CiHM Microfiche Series (Monographs) ICMH Collection de microfiches (rrionographies) Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproduct.ons / Instltut canadien de microreproductions historiques (C^ iOQQ I Tech: jraphic Notes / Notes techniques et bioliographiques Tho Institute TT .ttp' jkd to ootain the best original copy available toi llmmg. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming are checked below. □ □ n Coloured covers / Couverture de couleur Covers dam ged / Couverture endommagee Covers restored and/or laminated / Couverture restauree el-'ou pelliculee Cover title missing / Le titre de couverlure manque Coloured maps / Carles geographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black) / Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Coloured plates and/or illustrations / Planches el'ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material / Relie avec o'autres documents Only edition available / Seule edition disponible Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin / La reliure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distorsion le long de la marge inteneure. Blank leaves added during restorations may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming / II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutees lors d'une restauraticn apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque ccia eta t possible, ces pages n'ont pas ete filmees. Additional comments / Commentaires suppiementaires; L'Institut a microfilme le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a ete possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exem- plaire qui sont peut-etre uniques du point de vue bibli- ographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la metho- de normale de filmage sont indiques ci-dessous. □ ^ n D Coloured pages / Pages de couleur Pages damaged / Pages endommagees Pages restced and/or laminated / Pages restaurees et/ou pelliculees Pages discoloured, stained or foxed / Pages decolorees, tachetees ou piquees I Pages detached / Pages detachees Showthrough / Transparence Quality of print varies / Qualite inegale de I'impression Includes supplementary material / Comprend du materiel supplementaiie Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image / Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuiilet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont ete filmees a nouveau de fagon a obtenir la meilleure image possible. Opposing pages with varying colouration or discolourations are filmed twice to ensure the best possible image / Les pages s'opposant ayant des colorations variables ou des decolorations sont filmees deux fois afin d'obtemr la meilleure image possible. This itLi 1 iL 'ilmed at the reduction ratio checked below / Cc do' jment tst filme au taux de reduction indique ci-dessous. lOx 14x ir< 22x 26x 30x 1 1 1 12x 16x 20x 24x 28x 32x The copy filmed here fias been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: legislative Librdry of Manitoba Winnipeg The images appearing here ar\t the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a pri ited or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cove; wh^n appropriate. All other original copies cire fi'rr i beginning on the first page with a printed li :ated impres- sion, and ending on the last pags with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol ^^ (meaning "COfJ- TINUED"). or the symbol V Imeaning END"). whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too largo to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottor.t as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: 1 2 3 1 2 4 5 Lexemplaire film^ fut reproduit grace ^ la g6n6rcsit6 de Legislative Library of Manitoba Winni peg Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reprodultes avec le plus grand som. compte tenu de la condition et de la nertet* de lexemplaire film6. et en conformit* avec les conditions du contrat de fiinnaga Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimie sont filmis en commencant par le premier plat et en terminant sou par la demidre page qui comporta une emprein.e d'impression ou dillustration. soit par le iecond plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmAs en commencant par la premiere page qui comporte une empremte a'impression ou dillustration et en terminant par la derniAre page qui comporte une telle ampreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la derniAre imege de chaque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — ^ signifie A SUIVRE". le symbole V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc.. peuvent etre fijmcis i des taux de reduction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour etre reproduit en un seul clich6. il est film6 ^ partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche ^ droite et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART iANSI ond ISC TEST CHART No 2 1.0 I.I I^J. 1. m m 136 |Z5 22 ZO 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^ x^PP LIED IM/1GE Inc ^" ,st Main Streel r^ e'. Ne* Tork 1*609 USA ■^3 ' b ■♦82 - 0300 - Phone ^=: 16) 288 - 5989 - Fox '* ^^ .•»'. V i T) II f^ .^ I I 4 . i. ^7 I « J s^ iV v^ ; t^'iTh > ^.v 4 i\l *^J .^'y norm. I- ... ;srf»n /" ^^'— M. ) ■^r^ 4^;^ X5^Ti, X?to-^ ^cryx JC<^roL X< teg Xci^^ ^^; or ^^;S3^ ^^ZJSy ^; COLONIALS i9e/>7o-^t toyyn of Boston in New England. Written l}y ylLLEN jTREMCir S^.^ m wrtm Toronto WILLIAM liRIGOS 1902 lieclicatvd "yy'l \ %: TO THE NEMORT OT W '' MTfMTHER . '^ Table of CONTENTS » J BOOK I THE IJKUVEKER cii>rrER I, The Two Mkn 11. The Captive III. Indian- Natire IV. " I!v THE White Man's God V. liKNJY VI. "What we ake Ar.jit to Receive' VII. The Kn(iil am<,n(; I'ini s . VIII. The I.nii.K I)i;fM ni- the .Meta IX. The (AiiiN IN I HE Woods X. CoMI'AMDN.slllr XI. KETROSrECT . XII. Temitaiio.n . XIII. Dancer .... XIV. The Ficht . XV. The E.scaie . XVI. Fami.ne .... XVII. Separation . rAcs 3 lo 14 20 25 31 33 43 49 53 57 61 64 66 71 75 77 BOOK II WHIGS, TORIES, AND REDCOATS I. RoxBURy Tavern g- II. Boston Tr,w\- 92 HI. Tea a.nd Salt Water log MM Contents CIIAFCER IV. The Kli.krv Holse V. Thi; New Manager VI. iiii; ItkiiisH (Jdkkee House VII. The Ei.i.ei(y Koi-ewalks VIII. The Voyace. IX. .\N .Vrrivai. . X. llll. .Skco.nu ok SEI'TEMUKR PACB 105 115 i.>4 «33 141 153 ROOK AX .\i;.Mi.i. iiaci-; 1. " Welcome, Urother :" . 763 11. i HE IIO.ME-((J.MlN(; • '73 III. Redcoats a.mi Tories . 17S IV. .\n Unwelcome (iuEsr. 1S4 V. .\ CoM.MIS.SION 190 VI. A Mess of Tottace . ig8 VII. III. 'X. X. XI. A Xr.w Alll\me . Pettiness ROCER Tension .'^MOKiNC. THE Whig 207 C13 219 229 237 XII. The Euue of the Voi.>:ano 246 BOOK iV CONCORD FIGHT .\.NP ( liARLESTOWN V. \ I. 1 :iK Nineteenth ok Atkil II. The Siege Begins III. f'tlKSEVEKA.N'CE ITIE 373 I Contents BOOK V nor AM) t (MNi'i- Kri.oT IX CHArTCR IV. TfDOR's DaE.VMA . 2;v V. The Snare for Dickif . 287 VI. Waiting 294 Ml. Barbara's Gati. . 300 \I11. Information . 306 IX. Thf. Bov and lilt Man 313 X. EVIDENCK 3«<» XI. TiiF. REnEi.s . 325 XII. t'H.\KI.ESTl>WN RaTTIE . 320 I. Hkimhkr-. 34" II «'I..\S11 (jK SWDKll^ 3?« III. I'RlMJN . 361 IV. A Smuf.k W'y.n 369 V. The Way Oit . 38< VI. Rendering Account .-01 vn. The Letter . 401 \iii. IIoi r.ow Success . 410 BOOK V! RKrUUU'TION 1. "Thi-; Man is Bmi!" . 11. The Aspect of Trith III. Stages of Drink IV. The Ellery Tibraky . V S'JRPRISA! VI. l.\ Cold Bi.ood . •»I5 422 427 434 431 445 ^ C<)nt<'nts CMAPri'i* Vll. DdKlMKsllK IIHi;i(lS 45' \ Hi. LVA( LiAl ION . iX. \lLLAl.NV •47'> X. Tmk Hkk.antink " i:ii/AiihTn " .g, XI. IVn,shmi;nt ^,^ XII IiiK Faithful Cmy j„2 I The town of Boston ^^^^ ; from an old print-^ ^m THE COLONIALS g^ JSook One # THE DELIVERER 4 Chaj>fer One, The Two Men OR a?;es the threat lakes of Xorth America lay in their gloomy soli- tudes, tile garb of nature clothing their endless shores. Upon the waters of those inland seas, witliin J the depths of tihe enormous forests, ^£^a the petty nnitterings of barbaric wars were lost. Though the record of savage migra- tions remained in human memo'-y. not even a pile of stones marked an historic spot. lUit at last the wliite man came into the region, and a new epe to the beach; the waters lapped the rounded pebbles; and on tiie unend- ing surface of the lake no canoe or boat was visible. But where at the eastern point of Saginaw Bay a little river entered embayed waters, some dozens of trees had been felled, the smoke of fires asccnd.J. and the sounds of human activity were to be heard. It was an encampment of soL.'ic , of tiie EngHsh kmg. A few tents stood close together, a little a^rt from a cabin of logs. On the beach men worked at the repairing of boats; toward tlie land sentinels in red coats patrolled the camp. Outside its limits, but huddled close to the line, were Indian wigwams, and at a distance was a Ivirk hut of better make, but still of savage workmansliip. Xone but the soldiers miglit enter the camp; therefore from the door of the hu't a white girl gazed often wistfully at the men of her own race. The commandant of the soldiers walked bv the shore looked out on the lake, and w^as impatient to be gone' There were yet three davs before the boats could be finished, and his injured in condition to move He cursed his luck: he tantalised himself bv the muttered name of London. Lotulon, where his promotion was already purchased ! Still in the woods— damnation ! How stupid it had been! Dull soldier-life. sullen Indians, boorish colonials- changeless, inexpressibly drearv trees and wafers Be- bmd him still was the same dark forest; in front wer» the same sand-spits, the same lake limitless as the ocean Detroit would be the same-a frontier blnrk-hn„c« The Deliverer •J i with soldiers, colonials, Jiulians, land and water, all alike unbi-arable. No life! Xu gaiiiing, with men who lived but on a pittance. Xo drinking,' fit for a gentleman. llrandy was luird to come at, wine all bnt unknown. A single bottle, the last, was among his luggage; there was no more to be had -Imrt of Montreal. rUit London ! Then there would be no more of this provincial service. An allowance proper to a gentle- man, a fashionable rcgimeiU, gaming, wine, women. Women! X'ot one handsome woman in all thi-- wilder- ness. X'ot one ! lie kicked the pebbles in disgust. His servant approached him. "Begging your pardon, Lieutenant." •' V.'ell. Tabb'" " Those two woodsmen that came this afternoon, in their canoe. I can't get nothing out o' them." "What?" in astonishment. "Will thev not guide us ? " " 'Tis the younger, sir, seems to be the leader. lie says they can't wait." "Tell them I'll jiay them well. Tell them they mu^t." " They won't take must, sir. They say they go on to-morrow." The lieutenant kicked at the pebbles again. " I inust speak to them myself, then. Rat me, what fellows I have to deal with here ! " Two voyagers nad made their camp apart. Their canoe was drawn up by the river shore ; their fire made. Crotchcd sticks made a gun-rack for their flint-locks; and liunting-swords, weapons so imusual that their owners were famed among the Indians, hung there beside. .V little man scpiattcd before the blaze, drying wet powder in an iron di-^h. ITis companion stood and watched him, stretching long limbs cramped by a day ♦ T,„ 1.:_ 1 ._ '■'■''•' p^"^e! li'C Culunialb i'ully; the youn- man Inxuriatcl in vau„s. Xeithcr noticed tlie approach of the HctUcuant-or it seemed so. tie was lorced to .-peak. '■ 1 If re— you." he .-aid. The old man j^runted: the taller turned and re- sponded. •• Good evening, Lieutenant." the Lieutenant of the King's .4th Foot did not hnd icspect to i) case lilm li,. ■ i • 1 sokntly. ''"'^^ '''''' '' ^'■^^^''' '»- _■■ 'Hic sergeant says you are. good lake guides " _ Imntierent good. Lieutenant, hut nut gntides - ihat means yuuv price i., higher. Well, I'll pay My gmdes are useless. See the n.ess thevVe hronght •no to. (.aught her. " . g,,!e, two boats wrecked, my corporal and two injured. Come, whafs ;our price.' \ou mu.-t bring tie to Detroit " frZkL''-^'"" ^'""' '"'""'= ^''^ >-"^- ^P-i^e iranKl_\. J-i<-'Utenant, _\o;i nm.-t " Three guineas! " " \\ c must on to-morrow. " Rat me ! " the wrecked again ? " " \ou'll l,,>c anotlier ten davs." The lieutenant was not without roource. The airs of the mess-room failing of etYect. he tried conciliation. My good tellow "' Too late. The tall young fellow smiled. " But Lm not your good fellow." The lieutenant exploded. " Pox you!" He turned axKiy. and with clanking sword stalked to his men 1 l.e young man smiled. " As if I would delav ,r,v return a day, Renjy. a single day! T enter Boston .,n rny birthday. n„ce of age. my uncle cannot hinder n,e from what I wi>h to do." guineas," excuse us." said the lieutenant. " Four hetitenant cried. ^^'!lat if r am 'I'iic Dchscicr "Except," said Benjy, " from what yoi; most ui.-h." "Not even from that," answered the other. "' If I could make tip my mind to do anything so imkind to Dickie, 1 could enter the ropewalks. In three years I have changed. Xo one would know me. Can you recall the sickly boy 1 was when first I came away with you? .\nd now — look at me ! " He stretched himself to lii^ full lieight. and >(|uared his shoulders. His was a figure of great strength, and, more than that, of abounding health. His eyes were quick and bright, his face well tanned. His f(jrm was erect and lithe ; he held his head aloft with the grace of an Inil.ian. lint the little crooked man, looking at him asquint, felt with Ins admiration the pain of an old man's jealousy. "The woods are no longer enough for you," he com- plained. " You uaiu otlier companions." I'rank laid a hand upon the other's --honlder. " fie not angry with me. lint go I must." F5cnjy made r.o reply: he knew how lii> companion had looked feirward to tb.e birthday now iijiproaching. And I'Vank stood niu^ing — even a-- the young muse, "-ometimes — of his pa.