"I can't say that I have any quarrel with the king himself; but against his representatives in the Carolinas my hand shall never be lowered. I aroused you only that you may be prepared in case an attack is made."
"We will let the boys sleep, while Hunter and I have a look around," our deputy said in a low voice, and the three men left the room softly, believing we lads were yet asleep.
When they were gone Sidney said as he turned to face me, for we had been sleeping in the same bed:
"So it seems that we are besieged again."
"Did you hear all Master Payne said?"
"Every word."
"We are like to make quite a halt here."
"And can well afford to do so, now that word has been sent on ahead. Young Payne will readily arrive at Maddock's Mill by to-morrow afternoon, if he gets a fresh horse during the night, and we shall soon have reinforcements enough to settle as many as have come."
"If we must fight to get back home, what will be the result once we arrive there?" I asked, a new fear coming over me.
"That is something concerning which we need not trouble ourselves for the present," Sidney replied carelessly.