BESIEGED.
While we lads crouched amid the vines which covered the porch of the
dwelling wherein we had entrenched ourselves without due authority
from the owner, watching intently for some token that our enemies were
creeping up on us, the question came into my mind as to whether a
goodly portion of the present trouble did not come from the fact that
Master James Hunter was one of the deputies appointed by the
association.
Then there came back to me all I had heard regarding the arrest of
Masters Husband and William Hunter, a cousin of Deputy Hunter. It was
said by some that Fanning had particular reasons for desiring the
imprisonment of James, while he did not have a speaking acquaintance
with William.
When the arrest was made, or rather when the two Regulators were taken
into custody to convenience Messrs. Fanning and Edwards, the wrong
Hunter was taken, and he against whom the attorney had been working
was appointed one of two to represent the Regulation at an interview
with the governor.
It was a vile act, throwing two men into jail on a charge of seditious
conduct, simply to pleasure a couple of villains; but even this was
not the worst of our treatment at the hands of Governor Tryon and his
minions.
I could fill an hundred pages like this with accounts of injustice
done us of the Carolinas, and yet set nothing down which might not be
verified by reliable witnesses, while every item would be the record
of an outrage as gross as that committed in the imprisonment of
Masters Husband and Hunter.
If it could have been known throughout all the colonies what we of the
Carolinas suffered under the misrule of William Tryon, then would that
declaration of liberty which was made in 1776, have been brought about
five years earlier.
However, it is not for me to hark back to the beginning of our
troubles; I have set down these thoughts because they came into my
mind like a flood while Sidney Hubbard and I remained on the alert
against those who, unquestionably, had been instigated by men whose
duty it was to protect the people, instead of riding them down like
foxes on the hunting field.
I had been disheartened by the sudden turn in affairs, and the
predictions made by Sidney, until it was to me as if the efforts to
assert our rights as honest men would result in the death or
imprisonment of all concerned in the undertaking.
Meanwhile, as I thus agitated myself about affairs which would be
regulated by Providence, we two lads kept close watch but without
seeing or hearing anything of those horsemen, who, as we knew full
well, were lurking near at hand to work us some mischief.
When the white servant had prepared our supper, Masters Howell and
Sidney went inside the dwelling to partake of the meal, leaving Master
Hunter and me on guard, and, later, we two were relieved by the
others to take our places at the table.
While Master James Hunter and I were eating, I ventured to ask him
what he thought of the situation, and received as reply:
"We are better off here than on the road, although it seems likely our
return will be greatly delayed."
"Meaning that you believe those men whom we saw will spend much time
trying to capture us?"
"We shall not be able to continue our journey save at the expense of
an encounter with those villains, and whether we ever see home again
depends, as I believe, upon our being the best marksmen."
Such a prediction did not tend to raise my spirits, as can well be
imagined, and straightway all desire for food fled from me.
I left the table without ceremony, and rejoined Sidney, full of
determination to shoot with true aim if one of our enemies would
present himself as a target.
Until the sun had gone down we watched in vain, and while the
twilight was gathering Master Howell announced his intention of
venturing out to reconnoiter, for it seemed necessary we should know
what disposition had been made of their forces.
Sidney insisted that he or I should be allowed to perform such task,
arguing with great force, so I thought, that it would be of but little
consequence if one of us lads was captured, while it could not be
reckoned anything short of a disaster if harm befell either of the
deputies.
Master Howell turned a deaf ear to his arguments and entreaties,
replying again and again that he would not put a dangerous duty upon a
boy when he was able to perform the task himself.
Even while we strove to restrain him, he went out into the night, as
if bent on visiting the stable, and when he had arrived at that
building it was no longer possible for us to distinguish his form.
Master Hunter kept watch alone at the front of the house, and in the
rear Sidney and I strained our ears for some token of disaster or
success.
The deputy had been absent a full half hour, during which time we
heard nothing save the movements of the servants, or the stamping of
the horses in the winter kitchen, and then suddenly, as if he had
risen from the ground, appeared Master Howell.
We lads raised our rifles, not knowing for the instant whether it was
friend or foe who had come upon us so silently, and then we heard his
voice:
"I have returned; do not fire."
He stood on the porch an instant to tell us in whispers the result of
his investigations.
"They have surrounded the buildings in such manner that we cannot
leave secretly, and appear to be content with that. As I look at the
matter, they, having trapped us, are waiting for reinforcements, or,
possibly, officers of the law."
"But you have said that Governor Tryon does not dare to cause our
arrest now that the people of Brunswick have heard all the story," I
suggested, not a little alarmed by the information that the enemy
appeared well content to wait until we might be captured with greater
ease.
"It was my proposition that Tryon would not dare arrest us in
Brunswick; but now we have left that place, he might work his will
without the people being any the wiser."
There was in Master Howell's tone that which convinced me he was
seriously disturbed by the condition of affairs, and I understood such
was really the case when he added:
"I think it is high time we held a conference of war, and one of you
lads had best come with me to the front veranda, while the other
remains here on guard."
I motioned Sidney to accompany Master Howell, and he, eager to hear
all which might be said, readily acceded to the mute suggestion.
In another moment I was alone, peering out into the darkness with
every faculty on the alert, and thus I remained until half an hour or
more had passed, when my comrade returned.
"Well?" I asked impatiently, burning to learn the result of the
conference, for I had worked myself into a fever, trying to imagine
what else we might do save await the preparations of our enemies.
"It is decided that we leave this place about midnight," he said in a
cautious whisper; "that is, if you agree to the proposition."
"If I agree!" I repeated in nervous petulance. "What can I have to do
with any plan which may be proposed?"
"If we set out it will be at risk of our lives, and the deputies have
decided that no move shall be made unless all four of us are fully
agreed that nothing different can be done."
"But how may we go or come at our pleasure if the house is
surrounded?"
"We can saddle the horses, and mount while yet in the building. Then
it is a case of starting with a rush, hoping that in the darkness
those fellows will not be able to shoot us down."
"We are to run away, then?" I asked in surprise, for it had been in my
mind that both Master Howell and Master Hunter would insist on
fighting, however great the odds.
"It seems necessary to do so if we would see our friends again, and
the deputies believe it is of the utmost importance the Regulation be
acquainted with the fact that all manner of treachery will be brought
to bear, rather than do us justice. Therefore we will run instead of
fight. Our horses are as fresh as theirs, and we may be able to give
them the slip. In case we are brought to bay, it is better, so the
gentlemen have decided, that we stand opposed to five or six men,
rather than a large body. Are you agreed?"
"It is useless to ask such a question. I shall do whatsoever the
deputies think best."
"Then, if that be your mind, the time may come when you will be called
upon to act what appears to me like a cowardly part."
I was amazed by this remark, and it can be readily supposed that I
insisted upon an immediate explanation.
"The deputies are agreed that in case we are brought to a standstill,
you and I are to make our way to Maddock's Mill without regard to
them. They will fight, whatsoever the odds, for the sole purpose of
allowing us to escape."
"Why have they grown so careful of us?" I cried, never dreaming of
that which would have come instantly into the mind of a quicker-witted
lad.
"It is that we may carry the news to our friends. Masters Howell and
Hunter will sacrifice their lives in order that the members of the
association may be informed of the exact situation of affairs."
I made no promises; timorous though I was, there could be, so I said
to myself, no time when I would feel warranted in leaving comrades or
companions struggling against a superior force. The Regulation might
forever remain in ignorance of what had been said at Brunswick, before
I would write myself down such a coward as to seek safety while others
of my party were in peril.
Luckily Sidney did not exact a promise from me on this score, and when
Master Howell came to where we stood, he believed I had fully agreed
to all the propositions.
"Sidney and I will saddle the horses when the time comes, and you and
Hunter will only leave your posts in order to mount and make the
rush. There is opportunity for us to gain a couple of hours' sleep. I
will stand guard in front, Sidney is to remain here, and in due time
you and Hunter shall act as sentinels."
I was not disposed for slumber; but this was virtually a command, and
without hesitation I went into the sitting-room.
Here I soon fell asleep, despite the fear in my heart, and when Master
Howell aroused me, at the expiration of two hours, it was as if I had
but just closed my eyes.
