But now we've got rich, and 'tis very well known
That we'll do very well if they'll let us alone."
Master Howell laughingly said that as poetry the verses were of little account; but the sentiment could not be bettered, according to my ideas, and before we went to sleep that night I could repeat the lines without missing a word.
We set out on our journey next morning shortly after sunrise, and, just before noon, when we were looking for a place in which to camp, two men, attended by a negro slave, undertook to make us explain our business.
The whites had halted in the middle of the road, with the black immediately behind them, and when we advanced made a great showing of pistols.
"Halt, gentlemen, and make us acquainted with your destination and your purpose in traveling this way!" one of them cried peremptorily, and in a twinkling Sidney and I, who were slightly in the rear of the deputies, had our rifles ready for use.
"Why shall we make explanations to you or any other in the Carolinas?" Master Hunter cried angrily.
"Fair and softly, good sir," the spokesman said, looking well to the priming of his weapon. "We are told that there are in the Carolinas those who speak against his majesty the king, and with such as they we would have a few words."
"Except we are so minded, you will have no words with us," Master Howell said sharply, and I observed that he was fingering his revolver as if itching to draw it from the holster.
"You will at least explain from what part of the colony you have lately come," the stranger said, this time speaking in a more gentle tone.