When my horse had been tethered I sought out mother once more, and she sang my praises till my cheeks were red with something very like shame, for she would not listen to the explanations I made; but insisted on calling me "a brave lad" who was an honor to his parents.
A stranger who had come suddenly upon us during the afternoon of this day would have found it difficult to believe that we were ready for, and expecting, mischief on the morrow.
The scene on the hill and nearabout the river was rather one of peace and good-will. Neighbors and friends seemed bent on a holiday, with no thought of care, and yet their merry-making was carried on between two small armies, each prepared to meet the other in deadly conflict if provocation was given.
It was a scene of gaiety which might be entirely changed by the morrow, and then instead of smiles one could expect to see tears; instead of laughter, to hear groans of agony, unless God should put it in the heart of William Tryon to deal justly and lawfully by those over whom the king had set him.
It was with some such thoughts as these that I looked down from the brow of the hill upon the joyous throng, and my heart grew sick with apprehension as I speculated upon that which the morrow's sun might bring to light.
CHAPTER X.
THE LONG NIGHT.
The excitement of the people appeared to increase rather than diminish as the night approached.
The appearance of the king's soldiers had disturbed them in their merry-making, and brought to their minds the possibilities of the morrow. A view of the two armed bodies, drawn up one against the other, told more clearly of the danger which threatened than words could have done, and the cautious began to ask if it would not be well to send the women and children away.
Dull-witted though I am, I could not fail to observe the people casting furtive glances toward the town, as if fearing to see issuing from it those who would work some injury in the name of the king.
The sounds of laughter were replaced by deep mutterings, and instead of lounging here or there with their families, the men and boys moved restlessly from one point to another, watching jealously every motion of the Regulators.