The forenoon passed, and I remained like one in a stupor. The noon hour went by, and I had no sensation of hunger. Some of our companions ate; but they were the ones known to be lukewarm to the cause.
As I came afterward to know, it was near about two o'clock in the afternoon when a low hoarse murmur which was like unto nothing save the growl of an enraged beast sounded on our ears. It rose louder and louder, gathering in angry menace each instant, until it was of such volume, that one could hardly have heard a peal of thunder above it, and then we knew full well that Governor Tryon had trampled all the laws under his foot—that it was our duty to become rebels in fact, by rushing upon the villainous representative of the king and cutting him down.
Then came one from the town running at full speed, and when having come near enough to make his voice heard, he shouted:
"Master Husband has been acquitted; but both William and James Hunter and Master Hamilton have been adjudged guilty, and are fined one thousand pounds each, in addition to imprisonment for six months!"
"But James Hunter and Master Hamilton had not been even charged with crime!" one of the Regulators cried, doubting the truth of the news.
"Very true; yet they were tried just the same. Master James Hunter was taken into custody as he entered the court-room to give evidence against Fanning, and a warrant is already issued for Master Hamilton," the messenger added.
Then Sidney shouted:
"What about Fanning? Has he been acquitted?"
"It is much the same. He was tried on seven counts for extortion, found guilty, and sentenced to pay one penny on each indictment. Seven pence to be paid by the rascally lawyer, and one thousand pounds each by the Hunters and Master Hamilton!"
"And the people?" Master Howell demanded. "What do they say?"