When we had done this much, and we spent not less than half an hour in the work, Sidney and I went through the house to the veranda where we found the deputies on guard.
I reported as to the arrangements we had made, and Master Howell said approvingly:
"It is well. We are now prepared to give those gentleman a warm reception, unless they have some means which we have overlooked of getting into the house. You lads are to stand guard at the rear of the building, and if a stranger appears, call upon him to halt; if he then advances you will be warranted in shooting. In case the governor thinks to make way with us he will find that he has undertaken quite a task."
"By calling out the soldiers he could soon put an end to our return," Sidney suggested.
"That is exactly what he won't do, especially after we have made our story so public in Brunswick. It is not in Tryon's nature to come out like a gentleman in his usurpation of authority; but he must needs scheme to carry his ends by trickery. If he can dispose of us through the agency of these fellows, well and good, for there is little chance he can be connected with the crime. Have no fear that any public movement will be made to deprive us of freedom or life."
We lads took our rifles and went to the back porch, where we were screened by the vines, and while the white servant prepared supper and the black acted as assistant, we watched for the enemy, feeling ill at ease, as well we might.
After having come to believe that our troubles were at an end with the delivery of the petition, I was particularly cast down at thus learning that our enemies were inclined to pursue us yet further. It had an ugly look, as if Fanning and Edwards, with the possible consent of the governor, were seeking to take our lives, although, study the matter as I would, it was beyond my poor powers to make out how the rule of the king in the Carolinas would be strengthened by our death.
It seemed more as if the discontent round about Hillsborough would be increased in case we were slain, and that the Regulators would make every effort to avenge the murder of their deputies.
It was all a riddle to me, and after turning the matter over and over again in my mind, I asked Sidney what he made of it.
"Nothing whatsoever," he replied with a long-drawn breath. "I cannot solve the riddle; but this much is certain, that those fellows who followed our trail to this house are the same who made prisoners of Masters Howell and Hunter, and unless we are willing to go to prison somewhere between here and Hillsborough, we stand a good chance of being shot."