"We don't know what is on foot," Sidney replied; "but certain it is that we are called out for duty. Take my advice and keep under cover till night, when we will make an effort to send you over to the town."
Sandy disappeared like a flash, and despite the fears in my mind I could not repress the smile which was provoked by a glimpse of his face.
The day was exceedingly warm, and his hiding-place must have been close indeed, for not a breath of air could reach him beneath all that brush. His cheeks were flushed crimson, and the perspiration oozed from every pore, only to be covered with pine needles which adhered to the skin as if glued there.
We were not long in answering the call, and once my comrade and I were on the brow of the hill overlooking the town, where the command was being formed, it was possible to understand why we had been summoned.
Across that sea of heads, just in front of the court-house, was Governor Tryon's army, drawn up as if for action. We could see that every man was fully armed, and all the officers in position, ready for immediate movement.
"What is the meaning of that display of force?" I asked in surprise, and the man nearest me replied grimly:
"That is what all of us would like to know. It may be that Tryon is only showing the visitors what he can muster in case of a riot, and yet such would be a foolish move, for it simply proves that this multitude could make short work of them. If I stood in Tryon's shoes I should hesitate about showing my hand so plainly."
"The fellow is no fool, however much of a knave he may be," one of the Regulators who had heard the reply said quickly. "I warrant those soldiers are not there to overawe the people."
"Then why have they been called out?" Sidney asked impatiently.
"In my opinion they will march across the river, or, at least, to a point mighty near this camp."