CHAPTER II.
A TREASONABLE ACT.
So great was my excitement, knowing Sidney meditated an attack uponthe king's officer, which could be called neither more nor less thanrank 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 itsounded far off. I could neither hear nor think; but all my facultieswere centered in my eyes as I watched Sidney's stealthy movements.
Without really having the power of connected thought, I realized thatto resist the sheriff's officer was an offense which Governor Tryonwould never pardon, particularly since that officer was engaged in theeffort to collect taxes. From the moment we made forcible resistancewe would be the same as outlawed, and shut off from the possibility ofreturning again to our homes until the king's rule had been set asidein the Carolinas.
Desperate indeed would be our position once an overt act against therecognized authority of the colony had been committed, and yet I wouldnot have checked Sidney by so much as a hair's breadth had it beenpossible.
Sandy Wells continued to read as if delighting in the sound of his ownvoice, and my comrade made his preparations leisurely, being slightlyin 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 anoverhanging bough, clutching his rifle firmly, I knew the struggle wasabout 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 offear passed away, and I was on the alert to second anything Sidneyshould attempt, even though our lives might be the forfeit.
Sandy Wells had nearly come to an end of the warrants which had beenfilled out that two lads who could not pay the sum of three dollarsmight be thrust into jail, when Sidney, his rifle leveled at theofficer's head, said sharply and sternly:
"Do not so much as move, Master Wells, else I will send a bullet intoyour brain. Be careful not to take your hands from that piece ofstamped paper, or I shall believe that you mean mischief!"
Sandy looked around quickly; only his eyes moved, for he must haveunderstood that my comrade meant every word which had been spoken, andhe saw Sidney standing with his rifle aimed and resting on the branchof the tree.
At such short range there could be no mistake as to the course of thebullet, 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 toHillsborough 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 yourselfopen to the penalties made and provided for resisting an officer ofthe 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 anyweapons about you?"
"I am armed, as you may well see."
"I am more concerned to know if you have other weapons which cannot beseen. Keep your hands on that paper, Master Wells, while Clare laysviolent hands upon your sacred person in order to learn to what extentyou are fitted out for taking into custody two lads whose only crimeis their lack of money."
"You might have been forgiven the tax; but that which you are about todo 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 atthis instant if it so be you so much as raise a finger. Clare, takeaway his rifle, and search him for other weapons."
I lost no time in doing his bidding, for now was Sidney Hubbard theleader and commander.
Sandy, the livid hue of fear yet on his cheek, offered no resistanceas I made thorough search, bringing to light two pistols and a longknife which would have served at a pinch as sword, and Sidney criedderisively as I laid the weapons at his feet:
"You were bravely armed, Master Wells, for the arrest of two boys whoare worth in the eyes of Governor Tryon's law but one dollar and ahalf 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, andit 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 setyou loose until after learning what Captain Hamilton has to say on thesubject."
"What?" Sandy cried in mingled rage and surprise. "Would you also takeme prisoner?"
"It is no more than you would have done by us, and surely turn aboutis fair play."
Now it was that I lost courage. The crime of resisting one of thesheriff's officers was as great as I felt willing to commit; but toactually 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 itseems to me wise that we get that gentleman's opinion before settingthis worthy officer loose to spread the tiding of our misdeeds.Fanning and Tryon can never overlook the fact that we have refused topay the tax; but I'm thinking it won't trouble them greatly if MasterWells suffers a little discomfort."
Sandy began to bluster, threatening us with the direst vengeance ofhis master and himself; but Sidney soon cut the flow of words short bysaying sternly:
"You will mount your horse, Master Wells, and also do well to rememberthat a silent tongue oftentimes stands a man as friend."
Our prisoner ceased his threats, probably understanding that Sidney'stemper was none of the best once it had been aroused, and clamberedinto the saddle obediently, my comrade holding his rifle ready forimmediate use in case the fellow made any attempt at leaving us.
Once Sandy had mounted, Sidney fastened his legs beneath the animal'sbelly, as a precaution against escape, and, bringing up his ownsteed, seated himself in the saddle as he slipped the bridle of theprisoner's horse over his arm.
If it had been possible to do so without being overheard by MasterWells, I would have tried to dissuade my comrade from this lastportion of the business, for it seemed to me that by carrying him tothe rendezvous we were but bringing additional trouble upon our ownheads without due justification. I was unwilling, however, to letSandy suspect that there was any difference of opinion between us,therefore held my tongue, meekly climbing into the saddle when Sidneyshowed himself impatient to continue the journey.
