For a moment I was ashamed at having shown so much emotion over what was really nothing more than an incident, and then there came to my mind the knowledge that this capture meant more to us of the Regulation than would the taking of a force twice our size, and I said decidedly, angry with myself for having been disconcerted by Sidney's scorn:
"One whose heart is with the cause cannot fail of being excited and anxious at such a time, no matter how small may be the force with which we are to contend. It is the idea that the powder is sadly needed by our people, which causes our company to be unduly excited. Every man realizes the importance of doing the task well, and, quite naturally, fears lest it be not performed thoroughly."
Sidney had no reply to make, and I fancy he was somewhat ashamed of having spoken disparagingly of his companions.
Then the word was passed in a whisper for each man to conceal himself and his horse as near the edge of the road as possible, remaining there in readiness to spring out at the first word of command.
A squad of ten was sent a quarter of a mile to the north in order to intercept any who might succeed in making their way past the main body, and our preparations were complete.
I understood that the word for the attack would not be given until the convoy was opposite the center of our line, so that we might completely encircle it to prevent escape in either direction.
Then came half an hour of suppressed excitement, during which I could distinctly hear the beating of my own heart, and finally, the rumble of wheels in the distance, proclaiming the near approach of our prey.
The train consisted of two heavily laden carts convoyed by twenty men, as I could see when the force was nearly opposite my hiding-place, and these details had no more than been noted when Master Howell's voice rang out like a trumpet:
"At them, lads! At them, and make certain none escape you!" To those we were about to attack it must have seemed as if the thicket itself suddenly sprang out toward them, and before they had time to draw up in line ready to receive us, the party was completely surrounded.
I would have been ashamed had there been no show of resistance, for the convoy was made up of Carolinians, and, whether they were for the king or the people, it behooved them to display courage.