Then I performed the part of sentinel, when the hours seemed as long
as the time of repose had been short, and it was as if the night had
passed before Master Hunter came to announce that the moment for
action had arrived.
Then he went back, leaving me with the blood bounding through my
veins, and my heart throbbing violently, for I believed that one or
more of us would soon be in another world.
As had been agreed upon, Master Howell and Sidney made ready the
horses, and the words were passed to the front veranda that that post
be vacated.
Now we moved swiftly, mounting the horses while they were within the
makeshift of a stable, and when all were in the saddle Master Howell
paused to say:
"I will lead the way, then comes Clare, Sidney, and lastly Hunter.
Ride in close order, and at full speed."
The indentured servant stood near the door, yet holding the money
which had been paid him according to promise, and our leader rode out
into the darkness.
At a foot pace we went around the building, until coming to the path
leading into the road, when Master Howell struck the spurs deep, his
horse darting off like an arrow sent from a bow.
At that same instant came the crack of a rifle; I heard the ball
whistling a few inches above my head, and said to myself that if the
enemy shot as well as that in the beginning, they must succeed in
winging all of us before we were well under way.
The fever of excitement was so great upon me that I cannot well say
exactly what happened during five minutes after we emerged from the
stable.
I only know that a volley of musketry rang out; that I fired
point-blank at a man who suddenly appeared from out a clump of bushes,
and cheered when he fell. Then it was as if a fierce conflict was
being waged all around us, and that we rode through the showers of
bullets until gaining the main road, when our animals stretched
themselves to the race.
I came out from the dream into which I had been plunged, when Master
Howell shouted to know who had been hurt, and each in turn declared
that he was not even scratched.
It seemed almost impossible we could have come through that shower of
bullets without being riddled, yet such was the case, and then I
wondered whether the horses had fared as well.
My steed was going true; I could feel the play of his muscles beneath
me, and knew beyond a peradventure that he like myself was yet sound
in wind and limb.
"They aimed too high!" Master Howell cried exultantly. "If the
scoundrels had turned their attention to crippling the animals, our
chances would have been slim. Huzza for the Regulation!"
Then we four who had ridden out from the shadow of death gave voice to
our triumph, and from the rear came a yell of rage, telling us that it
yet remained to shake off the pursuers who were bent on taking us,
dead or alive.
"Keep your horses well in hand," Master Hunter cried. "There's a long
race ahead of us, and we must not wind the beasts."
Our leader set the pace, riding only to keep beyond rifle range, and
we four came alongside each other until we filled the road so
completely that had any unfortunate been ahead on foot we must have
trampled him down.
It was possible now to converse, and I fancied also that the animals
traveled more easily by thus being in company.
When an hour had passed and we were come to a stream, the deputies and
I dismounted, standing side by side in the road, while Sidney gave
the horses water enough to wet their throats, and loosened the girths
that they might regain their wind, for all four were well nigh blown.
We there stood ready to fire in case the pursuers came up before the
steeds were ready for the road again, and word had been passed that we
should give our attention to crippling the enemy's horses rather than
the men.
During fifteen minutes did we remain with rifles in hand ready to be
drawn to the shoulder at the first show of a pursuer, and then the
chase was resumed.
We had gained a long start of Governor Tryon's minions; but the halt
would enable him to cut down the advantage, and again we rode at
racing speed until once more it became necessary to halt.
In this manner was the night spent; we favoring the faithful animals
as much as possible, and while they rested, standing shoulder to
shoulder ready for a battle.
When morning dawned we could see no signs of the enemy in the road,
and this fact troubled me not a little, because I feared that they
had taken a short cut unknown to us, and we would soon find them in
advance to check our flight.
By riding until nearly noon we arrived at the plantation of William
Payne, on whom Master Howell could rely fully, and here we came to a
halt, counting to give the horses a long rest.
Our host had two sons, and with such an accession to our numbers we
were not greatly dismayed by the prospect of another siege, therefore
we dismounted, and my timorousness vanished as I realized that we were
now so far from Brunswick there was little fear but that word could be
sent to the members of the association even though we should be
disabled.
