right to question me. We are lately from Hillsborough."
The two strangers exchanged glances, and he who had first spoken said quietly:
"I have heard that the good people near there talk of banding together to resist the king's officers in their duty of collecting lawful taxes."
"It can now be seen how much the governor's secretary meant when he gave us such fair promises," Sidney whispered. "Edwards himself has sent these fellows in advance to prevent us from going to Brunswick."
There was much the same thought in my own mind; but I made no answer just then, for the very good reason that Master Hunter was replying to what was little less than a question.
"Our people have banded together; but it is for the purpose of declaring ourselves against unlawful taxation."
"And you are one of the so-called Regulators, I may suppose?" the stranger said with a sneer.
Sidney and I moved nearer until we were almost side by side with our deputies, for now did it seem certain that we were fallen upon those who would make trouble.
"We have not come out either for the purpose of discussing politics with strangers, or indulging in a brawl," Master Hunter said stoutly, drawing his pistols deliberately. "It is our purpose to ride forward without too great delay, and if you oppose us the blood which is shed will be upon your heads."
"Might it not interest you to know who we are?" the stranger asked menacingly.
"Not a whit; we are peaceful travelers who pursue our journey without molesting any man who does not seek a brawl. We shall go forward at whatever cost."
Now it was that I believed a fight would be begun in a twinkling, and my rifle was raised, ready to do my share, when we heard the trampling of horses' hoofs in the distance.
"There is some treachery afoot," Master Howell said in a low tone. "These fellows have kept us in conversation until the remainder of the party can come up. It would be useless to oppose an overwhelming force."
"True," Master Hunter added, and then, as if seized by a sudden thought, he added in a low tone to me, who sat nearest him, "You two lads may perchance escape and carry to our companions of the association the information of our trouble. Back your horses off till you are partially screened by the trees, and then ride at full speed."
"There are four of us, and each one ready to give a good account of himself," Sidney said, much as if he was eager to take part in a fray where blood must inevitably be spilled.
"Do not stop to argue, lad. It is necessary the Regulation know that our passage is barred by some treachery of Edwards and Fanning, and you must carry the news."
I remembered what my father had said, and pulled my horse back, step by step, until he was amid the bushes that bordered the road on either side.
The strangers gave but little heed to my maneuvers, probably because they believed that a lad like me was of but little importance as compared with the deputies – I had no doubt but that they were acquainted with the purpose of Masters Howell and Hunter – and, therefore, I was soon partially screened from view.
Sidney delayed until a party of horsemen numbering four or five came into view, and then he wheeled around suddenly, riding at full speed past me as a couple of pistol balls whistled by his head.
I joined him, as may be supposed, and we rode at a sharp pace for a mile or more, when we pulled up as if by common consent.
No chase had been given, and thus was I all the more strongly convinced that these highwaymen knew full well who were acting as deputies of the Regulation.
We two lads looked at each other in silence as our horses came to a standstill, and not until perhaps a minute had passed did we speak.
"The Regulators did well to listen to such knaves as Edwards and Fanning!" Sidney said angrily. "We should have released the prisoners when it was in our power. Now the poor men will remain in jail until the brute Tryon gets tired of holding them."
"It is childish to cry over spilled milk!" I replied, angry because my comrade was inclined to give way to repinings when they could be of no avail. "It is our duty to get speech with Master Hamilton without delay."
"Yes," Sidney cried scornfully, "and while we are riding toward Maddock's Mill, where I question if any of the Regulators can be found, those scoundrels will carry our companions to some jail in which they may die before we learn of their whereabouts."
"We can only do as Master Hunter commanded," I replied meekly, realizing the truth of all Sidney had said.
"I don't count on anything of the kind; but intend to turn back."
"To what purpose?" I cried, now thoroughly alarmed, for I knew my comrade well enough to understand that he did not make such assertions without fully intending to carry out whatever plan might be in his head.
"It stands to reason that those fellows who have taken the deputies prisoners came from near about Hillsborough, in which case they will camp somewhere on the road to-night. It is not probable they count two lads as of any great importance, and will never suspect us of coming back once we get away."
"Well?" I asked, determined that he should unfold his scheme without assistance from me.
"I shall turn back, follow those fellows if possible, and try to come upon them unawares to-night, when there should be a chance to aid our friends."
"Suppose you fail?" I asked, turning over in my mind the possibilities of his being able to accomplish anything of importance.
"If I find that they are on the alert against a rescue, or if there are too many, it will yet be time to turn my horse's head toward Maddock's Mill."
CHAPTER IV
THE RESCUE
When Sidney had thus announced his purpose I asked myself what might be the chances of success, and after due reflection it appeared to me as if the possibilities were rather in his favor, because it did not seem probable the royalists would anticipate any attempt at a rescue.
They must have overheard the command given us to ride back with all speed, and could hardly suppose two lads like ourselves would take the chances of making an attack, therefore we were likely to find them off their guard.
Yes, so I decided, the scheme might be worked if we proceed cautiously, and even in case we found it impossible to do anything, the delay would be trifling, provided Sidney was willing to give over the effort if a rescue could not be brought about that same night, therefore I asked:
"Will you agree to set your horse's head toward Maddock's Mill by sunrise, in case you fail in the purpose during this night?"
"Yes, that much I promise, for I'm of the opinion that unless the work can be done before to-morrow morning there is no chance for us to carry it through without assistance."
"Then I shall do what I may toward aiding you."
He clasped me by the hand, saying as he did so:
"I knew full well you would not ride away and leave me to make the venture alone."
"I am taking no part in it save as your assistant. You are the leader, and I shall simply obey orders, because I have no head for such work, while you are a born soldier."