>t. He had been brought u[) in that di--tant I'-oston to " hich lii-, thoughts now turned. The Iillery fainilv enjoyed respect in the colonial town ; the position to which its older son was born was of importance. His fatiier died when he was but sixteen ; therefore the estate and the family business of rope-making waited for the son's hand. His ambition had been taught to centre upon tliem. To maintain the honour of the name in th.e town, by honourable manufacture and trade, was his one desire. But his uncle, in the position of his guardian, came in botv;een. A mean spirit, a nacrcrinsr temper, .m-; certain secret ^ 'I'ht Colonials undeveloped desires, cansed the uncle to war upon the boy for two years. hVank .hoiild not enter the rope- walks, nor havo anyiSniLr m do with the inisiness This «or a boy wiio ironi his ' nth year had deli-htrd in the atmosphere of the walks, was hard indeed. 1 Ir hid assocate.l with the workmen, and learned with hi. own band to make rope., t.ll thev pr..clai:ned hi,n their e.jual. Ihe old manager, years long a servant of tl,e l-llerys had begged for his assistance in the work. Tiie bov v'^as able even at his age, to superinten.l the forty workmen; old Humphreys promised to make him the best business man m Boston. The uncle him.elf knew nothing .,f the work : and years of absence in Xe.v N'ork had unfitted b"" lor I.oston business, i'mt iie refused the request 'Icclartng that until the younger son became of a-e' when lus trusteeship was to tertninate. neither of his wards should enter the ropewalks. Tastes and desires v .re opp.-sed'in uncle and nephew nu. boy was open and simple; but he had a strong ^nnly pnde, with a sense of dignity lacking in his ttncle He would not sell the old Klkrv hou.e. nor a foot of the famdy possessions. The un-Ie, thwarted bv the pro- v.s>on.. of the will which gave the boy so much power. turned m revenge to sell the personal estate, in the shape of tamily jewels and silver. At the same tinte he prepared to bind the boy apprentice to another trade l-rank was then ju^t tttrned eighteen, weak and almost consumptive, but full of spirit. Fnc„urage,l and alKnted by enjy, an old-time servant, the boy seized the jewels boldly, cla.mmg thev were his. The man took the -^ib-er HI the open street froni the tradesman who had bottght tbem. Mr. Ellery called the law to hi. aid. but Jewels and silver, man and boy. disappeared together. ' Long living in the pine woods brought Frank Ellerv strength of body. His strength of purnnse never left The Dilivcrcr q him. To return to I'.o-tDn when he was of age; to wait until lii,-^ vnunj^er brother shonlfl be twenty-one; then IhKill.v to ehiini his own — these he Hved for. And oh, to see lii- home again, to see — but to see! — his brother Dickie and iii- friends ! Long liad the time been, difli- cuk the waitii'.g. until at Ia>l lie was starting on his 'ourncy home. So lie stood thinking, and Ileniy s<;natled again at the fire, tliis tinu' to cook Tood. A slender figure aijproaciied them (jnietly, drawing near with eager and vet hesitating steps. Old Benjy, always alert, heard the jingle of 2 silver bell, at the same time that the move- ment near him caught Frank's eye. They turned, and then, as they perceived their visitor, started and stood staring. i CIIAITER II THi; f.M'TIVE A wliiic ;;irl ! " said It was a j;irl in liidiaii drcs.s. they both. iJcnjy scanned her carelnlly. He noted the em- broidered deersl-ins, tlie ha'/ksbeHs and bilver trinkets on her bodice, and tlie cirborately dressed hair; all sijjns of a family favourite, b'ranu. looked cnlv at the face. I-"air iiaired, wiili a complexion de-pite the sun ■till clear and rosy, an o -al countenance, blue eves irom which anxiety looked out. a sweet and gentle mouth with iremblin- !ip_thi>sc were what he saw. upon an undeveloped form of scarce lificen. " Who arc you?" h.! cried when the spell left him. " I'm .Alice, sir." she said. " .Mice Tudor." " Good God." he said slowly. " Vou luckless child.' " Her eyes fdled suddenly; hut r-he kept her gaze upon the young man. saying not!...ig. " Vou live with the Indians," he asked. " 1 live with .\nech." " Xot "—he -hrunk at th<- idea—" vour husbanninc Wyan- dots — a little while." " Aneeb bought you? " " Vcs. He was sorry for iiie. Hi- dau.i^iitcr iiad jus^t liii'd." "Sad! Sad!" ho tluniglit. Sadness was in her face. " You arc happy ? " he asked. " You like this life? " The tears came again, and overllowed. Her com- l>osure vanished. " .\o !" she cried. "XolXo! Aneeb i- good, but 1 want my own father. Oii, kt mo — let me — ." Fast-crowding sobs checked her si)eoch, but for an instant only. As the young man gazed with svm liatliy. he saw iier pressing back emotion, struggling lor self-control, in haste she spoke agai:-;. as know- ing that her fate depended upon Iht plain ])etition. " Take me with you ! " she bogged. Strange voice, with childish sobs ami womanlv appeal sublimclv lik-ndei 1! Strange sight, of that i)arbaric flress with the fair girl reminding !n')ii of lioine ! Touch- ing it was, to find that sweet child in the wilderness, to see her so pathetically pleading, and to him. Fierce indignation tliat such a thing should be, natural love for all things young and helpless, moved strong within him. The very depths of his emotions stirred. " Yes. .Mice," he cried. " You shall come ! " E ^ nenjy interposed. "Promise nothing!" Frank looked at him. indignant. He felt ujion ids arms hers clinging gladiy. " Twill be difficult," urged the old man. " Impossible oven. What can you do? " •Mice chmg closer at the wnrd = . Rpniv ■iv.i? rieht. Frank wa.<; struck to silence. She felt the change that 12 'I'lic C'oloniiils came ovor Iiim, and panted with fear. " Oh ! Oh ! Von too! You tuo! " She Icit liim. and stood a\va\ . " AHce," he asked. " Have others promised to help you? " '■ Yes," she said. Her voice was dulled. "Others." " Will Aiiccl) sell you ? " ■■ Xo." she said. " Others have tried. \\ hitc men, to save ne. Indians, to — to " " To marry you ? " 1 es. " You are too young! " he cried. " But not too pretty," growled Benjy. Frank stood and thong^ht. looking at the ."dirinking figure. A mere child she was. hut of good parentage- far too good. Hers was a hody strong enough for the hardships of the woods, hut with a mind too high to accept the life, lie knew thai Indian captive^ wore""often kindlv treated, and sometimes even came to prefer the wilderness. I'.ut it would not be so with her. She would heat again:^t her bars till she should die. ■■ Alice." he asked, '• Where i-; Vneel)?" " M the hark lodge," she said. She found fresh hope, I ven m his (pie-tion. •' Wo were preparing to go. We had jn-l i>aeked. \Uu ilie I'anilier came to talk with him. and 1 slippe.l uni to ymi. lie— he wants mc. I was ai'raid." Frank caiight r.cnjy's eye; then glanced at the canoe. " Could wi' ?'" lienjy shook his head. " Alice," .said the young man. " f lo back to .\nccb. I will come presently. What I can do. I will." She walked away, patient for yet a while. "And the government," said h'rancis hitterlv, "v. ill do nothing for such a he!ple-s child as that. Tis the memory of Bradstreet at Sandusky, his cowardiv aban- 'l'h( lJ.|i\(rrr 1 (lonmcnt of people of Iiis own race, that makes the Indians so bold to keep their captives. Wcri. 1 this lit I'.tcnant here I would take and keep her." •• Ay," said I'.enjy drily, " and have the tribes again biose, and a war on the whole frontier. Pontiac still livi.,-.. I'tir this one girl a thousand wlntes would die." ■• ( )nc good lesson, taught thi-ni well! Had I but one n yimont to do it ! " '■ Ihu liaving it iitil. uliat tlicii?" " I'.iiy lur," lie answered. " But I'rank," cried I'.enjy. "What v.ill you do with her? Take her with us?" " Ay." The old man spread his hands. " And the journey lonjr! And the canoe heavv loahe(I to go to her paretu-' Ami if not. -he would be on your hands for snpi)ort." i rank had no answer to the ho-t (*f objection-. l)'.:t he shook his head doggedly. " I care not. Stay you here. I go to sec Aueeb." CllAl'Ti'K III INDIAN NATURE The bark Inn oi ihc rutiav.otlunii stood a liiilc by it Mil. yet near the group of Cliippewa wigwams. Aneeb had been first on the ground, tlie soldiers came by accident, the Chippewa came in the hope of trading. Aneeb liked his neighbours not. and was preparing to dj;p;irt. A> I'rauk approached the lodge a young Chippewa left it. The white man gave the salute of an aciiuaintance, but the Indian made no response. " Good." said I'rank. '• lie i.-, disappointed." Embold- ened ' . entered the hut. .More than once, in hi^ u.nulerings, Frank had met the I'ottawottomi. Celebrated among his people for integrity and courage, frequently called upon to act as uar-chirf. recent i'^reavements had caused Aneeb to withdraw tV.r a time from the villages, and tu wander wuh his family alone. Frank understood, therefore, the reason why he found the chief so far from the territory of his tribe. Familiar with Indian habits, he knew where t.j look in its darkness for the master of the lodge. There sat the chief, beside him his old father. Mukkwah. the Bear. The (juick. keen-eyed old warrior snn'led: even the face of Aneeb brightened, and I'raiik heard him speak softly the name the Indians had given him— "Saggitto!" As he took his seat in tiie place of I 1) f livcrcr >5 Iioiiour, Frank caiiglu tlu- soiiiul of the white girl's (luicUciied breath. Anceb pasicd iuin the pipe, and tiio tlirce men smoked in turn. A crouching form in a dark corner rose and stooped again; it was a wdinau, dried and wiry, tying bundles. A boy attended her; the girl, too agitated to work, stood waiting in the shadow. .As tiiey smoked, the cloud on .Aneebs brow gradually lia.-Md. Iraiik, patient, observam. watched till it was gone. At last the chief turned on his visitor an open countenance. " Saggiito is welcome," he .^aid. The young man saw that he might speak. " Thy dau^diter, Anecb. \N'here is she?" The chief turned his head toward Alice. " She died. I have another in her place."' The pipe came to Frank attain. He smoked, then pa>-eil it. " Knuw _\iju her true ]j;iienl- ? " Aneeb shook his liead. " I bought her of Wyandots. She is my daughter now." " By blood-adoption ? " The chief nodded. .■\f,^-^in a pause. T'dood-adoption was a sacred cere- niu!i\, supposed to render it> object a true Indian. IVank suddenly felt doubt. " You will marry her in your tribe? " he asked after a momeiil. " When she wishes." " Tlie Panther was just here." The cliief's face darkened. " He is persistent. 1 will iu'\er give her to a Chippewa." " A\\" and 1-Vanci> nodded. "They killed brother." .•\neeb said nothing. The old man spoke, his quavering with emotion. " My younger son. We have had blood-gifts, but 'ti . ot forgotten." Silence again. Whilt tl;e pipe passed IVank waited But vour voice i6 The Colonials "You will He seemed for memories to be stilled. " The white man," he said at lengil) "has always been your friend. Anccb, will you g'ivc her to a white man? " " To a voyageur? " asked Anccb. " To a trader? To a follower of the camp?" His voice swelled witli contempt. "There are good whites," said the voung man, steaddy. " Vou know one." " I know one," said Aneeb. He nodded to his visitor, and -Mukkwah. quick-smiling, beamed approval. TheJ apprehended no request. Frank paused an instant, then made it. " Anccb, then give her to me." The chief looked at him in surprise. marry her ? " " No. I will take her to her home." Aneeb smiled. " She is in her home." to dismiss the sub'^ct. One more experienced wunld have stopped there. Frank himself was for a moment checked, but he per- sisted. •• Then let me Iniy her." The chief looked at him. -What will vou give?" he asked. It was lar from an eager question. The Indian's face was calm, even indifferent. " I will give furs," said Frank, and waited tor a comment. " I have furs," said .\neeb. .Mukkwah showed no interest. Frank bid higher. " I will give a roll of cloth," he said. " Anr minuti'S the ihree did not mt)ve. Tiie pipe went out; the woman and the boy had ceased to work, and \iere waiting. The strength of custom and ciiaracter loomed in I'rank's view to great proportions. Indian stolidity seemed imconquerable ; the case looked hop'*- less. Only, in the darkest corner of the hut. he knew that the white girl crouched, waiting brcath.less. At length he turned to the man at his side, and studied the f?>e of bronze. The Indian sat expression- less. " Aneeb," said Frank, " you are a father." The chief gave assent. " A f'.ther should make his chi! Iren happy. Is the girl liappy ? " " She is content." " Is !-he happy? " 2 J li; 'riic Culuniul Aneeb shut his lips. " If your dauglitcr had been separated from you, could she have been happy? Would slie not wish, and long, for nothing but you ? " Still Aneeb said nothing. " You know it," said Francis, warmly. " In your heart you know it. Slie would call you at night. She would whisper to yuu in tiie da\ . Her cheek would be wet with her tears; the bread of the stranger would be bitter. Is it not so? Yet your daughter died. She is saved to you. She waits you in the spirit land. Of that you are sure. Therefore," said Frank, " of her you are at ease. Yet think. If she were prisoner to the white man— what then? Could you \ourseli" be happy; could you rest till you saw her again? You could not!" Still silence. The old man was attentive, but Aneeb's face had hardened. •• Aneeb," said ihe young man, " I am not the first that has come to you begging for this girl. But I come not lor niy.scll. Xot as the Panther, to make her my slave. I come, thinking of her father. He mourns, Aneeb. He knows she wishes him. He calls to God: ' Give her back! " If the white man had yoi.r daughter, you could not re-t. Will you keep his child from liim ? " Aneeb turned and looked at I-rank ; searched his face, as if for motives. Frank ceased, and suffered the examination. Long they looked at one another. The young man's glance was tiriii. It pierced the Indian's look, and saw emotions stirring behind the mask. " In my face," ho said at last proudly, " you find no guile. My brother, will you keep th^> maiden weep- ing in your lodge? Speak!" Aneeb struggled. His eye avoided Frank's, and sought the ground. Then he glanced furtively at the girl. She had crept closer. As Aneeb looked at her The l)fli\(icr 19 slic broke acros? ' ? hut, fell at lii> feet, uikI clasped his knees — the suppliant's position in all ages. "Aneeb! Aiieeb ! Let me go ! " The chief covered his head with his blanket. Again for a Ion" lime there was silence in the hi. CHAITF.R 1\' "by the white man's god!" At length ilic Ijlankct foil from the licad of the ch.icf. Anecb looked into the face of his visitor. He caU no glance at the girl at his feet ; yet he laid his hand on her 'shoulder, as if to comfort her. h'rank, meeting his eye, .