The one fear in my mind as we set out, Sidney leading the way with ourprisoner and I bringing up the rear, was that Master Hamilton and hisassociates would reprove us severely for having brought the officer tothe rendezvous, for it seemed certain that Sandy would hamper theRegulators to considerable extent.
However, the deed was done, and I question whether I could havechanged the situation in the slightest, however good an argument Imight have brought to bear. Therefore it was that I resolved to giveSidney the leadership, obeying his orders scrupulously, and standingby him as a comrade should in case our actions were condemned by theRegulation.
Sandy Wells evidently had no desire for conversation, and we two ladscould not speak one with another save he heard every word, thereforethe three of us rode forward in silence, keeping a sharp lookout bothahead and behind lest we might inadvertently come upon one of theofficer's friends.
There is little need for me to set down all the thoughts and f
earswhich came into my mind as we rode forward, for there is more ofimportance than my timorousness to be written before I shall come toan end of the sufferings endured by the people of the Carolinas inthat struggle which, God be praised, finally resulted in the freedomof 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 ofCarolina who, having chosen Master Hamilton as their leader, were inthe 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 sentinelsbefore 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 inevident perplexity. "It has only been decided that we would releasethose who are confined in Hillsborough jail, and I cannot guess howthe gentleman will view your bold act. Give him into my charge, and wewill soon have the case before the Regulation."
He laid hold of Sandy's bridle, leading the horse further into thewoods, while we lads were forced to remain where we had halted,because of the crowd which suddenly gathered to learn how we hadchanced to come in company with a sheriff's officer.
Once our story was told it could plainly be seen that we had won thegood opinion of those who listened, for without exception each manbestowed praise upon us, until my cheeks were flushed a deep red fromhearing myself spoken of as a brave lad who would one day do his fullshare toward freeing the Carolinas from the money-gluttons who wereimpoverishing the people.
Well, we were made much of, and all with whom we spoke agreed that weshould be allowed to become members of the Regulation, as if we wereindeed men grown; but I observed with sorrow that every one treated itas a matter of course that we could not return to our homes untilgreat changes had taken place in the colony.
The idea that years might elapse before I could see my mother againhad in it sufficient to prevent me from being puffed up with pridebecause of what was said concerning me, and when the gentlemen werecome to an end of questioning us I unsaddled my horse, taking upquarters at the foot of a huge gum tree.
In this army which had gathered responsive to the call of MasterHamilton, there were no tents or camp equipage of any kind. Each manbrought everything he might need, including provisions, and the placewhere the Regulators encamped had more the appearance of being usedfor religious or social purposes, than as a military rendezvous.
Here and there, wherever it best pleased them, were the recruits whichhad been so hastily brought together. Horses were picketed where thebest feeding places could be found, and their owners lay under theshade of the trees, walked as fancy dictated, or gathered in littlesquads, having no care save to keep within the lines marked out as thebounds of the encampment.
Twenty or more sentinels paced to and fro, rather for the purpose ofmarking the limits of the camp than because any attack was to beapprehended, and these were not so strict in their duty as to preventthose from straying outside the lines who felt the inclination to doso.
Sidney found a friend with whom he went away hoping to gain speechwith our general, Master Hamilton, and I remained alone a good hour ormore, when my father came up in search of me.
"The prisoner will be held until after we have marched toHillsborough," he said by way of explaining what had been decidedupon, and added with a sigh: "It is to be regretted that your evilfortune brought you in Sandy Wells' path, my son."
"It was he who crossed our path, sir," I said, trying to speak in acheery tone, although my heart was like lead in my bosom.
"It recks little which way it was. What affects us is, that you andSidney will be forced to remain in hiding, no one knows howlong--certainly until some arrangement can be made to obtain pardonfor what has been done."
"I thought the Regulators had assembled for the purpose of taking intotheir own hands the government of the colony, in which case there canbe no question but that our sins against the person of Sandy Wellswill be forgiven."
"It is not probable that the Regulation will be able to effect anyvery radical change in the condition of affairs. We shall march toHillsborough to demand the release of the prisoners, and if they aregiven liberty, there is no longer any pressing need for us to remainunder 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 offorce in order to demand justice, to ask that an offender against thelaws of the colony be forgiven."
"Then what is to become of us?" I cried in fear. "Surely thesegentlemen will not deliver us up to the king's officers!"
