced that these highwaymen knew full well who were acting as
+deputies of the Regulation.
+
+We two lads looked at each other in silence as our horses came to a
+standstill, and not until perhaps a minute had passed did we speak.
+
+"The Regulators did well to listen to such knaves as Edwards and
+Fanning!" Sidney said angrily. "We should have released the prisoners
+when it was in our power. Now the poor men will remain in jail until
+the brute Tryon gets tired of holding them."
+
+"It is childish to cry over spilled milk!" I replied, angry because my
+comrade was inclined to give way to repinings when they could be of no
+avail. "It is our duty to get speech with Master Hamilton without
+delay."
+
+"Yes," Sidney cried scornfully, "and while we are riding toward
+Maddock's Mill, where I question if any of the Regulators can be
+found, those scoundrels will carry our companions to some jail in
+which they may die before we learn of their whereabouts."
+
+"We can only do as Master Hunter commanded," I replied meekly,
+realizing the truth of all Sidney had said.
+
+"I don't count on anything of the kind; but intend to turn back."
+
+"To what purpose?" I cried, now thoroughly alarmed, for I knew my
+comrade well enough to understand that he did not make such assertions
+without fully intending to carry out whatever plan might be in his
+head.
+
+"It stands to reason that those fellows who have taken the deputies
+prisoners came from near about Hillsborough, in which case they will
+camp somewhere on the road to-night. It is not probable they count two
+lads as of any great importance, and will never suspect us of coming
+back once we get away."
+
+"Well?" I asked, determined that he should unfold his scheme without
+assistance from me.
+
+"I shall turn back, follow those fellows if possible, and try to come
+upon them unawares to-night, when there should be a chance to aid our
+friends."
+
+"Suppose you fail?" I asked, turning over in my mind the possibilities
+of his being able to accomplish anything of importance.
+
+"If I find that they are on the alert against a rescue, or if there
+are too many, it will yet be time to turn my horse's head toward
+Maddock's Mill."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE RESCUE.
+
+
+When Sidney had thus announced his purpose I asked myself what might
+be the chances of success, and after due reflection it appeared to me
+as if the possibilities were rather in his favor, because it did not
+seem probable the royalists would anticipate any attempt at a rescue.
+
+They must have overheard the command given us to ride back with all
+speed, and could hardly suppose two lads like ourselves would take the
+chances of making an attack, therefore we were likely to find them off
+their guard.
+
+Yes, so I decided, the scheme might be worked if we proceed
+cautiously, and even in case we found it impossible to do anything,
+the delay would be trifling, provided Sidney was willing to give over
+the effort if a rescue could not be brought about that same night,
+therefore I asked:
+
+"Will you agree to set your horse's head toward Maddock's Mill by
+sunrise, in case you fail in the purpose during this night?"
+
+"Yes, that much I promise, for I'm of the opinion that unless the work
+can be done before to-morrow morning there is no chance for us to
+carry it through without assistance."
+
+"Then I shall do what I may toward aiding you."
+
+He clasped me by the hand, saying as he did so:
+
+"I knew full well you would not ride away and leave me to make the
+venture alone."
+
+"I am taking no part in it save as your assistant. You are the leader,
+and I shall simply obey orders, because I have no head for such work,
+while you are a born soldier."
+
+Sidney laughed loud and long at my words, and said when it was
+possible for him to speak:
+
+"Now you are talking nonsense. If we free Masters Howell and Hunter
+from the governor's friends, it will simply be a case of good fortune,
+rather than anything deserved because of the intellect brought to bear
+on the matter. Let us make camp here for a time; the horses need rest
+and food."
+
+"Are you not afraid that our enemies will get too much the start on
+us?"
+
+"I am reckoning that we were near their camping-place when the two
+showed themselves. If they count on carrying our friends back to
+Hillsborough to give them quarters with Masters Husband and William
+Hunter, this road is the one they must take, and we shall see the
+party ride by. In case they have a comfortable halting place, I am
+counting that the return journey will not be begun until to-morrow
+morning."
+
+I understood from this remark that Sidney had already settled all the
+details in his mind, and, therefore, since I refused to take any part
+in making his plans, there was nothing for me to do save patiently
+hold my tongue.
+
+We unsaddled the horses, led them into the forest where was a small
+clearing covered with rich grass, and made a hearty dinner for
+ourselves from the contents of our haversacks.
+
+When this was done we had nothing with which to occupy our attention,
+save the task of keeping watch over the highway to make certain the
+enemy did not pass without our knowledge.
+
+Although I had so readily agreed to aid my comrade, I was far from
+feeling comfortable in mind regarding the outcome. I knew full well
+that even in event of success we must run many chances of losing our
+lives, for now that the royalists had begun to make prisoners of
+citizens of the Carolinas without legal warrant, they would not
+hesitate to take the lives of two lads who might interfere with their
+plans.
+
+To risk our lives in a battle where glory might be won, was one thing;
+but to be killed like thieves in the night, when none of our friends
+would be able to say whether we died like heroes or cowards was quite
+another matter.
+
+Do not let it be understood that I was regretting having agreed to the
+venture; on the contrary, I would have acted in the same manner had
+the question been put at that late moment, yet I weighed the
+possibilities once more, and found them less promising than when first
+considering the proposition.
+
+We did not indulge in conversation to any extent during that
+afternoon. Now and then Sidney spoke of the treachery displayed by
+Master Edwards, and the possible fate of the deputies in case we
+failed to rescue them; but for the greater portion of the time we
+remained silent, each giving way, perhaps, to gloomy forebodings.
+
+The sun was no more than an hour high when my comrade said as he rose
+to his feet and set off toward the clearing where the horses had been
+left:
+
+"I reckon the time has come for us to make a start. We'll ride to the
+place where the villains met us, and then you shall take to the woods
+with the horses, while I follow the trail on foot."
+
+"Why should we not boldly ride down the road until we find ourselves
+somewhere near their camping-place?" I asked, even after having
+promised myself to take no part in the plan of rescue.
+
+"Because I'm of the opinion that we shall find the villains within
+half a mile or less of where we were halted, and it would be a most
+serious mistake to let them see us."
+
+As he had proposed so we did, and I soon had good reason for
+congratulating myself that my advice was not taken.
+
+The hoof-prints of the horses told us plainly when we were come to the
+scene of the encounter, and then, leading both animals, I struck into
+the woods, advancing slowly because of the underbrush, while my
+comrade pushed rapidly ahead.
+
+The night had not yet come when Sidney returned, and as I
+involuntarily came to a halt he whispered:
+
+"They are camped half a mile further on. There are six horses picketed
+near by, in addition to those ridden by the deputies, therefore I
+reckon that the odds are not heavily against us."
+
+"Did you see our friends?"
+
+"Yes; they are in a lean-to, tied, and guarded by the negro. We can
+take the horses within two hundred yards of the place, where is a good
+bit of grass which will keep them quiet; but it is well to wait here a
+couple of hours."
+
+Once more we came to a halt, and while waiting until the time for
+action should come I asked Sidney to tell me how he proposed to set
+about the rescue.
+
+"I shall find no fault with your plans, for you are the leader; but it
+is necessary I know fully your purpose, in order to play my part
+properly."
+
+"We'll leave our horses hobbled, so that we may unfasten them quickly.
+Then, say in two hours, you and I are to creep around to where their
+animals are tethered. We must procure two, with saddles and bridles,
+and bring them to where ours are. Not till then are we to give the
+deputies any idea of our having disobeyed orders. We should be able to
+get them away safely, and a start of five minutes will be enough. The
+rising of the moon is to be our signal for work."
+
+"What about the negro who is on guard?"
+
+"Unless he is different from every other black I ever saw, he will be
+asleep. If not, or if one of the white men has taken his place, we
+must fall upon him in such a way that he can make no noise, after
+which a gag will do the rest."
+
+"Where are the others?"
+
+"In a lean-to nearer the road, and a good fifty yards from where our
+friends are lying."
+
+The two hours which followed were the longest I have ever known,
+although since that time I have been engaged in many and more
+dangerous ventures. Each second seemed like a minute, and I began to
+think that we had been mistaken in the belief that the moon rose at
+ten minutes past nine o'clock. The soughing of the wind through the
+trees sounded in my ears like a prophecy of evil, and the cry of a
+night-bird came to me like the shout of an enemy.
+
+Had we been forced to remain there inactive an hour longer, I believe
+of a verity that the courage would have oozed out of my finger-ends
+entirely; but, fortunately, before I was overcome by timorousness the
+time for action had arrived.
+
+Sidney led the way through the underbrush, gliding noiselessly along
+as if we were stalking a deer, and I copied his every movement.
+
+In order to get at the horses we were forced to make a detour through
+the forest to the rear of the place where the deputies were held
+prisoners, and this required a good half hour of most laborious work.
+
+Once we were there, however, it became evident that the royalists
+counted on beginning a journey very shortly, for the animals were not
+only saddled, but bridled, and we understood that the remainder of our
+task must be performed quickly, or it might chance that our enemies
+took to the road before we could warn Masters Howell and Hunter of the
+help which was near at hand.
+
+Now we did not dare carry our plan to the extent of taking the animals
+over to where our steeds were hobbled; but fastened them by the
+bridles in the rear of the lean-to, and then crept cautiously forward.
+
+It was so dark in this place, owing to the foliage, that although the
+moon was half an inch high, we could not distinguish objects five
+paces distant, and Sidney let the way by the sense of touch, rather
+than because of any aid from his eyes.
+
+When we were close at the rear of the lean-to I could hear the sound
+of heavy breathing; but nothing more, and Sidney whispered in my ear:
+
+"I will make my way through the brush, and you are to wait here. If I
+should be captured, do your best to carry the information to Maddock's
+Mill. Don't try to aid me."
+
+I made up my mind on the instant that I would do my full share in a
+fight before leaving the brave lad to his fate, and as the thought
+formed itself in my mind he disappeared through the branches which
+went to make up the shelter.
+
+I listened with painful intentness; but could hear no more than a
+faint rustling of the brush, and then a man crept slowly out into my
+arms.
+
+It was Master Howell, and when I would have conducted him to where the
+horses were tethered, he motioned for me to remain quiet.
+
+Another moment of most painful suspense, during which my heart beat so
+loudly that it seemed certain our enemies would be aroused by the
+noise, and then Master Hunter appeared, followed closely by Sidney.
+
+We four crept softly to where the two horses were standing, and my
+comrade explained to the deputies that we must keep within the thicket
+until having come to where our steeds had been left.
+
+"We had best turn in the other direction, keeping under cover until
+you ride by, when we can dash out," Master Howell said, and I was
+mystified by his words.
+
+"But we shall not ride past here," Sidney replied in a cautious tone.
+"To do so would be going directly away from Maddock's Mill!"
+
+"Our destination is Brunswick," Master Howell said, as if that was
+sufficient explanation.
+
+"Brunswick!" I repeated in astonishment. "Surely you are not counting
+on trying to continue the journey after all that has happened?"
+
+"Of a verity we are," Master Hunter said emphatically. "It is not in
+our minds to ride back with the story that we allowed ourselves to be
+frightened by six men after two lads have shown themselves so brave
+and so quick-witted. Go for your horses, and, having mounted them,
+ride directly out on the main road, moving cautiously until arriving
+opposite where these scoundrels are encamped. Then use your spurs; we
+will join you some distance on."
+
+"But think of the danger which you incur!" I pleaded, although it
+would have been more seemly for a lad like myself to keep a silent
+tongue and obey orders.
+
+"We count on presenting this petition to the governor if it be
+possible to arrive at Brunswick," Master Howell said sharply, and
+then, by way of putting an end to the conversation, the gentlemen
+began leading the animals back past the lean-to from which we had so
+lately rescued them.
+
+There was nothing left for Sidney and I but to perform the parts
+assigned us, although I am certain there was much the same thought in
+his mind that filled mine, which was that the latter portion of this
+venture would be needlessly dangerous and ill-advised.
+
+We did not speak one with another, however, until we had found our
+horses and made them ready for the journey, when Sidney said solemnly:
+
+"If I had fancied the deputies would have continued on toward
+Brunswick, of a verity we would be well toward Maddock's Mill by this
+time. Even if we two get past the camp in safety, we're likely to fall
+into the hands of others who are ready and willing to deprive honest
+men of their liberty."
+
+But for the fact that the deputies awaited our coming as the signal
+for them to come out of the forest into the road, I would have urged
+my comrade to leave them then and there that we might save our own
+skins by joining the members of the Regulation, wherever they might be
+by this time.
+
+Then, feeling in our hearts that there was no good reason for exposing
+ourselves to this additional danger, we led the steeds down the road
+to a point, as nearly as Sidney could determine, opposite the
+encampment of the enemies.
+
+We mounted in silence, and loosened our weapons that they might be
+ready to hand, after which Sidney started with a rush.
+
+It can well be fancied that I clapped the spurs to my horse, for the
+hindermost in this race was likely to be the one who would suffer
+severely, and we clattered past the camp at the best possible speed.
+
+When a mile or more had been traversed we heard the hoof-beats of
+horses both before and behind, telling that the deputies had taken to
+the road, and also that the royalists were in full pursuit.
+
+Masters Howell and Hunter must have checked the speed of their steeds
+somewhat in order to allow us to come up, after which all four settled
+down to such a race as I never rode before, for liberty, perhaps like
+itself, was the stake.
+
+Not until our horses were so nearly blown that it became absolutely
+necessary, did we draw rein, and then it was no longer possible to
+hear the sounds of pursuit.
+
+"We have out-ridden them, that is all," Master Howell said in a quiet
+tone, as if he was not greatly interested in the final result. "We
+will give the nags time to breathe, and then push on again. For a time
+our traveling must be done by night."
+
+"If you count so surely that there are others on the road who will try
+to prevent us from gaining Brunswick, why is it not reasonable to
+suppose Governor Tryon may play us false?" I asked timidly, for I
+feared the gentlemen might think me a coward, and yet was I determined
+they should discuss the possible dangers which awaited us at the
+journey's end.
+
+"I think it very likely he will treat us as rebels rather than
+deputies," Master Howell replied quietly.
+
+"And yet you make every effort to give him the opportunity?" I cried
+in dismay.
+
+"Aye, lad. We accepted the mission, and having done so it became our
+bounden duty to perform it whatever might be the result. Before the
+people of the Carolinas can force the representatives of the king to
+treat us fairly and honestly, many a good gentleman must come to
+grief, and it is not for us to hold back."
+
+There was no reply to be made to such a remark as this, and I would
+have held my peace but that the gentlemen insisted on being told why
+we had worked to rescue them, instead of pushing on toward Maddock's
+Mill.
+
+"All the credit belongs to Sidney," I replied, determined that my
+comrade should have the praise. He argued that we would be wasting but
+little time by trying to effect a rescue, and in case of failure we
+could have carried out your orders within six hours from the moment
+they were given.
+
+Sidney claimed that he could not have made the attempt unless I had
+been willing to remain with him, and regarding this we fell into quite
+a discussion, which lasted until we heard once more the trampling of
+horses in the distance.
+
+It was high time we continued the race, and, the horses having had
+quite a breathing spell, we sent them ahead once more at their best
+pace.
+
+After this we stopped twice to give the animals water, and once to
+breathe them, before the gray light told that a new day was upon us.
+
+Then it was that Master Howell proposed we take to the thicket, and
+after we were screened by the trees we led the horses a mile or more
+parallel with the road. Then we crossed over to the other side,
+taking good care to cover such hoof-prints as had been left on the
+highway.
+
+After these precautions it seemed as if we might consider ourselves
+reasonably well hidden from those who came in pursuit, and surely I
+was not sorry of an opportunity for rest.
+
+We had been in the saddle not less than eighteen hours, and during six
+or seven hours more were so strung up by excitement that it was as if
+we had been two days without repose.
+
+Fortunately the deputies had not been despoiled of their haversacks
+when taken prisoners, therefore we had food sufficient to provide us
+with one hearty meal, and this we ate immediately after the horses
+were picketed where was grass in abundance.
+
+Not until we were eating did Sidney ask Masters Howell and Hunter
+anything concerning their adventure, and soon we were in possession of
+all the facts.
+
+The deputies, finding themselves opposed by six horsemen, surrendered
+immediately after Sidney and I rode away. They were asked no
+questions, nor was there an attempt to search them. The royalist led
+the prisoners to the lean-to, tied their hands and feet, and left them
+in charge of the negro, giving orders for him to shoot with intent to
+kill if either made any effort to cry out for help in case travelers
+passed that way.
+
+Neither Master Howell nor Master Hunter had any definite idea as to
+what the scoundrels intended to do with them; but both believed that
+but for the rescue they would have been taken to Hillsborough and
+there lodged in jail on a charge of sedition or treason.
+
+"Yes, I recognized one of them," Master Howell said in reply to my
+question. "He who appeared to be the leader I have seen in Fanning's
+office, therefore there was no question in my mind but that the party
+set out from Hillsborough in advance of us. Some one at Maddock's Mill
+played the traitor."
+
+"Why did they wish to prevent you from presenting the petition to
+Governor Tryon?" I asked in amazement.
+
+"I do not believe that was their purpose. It could make but little
+difference if Tryon heard of our wrongs; but it might create a
+sentiment in our favor among the honest people of Brunswick if we told
+there what has occurred at Hillsborough. The scheme unquestionably was
+to prevent information of the outrages being carried into the lower
+Carolina."
+
+"Do you think we are in danger from others?" I asked.
+
+"Probably not, yet we will travel by night from this out in order to
+guard against a possible attack. If those fellows sent word ahead that
+we were on the road and must be stopped, then will there be men ready
+to detain us; but I am disposed to think that they believed it was in
+their power to bring our journey to a close, and we shall meet with no
+serious impediment between here and Brunswick."
+
+"The governor may close our mouths by sending us to prison as traitors
+to the king," Sidney suggested.
+
+"We shall take good care, my lad, to talk with many citizens of
+Brunswick before presenting ourselves before him. If it is known
+generally that we are in town as deputies from the Regulation, who
+have come in consequence of certain promises made by the governor's
+secretary, I do not believe even William Tryon will dare cause our
+arrest without first showing some proof that we are plotting against
+the king. He will commit deeds in Hillsborough which he would be
+afraid to commit in Brunswick or Newbern."
+
+"In other words," Master Hunter added with a laugh, "we are thrusting
+our heads in the lion's mouth because we believe he dare not make a
+meal of us until after we have gone back into upper Carolina."
+
+With this the conversation came to a close. Master Howell insisted
+that we must get all the sleep possible before nightfall, and to such
+end he proposed that we draw lots to decide who should first go on
+guard, after which the others were to lie down.
+
+No one questioned the necessity of standing watch. In the first place
+the horses were to be prevented from straying, and then again it was
+of the highest importance we should know if a party of horsemen rode
+past our camping place toward Brunswick, otherwise we might find
+ourselves following the enemy, instead of being followed.
+
+It was decided by lot that I take the first watch, and at the end of
+two hours Master Howell was to be aroused.
+
+Those who had the privilege of sleeping soon stretched themselves out
+in the most comfortable positions that were possible, and ten minutes
+later I was the only member of the party awake.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+AT BRUNSWICK.
+
+
+During my time of standing sentinel I neither saw nor heard anything
+to cause alarm or suspicion; but I never had a harder task than that
+of keeping my eyes open while the others were sleeping. It was as if
+until my companions lost themselves in slumber I had no sense of
+weariness, and then, suddenly, I was overcome to such an extent that
+it seemed almost impossible I could perform the duties of sentry.
+
+I walked to and fro briskly; repeated to myself this hymn or that
+verse, and now and then groomed the horses in the hope of arousing
+myself; but all to no purpose. My eyelids drooped as if weighted with
+lead, and not until I had switched my face sharply with a bit of
+brush, striking my bare eyeball inadvertently, was I awakened. Then
+the pain kept me awake until I judged that the time of my vigil had
+come to an end.
+
+Master Howell arose reluctantly when I shook him vigorously, and asked
+as he stretched his limbs and yawned prodigiously, whether I had heard
+anything which might concern us.
+
+Sixty seconds later I was sleeping soundly, and not until late in the
+afternoon was I sensible that the life yet remained within my tired
+body.
+
+Then I was surprised by seeing meat cooking before a fire; but soon
+learned that Master Hunter had been out in search of game, and,
+fortunately for us, had come across a deer within half a mile of our
+camping place.
+
+After partaking of a hearty meal the difficulties and dangers of our
+way seemed to have lessened, and I looked forward to the night's work
+as a task which might have within it somewhat of pleasure.
+
+Because we had not heard horsemen passing our resting-place, it was
+believed that our enemies had abandoned the chase, and immediately the
+late dinner was eaten we set forth, taking less precautions than
+before, for now it seemed as if we must have outrun danger.
+
+In order that I may not make too many words of what is of little
+consequence, no further record of the journey shall be made, save to
+say that on a certain day, near about noon, we rode into Brunswick
+despite the efforts of Master Edwards and Attorney Fanning to check
+us.
+
+At the inn, the landlord of which was an acquaintance of Master
+Howell's, it was given out with considerable emphasis, as if there was
+something in our official position of which to be proud, that we had
+come as deputies from the Regulation to petition the governor, and I
+venture to say that before nightfall every citizen of Brunswick was
+well aware of what had been done in upper Carolina to preserve the
+rights of the people.
+
+It was only natural the Brunswickers should be curious to know all
+that this association so lately sprung into existence was doing, and
+even we lads were questioned eagerly by those who, because of press of
+numbers around the deputies, could not otherwise learn of the
+organized resistance against unjust taxation.
+
+Thus it came about as Master Howell and Hunter desired, that the
+citizens were well informed as to the reason of our coming before we
+had asked for an audience with the representative of his majesty in
+the Carolinas.
+
+Not until the following morning did we present ourselves at the
+governor's residence, and then we were admitted after being allowed to
+cool our heels in the guard-room for an hour or more.
+
+Sidney and I had not supposed that we would accompany our companions
+on this visit of state; but it served the purpose of our gentlemen to
+introduce us as deputies of equal importance with themselves, with the
+view, most likely, of giving us lads that fancied protection which
+would be thrown around the messengers of a reasonably powerful
+association.
+
+There could be no doubt but that the governor knew by this time why we
+had visited Brunswick, and, while not daring, perhaps, to refuse us an
+audience, satisfied his narrow mind and tyrannical disposition by
+making us wait in the room occupied by the guard for a certain length
+of time.
+
+When finally we were admitted to his presence we saw a cruel-faced
+man, clad carelessly in a dressing-gown, seated at a table in that
+room which served him as a library, and ranged around the apartment
+were six soldiers fully armed, fitting protectors for such as he.
+
+As if with the view of proving that we were of but little consequence
+in comparison with his greatness, he did not so much as glance at us
+when we first entered; but remained as if engrossed with certain
+papers that were spread out on the table, until ten minutes or more
+had elapsed, when he looked up, surveying us with a scornful
+expression.
+
+Certain it is that he did not frighten either of the party by his
+lordly manner, and such fact must have been apparent on our faces, for
+he finally asked in a loud voice, perhaps hoping to cause alarm by his
+roar, why we had presented ourselves.
+
+Master Howell acted as spokesman, and he advanced a pace as he said
+boldly:
+
+"May it please your excellency, we, the deputies of a certain
+association well known in upper Carolina as the Regulation, have
+ventured to present ourselves with a petition from the Regulators, on
+the strength of a recommendation from your excellency's secretary,
+Master David Edwards."
+
+"Your association may be well known in the backwoods; but we have yet
+to learn of it here," the governor cried angrily.
+
+"That you may do by a perusal of this petition, your excellency,"
+Master Howell said quietly as he laid a folded paper on the table in
+front of Tryon. "Two of our people have been imprisoned without due
+warrant, and when four hundred or more gentlemen of upper Carolina
+presented themselves at Hillsborough for the purpose of restoring our
+friends to liberty, Master Edwards urged us to the present procedure,
+promising faithfully in your name that this matter, together with
+others of an unlawful nature, should receive your prompt attention."
+
+At this speech, which savored little of fear, the governor took up the
+petition, glancing at it carelessly, and then throwing it
+contemptuously on the table, cried in a voice which quivered with
+passion:
+
+"Return to your homes, and smother this rebellion in the bud, else the
+penalty will be great. There shall be no association banded against
+the laws of his most gracious majesty! See to it that your fellows
+disperse at once, and have a care how you meet in opposition to our
+will!"
+
+"I pray your excellency to read that which we have brought at risk of
+our lives," Master Howell said firmly. "You will see that we do not
+rebel against his majesty's laws; but rather against those who exceed
+them unlawfully."
+
+"Go home and pay your taxes, or I will sweep the upper Carolina with
+my troops till it is a wilderness!" the governor cried as if beside
+himself with rage, and it appeared to me that he was about to give yet
+more rein to his passion when an officer entered hurriedly, whispering
+a few words in the angry man's ear.
+
+"Admit him at once," was the command, and then, to my astonishment and
+fear, in walked one of those two cavaliers who had opposed our
+passage and afterward made prisoners of the deputies.
+
+The newcomer had all the appearance of one who has traveled far and
+fast, and after looking around hurriedly as if to satisfy himself that
+we were really there, he laid a paper on the table in front of the
+governor.
+
+Then, at a sign from Tryon, he backed out of the room as if in the
+presence of royalty itself, and the governor hastily took up the
+written message.
+
+It must have contained something which did not please him, for his
+brows wrinkled as he read, and after coming to the end he perused it
+once more with greatest care.
+
+Although having had no experience in such matters, I understood full
+well that this missive had been sent by David Edwards, and could
+reason out all the circumstances readily.
+
+Most likely a messenger had been sent back to Hillsborough within a
+very short time after the escape of the deputies, and even while a
+portion of the party were pursuing us. Knowing as he did, that the
+Regulation was sufficiently strong to dominate upper Carolina if it
+was forced to extremities, Master Edwards had unquestionably sent a
+full account of all that had happened to the governor, in order that
+the latter might not do anything rashly.
+
+That my reasoning was correct I understood when, after some
+reflection, Tryon, turned toward us once more with something like a
+smile of friendliness on his cruel face.
+
+"You will excuse me, gentlemen, for having diverted my attention even
+momentarily from your affair. In these times, when treason is rearing
+its head against his most gracious majesty a moment's delay may have
+fatal results. I will read your petition."
+
+Then, as if he had but just understood our request, he perused the
+document we brought, and having done so said condescendingly:
+
+"This matter shall receive our immediate attention. Return to your
+homes; explain to your associates that their welfare has my best care,
+and assure them that within a month I will make a personal visit to
+Hillsborough. Then these complaints shall be inquired into by
+impartial judges, and that which is wrong or unjust will be remedied
+without loss of time."
+
+He bowed, to intimate that the audience was at an end, and we went out
+of the room, not backward, as had the messenger from Edwards; but as
+gentlemen should, in a manner calculated to show that we stood on
+terms of equality with all there.
+
+But for the manner in which he first received us, I would have said
+that the troubles of our people were well-nigh at an end; but,
+believing he had spoken us fairly at the last only because of
+realizing that the Regulation was of great strength, I fancied we had
+accomplished nothing of good by our coming.
