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!"