It was not a simple matter to make our way through the crowded street. By this time nearly all the people who had encamped in the open air were astir, and every man and boy was pressing eagerly forward to that point from whence came the outcries.
By dint of using our elbows sharply, and forcing aside without ceremony those who barred the way, we succeeded, at the risk of embroiling ourselves in private quarrels, in gaining a position near the center of the disturbance, when it was possible to perceive at a glance that General Hamilton was correct in his surmises.
The visitors were not raising their hands against the soldiers save when great provocation was given; but here and there I could see those who were in some way connected with the government, and among them Sandy Wells, making their way from point to point, dealing blows and uttering insults well calculated to raise a disturbance.
Whenever one of the visitors attempted to defend himself, or would have punished the insulter, the minions of Tryon raised a great hue and cry to bring the solders to that point, after which they slipped off to create a disturbance at some other point.
But for the fact that the visitors had been warned against giving the governor an opportunity for complaint, a riot would have been begun within a very few minutes, and with such a degree of violence that it might have increased to a regular battle; but as it was, our people behaved with remarkable moderation.
I believed that we might do much good by advice, and suggested to Sidney that we go hastily around among the throng, explaining what was the evident purpose of the governor's minions, at the same time advising every one to cross the river immediately, lest by their behavior Tryon should have some color of a reason for postponing the cases which had been set down for a hearing next day.
He was of my opinion, and without delay we began our work, hurrying here or there with such good effect that the people began to fall back before the mischief breeders, instead of pressing forward.
This was not at all to the liking of those who desired to provoke a breach of the peace, and they redoubled their efforts, offering yet greater indignities to the unresisting citizens.
Foremost among these was Sandy Wells, and I made it my business to gain a position close by his side, when I said, holding him by the arm until the words had been uttered:
"Sidney Hubbard and I saved your life this day, as you well know. It can readily be seen what you are trying to do, and unless you cease your efforts I will take good care before the sun sets to-morrow, to inflame every man's mind against you. That fate which was escaped this afternoon shall overtake you within the next four and twenty hours, even though Tryon gives you shelter in his own quarters."