+
+When we were at the inn once more, and could hold converse without
+fear of eavesdroppers, I learned that the deputies were of much my way
+of thinking, for Master Howell said with a grim laugh:
+
+"At least, we have pinned Tryon down to the promise that he will come
+to Hillsborough within a month."
+
+"And then I warrant you that those whose names are on the rolls of
+the associations will find themselves fast beset by Fanning's
+henchmen. Our last condition will be worse than the first."
+
+"He will need to bring a strong following with him."
+
+"Not so, my friend," Master Hunter replied gravely. "The weak-kneed
+among us will profess to believe in his promises, and the Regulation
+will be reduced to less than an hundred. He may work his will until
+again are the people so oppressed that alleged rebellion becomes
+necessary if we would save ourselves from prison."
+
+It was not a cheerful ending to our long journey; but there was
+nothing more that we could do, save make the people of Brunswick
+understand yet more thoroughly the situation of affairs in those
+countries where Fanning and Frohock held the courts of law in their
+hands.
+
+During the remainder of this day, in accordance with Master Howell's
+suggestion, we talked with such of the citizens as came to question
+us, and by nightfall the Brunswickers must have had a fairly good
+idea of the situation in upper Carolina, where already had four
+hundred gentlemen declared they would resist the misrule which was
+crushing them to the earth.
+
+One more day we spent in the town, and then it was as if the citizens
+had learned all they wished concerning our affairs, for our
+questioners ceased to be curious, and Master Hunter declared that the
+time had come when we should return.
+
+"We will set out to-morrow morning," he said, and Master Howell nodded
+to show that he was of the same mind. "Having described to the
+association our journey, and that which has taken place here, there
+will be nothing to do until the governor institutes the promised
+inquiry into the wrongs of the people."
+
+"Which will result in yet greater oppression," Master Howell added
+moodily.
+
+"We at least have done our duty, and will again be in the front ranks
+of the association when the time is ripe for action."
+
+Well, all was done as Master Hunter had said. We were on the return
+journey shortly after sunrise, and allowed the horses to take that
+pace which best pleased them, for we had no need to make great speed.
+
+Our haversacks had been well filled at the inn, and we would have no
+need of searching for game until two days had passed, when it was
+reasonable to suppose we should be in that section of the country
+where the planters would provide us with food and shelter.
+
+There was no thought in our minds that any effort would be made to
+stop us, for now were we carrying a message from the governor, and
+such an one as would go far toward soothing our neighbors who had so
+lately been in arms against those who represented the government.
+
+At noon we halted an hour to rest the animals, who were yet quite
+fresh for the journey, and to partake of the noonday meal. Then we
+rode leisurely forward again until about five o'clock in the
+afternoon, when we were arrived at a plantation where was promise of
+comfortable accommodations for the night.
+
+"It is better to halt here, at the expense of two or three hours,
+rather than push on and sleep in the open air," Master Howell said as
+he reined his horse in at the door of the dwelling.
+
+A white man and a negro, one an indentured servant and the other a
+slave as we afterward learned, appeared in response to our summons,
+and from them we learned that the planter and his family were in
+Newbern on a visit to relatives; but this did not prevent us from
+receiving such hospitality as is famous in the Carolinas.
+
+The negro led our horses to a stable of logs which was situated fifty
+feet or more in the rear of the main buildings, and the white servant
+ushered us into a sitting-room that gave access to the broad,
+vine-covered veranda overlooking the main road.
+
+In this last place we were served with light refreshments until a
+hearty meal could be prepared, and my comrade and I congratulated
+ourselves on having come across such a lodging, when we had expected
+to sleep in the thicket where flies and mosquitoes would disturb our
+repose.
+
+Our weapons, saddle-bags and haversacks had been brought into the
+sitting-room, and we could come at our belongings, if we so desired,
+by simply stepping through the open window.
+
+The deputies were taking their ease in a couple of hammocks, and we
+two lads were lounging in huge chairs when the clatter of horses'
+hoofs aroused us all to curiosity.
+
+Peering out through the vines which formed a curtain in front of the
+veranda, I saw five horsemen, the leader that same man who had brought
+the message to the governor while we were having audience, ride past
+in hot haste and halt a few yards beyond the path leading to the house
+as they carefully scanned the road.
+
+"Yonder men have been following on our trail," I said, giving words to
+the thought which was caused by their movements. "Having over-ridden
+it, they will turn back."
+
+It was as I said.
+
+The horsemen rode slowly back to the house-path, gazed toward the
+building, and continued on at a walk in the direction from which they
+had come.
+
+"Can it be that Tryon would try to prevent us from reaching
+Hillsborough?" Master Hunter said half to himself, and Master Howell
+replied grimly:
+
+"Those fellows have followed us by his orders, or those of Fanning and
+Edwards, you may be certain, for they have no personal quarrel with
+us. It is now known where we are, and I'm of the opinion that we had
+best make preparations for defense."
+
+"But it is to the interest of the governor that we report to the
+association his reply to our petition," Master Hunter continued with
+the air of one trying to read a riddle.
+
+"So it seems to us who are not in the secret. We need not try to solve
+the problem until preparations for defense have been made, since it is
+positive those fellows are on our trail."
+
+I failed to understand how we might turn another's house into our
+castle; but Master Howell was not troubled by such trifles.
+
+Entering the sitting-room hurriedly, he summoned the white servant who
+was supposed to be making ready a meal for us, and hurriedly
+explained to him the situation, concluding by saying:
+
+"It is likely that we shall be attacked before morning. What would
+your master do if he were at home?"
+
+The fellow shook his head in perplexity, and Master Howell added:
+
+"Having given us shelter we are his guests, and as such he would be
+bound to aid us, provided we had proven ourselves honest citizens of
+Carolina. So much, and no more, you shall do. I am of the opinion that
+they will take away the horses, if possible, and to check such an
+attempt the animals must be brought nearer the house where we can
+defend them."
+
+"There is no other stable, sir."
+
+"Is there not a store-room where we can stable them for the night? You
+can cleanse it to-morrow morning with this to lighten the task," and
+Master Howell held out three silver coins.
+
+The servant clutched the money eagerly as he said:
+
+"Peter the negro, and myself, are the only servants on the plantation.
+The horses might be brought into the room which is used as a kitchen
+during the winter. There is no floor, and a few armfuls of straw would
+make them comfortable."
+
+"These lads shall assist you in caring for them at once, and look to
+it that the saddles and bridles are also brought into the house. Do
+all you can to aid us, and double that amount of silver shall be yours
+when we ride away."
+
+It is easier to bribe an indentured servant than a slave, because the
+former may be able to purchase his freedom, and this fellow showed
+every desire to aid us.
+
+Sidney and I followed him to the rear of the building while Masters
+Howell and Hunter remained on the veranda with their rifles in hand,
+and in a few seconds the negro was made to understand what we would
+do. He brought straw while we led the animals into the house, and when
+so much had been accomplished the servants and us lads brought a
+supply of water from the well, filling every convenient vessel, for
+there was in my mind the thought that we might be called upon to stand
+a siege.
+
+When we had done this much, and we spent not less than half an hour in
+the work, Sidney and I went through the house to the veranda where we
+found the deputies on guard.
+
+I reported as to the arrangements we had made, and Master Howell said
+approvingly:
+
+"It is well. We are now prepared to give those gentleman a warm
+reception, unless they have some means which we have overlooked of
+getting into the house. You lads are to stand guard at the rear of the
+building, and if a stranger appears, call upon him to halt; if he then
+advances you will be warranted in shooting. In case the governor
+thinks to make way with us he will find that he has undertaken quite a
+task."
+
+"By calling out the soldiers he could soon put an end to our return,"
+Sidney suggested.
+
+"That is exactly what he won't do, especially after we have made our
+story so public in Brunswick. It is not in Tryon's nature to come out
+like a gentleman in his usurpation of authority; but he must needs
+scheme to carry his ends by trickery. If he can dispose of us through
+the agency of these fellows, well and good, for there is little
+chance he can be connected with the crime. Have no fear that any
+public movement will be made to deprive us of freedom or life."
+
+We lads took our rifles and went to the back porch, where we were
+screened by the vines, and while the white servant prepared supper and
+the black acted as assistant, we watched for the enemy, feeling ill at
+ease, as well we might.
+
+After having come to believe that our troubles were at an end with the
+delivery of the petition, I was particularly cast down at thus
+learning that our enemies were inclined to pursue us yet further. It
+had an ugly look, as if Fanning and Edwards, with the possible consent
+of the governor, were seeking to take our lives, although, study the
+matter as I would, it was beyond my poor powers to make out how the
+rule of the king in the Carolinas would be strengthened by our death.
+
+It seemed more as if the discontent round about Hillsborough would be
+increased in case we were slain, and that the Regulators would make
+every effort to avenge the murder of their deputies.
+
+It was all a riddle to me, and after turning the matter over and over
+again in my mind, I asked Sidney what he made of it.
+
+"Nothing whatsoever," he replied with a long-drawn breath. "I cannot
+solve the riddle; but this much is certain, that those fellows who
+followed our trail to this house are the same who made prisoners of
+Masters Howell and Hunter, and unless we are willing to go to prison
+somewhere between here and Hillsborough, we stand a good chance of
+being shot."
+
+"Why do you say 'somewhere between here and Hillsborough'?" I asked in
+perplexity.
+
+"Because if we are not murdered outright, it will be to Tryon's
+interest to keep us well hidden from the Regulators, who would use
+every effort to free us, and we could not be imprisoned secretly
+either at Brunswick or Hillsborough."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+BESIEGED.
+
+
+While we lads crouched amid the vines which covered the porch of the
+dwelling wherein we had entrenched ourselves without due authority
+from the owner, watching intently for some token that our enemies were
+creeping up on us, the question came into my mind as to whether a
+goodly portion of the present trouble did not come from the fact that
+Master James Hunter was one of the deputies appointed by the
+association.
+
+Then there came back to me all I had heard regarding the arrest of
+Masters Husband and William Hunter, a cousin of Deputy Hunter. It was
+said by some that Fanning had particular reasons for desiring the
+imprisonment of James, while he did not have a speaking acquaintance
+with William.
+
+When the arrest was made, or rather when the two Regulators were taken
+into custody to convenience Messrs. Fanning and Edwards, the wrong
+Hunter was taken, and he against whom the attorney had been working
+was appointed one of two to represent the Regulation at an interview
+with the governor.
+
+It was a vile act, throwing two men into jail on a charge of seditious
+conduct, simply to pleasure a couple of villains; but even this was
+not the worst of our treatment at the hands of Governor Tryon and his
+minions.
+
+I could fill an hundred pages like this with accounts of injustice
+done us of the Carolinas, and yet set nothing down which might not be
+verified by reliable witnesses, while every item would be the record
+of an outrage as gross as that committed in the imprisonment of
+Masters Husband and Hunter.
+
+If it could have been known throughout all the colonies what we of the
+Carolinas suffered under the misrule of William Tryon, then would that
+declaration of liberty which was made in 1776, have been brought about
+five years earlier.
+
+However, it is not for me to hark back to the beginning of our
+troubles; I have set down these thoughts because they came into my
+mind like a flood while Sidney Hubbard and I remained on the alert
+against those who, unquestionably, had been instigated by men whose
+duty it was to protect the people, instead of riding them down like
+foxes on the hunting field.
+
+I had been disheartened by the sudden turn in affairs, and the
+predictions made by Sidney, until it was to me as if the efforts to
+assert our rights as honest men would result in the death or
+imprisonment of all concerned in the undertaking.
+
+Meanwhile, as I thus agitated myself about affairs which would be
+regulated by Providence, we two lads kept close watch but without
+seeing or hearing anything of those horsemen, who, as we knew full
+well, were lurking near at hand to work us some mischief.
+
+When the white servant had prepared our supper, Masters Howell and
+Sidney went inside the dwelling to partake of the meal, leaving Master
+Hunter and me on guard, and, later, we two were relieved by the
+others to take our places at the table.
+
+While Master James Hunter and I were eating, I ventured to ask him
+what he thought of the situation, and received as reply:
+
+"We are better off here than on the road, although it seems likely our
+return will be greatly delayed."
+
+"Meaning that you believe those men whom we saw will spend much time
+trying to capture us?"
+
+"We shall not be able to continue our journey save at the expense of
+an encounter with those villains, and whether we ever see home again
+depends, as I believe, upon our being the best marksmen."
+
+Such a prediction did not tend to raise my spirits, as can well be
+imagined, and straightway all desire for food fled from me.
+
+I left the table without ceremony, and rejoined Sidney, full of
+determination to shoot with true aim if one of our enemies would
+present himself as a target.
+
+Until the sun had gone down we watched in vain, and while the
+twilight was gathering Master Howell announced his intention of
+venturing out to reconnoiter, for it seemed necessary we should know
+what disposition had been made of their forces.
+
+Sidney insisted that he or I should be allowed to perform such task,
+arguing with great force, so I thought, that it would be of but little
+consequence if one of us lads was captured, while it could not be
+reckoned anything short of a disaster if harm befell either of the
+deputies.
+
+Master Howell turned a deaf ear to his arguments and entreaties,
+replying again and again that he would not put a dangerous duty upon a
+boy when he was able to perform the task himself.
+
+Even while we strove to restrain him, he went out into the night, as
+if bent on visiting the stable, and when he had arrived at that
+building it was no longer possible for us to distinguish his form.
+
+Master Hunter kept watch alone at the front of the house, and in the
+rear Sidney and I strained our ears for some token of disaster or
+success.
+
+The deputy had been absent a full half hour, during which time we
+heard nothing save the movements of the servants, or the stamping of
+the horses in the winter kitchen, and then suddenly, as if he had
+risen from the ground, appeared Master Howell.
+
+We lads raised our rifles, not knowing for the instant whether it was
+friend or foe who had come upon us so silently, and then we heard his
+voice:
+
+"I have returned; do not fire."
+
+He stood on the porch an instant to tell us in whispers the result of
+his investigations.
+
+"They have surrounded the buildings in such manner that we cannot
+leave secretly, and appear to be content with that. As I look at the
+matter, they, having trapped us, are waiting for reinforcements, or,
+possibly, officers of the law."
+
+"But you have said that Governor Tryon does not dare to cause our
+arrest now that the people of Brunswick have heard all the story," I
+suggested, not a little alarmed by the information that the enemy
+appeared well content to wait until we might be captured with greater
+ease.
+
+"It was my proposition that Tryon would not dare arrest us in
+Brunswick; but now we have left that place, he might work his will
+without the people being any the wiser."
+
+There was in Master Howell's tone that which convinced me he was
+seriously disturbed by the condition of affairs, and I understood such
+was really the case when he added:
+
+"I think it is high time we held a conference of war, and one of you
+lads had best come with me to the front veranda, while the other
+remains here on guard."
+
+I motioned Sidney to accompany Master Howell, and he, eager to hear
+all which might be said, readily acceded to the mute suggestion.
+
+In another moment I was alone, peering out into the darkness with
+every faculty on the alert, and thus I remained until half an hour or
+more had passed, when my comrade returned.
+
+"Well?" I asked impatiently, burning to learn the result of the
+conference, for I had worked myself into a fever, trying to imagine
+what else we might do save await the preparations of our enemies.
+
+"It is decided that we leave this place about midnight," he said in a
+cautious whisper; "that is, if you agree to the proposition."
+
+"If I agree!" I repeated in nervous petulance. "What can I have to do
+with any plan which may be proposed?"
+
+"If we set out it will be at risk of our lives, and the deputies have
+decided that no move shall be made unless all four of us are fully
+agreed that nothing different can be done."
+
+"But how may we go or come at our pleasure if the house is
+surrounded?"
+
+"We can saddle the horses, and mount while yet in the building. Then
+it is a case of starting with a rush, hoping that in the darkness
+those fellows will not be able to shoot us down."
+
+"We are to run away, then?" I asked in surprise, for it had been in my
+mind that both Master Howell and Master Hunter would insist on
+fighting, however great the odds.
+
+"It seems necessary to do so if we would see our friends again, and
+the deputies believe it is of the utmost importance the Regulation be
+acquainted with the fact that all manner of treachery will be brought
+to bear, rather than do us justice. Therefore we will run instead of
+fight. Our horses are as fresh as theirs, and we may be able to give
+them the slip. In case we are brought to bay, it is better, so the
+gentlemen have decided, that we stand opposed to five or six men,
+rather than a large body. Are you agreed?"
+
+"It is useless to ask such a question. I shall do whatsoever the
+deputies think best."
+
+"Then, if that be your mind, the time may come when you will be called
+upon to act what appears to me like a cowardly part."
+
+I was amazed by this remark, and it can be readily supposed that I
+insisted upon an immediate explanation.
+
+"The deputies are agreed that in case we are brought to a standstill,
+you and I are to make our way to Maddock's Mill without regard to
+them. They will fight, whatsoever the odds, for the sole purpose of
+allowing us to escape."
+
+"Why have they grown so careful of us?" I cried, never dreaming of
+that which would have come instantly into the mind of a quicker-witted
+lad.
+
+"It is that we may carry the news to our friends. Masters Howell and
+Hunter will sacrifice their lives in order that the members of the
+association may be informed of the exact situation of affairs."
+
+I made no promises; timorous though I was, there could be, so I said
+to myself, no time when I would feel warranted in leaving comrades or
+companions struggling against a superior force. The Regulation might
+forever remain in ignorance of what had been said at Brunswick, before
+I would write myself down such a coward as to seek safety while others
+of my party were in peril.
+
+Luckily Sidney did not exact a promise from me on this score, and when
+Master Howell came to where we stood, he believed I had fully agreed
+to all the propositions.
+
+"Sidney and I will saddle the horses when the time comes, and you and
+Hunter will only leave your posts in order to mount and make the
+rush. There is opportunity for us to gain a couple of hours' sleep. I
+will stand guard in front, Sidney is to remain here, and in due time
+you and Hunter shall act as sentinels."
+
+I was not disposed for slumber; but this was virtually a command, and
+without hesitation I went into the sitting-room.
+
+Here I soon fell asleep, despite the fear in my heart, and when Master
+Howell aroused me, at the expiration of two hours, it was as if I had
+but just closed my eyes.
+
+Then I performed the part of sentinel, when the hours seemed as long
+as the time of repose had been short, and it was as if the night had
+passed before Master Hunter came to announce that the moment for
+action had arrived.
+
+Then he went back, leaving me with the blood bounding through my
+veins, and my heart throbbing violently, for I believed that one or
+more of us would soon be in another world.
+
+As had been agreed upon, Master Howell and Sidney made ready the
+horses, and the words were passed to the front veranda that that post
+be vacated.
+
+Now we moved swiftly, mounting the horses while they were within the
+makeshift of a stable, and when all were in the saddle Master Howell
+paused to say:
+
+"I will lead the way, then comes Clare, Sidney, and lastly Hunter.
+Ride in close order, and at full speed."
+
+The indentured servant stood near the door, yet holding the money
+which had been paid him according to promise, and our leader rode out
+into the darkness.
+
+At a foot pace we went around the building, until coming to the path
+leading into the road, when Master Howell struck the spurs deep, his
+horse darting off like an arrow sent from a bow.
+
+At that same instant came the crack of a rifle; I heard the ball
+whistling a few inches above my head, and said to myself that if the
+enemy shot as well as that in the beginning, they must succeed in
+winging all of us before we were well under way.
+
+The fever of excitement was so great upon me that I cannot well say
+exactly what happened during five minutes after we emerged from the
+stable.
+
+I only know that a volley of musketry rang out; that I fired
+point-blank at a man who suddenly appeared from out a clump of bushes,
+and cheered when he fell. Then it was as if a fierce conflict was
+being waged all around us, and that we rode through the showers of
+bullets until gaining the main road, when our animals stretched
+themselves to the race.
+
+I came out from the dream into which I had been plunged, when Master
+Howell shouted to know who had been hurt, and each in turn declared
+that he was not even scratched.
+
+It seemed almost impossible we could have come through that shower of
+bullets without being riddled, yet such was the case, and then I
+wondered whether the horses had fared as well.
+
+My steed was going true; I could feel the play of his muscles beneath
+me, and knew beyond a peradventure that he like myself was yet sound
+in wind and limb.
+
+"They aimed too high!" Master Howell cried exultantly. "If the
+scoundrels had turned their attention to crippling the animals, our
+chances would have been slim. Huzza for the Regulation!"
+
+Then we four who had ridden out from the shadow of death gave voice to
+our triumph, and from the rear came a yell of rage, telling us that it
+yet remained to shake off the pursuers who were bent on taking us,
+dead or alive.
+
+"Keep your horses well in hand," Master Hunter cried. "There's a long
+race ahead of us, and we must not wind the beasts."
+
+Our leader set the pace, riding only to keep beyond rifle range, and
+we four came alongside each other until we filled the road so
+completely that had any unfortunate been ahead on foot we must have
+trampled him down.
+
+It was possible now to converse, and I fancied also that the animals
+traveled more easily by thus being in company.
+
+When an hour had passed and we were come to a stream, the deputies and
+I dismounted, standing side by side in the road, while Sidney gave
+the horses water enough to wet their throats, and loosened the girths
+that they might regain their wind, for all four were well nigh blown.
+
+We there stood ready to fire in case the pursuers came up before the
+steeds were ready for the road again, and word had been passed that we
+should give our attention to crippling the enemy's horses rather than
+the men.
+
+During fifteen minutes did we remain with rifles in hand ready to be
+drawn to the shoulder at the first show of a pursuer, and then the
+chase was resumed.
+
+We had gained a long start of Governor Tryon's minions; but the halt
+would enable him to cut down the advantage, and again we rode at
+racing speed until once more it became necessary to halt.
+
+In this manner was the night spent; we favoring the faithful animals
+as much as possible, and while they rested, standing shoulder to
+shoulder ready for a battle.
+
+When morning dawned we could see no signs of the enemy in the road,
+and this fact troubled me not a little, because I feared that they
+had taken a short cut unknown to us, and we would soon find them in
+advance to check our flight.
+
+By riding until nearly noon we arrived at the plantation of William
+Payne, on whom Master Howell could rely fully, and here we came to a
+halt, counting to give the horses a long rest.
+
+Our host had two sons, and with such an accession to our numbers we
+were not greatly dismayed by the prospect of another siege, therefore
+we dismounted, and my timorousness vanished as I realized that we were
+now so far from Brunswick there was little fear but that word could be
+sent to the members of the association even though we should be
+disabled.
+
+While we ate dinner, which had been hurriedly prepared, and the sons
+of our host cared for our leg-weary steeds, Master Howell told all the
+story of our adventures, and the owner of the plantation proposed that
+one of his boys take a fresh horse for the purpose of making his way
+to Maddock's Mill with the tidings.
+
+After some little discussion our deputies agreed to this proposition,
+and before we stretched ourselves out to sleep the lad rode away,
+counting to change horses at the house of a friend, forty miles
+distant.
+
+Our mission was thus virtually accomplished, and we composed ourselves
+for slumber with the satisfaction of knowing that the duty due the
+association was the same as performed.
+
+Our host and his son agreed to stand watch while we slept, and nothing
+disturbed us until well into the night, when I was aroused by hearing
+the owner of the plantation as he entered the room to awaken the
+deputies. Then I overheard the following conversation:
+
+"Your pursuers are here. The hoof-prints of your horses could be
+plainly seen on the lane, and all hands were in front of the house
+before seeming to realize the situation."
+
+"Where are they now?" Master Howell asked quietly as he arose with
+difficulty from the bed, for his joints were stiff and lame after the
+hard race.
+
+"I forbade their coming nearer, and warned the party to leave my
+premises. They asked if two men and two lads were here, and I,
+fearing lest they might pursue my son, told them the truth."
+
+"That was well done," Master Howell replied approvingly. "Now they may
+besiege us once more, and we will make no effort to get away unless,
+perchance, you object to our resisting the governor's servants from
+your house."
+
+"Do as you will with me and mine. My wrongs are not less than yours,
+and now is the time when we of the Carolinas must prove ourselves men,
+or expect to remain under the yoke forever."
+
+"You may be set down as a traitor to the king if we make this house
+our castle," Master Hunter suggested; but stout Master William Payne
+was not to be frightened.
+
+"I can't say that I have any quarrel with the king himself; but
+against his representatives in the Carolinas my hand shall never be
+lowered. I aroused you only that you may be prepared in case an attack
+is made."
+
+"We will let the boys sleep, while Hunter and I have a look around,"
+our deputy said in a low voice, and the three men left the room
+softly, believing we lads were yet asleep.
+
+When they were gone Sidney said as he turned to face me, for we had
+been sleeping in the same bed:
+
+"So it seems that we are besieged again."
+
+"Did you hear all Master Payne said?"
+
+"Every word."
+
+"We are like to make quite a halt here."
+
+"And can well afford to do so, now that word has been sent on ahead.
+Young Payne will readily arrive at Maddock's Mill by to-morrow
+afternoon, if he gets a fresh horse during the night, and we shall
+soon have reinforcements enough to settle as many as have come."
+
+"If we must fight to get back home, what will be the result once we
+arrive there?" I asked, a new fear coming over me.
+
+"That is something concerning which we need not trouble ourselves for
+the present," Sidney replied carelessly.
+
+"Then I'm of the mind that Fanning will speedily find a chance to clap
+us into jail on a charge of treason, unless the association holds
+together to the bitter end."
+
+Such mournful conversation might have been continued a long while but
+for the fact that it was interrupted by a volley of musketry,
+succeeded by straggling shots which told that our people were replying
+only when they saw a target.
+
+"It's to be a battle instead of a siege!" Sidney cried as he hurriedly
+dressed himself, I following his example; but the firing had ceased by
+the time we gained the kitchen, which apartment was directly below our
+chamber.
+
+Here we found Master Howell and our host, one at the door and another
+peering out of a loophole cut in the shutters of a window, and I knew
+full well that Master Hunter and young Payne were on guard at the
+front of the building.
+
+"Where can we be of service, sir?" I asked, and Master Payne replied
+with a grim laugh:
+
+"I reckon you lads will not be needed, save, perhaps, to stand guard
+later. The gentlemen from Brunswick fired in order to learn if we were
+prepared to receive them, and I'll answer for it that at least one
+knows to his cost that we're not to be caught napping."
+
+"How many do they number?" Sidney asked, and Master Howell said
+gravely:
+
+"Not less than a dozen. The reinforcements have evidently responded to
+the summons sent from our last halting place."
+
+"We should be able to hold our own until some of the Regulators
+arrive?"
+
+"Aye, lad, and that is causing me no little uneasiness. By protecting
+ourselves we shall be giving Tryon an excuse for breaking his word,
+and before this business comes to an end the upper Carolina will be
+overrun by the king's soldiers. It is beginning to be rebellion in
+good earnest!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+TIMELY AID.
+
+
+It appeared to me that Master Howell was trying to "lock his stable
+door after the horse had been stolen," when he mourned the fact that
+what we were doing in our own defense might be taken as open
+rebellion.
