CHAPTER X.
THE LONG NIGHT.
The excitement of the people appeared to increase rather than diminishas the night approached.
The appearance of the king's soldiers had disturbed them in theirmerry-making, and brought to their minds the possibilities of themorrow. A view of the two armed bodies, drawn up one against theother, told more clearly of the danger which threatened than wordscould have done, and the cautious began to ask if it would not be wellto send the women and children away.
Dull-witted though I am, I could not fail to observe the peoplecasting furtive glances toward the town, as if fearing to see issuingfrom it those who would work some injury in the name of the king.
The sounds of laughter were replaced by deep mutterings, and insteadof lounging here or there with their families, the men and boys movedrestlessly from one point to another, watching jealously every motionof the Regulators.
It was much as if we were all walking to and fro in a magazine ofpowder, each with a lighted match in his hand, and that the explosionwas a foregone conclusion, the only question being as to exactly whenit would occur.
I understood that others besides myself took much the same view of thesituation, when the officers of the Regulation gave orders concerningthat which should be done during the night.
All the company were ordered to go on duty at sunset, remaining underarms until morning, ready for any sudden emergency. The men wereespecially commanded not to stray away from the limits of theencampment, and forty were told off to do guard duty when ten couldhave patrolled the camp thoroughly under ordinary circumstances.
All these preparations told that our leaders were anxious regardingthe possibility of treachery on the part of the royalists, which wasnot to be wondered at in view of all that had happened.
When it was reported in Hillsborough that Sandy Wells had beenmurdered, Tryon and Fanning saw an opportunity of setting us downbefore the world at large as murderers and knaves who should, injustice to a law-abiding community, be committed to jail.
When they learned that we had kept our hands clean, that we had doneour best to preserve the peace, it might well be expected some otherplan to ruin us would be tried, and General Hamilton was far too wisea man to neglect any opportunity for additional defense.
It was also evident that the people generally were of the belief thatthe royalists would attempt to do us a mischief, and, as I have said,they moved around restlessly, watching keenly all that was takingplace on the opposite side of the river.
Had the king's troops come toward the ford a second time, I believe ofa verity that trouble would have ensued even though the soldiersadvanced with peaceful intent.
Sidney and I were stationed as sentinels at that part of the linewhich overlooked the town, with orders to observe closely all thatmight be taking place on the opposite side of the river, and to reportimmediately at headquarters any unusual movement, either on the partof the royalists or visitors.
Every inch of the line which marked the bounds of the encampment wasconstantly traversed that night. The guards were stationed twenty feetapart, and it was expressly commanded that each man should advanceuntil he met the sentinel on his right, when he was to wheel about andproceed in the opposite direction until meeting the Regulators on hisleft, 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 theopposite side of the river one could see the streets closely packedwith human beings, who counted to spend the night in the open air.
It was eight o'clock in the evening, and I was yet doing guard duty,when a sudden outburst of noise from near about the court-housestartled us, for it seemed to be the signal of that uprising oroutbreak which we had been fearing might occur before morning.
At first it was no more than angry cries and yelps of pain; but theseincreased 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 remainedthere in a listening attitude, turning his head this way and that likethe dog who seeks to find a lost trail.
A dozen or more of the chief men were with him, and I heard one ofthem ask anxiously:
"Can you guess why trouble should have begun at this time? I believedall 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 longbefore this. Master Hunter," he cried sharply to the deputy, "formyour men into line at the river bank to prevent any from leaving theencampment, and lose no time in doing so."
At the call for the guards to advance into line I stepped forward; butstopped very suddenly as the general seized me by the collar of myshirt.
"You and the comrade who aided in saving Sandy Wells' life are to waithere that I may have a moment's speech with you." Then, raising hisvoice, he cried, "Hunter, give the word as soon as you have a force atthe riverbank sufficient to hold this throng in check!"
"The entire Regulation will be none too many for such service asthat."
"Station the guards first, and then call out the remainder of theforce. It stands us in hand to hold all on this side the river, andalso keep peace among them."
I was at some little trouble to find Sidney, he having gone to thefurther end of the line when the word was given to "fall in"; but Isucceeded in withdrawing him from the ranks just as the men wentforward into position at the river bank.
When we two lads stood before him, the general said in a low tone asif to prevent any other from hearing the discourse:
"It is in my mind that yonder riot has been begun by orders of Tryonor Fanning, that they may have some excuse for filling the jail beforemorning, as well as to cast discredit upon the Regulation. You ladshave shown yourselves quick-witted, and I have no doubt that you willbe able to hold your own in case Tryon and his crew are provoking abrawl. Cross the river at once; mingle with those who are taking partin the disturbance, and learn all you can regarding the beginning ofthe trouble."
"Our lines are in position!" Master Hunter cried, and the generalreplied:
"Very well. Hold the people here, and allow none to cross save the twowho may speedily come with my permission to do as they please."
