Their arrangements had all been completed, and the Regulators waited only for a favorable opportunity to carry their plans into execution.
Frank, during this time, had remained at home, working in his garden or shop, and knew nothing of what was going on.
One afternoon he wrote a letter to his cousin Archie, and, after supper, set out, with Brave at his heels, to carry it to the post-office.

He stopped on the way for George and Harry Butler, who were always ready to accompany him.

On the steps of the post-office they met three or four of their companions, and, after a few moments' conversation, William Johnson suddenly inquired, "Have you joined the new society, Frank ?" "What society ?" "Why, the Regulators." "I don't know what you mean," said Frank.
"Yes, I guess they have managed to keep it pretty quiet," said William.

"They don't want any outsiders to know any thing about it.
They asked me to join in with them, but I told them that they ought to know better than to propose such a thing to me.

Then they tried to make me promise that I wouldn't say any thing about it, but I would make no such promise, for--" "Why, Bill, what are you talking about ?" inquired Harry.