+
+To my mind the people had rebelled openly and with emphasis when the
+Regulators rode, four hundred strong, to release Masters Husband and
+Hunter.
+
+We four who had visited Brunswick to lay before the governor a
+petition couched in most respectful language, could not be accused of
+aiding and abetting rebellion when we objected to being shot down or
+taken prisoners by strangers who had no lawful warrant to deprive
+honest citizens of their lives or liberty.
+
+As the matter presented itself to my view, those on the outside were
+the ones who acted in a rebellious manner, and there was no honest
+judge in the country who would not rule that we had every right to
+protect ourselves.
+
+Something of this kind I said to Master Howell when he appeared to be
+bowed down with grief because, as he declared, our people were making
+a show of what might be called treason, and to my great surprise I
+found that we who were fighting our way from Brunswick to Hillsborough
+did not have any place in what it might please the governor to term
+"open rebellion."
+
+"We four are of no consequence in the outcome of this matter," Master
+Howell said, condescending to explain to me the situation as it
+appeared to him, "and yet through us, or, rather, through our
+distress, will the king's officers most likely declare the upper
+Carolina under military rule. If we could continue our journey to
+Maddock's Mill without interruption, all would be well. Or, if we
+fought for our lives from this moment until we were killed or come to
+our journey's end, it would also be of no moment. That which
+distresses me is, that young Payne will give the Regulators an
+account of our troubles, and those gentlemen will ride in full force
+to aid us. Then has come the time for Governor Tryon's minions to
+declare that the colony is in revolt, and the fact that four hundred
+armed men have banded together to regulate affairs outside their own
+country is fair proof that the cry of treason has good foundation."
+
+"Well, and what then?" I made bold to say.
+
+"Then will the king's troops be sent to Hillsborough and the
+surrounding towns. Fanning and Edwards can work their will on the
+people, with an armed force at their backs, and when the Regulators
+oppose the military it will be represented that the whole colony is in
+revolt."
+
+"That was much the condition of affairs when we left Maddock's Mill,"
+I ventured to suggest.
+
+"Aye, lad; but then we had not opposed ourselves to the king's forces.
+Now it will be necessary to begin what can be called by no other name
+than that of treason."
+
+"It alarms you that such should be the case, Master Howell?" I said in
+a questioning tone.
+
+"Not for myself, lad, not for myself, nor for any of us who are
+brought to a stand in this house. It is the women and small children
+of whom I am thinking. We can fight to the bitter end; but they will
+suffer an hundred deaths while the English soldiers overrun the
+colony."
+
+"Then would it have been better had we surrendered when we were first
+besieged."
+
+It was as if this remark stimulated the deputy. His eyes brightened,
+he straightened himself suddenly, and said as if speaking to a vast
+assembly, instead of one timorous lad:
+
+"Not so, Clare. I was but considering the sufferings of our own
+people, and that should not be reckoned as against the grand result.
+This is indeed open rebellion, and the news of our oppression will
+flash from province to province until the entire country is aroused.
+Then, perhaps not until after we are dead, but at some time in the
+near future, will the rule of the king come to an end in America. We
+are the instruments selected to begin the way for freedom, and in
+future ages we will be spoken of as those who brought into existence a
+free country which shall be as a beacon light to those who are ground
+beneath the heel of selfish kings!"
+
+From, that instant it was as if Master Howell's entire nature had
+changed. He appeared to be exulting in the danger which surrounded us,
+and was eager for the fray.
+
+We stood watch until daylight, and then it was possible to see that
+Master Payne's dwelling was surrounded by fifteen or twenty men, some
+wearing uniforms, and others clad only in the garb of planters.
+
+The fact of there being soldiers among our besiegers told plainly that
+Tryon himself planned the outrage, and when such was apparent I heard
+Master Hunter say in a low tone to Master Howell:
+
+"From this day the Regulation will remain under arms until all the
+colonies are prepared to take up the struggle against the king's
+minions! Instead of 'Regulators' we should call ourselves 'Sons of
+Liberty.'"
+
+And thus it was that the association known as Sons of Liberty sprang
+into existence at the home of a planter in the Carolinas--that
+association which was speedily to extend throughout all the colonies
+as far east as Massachusetts, and south to the limits of the country.
+
+As when we made the last stand, there was no disposition on the part
+of the enemy to make an attack. We had bettered our situation, and
+increased the number of rebels, therefore Tryon's minions probably
+believed it necessary to strengthen their ranks.
+
+During this day we remained on guard and alert, while our enemies were
+posted just beyond rifle range in such manner as to encircle us
+completely.
+
+By making a rush after dark, as had been done before, we might readily
+have broken through the thin line; in fact such a move was suggested
+by Sidney, but Master Howell said firmly as if he had finally
+committed his life and fortune to that final result he foresaw:
+
+"We will wait for the Regulators. Since Tryon wishes to force us into
+open rebellion, he shall be gratified. Shoot down yonder villains if
+it so be you can; but here we remain until overpowered, or rescued by
+those who will speedily come to avenge the wrongs which are
+perpetrated upon all the colony."
+
+We had no opportunity to open fire on the enemy during the day; but
+when night came, and they drew more closely the circle of guards, we
+found a target now and then, thus reducing the number until I believe
+of a verity we might have ventured out and beat them off in a
+hand-to-hand fight.
+
+It is not well that I spend too many words on the situation at the
+Payne plantation, for the story is one of careful watch only, with now
+and then the report of a rifle to tell that we were on the alert. The
+enemy took turns at using us for targets; but, sheltered as we were
+behind the walls, they did no injury, while I am confident we disabled
+not less than four during the time of our arrival and noon of the
+third day.
+
+Then we saw a cloud of dust in the distance, heard the shouts of
+horsemen, and soon saw a body of gentlemen full four hundred strong
+ride down like a whirlwind upon fugitives who had lately been our
+besiegers.
+
+We sallied forth, and before the fray was come to an end our friends
+had seven prisoners. None were killed outright so far as I could
+learn; the remainder had taken the alarm in time to seek safety by
+flight, and our road to Maddock's Mill lay open before us.
+
+Young Payne had discharged his mission well; the Regulation was in
+session considering an arrest which had been made for non-payment of
+taxes, and, waiting only long enough to secure a supply of provisions,
+had set off for our relief.
+
+The entire party camped on the plantation that night, and before
+morning came, their plans for the future were fully formed.
+
+It was decided that the gentlemen composing the Regulation should
+remain under arms until Governor Tryon fulfilled his promise, or
+ignored it altogether, and during this time of waiting all efforts
+should be directed toward protecting those who refused to pay the
+unjust tax.
+
+On this evening Sidney and I were regularly admitted to the ranks of
+the Sons of Liberty, as if we were indeed men in age, and so wrought
+up was I by Master Howell's words, that I persuaded myself the
+colonies would speedily be freed from the rule of a master who had set
+over us such men as Tryon, Edwards and Fanning.
+
+We left Master Payne's plantation next morning at sunrise, and in due
+time arrived at Maddock's Mill, where it had been decided the
+Regulation would have its headquarters.
+
+It was no slight task to provide food and shelter for such a number;
+but once it was known that the governor evidently intended to play
+fast and loose with the people of our section, every one, including
+those who had not deemed it right to join the Regulation, set about
+bringing in stores of food for both men and horses. Then the men began
+building shelters, working in squads of five, three, or two, as was
+mutually agreed upon, and soon the neighborhood of Maddock's Mill
+resembled a military encampment.
+
+The rebellion began to assume decided form.
+
+As may be fancied, Sidney and I were camp-mates. We built for
+ourselves a lean-to which would shelter us from the rain at least,
+and in the rear of it made an enclosure into which the horses could be
+brought at night.
+
+It was not believed safe for us to go home, even for a few hours,
+because Edwards and Fanning had men out in every direction picking up
+a victim here and there, and we lads knew full well that Sandy Wells
+would take full advantage of the opportunity in case he came upon us
+where we could not defend ourselves.
+
+The Regulators were waiting to learn whether Tryon would keep the word
+given to the deputies, and a dull time of it we lads had meanwhile.
+
+Since one day was passed much as another, with nothing by way of
+excitement save when news came of this or that high-handed proceeding
+on the part of the secretary and the attorney, I propose to set down
+here simply an account of the general happenings in the neighborhood.
+
+The Regulators had scouts out in every direction, and therefore it was
+we learned, early in July, when we were heartily tired with lounging
+around camp while it seemed necessary the most active measures should
+be taken, that Governor Tryon, with an escort of an hundred and sixty
+soldiers, had arrived in Hillsborough.
+
+This was in accordance with his promise, and those who hoped the
+colony would not be forced to resist the king's laws were filled with
+joy, particularly when the governor issued a proclamation declaring
+that he had come to right the wrongs complained of in the petition
+delivered to him at Brunswick.
+
+Not a word in his official note to the people was said regarding the
+Regulators; but the citizens were requested to keep the peace until
+such time as the several complaints could be acted upon by the courts
+of law, and it was promised that if they remained quiet all should be
+done in accordance with the wishes of the majority.
+
+When this proclamation was sent out over the colony there were many
+who urged that the Regulation be dissolved, lest the fact of so many
+armed men remaining together might be construed by the governor as
+outright treason.
+
+As a matter of fact an hundred or more did leave the encampment,
+returning to their homes, and but for the earnest entreaties of
+General Hamilton, the deputies, my father, and several others, the
+Sons of Liberty would have dispersed simply because Tryon and his crew
+wished it so.
+
+Before one week had passed after the issuance of the proclamation, it
+could readily be seen that our burdens were to be increased instead of
+lightened. Twenty or more of those who had left the Regulation and
+returned home were arrested for non-payment of the poll tax levied to
+build Tryon's palace.
+
+Edwards and Fanning no longer spoke of pacifying, but of subduing, the
+people, and warrants were sworn out daily for the purpose of putting
+into prison those who were absolutely unable to pay the amount
+demanded.
+
+Fanning's fees were increased until they amounted to ten times as much
+as the law allowed for court services, and the poor wretch with money
+or lands who fell into his hands was unmercifully shorn of all his
+possessions before being set free.
+
+The wickedness was increased twenty-fold, and no man could say at
+what moment the prison-doors might open to receive him, save we who
+remained banded together in the encampment at Maddock's Mill.
+
+Then Governor Tryon proceeded to frighten the wretched people by
+marching with his soldiers from Hillsborough to Mecklenburg, and there
+coaxing or scaring twenty or more timorous souls to enlist in the army
+he said should be raised to subdue "the rebellion in upper Carolina."
+
+Then he marched to Salisbury and back to Hillsborough, enlisting
+recruits wherever men or lads could be cajoled or frightened, and,
+with an army of an hundred and sixty trained soldiers and about fifty
+feeble-minded colonists, he proceeded to play the part of king; but
+with rather poor success.
+
+By this time such of the Sons of Liberty as had returned to their
+homes and were yet at liberty came back to Maddock's Mill prepared to
+remain until matters were of a different complexion, and once more the
+defenders of the colony presented a formidable front to the tyrant.
+
+We numbered upwards of three hundred and eighty, and by advice of
+General Hamilton our camp was moved nearer Hillsborough in order that
+we might protect the country roundabout.
+
+In answer to what he was pleased to term a "threat," on our part,
+Tryon called out the militia of the colony, threatening direst
+vengeance upon those who dare disregard the call. By such means he
+added twenty or more to his army, and once again were the sheriffs
+sent to collect taxes, each officer guarded by a squad of ten
+soldiers.
+
+Now was come the time when the Regulation believed something more
+should be done than remaining idly in camp.
+
+We were told off into squads of twenty-five, and day after day we rode
+here or there as our scouts reported the movements of the sheriff,
+driving back the officials and their guards as if they had been so
+many sheep.
+
+When the guard of the tax-collectors were increased in numbers, our
+detachments were added to, and in every case we sent back the scurvy
+rascals. Sometimes they plucked up courage to exchange shots with us,
+when we always managed to disable one or more; but as a rule they beat
+a hasty retreat whenever we came in sight.
+
+We had orders not to shoot unless we were attacked, and it was hard at
+times to obey, particularly when, in the course of our forays, Sidney
+and I saw Sandy Wells at the head of a dozen soldiers destroying the
+household goods of a widow with one son of seventeen, who could not
+pay the money demanded.
+
+Before the middle of August, however, we made the governor and his
+crew understand that we were masters of that section of country, and
+instead of sending out sheriffs on fruitless errands, Tryon set about
+strengthening his position as if fearing we might attempt to capture
+Hillsborough.
+
+That town was a fortified camp, and none of the royalists dared ride
+three miles in either direction.
+
+It goes without saying that neither Edwards, Fanning, nor any member
+of the sheriff's posse trusted himself outside the town. General
+Hamilton had given orders that we were to capture any of Tryon's
+officers which we might come across, and keen were all for such game.
+
+I would willingly have given my horse and rifle, all the property I
+owned, for the privilege of bringing into camp as my prisoner the
+attorney Fanning. Although we were under strict orders not to shed
+blood, save in defense of our own, I question if that black-hearted
+lawyer's life would have been worth a moment's purchase once he was in
+our power.
+
+Among Tryon's many proclamations at this time was one which stated
+that on the twenty-second of September would be begun the trials of
+those who were confined in jail for any offense, and without question
+the case of Masters Husband and William Hunter would then be called.
+It also pleased the representative of the king to declare that "since
+charges had been preferred against Edmund Fanning, attorney, he would
+be called upon to render an account of his doings."
+
+No one among the Sons of Liberty believed the wretch who had caused so
+much misery would be regularly tried; but all were curious to see how
+Tryon might save his minion when so many and such serious charges
+could, and would, be made against him.
+
+I have tried to set down here an outline of what Sidney and I did
+during all that long summer while we waited for the royal governor to
+do us justice, which had been so long withheld. And by telling it in
+the fewest possible words, we are now come to three days before the
+time set for the trials, or, in other words, to the nineteenth of
+September, in the year of grace 1768.
+
+The Sons of Liberty were resolved that there should be ample evidence
+against Fanning, whatever the cost, therefore from among the members
+of the association eight were selected who could swear truthfully that
+the attorney had defrauded them of several considerable sums of money.
+
+It was believed that, unless protected in some manner, these witnesses
+would be arrested immediately they showed themselves in Hillsborough,
+therefore the officers of the Regulation prepared a paper stating that
+in case these men, whose names were set down therein, should be
+interfered with in any manner while they were in town to serve as
+witnesses, the Regulators would immediately make an assault. It was
+further stated that the lives of the governor and his associates
+depended entirely upon the manner in which our people were treated,
+for it would be the duty of every Son of Liberty to seek out the
+principal officials during the assault, for the purpose of shooting
+them down.
+
+This was open rebellion, and no mistake; but in order to prevent Tryon
+from declaring that we had intimidated the courts of justice, there
+was added to the document the agreement that no member of the
+association would interfere in any manner whatsoever with the judges
+or the officials of the court, while the cases were being conducted in
+a way agreeably with the laws of the king.
+
+This document was sent to the governor by one of our scouts who, going
+into town, secretly gave it to a royalist for transmission, and,
+before it could be delivered the venturesome man had rejoined us.
+
+Nor was this all the association did in order to secure fair and
+impartial trials for Fanning as well our friends.
+
+It was decided by the association in council, that while we remained
+at such a distance from Hillsborough Tryon might take upon himself the
+risk of conducting matters without regard to our just demands;
+therefore the camp was moved once more, and this time to a small hill
+overlooking the town, and hardly more than half a mile from the
+court-house.
+
+Here we felled trees to serve as breastworks, and otherwise guarded
+against an attack, for many of us believed that as soon as the Sons of
+Liberty showed themselves, the so-called king's forces would make a
+desperate attack, alleging as the reason therefor that they were in
+fear we might attempt to take possession of the town.
+
+It was on the morning of the twentieth of September when we rode up
+the hill in full view of Governor Tryon's forces; but no demonstration
+was made against us. The people could see that we were preparing to
+resist an attack; but they remained as if paralyzed with
+astonishment.
+
+Near nightfall came a mounted soldier bearing a white flag, who
+demanded in the governor's name the reason for our display of force,
+and General Hamilton replied to the question.
+
+"This is no display of force," he said. "We have come as citizens of
+upper Carolina to safeguard several witnesses, and have no mind to
+interfere in any way with the proceedings. Say to Governor Tryon that
+we shall remain until the close of the session, and that never a man
+of us will ride into town while the people are given the rights
+accorded to them by the king and parliament. If, however, there should
+be an attempt to deprive a witness of his liberty, we shall ride down
+like a whirlwind, carrying out to the utmost the plan which we have
+already had the honor to submit to the governor."
+
+The man rode back, and before night came we could see that Tryon's
+residence was guarded by three-score men, a fact which caused Master
+Howell to say scornfully:
+
+"I wonder if the coward thinks to save himself from our vengeance,
+with sixty recruits? We will overturn them, if there be any act of
+treachery, before William Tryon can sign his name!"
+
+After that we waited in anxious suspense, but constantly on the alert,
+for the day when law and order would be established in upper Carolina,
+or it might be known beyond a peradventure that we must depend upon
+ourselves entirely for liberty and the opportunity to live upon our
+own lands.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+SANDY WELLS.
+
+
+As early as sunrise on the morning of September twenty-first,
+twenty-eight hours or more before the time set for the trial of our
+friends, the people from the country roundabout began to gather, every
+man, woman and child eager to learn at the earliest possible moment
+what might be the outcome of this first attempt to check the course of
+the king's minions.
+
+Before nightfall it was said that there were not less than three
+thousand people in and around Hillsborough. On every hand as far as
+the eye could reach, the visitors were camped; some brought two or
+three bed-quilts, which they put up on crotched sticks and a long
+sapling as a ridge-pole, a tent that was made to accommodate as many
+as could crawl beneath it. Others utilized their carts as sleeping
+quarters, the body of the vehicle serving as the upper story of the
+dwelling, and the ground immediately beneath it as the ground floor;
+to the wheels were tethered the horses or oxen, and he who slept in
+the "chamber" of such a lodging was in danger of being awakened many
+times while the cattle munched at the hay which served as a bed.
+
+Now a few of the visitors reckoned on sleeping upon the ground
+wherever darkness overtook them, and many there were who had believed
+it would be possible to get a shelter in the town, never dreaming that
+nearly every man, woman and child in upper Carolina would come to the
+trial, during which was to be settled the question of their individual
+rights.
+
+Some of the visitors had brought with them a goodly supply of
+provisions, while others, more improvident, came with nothing save a
+hearty appetite, and these last went from party to party asking food
+as of right, until all appeared to be supplied.
+
+Every house in the town was filled to overflowing, so I was told, at
+nine o'clock on the morning of the day before the trial was to take
+place. Every tree which could be seen from our camp had one or more
+beneath the shelter of its branches, and in order to prevent our
+encampment from being literally over-run, it was necessary to station
+fifty men as guards to keep back our friends.
+
+Take it all in all it was such a sight as I had never seen before, and
+do not expect to witness again. I had not believed there were so many
+people in the upper Carolina as were now gathered here, and every one
+appeared to be feverishly eager to make certain Masters Husband and
+Hunter would receive a fair trial.
+
+Sidney and I had come off from sentinel duty at sunrise, when the
+crowd began to pour in, and we stood literally fascinated by the
+scene, never so much as thinking of breakfast, until the forenoon was
+nearly half spent, by which time the valley between us and the town
+was densely packed with human beings.
+
+"I wonder what Tryon thinks of this scene?" my comrade said musingly
+as he looked across the sea of heads from which came a perfect Babel
+of noise. "He must realize by this time that his imitation army could
+not make much progress against such a gathering."
+
+"Aye, and yet it is to his advantage, if he counts on playing us
+false," I replied, seized by a sudden thought. "The Regulators could
+not enter the town whatever might be the necessity for their so doing,
+save at the expense of trampling hundreds beneath the feet of their
+horses."
+
+"That is a danger which I had not considered," my comrade said with a
+long indrawing of the breath as when one brings himself to face a
+sudden and immediate danger. "Governor Tryon is guarded by his
+enemies, and yet if they turned upon him he would be swept from off
+the face of the earth like so much chaff before the wind."
+
+"The disaster would be appalling if these people should take it into
+their heads to rise against him!" I cried, shuddering as if the work
+of slaughter was about to begin. "The soldiers could mow great swaths
+through the crowd at every discharge of their muskets, and hundreds
+would be killed before the remainder found space in which to move."
+
+"He will not dare work an injustice upon the prisoners!" Sidney cried
+after a long pause, and I, sickening as I realized what might happen
+if a sudden panic arose, or in case an act of violence was committed,
+drew my comrade away from contemplation of the scene, as I said:
+
+"Why speculate as to possibilities? No disaster can come upon them
+during this day at least, and there is time enough in which to cross a
+bridge when we have arrived at it. Let us go in search of something to
+eat."
+
+It was not necessary to spend very much time in this last quest; each
+visitor who had relatives among the Regulators brought something in
+the way of provisions as a treat, with the result that our larder was
+filled to running over, and it was almost impossible to take a dozen
+steps in either direction without receiving a hearty invitation "to
+have something from home."
+
+Up to this time none of Sidney's relatives or mine had put in an
+appearance, and I was feeling decidedly disappointed, although I had
+no good reason for believing that my mother would come all the way
+from Alamance simply to learn what might be the result of Governor
+Tryon's investigations.
+
+When we had satisfied our hunger, however, and were about to visit
+General Hamilton's headquarters in order to learn whether we would be
+called upon for further guard duty that day, I was rejoiced beyond
+words to see my mother, in company with Sidney's parents, looking here
+and there anxiously, disappointed at not readily finding father or
+myself.
+
+It is not necessary to say that within a very few seconds I was
+clasped in her dear arms, and for the time being I almost forgot that
+such a tyrant as Tryon ever had an existence.
+
+When I had spent an hour in her company, my father joined us, and at
+the same moment Sidney shouted for me to come with him--where, I did
+not at the instant understand.
+
+"It is my intention to stay very near my mother this day," I said
+petulantly, as he went toward the river even while I was advancing.
+"She will be setting out for home immediately after the trials have
+been brought to a close, and I have no idea of wasting even a moment
+which might be spent in her company."
+
+"Give her a chance to talk with your father," Sidney said laughingly.
+"It appears to me as if the visitors were in some mischief down this
+way, and I cannot find any of the Regulators who are willing to look
+into the matter."
+
+"If it was of consequence there would be no lack of men to attend to
+it," I said petulantly, and then I became interested immediately as I
+saw a throng of an hundred or more, who appeared to be deeply intent
+upon something in their midst.
+
+"Most likely they are having some kind of a game," Sidney said when I
+came alongside; "but just before you showed yourself I fancied I heard
+cries for help, and it seems as if we should know the reason for the
+gathering. Unless we of the association have our eyes about us this
+day there will be rough play which may develop into a fight, as I
+heard General Hamilton say."
+
+By this time we were among those of the throng who were in the outer
+ring, and I heard such cries as: "Drown the scoundrel!" "Be sure he
+don't get away till we from Chatham have put our mark on him!" "He's
+needed a lesson this many a day, and now is the time to give it to
+him!"
+
+The crowd was so dense as each member of it pressed toward the center,
+that Sidney and I were forced to literally fight our way forward, and
+no less than ten minutes were spent in such task, during which time we
+plainly heard cries for help in a voice which sounded strangely
+familiar to me.
+
+Then, finally, we were in the very midst of the gathering, and had
+before us what promised to be a tragedy which might bring shame and
+reproach upon us all, unless it was speedily checked.
+
+As many men as could seize upon him, held in their grasp Sandy Wells,
+whose legs and arms were tied securely, and whose clothing had been
+torn to tatters by the rough usage he had received.
+
+His captors were industriously engaged in kicking him when we gained a
+place by his side, and at every blow they called aloud the name of
+some citizen of the Carolinas who had been ill-treated at his hands.
+
+"We're going to square accounts for all our neighbors, and then dump
+you in the river," one of the men cried vindictively, and I could see
+a huge rock, around which was a rope, lying near at hand to fasten on
+his body when the tormentors were ready to put an end to their victim.
+
+Now it cannot be supposed that either Sidney or I had any affection
+for the sheriff's officer; but yet we could not stand idly by while he
+was being murdered.
+
+In addition to such pity as common humanity dictated, it suddenly
+occurred to me that if the mob killed an officer of the law the
+Regulation would be accused by Governor Tryon of having committed the
+deed, and then would be good reason why the entire upper portion of
+the colony should be put under strict martial rule. If this murder was
+done the Sons of Liberty would be branded as assassins, and with some
+reason, therefore I whispered to Sidney, although without the
+slightest idea as to how we two might prevent the enraged men from
+working their will:
+
+"We must put an end to this, and that right quickly, else will the man
+be killed before our eyes."
+
+There was in his mind the same thought as had come into mine, and he
+turned to look me full in the face as he said, almost shouting in
+order that I might hear the words above the uproar:
+
+"It may cost us our lives to interfere! I do not recognize any of
+these men, and they will refuse to listen."
+
+At this moment Sandy Wells caught sight of us, and, stretching out his
+bound hands, cried imploringly:
+
+"Save me, lads! For God's sake don't allow me to be murdered!"
+
+"That we won't!" I cried, suddenly forgetting that I was running my
+nose into very serious danger until we could make that maddened
+desperate mob understand who we were, which last would require some
+time while the tumult was so great.
+
+Forcing myself with a rush between two of those who had a hold upon
+Sandy, I seized the prisoner by the arm as I cried with the full force
+of my lungs:
+
+"You are ruining the cause of freedom when you lay violent hands upon
+this man! Have a care, or there'll be mischief done to more than him!"
+
+I had hardly finished speaking before half a dozen rushed forward, one
+seizing me by the throat, despite all Sidney's efforts to hold him
+back, and crying:
+
+"Here's another of Tryon's friends! we'll drop him into the stream to
+bear the tax-collector company!"
+
+I tried in vain to speak; but the fellow had my throat as if in a
+vise, and it was impossible to so much as whisper.
+
+As the mob pressed yet further I was forced downward until I lay
+across Sandy's body, and Sidney strove valiantly to make himself heard
+as he cried:
+
+"He whom you have there is Clare Butler, one of the Regulators! I am
+Sidney Hubbard, also a member of the association! Do you hear? We are
+of the Regulation, and are trying to prevent you from bringing yet
+greater wrongs upon the colony!"
+
+Before it was possible for Sidney to utter many words the men had
+bound me hand and foot, after the same fashion as was Sandy, and at
+that moment I believed, and feel certain to this day, that death was
+very near me. It was only a question as to whether my comrade could
+make himself heard before I was pitched overboard.
+
+Already I could hear shouts from those in the rear demanding that I be
+"finished" before Sandy's score was paid off, and more than one
+threatened to take a hand in the business if it was not brought to a
+speedy close.
+
+"Drown the villain! Let Tryon understand that he can't play fast and
+loose with us!" one of the crowd shouted, and another added:
+
+"Waste no time over him; but let us pay our dues to the tax-collector
+while he is drowning."