We lads waited twenty seconds or more to learn if Master Hamilton hadany 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 knowthat we had received all the orders he had to give.
On coming to the water's edge we walked up the stream until findingMaster Hunter, and then, in a low tone, explained what we had beenordered to do.
He immediately directed the men to give us passage, and hurriedly weforded the stream, bending our steps toward the court-house afterhaving 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 airwere astir, and every man and boy was pressing eagerly forward to thatpoint from whence came the outcries.
By dint of using our elbows sharply, and forcing aside withoutceremony those who barred the way, we succeeded, at the risk ofembroiling ourselves in private quarrels, in gaining a position nearthe center of the disturbance, when it was possible to perceive at aglance that General Hamilton was correct in his surmises.
The visitors were not raising their hands against the soldiers savewhen great provocation was given; but here and there I could see thosewho were in some way connected with the government, and among themSandy Wells, making their way from point to point, dealing blows anduttering insults well calculated to raise a disturbance.
Whenever one of the visitors attempted to defend himself, or wouldhave punished the insulter, the minions of Tryon raised a great
hueand cry to bring the solders to that point, after which they slippedoff to create a disturbance at some other point.
But for the fact that the visitors had been warned against giving thegovernor an opportunity for complaint, a riot would have been begunwithin a very few minutes, and with such a degree of violence that itmight have increased to a regular battle; but as it was, our peoplebehaved with remarkable moderation.
I believed that we might do much good by advice, and suggested toSidney that we go hastily around among the throng, explaining what wasthe evident purpose of the governor's minions, at the same timeadvising every one to cross the river immediately, lest by theirbehavior Tryon should have some color of a reason for postponing thecases which had been set down for a hearing next day.
He was of my opinion, and without delay we began our work, hurryinghere or there with such good effect that the people began to fall backbefore the mischief breeders, instead of pressing forward.
This was not at all to the liking of those who desired to provoke abreach of the peace, and they redoubled their efforts, offering yetgreater indignities to the unresisting citizens.
Foremost among these was Sandy Wells, and I made it my business togain a position close by his side, when I said, holding him by the armuntil the words had been uttered:
"Sidney Hubbard and I saved your life this day, as you well know. Itcan readily be seen what you are trying to do, and unless you ceaseyour efforts I will take good care before the sun sets to-morrow, toinflame every man's mind against you. That fate which was escaped thisafternoon 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 hissleeve was relaxed he slunk away among the soldiers, nor did I see himagain that night.
During more than an hour Sidney and I continued our efforts, sometimesthreatened by the soldiers or Tryon's emissaries, and then the thronghad so far dispersed that there were not enough hot-heads left to makeany very great disturbance, even though they felt disposed to resistthe troops.
"Now the enemies of the colony can do no more than foment an ordinarybrawl, which is not what Tryon most desires, and I believe our workhere is done in accordance with the general's orders," Sidney said tome 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 arerecognized you may be certain those fellows will use every effort tolodge 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 ofthe wilder spirits in our wake, we set off toward the ford, hooted andjeered at by those who had most signally failed in the task assignedthem.
The sudden change in the situation of affairs was truly surprising.When we two lads first crossed the river we found the streetsliterally choked with men, women and children who counted on remainingthere with the hope of gaining admittance to the court-house as soonas the day dawned; but now it was as if the earth had opened andswallowed all these people.
We did not meet with twenty as we went toward the ford; they hadwisely crossed the river, and, once on the opposite side, theRegulators would keep them quiet.
We had checked the governor's scheme, not through force of arms, butsimply by removing those who might unwittingly have aided him in hisunlawful efforts.
Once the visitors were on that side of the river held by theRegulators, they were unable to go back; but all who called themselvesSons of Liberty would be forced to remain on duty during the entirenight in order to hold in check those who counted themselves friendlyto the cause.
As a matter of course Sidney and I reported to General Hamilton assoon as possible, and when we had concluded our story the oldScotchman said in a tone of satisfaction:
"I knew full well I could depend upon you lads to do whatsoever waswise. By sending the people over here you have accomplished a goodwork, and once again is Tryon defeated by your unaided efforts. TheRegulation has good reason to count you as valuable members, and whenthe time comes that this colony can reward the services of those whohave aided her, as come it will in due season, I hope I may be aliveto make certain you are not neglected."
According to my way of thinking we were already rewarded by such wordsas these, and but for the darkness Master Hamilton would have seen mycheeks crimsoned with shame because he had given us far more than wedeserved.
It was but natural that there should be considerable confusion on ourside of the river; all who had lately changed their camping placeswere seeking for new quarters, and already the slope of the hilloutside the lines of our encampment was literally covered with humanbeings.
The late comers were compelled to find a resting-place on the otherside of the elevation, and thus were our horsemen literally hemmed in.If it should become necessary to make a quick movement, it wouldrequire some time to clear the ground in order to avoid trampling thevisitors beneath the hoofs of our horses.
Every member of the Regulation was now doing guard duty, and as soonas Sidney and I had concluded our interview with the general, wejoined our comrades, when the weary work of pacing to and fro wasresumed.
At the river front remained a line of Regulators who allowed anyperson to come over; but refused passage to such as would have goneback, and thus we held the key to the situation so far as keeping thepeace was concerned.
Until this last move of Governor Tryon's I think the majority of ourpeople believed the king's officers would not dare do other than givethe prisoners a fair trial, although perhaps no one was convinced thatit was more than a farce to bring Fanning before the bar.
Now, however, when we had good proof as to the lengths Tryon was readyto go, and could see plainly that he was using every effort to placethe Regulation in a false light before the world, there was much doubtas to the outcome of the cases in court.
The Regulators on duty discussed the matter among themselves as if itwas a foregone conclusion that might, not right, would rule, and suchof the visitors as I heard conversing were loud in their declarationsthat justice must prevail even though it should be purchased byforce.
"There is likely to be hot times to-morrow," Sidney said to me as wehalted an instant when everything seemed peaceful. "If we are broughtface to face with Tryon's army, much blood will be shed on both sidesbefore the question is settled definitely."
"But that blood will cement the colonies in such manner thatoppression in one will be felt by all the others. We shall haveeffected a union, and what are our lives in comparison to such aconsummation?" 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 boldto say, and he replied with a sigh:
"Of that I am not so certain. If we do, the colonies will declare forfreedom against the king's rule. If peace is preserved throughout themorrow, then must greater wrongs be endured in order to provoke thepeople into demanding their full rights."
Having said this the deputy continued on his rounds, and we two ladsno longer had any desire to discuss the situation, for it had becomeso grave, according to Master Hunter, that a bloody battle between usand those on the opposite side of the river seemed suddenly to bereally desirable.
During the remainder of that long night we lads did our full share ofguard duty, I dwelling upon the possibilities until the oldtimorousness came upon me, and I was almost a coward.
It seemed to me that death would come within a few hours, and I wasalready marked out as one of his victims. I found myself wondering ifI could march up to the guns of the enemy without betraying thecowardice in my heart, and otherwise spending the time in a veryfoolish 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 asthen. The gray light of morning revealed the multitude sleepingpeacefully, and on the opposite bank not even a wreath of smoke showedabove the chi
mney-tops.
The scene brought relief to me, and by the time the sun rose I wasable to keep down the fear in my heart, so that no one might suspectthat I was in very fact a coward.
It was a wonderful scene when the visitors awakened to life, and beganmaking ready for the coming events which were of concern to alldwelling in America. This day's sun would see the dawn of freedom, ora postponement of that spirit which must in the near future descendupon our people.
The officers of the Regulation went from camp to camp, cautioning thevisitors against making any demonstration before the trials at thecourt-house were brought to a close, and at the ford a group of ourbest citizens was performing the same task.
If the citizens of upper Carolina made any error on this day it wouldnot be from lack of advice from those who were in a position to knowwhat might be best for the colony.
The one aim of the people was to reach the court-house in order togain admission as spectators, and although the building would notaccommodate one in every hundred who were eager to enter, thethousands flocked thither, jostling and pushing each other in order toget a position among the foremost.
General Hamilton did all a man could to persuade them into remainingat a respectful distance, pointing out the uselessness of expecting togain admittance; but yet they made their way into the town until ourencampment was deserted by all save the better informed--say fivehundred 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 armsthe entire day lest our force might be needed in defense of thecitizens.
"Are we like to be called upon for any serious service, sir?" I askedof Master Hunter, who chanced to pass where I was partaking of themorning meal with my parents, and he replied:
"It is hardly probable. Tryon will not attempt any more tricks, nowthat the time of opening court is so near at hand, and I believe ourpeople will keep the peace, at least until after the decision of thejudges is made known."
Then the deputy called my father aside, and the two held such long andearnest converse that I believed our officers were of the opinion thetrial would be no more than a farce.
This idea was strengthened in my mind when mother showed such tenderaffection as I would leave her to take my place in the line which wasbeing formed.
She bade me farewell as if believing we might never meet again, anddespite 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 theevidences of my own emotion.
Half an hour later we of the Regulation were in something approachinga military formation, with our horses tethered just in the rear wherewe might be able to get at them without loss of time, and then camethe most trying moment of all-waiting for Governor Tryon to show howfar he dared to go in opposition to the law and the rights of thepeople.
The square around the court-house was black with citizens awaiting anopportunity to enter the building. In the midst of this mass could beseen two files of soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder in order tokeep open a passage for the officers and witnesses, and a shortdistance away were the governor's troops under arms in case it shouldplease our oppressor to order an attack upon the helpless throng.
The Boy Spies with the Regulators Page 10
