Now it can well be understood that such measures as these caused no
little in the way of rebellion, and during the two hours Nicholas Skot
cried the proclamation through the streets and lanes of the village,
the gentlemen who had determined to resist Captain Smith were in a fine
state of ferment.
It was as if a company of crazy men had been suddenly let loose among
us. Not content with plotting secretly against my master, they must
needs swagger about, advising others to join them in their rebellion,
and everywhere could be heard oaths and threats, in such language as was
like to cause honest men's hair to stand on end.
For a short time Nathaniel Peacock and I actually trembled with fear,
believing the house of logs would be pulled down over our heads, for no
less than a dozen of the so called gentlemen were raging and storming
outside; but disturbing Captain Smith not one whit. He sat there,
furbishing his matchlock as if having nothing better with which to
occupy the time; but, as can well be fancied, drinking in every word of
mutiny which was uttered.
Then, as if he would saunter out for a stroll, the captain left the
house, which was much the same as inviting these disorderly ones to
attack him; but they lacked the courage, for he went to the fort without
being molested.