was a man who would know how to receive a favor as well as to reward it. He drew still nearer the chief justice. "Suppose we take another ballot." "I am agreed," replied Mr. Gibbes. On the morrow, Broughton hastening to town in great state, accompanied by his family and many friends, and attended by a retinue of servants, was met with the astonish ing news that he would be too late in his plans, as another had been installed governor. "What! " he cried incredulously. " How can that be?" "On your departure," replied the mes senger, " Turbeville changed his vote to Gibbes. You made a mistake in going home. You should have seized the reins of govern ment then and there." "This is a rascally piece of business!" declared Broughton, excitedly. " It cannot be, it must not hold good. Turbeville has been bribed." He sent his family back to the plantation, and pressed on to the city with his friends and retainers. On the way his ranks were joined by numerous adherents who had come forth to meet him, until he had quite a com pany, many of whom were armed. At the drawbridge giving access to the town they demanded entrance. This was refused by order of Gibbes, who declared that no one should enter except those who kept guard on the bridge. A skirmish oc curred in which several were wounded. The bridge was seized and thrown across the moat, then Broughton and those of his fol lowers who were on the outside entered. On gaining entrance, Broughton's first
question was, " Where is Turbeville. I must see him." He was informed that Mr. Turbeville was not in town. Later, the startling news was conveyed to him that Turbeville was dead. This proved to be true. He had dropped off suddenly, and was now plainly beyond the power of changing his vote again, even had he so desired. The affair had thus narrowed down to a two-cornered one, and as such must be fought to the finish. Broughton rallied his followers and began a march to the exchange. On the way, numerous encounters took place with the men of Gibbes's party, but owing to the cool ness and good sense of two or three leaders on either side, the use of firearms was pre vented. But sticks and stones flew wildly, and various bruises and some broken bones were the result. Broughton reached the exchange and de manded that the government be transferred to him. Gibbes refused. Broughton charged bribery in the changing of Turbeville's vote, whereupon Gibbes at once threatened prose cution if the charge was not withdrawn. Thus begun and continued for many days, even weeks, thereafter, one of the most dis graceful squabbles in the annals of colonial politics. Neither side would yield. Each appealed to the Lords Proprietors. They settled it by ignoring both, and by appoint ing as governor the Hon. Charles Craven, brother of the Palatine, the hero of the Yemassee war, than whom no colony, or State either, for that matter, ever had a better ruler.
