Our leader set the pace, riding only to keep beyond rifle range, and we four came alongside each other until we filled the road so completely that had any unfortunate been ahead on foot we must have trampled him down.
It was possible now to converse, and I fancied also that the animals traveled more easily by thus being in company.
When an hour had passed and we were come to a stream, the deputies and I dismounted, standing side by side in the road, while Sidney gave the horses water enough to wet their throats, and loosened the girths that they might regain their wind, for all four were well nigh blown.
We there stood ready to fire in case the pursuers came up before the steeds were ready for the road again, and word had been passed that we should give our attention to crippling the enemy's horses rather than the men.
During fifteen minutes did we remain with rifles in hand ready to be drawn to the shoulder at the first show of a pursuer, and then the chase was resumed.
We had gained a long start of Governor Tryon's minions; but the halt would enable him to cut down the advantage, and again we rode at racing speed until once more it became necessary to halt.
In this manner was the night spent; we favoring the faithful animals as much as possible, and while they rested, standing shoulder to shoulder ready for a battle.
When morning dawned we could see no signs of the enemy in the road, and this fact troubled me not a little, because I feared that they had taken a short cut unknown to us, and we would soon find them in advance to check our flight.
By riding until nearly noon we arrived at the plantation of William Payne, on whom Master Howell could rely fully, and here we came to a halt, counting to give the horses a long rest.
Our host had two sons, and with such an accession to our numbers we were not greatly dismayed by the prospect of another siege, therefore we dismounted, and my timorousness vanished as I realized that we were now so far from Brunswick there was little fear but that word could be sent to the members of the association even though we should be disabled.