“Henry, I don’t want you to get in trouble.”

“You don’t have to worry about me. There are too many of us involved, and there is no way we can accept Tryon’s refusal to address the points in our petition. We have waited a year, peacefully and with patience, and there’s nothing much the Regulators can do in New Bern. The solution to our problems is at the courthouse in Hillsborough.”

The couple rode toward home in silence, still somewhat uncomfortable with each other. This was the first time that Ethan had ever let his wife see him in a vulnerable position, or uncertain about what should be done. He considered the discussion of an important decision with his wife to be an indication of weakness. Having been arrested was a great embarrassment to him, and his first resentment at her for bailing him out had turned to a realization that she had acted properly. He finally decided just to explain things to her, as recognition of her good judgment and a roundabout way of expressing thanks.

“Epsey, I know and observe my duties as an Englishman, and also know my rights. It is obvious to all of us that Tryon is not an honest man and has been moved by a hatred of the Friends and a desire for their land.”

He paused for a while and then added, “The fact is that those of us who have come to this area from the Pennsylvania region have never been given any say-so in any public office. A man has to own five hundred acres of land and twenty slaves to hold a seat in the assembly, and just two or three of the richest ones around here could qualify. Herman Husband is about the only one of those who sees things our way. The judges and other county officials in Hillsborough have got their offices by paying bribes, and their purpose is to stay on the good side of the governor and to enrich themselves. I’m sure that King George and our representatives in Parliament do not know what is going on here in North Carolina, and I believe the situation will be corrected when they find out.

“I’ve met a time or two with the Regulators and found them to want just simple and fair government and to resolve our problems peacefully. We’ll just have to hold what we’ve got and mind our own business until we get some action from London.”