+
+Those in the rear were so eager to expedite matters that they flung
+themselves forward until the men who held me were forced to turn and
+defend themselves lest they be trodden under foot, and this temporary
+delay, I firmly believe, was all that saved my life.
+
+Had the members of the mob not fought with each other to gain a better
+place in which to witness the spectacle, of a verity I would have been
+flung into the river.
+
+"We are two lads who acted as escort to the deputies when they went to
+Brunswick!" Sidney shouted during a momentary lull in the tumult, and
+one of those nearest him caught the import of the words.
+
+"Who are you?" the man cried, and Sidney replied, yelling in the
+fellow's ear to make certain the words were understood:
+
+"Regulators! Members of the association! But for the lad you are
+threatening to drown, the deputies might not have escaped from those
+whom Tryon sent in pursuit of us!"
+
+Now it was Sidney had assistance in his efforts to procure for us a
+hearing, for the man set about making his neighbor acquainted with the
+facts, and in a twinkling a third understood that they had been
+trying to kill their friends.
+
+When perhaps five minutes had passed, and time moved slowly to me who
+was expecting each instant that some impatient one would pitch me over
+the river bank, those in the middle of the throng came to know what we
+had been trying to tell them, and in a very few seconds afterward I
+was released from my bonds.
+
+"It was a close shave for you," he who had been holding me by the
+throat said, as I stood before him gasping for breath. "We made
+certain you were trying to save the tax-collector."
+
+"That is exactly what we were doing," I replied, speaking with
+difficulty because my windpipe was sore from the pressure so lately
+put upon it.
+
+"Then you must be friendly to Tryon, else you would not speak a good
+word for that villain whom we count on killing as we would a rat!"
+
+"It must not be done!" I cried frantically, raising my voice so that
+those in the immediate vicinity might hear. "If you kill him it will
+be said that it was done by orders of the Regulation, and Tryon will
+have right on his side when he overruns the country with soldiers. To
+raise your hands against an officer of the county is to weave a noose
+for those brave men in prison who will look to-morrow for your
+assistance! Nothing would please Tryon better than to have a
+reasonable excuse for throwing us all into jail!"
+
+Then, as my voice failed, Sidney took up the theme:
+
+"How much do you harm Tryon by killing Sandy Wells? The governor cares
+nothing about such as he, and would gladly reward the man who, by
+committing murder almost in the encampment of the Regulators, should
+give the king's minions power over us! Turn the tax-collector over to
+us. We will take him to General Hamilton, who is bound to see that he
+be held a prisoner, and to-morrow, if Tryon and Fanning play us false,
+we shall have one on whom to retaliate."
+
+"Keep him till to-morrow!" a voice cried, and straightway I began to
+have hope that we might finally succeed in our purpose.
+
+Some of the mob came to understand that which we would beat into
+their thick skulls, and with the knowledge of what the murder of a
+king's officer might mean for all in that section, whether innocent or
+guilty, came the impulse to wash their own hands of any participation
+in the outrage.
+
+For the time being they forgot their victim while discussing each with
+another the situation as we had shown it, and now was come the time
+when I could cut Sandy's bonds.
+
+"Get to your feet and keep close behind Sidney and me," I whispered.
+"Do as I bid you, and it may be that we three can make our way inside
+the lines of the encampment."
+
+"I'll do whatever you say," Sandy replied in the tone of one whose
+life has just been saved, as indeed his had, and I whispered in
+Sidney's ear, for the tumult had so far subsided that it was possible
+to speak with some degree of privacy:
+
+"Work gradually toward the encampment while you talk. If we can
+attract the attention of the Regulators our point is gained."
+
+Then I turned to argue with the man nearest me, showing him how much
+it would advantage us if we could have the tax-collector as our
+prisoner until the trial in the court had come to an end, and all the
+while pressing gently forward, step by step, toward our line of
+guards.
+
+Sandy, knowing that his only chance for life was in keeping close to
+us lads, for if he had attempted to gain the village an hundred hands
+would have been laid upon him in anger, obeyed my commands to the
+letter, pressing me so hard at times that I found it difficult to keep
+my footing.
+
+In this manner we succeeded, after more than an hour had passed, in
+approaching within twenty feet of the encampment line, and the
+remainder of the task was simple.
+
+We had but to attract the attention of the guard, and in a twinkling
+half a dozen Regulators were on the spot.
+
+Hurriedly I told our friends of what had been on foot, and Sandy Wells
+was marched directly within the lines, while those who would follow
+were forced by the guards to keep their distance.
+
+The men who had come to our rescue believed it proper the prisoner
+should be taken to that lean-to known as "headquarters," and soon the
+miserable wretch was telling his story to our commander.
+
+"Why did you show yourself such a simpleton as to venture into the
+midst of those whom you had harassed?" the old general asked with a
+laugh, for I believe he was secretly pleased at seeing the
+tax-collector in such a plight.
+
+"I came across the river to speak with some friends of mine who were
+come----" Sandy began, and one of our party interrupted him by saying:
+
+"I didn't suppose you had a friend outside of Hillsborough, and but
+precious few in the town!"
+
+"This was a family from Chatham whom I have known many years----"
+
+"I venture to say you never tried to collect illegal taxes from them!"
+
+"Let the man tell the story," General Hamilton interrupted, and Sandy
+continued:
+
+"They were so near the town that I didn't think any one would dare
+lay hands on me; but before I was comfortably seated under their wagon
+half a dozen men seized me. I was dragged up the stream to that point
+where the bank is high and steep, and there the life was nearly kicked
+out of me."
+
+Sandy concluded the story by explaining how we had chanced to go to
+his rescue, and what happened after we arrived at the scene.
+
+"You two lads have done well!" the old general said emphatically. "It
+would have been a sorry day's work for the people in this section if
+yonder rascal had been killed. The one question now in my mind is,
+what we shall do with him. I don't want such scurvy knaves in camp."
+
+Hearing this Sandy dropped on his knees, begging the general not to
+send him outside the lines of the encampment lest he be killed, and,
+after waiting a moment without hearing anything by way of suggestion
+as to what should be done with the fellow, Sidney said:
+
+"If it please you, Master Hamilton, Clare and I will take charge of
+him until to-morrow. I think he will do as we command, and it's only
+a question of keeping him away from the visitors."
+
+"You may take him and welcome," the general said in a tone of relief.
+"It may not be safe to make too great a display of the rascal even in
+camp, for we have among us many whom he has wofully distressed."
+
+"Always acting under orders, sir, always under orders!" Sandy cried,
+yet on his knees.
+
+"You would be more of a man if you took your orders from a different
+source," the general said sharply, and then motioned for us to lead
+him away.
+
+"You lads have saved my life," Sandy began when we three were walking
+toward the lean-to Sidney and I had built, "and if I can ever do
+anything in return, you shall understand that I know how to be
+grateful."
+
+"We've done nothing for which we expect to be rewarded," Sidney
+replied with a gesture of impatience. "You can't fancy that we bear
+you any very good-will, therefore what we did was for the good of the
+colony."
+
+"Never mind why you did it; I shall never forget what I owe."
+
+Then we were come to the lean-to, and once there the question arose as
+to what we should do with our charge. If he was left to wander around
+the encampment alone, some of the men would undoubtedly ill-treat him,
+and we were not disposed to waste time which should be spent in the
+company of our dear ones, looking after him.
+
+It was Sandy himself who solved the question for us, by saying:
+
+"Leave me here; I can hide beneath the brush which forms your bed, and
+you may be certain I shan't be such a fool as to venture out."
+
+It was a good idea, and after he had burrowed beneath the pine
+branches until no trace of him could be seen, I went to seek my
+mother.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+TRYON'S DEMONSTRATION.
+
+
+Although we, meaning Sidney and I, had saved a man's life, it was but
+a trifling incident to the majority, so intense was the interest in
+the outcome of the trial to be held on the morrow.
+
+The welfare of the colony, and, perhaps, the lives of hundreds of our
+people depended upon what would be done next day in the Hillsborough
+court-house, and with such a great stake at hazard, the citizens might
+well be excused for giving but little heed to the fact that a
+tax-collector had been very near death.
+
+Those who paid any particular attention to the events which I have
+just set down, viewed the entire proceeding as but the first move in
+the game betwixt rulers and those who are ruled, and if any
+disquietude was felt, it arose from the fact that the more
+superstitious took Sandy Wells' escape from death as a token that our
+oppressors would win the legal battle, or contrive some way by which
+it might be turned into a farce.
+
+When I rejoined my parents I found them looking decidedly
+uncomfortable in mind, and it was possible to guess the reason for
+their anxiety when mother said to me in a low tone as she clasped my
+hand lovingly:
+
+"My son, in case it should not be prudent to return home at once, I
+feel confident you will conduct yourself as if my eyes were upon you
+all the time."
+
+"Then father thinks Tryon will get the best of us to-morrow?" I cried,
+looking up quickly.
+
+"It is possible that, despite all our show of force, the king's party
+may outwit us, or force the judges to decide in Tryon's favor," my
+father replied thoughtfully.
+
+"If that should happen the people would make quick work of the
+traitors," I said, thinking of the scene I had just witnessed.
+
+"No one can say when or how a gathering like this is to be swerved
+from its purpose. Within four and twenty hours the situation may
+appear entirely different to those who now cry out against the king's
+minions."
+
+"But the Regulators will hold steadfast," I said quickly. "Having
+announced themselves as true Sons of Liberty, they cannot give up the
+struggle while right is on their side."
+
+"I know not what may be the result of to-morrow's trial," my father
+replied gravely, "and it is of little use to speculate, as I have
+already been led to do by certain questions your mother asked. We
+shall know the outcome in due season."
+
+"But you have intimated to her that it may be several weeks before I
+return home, as if believing the result will be in favor of Tryon's
+party," I insisted.
+
+"I have said that it might become necessary for the Regulation to
+remain in session some time and of course, since you are a member, it
+will be needful to remain in camp."
+
+I understood that father had indulged in more forebodings while
+conversing privately with mother, than he cared to have made known to
+me, and was not surprised thereat. It had been in my mind for many
+hours that the governor could and would influence the decision of the
+court, if he believed it might be done with safety so far as he
+personally was concerned, and it would not have caused me astonishment
+had I been told that the case was already settled without regard to
+any evidence which might be submitted.
+
+The judges upon the bench would be Chief Justice Martin Howard, with
+Maurice Moore and Richard Henderson as his associates.
+
+It had been said more than once that to these gentlemen Tryon's desire
+was of more importance than the king's written law, and even General
+Hamilton was quoted as having declared that the words of the decisions
+in the cases which were to come up on the morrow would have been
+dictated by the man who made of justice a mockery.
+
+However, when I looked around upon the vast assembly, and realized
+that the governor knew beyond a peradventure that all these people
+would cry out against any additional wrongs, even to the extent of
+resorting to arms, I could not believe he would dare trifle with them.
+
+Mother, observing the mood into which I had fallen, bade me forget her
+words, but not the substance of them, and to change the current of
+thought suggested that father and myself escort her around the
+encampment in order that she might meet our friends.
+
+We were on the point of acceding to what was really a proposition,
+when one of the Regulators came up hurriedly with the word:
+
+"The members of the association are ordered to fall into line,
+mounted, and fully armed."
+
+It was a command to be obeyed on the instant, and as I ran toward my
+camp to make preparations, I wondered what could have happened to give
+color to such a warlike proceeding.
+
+So far as I was able to see, everything appeared in much the same
+condition as when we had rescued Sandy, yet there could be no question
+but that danger threatened from some quarter.
+
+Sidney was by my side before I arrived at the lean-to, and his first
+question was as to whether I knew the meaning of the command.
+
+"I can see nothing to cause alarm, and yet General Hamilton is far too
+cautious to do anything unnecessarily which might provoke a conflict,"
+I replied. "At such a time as this it needs but a spark to set all
+these men aflame, for after the many wrongs committed in the king's
+name they are like to so much tinder, and our forming into ranks will
+arouse them at once."
+
+"If Sandy Wells can stir up the visitors to the point of murder, it
+stands our officers in hand to go slowly and with exceeding caution,"
+Sidney said in so grave a tone that I looked at him in surprise.
+
+When we began saddling our horses, which had been kept within the
+enclosure that day lest they might be frightened away, or stolen, the
+collector was alarmed, and, poking his head out from under the
+brushpile, asked in a voice trembling with apprehension:
+
+"What is the matter? Have any others from the sheriff's office been so
+reckless as to follow my example by coming across the river?"
+
+"We don't know what is on foot," Sidney replied; "but certain it is
+that we are called out for duty. Take my advice and keep under cover
+till night, when we will make an effort to send you over to the town."
+
+Sandy disappeared like a flash, and despite the fears in my mind I
+could not repress the smile which was provoked by a glimpse of his
+face.
+
+The day was exceedingly warm, and his hiding-place must have been
+close indeed, for not a breath of air could reach him beneath all that
+brush. His cheeks were flushed crimson, and the perspiration oozed
+from every pore, only to be covered with pine needles which adhered to
+the skin as if glued there.
+
+We were not long in answering the call, and once my comrade and I were
+on the brow of the hill overlooking the town, where the command was
+being formed, it was possible to understand why we had been summoned.
+
+Across that sea of heads, just in front of the court-house, was
+Governor Tryon's army, drawn up as if for action. We could see that
+every man was fully armed, and all the officers in position, ready
+for immediate movement.
+
+"What is the meaning of that display of force?" I asked in surprise,
+and the man nearest me replied grimly:
+
+"That is what all of us would like to know. It may be that Tryon is
+only showing the visitors what he can muster in case of a riot, and
+yet such would be a foolish move, for it simply proves that this
+multitude could make short work of them. If I stood in Tryon's shoes I
+should hesitate about showing my hand so plainly."
+
+"The fellow is no fool, however much of a knave he may be," one of the
+Regulators who had heard the reply said quickly. "I warrant those
+soldiers are not there to overawe the people."
+
+"Then why have they been called out?" Sidney asked impatiently.
+
+"In my opinion they will march across the river, or, at least, to a
+point mighty near this camp."
+
+"Meaning that the governor counts on showing fight?" I asked in
+dismay.
+
+"You are getting beyond me; but the question is likely to be answered
+very soon, for the men are in motion."
+
+As he spoke the command wheeled into files, and advanced in order of
+fours directly toward us. At the head of the column rode three
+officers tricked out with gold lace and feathers; but we could see
+readily that Tryon himself was not among them.
+
+By this time the people, who had been aroused by seeing us form in
+line as if to resist an attack, now perceived what was happening on
+the other side of the river, and straightway a murmuring sound arose
+which was at the same time menacing and disquieting.
+
+I could see that the male visitors were hurrying the women and
+children around to the other side of the hill, as if expecting a
+battle was imminent, while the younger men and older lads were
+collecting into a solid mass.
+
+"If yonder fellows were armed, Tryon's recruits would have a rough
+time of it," Sidney said with a laugh as he pointed at the throng
+which was edging toward the hill as if to support us.
+
+"God forbid that such should be the case, else Hillsborough would be a
+shambles this night," a horseman near me said in a low tone. "If Tryon
+begins blood-letting to-day, he and we alike will rue it."
+
+The soldiers advanced in something like regular order until they were
+come to the river bank, and there, not more than two hundred yards
+from where the Regulators and their horses remained like statues, they
+came to a halt.
+
+The three officers who had led the column rode into the stream to a
+point midway across the ford, where they also halted.
+
+"It is a parley!" I heard some one near me mutter, and then came a cry
+from that officer whose uniform bore the greatest amount of gold lace:
+
+"Is there any one who professes to command your force?"
+
+General Hamilton, attended by Master James Hunter and my father, rode
+to the line of the encampment, and the old Scotchman lifted his hat in
+answer to the question.
+
+"Who am I addressing?" the officer asked, and then it was that I
+recognized him as the governor's secretary.
+
+"That you know full well, David Edwards!" our old commander shouted;
+"but lest you may think I'm afraid to bring myself under the ban of
+your mock court, I'll repeat it. I am Ninian Bell Hamilton, a
+freeholder of this colony, president of that association known as the
+Regulation, and bending the knee to no one outside of bonny Scotland!"
+
+What a shout went up from the people as the old gentleman thus boldly
+announced himself! It was as if the hill literally trembled because of
+the tumult, and not until a good five minutes had passed was it
+possible for Master Edwards to make himself heard.
+
+Then, when the people were hoarse from much shouting, the secretary
+cried:
+
+"In the name of the king I bid you disperse!"
+
+"Wherefore?" General Hamilton asked sharply. "Is it not allowed that
+the people may assemble when their court of law is about to decide
+upon the fate of two most worthy members of this colony?"
+
+"It is not lawful to menace the king's officers while they are in
+discharge of their duty."
+
+"It is you who are menacing, my good man. We have come here in orderly
+fashion, and were doing our best to preserve order when you marched
+out in full war array."
+
+"You are inciting the people to deeds of violence. It is hardly an
+hour since one of his majesty's officers was foully murdered by you
+who call yourselves Regulators, and I demand that those who had any
+hand in that cowardly deed be delivered up to his excellency's guard,
+whereof I am temporarily in command."
+
+"Whatever is the rascal talking about?" I heard General Hamilton
+mutter; but after Master Hunter had spoken with him, he looked around
+as if in search of some person.
+
+I made bold to spur my horse forward a few paces, believing I
+understood what the general would have, and immediately he motioned me
+nearer.
+
+"Have you that rascally tax-collector in your charge, my lad?"
+
+"Aye, sir; that is to say, he was in our camp half an hour since."
+
+"Bring him out here, and we will see if he's the man yonder popinjay
+prates about so loudly."
+
+I rode back to our lean-to without loss of time, and once there called
+to Sandy.
+
+He poked his head out from amid the brush like a turtle, and because
+of the pine needles which covered his face the best friend he had in
+the world would have failed to recognize him.
+
+"The governor's troops have sent for you," I said curtly, intent only
+on performing my duty in the shortest possible space of time. "You are
+to come with me."
+
+"I don't dare, lad, I don't dare!" he cried in an agony of terror.
+"You alone amid all this throng cannot protect me!"
+
+"There will be no throng where you are to go. The Regulators are drawn
+up in line, and I give you my word they will brook no interference
+from those who were near to doing murder."
+
+Instead of coming out, he drew back till I could see no more than the
+top of his head, and I was angered because of the delay.
+
+"The general has sent for you, and I am not willing to waste time. If
+you are not by my side before it is possible to count ten, I'll put a
+bullet into your head as you lie there!"
+
+Although I would not have done such a thing to save my right hand, the
+coward must have believed I was in deadly earnest, for he crept out,
+shaking with fear like a man suffering from an ague fit.
+
+"Now march by the side of my horse, holding to the stirrup," I said
+sharply. "It will be well so long as you obey orders; but once I see
+any show of running away, my bullet will make a target of your
+carcass."
+
+"How could I run away while on every hand are those who would murder
+me?" he asked with a whine. "If the people see me I am undone."
+
+"The governor's troops have come to conduct you to the town, and
+surely you may trust them!" I cried.
+
+Sandy shook his head doubtfully; he was in that frame of mind where he
+trusted no one, and his terror was so great as to excite pity.
+
+I contrived, however, by a liberal use of threats, to keep him by me
+until I had arrived at General Hamilton's side, and then the old
+Scotchman bade me advance with Sandy until I was midway between
+himself and the three officers.
+
+"Is that the man you accuse us of murdering?" the general asked when I
+had obeyed his order, and I could see a look of surprise come over
+Master Edwards' face.
+
+"Is it Sandy Wells, of the sheriff's office?" he asked; but my
+prisoner remained silent, whereupon I prodded him in the side,
+whispering as I did so:
+
+"Speak out, man! Do you distrust your own friends?"
+
+"I'm not certain if I have any," he said mournfully, and then so far
+plucked up courage as to reply in a thin, tremulous voice:
+
+"Aye, sir, I am Sandy Wells."
+
+"We heard that you had been murdered," Master Edwards said, much as if
+disappointed because such was not the fact.
+
+"I was indeed very near death; but those who call themselves
+Regulators rescued me from the vile men who accuse me of having worked
+them harm because of obeying the sheriff's orders."
+
+"Is that the man you declared had been murdered?" General Hamilton
+shouted, and after some delay Master Edwards replied:
+
+"That is the man."
+
+"Send him forward, lad, and let those brave gentlemen take the fellow
+without delay to his excellency, who will be in distress of mind until
+after having assured himself that he is in the land of the living."
+
+Master Edwards wheeled about as if to join his force, and General
+Hamilton shouted:
+
+"Turn back, David Edwards, and take him who has caused you so much
+trouble! Why do you not grasp the gallant gentleman's hand?"
+
+"Come back, please, dear Master Edwards!" Sandy shouted. "Else I shall
+be killed, for the Regulators evidently will have no more of me!"
+
+At this pathetic appeal the people burst into a roar of laughter which
+was like unto the shrieking of a hurricane, and not until he had
+crossed to the other side of the river did Master Edwards turn his
+head.
+
+Then his cheeks were flaming red as with shame, and I fearing lest we
+might let slip this opportunity of safely delivering our prisoner,
+said to Sandy:
+
+"Run forward, man, now that you have the opportunity! It is not
+certain Sidney and I can smuggle you into the town, and you may come
+to grief on this side the river, no matter how close you hide
+yourself."
+
+The tax-collector hesitated only an instant, and then seeing that
+there were none between him and the line of red-coated soldiers, took
+to his heels, crying at the full force of his lungs:
+
+"Wait for me, Master Edwards! For the love of heaven don't leave me
+here to be murdered, dear Master Edwards!"
+
+"Wait for the lost sheep which we have restored to you, Master
+Secretary!" General Hamilton shouted, and the people were once more
+convulsed with laughter.
+
+They roared and shrieked in mirth until Sandy was by the side of the
+angry secretary, and jeered both the tax-collector and the soldiers
+until the governor's guard fairly ran toward the court-house.
+
+Meanwhile I had ridden back to my place in the line, and, arriving
+there, heard one horseman say to his neighbor:
+
+"There will be no further thought of foul play, now that the people
+are amused; but if those two lads had not rescued the tax-collector
+when he was nigh to death, we should have a pretty hornets' nest about
+our ears by this time."
+
+It filled me with pride as I realized that Sidney and I had done so
+much for the cause, and I could well understand how important was our
+work of mercy, by glancing at the governor's troops.
+
+Had Sandy Wells been killed, as he would have been but for us two
+lads, then had Tryon such a weapon against us as must have doomed the
+Regulation to everlasting shame and contempt.
+
+We held our line until the governor's soldiers disappeared behind the
+court-house, and then the command was given to break ranks, after
+which General Hamilton rode up to Sidney and me, saying as he faced
+about to check our forward movement:
+
+"I thank you, lads, in the name of the Regulation, for having made it
+possible for us to throw ridicule upon the enemy. May you ride long in
+the ranks of the Sons of Liberty!"
+
+I was as proud as any turkey cock at being publicly praised by one of
+the foremost men in the colony, and when we were alone in our lean-to
+Sidney said:
+
+"I reckon we ought to be well satisfied with ourselves. There's many a
+one in this company who would give half he possessed to win such words
+as we received from the general."
+
+"But for you Sandy would have been killed, and the governor had just
+cause to imprison every Regulator he could come at. I have taken my
+share of the praise, but without having earned it."
+
+"I say you're entitled to as much as myself," the lad cried hotly. "I
+had no idea anything very serious was on foot when I dragged you from
+your mother, and once we were in the crowd it was impossible to do
+other than exactly as we did."
+
+Sidney's generous heart prompted him to give me a full share in the
+work when I had but followed him, and during the remainder of that day
+I took good care to make every one who spoke of the matter understand
+exactly the position of affairs.
+
+When my horse had been tethered I sought out mother once more, and she
+sang my praises till my cheeks were red with something very like
+shame, for she would not listen to the explanations I made; but
+insisted on calling me "a brave lad" who was an honor to his parents.
+
+A stranger who had come suddenly upon us during the afternoon of this
+day would have found it difficult to believe that we were ready for,
+and expecting, mischief on the morrow.
+
+The scene on the hill and nearabout the river was rather one of peace
+and good-will. Neighbors and friends seemed bent on a holiday, with no
+thought of care, and yet their merry-making was carried on between two
+small armies, each prepared to meet the other in deadly conflict if
+provocation was given.
+
+It was a scene of gaiety which might be entirely changed by the
+morrow, and then instead of smiles one could expect to see tears;
+instead of laughter, to hear groans of agony, unless God should put it
+in the heart of William Tryon to deal justly and lawfully by those
+over whom the king had set him.
+
+It was with some such thoughts as these that I looked down from the
+brow of the hill upon the joyous throng, and my heart grew sick with
+apprehension as I speculated upon that which the morrow's sun might
+bring to light.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE LONG NIGHT.
+
+
+The excitement of the people appeared to increase rather than diminish
+as the night approached.
+
+The appearance of the king's soldiers had disturbed them in their
+merry-making, and brought to their minds the possibilities of the
+morrow. A view of the two armed bodies, drawn up one against the
+other, told more clearly of the danger which threatened than words
+could have done, and the cautious began to ask if it would not be well
+to send the women and children away.
+
+Dull-witted though I am, I could not fail to observe the people
+casting furtive glances toward the town, as if fearing to see issuing
+from it those who would work some injury in the name of the king.
+
+The sounds of laughter were replaced by deep mutterings, and instead
+of lounging here or there with their families, the men and boys moved
+restlessly from one point to another, watching jealously every motion
+of the Regulators.
+
+It was much as if we were all walking to and fro in a magazine of
+powder, each with a lighted match in his hand, and that the explosion
+was a foregone conclusion, the only question being as to exactly when
+it would occur.
+
+I understood that others besides myself took much the same view of the
+situation, when the officers of the Regulation gave orders concerning
+that which should be done during the night.
+
+All the company were ordered to go on duty at sunset, remaining under
+arms until morning, ready for any sudden emergency. The men were
+especially commanded not to stray away from the limits of the
+encampment, and forty were told off to do guard duty when ten could
+have patrolled the camp thoroughly under ordinary circumstances.
+
+All these preparations told that our leaders were anxious regarding
+the possibility of treachery on the part of the royalists, which was
+not to be wondered at in view of all that had happened.
+
+When it was reported in Hillsborough that Sandy Wells had been
+murdered, Tryon and Fanning saw an opportunity of setting us down
+before the world at large as murderers and knaves who should, in
+justice to a law-abiding community, be committed to jail.
+
+When they learned that we had kept our hands clean, that we had done
+our best to preserve the peace, it might well be expected some other
+plan to ruin us would be tried, and General Hamilton was far too wise
+a man to neglect any opportunity for additional defense.
+
+It was also evident that the people generally were of the belief that
+the royalists would attempt to do us a mischief, and, as I have said,
+they moved around restlessly, watching keenly all that was taking
+place on the opposite side of the river.
+
+Had the king's troops come toward the ford a second time, I believe of
+a verity that trouble would have ensued even though the soldiers
+advanced with peaceful intent.
+
+Sidney and I were stationed as sentinels at that part of the line
+which overlooked the town, with orders to observe closely all that
+might be taking place on the opposite side of the river, and to report
+immediately at headquarters any unusual movement, either on the part
+of the royalists or visitors.
