Master
Wingfield had taken for his own, and there agreed among themselves that
if Captain Smith persisted in such brutal rule, they would overturn all
the authority in the town, and end by setting the Captain himself in the
stocks which William Laxon was then making. It so chanced that Master
Hunt overheard these threats at the time they were made, and, like a
true friend and good citizen, reported the same to Captain Smith.

Whereupon my master chose a certain number from among those of the
gentlemen who had become convinced that sharp measures were necessary if
we of Jamestown would live throughout the winter, commanding that they
make careful search of every tent, cave, hut or house in the village,
taking therefrom all that was eatable, and storing it in the log house
which had been put up for the common use.

Then he appointed Kellam Throgmorton, a gentleman who was well able to
hold his own against any who might attempt to oppose him, to the office
of guardian of the food, giving strict orders that nothing whatsoever
which could be eaten, should be given to those who did not present good
proof of having done a full day's labor.

Of course the people who lay sick were excused from such order, and
Master Hunt was chosen to make up a list of those who must be fed, yet
who were not able to work by reason of illness.

SIGNS OF REBELLION

Now it can well be understood that such measures as these caused no
little in the way of rebellion, and during the two hours Nicholas Skot
cried the proclamation through the streets and lanes of the village,
the gentlemen who had determined to resist Captain Smith were in a fine
state of ferment.

It was as if a company of crazy men had been suddenly let loose among
us. Not content with plotting secretly against my master, they must
needs swagger about, advising others to join them in their rebellion,
and everywhere could be heard oaths and threats, in such language as was
like to cause honest men's hair to stand on end.

For a short time Nathaniel Peacock and I actually trembled with fear,
believing the house of logs would be pulled down over our heads, for no
less than a dozen of the so called gentlemen were raging and storming
outside; but disturbing Captain Smith not one whit. He sat there,
furbishing his matchlock as if having nothing better with which to
occupy the time; but, as can well be fancied, drinking in every word of
mutiny which was uttered.

Then, as if