«a\v no trace of emotion — nothing but high resolve. " She shall go." said Aneeh. l-"r;ink howed his head at the generous word, at the tragic sound of the voice. 'i1ic old man sat still, the boy by the di;or stood like a statue. Ihit the old woman, kneeling where she had been at v>(jrk, dropped her face in h?r hands, and began to rock to and fro. " She shall go." repeated Aneeb. The girl seized his hand to caress it, but he made no sign, not even at the touch of her v.-arm tears. He looked steadily at Frank. " Yet r.ot with you alone. Detroit is far, and the lake is bad in autumn. Your canoe is small. On land the way is through the country of the Chippewa. She must travel in the boat of the white soldiers. Yon shall guide them, lest they again be foolishly wrecked. And their captain must pronusc to carry her safely." " Tk- will take lier to ?don>real," answered I->anlc. " And you," said Aneeb, "must promise to take her across the great water to lier home." Frank was taken aback. To go to England meant to o-tv{* tin Roston. ff>v I'ow I'^t"*'^* h** ',''Mild nr-t ^■'i^* fH^ Tiic Deliverer 21 home, lii.^ ambition, must for another painful while be kit. The chief saw his liesitation and presscil him. " i'romisc! " ■ I promise," said Frank. His heart reproached him, and he sighed. The Indian, satisfied, turned .': -ay. " .\nd," added Frank, " to Anceb I wdl send " The chief raised his hand. "Nothing!" he said sternly. Irank was silent. I'he Indian looked down at the girl, and withdrawing^ hi? hand from hers, placed it upon her head. His fieling, a great sadness, at la^t looked from his eyes. "One daughter I have lost," he said. " Xow another leaves me. bright bird, the lodge will be dark without ihee. The long march uill be weary, lorn of thy smile. Tlie evening of wiiittr will I)e colder, tlio tirirtli-west v.ind will blow bleaker, the deep snow will fall heavier, if thou art not with u.>. In plenty, the day will be sadder; in fasting, how shall we sustain us?" lie ceased, and the wailing of the wnnian rose. The girl's sobs answered. The l)oy left the door and stole ti) the darkness of the hul. Tears stood unchecked in Mukkwah's eyes. b>ank, moved bv the scene, slipped ironi his seat and Icii thr lodge. (^ut>idi.-, he waited •.iiuil the parting should i)e completed. Benjy, noting from a distance, drew near. bvA at Frank's signal came not close. At length the chief came, the girl with him. Her lace was downcast, with sorrow and joy contending, lie was expressionless. He motioned to the catnp of the soldiers. " Lead me to their chief. ' he said. The lieutenant was standing, impatiently switching rlw UUUt, V. Here tae r^Oiul^rr ■At;;-^ i::-.;;-;:;^ •-;;•- v---li-. -^. 1 He Colonials Occasionally he gave directions, urging the men to liastc. They were near the sentry-line, and Frank, approaching, spoke across it. 'Die' heutenant turned,' and came Uiru.-ird Ici-unly - Well? " he asked. " Lienlenam," .-aid liie \oun,<,^ iii.-m, ■• 1 will guide you to Detroit." ■|"he oiluT. hui a leu- years older, yet widely difi'ering in thnii-ht and hal.it. nodded. "You are wiser." "On this condition, lay me nothing, hut take this girl \'-ith you." The others stood near; !'.enjy had edged close, but the lieuteiiam rhd not l,>,,k at them. Me surveyed I-'rank with a sneer. " What, can you not gnani \nuv own squaw? " "She is no sijuaw." said the colonial. "She is an English girl." The lieutenant glanced lazily at the child; then his exnression changed. .A look of knowing appreciation came ; he looked again at hTank. " Your eye is good. I iave you lion^'-ht liei ? " " .\'o," said th.e woodsman quietlv. ■• Tlie cln'"i has given her her lil.erty, I shall take her lo h.er par-m<." ^^ 'riie ca!)tain lo.^ked at the girl again, appraising her. Ti-.ere passed no .^rlanre tVom eye to eye. exchanging sifrn-^ of cheer; none, tlion-li she lookid eagerly. ^ 1 (e turned once more t,-, ITank. "You had heiler keep her." '■ Sir! " cried tiie other. _"^''- "f .^"'"' virtue;" drawled the lieutenant. " What is it \i)\\ wish me to do?" "Take her to Detroit." .aid tVank. " If vou go on to Montreal, take her in vour party. T willguide vou the whole distance. .\t ^M-)ntreal f will hegin to search for her father." The lirntrnnnf cr-,.-/-^nr V,.t^,,„j Ti.'. ^. " ■^'>>----ij i;;-.-;;-u. i;;j eyc3 WCfC agaill I iu- D( livcrer -J an on the girl. She- thought bhe baw in Iii- tace the bigin- iiing of friendship. " Conic here," he .said. .*^he stood hefure him, her face gladly lifted. " Who is your fathvrr " ■■ Walter Fmlur nu/chant." ijiglish, or provincial?" ■' i-'.nglish, sir. Our iionie i^ in London." " How came you here?" I'athiT came lo trade, 1 think. We were in Mon- treal; I think that was the ])lace. i'lun ue came up ihe river. At one camj) I went to pick berries, and Indians caught uie. liiey uxre Wyandots ; Anecb bought me frt)ni them." .V light was glittering in the lieutenant",- eye. " Will you go with me? " " ^ cs, sir!" she cric'd, her face aglow. He turned to I>ank, at la^t smiling. "She is a beauty! Well. I will take Iter. Vou mean her to travel in my care ? " \ on promise her safe transit? " " ^'es." ■■ < iive your word, then, to the chief." .\iieeb, following the conversation lamelv, under- Mood, and held out his hand. " By the white man's ■.--■d\ " lie said solemnly. The f-jiglishman took his hand, but carelesslv. " I'.y the white man's god," he answered. Mis eye wandered to the girl, and he dropped the chief's hand. " Come, child," he '-aid, and turned awav. She threw herself imc t 3-' 'Iht* Culoniuli "Then I'orcfct those [luliaus. Shall you no: >,cc vour father soon r " At the words her eyes sparkled, and she gave him thanks; but finding he still held her she niacV- a little ba>hful movement to release hL-r.-elf. llj let her go, and she slirank hack to a scat by the window. Then he called Talib, and ordered candles and the supper. Tabb came with the candle !)o.\ r.'.ul a burning ])ine splinter. lie lit the candles, sticking them (^n projec- tions of the logs, with an e\c to safety and economv. " identy of candle- ! " ordered the lieutenant, striding up and down. Taljb lighted more candles, till the dark place was bright. Then he I)rought the meal. It was all strange to the child wdio watched. I'leasure grew as -he saw familiar things. The canrlles first gave her a thought of home, and as she looked about the cabin she reali-ed that ...nee more she was in a house. There was a real table, though Init slats across trestles; there were stools; she need no longer sit upon the ground. There were dishes, no more bowls or bark; knives and forks were there, and even napkins. When she savv- these last she could not keep from smiling. Then .-he saw the meaning glances of the men, and flushed. The coarse, bold servant and the smiling master cast uiion her an undefined oppression. Her eyes saidv to t'.ie groimd. but -he v.-a- lovely even so, and the lieutenant Vvatched her stil'. 'J'-ibb brought the smoking meal. The officer un- cla-ped his belt and hung it on a peg. " Ta])b," he said; " remove the r-v.t ,-,■,. 11.. f,^ til.. foKt« \ i;^ . -3 ■• Tfie Deliverer Alice \va> a lass of wit ; her spirits rose, and lier contidence came hack. She seated herself as a lady siiould, and looked demurely at the lieutenant. " We have no chaplain. Will you say grace, sir?" He stared. Was this a trader's daughter? But he seated himself quickly, clasped his hands, and bowed his head above his plate. " For all that we are about to receive—" he began, and finished the blessing without mistake. li.)r all that we are about to receive! His eye gleamed as he watched her. Tabb, returning, passed the food. She helped herself, and ale daintily. Smiling, she spoke easily, yet earnestly: "Lieutenant, for this meal and your protection I thank you." Earnestly, yet easily, as one that has seen society. He answered with the air of the comi)anion of Fo.\, and modestly disclaimed all thanks. I'or all that we are about to receive! She pleased him more and more. If bhe were cultured, so nuich the better. He need not leave her at Detroit; in London she would be an ornament. To support a mistress would be costly on his present pay; yet once a captain, and with the allowance from his uncle — why, it could be done! His heart began to lieat joyously. "Alice, you shall go to London ! " he cried, and then loudly : " Tabb, the wine ! " Tabb brought the opened bottle, and took from their mahogany case the glasses. Tlien, obeying his master's look, he joined his fellow-soldiers at the fire. " 'Tis wine of I-"rance," said the lieutenant, as he hlled lier glass. ".Mice, von unist know that officers on the march cannot ahva\ s have the best. Wouhi this were better ! And now, little one. drink to our return." But with recurring disquiet she shrank from the wine. n yon know Doctor Johnson?" He hooked blank. " Xo, who is he? A writer, eli ? Oh, great men are not of that sort. The Duke of Grafton is a great man, and _\i)ung k'ox, and Bedford who hates him. and Rigby. But you know London, Alice. To London! Drink to London!" He took jier wrist and ineu to . .i iier yias> lo iicr lips. 1 lit- Driivcrcr JO I5m you have drunk too imicli, sir, alroady, " bhc said, and chilled lier glass lo !icr oiIkt hand, li was herself, and not tlic wine, that intoxicated him; but she could not distinguisli. She knew not what to do, but smiled prettily in the face of the heated man. " There- fore let me leave you. Will you call your servant to show me where 1 may sleep?" "Sleep?" he said. "Not yet. Ah, Alice! little Alice! Go not yet. Come, drink once more!" " Lief.tenant, let me go," she begged. "Lieutenant?" lie refjeateil, low and tenderly. He moved around the trdde lo her side, "li'i'iiry is my name. To you I have no title. Call me Ikiiry." " Henry, then," she answered. " T.ut pray let me go." " Drink first," he urged. " Vou niu.-)t drink." As ^he did not move he seized her wrist again, to lift h.er hand. The tear in her eyes did not shame him ; she was beautiful even in her fright. Her lips parted; she re- sisted him, panting. " Please, please ! " she begged, but he used force. As still she resisteii, ii;o wine was spilled. He released her hand; she set the glass dov.n, and en- deavouring to move av.-ay. raised her najikin. " C,\\e it me," he said, and took it from her. He brushed the drops from her boilice, as she sat trembling. " But there is some on your throat." He caught her by the waist, and bending his head, tried to kiss it away. A voiceless terror came upon her. She struggled, gasping. Was nt5 one near? Could she not scream? His head was near to hers ; he crushed her closer, and suddenly darting, kissed her throat. She -hivered rU the touch of his li])^. Then she sat quiet. He marked it with trium])li. He pressed his lips firmer rgainst the soft slin. .As still she sat motionless, his delight increased. " She is mine ! " The Culonialr, A heavy hand icll (ui hi^, .shuuhlcr. He spraii,:^ up- right. The young woodsman, his guide, was leaning across the table, liis arm still extended. Behind him was the older man. And .-Mice sat with a face of heavenly relief. The young hunter drew himself erect ; there v,as a grim .•^mile on his face, a grim tone in his voice, as he spoke: ■■ Your pardon. Lieutenant." Illood ru!-hcd into the officer's face. '' Yon rascal," he cried. " Leave ihe cal)in I Speak to the .sergeant if you want anything." " I want something here," said the woodsman. The Londoner threw a coin ujjon the table. " Re- gone I " he said. "To-morrow \vill do. And never enter this j^lace without laiocking." " Xever again." ITank motioned to Alice. " Come," he said. "Alice," cried the lieutenant. "Remain!" " Take her. Denjy," said i-"rank. " I v.ill follow." Benjy reached out to take her hand. She moved v.-ith averted face past the lieutenant, to meet him. "Louts !" exclaimed the Englishman, haug' 'ily and conildently. " I will pay you." He snatched from the table a pointed knife, and struck Dcnjy under the arm. "Ah!" said the old man — once, and once again. Furious, f'Tank caught with naked hands at the lieutenant. But he, withdrawing the knife. strucK again v.ith the bloody blade. Frank could save himself only by leaping back. The lieutenant turned to his sword upon the wall. I'ratik gra^i^ed at his own lianger: the '^cabhnrds grated as the blades flew oui. The officer lunged ; the other parried. Struck violently by both weapons, the ♦ oV^Iri ♦ /-v* ♦•<-i»»rt/-I • ♦Virt»1 it'itli if.- li'^in-lTf /"'f /KcV»«iC it- f(=»ll VXTlfH •. r. ■ ■ :*^ ■.■_•■-■-■,:•.•.;, :.::■_:; -■::■-■■ ^ ■- :• rr *. !^ i i v '.* t ».t i > 1 1 v .7 ! v i v • i >»••-•* a crash between the men. The Deliverer 37 Benjy leaned against tlie wall, breathing quickly. Alice, with wide eyes, watched the two lighters. The woodsman attacked the soldier. Frank bestrode the debris of the table and pressed on the lieutenant; steel clashed, sparks t1ew. The Englishman's face was red, the colonial's pale; the eyes of both gleamed with anger. The fight was edge against point. The lieuten- ant thrust twice ; the other parried, and pushed forward with determination. Once at close quarters the lieuten- ant saw his long weajion would be useless ; he gave grotmd, and thrust again, .\nother parry; he found himself at the wall. lie lunged. The other, coming forward recklessly, his moments precious, parried with force. The sword was wrcnchcil to one side. Francis ru.shed within guard, andi cm the oflicer on the temple. Man and sword fell claltcring. Frank turned, and sprang to the old man's side. " \Vc must go. We have scant time. Alice, I will carry him. Follow you close." Too late? A form filled the entrance. Alice darted toward it eagerly. '" .