+
+Every inch of the line which marked the bounds of the encampment was
+constantly traversed that night. The guards were stationed twenty feet
+apart, and it was expressly commanded that each man should advance
+until he met the sentinel on his right, when he was to wheel about and
+proceed in the opposite direction until meeting the Regulators on his
+left, continuing this throughout the hours of darkness.
+
+The numerous fires kindled by the visitors with which to cook supper,
+or keep off the insects, served to illumine the scene, and on the
+opposite side of the river one could see the streets closely packed
+with human beings, who counted to spend the night in the open air.
+
+It was eight o'clock in the evening, and I was yet doing guard duty,
+when a sudden outburst of noise from near about the court-house
+startled us, for it seemed to be the signal of that uprising or
+outbreak which we had been fearing might occur before morning.
+
+At first it was no more than angry cries and yelps of pain; but these
+increased steadily until it seemed as if a riot was well under way.
+
+There was no need of carrying any information to the headquarters'
+shanty. General Hamilton was on the guard line very near to my post,
+within two minutes after the first cries were heard, and he remained
+there in a listening attitude, turning his head this way and that like
+the dog who seeks to find a lost trail.
+
+A dozen or more of the chief men were with him, and I heard one of
+them ask anxiously:
+
+"Can you guess why trouble should have begun at this time? I believed
+all the hot heads among our friends were on this side of the river."
+
+"So they are, else would the brawl have been fanned into a battle long
+before this. Master Hunter," he cried sharply to the deputy, "form
+your men into line at the river bank to prevent any from leaving the
+encampment, and lose no time in doing so."
+
+At the call for the guards to advance into line I stepped forward; but
+stopped very suddenly as the general seized me by the collar of my
+shirt.
+
+"You and the comrade who aided in saving Sandy Wells' life are to wait
+here that I may have a moment's speech with you." Then, raising his
+voice, he cried, "Hunter, give the word as soon as you have a force at
+the riverbank sufficient to hold this throng in check!"
+
+"The entire Regulation will be none too many for such service as
+that."
+
+"Station the guards first, and then call out the remainder of the
+force. It stands us in hand to hold all on this side the river, and
+also keep peace among them."
+
+I was at some little trouble to find Sidney, he having gone to the
+further end of the line when the word was given to "fall in"; but I
+succeeded in withdrawing him from the ranks just as the men went
+forward into position at the river bank.
+
+When we two lads stood before him, the general said in a low tone as
+if to prevent any other from hearing the discourse:
+
+"It is in my mind that yonder riot has been begun by orders of Tryon
+or Fanning, that they may have some excuse for filling the jail before
+morning, as well as to cast discredit upon the Regulation. You lads
+have shown yourselves quick-witted, and I have no doubt that you will
+be able to hold your own in case Tryon and his crew are provoking a
+brawl. Cross the river at once; mingle with those who are taking part
+in the disturbance, and learn all you can regarding the beginning of
+the trouble."
+
+"Our lines are in position!" Master Hunter cried, and the general
+replied:
+
+"Very well. Hold the people here, and allow none to cross save the two
+who may speedily come with my permission to do as they please."
+
+We lads waited twenty seconds or more to learn if Master Hamilton had
+any further commands for us, and since he did not speak, Sidney
+plucked me by the sleeve as a signal that we should set out.
+
+The general was looking at us when we moved off, therefore did I know
+that we had received all the orders he had to give.
+
+On coming to the water's edge we walked up the stream until finding
+Master Hunter, and then, in a low tone, explained what we had been
+ordered to do.
+
+He immediately directed the men to give us passage, and hurriedly we
+forded the stream, bending our steps toward the court-house after
+having gained the opposite bank.
+
+It was not a simple matter to make our way through the crowded street.
+By this time nearly all the people who had encamped in the open air
+were astir, and every man and boy was pressing eagerly forward to that
+point from whence came the outcries.
+
+By dint of using our elbows sharply, and forcing aside without
+ceremony those who barred the way, we succeeded, at the risk of
+embroiling ourselves in private quarrels, in gaining a position near
+the center of the disturbance, when it was possible to perceive at a
+glance that General Hamilton was correct in his surmises.
+
+The visitors were not raising their hands against the soldiers save
+when great provocation was given; but here and there I could see those
+who were in some way connected with the government, and among them
+Sandy Wells, making their way from point to point, dealing blows and
+uttering insults well calculated to raise a disturbance.
+
+Whenever one of the visitors attempted to defend himself, or would
+have punished the insulter, the minions of Tryon raised a great hue
+and cry to bring the solders to that point, after which they slipped
+off to create a disturbance at some other point.
+
+But for the fact that the visitors had been warned against giving the
+governor an opportunity for complaint, a riot would have been begun
+within a very few minutes, and with such a degree of violence that it
+might have increased to a regular battle; but as it was, our people
+behaved with remarkable moderation.
+
+I believed that we might do much good by advice, and suggested to
+Sidney that we go hastily around among the throng, explaining what was
+the evident purpose of the governor's minions, at the same time
+advising every one to cross the river immediately, lest by their
+behavior Tryon should have some color of a reason for postponing the
+cases which had been set down for a hearing next day.
+
+He was of my opinion, and without delay we began our work, hurrying
+here or there with such good effect that the people began to fall back
+before the mischief breeders, instead of pressing forward.
+
+This was not at all to the liking of those who desired to provoke a
+breach of the peace, and they redoubled their efforts, offering yet
+greater indignities to the unresisting citizens.
+
+Foremost among these was Sandy Wells, and I made it my business to
+gain a position close by his side, when I said, holding him by the arm
+until the words had been uttered:
+
+"Sidney Hubbard and I saved your life this day, as you well know. It
+can readily be seen what you are trying to do, and unless you cease
+your efforts I will take good care before the sun sets to-morrow, to
+inflame every man's mind against you. That fate which was escaped this
+afternoon shall overtake you within the next four and twenty hours,
+even though Tryon gives you shelter in his own quarters."
+
+Sandy was a rank coward, as I well knew, and when my hold of his
+sleeve was relaxed he slunk away among the soldiers, nor did I see him
+again that night.
+
+During more than an hour Sidney and I continued our efforts, sometimes
+threatened by the soldiers or Tryon's emissaries, and then the throng
+had so far dispersed that there were not enough hot-heads left to make
+any very great disturbance, even though they felt disposed to resist
+the troops.
+
+"Now the enemies of the colony can do no more than foment an ordinary
+brawl, which is not what Tryon most desires, and I believe our work
+here is done in accordance with the general's orders," Sidney said to
+me as we met among the foremost of the small crowd, within a short
+distance of where the uniformed men were drawn up in line. "If we are
+recognized you may be certain those fellows will use every effort to
+lodge us in jail, and it is wise to beat a retreat while we may."
+
+I was of much the same opinion, and, after gathering half a dozen of
+the wilder spirits in our wake, we set off toward the ford, hooted and
+jeered at by those who had most signally failed in the task assigned
+them.
+
+The sudden change in the situation of affairs was truly surprising.
+When we two lads first crossed the river we found the streets
+literally choked with men, women and children who counted on remaining
+there with the hope of gaining admittance to the court-house as soon
+as the day dawned; but now it was as if the earth had opened and
+swallowed all these people.
+
+We did not meet with twenty as we went toward the ford; they had
+wisely crossed the river, and, once on the opposite side, the
+Regulators would keep them quiet.
+
+We had checked the governor's scheme, not through force of arms, but
+simply by removing those who might unwittingly have aided him in his
+unlawful efforts.
+
+Once the visitors were on that side of the river held by the
+Regulators, they were unable to go back; but all who called themselves
+Sons of Liberty would be forced to remain on duty during the entire
+night in order to hold in check those who counted themselves friendly
+to the cause.
+
+As a matter of course Sidney and I reported to General Hamilton as
+soon as possible, and when we had concluded our story the old
+Scotchman said in a tone of satisfaction:
+
+"I knew full well I could depend upon you lads to do whatsoever was
+wise. By sending the people over here you have accomplished a good
+work, and once again is Tryon defeated by your unaided efforts. The
+Regulation has good reason to count you as valuable members, and when
+the time comes that this colony can reward the services of those who
+have aided her, as come it will in due season, I hope I may be alive
+to make certain you are not neglected."
+
+According to my way of thinking we were already rewarded by such words
+as these, and but for the darkness Master Hamilton would have seen my
+cheeks crimsoned with shame because he had given us far more than we
+deserved.
+
+It was but natural that there should be considerable confusion on our
+side of the river; all who had lately changed their camping places
+were seeking for new quarters, and already the slope of the hill
+outside the lines of our encampment was literally covered with human
+beings.
+
+The late comers were compelled to find a resting-place on the other
+side of the elevation, and thus were our horsemen literally hemmed in.
+If it should become necessary to make a quick movement, it would
+require some time to clear the ground in order to avoid trampling the
+visitors beneath the hoofs of our horses.
+
+Every member of the Regulation was now doing guard duty, and as soon
+as Sidney and I had concluded our interview with the general, we
+joined our comrades, when the weary work of pacing to and fro was
+resumed.
+
+At the river front remained a line of Regulators who allowed any
+person to come over; but refused passage to such as would have gone
+back, and thus we held the key to the situation so far as keeping the
+peace was concerned.
+
+Until this last move of Governor Tryon's I think the majority of our
+people believed the king's officers would not dare do other than give
+the prisoners a fair trial, although perhaps no one was convinced that
+it was more than a farce to bring Fanning before the bar.
+
+Now, however, when we had good proof as to the lengths Tryon was ready
+to go, and could see plainly that he was using every effort to place
+the Regulation in a false light before the world, there was much doubt
+as to the outcome of the cases in court.
+
+The Regulators on duty discussed the matter among themselves as if it
+was a foregone conclusion that might, not right, would rule, and such
+of the visitors as I heard conversing were loud in their declarations
+that justice must prevail even though it should be purchased by
+force.
+
+"There is likely to be hot times to-morrow," Sidney said to me as we
+halted an instant when everything seemed peaceful. "If we are brought
+face to face with Tryon's army, much blood will be shed on both sides
+before the question is settled definitely."
+
+"But that blood will cement the colonies in such manner that
+oppression in one will be felt by all the others. We shall have
+effected a union, and what are our lives in comparison to such a
+consummation?" a voice said, and, turning, I saw Master James Hunter,
+who had come up in time to overhear our conversation.
+
+"Then you believe we shall fight a battle to-morrow, sir?" I made bold
+to say, and he replied with a sigh:
+
+"Of that I am not so certain. If we do, the colonies will declare for
+freedom against the king's rule. If peace is preserved throughout the
+morrow, then must greater wrongs be endured in order to provoke the
+people into demanding their full rights."
+
+Having said this the deputy continued on his rounds, and we two lads
+no longer had any desire to discuss the situation, for it had become
+so grave, according to Master Hunter, that a bloody battle between us
+and those on the opposite side of the river seemed suddenly to be
+really desirable.
+
+During the remainder of that long night we lads did our full share of
+guard duty, I dwelling upon the possibilities until the old
+timorousness came upon me, and I was almost a coward.
+
+It seemed to me that death would come within a few hours, and I was
+already marked out as one of his victims. I found myself wondering if
+I could march up to the guns of the enemy without betraying the
+cowardice in my heart, and otherwise spending the time in a very
+foolish fashion for one who must play the part of soldier.
+
+Never had the dawning of a new day been so much of a relief to me as
+then. The gray light of morning revealed the multitude sleeping
+peacefully, and on the opposite bank not even a wreath of smoke showed
+above the chimney-tops.
+
+The scene brought relief to me, and by the time the sun rose I was
+able to keep down the fear in my heart, so that no one might suspect
+that I was in very fact a coward.
+
+It was a wonderful scene when the visitors awakened to life, and began
+making ready for the coming events which were of concern to all
+dwelling in America. This day's sun would see the dawn of freedom, or
+a postponement of that spirit which must in the near future descend
+upon our people.
+
+The officers of the Regulation went from camp to camp, cautioning the
+visitors against making any demonstration before the trials at the
+court-house were brought to a close, and at the ford a group of our
+best citizens was performing the same task.
+
+If the citizens of upper Carolina made any error on this day it would
+not be from lack of advice from those who were in a position to know
+what might be best for the colony.
+
+The one aim of the people was to reach the court-house in order to
+gain admission as spectators, and although the building would not
+accommodate one in every hundred who were eager to enter, the
+thousands flocked thither, jostling and pushing each other in order to
+get a position among the foremost.
+
+General Hamilton did all a man could to persuade them into remaining
+at a respectful distance, pointing out the uselessness of expecting to
+gain admittance; but yet they made their way into the town until our
+encampment was deserted by all save the better informed--say five
+hundred men, women and children.
+
+We of the Regulators were ordered to get breakfast as best we might,
+and then fall into the ranks again, for we were to remain under arms
+the entire day lest our force might be needed in defense of the
+citizens.
+
+"Are we like to be called upon for any serious service, sir?" I asked
+of Master Hunter, who chanced to pass where I was partaking of the
+morning meal with my parents, and he replied:
+
+"It is hardly probable. Tryon will not attempt any more tricks, now
+that the time of opening court is so near at hand, and I believe our
+people will keep the peace, at least until after the decision of the
+judges is made known."
+
+Then the deputy called my father aside, and the two held such long and
+earnest converse that I believed our officers were of the opinion the
+trial would be no more than a farce.
+
+This idea was strengthened in my mind when mother showed such tender
+affection as I would leave her to take my place in the line which was
+being formed.
+
+She bade me farewell as if believing we might never meet again, and
+despite all her efforts the tears came as she spoke.
+
+I was not heartened by this evidence of fear, as may well be imagined,
+and hurried away to feed my horse in order that I might hide the
+evidences of my own emotion.
+
+Half an hour later we of the Regulation were in something approaching
+a military formation, with our horses tethered just in the rear where
+we might be able to get at them without loss of time, and then came
+the most trying moment of all-waiting for Governor Tryon to show how
+far he dared to go in opposition to the law and the rights of the
+people.
+
+The square around the court-house was black with citizens awaiting an
+opportunity to enter the building. In the midst of this mass could be
+seen two files of soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder in order to
+keep open a passage for the officers and witnesses, and a short
+distance away were the governor's troops under arms in case it should
+please our oppressor to order an attack upon the helpless throng.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE TRIAL.
+
+
+Now the trial was so near at hand--when in a few hours we should know
+beyond a peradventure to what lengths Tryon would go in his villainy
+towards the people of the Carolinas we no longer discussed the
+possibilities of the near future.
+
+If Masters Husband and William Hunter were set free, as indeed could
+be the only just verdict of the judges, and if Fanning was convicted
+of having extorted money from the people without even the color of the
+law to sustain him, then would our colony be peaceful; but I question
+if one among all those horsemen who awaited the signal to disperse
+quietly or to ride to their deaths, believed that justice would
+triumph.
+
+Even two lads like Sidney and myself understood that the governor
+would deny us our rights, and the thoughts of what might come to
+those we loved before the sun had disappeared behind the hills,
+rendered us dumb.
+
+I did not see any of the gentlemen conversing. I threw myself at full
+length on the grass close by Sidney's side, and would hardly have
+heard him had he spoken.
+
+My eyes were fixed upon the court-house, surrounded as it was by that
+vast throng of people, and I noted every movement, however slight.
+
+When the judges and the officers of the court marched through the lane
+formed by the weapons of the soldiers, I saw them plainly, and could
+almost imagine that the voice of the sheriff rang in my ears as he
+uttered the words which opened the sitting.
+
+My father and four other Regulators had gone into town in order to
+give evidence against Fanning, and to combat the charge of "riotous
+conduct" which had been preferred against our friends.
+
+All the other gentlemen of our company remained on the hillside, save
+Master Hamilton, who stood on the highest point in the encampment
+where he might see any signal which our people should give.
+
+The forenoon passed, and I remained like one in a stupor. The noon
+hour went by, and I had no sensation of hunger. Some of our companions
+ate; but they were the ones known to be lukewarm to the cause.
+
+As I came afterward to know, it was near about two o'clock in the
+afternoon when a low hoarse murmur which was like unto nothing save
+the growl of an enraged beast sounded on our ears. It rose louder and
+louder, gathering in angry menace each instant, until it was of such
+volume, that one could hardly have heard a peal of thunder above it,
+and then we knew full well that Governor Tryon had trampled all the
+laws under his foot--that it was our duty to become rebels in fact, by
+rushing upon the villainous representative of the king and cutting him
+down.
+
+Then came one from the town running at full speed, and when having
+come near enough to make his voice heard, he shouted:
+
+"Master Husband has been acquitted; but both William and James Hunter
+and Master Hamilton have been adjudged guilty, and are fined one
+thousand pounds each, in addition to imprisonment for six months!"
+
+"But James Hunter and Master Hamilton had not been even charged with
+crime!" one of the Regulators cried, doubting the truth of the news.
+
+"Very true; yet they were tried just the same. Master James Hunter was
+taken into custody as he entered the court-room to give evidence
+against Fanning, and a warrant is already issued for Master Hamilton,"
+the messenger added.
+
+Then Sidney shouted:
+
+"What about Fanning? Has he been acquitted?"
+
+"It is much the same. He was tried on seven counts for extortion,
+found guilty, and sentenced to pay one penny on each indictment. Seven
+pence to be paid by the rascally lawyer, and one thousand pounds each
+by the Hunters and Master Hamilton!"
+
+"And the people?" Master Howell demanded. "What do they say?"
+
+"You can hear for yourself," the man replied, forced to shout even
+though he stood close beside us by this time, because of the tumult in
+the vicinity of the court-house. "Before the trial had come to an end
+the building was filled with soldiers, while the remainder of the
+governor's force encircled it. If a fight is begun our friends will be
+shot down by hundreds, with no opportunity to strike a blow save with
+their bare fists."
+
+Without waiting for the word of command every Regulator mounted his
+horse, and all of us waited for the signal from our commander, who had
+drawn near to hear the report made by the messenger.
+
+He stood with his chin on his breast like one stunned, neither looking
+up nor speaking, while the cries from the opposite side of the river
+increased in fury each instant.
+
+"Are we to sit here while our friends are imprisoned without cause?" a
+horseman near me asked angrily, and Master Hamilton raised his head as
+if to make reply, when some one shouted:
+
+"Here comes Master Husband! They have set him free!"
+
+The man who had been in jail nearly six months for having dared to say
+that Tryon had no authority to levy a tax to build himself a palace,
+could be seen walking rapidly toward the ford, and all understood that
+nothing would be done by us until he arrived.
+
+Master Hamilton rode down to meet him, and the two remained in private
+converse five minutes or more before coming up to where we awaited
+them with the utmost impatience.
+
+Then it was that our commander spoke:
+
+"Gentlemen, it is our duty to prevent the people of upper Carolina
+from beginning a conflict with the king's troops. We must not permit
+ourselves to commit any act of violence against the governor until
+after due deliberation, for all which we do now is the same as if we
+moved against the king. By Master Husband's advice, we shall ride into
+town, and do our best to prevent a conflict which would cost the lives
+of hundreds of our friends and neighbors. I beseech you that, however
+great the provocation, all this company keep well together in military
+formation, and obey every order to the letter. Later, when some of
+those who are absent can take part in our deliberations as is their
+right, we will settle upon a course of action."
+
+Some one offered Master Husband a horse, on which he rode by the side
+of our leader as we crossed the river and went from thence to the
+court-house, or, I should say, as near as it was possible to advance.
+
+The vast throng were inflamed by anger. They shouted threats against
+the soldiers, who were evidently alarmed by the demonstration, and had
+General Hamilton given the signal to make an attack, I believe of a
+verity that every man, whether armed or not, would have joined the
+fray.
+
+At seeing us ride up the citizens shouted yet more loudly; but when we
+halted, they turned about to learn the reason of our delay in giving
+Tryon a lesson, and Master Hamilton cried out to them, speaking so
+loudly that every word must have been heard by those who yet remained
+in the court-room.
+
+"We, the Regulation, beg that you will not put your lives in jeopardy
+while unprepared for battle. If you will disperse, each sending his
+women and children home out of danger, the Regulators will meet you in
+solemn deliberation this evening when our plan of action shall be
+decided upon."
+
+"And are we to let Tryon and Fanning sneak away?" one of the throng
+asked angrily.
+
+"Not so, my friend. While the Regulators are under arms you know full
+well that no one can leave Hillsborough without our permission. The
+cause will not suffer by this delay, and we shall be in better
+position to demand that which you have failed of receiving this
+day--justice. Send your families home, collect your weapons, and join
+us who have sworn to drive the oppressors out of upper Carolina."
+
+If Tryon was in the court-room, as many of the throng declared, then
+he had heard every word spoken by our commander, and I venture to say
+he felt ill at ease, for it was plain to be seen that if the
+Regulators should be reinforced by these men who were raising their
+voices against the farce of a trial, he stood in great danger of being
+made prisoner.
+
+He might use the court-house as a fortification, and could hold it two
+or three days, perhaps; but we would take good care that he did not
+send any messengers to Brunswick or Newberne, and there could be but
+one ending to the affair.
+
+The people seemed to understand all this, for straightway they began
+to move toward the river, followed by their families, and in less than
+half an hour few save the Regulators remained around the building.
+
+The soldiers who had been stationed outside now crowded inside the
+court-house, never waiting for orders to move, and we were left like
+jailers who are satisfied with holding their prisoners in closed
+cells.
+
+Master Hamilton told off a dozen men for sentinels at each side of the
+building, and as many more in the rear, with orders to shoot down any
+who attempted to escape from the windows, while the main portion of
+our force remained thirty yards or more from the front doors.
+
+It looked much as if an attack was to be made upon the king's
+representatives despite all Master Hamilton had said regarding the
+advisability of waiting for reflection and concerted plans.
+
+Our commander remained by himself, midway between the front rank and
+the building, as if expecting that which occurred before we had been
+in position five minutes.
+
+Then it was that David Edwards, the governor's secretary, appeared at
+one of the windows, and cried warningly:
+
+"In the name of his excellency, Governor William Tryon, I bid ye
+disperse! Those who remain do so under the pain and penalty of being
+adjudged in rebellion against his most gracious majesty."
+
+"We are in rebellion against tyranny and injustice," Master Hamilton
+replied in a loud voice which had in it no tone of menace. "It is our
+purpose to remain here until the wrong committed this day has been
+righted, and he who ventures out from among you in the meantime will
+do so at the expense of his life."
+
+"But this is neither more nor less than armed rebellion against the
+king," Edwards cried as if suddenly understanding that we were in a
+position to enforce our demand.
+
+"I repeat that we are not here against the king, but to uphold the
+laws which Tryon and his minions have trampled in the dust. We of the
+Regulators number five hundred men; within two hours we shall have as
+many more in our ranks, and it does not need much calculation on your
+part to prove that the power is with us, as the rebellion against his
+majesty is with you."
+
+Master Edwards disappeared, and I was expecting each moment that the
+soldiers within the building would open fire upon us, when my father
+appeared at the door, holding up his hand to attract attention.
+
+"It is William Butler, one of the Regulators!" Master Hamilton shouted
+for the benefit of those who might not have recognized my father. "Let
+him come out!"
+
+Our commander advanced to my father's side, and the two held long
+converse, after which both came forward toward our troop.
+
+Then appeared once more at the window, Master Edwards, who cried out:
+
+"Will you allow that I hold a conference with you in private?"
+
+"Meaning in your own name, or that of the governor?" Master Hamilton
+asked sharply.
+
+"I would bring to you a message from his excellency."
+
+"You may come," our commander said after whispering with my father;
+"but I shall repeat at my pleasure, to these gentlemen, all which you
+may say."
+
+Again the secretary disappeared, to show himself at the door a moment
+later, and General Hamilton remained motionless, forcing Master
+Edwards to approach him.
+
+The two gentlemen saluted, exchanged a few words, and then half a
+dozen of our leaders were summoned to what appeared to be a council of
+war participated in by representatives of both armies.
+
+Much time was spent by these gentlemen in consultation; but, finally,
+it appeared as if some plan had been arranged to the satisfaction of
+all. Master Edwards returned to the court-house; our leaders fell back
+into line, where we remained half an hour or more wondering what was
+to be the upshot of the matter, when suddenly Masters James and
+William Hunter, and three other citizens who had been held prisoners,
+came out of the door.
+
+While one might have counted five we were held speechless with
+astonishment, and then our people began to cheer, for it seemed at the
+moment as if we had in fact beaten the governor in a game of his own
+making.
+
+Before the shouts died away the command was given for the sentinels to
+come in; the troop was formed in fours, and we rode away, heading for
+the encampment on the hill.
+
+Our leaders were grave, probably because they alone knew at what price
+this temporary triumph had been purchased; but the remainder of the
+party were wild with joy, for we imagined ourselves victors.
+
+Before fording the river we were joined by nearly an hundred mounted
+men who had obeyed Master Hamilton's instructions to take their
+families home and return armed, and throughout the night we received
+accessions to our force until the Regulators were more than a thousand
+strong.
+
+It can well be supposed that all the company were burning with
+curiosity to learn more concerning the bargain which had resulted in
+the release of the prisoners; but our commander gave no sign of being
+in haste to explain matters.
+
+"The Regulation will meet to-night, and the whole matter shall be laid
+before it," he said gravely when Master Howell, bolder than the
+others, ventured to ask for particulars.
+
+Sidney and I, when we were occupying our old lean-to once more,
+speculated earnestly as to what the people had, through Master
+Hamilton, promised as the price of the prisoners' release; but we had
+made little headway when Master James Hunter, the deputy, approached
+our shelter on his way across the encampment.
+
+After our experience in his company he seemed rather like a comrade
+than a mere acquaintance, and Sidney did not hesitate about asking
+the questions we were so eager to have answered.
+
+"As yet we have really made no bargain, lads," Master Hunter said as
+he seated himself in a friendly way near us. "The governor promised,
+for the sole purpose of averting bloodshed, so he declared, to release
+those of us who were sentenced to imprisonment and fine, in
+consideration of the Regulators returning to camp, and keeping with
+them such as might arrive bent on rebellious acts, until to-morrow
+morning. Then, so the secretary stated, some proposal looking to peace
+will be made."
+
+"It seems much as if Tryon was backing down from the high horse he has
+been riding in the Carolinas," Sidney said with a laugh.
+
+"He had no choice in this case," Master Hunter replied. "The
+Regulators held him like a rat in a trap, and if a battle had ensued
+his own precious body would have been endangered. My only fear is that
+he counts, by such delay, on getting the best of us in some way."
+
+"We shall be stronger to-morrow morning than we are now," I ventured
+to suggest. "The people are coming in rapidly, and soon we shall
+outnumber his force five to one."
+
+"All of which is very true, and because he must have understood that
+such would be the case, I am the more suspicious of his honesty in
+this matter."
