"What?" Sandy cried in mingled rage and surprise. "Would you also take me prisoner?"
"It is no more than you would have done by us, and surely turn about is fair play."
Now it was that I lost courage. The crime of resisting one of the sheriff's officers was as great as I felt willing to commit; but to actually 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 it seems to me wise that we get that gentleman's opinion before setting this worthy officer loose to spread the tiding of our misdeeds. Fanning and Tryon can never overlook the fact that we have refused to pay the tax; but I'm thinking it won't trouble them greatly if Master Wells suffers a little discomfort."
Sandy began to bluster, threatening us with the direst vengeance of his master and himself; but Sidney soon cut the flow of words short by saying sternly:
"You will mount your horse, Master Wells, and also do well to remember that a silent tongue oftentimes stands a man as friend."
Our prisoner ceased his threats, probably understanding that Sidney's temper was none of the best once it had been aroused, and clambered into the saddle obediently, my comrade holding his rifle ready for immediate use in case the fellow made any attempt at leaving us.
Once Sandy had mounted, Sidney fastened his legs beneath the animal's belly, as a precaution against escape, and, bringing up his own steed, seated himself in the saddle as he slipped the bridle of the prisoner's horse over his arm.
If it had been possible to do so without being overheard by Master Wells, I would have tried to dissuade my comrade from this last portion of the business, for it seemed to me that by carrying him to the rendezvous we were but bringing additional trouble upon our own heads without due justification. I was unwilling, however, to let Sandy suspect that there was any difference of opinion between us, therefore held my tongue, meekly climbing into the saddle when Sidney showed himself impatient to continue the journey.