\neeb ! " The Indian cast a glance of hatred at the young man. " So you fight for her already! " lie caught the girl's hand and disappeared with her in the darkness. Frank lifted Renjy to his shoulder and sought to follow. They were gone. It was too late to hesitate. The camj^ was al.irmed. Soldiers, bearing torches, were coming with shouts. lie ran aroimd the cabin and hastened with his burden to the canoe. CIIArTER VII THE K.NoI.I, AMONG PINES The canoe ?]ip]ic(l ndi^clessly into tlie nic^ht ; thore was no pursuit. Confusion reigned at the camp; wiicn the ser,£,a\'int I'oinul his wits the fugitives were already far auav. ( )n the einhouercd slrcain the canoe sped silently fur miles. Ik'njy lay ir ilic bottom of the canoe, noting the landmarks at I'rank's description. " You'll come soon," he said at la-st. speaking witii diUiculiy, " on a great rock, r.eyond that — a little creek. 'l"in-n in there." The rock sb.owed, black in tlie grey night. IWyond it, Frank turned llic nose of the canoe into the smaller stream. It grew iiarrower and shallower; liefore long he stepped nut. and wading, drew the catioe after him. The creek at last became a mere rocky Ijed. " Lift mc out," said rjcni}-. Above them rc^>e a knod. crowned by great pines. Frank carried the old man up the ascent, and set hiin down at the foot of a tree. The sky was scarcely visible ; where ihev Muod the ground was in blackness. He went for the axe. and sought a torcli. I'.efore long the blaze of a pitch-knot shone on the old man's face. Bcnjy lay quiet, holding with one hand a cloth to his side. His wrinkled face was pale; on his features was no exDression of DCiin. Ij'j* otie of ne.ico- ^^^ looked up calmly aa Francis knelt beside hmi. " Tis the end. The Deliverer 3Q If I liavc somewhat to ?av, man paused. '" Tlicrc's lad," lie •^aid. " "lis slow |„|t Mire; 1 loel it coming. !rank, ye'll be sorry to |)art from me?" "Oil, Benjy!" I'rank bent lower, and clasped in his hands the other's head. Tears fell, and mingled with those that came from the old man's eyes. But they were the last that I'.enjy slied. ■' Lad, attend," he said. and short time." " I listen, llenjy." "Tell Ann—." The .,Id nothing to say. Her l)rotlier's dead." " Xo tnessagc ? " " We shall meet again soon." I here was silence f(.ir a moment a., the oUl man re.ned. Then he roused himself agai.i. - My l,,ve to Dickie," bv •■^aid. •• I'm sorry I could not teacli him sword play, as i taught yc.u. V.ut oh. lad, I was proud of you to-night. When he fell, his head cleft " " [ did not K-ill him," said I'Vaiik. " Not kill him ? " "There was too litile si)ace for striking, what with the corner and the roof. "Tv/as hut a wrist stroke. ^ ct I have marked him. ( iod give me to meet him agam ! " Then spare him not! " cried Benjy. " Remember ' His voice suddenly sank. " Benjy ! " cried I'rank, apprehensive. " Xot yet," said the old man. with an cfYort. " Frank, one more thing. Dig mc a grave. Dig it now." Francis obeyed. With his axe he cut wood, and shaped himself a rough strong spade. He laid back with it the mat of pine noddles, and came upon the lighc. moist loam. Then he began his task, rapidly making 2. pit near the old m.m, measurino- it v.irli lv>. ."'.-.- T-T- thrcw out the dirt. W^herc vuui. interfered he cut them 40 The Colonials with his axe. \\ ilh no word, jiantin.r; in haste, he worked to please liis old coiiii)aiiion, and marvelled to hnd himself di^j:^iiig a j;;rave for a man yet living. Upon him at his work the llaring torch, nprigiit in the ground, cast its broad light. iWiij} la\ watching. I'rom the branches and thickets the tiny wihl things, roused by the noise and the light, looked ami wondered. Rird^ chirped, then slept again. '■ Tis enough," said licnjy at la=;t. Frank was wai-t- dccp. " Liave off, and come to me." b'rank came and knelt ag.iin. lU'njy took in his hands the y(nmg man's, warm in mi their toil. .\ look of pleasure glimmered on the old face. " 'Tis well dune of you, lad. 1 -hall lie in a grave." " hear not of that." "] have feared," said Heniy, "to die alone. And trien to lie unburied — to be sniffed at by the deer — eaten by foxes — to rot above ground I .Av — I have feared. Bin not now. .\nd an Ellcrv 1.^ WUll Wa , I I have always served liie ]-".llerys. I'rank. \n\\r grand- father, the smuggler — your father, the merchant — and now you. J have served all il'.ree." " .-\nd served well. lienjy. shall I pray? " " Xot yet," he said staimclily. " There's no time. Lad, listen. Ye'll leave this matter of the white girl. Anceb was angry, nii>underslandiug. lie will never give her lip again. Go you to Boston: to follow her is useless. Leave Detroit wide; make for Albany. Xone will remember the matter of a wounded lieutenant. Give up the girl, and go home." " Beniy I " " Think of your brother Dickie. He's nearly twenty now, with your uncle there to plague him. He need- von he slir,' \ni! vvln.Tt i< \Tinr iini-!/> /loitm- nil t!ii> 'Ihc Dclivi rt I •M wliilf, \Mili ilu' i)r(ii)frty ami tlu- huMiic^-. .' Diclvic S could lint !)(.■ -irong against him, a> you wrrc." I ■■ So," agreed Irancis, sadlx. '• i;i;i lkiij\, how can s 1 leave the girl? " -j l-ienjy's voice grew Mronger. " If you go not, I'rauk, -| you go to (ian-er. Fiii dying, lad. ' ^'oiVve heard .he dying sec dearly. .Men will light ,n\r the girl; she was iborn lor a bone of contention." He raised Iiis head, looking into Frank's face with eyes that burned, and tinidied lii> warning in a v(.)ice of energy. " Your grave . will be dug in the wililerne.-.s, IVank, if ye follow her '- into the woods I " He sank back, panting, and his eyes closed. " Frank," he gasped. " your hand. Fray — now ! " They clasped hands. IVank prayed. "Our Fatlier— " But no more. Benjy died. Tliere was scant time for mourning. Fr.nik buried Benjy in his cloak, forcini;'- across the pit, as he filled it. roimd sjiikes from the boles of the jiines, that no beau ihould dig. When the grave was iinislied and made smooth he laid over it again the needle-carpet he had first turned l)ack. 'Ihe remaining earth he cast away; the ground was as if undisturbed. 1 hen he went to the canoe, took from it evervthing, made up a pack, and hid in bushes what lie did not want. The canoe itself he thrust into a thicket. Then, as he stood once more by the grave, the light of the pine knot failed, and he was left in darkness. -Alone by the grave he sat the night through. Be- rn atli the earth. \\ here lay his hand, was his companion "I three v.ar-. I'dsewhere, in th" same forests, were lle.-ing rlic Indians and the white girl. Far, far away \vas his native town, peaceful on it > peninsula, mirrored in his mind as last lie ■^.t.v it 7"h.--r." •.•.-.--, his home, his brother. He yearned for them. !-:- f_:-_.! ■MS 42 1 lie Colonials And then he struggled. What ua., a giri, lirit seen on that day, to hi:, ambition? How could she wugli against ilic broilur iliai nccckd him? Against the pian of hii life? Couid he evon liml lier? 'j-herc was a cliance he might find her at once, bin if not, what then ? The country of the i'ottawotiomies was far awav. rhe inbe lived scattered. He might wander for a year, and never hear news of her. If found, cotdd he save iier? Aneeb had been angry : he was stubborn, and his people wej-e fierce. Bcnjy spoke truly of danger. Then again rose up in his mind the picture of his home. The quiet town, the Irlendly houses, the familiar streets, drew him toward them. The faces of his friends appeared b.'fore him; he heard them speak. The dear old gluomy house took shape, and he walked in its an-icnt rooms. The bu^y rojiewalks which he loved called to him acro:s a thousand miles. Silting there in the night, picture after picture came to him. until at last he threw himself on the ground ;Mid .ried aloud to God for guidance in his trouble. The dawn came, and still he lay. The skv graduallv paled. The tops of the trees showed in sharp outline while yet it was dark below. Light stoie in among the branches, and at last upon the ground objects were distinct. Then Frank rose, with ,vearv but calr.. face. He took his gun and axe and pack, and' studied the sun. Detroit was to the southeast. lie looked in its direction long, then turned with a sigh and began his mardi into the uilderness. TIIF. I.ITII.I. |.Ki M (i|. TliK METAI There closed a great lilanknoss aroumi Alice. A vcar she had spent in the woods, liad been aU-rt, k-arncd, and suffered bravely. Then came hope, and was snatched away. The tall young woodsman with dctennined face had been a living link nith hoine, a vi.-iML- ])ri)nii^c nt return. Suddenly he was gone. She was again swal- lowed up in the vast wilderness, with savages for coi'.i- panions, and with England, father, brother, one more denied her. She saw the second winter closin-- in. Her perceptions dulled. She knew that they came to a stream, and travelled some day-^ m a caiun>; that v.hen the stream joined with another and ll,)wed west they went ashore. With her l-ad on Iter ^h<)lll(lers, bent beneath its weight, she plodiled again through the forest. She lost count of the days. BcwiUlercd at God's purpose, her mind began to be confused. She could take no part in ilic Indian incrriirient. Oppression began to obscure the processes of her mind. She ate, drank, spoke mechanically, a little stupidly. There began the period of nightly frosts. One tnorn- ing the old man was lame: on tlie next he was stil'f v.itli rheumatism. On the next the old woman had to rub his knees before he could rise to walk. .Ks the night cold increased, the distance he could walk by dav grew less. Their progress was slcadilv slower; and the Pot- 44 liic Culouiais lawottonii country was still far awny. F.iit Ancch was lir j)rfl'rrrfil to live alone. In villages c began to not troubled; were -luarrel.^. and i,^ vinter starvation look aI)onL fur a suitable i)lace 'o eanii). _ ' '"^'^ ^'•"''^' ■"I'-' a district of great tree., black rrowth I bo grotMid lia.l many Iiollows and ridge.; here and there were ponds and streams. It wa. a beaniifil region, but Aneeb .hnnk his head. T!,e old m.-n, bent u;th pam, -^aid also: " We must go further." That night was the coldest of'all. with a little snow in the day they travelled, perhaps a few miles. The old HKin was nearly helpless ; it was diakult for him to dra- li:mscll along. Aneeb. earrving his lather-s burden^ endeavoured to cheer him. - A little more, mv father' \\hen more snow comes. I v.ill draw vou on a'slcdge " At noon they sat and ate. near .-; little stream wh they cut ice to get water. It was th:- e.lge of a swamp. 1"11 of pools, with great trees standing roken tops and peeling bark, the ice and snow and c>r;e •^li\'(rrr They drew ilic chioi ironi the ice and laid him on blankets, lie uttered no complaint, but his lips were white, iiis mother bent over him. " Is the paia great?" He answered: " It is not myself, but for you." She looked around her in the lonely woods, and understood. Their lives depended upon his strength — and his thigh was broken. They saw the dan-cr, all of them. Tne men and boy accepted it as Indians shouhl. with fatalism, uncom- pla;ni!;g, Xctuokua. the old woman, had the j^rivilege of complaint, but she was tlie de-^cendant of chiefs. And to the Rnglish girl came the courage of her people. The cloud lifted from Alice's brain. She fell to work with the rest. !''rom hushes they ut i.)oles. and built a lodge around Aneci) where he lay. The old man dragged the bimdles to ih.e door; the woman ar.d children went for firewood. Around ihe fire they sat; the old woman got out the store of food. Intliaii.-, are never i)rovident ; by the smallest of rations there was not food to last them for a day. When darkness came they ate, and laid themselves to sleep. Aneeb, .ath his leg rudely bandaged, lay in pain all night. The fire went out ; the cold of winter caine that night in a terrible wave. In the morning .Mice hrst of all went to gather wood, dragging it with numb fingers from under the thin snow. Xetnokwa made the fire; ihcy ate the last food. Then the woman warmed a little grease, and began to ,0 the joints of her husband. To-fkiy, Muklvwah," .le said, "thou nuist prove thv- self a hunter." When the sun was high he tottered out with his gun. He went away from tiie lod.i^-e. jjainfully, a half-mile. Til cm1,1 was so great that liis -^low tnotions could not keeij him wnrni ^tiH',.r li.- cr.-...>. ,,,..^ i _. 4'^ I'hr C olomals uai cd. ihcre, hours later, the woman found him lie n.declp:U:cntl,and.houhh.head. 0„ her ha.lJl! earned la. wasted body to the lodge, then ..nt her grandson tor the gun, telhn. hn. to hunt. Thro A ihe atternoon K.wadin wandered vainiv, findin. in th snow tracl.s in plemv. Uu no pame and'tiu'v'ir'r;" ''■'' '' ■■ "^'^ '"'' ^'^"-- ■^" ■--. dnu tne\ luarc h:- ':; , :;t™"r waited anxou.lv u u-t ,i„ '• '''"^ Ix.ur afler du 1 f , ''^^^™" '•■■""c haek, an ^oy OuaK.y the two made a greater hre; the woman took mooca.m.- and boiled tliem A. ,1, v - V T :;:,"" •""""'— »i.',i. \,,e;;;: ,,;";:;;;,■ to consciousness. I'or t uhHo \r r i '^'^^•aiim The DruNcrcr i the , her and tnian ir<,n^ : ilc 1 The woman wa-^ ll:c strongest of aU. In the morning ^lic bror.ght wood, aiid again cuuktd deerskin. Ahce, though she hcliK-d, could not touch the food; the bov. comniually fainting, was unable to cat. The men lav in silence throughout the day. Only Alice and Xet- nokwa stirred in the lodge, but tliere \va:> liothing to do. I he day was dull and bitter ; toward niglit Xetnokwa \',eiit out for another arm full of wood. She forbade Alice tt) accompany lu-r. " Tliy will is strong, daughter, li!U thy body is weak." W'lien .Tie returned there were .-^nowtlakes on lier (lre-<. "It is snowing again." she ^ai(l. " It will be a long .storm. Xow llure is no help. 