+
+Then it was I dared ask Master Hunter to tell us all that had occurred
+in the court-house, and he began by saying:
+
+"There is very little to the story, lad, for unless I'm much mistaken,
+Tryon, Edwards and Fanning had the program arranged last night. When I
+entered the room the sheriff made me prisoner without so much as
+producing a warrant. Not until late in the forenoon were the others
+brought in, and then the story of our misdeeds was quickly told by men
+like Sandy Wells. Our defense was cut down in every way; we were not
+allowed to call our witnesses, and checked when we would have argued
+our case. There was no verdict given when the trial closed. The case
+of Fanning was called, and of all the witnesses we had brought, only
+two were allowed to give in their testimony. Fanning argued that he
+was forced to charge extortionate fees in order to gain a livelihood;
+that it was generally understood court officers should demand
+sufficient to provide them with a fair salary, and then pleaded guilty
+as to the indictments so far as the facts were concerned, but insisted
+he was innocent according to the spirit of the law."
+
+"I suppose _he_ was allowed ample time in which to argue his case,"
+Sidney interrupted.
+
+"As to that you may be certain; it was only the witnesses appearing
+against him who were admonished not to waste the court's time. Then we
+were sentenced, and after ten minutes or more the judges had agreed
+that Fanning should pay seven pence for the crime of extorting
+hundreds of pounds from the poor. We would have been sent into the
+prison at once but for the fact of your arrival. It could readily be
+seen that Tryon was really alarmed by the cries of those outside, and
+when the Regulators arrived he went into the next room with the
+judges, Fanning and Edwards. The rest you know as well as I. We who
+sat in the dock were ordered to follow the secretary, and, to our
+great surprise, were set free."
+
+"Then we are to remain here quietly until tomorrow morning?" Sidney
+asked.
+
+"That is the proposition."
+
+"And what will the governor be doing meanwhile?"
+
+"I cannot say. It is possible he has troops on the way from Brunswick
+or Newberne, as Master Husband suggests; but I am not of the same
+opinion. He would most certainly have brought to Hillsborough all the
+force that could be raised, before the trial began, for it must be
+humiliating to be obliged to make any terms with us."
+
+"He counts on some treachery I'll be bound!" Sidney exclaimed, and
+Master Hunter said with a sigh:
+
+"I have the same fear, lad. To release us after we had been sentenced
+was a harder task for him than if he had set Husband and my brother
+free last week. We shall find that he can play double, while our
+people hold so strictly to the truth that they are not willing to
+believe a lickspittle like the governor would stoop to tell a
+deliberate lie."
+
+Having said this Master Hunter went on his way, and we lads could do
+no more than speculate upon the probability of our having put Tryon in
+such a trap that he would be forced to deal honestly with us.
+
+Late that evening, when there were not less than one hundred armed men
+in the encampment, the Regulation was called to order, and Master
+Hamilton opened the meeting by telling the same story we two lads had
+previously heard from Master Hunter. He concluded by saying:
+
+"Believing that humanity demanded us to avert bloodshed at any price
+short of honor, the officers of the Regulation decided on a truce of
+twenty hours in consideration of the freedom of the prisoners. We ask
+you to hold the promise we made as if each of you had personally given
+his word to it. To-morrow we shall have another proposition from the
+governor, and then will be the time when we must decide as to our
+future course."
+
+Many gentlemen spoke on the same subject, all agreeing that we could
+do no less than adhere strictly to the promise our commander had
+given, and then the meeting was dissolved.
+
+Having had no sleep on the previous night, I was right glad to crawl
+into the bed of pine branches which Sidney and I called our own, and
+not until the sun showed his face next morning did I awaken.
+
+Because a truce had been declared, there was no need of standing
+guard, and all our company enjoyed a full night's rest.
+
+As soon as breakfast had been eaten we lounged around the camp,
+remaining where we could overlook the town, and waited for some word
+from the governor, speculating meanwhile as to what proposition it
+might please him to make.
+
+Noon came, and no messenger appeared.
+
+At one o'clock my father was sent across the river to learn why we had
+not heard from Tryon, and he returned with a reply that we "would be
+well satisfied in a few hours."
+
+This message was given by a servant at the governor's headquarters; my
+father had seen neither the governor, his secretary, nor Fanning.
+
+There was no little grumbling because we were thus kept waiting when
+the truce was for twenty hours only; but never a man dreamed of
+breaking his word. Such perfidy as that was left for his excellency,
+William Tryon, he who claimed to be the king's honorable
+representative.
+
+My mother had gone home; she went away the afternoon previous when the
+women and children were asked to leave the vicinity, and as we waited
+for that message which was so long delayed, I was truly thankful she
+had not remained, for it came into my mind that there would be a
+troublous, rather than a peaceful, ending.
+
+The sun was no more than half an hour high in the heavens when we saw
+one who appeared to be a servant, come out of the governor's house and
+walk swiftly toward the ford.
+
+It did not seem possible Tryon would send other than one of his
+officers on a mission to the Regulation, and yet I believed that now
+was come the time when we were to hear from his excellency.
+
+The man halted at the opposite bank of the river, unfolded a huge
+document, and began reading that which told us to what a depth of
+infamy William Tryon was willing to descend in order to carry his
+point.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE PROCLAMATION.
+
+
+It can well be understood with what eagerness we listened to the
+messenger as he read from the paper in a loud tone; but he remained at
+such a distance that I found it impossible to catch every word,
+although the general purport was made sufficiently plain.
+
+The fellow, whom we afterward came to know was one of the clerks from
+the sheriff's office, regaled us with a high-sounding proclamation
+from the governor, in which his excellency graciously pardoned all the
+Regulators save thirteen, whose names were twice repeated in order
+that there should be no mistake.
+
+I set them down here that the world may know who were the patriots of
+upper Carolina in the opinion of William Tryon:
+
+"James Hunter, Ninian Bell Hamilton, Peter Craven, Isaack Jackson,
+Herman Husband, Matthew Hamilton, William Payne, Malichi Tyke,
+William Moffat, Christopher Nation, Solomon Goff, John O'Neil, and
+Rednap Howell."
+
+When the clerk ceased reading and marched back from whence he came, we
+on the hillside looked at each other in silent amazement while one
+might have counted twenty, and then on the instant every tongue was
+loosened.
+
+All that had been gained by the truce was an act of outlawry against
+our best men, and Fanning was still the trusted servant of the king!
+
+The one thought in the minds of all was to seize the person of the
+villain who held a commission from the crown as governor of the
+Carolinas, and a thousand voices were crying out against delay.
+
+The officers of the Regulation held a brief consultation, and then
+came that command which all expected and demanded.
+
+"To horse, gentlemen! The moment has arrived when we must declare
+ourselves against the king, unless he redresses our wrongs by
+recalling such officials as have misruled the colony!" General
+Hamilton cried in a loud tone, and he had no more than concluded
+before every Regulator was in the saddle burning to avenge the insult
+offered by Tryon.
+
+The earth literally trembled beneath the hoofs of a thousand horses as
+we rode at full speed to the ford, then across the river, and on to
+the governor's residence.
+
+The royal "army" remained on guard until we were come to within an
+hundred yards, and then they scattered like chaff before the wind,
+running in every direction, crying for quarter.
+
+No attention was given to the cowards. Tryon, Fanning and Edwards were
+the men we counted on teaching a lesson, and the dwelling was
+surrounded in a twinkling.
+
+Fifty gentlemen entered the building, some of them to reappear a few
+moments later with the fellow who had read the proclamation.
+
+"Tryon! Tryon!" our people shouted in anger, and then came the truth
+which, in our simplicity and honesty, we had not suspected.
+
+"Tryon and his henchmen left town last night escorted by twenty men!"
+one of those who had come out with the prisoner shouted, and we who
+heard the words gazed in open-mouthed astonishment, failing on the
+instant to understand that the villainous representative of the king
+had simply proposed the truce in order that he might save his own
+precious body.
+
+The clerk, fearing for his life, and hoping to save it by answering
+the questions which were literally hurled at him, told the entire
+story twenty times over, until we came to realize that the three
+rascals had set off at full speed immediately after sunset on the day
+previous. By this time they were half-way to Brunswick, and however
+good our steeds, there was no possibility we could overtake them.
+
+Unless we might hold the governor of the colony as our prisoner,
+rebellion would avail us little, save that we should retain possession
+of upper Carolina until such time as he could send an overwhelming
+force against us.
+
+There was not a man in the ranks of the Regulators who did not realize
+that Tryon had outwitted us, and that our only hope lay in remaining
+together year after year until the other colonies should be willing to
+join us in the struggle for liberty.
+
+And in the meantime, while holding out against the king, how might we
+gain means of subsistence? The richest among us owned only so much
+land, and this could not be tilled if we were forced to fight day
+after day to retain possession of a small extent of territory.
+
+When all this was fully understood as we sat in our saddles near about
+the governor's house, I saw this man and that, the bravest among us,
+give way to tears, and for the time being it seemed to me that the
+cause of liberty was crushed.
+
+I could not then foresee that in the principal towns of the eastern
+colonies would spring up branches of our association, styled "Sons of
+Liberty," who would resist, as we had done, the unjust demands of an
+unjust king until the beacon lights of rebellion were kindled on every
+hill. I could not foresee that massacre at Lexington and at Concord
+which was needed to arouse the people until no sacrifice appeared too
+great, so that we purchased liberty for those who should live after
+us.
+
+In silence, each man hanging his head as if having suffered an
+ignominious defeat, instead of allowing ourselves to be tricked
+because of believing that a gentleman's word was sacred, we returned
+to the encampment on the hill, and were there formed in line for what
+I believed would be the last time.
+
+There were more than Sidney and myself who looked as if bowed down
+with sorrow, and when we most needed words of encouragement they came
+from our commander, that noble old man who was, by the proclamation of
+one false to all the instincts of a gentleman, an outlaw on whose head
+a price was shortly to be set.
+
+"Gentlemen of the Regulation," General Hamilton began, speaking loud
+and clear as becomes an honest man who knows in his heart that he is
+in the true path, "we have been deceived, and are thereby cast down by
+sorrow. At a time when it appeared as if we held the threads which
+could be woven fairly to the interests of this colony, we have, by
+trusting in the words of one who has no honor in his heart, lost all
+our advantage; but we would be proving ourselves faint-hearted indeed
+if such a misfortune was accepted as final defeat. Now more than
+ever, must we struggle against wrong and oppression. It is not
+necessary you should again swear to be true to the cause; neither will
+it be of service to remain together just now, therefore I have this to
+propose, and it is for you to decide if it be the proper course: Let
+us disperse, each going to his home, there to remain one month; at the
+expiration of such time we will meet at Maddock's Mill to settle upon
+a further course of action."
+
+The idea that we should remain as the Regulation, subject at any time
+to a call from our leaders, heartened us wonderfully, and with one
+accord our people agreed that Master Hamilton's plan should be
+adopted.
+
+We broke ranks, each vowing friendship for his comrades, and entire
+devotion to the cause, and then went our several ways home firmly
+believing that in due course of time the purpose of the Regulation
+would be accomplished.
+
+And now has come the time when I must hasten over the months and even
+years, without entering into details as to what Sidney or I did while
+we waited an opportunity to strike a blow for our distressed country.
+
+True to the proposition of Master Hamilton, we met once each month,
+either at Maddock's Mill, or some other place equally central, and
+thus kept pace with the events which particularly concerned us of the
+Carolinas.
+
+Tryon remained in Newbern in his palace which had been paid for by
+money wrung from a people who at times actually suffered for food, and
+flattered himself that he had finally destroyed the germs of rebellion
+that had been sowed by his own tyranny.
+
+Contrary to our expectations, he did not make any decided effort to
+get into his clutches those of the Regulation whom he had declared
+outlaws, and it was quite as well that he remained quiet on that
+score, for a thousand of the king's soldiers could not have taken them
+from us.
+
+The sheriffs of the counties in the upper Carolinas, knowing full well
+that the Regulation was neither crushed nor disheartened, no longer
+attempted to collect the unjust taxes, and thus it was that our
+people had been benefited in some slight degree.
+
+We cultivated our lands, moved about at will without fear of being
+molested during nearly two years, and then, on a certain day in
+September, Sidney came to my home in hot haste, acting as messenger of
+the Regulation.
+
+Word had come from Newbern that the Superior Court was to be convened
+on the 24th day of the month, and then would efforts be made to secure
+the bodies of those whom Tryon had styled "outlaws."
+
+Master Hamilton, who yet remained in command of the Regulators,
+despite his many years, had decided that our wisest method of
+procedure was to interfere at the outset, claiming that we had the
+right to make certain that justice, not the will of Governor Tryon,
+should influence the decisions given by judges who were inclined to
+listen to the orders of the governor rather than the evidence before
+them.
+
+It can well be supposed that neither my father nor myself lost any
+time in saddling our horses, and within twenty-four hours we were at
+the old encampment which overlooked the town of Hillsborough.
+
+This time we were perfect masters of the situation. Tryon, believing
+the Regulation had been crushed out of existence, neglected to send
+soldiers to overawe us, and twenty of our people took possession of
+the court-house, while the remainder occupied the hill on the opposite
+side of the river ready to cross whenever a signal should be given
+that the services of armed men were necessary.
+
+Because of our superior numbers, there was little chance the king's
+minions could do very much harm, therefore we were not held to rigid
+military discipline, and Sidney Hubbard and myself had no difficulty
+in obtaining permission to accompany that party which was to make
+certain no wrongs were inflicted upon us in the name of the law.
+
+When we arrived at the court-house, having left our horses on the
+opposite side of the river, we found there but one judge, and he the
+man above all others who was ready to give such verdicts as would
+please the governor. It is needless for me to set down the fact that
+this man was Richard Henderson.
+
+Seeing our party enter the building Fanning took it upon himself to
+ask that we be put out, and not allowed to enter even the yard,
+because, as he said, there were outlaws among us who had come for no
+other purpose than to create a disturbance.
+
+All those of whom he thus spoke had suffered many wrongs at the hands
+of this same attorney, and foremost in the list of the oppressed were
+Herman Husband, the two Hunters, and Rednap Howell, not one of whom
+felt inclined to take additional abuse from such a traitor as Fanning.
+
+That they acted hastily in the matter, I must admit; but at the same
+time one should remember the wrongs they had received. The miserable
+cur of an attorney had no sooner ceased speaking than the gentlemen I
+have named, aided by all the Regulators present, seized Fanning
+roughly and literally dragged him into the courtyard, where Sidney and
+I were set over him as guards until such time as our people might be
+at liberty to attend to him properly.
+
+Because of being thus occupied, I did not see that which followed; but
+later in the day my comrade and I were told that our people demanded
+the trial of those belonging to the Regulation who had been declared
+outlaws, which was no more than just, since the court had been called
+together for that sole purpose.
+
+It was not the purpose of Judge Henderson to give the Regulators a
+fair trial, and, therefore, in order to outwit us, he declared the
+court adjourned for the day.
+
+Then he left the building, walking swiftly through the yard as if
+expecting to be roughly treated, and once he was out of sight our
+party set about giving Fanning a lesson.
+
+He was taken across the river to our encampment, being dragged by the
+heels a portion of the way, and there we held a little court of our
+own, the decisions of which I dare venture to say were more in
+accordance with strict justice than any Judge Richardson would have
+delivered.
+
+It was decided that Fanning should be beaten with rods in the presence
+of the Regulation, and Masters Husband and James Hunter were the
+gentlemen selected to inflict the punishment, therefore it can well be
+fancied that it was done in proper fashion.
+
+We kept the attorney with us during the night, and next morning all
+our company rode over to Hillsborough, only to find that the brave
+judge had run away during the night, after declaring that the court
+was adjourned until one year from that day. He could not pronounce the
+sentences which Tryon demanded, therefore had no idea of being forced
+to act honestly for once in his life.
+
+Well, some of the hotter heads, taking advantage of the general
+confusion, utterly destroyed Fanning's house, beating him again before
+setting the scoundrel at liberty.
+
+This done we went home once more, agreeing to meet each month as
+before.
+
+I can best tell the remainder of my story, up to the time when
+Governor Tryon decided to wage war upon us, by quoting from a history
+of the Carolinas which I have lately seen; and while it is written
+from the standpoint of the royalists, it is correct as to the acts and
+movements of our enemy: [2] "Judge Henderson, who was driven from the
+bench, called upon Tryon to restore order in his district. The
+governor perceived that a temporizing policy would no longer be
+expedient, and resolved to employ the military force to subdue the
+rebellious spirit of the Regulators. He deferred operations, however,
+until the meeting of the Legislature, in December.
+
+"Herman Husband was a member of the Lower House, from Orange, and
+there were others in that body who sympathized with the oppressed
+people. Various measures were proposed to weaken the strength of the
+Regulators; and among others, four new counties were formed of
+portions of Orange, Cumberland, and Johnson. These counties were named
+Guilford, Chatham, Wake and Surrey. Finally, when the Legislature was
+about to adjourn without authorizing a military expedition,
+information came that the Regulators had assembled at Cross Creek,
+with the intention of marching upon Newbern, having heard that Husband
+had been imprisoned."
+
+Now at this point I must interrupt the historian in order to explain
+that we of the Regulation did indeed make this march. We knew full
+well that Tryon both hated and feared Herman Husband, and, therefore,
+kept one or more of our people in Newbern all the time the Legislature
+was assembled in order that the news, if there was any of importance,
+might be sent without loss of time to our leaders.
+
+It is a fact that Tryon even went so far as to prefer charges against
+Master Husband, and that the council caused his arrest and
+imprisonment. Word to this effect was brought to us at once, and we
+set out for Cross Creek; but Governor Tryon had his spies out, and
+when it was known that the Regulators, a thousand strong, were riding
+to aid one of their number who was illegally deprived of his liberty,
+the council made haste to examine the charges against Master Husband.
+
+They finally decided, in order to save their own worthless skins, that
+the charges were not sustained, and set the prisoner at liberty,
+imploring him to ride with all speed in order to prevent us from
+entering Newbern.
+
+He met us at Cross Creek, and we escorted him home; but this time it
+was decided that the Regulation go into camp at Maddock's Mill, and
+there remain ready for war until it was learned how far our enemy
+proposed to go in his effort to exterminate us, for that was what he
+had boldly said he would do. Now we will copy once more from the
+printed story of our struggle:
+
+"The Assembly immediately voted two thousand dollars for the use of
+the governor. The alarmed chief magistrate fortified his palace, and
+placed the town in a state of defense. He also issued a proclamation,
+and orders to the colonels of the counties in the vicinity, to have
+the militia in readiness. These precautions were unnecessary, for the
+Regulators, after crossing the Haw, a few miles above Pittsborough, to
+the number of more than one thousand, met Husband on his way home, and
+retraced their steps.
+
+"The governor soon issued another proclamation, prohibiting the sale
+of powder, shot, or lead, until further notice. This was to prevent
+the Regulators supplying themselves with munitions of war. This
+measure added fuel to the flame of excitement, and finally, the
+governor becoming again alarmed, he made a virtual declaration of war,
+through his council. That body authorized him to raise a sufficient
+force to march into the rebellious districts and establish law and
+order.
+
+"The governor issued a circular to the colonels, ordering them to
+select fifty volunteers from their respective regiments and send them
+to Newbern. With about three hundred militiamen, a small train of
+artillery, some baggage wagons, and several personal friends, Tryon
+left Newbern on the 24th of April. On the 4th of May he encamped on
+the Eno, having been reinforced by detachments on the way. General
+Hugh Waddel was directed to collect the forces from the western
+counties, rendezvous at Salisbury, and join the governor in Orange
+County."
+
+It goes without saying that while these preparations were being made,
+whereby Tryon counted on driving us from the face of the earth, our
+spies were scattered around the country plentifully, and, therefore,
+we knew exactly the size of his force, and how it was made up, when he
+went into camp.
+
+Colonel Joseph Leech commanded the infantry, Captain Moore the
+artillery, and Captain Neale a company of rangers. On his way to the
+Eno Tryon was joined by a detachment from Hanover, under Colonel John
+Ashe; another from Carteret, under Colonel Craig; another from
+Johnston, under Colonel William Thompson; another from Beaufort, under
+Colonel Needham Bryan; another from Wake, under Colonel Johnson
+Hinton; and at his camp on the Eno he was joined by Fanning, with a
+corps of clerks, constables, sheriffs and others.
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[2] Lossing's "Field Book of the Revolution."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+WAR DECLARED.
+
+
+At last the Regulation had forced Governor Tryon to acknowledge it as
+an adversary, and this afforded the members no slight amount of
+satisfaction.
+
+Until he marched out of Newbern with the militia, it had been his good
+pleasure to treat us as a lot of malcontents who should be dealt with
+by constables or sheriffs, and in his proclamations, or statements
+made to the people of other colonies, he was careful to so word his
+communications as to make it appear that the people of the upper
+Carolinas, instead of being banded together for a specific purpose,
+were simply rioting and plundering.
+
+And I doubt not but that many of the colonists considered us a gang of
+bullies who had set their faces against law and order, never
+understanding that ours was a purpose which lay close to the heart of
+every true citizen, until that day came when he marched out against
+us.
+
+We, the Regulators, were encamped on William Payne's plantation when
+the news came that our enemy had left Newbern after giving orders that
+he be joined on the route to the Eno by this force or that, and Master
+Rednap Howell said gleefully as he heard of that movement which might
+result in the death of many of our company:
+
+"It is the first cheering news we have had brought to us during the
+past two years. Now must it be known in the other colonies that we are
+standing up for liberty, and, instead of believing us to be a few
+hot-heads, the people will understand that our party is a strong one,
+otherwise there would be no need for the governor to come out with
+such a force."
+
+And Master Butler added:
+
+"Tryon must fight this time, instead of sitting in his palace and
+ordering that this or that gentleman be thrown into prison. We have
+more than half attained our end when the other colonies understand
+for what principle we are holding out."
+
+In fact, this move of Tryon's caused the greatest possible
+satisfaction among our people, who had been running hither and thither
+for the past two years without opportunity of making public the
+oppression against which they had risen in arms. Never a member of our
+party who questioned as to what our leaders would do; it was to all of
+us a settled fact that we would meet the government as speedily as
+might be, and in anticipation of the command we began furbishing up
+our equipments, or looking after the horses to make certain they were
+in condition for a forced march.
+
+By this time Sidney and I were eighteen years of age, and no longer
+considered ourselves boys. Since having been permitted to join the
+Regulation we had been credited with doing good work, never flinching
+from a severe task or holding back because of danger, and thus we rode
+with the company as equals.
+
+I believe we two lads were more eager than any of our companions to
+meet Tryon's forces in the open field; for it was our firm belief that
+the Regulators would win the first battle fought and we burned with
+impatience to show what we could do as soldiers.
+
+"I never felt well inclined toward Governor Tryon until this moment,"
+Sidney said in a matter-of-fact tone as we overhauled our
+saddle-girths to make certain they were in good condition. "Now it is
+very much as if he had suddenly become our friend, because of having
+boldly taken the field against us."
+
+"According to the report of our scouts, he must outnumber us two to
+one," I ventured to suggest.
+
+"The result will be the same if four against one is the odds. We must
+win, and what a relief it will be to ride forward with a definite aim,
+instead of going here and there without effecting anything, as we have
+been doing these two years past."
+
+"I agree with you on the last, Sidney; but holding our own against
+twice our force is a different matter."
+
+The lad looked at me scrutinizingly for an instant, and then asked
+banteringly:
+
+"Are you beginning to show the white feather just when our affairs
+look the most promising, Clare?"
+
+"Not a bit of it," I replied indignantly. "To my mind it is no
+evidence of cowardice to count well the situation and strength of the
+enemy."
+
+"But you went farther, and was near to questioning whether Tryon's
+force might not worst us, simply because of its size."
+
+"And why might I not question it? A full thousand of his men are
+citizens of the Carolinas, and should be our equals in both riding and
+fighting."
+
+"So they would were the cause the same; but they fight on the side of
+oppression, while we are striving to do that which shall be of benefit
+to every person in the American colonies."
+
+I did not attempt to continue what was rapidly becoming an argument,
+simply because it was useless just then. I believed it was folly to
+claim that gentlemen of the Carolinas who did not hold to our opinions
+were our inferiors: but knew full well that it would be impossible to
+persuade my comrade to look at the matter in the same light I did.
+
+It is a sad mistake to think that ourselves and our adherents are
+better men than those who oppose us, and that, I think, has been fully
+proven by this time.
+
+I was ready to say that our cause was just, while theirs was not, and
+further than such a statement I would not go.
+
+Finding that I was not inclined for a wordy quarrel, Sidney ceased
+boasting of what the Regulators could do, and set about speculating as
+to whether Tryon would remain on the Eno until we could come up with
+him, until suddenly, at the moment our people were least expecting it,
+word was passed through the camp that we were to fall into line,
+unmounted, to hear an important announcement from the commander.
+
+"I wish we had been summoned to appear ready for marching," my comrade
+said almost petulantly as he made his preparations for obeying by
+washing his hands, which were covered with the grease he had been
+applying to his bridle. "This talk of an 'announcement' has in it a
+suspicion that the Regulators are not to break camp immediately."
+
+"Don't begin to look after trouble," I replied with a laugh, knowing
+well Sidney's disposition. "If we do not set out this night, the
+Regulators will take the road to-morrow, and I'll warrant we see
+Tryon's soldiers in good time."
+
+There were many others besides Sidney who felt a certain degree of
+irritation because we were to hear words, instead of commands which
+would result in setting the entire company in motion toward the enemy;
+but all of us soon learned that Master Hamilton had no idea of trying
+to evade a pitched battle.
+
+"Since this association was formed, it has been the custom to discuss
+any important movement with all the company, therefore have you been
+summoned," our commander said when we had been formed in a hollow
+square with him in our midst. "It is not necessary for me to promise
+that you shall be led against the enemy at the earliest fitting
+moment, and I also declare that you shall not be allowed to hurl
+yourselves upon the government troops like an unruly mob. When we
+have made ready, Governor Tryon shall see us. Our scouts have brought
+in the information that General Waddel is halted with a small force at
+Salisbury, awaiting the arrival of powder from Charleston. The
+Regulators need that powder, and I propose that we take it. Two
+hundred men well mounted will be sufficient for the enterprise, and in
+order that there shall be no charge of favoritism made against me,
+instead of detailing a force of such size, I ask that the best mounted
+among you step three paces to the rear, in token that you are willing
+to make the venture."
+
+The old gentleman had hardly more than ceased speaking when the entire
+company moved back as if with one accord, thus showing that every man
+of us was eager for active service, and that each one believed his
+horse superior to all the others.
+
+Master Hamilton laughed heartily, and then asked that none but the
+youngest volunteer for the service, and do so by stepping forward into
+the former position.
+
+Once more was the square formed in the first position, for not a man
+was willing to be left behind at such a time.
+
+It was positive that all the company could not be spared for a service
+which might be performed by two hundred men, and I wondered how the
+matter could be arranged without causing jealousy.
+
+Then our commander explained that it would be unwise to go for the
+powder with such a large company, and announced that since we could
+not settle the matter among ourselves, he would be forced to decide
+for us.
+
+"We will begin with William Husband and count from one to five in
+regular order," he said at length. "Every fifth man is to fall out of
+line and make immediate preparations for a forced march."