"Certainly not; your deliverance must come about without the aid ofthe Regulation, however. If it becomes necessary for you to remain inhiding, go with all speed to your uncle's home in Virginia, on thebank of the Dan River, and there remain until word comes from me thatyou may safely return."
There was no longer an opportunity for him to give me the advice whichI needed. Word was passed from one to another that the order had beengiven to begin the march toward Hillsborough, and in a few moments allwas bustle and confusion as each member of the party made hispreparations for the journey.
Half an hour later the Regulators were in line, awaiting the finalword, and a goodly array they presented. There were upwards of fourhundred 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 Iriding side by side, and a short distance in advance of us, SandyWells, guarded by two men.
The rebellion against the king's authority was begun, and from thatday 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 heartsagainst the colony of the Carolinas which we were ever ready to defendwith our heart's blood.
The march had been begun near nightfall in order that we might arriveat Hillsborough early in the morning, and since the distance was buttwenty miles, we were put to it to keep the animals back, instead oftrying to urge them forward.
Some of the men fell asleep in their saddles; but neither Sidney nor Ihad any desire for slumber because of the disquiet in our hearts. Withthe exception of Master Hamilton, who would likely be charged withhaving stirred up the people to sedition, we were in a worse plightthan the others, and whichever way the matter turned, it was probablewe 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 officershad received news of our coming, being greatly disturbed thereat.
Twenty or more men were standing near the edge of the river on theHillsborough side, and foremost among them was Attorney Fanning, hewho was equally guilty with Governor Tryon in burdening us with taxeswhich were beyond our power to pay.
To have seen him then, when he was in fear of his life, one would havesaid that the Regulators of the Carolinas had no warmer friend thanhe. When we were drawn up in line, waiting for the word to ford theriver, Fanning shouted, holding up a bottle of rum in one hand and abottle of wine in the other:
"We have been waiting for you, my brave Hamilton, knowing that youwill not willingly do that which will cause blood to flow. Let's youand I have a glass together, and decide this troublesome businesswithout such a warlike parade."
"You may keep your liquor for those who do not know you as well as doI," Master Hamilton cried scornfully, and our people set up a shout ofsatisfaction.
Master Fanning waved his hands as if asking for silence, and after atime, when those on our side of the river were inclined to hear whatkind of a propositi
on Tryon's tool had to make, he called out as ifaddressing his best friend:
"Send a horse over that I may cross, my worthy Master Hamilton. I fainwould give your people some refreshments," and here he held up thebottles again, "in addition to having a friendly chat with you."
Some of our men would have made a contemptuous reply, but the othersmotioned for silence in order that Master Hamilton might act asspokesman, which was his right.
"I'll send no horse," our brave leader cried. "You're none too good towade, and wade you shall if you come over!"
I supposed Attorney Fanning would go back to his home in anger afterreceiving such a reply, and said as much to Sidney; but no sooner hadI spoken than the lawyer waded into the stream, and over he came,holding out his bottles as if believing that Master Hamilton would berejoiced at having an opportunity of drinking with him.
Our leader waved him away in short order, and then the schemingrascal went from man to man of the front rank, asking each to have aglass of liquor in token of friendship; but none would accept, andmore than one gave him such insults as a truckling knave like himselfdeserved.
Before he had come to an end of the line, and when it must have beenmade plain that not one of the Regulators cared to bestow thecommonest civility upon him, he espied Sandy Wells.
"What, have you resigned your office?" the attorney asked sharply, andour prisoner replied whiningly:
"I'm held here by force, good Master Fanning, having been takenprisoner 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 witha grin:
"If two lads took you prisoner, I'd advise you to hold your tongueabout it. Not many hours since you declared yourself to be a match forany three men in the Carolinas, providing you were not come upon inambush."
"I was taken by surprise, even while reading the warrants for theirarrest, and it's by no means to my shame, since I never dreamed theywould be bold enough to make an attack upon the representative of ourworthy 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 ofhorsemen, trying in vain to find one who would drink with him.
I must set down here, at risk of interfering somewhat with the threadof the story, two verses which were afterward written about thiseffort of the attorney's to curry favor with those who had come in thename 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 exceedinglyfine; but it was made next night in camp by one of our Regulators, andbecause 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 toFanning, and Master Hamilton told him sharply to get to the rear lesthe be trampled under the feet of the horses.
"We'll have neither you nor your liquor," he cried angrily, "andunless you get out of sight I'll not be answerable for the temper ofthese good friends who have come in search of Masters Husband andHunter."