'i he I T.d is come.'" Alice, lying o;i lier blanket, jmiI k.er f;ice in her hands. ■■ Ciod hel]) father and (ieorge." she said in tl;e i>r;i'yer of her childhood. She thought of her mother, long since dead. •' .Vnd take me (jtnckly," she whispered, " into Hcavtn." Ih.e others were silent: for a long time, while the daylight died away and the little fre made its fitful gleam more visible in the lodge. Tlie sifting ;-now pre- pared their grave, the creeping coM began already to finish the work which starvation Itad begun. Alice felt drowsiness coming upon her. She did not fear, she did not care. Soon she would lie down and sleep. But at length the eld man spoke. " Th^rc is yet hope. IMany tin;cs have I been near death, death like this from starvation. Once in the north I fasted six days, 'i hen a Frenchman came. Once on the prairie I was senseless from himgcr, but tlie Mariitto sent one to relieve me. Aneeh. call on t!ie .Manitto to help us." For a while .Anecb said nothing. Then he dragged luiiiH'lf into a sitting poi^ttirc. " ( n've mc." he said to his mother. " my litth^ drum of the Metai." X'elTinlw ri w,K .*» 48 111*' Colonials bag at his brcn.t. aiul ca-t a rrd powder on the lire Then he began to beat ilie drum, and presently they heard his voice, hoarse and dry: "I call upon the .\ietai, upon the spirits who are above me '' His voice ro.e and fell, fk- beat the litde drum. The old woman crouched and listened; the bov raised his head, then let it fall. Alice opened her e'vcs and looked. Would tlie Aletai help them ^ She saw onlv the fire, and its light glistening upon the thick frost' that coated the mats of the lodge. For some nunutes she watched. Then the curtain of the lodge-door lifted Alice looked dully ; it could not be true The others did not notice; Aneeb was rapt in his praver. Xo, it could not be true. .\ bright flame sprang up from the logs; but that whue blur against the black night was not a human face. Alice, hopeless, was about to close her eyes. The door lifted higher. A stooping figure entered. Ihe drum fell from the hands of the chief. All stared at the newcomer as at a spirit. "Saggitto! " Frank looked around him at the faces pinched with starvation. He held out his hand to Alice, but she was too weak to move. Then he threw down bv the fire two partridges, and spoke with a voice that seemed to break : " It is well. Aneeb, that you beat y.ur little drum of the Ji^ctai," CHAPTER IX THI-: CABIN' IN" THE WOODS There tood a cabin at the edge of the brook, small and roofed with bark, but convenient for the winter. Etfore it hung on a branch tlic ilcsh of two moose, while not far away, in variou;; places, cut wood was piled. In the cabin .-Xneeb, his leg bound with splints, lay on a bed of hr twigs. I'^or days Frank had not ceased work except to throw himself to sleep. But at last the building was finished. Tliere Ingan a life of routine. Before daylight the woman rose in the hut, and waked the boy and girl. .'Mice and Kewadin went out into the cold and dusk, where stars vet glimmered above, and in the east the sky was growing bright. They brushed the last snow from the nearest woodpik. and brought in their arms the split logs to the cabin. There the light of the ris- ing fire fell upon the sleeping men, and .Alice, pausing, migiit see Frank's face. On him — ah, there hung every hope of her heart ! He lay as unconscious as if there were neither Boston nur London lor him or for her. His sleep was soimd, his face was calm and strong. As the woinan co(.':ed the meal Alice stole glances at him, comfortir ; her. There was iu him '■o much of self-reliance, so much of ])Ower, that each day she could take courage fur the future. 4 i 50 ^ '"■ Color, ials niilt amcnr ilif (li-i-,n,' i " """^'I'-J l»s lorm ora;;;,:',;;:;;;n:'::,,"™^:'"^^«--rin., «-;h..<. ... .,,,,,,;:;r ;;::';;:;,; i:;;";;^^'''™ tlu-v couM not Kll Ti, ""^ ; "^"l^ "I'sIh roturn v.i.h coclar b„,K- ;"':'; ^ZZ!"' ""'" "'" '-?' ?"-,v „.ood „-a. p..:, ,■ " ;7;'';.-f---'/*.v casins, an,I ,1,, n,v- i. M ""^ '^"'^ °^ ^'^^ '"^c- -'-■ A„.: ..J^f ^^ rf^^'"- --'^' f- -ear i„ ,he .a.e a.o„, n^^in^;::;;^ -"'■ ->-l^^^^ . " 't ^noM;c-,!he nii^-ht he laic- in th r '■'-u-n. ,,;.;:,„, ,-,; "^ • " '"• soft snou- vvaik- . Yet n ' I : rr"'^"-'"- -^hrnot come at al ''^ ""^'^ "" '!'o finest nio-i, ^ome; the .itnuas hours down, h J he^i; ho (hM not •^ iiui come. s^s 11k Drlivcifr 51 Xttiiul.wa and tiie otliers lay down to sleep. " Aneeb," rriod Alice at last, " whore is Sagg-jtio? " ■•Litili.- d,n;-lii(.T," >aid the cliici'. "he is sale. To-niurrou, be sure, he brings fresh meat." And on the morrow, bciore no' n, Frank returned, dragginrj a heavy load on an improvised sledge. But usually as ilie dusk fell they would i^ee iiim com- ing among the tree.>. Tin 11 witii .1 Aunn Keua.im wmiiM ri:,^h to meet him. and .Mice, less hastily, would follow, i'lic moose-tongue, or the ])artridges, the !)oy would sci/:e with pride, and beg the gun to carry. I'.ut the real welcome wa> between the i.nher two, with louk^, not wiird^, ;uul with hands clasjied eagerlv. In the cabin the two men looked gladly at the hunter retnnnn-. and at the sign cm" his success. Xetnokwa and Alice rcn;oved his moccasins and leggins before the snow ^houl melt, hung them to dry, and gave hi:n the fresh ones. Xext the bnv-; of broil'i, or the platter of meal, was set bci.-re the lumgry man. Xo questions were asked him im-il he was ready to speak. Then would begin their h.our of evening. Mukkwah would sing the Indian chants, and with Anccb instruct the hoy in Indian legends and history. Cut at times .Alice and Frank, titling side by side, would speak in their own mother tongue. He made her speak of herself. Her mother had died years b.fore, her father wa,'^ a well-to-do merchant, her brother was a soldier. " An officer," she said. •• That was win- I fdt so safe with -■' .'^he Mopped ap.d dropped her eyes, pirtnring h.-r^elf the lieutenant as he fell, dead, as she thought, and shivered slightly. bVank spoke (piickly of his hunnug to draw her from the nnnleas.nnt tho'.i.rrht She brightened. /ou hunt so well ! " she cried. 52 Ihr C'oioni.jls " r^ut this is a bad game couiiirv,'' he said. " \ow there is fair hunting, but the moose and eli< need bushes to leed on. or young trees. Here are few; for miles are great pmes -ind hemlocks, little underbrush. The game is already leaving." Her face became icrious; she foresaw. " Will there be little to cat ? " j' Urust not. lUit know vo;: how to starve. .\ ,^? " "Yes.- . the life, he felt its strnnifcno'^^ Th.e coimtrv was monotonou-. Onr valley wa^ like anotlier, one ridge. 54 i fi' C'liluiiials 'HuTc ucrc ir.c. aiul ..u... and nothing else. A. I,e roamed annd the soiit.ul., he saw his'i„..,,,fil, S ■.where hch.nd hin. hours away, was the ti„v hnt on ne edge ot the tro.en streant. dose to the ice-locked suanip. Ine .o.ds .here r.waited liim ; their live, -pendcd t,pon his. And a,ni :„nl „n„d grow. livery littleness fell awav n^nnhnn. I" tho.e month, h. attained h. h.t ^n"h Retinal ba-ad-h of his shoulders, , He streng,h o, .; I .en ^ nnlc. he would travd „. an ordinary dav care- Hyhuntu^g Atnced.upona..ha...hccould-d,X d,suu,c. i^anger and resp„nM,>i„ty sharpen.! hi vr^M^l ?:"''"''"■ "^^' '''''• "'•^-'-'-™^^^ hro 1 'n "''rr""'^-'^"--''>-''-eeandknoI!-,. ' brook all wavs of the foren. His eve was as nuick • v's h-Kl as steadv, his head as cool as the oldest ;:.;•; He was white and Indian horh. " There wa< rowarr) in •!,.. i;t„ _ - i. ■ - ..^ ijitAv iu closer 'I'dr Drii \c;nly one flower bloomed upon the -now. Alice, little Alice, was his sole pleasure. .^he Avas the cause of this life, his i-'ipclhng force. At tlu- first meeting she inspired in liini tenderness and the desire to protect. She was weak ; he seemed singlerl out in all the world for her support. Tn proportion as he had sacriticcd for lior. he prized her. To guide h(.T. tcarli her. save her, \- as his resolution. L.'nconscioi:sly, she rex^ardrd liim He found that mentally she leaned upon him. The Mirprise, the flatter- ing plea-nre, warmed his heart. In the f .Ming of pos- session, the -leep sati.- faction '>i o])eiiing her iiu'ikI. he felt almost the mystery < ■ parentage. Iv.erything lie did was for that child — no, no longer a child, but not a woman. She was at the growing period, her bu Iding form springing rapidly to greater heighi, btU with mind still undeveloped. He watched her carefully ; ?he should come 'o no harm. Every word he spoke to her he con- sidered of its effect: evervthing he told her was with ptirpn-e. .Alwavs -he reacts ■! upon him. The effort to keep her soul pure purified his own. Far from the camp, he thought of her. Sleeping alone I'n tlie ^now, 1 ^r image filled his dreams. When he killed, he crave thanks for the food to sustain her. \'>'hcn ]^e -^ct his face homewards, he hastened In- steiis. • I 5^ 1 lie Colunials lie was oppri'S'-cfi witli fear on iicariiij^ the cabiti it lie (iiil iidl si'c Ikt at oner. The sikiu discipline of tho>c months fixod forever the eharacters of both. She eiiierL,'rd from chililhood; he iiecamc a man. The 5-troii;:; ijualitie., — seriousness, reverence, cmirapt — marked them permanently. Health pave them cheerfulness ; coni])anion->hip, unity. There was no tho!:i;lu, no dream of love. They were brother and sister; and the force of the bond came from her. vVith upturned face, bri<;ht eyes, and ready car, at lirst his care, she became his slrcnglh. if lu CHAPTER XI RETROSPECT -* W hen at last the huiiiiiiq- Ijccainc diftkult, there luiiig 1> the lodge meat for many weeks. l-Vank turned to trajiping. and began to lay lii> line> through the woods. Many deadfalls he wotiUl niakc in a dav. For two leagnes each line ^lreK•hed away Iroin the eal-.in ; their outer ends were ooimretfd in a curve, and the hut wa:, the centre of a great wheel. Day after day Frank went out on one line, crossed to the next, and refirncd upon it. He came alwa.'-s to the camp laden with skins. The short days came. In the long evenings tlie cabin, hriglit from the pitch-pine -plinter-, saw busy hands, heard cheerful laughter. .Ml, oven Aneeb on his bed, even .Mtd^kwah with hi. swollen fingers, worked at the curing (,f fur, the wealth of Indians. Once of an tveiu'ng k'rank Id fall in his lap the frame that he was siiajiing, and looked about him. Frorn the low roof of the little hut dangled the pelts; the firelight cast shadows among them, and flickered on the dark faces of the Indiaiii; They worked on. but Alice cam;^ to his side. " What is it ?■ ■" cju^ a-ked. " I marvel," he responded. Witii a gesture he suept the scene. She also looked at the unconscious, busy Indians, and heard the low song Xetnokwa crooned. Her life was pictured to her; she looked again at iTank, with wonder. 53 'I iic Colon i;il> He held his hanrl m Iht : she pur ,l.,wn ihc skin which she held, and '^av- him her warm liiii^vrs. ■■ l-'ar away/' lie said. " nianv, ;„any miK->. In^yo-id Deiroii. boyoml Albany, i^ a t.jun. In ilia: town there i> a hoii>c. Just n(j\v. I thoii.q;ht of ii." " 'roil mv." Aiv ....id. " Tis not like- thiv i"ar diffoient. Alice. Its smallest mom would h,,|,i f,,„r cal.uis Mich a. this, laid two and two. ieii.c^^tlnvise. and flien ioiir more above. Wliv, there are eloscts as iart^e as this I " She was listening ea^erlv. ■•See." and he iiointrd. - liie v„,oke irom onr (Ire Some of it wanders about the roof, and helps to drv the skins. In this house so far awav, \l,ee. are -r^at stone fireplaces that let no smoke escape. Tiie cei"lint,'s are white .-md clean. There are no skins hancri„rr tiuTe. See here. Ivnv the lynx and fox .^kins almost hide the I0.1,-. In that .,!her houM- ihe wall, are panelled with '.ak. 1 he lloor here i. trampled dirt, with a few .labs, 'here n 1. beaiiiifully laid with lony narrow boards of nia])!e." " \\ iiere is tiiat hous-?" she a^ked. " In IJnston." '• ft i., your home:^" she breathe,! !h<- word* Mn'tiv •■ I u-as born there. ( )h, \l,o,.. .\luv ' - I le snatched his Iiand from her.;, and covered his eves. Presentlv he felt her tin-ers at his i.wn. lie -howe.l his lace. " ' am not cryiiiq-." She was wise. - -ren'nuC" she said. " W„v ,li,I voti leave yonr home? " She opened to him a snbjcti on which he talked for many rvemn-.. FI-s dead father and mother, his imde his brother Dickie. .\nn. I'.enjv. r-he learned about them ■ili. Hr told her of the family silver his unrle would have sold, which Ecnjy stoic to save. Ho told of h'm- 'I'iic Dciivcrcr 59 sol, c-ofondnio; Honjy fmn, ,i,c corwahle^-a crinio SI,. lu'ard wuh ilmuTH,,- iMvath o, ,!u.ir ,i,^lu i,v „,.iu. :,, •";"! ''"7-' '■>-•'- ^'-l-'K town li. !,,!.■,, in, i-n lie dccnbcd lov,n,,ly. ,-oo,„ h, n...,,,. tl,. ol 1 "T" '^7!'';^''-" '-='-Sr.atlib,arv, ...this 'r"7 ^" '"^ •^"'- -''' !- ^.'andfathc,-. -Sh. coj >-l'i-l' lur OVC' ' ■ >->nua •""1 -^•^' lliem: c-.pccia!Iv ilir 1 • • ■ V . , , . >. -■ I L I. , \ Tic n I r t r::.:r ;-:::;''■'- ;-n,„.„„„ hmilv !■„, 1 , 'MiuuMisdy ,,ro„d -f I,i. •" IHT -ravdy, and v\m,.1,1 ,„,( ,^.[1 "":; '"■-i"fcc.,„-,h,i,-,..,iiii,, -w, ,,■,,,|lu-:,i.,,■• _'_■ Kc-hds." she ad.nittrd. ■■ 'Vi'tly noar." lie j.grccd. ■■ ''»t Frank, a-ainst tlic kin-" " £';::;;: '™>r'p' j^-:;- (^ >>iiail, liOturc \'01I he stM ";^ r-- ==•' ^'^'^^ middle stanr's the Tovvn 7 ^^^"^ ^^^^-^^ '^ "'"■■^ nic 1 Own llou'-c uM''i 1 i.j'i ^-nopy. and ihc lion and unicorn." 6o The Colonials •• Hut to poi to vonr iKnisc." " .-iic a?ko(i. ••Turn to vour' n^ht at ilu- l.r.l lUUo side street. •Ti. Mcrcha,n> Kou. ■[hunv^h it yon will sec another c^rand buildu.K. i"ancu>l Hall. Ta^s behind it, cross the Tittle drawl.nd-c. and take the narrow, straight lane bevond It l(■ad^ to a broader street. Ann Street, and {,.^„^ ,,^„re--ard l.e described the honses. streets, and lanes along the water front, until they came in imagination to the Fdlery hou.e. To his surprise she repeated the d.escription correctly after him. •' I can see it all! " she cv'vd. . Then -he made him de-eribe the house again, (^nee he said, in the warmth of hi-- remembrance:-' and the secret passage "' , ,• w " The secret pa^>agc^ " she echoed in delight. Tie grew stern at once. " Say nothing of that, ever ! ' he commanded. " Never." she responded, soberly. CHAPTER XII TKMi'TATIOM ■ I •' 4 The year came into l\bruary; tlie short days passed, li'.it tlicrc passed not the severity of the winter. 