+
+Sidney was standing by my side, and, fearing lest one should be taken
+and the other left, I whispered hurriedly to him:
+
+"Move up until you are the fifth from me, and then if one goes the
+other will be with him. I would be as sad to leave you behind, as you
+would to see me stay in case you drew the lucky number."
+
+He agreed at once, for Sidney was a true comrade in every sense of the
+word, and hardly had he taken up a new position when Master Husband
+began the count.
+
+My breath came thick and fast as the numbers sounded nearer and
+nearer, so fearful was I lest the number should doom me to stay in
+camp when glory might be earned, and I had so worked myself into a
+fever that when the man standing next beside me spoke the word "four,"
+it was almost impossible for me to add the next number.
+
+I fell out of line silently, and one of those who had been selected to
+remain behind, thinking I was afraid to venture on the enterprise,
+whispered eagerly:
+
+"I'll swap my new saddle for your old one, if you'll give me your
+chance."
+
+"I'd not consent if you threw into the bargain the best horse in the
+company," I replied, and an instant later Sidney and I were shaking
+hands vigorously in token of delight because of our good fortune.
+
+It can well be supposed that we were not many moments making ready for
+the expedition, and when we came to the center of the encampment,
+where the lucky ones were assembling, it was learned that Master
+Rednap Howell had been selected as the leader of our party.
+
+The only orders Master Hamilton had to give were announced in the
+hearing of all. We were to ride toward Salisbury until arriving at the
+bank of the Yadkin, which river was to be crossed in order that we
+might come upon General Waddel from Cabarras County, thus hoping to
+give him the impression that the Regulators were south of him, instead
+of in the course taken up by Tryon.
+
+Master Hamilton was good enough to explain that he believed beyond a
+peradventure we would soon fight with the governor's forces; but it
+was his hope that we might meet them elsewhere than near about our own
+homes.
+
+A ride of between eighty and ninety miles was before us; but we gave
+little heed to the distance, since each yard traversed brought us so
+much nearer the enemy, and I venture to say that a more eager, happy
+party of men never set out to provoke a battle.
+
+When I say that the Regulators were in sore need of powder, it can be
+understood that this venture of ours meant more than the worrying of
+General Waddel; we were depending upon him for ammunition with which
+to wage battle against Tryon.
+
+In less than an hour from the time when we had been summoned to hear
+Master Hamilton's announcement, our company of two hundred were riding
+away from the encampment, envied by every man who was forced to remain
+behind.
+
+Many a time since Governor Tryon gave us the slip at Hillsborough had
+we ridden across the country in company; but never before with the
+certainty before us that we might measure strength with the oppressors
+of the colony if it so pleased us, and this fact it was which put us
+in such wondrous spirits.
+
+It was the first opportunity we had had of striking a blow, and we
+were determined to give a good account of ourselves, regardless of
+the numbers to which we might find ourselves opposed.
+
+We rode at an easy pace, believing there was no urgent need for haste;
+but did not draw rein until sunset, when Master Howell gave the word
+to halt and unsaddle.
+
+"There is plenty of water and grass here," he said in explanation,
+"and the animals need a rest, not having the same spur to exertion as
+was given us with the news that Waddel might be where we could get at
+him."
+
+Each man carried his share of the provisions, and as soon as the
+horses had been cared for, we ate a hearty supper, knowing that many
+hours might elapse before another opportunity for satisfying hunger
+presented itself.
+
+At the end of two hours we were in the saddle again, and we rode until
+near two o'clock in the morning, with but one short halt, when the
+company had arrived at the bank of the Yadkin.
+
+Now was come the time when scouts should be sent out lest we come upon
+the enemy before gaining possession of the powder, and it was near
+daybreak before the march was resumed.
+
+By that time we had learned that General Waddel's force was in
+Salisbury, and counting on remaining there until the ammunition train
+came up.
+
+Two miles below was a ford where we might cross the river without
+swimming the horses, and when the sun showed himself we were headed at
+full speed for the road leading from Charlotte to Salisbury, over
+which it had been reported that the powder would be sent.
+
+Our horses were well blown; but we had made good time, and the only
+thing which might prevent the venture from being a success, was that
+General Waddel had already received the ammunition.
+
+"If it turns out that we are too late to intercept the convoy, we must
+try conclusions with Waddel," one of our party said when we were
+waiting on the west side of the river for our people to get into line,
+and, overhearing the remark, Master Howell said emphatically:
+
+"Don't fear that we'll miss of getting our hands on the powder. We'll
+have a try for it even though it becomes necessary to face all the men
+Tryon has brought with him."
+
+But that we were in an enemy's country our people would have cheered
+this statement; but as it was the men contented themselves with
+raising their hats to such a leader, and then we rode on, now intent
+only on finding a hiding-place where we might remain until scouts had
+been sent out to learn the condition of affairs.
+
+Eager though Sidney and I were to come face to face with those who
+wore the king's uniform, both were well pleased when the word was
+given to halt and make camp under cover. We had ridden nearly four and
+twenty hours, and although our hearts were stout for a battle, our
+bodies were sadly in need of a rest.
+
+We had halted by the side of the road between Charlotte and Salisbury,
+along which the powder must pass if it had not done so already, and on
+either side the highway were groves of live oak where five hundred men
+and horses might readily have found a hiding-place.
+
+Five were told off as sentinels to give the alarm when the ammunition
+train came in sight, and five more were detailed to scout in the
+direction of Charlotte to make certain the powder was yet to the south
+of our hiding-place.
+
+Neither Sidney nor I envied those who were obliged to remain in the
+saddle yet longer. If, four and twenty hours previous, there had been
+an opportunity to act as scouts, we two lads would have been willing
+to fight for the honor; but now we congratulated each other on the
+possibility of gaining a little sleep before the battle was begun.
+
+We tethered our horses near by; placed saddles and bridles where they
+might be come at in a hurry, and laid ourselves down in a thicket of
+small oaks, falling asleep almost as soon as we touched the ground.
+
+It was sunset when I awakened, and looked about me fearing, by some
+unlucky chance, the company had got away without my knowledge; but my
+mind was soon set at rest by seeing a score or more of men lounging
+near at hand as if discussing some matter of importance.
+
+Without stopping to awaken Sidney, I went toward them, and soon
+learned that our journey had not been in vain. The scouts had come in
+with the report that the powder and its convoy had not yet arrived at
+Charlotte, therefore we had only to wait patiently for the desired
+opportunity.
+
+I was also told that Master Howell had stationed guards three miles
+down the road, in order that we might have timely warning of the
+movements of the train, and there was nothing for us to do but pass
+the time as best we might, providing all hands were ready for a quick
+jump at the word of command.
+
+When we first halted I was so sore in body from long riding that I
+believed four and twenty hours of a rest would not be sufficient to
+satisfy me; but within half an hour after awakening and being told
+that there was no doubt as to the coming of our game, I was eager to
+be in the saddle once more.
+
+Although our sentinels were four miles away, and would come into camp
+at their best pace on hearing or seeing the ammunition train, the word
+was passed that no man should speak above a whisper, while the horses
+were to be guarded closely lest by whinnying they betray our
+whereabouts.
+
+Then came a most trying time of waiting, when we crouched in the
+darkness close by our accouterments that there might be no delay in
+laying hands on them immediately the alarm was given, and expecting
+each instant to be engaged in deadly conflict.
+
+Sidney and I were side by side, not making any attempt to start a
+conversation because our nerves were strung too tightly to admit of
+anything like ordinary topics, and I do not remember of passing such
+dreary, dismal moments.
+
+One had ample time in which to figure all the chances in favor of his
+being killed or wounded, and to speculate upon the probabilities of
+success. It seemed as if each moment was ten times its usual length,
+while the hours were like entire days.
+
+Once when I believed it must be near morning, and was looking up at
+the sky for the first faint light of the coming dawn, I heard Master
+Howell say that it yet lacked a quarter of an hour to being midnight,
+and then both patience and courage oozed out at my finger ends. The
+cold chill of fear ran up and down my spine, and I believe that had
+the enemy made his appearance just at that moment, I should have been
+forced to fight against an inclination to run away.
+
+It is needless and impossible to try to give any correct story as to
+that night when we waited for the enemy, fearing because success was
+so necessary to our cause, that, by some blunder or unforeseen
+accident, we might fail.
+
+The sun had risen, showing haggard faces amid that thicket of live
+oaks, when we heard among the underbrush some distance away, that
+crashing which tells of a heavy body trying to force its way through
+the foliage.
+
+Every man of us sprang to his feet and held his horse's bridle ready,
+when we saw one of the scouts in company with a sentinel.
+
+"The train will be here within an hour!" was the whisper, and even
+though the time when we might meet the foe was so far in the future, I
+ran with all speed to saddle my steed, exulting and at the same moment
+timorous.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE CONVOY.
+
+
+After the first flush of excitement had died away, leaving in its
+stead that tremulous calm which is caused by exceeding great courage
+or abject fear, we of the Regulation went about our task in proper
+order and with due precaution.
+
+It was Sidney who, when I was exultant and excited to the verge of
+doing some foolish thing, brought me to a realization of the situation
+by saying scornfully:
+
+"I'm beginning to grow ashamed of the Regulators. To see them running
+around here as if bereft of reason simply because a rascally
+corporal's guard of a convoy is coming this way, one would say they
+had never seen service. Is there like to be so much of credit in the
+capture of ten or twenty men by a force of two hundred, that each
+fellow burns with a desire to be in the front rank?"
+
+For a moment I was ashamed at having shown so much emotion over what
+was really nothing more than an incident, and then there came to my
+mind the knowledge that this capture meant more to us of the
+Regulation than would the taking of a force twice our size, and I said
+decidedly, angry with myself for having been disconcerted by Sidney's
+scorn:
+
+"One whose heart is with the cause cannot fail of being excited and
+anxious at such a time, no matter how small may be the force with
+which we are to contend. It is the idea that the powder is sadly
+needed by our people, which causes our company to be unduly excited.
+Every man realizes the importance of doing the task well, and, quite
+naturally, fears lest it be not performed thoroughly."
+
+Sidney had no reply to make, and I fancy he was somewhat ashamed of
+having spoken disparagingly of his companions.
+
+Then the word was passed in a whisper for each man to conceal himself
+and his horse as near the edge of the road as possible, remaining
+there in readiness to spring out at the first word of command.
+
+A squad of ten was sent a quarter of a mile to the north in order to
+intercept any who might succeed in making their way past the main
+body, and our preparations were complete.
+
+I understood that the word for the attack would not be given until the
+convoy was opposite the center of our line, so that we might
+completely encircle it to prevent escape in either direction.
+
+Then came half an hour of suppressed excitement, during which I could
+distinctly hear the beating of my own heart, and finally, the rumble
+of wheels in the distance, proclaiming the near approach of our prey.
+
+The train consisted of two heavily laden carts convoyed by twenty men,
+as I could see when the force was nearly opposite my hiding-place, and
+these details had no more than been noted when Master Howell's voice
+rang out like a trumpet:
+
+"At them, lads! At them, and make certain none escape you!" To those
+we were about to attack it must have seemed as if the thicket itself
+suddenly sprang out toward them, and before they had time to draw up
+in line ready to receive us, the party was completely surrounded.
+
+I would have been ashamed had there been no show of resistance, for
+the convoy was made up of Carolinians, and, whether they were for the
+king or the people, it behooved them to display courage.
+
+At the word we could have shot all the little company down, most
+likely at the first volley, and in order to save bloodshed Master
+Howell cried sharply:
+
+"Surrender, you of the convoy! We are full two hundred strong, and
+there is no good reason why you should throw away your lives!"
+
+While one might have counted ten a deep silence, save for the pawing
+or stamping of the horses, fell upon all that gathering in the road,
+and then the leader of the convoy, having seen that there was no hope
+of accomplishing anything by resistance, said curtly:
+
+"We can do no less than obey your order to surrender."
+
+"Lay your arms on the wagons, after having dismounted, and then march
+toward the south."
+
+No one spoke while this command was being obeyed until, the men having
+marched down the road a dozen yards or more from the hindermost wagon,
+Master Howell called upon them to halt.
+
+Then ten men were told off with orders to guard the prisoners, and
+when this squad had taken position near the convoy, our leader said in
+the tone of one who has already mapped out his course of action:
+
+"You will march your squad well to the westward of Salisbury, and
+endeavor to gain our headquarters. Do not take any chances of coming
+in contact with Waddel's force, and see to it that not a man escapes.
+You may set off at once, gentlemen."
+
+The prisoners were first searched to make certain they had no weapons
+concealed about them, and then the little party rode slowly up toward
+Salisbury counting on striking into the thicket before coming within
+dangerous distance of the town.
+
+When the party had disappeared in the distance, we set about taking
+possession of the ammunition.
+
+As a matter of course it was impossible for us to take the wagons with
+us, therefore each man was ordered to carry such portion of the powder
+as he could strap to his saddle, and we set about the work, the
+greater number of us stripping off our outer shirts, which we
+converted into bags by tying up the neck and sleeves.
+
+So great was the supply that even when each trooper had all he could
+conveniently carry, there yet remained a full third of the whole, and
+this we proceeded to destroy by pouring it into the tiny creek which
+bordered the western side of the road. Then the horses were
+unharnessed and set free from the carts, which we left where they were
+in the highway, and our company formed in line once more.
+
+I had supposed that we would be ordered to join the main body of
+Regulators; but in this I speedily found myself mistaken, for we rode
+directly to the Yadkin River, and crossed it, going immediately into
+camp in a grove of live oaks.
+
+Once this had been done Master Howell sent off five men as scouts, and
+soon we came to know that this last detachment was gone to spy upon
+General Waddel's force.
+
+"Yes," our leader said decidedly in reply to a question from one of
+the older men, "I count on attacking the force which is now at
+Salisbury. It would be little less than criminal to let slip such an
+opportunity as is now before us. Waddel is short of ammunition, now we
+have captured his supply, and I'm of the opinion that he will make an
+effort to join Tryon, in which case we have him at our mercy. It will
+not cause us more than two days in time, and we shall be doing great
+service by preventing the union of the forces."
+
+Now indeed were we doing something in aid of the cause, and my heart
+leaped high with joy, for it was reasonable to suppose that, in case
+our leader accomplished all he had set himself, the main body of the
+Regulators could readily take care of Governor Tryon's army.
+
+It was at this time, although we did not come to know of it until
+after several days, that Master Rednap Howell showed himself to be a
+great leader, inasmuch as he caused to be conveyed to General Waddel,
+without trouble or inconvenience to ourselves, that information which
+we desired him to have, and the task was performed in this fashion:
+
+Those who had in charge the captured convoy were instructed to allow
+one of them to escape, after the party were so far north of Salisbury
+that there would be little likelihood of pursuit, and then it was
+certain the fugitive would take refuge with Waddel's force.
+
+All this was done in accordance with Master Howell's orders, and thus
+it came about that when we were on the easterly bank of the Yadkin,
+the general came to the conclusion that his wisest course would be to
+join Tryon with the least possible delay, regardless of the fact that
+the powder had been lost.
+
+Within twelve hours after we had made a camp in ambush, one of our
+spies came hot foot from Salisbury with the word that the king's
+forces at that town were making ready for the march. In addition to
+this information we learned considerably to our surprise, that
+Waddel's men were in a state of disorder nearly approaching mutiny.
+With but few exceptions they were members of the militia, and openly
+avowed that they would not fight under any consideration; others were
+favorably inclined toward the Regulation, and already had many
+deserted.
+
+We were unprepared for such good news; but it did not require much
+reflection for Master Howell to hit upon a course of action which
+promised success.
+
+Without delay two of our party, the eldest among us, were sent with
+all speed under a flag of truce for an interview with the general.
+They were instructed to warn the commander to remain where he was, or
+retreat to the coast, as might best please him, otherwise we would at
+once engage him.
+
+It was only natural Waddel should believe that the entire force of
+Regulators was within striking distance, and while his men were so
+sadly disorganized he could not well risk an encounter.
+
+We remained in hiding, ready to mount at a moment's notice, and before
+our messengers returned one of the scouts came in with the word that
+the militia was crossing the river, evidently bent on making at least
+one effort to join Tryon.
+
+Five minutes after this information was received we were riding out of
+the thicket toward that road which it would be necessary for the
+general to take if he counted on meeting the governor, and within two
+hours we were in advance of the king's poor soldiers, ready and eager
+for an engagement.
+
+It was only natural that Sidney and I should be among those who most
+desired to be led against the enemy, for now, the first time in two
+years, might we add to whatsoever good reputation we had made as
+Regulators, and we put aside the possible danger in the belief that
+we would succeed in distinguishing ourselves.
+
+Skirmishers were sent out to learn when the enemy approached, and the
+remainder of us waited in anxious expectancy the moment when we might
+come face to face with the foe.
+
+In this we were doomed to disappointment, however.
+
+Waddel also had skirmishers in advance, and immediately his men came
+in touch with ours they retreated, and soon word was brought that the
+entire force was retreating across the river again.
+
+Now began a chase, when our horses were fresh, but handicapped
+considerably by the loads of powder they carried, and we were positive
+success would be ours whenever we could come within range of the foe.
+
+All evidence of military formation was lost sight of as we forded or
+swam our horses across the river, and in less than half an hour we
+were among the rear guard; but even this did not satisfy Master
+Howell. He believed the time had come when we might make prisoners of
+the entire force, and panted for the glory of capturing General Waddel
+himself.
+
+To effect this fifty of us whose horses were fleetest, and among the
+number Sidney and I, were directed to make a detour across the country
+in order to strike the enemy in front before he could gain shelter in
+Salisbury, holding him there at whatsoever cost until the force was
+absolutely surrounded.
+
+How we rode that day! The horses were sent forward at racing speed,
+regardless of the danger that they might be foundered by carrying such
+a weight, and Sidney and I were among the foremost when we broke cover
+directly in advance of the retreating column.
+
+"Look after the general!" Sidney shouted as we pressed on, our horses
+running neck and neck. "Now has come the time when we can make names
+for ourselves which will not soon be forgotten!"
+
+We could see the leader and his officers plainly, and rode directly
+toward them without taking heed as to whether we were followed; but
+there yet remained a sufficient number of the men who were loyal to
+the king to prevent us from carrying out the plan.
+
+We speedily found ourselves confronted by a squad of twenty or more
+who stood bravely in line while their officers rode swiftly away, and
+this little party must be attended to before it might be safe to push
+on in pursuit of the prize.
+
+We drew back within the shelter of a clump of trees, where we were
+joined by a dozen or more of our men, and then began the first real
+fight in which I ever took part.
+
+There was no room in my mind for fear. I thought only of what might be
+done if we could disperse the party, and I fired and reloaded without
+realizing that my one desire was to take human lives.
+
+The militia held their ground well, and both sides were at a
+disadvantage because of trying to take aim while in the saddle. With
+such marksmen as we had among us that squad of the king's men should
+all have been disabled within ten minutes, and yet half an hour
+passed without any perceptible advantage on either side.
+
+Three of our men were down, and four of theirs had dismounted or been
+knocked out of the saddle; but by such time the general and his
+officers had surely succeeded in making good their escape.
+
+From the sounds of firing which came from every direction we knew full
+well that all our party was engaged, and the question had just come
+into my mind as to whether this force of Waddel's had been as badly
+demoralized as we were led to believe, when I heard shouts in the
+rear, and a moment later saw Master Howell ride up with eight or ten
+men at his back.
+
+"Throw down your arms, and surrender!" he cried to our adversaries.
+"The remainder of the command have yielded, and you can do Tryon no
+good by holding out longer!"
+
+In a twinkling the men came forward empty-handed, and the fight was
+won; but I failed to feel any great elation because of what we had
+lost, while Sidney was furious with rage.
+
+"But for their holding out, we two might have captured Waddel with,
+perhaps, some of his officers. It is a clear case of cheating, and we
+have got the worst of it!"
+
+"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," I cried laughingly, for my
+sorrow was dissipated by Sidney's rage. "We never counted very surely
+on capturing the general, and should thank our lucky stars that we
+have deprived him of his force, for thus have we weakened Tryon."
+
+He would not be consoled for the lost opportunity of distinguishing
+himself, and for a moment I really believed he was on the point of
+striking the disarmed men who had baffled his desires.
+
+There was no reason why we should not feel proud of our work. We had
+captured the ammunition, which was the first task set us, and, in
+addition held as prisoners a force which Governor Tryon counted on as
+adding to his own. Surely we had done well, and if the remainder of
+the Regulators could do as much, then was it certain Tryon would be
+driven in shame from this portion of the colony.
+
+Now it was that we had more prisoners than were convenient. As a
+matter of fact it would be impossible to feed them during the march to
+the Alamance where we counted on meeting our companions-in-arms, to
+say nothing of providing them with horses, for not more than half the
+number were mounted, therefore Master Howell called for a consultation
+in which all hands were to take part.
+
+It was not necessary to spend very much breath over the question as to
+whether we would try to hold them captives. They must be disposed of
+in some manner, and without loss of time; but yet our duty was to make
+certain they did not join Tryon.
+
+After hearing such propositions as our people had to make, and some of
+them were wild indeed, Master Howell raised the question as to whether
+it would not be wise to release them on parole?
+
+This was the solution to the whole matter, and if he had so stated it
+at first, we would have decided within a few seconds.
+
+On being consulted, our prisoners declared that they would readily
+take an oath not to bear arms against us until after having been
+properly exchanged, and all seemed pleased at being able to get out of
+the scrape so easily.
+
+The men were formed in a hollow square, and each was required to
+repeat the oath Master Howell administered, after which we parted
+company, the paroled force going toward Charlotte, and we riding at
+full speed toward the Alamance, for it was to be expected that Tryon
+would go there to seek us.
+
+I would it were possible for me to set down all the details of our
+movements; but the yarn has already been spun out to such a length
+that much which might, possibly, be interesting to strangers must be
+omitted.
+
+It suffices to say that within three days after this encounter with
+General Waddel's force, we of the two hundred which had been sent out
+to gather in a supply of ammunition rejoined the main body of
+Regulators, and much rejoicing was there in camp after our story had
+been told.
+
+It was as if each of us had done something remarkable, to judge of
+the treatment we received, and certain it was that those who had been
+weak-kneed regarding our chances of a successful opposition to Tryon,
+straightway became convinced that we could force him to retreat when
+the two forces came together.
+
+During our absence it had been decided by our leaders that we would
+await the enemy on the banks of the Alamance, and there was no good
+reason to change the plan after we returned. We now had plenty of
+powder, and the women from roundabout melted lead into bullets until
+our wants were fully supplied.
+
+We had already fought and captured a full third of the force Governor
+Tryon counted on bringing with him, and this was done by only two
+hundred of our people, therefore it seemed positive that when we met
+them, a thousand Regulators against no more than fifteen hundred
+militia and a few companies of soldiers, the result would be in our
+favor.
+
+Twenty men or more were sent out as scouts and the remainder of our
+company lounged idly in camp, when, as a matter of fact, every moment
+should have been spent in fortifying the position.
+
+More than one of our people suggested that it would be a good plan to
+throw up breastworks, but our leaders gave no heed to the suggestion,
+and for the reason that they were suddenly plunged into distress not
+unmixed with dismay.
+
+Our old commander, the man upon whom all relied at such a time, was
+taken with a most serious illness, and it was believed that his days
+on this earth were few.
+
+It was necessary to carry the old gentleman to a dwelling, and half a
+dozen of our best men undertook this duty, leaving the command of the
+force to Herman Husband, that member of the force in which we placed
+implicit confidence.
+
+As I look back upon that time, when all were confident regarding the
+future, it seems indeed strange that we should have selected as Master
+Hamilton's successor the only member of our company who would play us
+false.
+
+It was as if the gallant Master Hamilton had but just been carried
+away from us, when the scouts came in with the news that Tryon was
+approaching, having heard of General Waddel's defeat.
+
+Then it was we leaned upon Master Husband, that man for whom we had
+risked our lives three several times in order that he might be spared
+imprisonment, and learned in the end that he was no more than a broken
+reed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE BATTLE.
+
+
+It was as if we had no sooner learned that Tryon was near at hand than
+he came almost upon us.
+
+Just at sunset on the 13th day of May in the year of grace 1771, our
+scouts came in with the report that the governor's force was encamped
+hardly more than six miles away, and was sending out skirmishers to
+ascertain our position.
+
+Master Husband's opinion was, and now he had become the leader we
+learned that he could be very obstinate once his mind was made up,
+that our scouts should be drawn in lest, peradventure, some of them be
+captured.
+
+Thus it was we remained all in ignorance of what the enemy might be
+doing until, at about eight o'clock in the evening, our sentinels
+captured two of the king's men who were out reconnoitering, bringing
+them into camp.
+
+These were none other than Colonel John Ashe and Captain John Walker.
+
+Now has come the moment when I must write of what we did to disgrace
+the Regulation, because surely it was a disgrace for civilized men
+claiming to be at war, to act as did the Regulators through the
+advice, or, I might almost say, the commands of, Master Husband.
+
+As we learned afterward, our new leader fancied he had cause for
+enmity against the two gentlemen whom our sentinels had taken
+prisoners, and within half an hour after they were brought into camp,
+he ordered both tied to a tree and severely whipped.
+
+It was an outrage which cannot be excused, however partial one may
+feel toward that organization which first nourished the spirit of
+liberty among the American people. Yet it was done, and to Master
+Husband must be given the blame.
+
+In the Carolinas Colonel Ashe and Captain Walker were looked upon as
+worthy gentlemen even by those whose politics were of a different
+complexion, and that we should flog them like slaves, nay, even in a
+more brutal fashion than one would whip his own chattels, was dire
+disgrace.
+
+Had Master Husband delayed even ten minutes after making the proposal
+for punishment, our people would have cried out against the outrage;
+but it seemed almost as if the Regulators were paralyzed by the mere
+suggestion of such an act as had never before disgraced them, and a
+few of the meaner spirits carried the order into execution while the
+remainder of the company were literally stupefied.
+
+This was the first wrong done, so far as I knew, by the Regulation,
+and nineteen out of every twenty condemned it as brutal and
+uncalled-for.
+
+When the punishment was concluded, however, kindly hands took charge
+of the unfortunate gentlemen, and if words could have soothed their
+wounds, then of a verity had they been made whole while yet the sting
+of the lash was upon their flesh.
+
+Master Husband knew full well that he was censured by the majority of
+the company, and it was as if from that moment he took the entire
+command into his hands, determined that we should have no voice in
+whatsoever was done.
+
+Thus it was that that brave company of gentlemen followed blindly a
+leader who was very shortly to prove himself a rank coward, raising no
+mutiny as would have been done under other circumstances, because we
+were facing the enemy and bickerings might bring about a disaster.
+
+When some of us would have accompanied Colonel Ashe and Captain Walker
+to Tryon's camp under a flag of truce, Master Husband sternly forbade
+any such procedure, and declared that he should hold the gentlemen
+prisoners until after the enemy had retreated, or been whipped in
+battle.
