As the mob pressed yet further I was forced downward until I lay across Sandy's body, and Sidney strove valiantly to make himself heard as he cried:
"He whom you have there is Clare Butler, one of the Regulators! I am Sidney Hubbard, also a member of the association! Do you hear? We are of the Regulation, and are trying to prevent you from bringing yet greater wrongs upon the colony!"
Before it was possible for Sidney to utter many words the men had bound me hand and foot, after the same fashion as was Sandy, and at that moment I believed, and feel certain to this day, that death was very near me. It was only a question as to whether my comrade could make himself heard before I was pitched overboard.
Already I could hear shouts from those in the rear demanding that I be "finished" before Sandy's score was paid off, and more than one threatened to take a hand in the business if it was not brought to a speedy close.
"Drown the villain! Let Tryon understand that he can't play fast and loose with us!" one of the crowd shouted, and another added:
"Waste no time over him; but let us pay our dues to the tax-collector while he is drowning."
Those in the rear were so eager to expedite matters that they flung themselves forward until the men who held me were forced to turn and defend themselves lest they be trodden under foot, and this temporary delay, I firmly believe, was all that saved my life.
Had the members of the mob not fought with each other to gain a better place in which to witness the spectacle, of a verity I would have been flung into the river.
"We are two lads who acted as escort to the deputies when they went to Brunswick!" Sidney shouted during a momentary lull in the tumult, and one of those nearest him caught the import of the words.
"Who are you?" the man cried, and Sidney replied, yelling in the fellow's ear to make certain the words were understood: