Masters Howell and Hunter must have checked the speed of their steeds somewhat in order to allow us to come up, after which all four settled down to such a race as I never rode before, for liberty, perhaps like itself, was the stake.
Not until our horses were so nearly blown that it became absolutely necessary, did we draw rein, and then it was no longer possible to hear the sounds of pursuit.
"We have out-ridden them, that is all," Master Howell said in a quiet tone, as if he was not greatly interested in the final result. "We will give the nags time to breathe, and then push on again. For a time our traveling must be done by night."
"If you count so surely that there are others on the road who will try to prevent us from gaining Brunswick, why is it not reasonable to suppose Governor Tryon may play us false?" I asked timidly, for I feared the gentlemen might think me a coward, and yet was I determined they should discuss the possible dangers which awaited us at the journey's end.
"I think it very likely he will treat us as rebels rather than deputies," Master Howell replied quietly.
"And yet you make every effort to give him the opportunity?" I cried in dismay.
"Aye, lad. We accepted the mission, and having done so it became our bounden duty to perform it whatever might be the result. Before the people of the Carolinas can force the representatives of the king to treat us fairly and honestly, many a good gentleman must come to grief, and it is not for us to hold back."
There was no reply to be made to such a remark as this, and I would have held my peace but that the gentlemen insisted on being told why we had worked to rescue them, instead of pushing on toward Maddock's Mill.
"All the credit belongs to Sidney," I replied, determined that my comrade should have the praise. He argued that we would be wasting but little time by trying to effect a rescue, and in case of failure we could have carried out your orders within six hours from the moment they were given.
Sidney claimed that he could not have made the attempt unless I had been willing to remain with him, and regarding this we fell into quite a discussion, which lasted until we heard once more the trampling of horses in the distance.