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 arosefrom 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 gatheringlike 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 withmother, 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 peoplewould 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 thelean-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 everyman 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 questionis 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 whocall 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 crossedto 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 jeeredboth 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 whichGeneral 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 thecrowd 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, eachprepared 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.
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 deepmutterings, 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 notto 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 Iwas 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. MasterHunter," 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 ranksjust 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, Sidneyplucked 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 beseen 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 shortdistance 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, notthrough 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 anydesire 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 thetime 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 eagerto 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.
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 ourrights, 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 encampmentwhere 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; butboth 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 forbattle. 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 bemade 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 armedrebellion 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 ofall. 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 taketheir 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 aboutasking 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. "Thepeople 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 thathe 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 supposehewas 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 dockwere 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 tobelieve 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 hadseen 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.