+
+Next morning, instead of sending out skirmishers, our leader appeared
+to think that a written notice from him would be sufficient to
+disperse the king's men, and accordingly he wrote what it pleased him
+to call a "proclamation," setting forth the fact that the governor had
+come contrary to law into counties over which he had abandoned
+control, and demanded that he should send answer within four hours
+explaining when it would please him to retreat.
+
+We had among us the Reverend David Caldwell of Orange, that good
+minister who followed such of his congregation as belonged to the
+Regulation, knowing full well a battle was imminent, and believing he
+might acceptably serve God and his fellow-man at the time when death
+was about to seize upon some of us.
+
+Master Caldwell had been among those who spoke the loudest against
+Master Husband's brutality of the previous evening; but now he
+accepted the position of messenger in the hope that he might prevail
+upon Tryon to draw off and thus avert bloodshed.
+
+The good man disdained to use a flag of truce; but set off trusting
+that his cloth would protect him, as indeed it did, for he was
+speedily given audience with the enemy.
+
+Governor Tryon received the clergyman graciously; but excused himself
+from making a reply to the ill-advised proclamation until noon of the
+following day, because, as he said, until then there would not be time
+to discuss the matter with such of his officers as were entitled to
+consideration.
+
+However, he gave the parson the most positive assurance that no blood
+should be shed unless the Regulators began the battle; in other words,
+he bound himself to keep his force in leash unless we made an
+unprovoked assault.
+
+When Master Caldwell came within our lines again, he had a long
+interview with Master Husband, the substance of which none of us knew
+thoroughly; but it was whispered among the more knowing, that the
+parson had insisted on liberty being given to the two prisoners, and
+our leader had flatly refused.
+
+Master Howell and a dozen others who had shared the command of the
+company with General Hamilton, were loud in their complaints because
+Master Husband refused to send out scouts, and, finally, after no
+little bickerings which would have swelled into open mutiny but for
+the situation of affairs, they left the bigoted man to himself, and
+sent secretly a dozen or more to spy upon the enemy.
+
+By this means we knew that during the night Governor Tryon's force
+had crossed the Alamance and marched silently along the Salisbury road
+until within half a mile of our camp, where they were formed in battle
+order by daybreak.
+
+All this we of the rank and file knew; but our leader remained in
+ignorance, and had no suspicion that Parson Caldwell paid a second
+visit to the governor before breakfast was served our men, receiving
+from him another promise that blood would not be shed by his force
+without provocation; but now, having gained the position he desired,
+Tryon demanded as the price of peace, that the Regulation should
+surrender unconditionally.
+
+This he charged Master Caldwell to repeat to our leader, and when
+Master Husband heard it he showed himself, for a short time, as one
+who understood somewhat of warfare, for as soon as might be thereafter
+he marched us down the road until we were halted within three hundred
+yards of the governor's army.
+
+Now did it appear as if the battle was to be fought by words rather
+than bullets, for Tryon sent forward under flag of truce a magistrate
+from Orange County, who read a lot of high-sounding words to the
+effect that we were ordered by the chief ruler of the colony to
+disperse within an hour.
+
+Then was come the time when we should have set spurs to our horses and
+dashed into the king's lines, for of a verity could we have put them
+in full flight within ten minutes; but Master Husband, beginning to
+feel the influence of that cowardly fit which so beset him shortly
+afterward, ordered Robert Thompson, a gentleman well known among us
+all as being of a most peaceful and amiable disposition but prone at
+all times to speak his mind, to go into the governor's lines and learn
+what arrangements might be made for the settlement of the difficulty.
+
+This command was given secretly, else would Master Thompson never have
+been allowed to go forth on such an errand when we were prepared and
+eager to measure strength with the enemy.
+
+However, he went, and we remained in the saddle mystified, wondering
+why any parley should be held, until we saw our comrade halt in front
+of the governor himself.
+
+Now this which I am to about to relate was afterward told me by a
+member of Tryon's force. As a matter of course all that we of the
+Regulation could see was the movements of the men.
+
+When Master Thompson advanced to the governor, he was told abruptly,
+and without even the ordinary civility which is due from one gentleman
+to another, to make his way to the rear as a prisoner.
+
+Indignant because of such perfidy, he told the brute Tryon some very
+plain truths regarding his actions in the Carolinas, and wheeled about
+to return to our lines.
+
+My eyes were upon him at the moment, and Sidney had expressed his
+satisfaction at seeing Master Thompson coming toward us in such a
+resolute manner, when I saw Tryon seize a musket from the hands of a
+militiaman, and shoot the Regulator dead.
+
+At the same instant it was as if the governor realized what he had
+done, for the smoke of the musket had hardly more than cleared away
+before we saw a flag of truce advance; but the murder of Robert
+Thompson was sufficient to arouse us all, and an hundred rifles were
+immediately emptied upon the bearer of the flag.
+
+Then it was that we would have advanced without waiting for orders
+from Master Husband, but that Parson Caldwell rode swiftly up and down
+the line between us and the enemy, imploring the Regulators to
+disperse rather than bring civil war upon the colony.
+
+We could not fire upon a man like Master Caldwell, neither was it in
+our hearts to ride him down, as we must have done had a charge been
+made at that moment; but Tryon, losing his senses through rage, as it
+seemed to me, gave the word for the militia to fire.
+
+Not a man obeyed the order.
+
+Parson Caldwell continued to urge that we have forbearance, and again
+Tryon called out for his men to shoot, this time addressing the
+artillery as well as militia.
+
+It was as if both sides were listening to the entreaties of the
+clergyman, when the bully Tryon, maddened with rage, rose in his
+stirrups as he shouted frantically:
+
+"Fire! Fire on them or on me!"
+
+This order was given to the entire force, and the men obeyed.
+
+How many of our people fell I know not. On the instant there came
+before my eyes a red mist; my brain swam, and I only know that there
+was but one desire in my heart, which was to kill--to kill the brute
+who had neither the instincts of a man nor the courage of a woman!
+
+We Regulators fired rapidly as we could load and discharge our pieces,
+and then suddenly Sidney shouted:
+
+"Come forward, lads! Spur your horses hard and we may take those
+cannon, for the men who work them act faint-hearted! Follow me!"
+
+An hundred or more of us responded to this call. Riding forward at
+full speed we literally swept the cannoneers from their pieces, and
+this done, after many lives had paid the price, we saw that man to
+whom General Hamilton had entrusted the command of the gallant
+Regulators, ride like a coward down the road a short distance, and
+then into the thicket.
+
+Verily I believe there was not one among us save he who would have
+shown the white feather even in order to save his own life, and we
+cursed him--while we battled against the enemy we cursed him!
+
+What followed I know not of my own knowledge. It was as if a fever had
+seized upon me, and when reason returned Sidney and I were in the jail
+at Hillsborough, where we remained many a long, dreary month before
+finally being allowed to return to our homes under parole.
+
+Here is an account as I have seen it set down by another who wrote at
+a later day, when all the facts were known, and in his words shall be
+told the remainder of the distressing story which began so bravely,
+and ended in shame and in death. [3] "Some young men among the
+Regulators rushed forward and took possession of the cannons. They did
+not know how to manage them, and soon abandoned them. The military
+now fired with vigor, and the Regulators fell back to a ledge of
+rocks on the verge of a ravine, not, however, until their ammunition
+was exhausted.
+
+"Nine of the Regulators and twenty-seven of the militia fell in that
+conflict, and a great number on both sides were wounded. Tryon, in his
+report, said, 'The loss of our army in killed, wounded, and missing
+amounted to about sixty men.'
+
+"The admitted excesses of the Regulators afford no excuse for the
+cruelty of Tryon after the battle on the Alamance. With the implacable
+spirit of revenge, he spent his wrath upon his prisoners, and some of
+his acts were worthy only of a barbarian. He exacted an oath of
+allegiance from the people; levied contributions of provisions;
+chastised those who dared to offend him; and at Hillsborough he
+offered a large reward for the bodies of Husband and other Regulators,
+'dead or alive.'
+
+"At Hillsborough he held a court-martial for the trial of his
+prisoners. Twelve were condemned to suffer death; six were reprieved,
+and the others were hung. His thirst for revenge satiated, Tryon
+returned to his palace at Newbern, where he remained but a short time,
+having been called to the administration of affairs in the province of
+New York.
+
+"The movements of the Regulators and the result of the battle on the
+Alamance form an important episode in the history of our Revolution.
+Their resistance arose from oppressions more personal and real than
+those which aroused the people of New England. It was not wholly the
+abstract idea of freedom for which they contended; their strife
+consisted of efforts to relieve themselves of actual burdens. While
+the tea-duty was but a 'pepper-corn tribute,' imposing no real burden
+upon the industry of the people in New England, extortion in every
+form, and not to be evaded, was eating out the substance of the
+working men in North Carolina. Implied despotism armed the New
+Englanders; actual despotism panoplied the Carolinians. Each were
+equally patriotic, and deserve our reverent gratitude. The defeat on
+the Alamance did not break the spirit of the patriots; and many,
+determined no longer to suffer the oppressions of extortioners,
+abandoned their homes, with their wives and children, went beyond the
+mountains, and began settlements in the fertile valleys of the
+Tennessee."
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[3] Lossing's "Field Book of the Revolution."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Spies Series
+
+These stories are based on important historical events, scenes wherein
+boys are prominent characters being selected. They are the romance of
+history, vigorously told, with careful fidelity to picturing the home
+life, and accurate in every particular.
+
+HANDSOME CLOTH BINDINGS
+
+PRICE, 60 CENTS PER VOLUME
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES AT THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
+
+A story of the part they took in its defence.
+
+By William P. Chipman.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES AT THE DEFENCE OF FORT HENRY.
+
+A boy's story of Wheeling Creek in 1777.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES AT THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL.
+
+A story of two boys at the siege of Boston.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES AT THE SIEGE OF DETROIT.
+
+A story of two Ohio boys in the War of 1812.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES WITH LAFAYETTE.
+
+The story of how two boys joined the Continental Army.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES ON CHESAPEAKE BAY.
+
+The story of two young spies under Commodore Barney.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES WITH THE REGULATORS.
+
+The story of how the boys assisted the Carolina Patriots to drive the
+British from that State.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES WITH THE SWAMP FOX.
+
+The story of General Marion and his young spies.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES AT YORKTOWN.
+
+The story of how the spies helped General Lafayette in the Siege of
+Yorktown.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES OF PHILADELPHIA.
+
+The story of how the young spies helped the Continental Army at Valley
+Forge.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES OF FORT GRISWOLD.
+
+The story of the part they took in its brave defence.
+
+By William P. Chipman.
+
+
+THE BOY SPIES OF OLD NEW YORK.
+
+The story of how the young spies prevented the capture of General
+Washington.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+
+
+The Navy Boys Series
+
+A series of excellent stories of adventure on sea and land, selected
+from the works of popular writers; each volume designed for boys'
+reading.
+
+HANDSOME CLOTH BINDINGS
+
+PRICE, 60 CENTS PER VOLUME
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS IN DEFENCE OF LIBERTY.
+
+A story of the burning of the British schooner Gaspee in 1772.
+
+By William P. Chipman.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS ON LONG ISLAND SOUND.
+
+A story of the Whale Boat Navy of 1776.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS AT THE SIEGE OF HAVANA.
+
+Being the experience of three boys serving under Israel Putnam in
+1772.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS WITH GRANT AT VICKSBURG.
+
+A boy's story of the siege of Vicksburg.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE WITH PAUL JONES.
+
+A boy's story of a cruise with the Great Commodore in 1776.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS ON LAKE ONTARIO.
+
+The story of two boys and their adventures in the War of 1812.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE ON THE PICKERING.
+
+A boy's story of privateering in 1780.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS IN NEW YORK BAY.
+
+A story of three boys who took command of the schooner "The Laughing
+Mary," the first vessel of the American Navy.
+
+By James Otis.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS IN THE TRACK OF THE ENEMY.
+
+The story of a remarkable cruise with the Sloop of War "Providence"
+and the Frigate "Alfred."
+
+By William P. Chipman.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS' DARING CAPTURE.
+
+The story of how the navy boys helped to capture the British Cutter
+"Margaretta," in 1775.
+
+By William P. Chipman.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS.
+
+The adventures of two Yankee Middies with the first cruise of an
+American Squadron in 1775.
+
+By William P. Chipman.
+
+
+THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE WITH COLUMBUS.
+
+The adventures of two boys who sailed with the great Admiral in his
+discovery of America.
+
+By Frederick A. Ober.
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Allies
+
+(Registered in the United States Patent Office)
+
+With the Navy
+
+By ENSIGN ROBERT L. DRAKE
+
+Handsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per Volume
+
+Frank Chadwick and Jack Templeton, young American lads, meet each
+other in an unusual way soon after the declaration of war.
+Circumstances place them on board the British cruiser "The Sylph" and
+from there on, they share adventures with the sailors of the Allies.
+Ensign Robert L. Drake, the author, is an experienced naval officer,
+and he describes admirably the many exciting adventures of the two
+boys.
+
+
+THE BOY ALLIES ON THE NORTH SEA PATROL; or, Striking the First Blow at
+the German Fleet.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES UNDER TWO FLAGS; or, Sweeping the Enemy from the Seas.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE FLYING SQUADRON; or, The Naval Raiders of the
+Great War.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE TERROR OF THE SEA; or, The Last Shot of
+Submarine D-16.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA; or, The Vanishing Submarine.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC; or, Through Fields of Ice to Aid the
+Czar.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES AT JUTLAND; or, The Greatest Naval Battle of History.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH UNCLE SAM'S CRUISERS; or, Convoying the American
+Army Across the Atlantic.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE SUBMARINE D-32; or, The Fall of the Russian
+Empire.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE VICTORIOUS FLEETS; or, The Fall of the German
+Navy.
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Allies With
+
+(Registered in the United States Patent Office)
+
+the Army
+
+By CLAIR W. HAYES
+
+Handsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per Volume
+
+In this series we follow the fortunes of two American lads unable to
+leave Europe after war is declared. They meet the soldiers of the
+Allies, and decide to cast their lot with them. Their experiences and
+escapes are many, and furnish plenty of the good, healthy action that
+every boy loves.
+
+
+THE BOY ALLIES AT LIEGE; or, Through Lines of Steel.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE; or, Twelve Days Battle Along the
+Marne.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE COSSACKS; or, A Wild Dash Over the
+Carpathians.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES IN THE TRENCHES; or, Midst Shot and Shell Along the
+Aisne.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL; or, With the Italian Army in the Alps.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALKAN CAMPAIGN; or, The Struggle to Save a
+Nation.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES ON THE SOMME; or, Courage and Bravery Rewarded.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES AT VERDUN; or, Saving France from the Enemy.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES; or, Leading the American
+Troops to the Firing Line.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH HAIG IN FLANDERS; or, The Fighting Canadians of
+Vimy Ridge.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH PERSHING IN FRANCE; or, Over the Top at Chateau
+Thierry.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE GREAT ADVANCE; or, Driving the Enemy Through
+France and Belgium.
+
+THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH; or, The Closing Days of the Great
+World War.
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Scouts Series
+
+By HERBERT CARTER
+
+Handsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per Volume
+
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS' FIRST CAMP FIRE; or, Scouting with the Silver Fox
+Patrol.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE BLUE RIDGE; or, Marooned Among the Moonshiners.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL; or, Scouting through the Big Game
+Country.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE MAIN WOODS; or, The New Test for the Silver Fox
+Patrol.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS THROUGH THE BIG TIMBER; or, The Search for the Lost
+Tenderfoot.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES; or, The Secret of the Hidden Silver
+Mine.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS ON STURGEON ISLAND; or, Marooned Among the Game Fish
+Poachers.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS DOWN IN DIXIE; or, The Strange Secret of Alligator
+Swamp.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS AT THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA. A story of Burgoyne's defeat
+in 1777.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS ALONG THE SUSQUEHANNA; or, The Silver Fox Patrol Caught
+in a Flood.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS ON WAR TRAILS IN BELGIUM; or, Caught Between the
+Hostile Armies.
+
+THE BOY SCOUTS AFOOT IN FRANCE; or, With the Red Cross Corps at the
+Marne.
+
+
+
+
+Our Young Aeroplane Scout Series
+
+(Registered in the United States Patent Office)
+
+By HORACE PORTER
+
+Handsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per Volume
+
+A series of stories of two American boy aviators in the great European
+war zone. The fascinating life in mid-air is thrillingly described.
+The boys have many exciting adventures, and the narratives of their
+numerous escapes make up a series of wonderfully interesting stories.
+
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM; or, Saving the
+Fortunes of the Trouvilles.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN GERMANY.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN RUSSIA; or, Lost on the Frozen Steppes.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN TURKEY; or, Bringing the Light to Yusef.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN ENGLAND; or, Twin Stars in the London
+Sky Patrol.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN ITALY; or, Flying with the War Eagles of
+the Alps.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS AT VERDUN; or, Driving Armored Meteors Over
+Flaming Battle Fronts.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN THE BALKANS; or, Wearing the Red Badge
+of Courage.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN THE WAR ZONE; or, Serving Uncle Sam In
+the Cause of the Allies.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS FIGHTING TO THE FINISH; or, Striking Hard
+Over the Sea for the Stars and Stripes.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS AT THE MARNE; or, Harrying the Huns From
+Allied Battleplanes.
+
+OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN AT THE VICTORY; or, Speedy High Flyers
+Smashing the Hindenburg Line.
+
+
+
+
+THE JACK LORIMER SERIES
+
+5 Volumes By WINN STANDISH
+
+Handsomely Bound in Cloth
+
+Full Library Size--
+
+
+CAPTAIN JACK LORIMER; or, The Young Athlete of Millvale High.
+
+Jack Lorimer is a fine example of the all-around American high-school
+boy. His fondness for clean, honest sport of all kinds will strike a
+chord of sympathy among athletic youths.
+
+
+JACK LORIMER'S CHAMPIONS; or, Sports on Land and Lake.
+
+There is a lively story woven in with the athletic achievements, which
+are all right, since the book has been O.K.'d by Chadwick, the Nestor
+of American sporting journalism.
+
+
+JACK LORIMER'S HOLIDAYS; or, Millvale High in Camp.
+
+It would be well not to put this book into a boy's hands until the
+chores are finished, otherwise they might be neglected.
+
+
+JACK LORIMER'S SUBSTITUTE; or, The Acting Captain of the Team.
+
+On the sporting side, the book takes up football, wrestling,
+tobogganing. There is a good deal of fun in this book and plenty of
+action.
+
+
+JACK LORIMER, FRESHMAN; or, From Millvale High to Exmouth.
+
+Jack and some friends he makes crowd innumerable happenings into an
+exciting freshman year at one of the leading Eastern colleges. The
+book is typical of the American college boy's life, and there is a
+lively story, interwoven with feats on the gridiron, hockey,
+basketball and other clean, honest sports for which Jack Lorimer
+stands.
+
+
+
+
+The Big Five Motorcycle Boys Series
+
+By RALPH MARLOW
+
+It is doubtful whether a more entertaining lot of boys ever before
+appeared in a story than the "Big Five," who figure in the pages of
+these volumes. From cover to cover the reader will be thrilled and
+delighted with the accounts of their many adventures.
+
+
+THE BIG FIVE MOTORCYCLE BOYS ON THE BATTLE LINE; or, With the Allies
+in France.
+
+THE BIG FIVE MOTORCYCLE BOYS AT THE FRONT; or, Carrying Dispatches
+Through Belgium.
+
+THE BIG FIVE MOTORCYCLE BOYS UNDER FIRE; or, With the Allies in the
+War Zone.
+
+THE BIG FIVE MOTORCYCLE BOYS' SWIFT ROAD CHASE; or, Surprising the
+Bank Robbers.
+
+THE BIG FIVE MOTORCYCLE BOYS ON FLORIDA TRAILS; or, Adventures Among
+the Saw Palmetto Crackers.
+
+THE BIG FIVE MOTORCYCLE BOYS IN TENNESSEE WILDS; or, The Secret of
+Walnut Ridge.
+
+THE BIG FIVE MOTORCYCLE BOYS THROUGH BY WIRELESS; or, A Strange
+Message from the Air.
+
+
+
+
+The Broncho Rider Boys Series
+
+By FRANK FOWLER
+
+A series of stirring stories for boys, breathing the adventurous
+spirit that lives in the wide plains and lofty mountain ranges of the
+great West. These tales will delight every lad who loves to read of
+pleasing adventure in the open; yet at the same time the most careful
+parent need not hesitate to place them in the hands of the boy.
+
+
+THE BRONCHO RIDER BOYS WITH FUNSTON AT VERA CRUZ; or, Upholding the
+Honor of the Stars and Stripes.
+
+When trouble breaks out between this country and Mexico, the boys are
+eager to join the American troops under General Funston. Their
+attempts to reach Vera Cruz are fraught with danger, but after many
+difficulties, they manage to reach the trouble zone, where their real
+adventures begin.
+
+
+THE BRONCHO RIDER BOYS AT KEYSTONE RANCH; or, Three Chums of the
+Saddle and Lariat.
+
+In this story the reader makes the acquaintance of three devoted
+chums. The book begins in rapid action, and there is "something doing"
+up to the very time you lay it down.
+
+
+THE BRONCHO RIDER BOYS DOWN IN ARIZONA; or, A Struggle for the Great
+Copper Lode.
+
+The Broncho Rider Boys find themselves impelled to make a brave fight
+against heavy odds, in order to retain possession of a valuable mine
+that is claimed by some of their relatives. They meet with numerous
+strange and thrilling perils and every wideawake boy will be pleased
+to learn how the boys finally managed to outwit their enemies.
+
+
+THE BRONCHO RIDER BOYS ALONG THE BORDER; or, The Hidden Treasure of
+the Zuni Medicine Man.
+
+Once more the tried and true comrades of camp and trail are in the
+saddle. In the strangest possible way they are drawn into a series of
+exciting happenings among the Zuni Indians. Certainly no lad will lay
+this book down, save with regret.
+
+
+THE BRONCHO RIDER BOYS ON THE WYOMING TRAIL; or, A Mystery of the
+Prairie Stampede.
+
+The three prairie pards finally find a chance to visit the Wyoming
+ranch belonging to Adrian, but managed for him by an unscrupulous
+relative. Of course, they become entangled in a maze of adventurous
+doings while in the Northern cattle country. How the Broncho Rider
+Boys carried themselves through this nerve-testing period makes
+intensely interesting reading.
+
+
+THE BRONCHO RIDER BOYS WITH THE TEXAS RANGERS; or, The Smugglers of
+the Rio Grande.
+
+In this volume, the Broncho Rider Boys get mixed up in the Mexican
+troubles, and become acquainted with General Villa. In their efforts
+to prevent smuggling across the border, they naturally make many
+enemies, but finally succeed in their mission.
+
+
+
+
+The Boy Chums Series
+
+By Wilmer M. Ely
+
+In this series of remarkable stories are described the adventures of
+two boys in the great swamps of interior Florida, among the cays off
+the Florida coast, and through the Bahama Islands. These are real,
+live boys, and their experiences are worth following.
+
+
+THE BOY CHUMS IN MYSTERY LAND; or, Charlie West and Walter Hazard
+among the Mexicans.
+
+THE BOY CHUMS ON INDIAN RIVER; or, The Boy Partners of the Schooner
+"Orphan."
+
+THE BOY CHUMS ON HAUNTED ISLAND; or, Hunting for Pearls in the Bahama
+Islands.
+
+THE BOY CHUMS IN THE FOREST; or, Hunting for Plume Birds in the
+Florida Everglades.
+
+THE BOY CHUMS' PERILOUS CRUISE; or, Searching for Wreckage on the
+Florida Coast.
+
+THE BOY CHUMS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO; or, A Dangerous Cruise with the
+Greek Spongers.
+
+THE BOY CHUMS CRUISING IN FLORIDA WATERS; or, The Perils and Dangers
+of the Fishing Fleet.
+
+THE BOY CHUMS IN THE FLORIDA JUNGLE; or, Charlie West and Walter
+Hazard with the Seminole Indians.
+
+
+
+
+The Girl Comrade's Series
+
+ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS
+
+ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES
+
+A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular
+authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and
+full of interest. Their simplicity, tenderness, healthy, interesting
+motives, vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl
+readers.
+
+HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING.
+
+PRICE, 60 CENTS.
+
+
+=A BACHELOR MAID AND HER BROTHER.= By I. T. Thurston.
+
+=ALL ABOARD. A Story For Girls.= By Fanny E. Newberry.
+
+=ALMOST A GENIUS. A Story For Girls.= By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
+=ANNICE WYNKOOP, Artist. Story of a Country Girl.= By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
+=BUBBLES. A Girl's Story.= By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+=COMRADES.= By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+=DEANE GIRLS, THE. A Home Story.= By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
+=HELEN BEATON, COLLEGE WOMAN.= By Adelaide L. Rouse.
+
+=JOYCE'S INVESTMENTS. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+=MELLICENT RAYMOND. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+=MISS ASHTON'S NEW PUPIL. A School Girl's Story.= By Mrs. S. S. Robbins.
+
+=NOT FOR PROFIT. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+=ODD ONE, THE. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+=SARA, A PRINCESS. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry.
+
+
+
+
+The Girl Chum's Series
+
+ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS.
+
+ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES.
+
+A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular
+authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and
+full of interest. Their simplicity, tenderness, healthy, interesting
+motives, vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl
+readers.
+
+HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING.
+
+PRICE, 60 CENTS.
+
+
+=BENHURST, CLUB, THE.= By Howe Benning.
+
+=BERTHA'S SUMMER BOARDERS.= By Linnie S. Harris.
+
+=BILLOW PRAIRIE. A Story of Life in the Great West.= By Joy Allison.
+
+=DUXBERRY DOINGS. A New England Story.= By Caroline B. Le Row.
+
+=FUSSBUDGET'S FOLKS. A Story For Young Girls.= By Anna F. Burnham.
+
+=HAPPY DISCIPLINE, A.= By Elizabeth Cummings.
+
+=JOLLY TEN, THE; and Their Year of Stories.= By Agnes Carr Sage.
+
+=KATIE ROBERTSON. A Girl's Story of Factory Life.= By M. E. Winslow.
+
+=LONELY HILL. A Story For Girls.= By M. L. Thornton-Wilder.
+
+=MAJORIBANKS. A Girl's Story.= By Elvirton Wright.
+
+=MISS CHARITY'S HOUSE.= By Howe Benning.
+
+=MISS ELLIOT'S GIRLS. A Story For Young Girls.= By Mary Spring Corning.
+
+=MISS MALCOLM'S TEN. A Story For Girls.= By Margaret E. Winslow.
+
+=ONE GIRL'S WAY OUT.= By Howe Benning.
+
+=PEN'S VENTURE.= By Elvirton Wright.
+
+=RUTH PRENTICE. A Story For Girls.= By Marion Thorne.
+
+=THREE YEARS AT GLENWOOD. A Story of School Life.= By M. E. Winslow.
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by
+the publishers. A. L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 East 23d Street. New York
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Boy Spies with the Regulators, by James Otis
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43714 ***