1- rank's eves were oit(!i cast lo measure the slore of food. It c.iniiniihed so fast that lie trapped le>s ;ind hunted more. Lint the linnting was now very hard; the game had uuived farther and farther away. Xo fresh track of moose or eU'C was to be found within miles of the iiut. Thouj.;h Aneeb's lep was improvintj, h.e could not help. I'rank left at la-t his marten frozen in the traps, and hunted daily. lie frecjuently sle])t away irom the cabin, but oilen from ;i two (lay>' hunt lie brought nolhing. Xe\er did he i;ring much. ( )nce there was no food leit in the cimp; even the iKavcrs were exhausted from the region. He made a long f-i]>. and found one moose. Starva- tion was averted, but only for a time. Before he cotild find more meat hunger again looked from Alice's eyes. It was a sore labour. At the end of each day his feet were heavy, his ankles chafed by tlie thongs of the snowshocs lie reioiced Vvlien a brief thaw gave a cru-t, that h'' could walk with mocc.isins alone. Vet then his distances were less. Me began to complain involun- tarily. " So many mouths to feed ! " February drev/ toward its end. and heav\ storms made the life t-Tribly hard. With constant work a'.i little food he grew lean. c. 'i'i»- O^loiiials Wolvc. catnc mu. ihe re;;!.,, Jl, feared them not w'" V. 'r "'^ ■'"" ' '■ '^^^^-^'^^'^ '^ ^^ - '-- e^mc" o , ""^"'"'"^-'"■"•^'^^^'•^■^"--^^^- an elk to una at the en,! Uk- oon,. pi.kecl clean. D.- .^^,;;*;.mT' "'"";• ':^ '"■'" " ''■■— 'P'-m came f " T"" "'''•^- ^^"^ ^^^ 1-t he found vlu: ■ -1-n.h, ,arto,heea.tof,heca,np-:, moo.e ar ih, ,,,, ^,,„,^ ^,^^^^^^^_ __^ ^^^^ n^ ..l.n the snou-:, hey, led before hhn.^atherhi /^ ' -T' ]''-^'"- '•^■""'■''- "^^' '""Is stamped and be! lowed. W he. standing al,,,ve ,]..„, .J,e. 1,^^^^^^ ^hoot. ''-ore the .-e.t could l.,vaLo,u and rac^^l: o . pou-et-tul cru.t. tlve fat animal, lav dead. He u.t hem up. hn„,. hi,c;h the meat from the' wolves, and for dns busK.d hun.eh- in drac,^.,in.^ it to the cabin '■•■t he was weary „, hi. .,,-.1. A .ho,,.!, t.rt'ur.d "- - •" "- -th dav he h, ,he u.d.e ofhis ,. n na '"""^' ^''f '>•■ ''^■'-,kAl-cenn,!u.to!3ogganu-hen iH- vent to bnu,.„M!,e!a.t load of, neat U.V restod ,,n the snow by the .lead moose. He tloglu. Ihen. -^ meat for a tnomh at thecal^n "^'''>Aneel.u,n>, l,eahk.,ohunt. I,\,„lv - "i ot, are tliiiiking." ^he s'lid. He bi-.,ke out. ".Mice. 1,-t us -o t - ■■ \"'.'here"- " . ";• '"->l^-i in her face. Its puritv shan,ed hhu • he ^"'"''""'^■^^•''-"- •■ '---'^ '"".<■ Mge." he said hasulv and began to load the lol HJLrcan. lie ' 'ragged his burden wearily back. -A n,ile frou, hom.e he stopped, and looked at her llii Di'vficr 6;, ■ What is it?" she criid alani; wa • in Iii^ face. •• Why did \vc not go? - he demanded •• Where . " Some fierce pas;.ion la aid not answer, bnt tnui-ed on. Thev neared ih. cabin: ,t was a quarte: mile auay when Ik- .^aw mrirks- a Strang, s tracks in the hght snow that covered tie crust. Ahce called from the sledge. " You are not tronig straiglit." " f am following," he said. The stranger went on a line that would pass the cabin •!- I. nt across the path lay a fdled tree, with recent Hacks of Iranks own making. a>ide. " He followed me." said led to the top of a little knoll. ■ >ee the cabin." The tracks led straight to tlu- door, A pack lav on he snmv. and a pair of snowshoes leaned against the lo.g.v Chippewa, said Frank when lu. was clo.e He entered , he cabin. The stranger sat beside Mukkwah. it \\a.>, the Panther. Frank turned to Alice, whose face was white. " Why 'licJ I not take you," he snarled, " to Detroit ? •' i"he stranger turned I->ancis. T:ic prints ■ J-Vom here he could : lie ■ tily. his CHAPTER XIII DANCER Next morning: Anccb met the Panther's arfftmiont and offers with brief wor i.. " I am ^huir lie >ai.l. " that fortune has ^^aved my brother a lont,^ juiiriiev. Put the maiden i< no l(Mi;^^er mine. Tlie wliite n'lan lias earned her. She is his." \\ ith cheerful face, omitting no courtesies, the Pan- ther went away. As the sound of his shulliimx snow^hocs diminished Alice turned to Frank. " Is not this better than i.,^oin- yesterday to Detroit.' " " I do not know," lit auMvered i^iooniilv. " He has seen (,nr uerkne-s. \\\- are at hi.- mercv." He went out on the trail <,<: the Panther. The foot- steps first headed south, and then swejn around in a curve until after an hour they pointe.l nonheast. Satisfied on this score. Iranci.^ went faster, .\f.er a while he overtonk the Indian, - ,i:i;^r ,l,,wlv. The Panther heard tlie man behind, and turned. ' Francis rai-^ed his hand: they stood face to face with lowered weapons. The Panther lii.l h.atred under a smile. The wliite man mea>ured 'I.e slender Indian with b,.ld eye. " Mv Chippewa brother." he ^ai,l with .lirectncss, vet 'in lormal phrase, " 9f s that I can-,.,t sell what is' mine But still he wishes. Let Us decide: there is a simple way." Tilt- Dclivfici 'An lias ■■ What way? " ■■ Let u.> tiylit. With i^im, or knil'c, or tomahawk against liangcr." It uaa not the Indian's way. " My brother does me wrung. I no longer wi-h the girl. She is his." He turned his back with conridence. " God! " groaned the Vduii''- man. If 1 might but shoot him as he goes! " lie watched the Indian out of . t'j tlie nort'.i and ea.-t. 1 or nine da\-. he i.houglit ever of Detroit, tnit now he could not leave the Indians to their fate. Mean- wiiile Aneeb betrayed no curiosity, and Mukkwah was calm; but llicy lauw wiiat was coming. On the evening of the ninth day l"r;!i!ci-> returiied late to the cabin. .■\necb saw that he had new:<. "Where are they.'" he a^daid .\ne<>!). I'or the first and last time b'rank saw him moved to exclamation. " (^h ! Were my leg once more whole ! " But the eyes of the old man gleamed. " T," he said, "shall see one more fight." l^'itjerlv be turned to hi^ wife. "Fetch water from the brook! bill all the vessels ! Bring in wood and meat ! " 5 cnArTi:R xiv •iiii: rniUT «k ''.Iir ",""■ ,""■"""*•'"' ""> «'™" Ln niu-ntiv watJiini; from lilt Deliverer ^1 tluir >!)'. liolcs; ihcy said no word, and as Alice waited the silence grew oppressive, blie began to long for ^uund, initi! Frank moved. Then she covered her ears. iie drew back from the logs, raised his gun, and laid ihe nnizzle at the crevice. Looking along the sights Ik- waited — one minute — three minutes. Then she iuard the dull report. Anceb looked over his shoulder. " X-iother'" IVank studied tin- fii^ure -truggliug in the s.iow. It ' \ -till. " Another." "Then tluTe are four li'i't. \\\\\ \\a> it the I'anthrr?" •• .\()." ■ Mice sat ui)ri.!;;ii. " ^^m are !nnii:ry. Sl-.al! I cook ? " ■ Xo," said ITauk. " Lie >till." .she lay down once ;i^)re, and iu', coining to her, stepjiing carefullv over ilauket • (I hi. li WO( )(l and ami owr her ;■ tile bodies in his way, arranged ])iles of skins about lur. lie i)asse iiair in a caress, then wmt to his post. The day wore on. Hour after hour tiie uup. jKered out at the siui ;iu(l >now. \o , Imt broke the >tiriness. .\t last Alice, worn out, fell iiUo a broken >lee]). She \voke to a sound, a ntstliug ;ind -craping beucith her. ' Wiiat do 1 iiear:-" -b.e a>kii!. not _\i.i awake. '■ I hear notln'ng." an-wered i*r;i-d<. ■■ It is here," she said. " Right lure in tlie ground." She laid her ear to the eartli. '■ J'rank. couie liere! Listen!— Why. now it sonnd> like a crackling!" There v.as no need for iVauk 'o lay hi- ear to the .ground. He stopped on hi- way to her. and stood li>teniug. Aneeb, fron- his place a^ lie lav. -poke ba-tilv •• l-ire ! •• "One of them." crici i-'rauk, " ba- crejit \\y iiiuk r tb.e bank of the brook, and tired the b,.|Iow -tump. It IS dry: it has tb.e draught of a chimnev and runs un along the wall. Tliis is the end of us ! " up If -I OS 1 i'K C oU)iiiaU He hastened back to hi-, po-^t, .iti'I idikeil out. A fif^urc. scrainl)liiij,' ironi tli.- iro/ni brook, was jUst con- ctiiliiig il>eil. •• Tuu lau-: It was ihc rantlicr." A horrible screatr.ing. like no human sound, filled the air with liie triumph of devils, and Alice stopped her ears to the revollinjf war-whoop. Tl'.e two men, knowing that nothing was to be d. ::ie, again settled wordless in ilicir i)lace>. The war-whoop ceased, and tlu' throe ' -ard rlrarlx- tlie In'-Miig t. .r ihcir escape. Thi-n lH'-;;n an ;i\m'u1 w liiipg. The stnnip b'.inied >^louly at lir-i. leicles ironi the eaves melted, and ^nuw tropi the rt)of (lrop])ed upon the fire. The logs were thick, lint the hissing and crackling continued, and Alice, v.-atchin;,^ iuT\-onsly, saw at la-t \\ hat slie dreaded, a tongue of tianu-. It licked in between the log., and disappeared. Xo more came for a while; then llie little dcadlv herald came again, this time to -tav, and other.-; fi.illowcd in it- train. Tlicir light dickered in the dusk :> burn, and cinders and blazing bits of bark fell within the cabin. Another yell came from the hidden Iocs, -an. i » h I The Deliverer 69 and a htillot biizznl llir last message. He withdrew his gun and peeped out. Then he spoke ; " Three left. \ow there are no more at my end." To ]-"rancis came the idea of sallying into the open, and warring on the remaining three from what covert he could find. T-ut the roof creaked, the wall of the cabin sr.ddenly settled as if to fall. Such a fight out-idc might need hours for its finish, but for Aneeb and .Mice in the cabin were few minutes left. Ringed thus about with flame, coojied in a furnace, he welcomed the des- perate thought that came. The charitable modern calls a murderer in-ane. But Trank's mind was clear, his purpose calm, as he sat u^nvu beside the girl. The bur.g'.r \vi;hin him. the pain of his dric'l wmuul-^. were but s])i.r- to his will, and in the fever-heat of the cabin his blood v^as cool. lUit a weary sadness came down upon him, fitting for the end of such a life. He took her hand. " .Mice, are you frighccned' " Site looked al him with, wide e}-cs, bright with the MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No 2 1.0 LI 1.25 '-•- llllB IIIII2.2 ■ 16 1^ 1.4 12.0 1.6 ^ APPLIED IhA^GE Inc ^=1 1653 tost Ma,n SIreel ~.= Rochester. New York 14609 uSA •-= (716) »82 - 0300 - Ptione ^= (716) 288 - 5989 - Fa« 'I ill C\)l()ni;ils ^•liinnicr of tears. Vet -'ic an>\verc(l : "No. I have been praying." " Do you tVnr flcath. dear? " " A little. -\io>i)y lor Iea\inc; father anri (icorcre. and yon. Rnt the\ iiavc been hard, ihe.-c two vcars. 1 am ready.'- The worfls were as a signal to him. He loosened the knife at lii^ helt. Then he took her in liis arms, and raided her to liim. "One kiss, dear," lie said. Their hps met. lie lield her elose with one arm. Quickly, now! Ouickly he drew the knife and grippetl it for the thni>t. " Saggitto," .-aid Aneeb. 7ft CIIAPTriR XV THE KSCArK " Sagsitto, said Aiu-eh. " Xo oiu> cUe has C(Vie to guard this ?-dc. Xuw thr Miiokc hangs low. Come and sec." The voice sotindt'd lliroiigh a curtain of ^nin!a'. Frank released Alice, >lii)ped the knife into il-> ca>r, and groped his way to oietl). I..iiokiiiir out the crack oi tlie door, he saw that tiie snmke of the firt'. hetore a little hreeze, dro])ped to the snow just beyond the cabin and swept along its surface. Fifty feet away nothing could l)e seen. Anccb laid a hand i>n hi-- ami. The '-onng nian L!;rned from the dayliglit, and -aw the eyes of the chief gleam- ing in the dusk. "Listen," said Aneeb. " Tliis i> ihe end. I"or me is no escape. I'.iit -ince ilie door i> Ikm-c and no Cliippcwa stand- in ilic path, for you and the white girl is a way." " Speak," said 1-ranci^. " I can run a few steps," said Aneeb. " X'o more is necessary. Take you the toboggan and on it put the maiden. Wo will open the door. I rush out and shout : f go around the corner, toward fluMn. When thev ar? looking at me, shooting, you run straight away, into the smoke." AnOth''!" riinc (~.f »li/ f">l-»f tr*ii "l^lrt K'H*M/-.,-J **r,.^r^ fl^.- t_'Oi i^.iit ttii\.i *w* -^ 1 1 i J -^ *._; u;,"w'ii '.li^- 72 The Colonial "rai'.k looked at the ■ 1 " tloor. The flamc^ Ht up the sccitj, mrl then seized the chict> han.l. - My brother! "'(lot yon ready," said Aneeb, hi. whole aspect exalted. " Send the ^^irl to me."' Alice went to the chief and kncU. hrank Ireed the toboggan from its load of wood, brought in against the Mcgc. Soon he Nvas ready. He put Alice on the sledge, and supported the chief to the door. " Let mc stand alone," said Aneeb. The Indian stood creel, and cast his glance on the bodies in the hut. His father. !u- mother, his son-he cved all three. Then he gave- hi. iiand to Alice-she kissed it : gave it to Frank-he pressed it ; raised his gun and looked at the priming. - Do not f-rget me. he saiaw him hobble out, to the left, and heard the peal of hi. war-whoop. The Chippewa broke upon him with yells and shots. From the murk of the cabin bVank stepped into the c,pcn and ran straight aliead. the tobo-gan gluhng behind. Xo shot followed, no foot ^ped alter, hiity feet and the smoke swallowed them up. \t the end of two hundred yards, once more in clear air. I'rank stop^-ed and looked back. Ail was sdent beyond the curtain of smoke. - Aneel) i. dead.' he said. "The Chippewa watch th- cabin.' He ca.t his eve at the sun, and started again. The toboggan vui)bed out tlie track of hi. feet. Imt left it, own trail in the snow. He saw it. and knew what to do. 'I he moose had taught him. He ran for three miles; ever straight ever with speed. Then he letciicd a curve back, and approached his trail from the side. He took his posi- tion at the top of a long slope, put Alice behind a tree, and gave into her hand his knife. " If I fall-" he said. •• 1 know,"' she any.vcred In-miy. ■.,;i " The Deliverer 73 fiPiii ! ■! Ik- weiu a little nearer the trail and wailed concealed, looking back along the path. How many would come ? Two. or three r rhcv had not long to wail, hiitcen. twenty nnnutes; then Jhe heard his voice, lull of satisfaction. " Only one is coming." One Indian, lean and light, he saw faltmg m and out among the trees, following the trail. It was not the J 'anther. Frank noted the splendid mechani:-ni ot his pace, and even grimly admired. The savage came fast, his eager eves glancing ahead, a fierce smile distorting his paTntcd'visage. I-rank nailed, composed and sure, raised and pointed his gun. and lired when ihe Indian v.a> close. Without a cry the savage leaped hi-li. and fell, crushing the frozen snow. Frank U^aned lii> gun against the tree, and drew his hanger. 