While we ate dinner, which had been hurriedly prepared, and the sons
of our host cared for our leg-weary steeds, Master Howell told all the
story of our adventures, and the owner of the plantation proposed that
one of his boys take a fresh horse for the purpose of making his way
to Maddock's Mill with the tidings.
After some little discussion our deputies agreed to this proposition,
and before we stretched ourselves out to sleep the lad rode away,
counting to change horses at the house of a friend, forty miles
distant.
Our mission was thus virtually accomplished, and we composed ourselves
for slumber with the satisfaction of knowing that the duty due the
association was the same as performed.
Our host and his son agreed to stand watch while we slept, and nothing
disturbed us until well into the night, when I was aroused by hearing
the owner of the plantation as he entered the room to awaken the
deputies. Then I overheard the following conversation:
"Your pursuers are here. The hoof-prints of your horses could be
plainly seen on the lane, and all hands were in front of the house
before seeming to realize the situation."
"Where are they now?" Master Howell asked quietly as he arose with
difficulty from the bed, for his joints were stiff and lame after the
hard race.
"I forbade their coming nearer, and warned the party to leave my
premises. They asked if two men and two lads were here, and I,
fearing lest they might pursue my son, told them the truth."
"That was well done," Master Howell replied approvingly. "Now they may
besiege us once more, and we will make no effort to get away unless,
perchance, you object to our resisting the governor's servants from
your house."
"Do as you will with me and mine. My wrongs are not less than yours,
and now is the time when we of the Carolinas must prove ourselves men,
or expect to remain under the yoke forever."
"You may be set down as a traitor to the king if we make this house
our castle," Master Hunter suggested; but stout Master William Payne
was not to be frightened.
"I can't say that I have any quarrel with the king himself; but
against his representatives in the Carolinas my hand shall never be
lowered. I aroused you only that you may be prepared in case an attack
is made."
"We will let the boys sleep, while Hunter and I have a look around,"
our deputy said in a low voice, and the three men left the room
softly, believing we lads were yet asleep.
When they were gone Sidney said as he turned to face me, for we had
been sleeping in the same bed:
"So it seems that we are besieged again."
"Did you hear all Master Payne said?"
"Every word."
"We are like to make quite a halt here."
"And can well afford to do so, now that word has been sent on ahead.
Young Payne will readily arrive at Maddock's Mill by to-morrow
afternoon, if he gets a fresh horse during the night, and we shall
soon have reinforcements enough to settle as many as have come."
"If we must fight to get back home, what will be the result once we
arrive there?" I asked, a new fear coming over me.
"That is something concerning which we need not trouble ourselves for
the present," Sidney replied carelessly.
"Then I'm of the mind that Fanning will speedily find a chance to clap
us into jail on a charge of treason, unless the association holds
together to the bitter end."
Such mournful conversation might have been continued a long while but
for the fact that it was interrupted by a volley of musketry,
succeeded by straggling shots which told that our people were replying
only when they saw a target.
"It's to be a battle instead of a siege!" Sidney cried as he hurriedly
dressed himself, I following his example; but the firing had ceased by
the time we gained the kitchen, which apartment was directly below our
chamber.
Here we found Master Howell and our host, one at the door and another
peering out of a loophole cut in the shutters of a window, and I knew
full well that Master Hunter and young Payne were on guard at the
front of the building.
"Where can we be of service, sir?" I asked, and Master Payne replied
with a grim laugh:
"I reckon you lads will not be needed, save, perhaps, to stand guard
later. The gentlemen from Brunswick fired in order to learn if we were
prepared to receive them, and I'll answer for it that at least one
knows to his cost that we're not to be caught napping."
"How many do they number?" Sidney asked, and Master Howell said
gravely:
"Not less than a dozen. The reinforcements have evidently responded to
the summons sent from our last halting place."
"We should be able to hold our own until some of the Regulators
arrive?"
"Aye, lad, and that is causing me no little uneasiness. By protecting
ourselves we shall be giving Tryon an excuse for breaking his word,
and before this business comes to an end the upper Carolina will be
overrun by the king's soldiers. It is beginning to be rebellion in
good earnest!"