A few of the men looked at him as he emerged into the sunlight, and those who knew who he was were surprised to see him. Some of Henry’s friends had always felt uncomfortable around Ethan, who rarely spoke and had never taken any part in politics or other affairs of the community. He was the tallest one there by several inches and was dressed as a frontiersman in leather breeches, Indian-style moccasins, and a long homespun shirt. Most of the men had never seen him, but the word quickly spread that he was the younger brother of Henry Pratt, the shoemaker in Hillsborough. He received several nods of welcome as he moved through the crowd toward four men gathered around his brother. Judging from their dress, they were all townspeople, and he recognized two of them as customers he had met when he’d worked in the leather shop. Henry was obviously glad to see Ethan.

“I was hoping you’d come, but didn’t think you would leave the farm. How’s Epsey?”

Ethan smiled. “She’s fine, but she won’t be too pleased to have me come here. Good afternoon, Mr. Milton, Mr. Ramsey.”

Henry introduced the other two men. As Ethan expected, they were either workmen or owners of small shops. Ethan looked around at the crowd assembled in the yard; there were now more than a hundred men. Although the miller was a Quaker and more than half the rural families shared his faith, no flat black hats were visible. Also, none of the courthouse officials, lawyers, or large merchants was to be seen.

Henry said the assembled men were awaiting Herman Husband, the leader who would be addressing the group. He was from a Quaker family and one of the few relatively wealthy men who was openly participating in the Regulator movement. It was known that he didn’t always speak and act as a Friend, except perhaps when he would attend their monthly meetings, but he was totally opposed to any acts of violence. Some said that he was trying to arouse support for a future political career, but his leadership was accepted because he had no challengers and was known to be fervent in his belief that changes were needed in North Carolina.

Ethan wanted to hear what Husband would have to say, but didn’t wish to be seen as taking any initiative. In fact, he was still somewhat doubtful about the wisdom of letting Henry convince him to come. Finally, around two o’clock, Henry suggested that they move into the already crowded mill house, and they leaned against the back wall just inside the door. Ethan noticed that Joseph Maddock was now present.