'Then he heard a rush of feet behind him. and Alice's voice of terrt)r : " Beware 1 " Bv instinct he turned and leaped a-idc. He saw the triumphant face of the Panlh.er. a levelled gun and, a leaping flame. He felt a blow on his side, but rai^etl his hanger and sprang forward. Dropping the gun the Panther fell on his knee, and while he felt for his knife with one hand raised his other arm to guard his head. The upraised hand leaped from the arm, the hanger met the skull of the savage and split it to the nose. The Indians body fell to one ^ide, wrenching the weapon from the white man's hand. .Mice came running. " Oh Frank, you are woun.kd again I Is it bad? " I-rank breathed deeply, feeling au his side. " He was a devil," he said. " to follow the trail on a parallel line. Xo. the wound is not bad. but 'twill trouble. We are without shelter, we have lost everything, and Detroit is far." *^i ir^ 'I'lif Culonials Ilcr thought was all i'ur him. She dnuo; to him. ami carusscd him with compassionate hands. lUit hi-, a- h-. looked about him in the barren fure.-^t, >aw the .-hailow of death annd the trees. CHAPTI-R X\'I TAMINE l-rank -tood Ijeiieaih a -pruce, and eyed a partridge above him. " Why du you hesitate? " asked Alice. The bird stood rigid, staring with one eye at the strange beings below. h>ank tired at last, and cut the neck through. " Why did you liesitate?" asked Alice again. He threw his gun in the -.now, and cast off powder- horn and !)ullet-pouch. " We must have food," he said, '• l)ut that was niv la-t charge. The gun is useless. This is all the food we >hall have until Detroit." " 1 low iar is that ? " " We have g(jne two t foo'I," -Ik- l)cgfxtHl eaprrly. He took it I'roiii the pouch, a little piece of nicat. He luiil it in lii^ hand, and l(joi>ed at her. " Alice ' •• W hat r ■■ " I am almost done. It you eat, I cannot get to Detroit. Ii I cat it all, I can." She strugcjled. " Take it," she said at last. He ate it slowly, moistening his dry mouth with snow. With her face in her hands, her tears yet slipped through her fingers. Never tasted food bitterer to man. After a lilile he laid Iii-r > ni the toboggan, covered her with the blanket, and dragged her onward with fresh strength. At simset on the next day he came out of the forc>t, and saw before him the bare clearing and the pali^adctl fort. The iticrea'-cd >])eed rou-ed Alice, lie heanl her feeble voice fr(.)m ])eln'nd: " What is it?" "Lie down." lie liurried on. The moment was at hand for the closing of the fort. He heard the clear notes of the bugle, saw the red t"ag tloat down. But at the gate a group v.aited, watching. At list he stood before them, unsteadily. The toboggan glided up and stopped. Alice raised her head. The three oft'ieers in red looked at him curiously. .\ v.'hite man — -starving — so much wa-^ evident. They lieard his hollow voice: "The — commandant: " " T am he." " As you are a man — send the girl — home." " Catch him ! " cried the colonel tjuickly. Thev laid his bodv down. CHArTER XVII 'EI'AUATIOX i T!ie chaplain and i!u- Joctur joined ilic colonel in a room of the lort. The cdIi.muI \, a> .^ludyin}^ a letter. ■' 1 iiavc callct! ymi, i;c'ntK'MK-n." \v^ said, " because I received this letter laic last nii^dit, liy a runner. Lieu- tenant Tudor writes me for the twcniietli time from Montreal. lie is recrlled to London, and mu^t leave on the first of April. He asks for the la-t time if we have found his si.-ter. .Mr. .Morton, you nni,>t st.art with her to-day. Another such week of waitinjj, and the sjirincf thaws will delay yon. Vou would miss him." " I am sure 1 am rearly," answered the chaplain testily. " I have overstayed my time, v.-aitint; for this fellow to die. She will not stir till then. L' there any chanf^^e in him this mornintj. doctor? " Xot a hit," the doctor answered. " He still lies like a corpse, btU Iiow soon he'll he one, whether next minute or next week, no one can say." " He'll not recover?" asked the colonel. " Xot a chance of it." The colonel paced the room, shaking his head. " Vv'e must do it," he muttered finally. " 'Twill be a kindness. Gentlemen, I have just been to look at the woodsman. He is like ice ; no one ^^■ould dream that he still lives. ^^'e must tell her he is dead." " Eh? " cried the startled doctor. " It's not exactly — " began the chaplain. >hocked. 9- 7^ 1 iu; Ci)li)ni.il,5 " 'Ti-, tlu best way." iiiUTrnjitc'd the colonel. " Else tlicre will bo anullicT H>ii.t; ^cpar;iti')n from her family. Pray, Mr. .\lortun, make no objection. Doctor, have the fellow covered with a sheet. I go to order his grave to be begun. ■ ik kit liie room, hi5 subordinates look- ing at each other v, ith the beginnings of approval. Alice sat in Ik r chamber. CJne week had made her strong again. Inn her eyes showed a persistent anxiety. When iluTe caiv.e a knock at the door, she ran Id it hastily, ll-.e colonel enicred. " Can I gt) to him now? " .■~he beggcou first — niii>t lell yoi'. " " ( )!i ! " -he cried, a gasping cry as from a broken heart. " 1 know, lie i> dead!" The colonel said notliing. .^hc liinied away, but -he could iioi \\ee]i ;'i ir the h'lrror of it. Irank had .-aved her, but he liad died. I'iien what of his ambiiion'' .\n(l his iircjther? And his friends? A terrible responsibility was hers. Should she not have died instead? Then pity rushed over her, and >he wept. !'«ut at length she ceased, and spoke again : " I may go to him now." It ua> not a request, but a demand. " ^\'ail," said the colonel. " Within an hour a partv, the last before the spring thaw, leaves for Montreal. Your brother has v.ritten once more; he is leaving for London, but if you start at (ince yet v.ill find him. \ on will be safe on the journey with soldiers and th'- chaf>lrdii. 1 wish yon to go." " I will go," she said, scarcely i>ausiug for liie deci- sion. " Ihit T n.ust see Frank buried first." The colonel shook !ii> ln'ad. "' i"he ground i- frozen. It will take hours to break a yrave. Come and look." ihf DiliNcrcr 79 i i 41 lie- led her to tlic window, and pointed out two men beginning a trench. " There will not be time for yovi to !-ec it." " 1 will go," she said. The colonel wondered at her composure as he led the way to another room. The chaplain, visibly nervou^, stood at the side of tlic bed. The doctor, his hand at hi^ lip, watched keenly. .Mice looked duuii ;ii her frienil. I'rank's face was marble; his expression was calm, as if .satisfn d v.iih his work. She looked lonj^ at liini. " lie is willinr:^ to liave (lone it for me," she thouidit ; " but oh, 1 was less impor- tant in this world!" Her tear> fell upon his face as she stooped, .^he ki — cd the coM li])>. Then -lie leit the room. .A'! three ( i the men breathed as if relieved. .\n hottr later the colonel stood by her side and said the la,-t words: "The chaplain has hi> money. It was ill his belt; he would wiTi it to be Noiirs. .Xtnl if \()ii niiss your brotlier it will briiii: >o;t to ICngland. The cliaplaiti will take care ijf _\ou." " ^'ou are both ver}- kind." " And madam " -Madam ! It was the soldier's tribute to her com- posure, her dignity, her real maturity. Hardship, suffer- ing, and finally death, and death, and death, had made .Mice a woman. "And inadam. we wish yon a safe and successful ic'urncv." Ml were sayinq- c^ood-by. The other officers came iorward to take her hand. She spoke : she said good-bv. i'-'it she saw only two men digging a trench with jiicks. ■ \l them she looked long, lleniy's word had come true: I rank's grave was being dug in the wilderness. Then she went to the sK.,Jge and covered her '' .ce with h..r hood. The train started. Indian?, soldiers, the dogs, the m 6o 1 'h C'olnniais chaplain on hi^ >k'dRe. Alice on licr<. the baggage sledges, all crossed the ice. Those at the fort watched till the travellers were swallowed up in the forest across the river. Then the men with the picks fell to work again : the grave would be needed soon. ^'^^^A ^-^'/^ ^..%^ ^ ^-^ ^- -fC^ i in Book Tivo I WHIGS. TORICS, O REDCOATS Chapter One Roxbury Taverrv ii: afternoon of the i^ih of Dcccjn- ber, 1773, was lowering; ami cold. Snow lay upon tlu- ground, caves %vcre casecd and gazed across the water at its cluster of spires, as if endeavourmg to rca.l in them the actions that were taking place beneath, rn^ecn. on farther -hores. other observers were m cpirit watching. Boston that dav was making historv ; Fngland a^ well a- America was concerned. The manv travellers who made Boston their objective were but tvpe= of the hundred ihon-.nnd who would, if they could. that dav have hurried thither. Amid the numerous wavfarers, a traveller trom ilie north ended hi== long march, and in the little village of Roxburv sold his woodsman's clothe^. The tailor— 1L r-r*! S4 'l\\r Colonial- dealer m old ap,.arcl a? well a-- new — studied with curi- (j>itv the tall, athletic fellow, whose eyes and eoniposed face showed a wi>doni i^reater than his years, and upon whose arms were scars. Such clothes, also, seldom came so far to tlie south. The traveller exchan,£;ed all his outer garments for new. and stood forth a dirlcrent being. The tailor, struck hy what seemed more than an external cliange, was mastered hy his inquisitiveness. " You have come far' " lie asked. " Friend," said his eu-tonvjr. smiling. " You've charged me well, I make no doubt. I gave my money without haggling. L-et me keep my information to myself." " (iad," said the tailor, peering after him through the frosty panes. " High as Hancock, and as free with his money! Yankee Xoo, 1 dare swear, of town upbringing. He picked up neither his accent nor his breeding in the woods." The traveller walked to the tavern. He felt himself a new man. and looked down at his clothes as at a disguise. "' I scarce know myself." He opened the door of the tavern, and entered the common room. The landlord, portly and fair, stood and regarded him silently from behind the bar. " To book for the Boston stage," said the traveller. " The front seat, if I may nave it." " Ay," said the landlord, as one resigned. He opened the book where it lay, and marked a cross. " Xo trade for me this night. Afoot or by the stage, all Boston- ward." The traveller looked about him at the empty room. " Is all the village gone to Boston, landlord? A mug of porter." The landlord drew a mugfull. and pu-hed it acres- the bar. " All Roxbury." he said. " Would I might 1 \Vhi"-,>, Tories, anil Kcilcoats «5 -., niysoli! Thcrr will he thin,q-> to see and hear this iii{;ht. " ■• What do you expect: " the traveller asked. " W hat uiU nu-toii liu with its tea-ship.? Will there he vio- knee. landlord? " The (inestion drew the cork. 'Ihe landlord poured forth liis political wisdom, and with many gurgUngs. " Uh-er, young man." he said, facing abotit. '" Sir. do you understand the ciucstion at issue? Twenty days to-morrow has the tea-ship lain at the wharf in Boston. To-morrow the officers of customs may seize the cargo. Till to-day the people have prevented landing it. 'i'wcnty days the governor— what do you think he has done at last, sir? " '■ I know not." ••He has slipped away, sir. Cione to Milton! For what other ])urpose tlian to evade the just demands of the people ? Ikit he is forced to answer, nevertheless. This afternoon the ship-owner passed the tavern, going to the governor with the last message from the Boston- ians, requiring him to allow the " Dartmouth " to clear for England." " What will he say? " " Um-ah ! " A shailow vessel, soon dry. But he added by rote. " The liberties of the country are at stake." The traveller asked one more question: "And the other two tea-ships — what of them' " "That depends" said the landlord The travellei h.id his face behind hi. mug. The landlord began again u> polish his pewter. Xow the traveller, as he walked in the coUl. had worn 110 cloak and felt no chill, ilis mug of porter was not heating; it was convention's payment for the waumg- placc. I'.ut there entered next (throwing hastily open the outer door, stamping in the passage, coming into 1 ! : »T i 1 ■ ?««! m ^i»i mamm. 86 The Coloniiils lan nt niiiidle ■lace liiin-fll the roum wiih many :-!iivcr>) a handsome in; age, witli ciual; drawn cl(»e. lia-^u-ninlinient. " Doctor Church ! " "A raw evening, landlord Jones," cried '.he new- comer. I lis resonant voice was good-natnred ui -jtile ul his discomfort: his manly feature- were hut luuched with the signs of dissipation. " A raw evening. \onr servant, sir. I'ricnd Jones a mug of toddy, and make it hot." The traveller !iad half-risen, his hand t.i hi^ hat. Hence the " your servant " from the cheery lip:>. -\nd the landlord liastened from the bar. " Let me take your hat. Doctor Clnn-ch." he begged. '• Your cloak." " Xav," cried the doctor. " Let me get warm. Your toddv. friend Junes, and (|uickly. Then must I on to Boston, to town-meeting." The traveller, recolleciing himself, >ank back in his chair. Hut the doctor turned tt) him as the landlord ■went back to the bar. ■• ^(H,r r^Tvant. >ir," he said again, ■"ihciugh 1 dunl recall _\i>u.r face." ••Ah. Diicte.r." said the young man, rising; "it was instinct thai tempted the salute. I can claim no acquaintance.'" " Claim it bv all means."' said the doctor, the cloaked hands showing abortive gestures. '• 1 a... no man's enemy, hence, every man's friend." ■• .\v." threw in the busy landlord. " Xo ceremony with the Doctor. .\ud all good Whigs know him well by sight." "Yon seem a traveller," v/cnt on the doctor; "yet you have no cloak. l!rr! Rut yon are voung. So once was I, and cared not lor tiie cold. Sir, sometimes I Whigs. Tories, atul rvrdcoiits S7 withiri lis. And I can't he salis- . Vou who look ihink too mnch of liquor drii^-^ up the hlooc Yet landlord, that toddy! '" •'Here, sir." n-pondcd the landlord iiroudly. steaming hot." ••Not too fa>t,"' said the doctor, thrownit: his cloak uMdc. "Stand -till, ineiid j^iu-. I will improvise. Welcome, thou friend to man. Deny thee, lie who can ! A health to vou both! " lie reached lor the toddy, and took a long draught. Then he looked at his two hearer^. " Ah." he said with .atistaction. and a, one accustomed to have the lloor. •■'we who are out in all weather^ need good homespun cloaks, and warming wine." ••Homespun!" ^aid the landluril. tied. Doctor, to see you in -ueli clothe- >o well in >ilk and broadcloth. •• .\av," prote>ted the doctor, grave patriots whelier gentlemen or f.irmer. professional man or shipvard labr.rer. are all honoured by adhering to the non-con>umption agr.-cmeiit. If i, who am not in^igniticant ••Hear him!" appealed the landlord to ihe ccilmg. • If 1 should wear English clotli. wliy then should any one wear homc--pun. C'r if I should drink tea " ■• Tea ! " cried a voice at the door. " Lads, can you picture Doctor Church drinking anything so weak as tea?" The bulk of a great fr.-iine tilled the doorway : there stood one who was neither boy nor man. lUit he was all good-nature, from hi- -quare shoes to the hat cocked sidcwise on his head. .\n open face shone with humour. his blue eyes twinkled, and hi^ white teeth showed as he _-„„j '.u\. 1 1,.^.- I r.;cfr vnirr!^ from behind at once. True 88 Tiie Colonials .,,„no.l in. and Cher faces, as In- .brow 1 -s Krca..oat 0,0... ,.-rc.l grinning above Ins shon le . liu, ,h.- doctor look another s,p «1 h,. todd; , , , ,1 ■■ Come in Diclde Idlcry.' he said. " Ittravcic ....ked a< >he lad in .he door, u ,o. as , ,T L hat showed himseli clearer. Urc.vn "" r^„abo; hi temples and strayed n„o„ his lor.- T: a- 'ih ::,;. Ua not •>.. a n,a„,y ■-'■■■;;-' -:;_1\ „ "Vaddock last, lank and each one u> i.an-<- -^■"^' "'";"- be a-ked. bis voice high. - Who speaks of •"■Jttl^™: oration. ,.«,..•• er,ed the p-«t ,a, „.bo hr. had eome^ - ^:;;'-X'ZlZ£:. s:::r?bn;:r«s:,ar.^^chearof.beafth °^?i:^;:e::.said.belan,l,ord.a„m..rea..^ blaster FJlcry. to loke at tlu IJoUo ^^ broadcloth! Your lather was a \\ h>.. " Tones." said Dickie, " be quiet. ^ "Be quiet.- cried the tall thin youtli. roared the others. ; Dickie is a. good Hutchinson hini^tU. .,^ •• Shall uc have " What. Doct(M-. cried Dickie as^eun a .pocch while the punch is making : Be quiet ! " a Tory as \Vhi'^>. '['(^rirs, and Redcoats 89 .. 1 could give vou a speech.- said the doctor slouU He was master of his voice ; the tones s.lenced them all "ith their meaning. The Tory lad. stood hstcnmg, then- .reatcoats stUl unbuttoned "I cotdd give you a speech, Dickie KUery. of the fif-h of March, that would niakc vou wince. , •• Co on.- cried I)ickie._ _; Go on. Whal h.s the tndt of March to do with nu ? " ^_ "On the fifth of March, three years ago, said the doctor, " you know v .at happened. The soldiers of the King massacred citizens of Boston. •• Street louts," cried the red-haired Tory suddenly. "RifT-rafT!" " <^ilence, .Xnthonv ! " cried they all. ••Thev were men of the poorer class" said the doctor.' "Thev were not rifT-ratT, P.ut neither street lotus nor rift-rafT stood before the soldiers, within the hour, and defied them to fire again." -Wotild thev had fired!- cri.d the red-liaircd •'Well that 'thev did not!" an>wcred the ductor ^varmlv. "Else had the street^ of Boston nm so red that cvcrv soldier had drowned in the flood. Well tnat , tho colonels gave wav. and the gove-.ior, and tne kmg I himself Who can tell the con-criuencrs else? '"'"' "; not of this I M^eak, to yon lnd> tlr,. kivnv little ot men s * thoughts. Dickie F.llerv, let me repeat. Withm an hour ^ nftcr the massacre the best citizens of Boston stood before the soldiers' guns demanding justice. .Ind among them, in the very front rank, was a lad of less than vonr own age-eighteen years. He stooou, U ton Tush to know, what position that lad's lorciather. iiold in the history of Uosion. icUie-s hi.d. head was drooping. Anthony nUc - ,.pted no n.ore. All the lads stood sttU be p'o of the good old stock. And yet. on the second :;:;:1fter. rnvVi'lo in the boy was turned to^sorro.. For 1 heard "-the doctor lowered lu. ^-"^Y-- ,1 thrilled in the roont-" that he was drowned nt the '"'reveller .art.d and almo>t spoke. Dickie .tood xvith bowed head. His companions look, d at .nm cmi- ' V And the .loctor. very contposedly t^'- -^ - toddv. turned and set the ttntg upon the mantel. Ihen he looked at Dickie ugam. " \nd vou are a Tory," he hnished. \on ttu.t .he nncle who sent vonr br.Mlur to his death. ' U,t the red-haired .nddenly spoke again. (.ood ridl nee to him. then." he cried. " One Whig the less "Silence!" thundered Dickie. He winded upon his friend His great chest heaved; his f^sts were like "a'kt. "Anthonv. I could kill you '-My brother F^ • '• He turned away from them all, toward the door. Whiir'^, 'rc)ri(>. and Urtkoats 91 The) causlit liis arms. "Dickie, dont go!"' tlicy cried. " I'leasc— Dickie ! Antliony's tip^y," llicy urged. •• Amhony's fuddled. lle"ll l^eg your pardon. Won't you. Antliony? " •And I apologise, Dickie," s.iid i!ic doctor, "for toucliiug an old sore." ■• An old sore." saitl Dickie in a didl voice. " An oinii wound ! It l)locds a little, every day." Anthony came forward manftdly. " l-"orgive me, ' he said. •• 1 forgive," said Dickie. He looked at him. ihcn at ttie others. "Oh. lads, do you forgive me. Politics, politics! Where >hall we end some day. with these politics? " ■j'he cloud had. passed. " 1 can tell you." said the doct'.r in a lighter tone. " I'nder the pump, where the W'liigs will imt yon to cool your head-.' Dickie made no answer, hut Anthony took the doctor up. " And vou umler luck and key, as madmen," he retorted. "Come," said tlie ilocior, and ho slepi)>, ready. A glass all round. Then ' must go. Come. Master Paddock, a toast." The glasses were hllcd. " A toast? " asked Anthony, in his thin voice. " .\y. here's for you. A hard hod for every W'hig. hard nuts to crack with his teeth, hard answers to his petitions to the king, and hard sledding t ) i)refermcnt ! " Dickie haci refused the punch, and was silent. I'.nt the rest laughed. The doctor raised his glass. "Then here's for you," he cried, his jovial voice ringing. " Cobweb breeches for you all. hcuK- Uy mc. upon h " lhesU.o.w..r..n.kn.t,K,u.lu. ilu.tu;^^ seats seemed nules l.ehind ; the nnrhv.hnue . n.,- uere " a^;thocrackin.ofthewhipMhenn.hn.MK :ere unnoticed. I. ick^.cros.edln> arn. upon u^^^^^^ M„,khi. head. n. Hided, and. ,hed.ne.aM.a^^^^ traveller stole ^dances at the lad hv h.^ Mde. hu ni tl c Z^ aw little Dickie was unhappy, that much could ''ii:r:X ..ea^ed a ri^e at la., topped the hill. J pau.ed before the de.cent. Hear in the d.tance. a nnle or so awav. were the light., ol a town. •• Ho'-ton." said the dnvr. Boston' the traveller drew a breath, and leaned o, - ,,-^"110 .aw the hue. of .t,-eet. and even d,stm- :"hed he faces of house, in, he distant dot. oveUow. ^;;:av ,0 the right was the harbour, retlectmg the t houses of the town. The wav became more difficult ; vehicles and men on foot blocked the road. The stage fell in behind at a walk; those in the rear cl-.^ed up. They were at last in the middle of a throng >lowly moving forward, liut there was little noise; the loose crowd pushed on silentlv. The stage turned a.-ido ut the first cross street, and came into less crowded ways. The harbour breeze of mid-December cut the faces, but the traveller breathed ii eagerly. He studied his surruunding-. How low and weather-beaten seemed the hou>e> in then- I'.u.ton lanes. A man's eyes mea.sure differently from a boy ^. Though the streets were freer, he could not miss the signs of political excitement. The (piestion of the tea- ta.-; was a mere matter of privilege; the in -ignificant dutv was no hard-^hip to the coloni>ts. Di, ihey denied the'right to tax at all, and from Maine to Georgia they stood together on this question. Shrewdly the London leaders had sent to the colonies cargoes o.' tea to try the American temper at all points. At New York, rhiladelphia, Charle^ton, Annapoli>. the tea-ships had arrived or were expected. P-ut I'.oston was the bram and heart, even in those early days the backbone of political opposition. The whole of free-settled America (Canada was a conciuered province) was waiting tor Boston to sav what should be done. The Rostonians knew it. Stubbornly against the laiKiing ui ihc ica. UKV Vnv:;.' ucc; ;::::;■- u 1 'riu- Colonials ol violence. Al Hk "uu. ^^ Hasten. llK- toun-.ncc-tn>tT sat u, ^^^^^\^'^ ^ .^.^. ,„ ,io : c O.,. so,,.,,. a,„l ,v.,erc ..c s.a«c Urc.v „|, scntrcrs losccndcd, the stage uruxv. a the vount: Tork-s entered the taNcrn. an A „,„. „,a„ ca,,K. .,„rry,ns "::-;^,:;:,N, ;,,'„.,.• anpoU(. up. '-" . Dickie came hack to earth. \v.M'-^"he "Well- be a^kcd. '• Oh. T am st;ff! ^^Y What finishe.l ami looked auwn. - Oh, ifs you. Mck. N\ hat •• lluirphreys is ^ick. " \Vnr>;p ' " r II 1 n,i,i with the iiiuiortance ot a The httle man nodded, and witn UK UN, ,„i;; of m.vs l,c.;„,nBl,>a .1,. -rib,,,, o, rcgrn . *• Almost at his end." " He wants me?" •■ Ti'^ I'ncle. . ,, _ -..,.1,. of A lean and threadhare n.an came mto the eirek of I Wti'r'N loii(-->, aiul liiil^o.it- 95 light. He stooped sliRluly at the shouUlers, runniiJ^' his head forward so that his eyes peered out sharply from under his l>rous, as if Aith suspicion. His clothes ucrc neat, and his features clean-cut; but that air of u.picion gave the tone to his personality, seeming to produce a steaUhly step and a bearing of caution, while even the lines of hi., face were so moulded that they with ditVicultv assumed, and never long couM hold, an expression of frankness. This expression, however, though to the crhical eye faulty, at this moment they lul.l, and the merchant governed his hasty ^tcps into tlu. Mi.rrrestion of a stride, as he came to Dickie and „,ok hTm bv the arm. - Ah, lad! " he crie hand upim his uncle's, and pressed it alTeclionatelv. " Yes, sir. I'm back," he sai.l. " 15ut I am called to Humphreys, who is very ill. and wanes to ^ce me." " Yes. he's ill." replied his uncle, his eyes not meeting Dickie's, but resting on his sleeve. "Too ill. in fact, for vou to go. So come with me." •• rve waited here a half-hour." cried the little man, who had stood listening. "Mr. I Inmi^hrey. wam^ to see him badlv." The merchant turned on him. " Hm 1 have in-l been there The doctor came and ordered quiet. Dickie lad. come with me." He smote hi- mphew on the shoulder, and in a ghastly fashion smiled. " Come home. I ve much to tell vou." " You see," said Dickie to Nick, " I'd best not go. I m obliged for vour trouble. Tell Humphreys I will come m the morning. Good-night." He went with his iincie. The traveller stood bv the tavern wall, and followed L)0 'l'\\r Colonials • 11- 1 ■,,,■!,. -ind iu'dIicw. ■■ crabbed aL;c them will his c■vc^-. L irIc aim iiLpneN., . and youU." went an.-n-arm. Diclae s che.ry laug rang in the .treot ; he disengageU hi. arni, aid laid across his uncle's should .r. The travel er .hook 1 i . head '• How strange ! - he thought. " How strange . He was recalled to hiniseif by the angry sputterings of Ins neighbour. The Utile man started away ; Uie other followed. , Thev went toward the church. When tney emerged from Johffs Lane into Milk Street they came lU"-'" the crowd. Its outskirts reached to the lane; n thi„k- ned nearer the church, beneath the walls of which men pressed closely together, .tood with l^tle -ovem nt spoke few words, watched, and waited. Imi, it had remained for hours, and the little man, recogm.mg tlut ...thing new had happened, m.de u pause for question but pushed toward a small house that stood aero., the street, opposite the rear of the church. 1 e reached it. and turned .Unvn a ^de passage to its door. As be fitted a key to ibe lock, the traveller laid a hand upon liis arm. ^,.\.\„cr The little man scarcely turned. " I am not uorking to-night,- he said over his shoulder. " Not for al comers, that . There is another barber on Hanover Street." , , , " I must see Mr. Humphreys," said the other. _^ The little man shook his head. " He is very ill. _ " Therefore I must surely see him. Take him this message. I have come from a long distance to see him. My father and he were friends." Nick opened the door. " Wait here.' " It is cold." . . , , ^ , •• Wait here." The little man slipped mside, shut and locked the .loor. The other stood h. surprise: in Boston the latch-string was always out. He waited, stnkmg \\ Tuiic-^, ukI llcJ».oar.^ a miml) foot ayaiii.t iIr- -lop. li>tcning to llic imirmur vi the crowd, and watching the siknt church, its dim whidows prophesying strangely, its spire vani^hing ni blackness. At length Nick opened the door. " Come in." The house was dark. As the traveller entered. Xick took him by the sleeve. " This way, (luickly," he said, and urged him to the right. Th.; traveller smelt the smoke of candles just extin- guished. The coals of a v.ood fire gloweu in a tireplace. lie peered about him. ITgures sat motionless against the wall. "This v.ay."' insisted Xick. The traveller followed into a passage-way. Xick closed the door behind. He opened another, and light came. A candle stood on narrow stairs. Xick raised it, and ^teppe.l back. "• Go on up," he said. The traveller went up the stairs. worn by many feet fur many years sine- the babv Franklin was carried down iheni on the way to his ciiilly chri-iening. XickV candle lighted him from lielow : from above light streamed out upon a landing. He reached it, paused, and looked into a chamber. " In there," said Xick briefly, and closed the door below. It was many minutes, indeed a full hour, before the traveller again descended. He came slowlv, pausing at each step, thinking, doubting. He opened the entry door quietly, stood a moment, and opened the door to the front room. He had forgotten the my.>tery of his first entrance. There had been silence. .\t once was noise and con- fusion. Tn the full light of candles Xick the barber, between snrp..-e and rage, stood motionless. But a man sprang up from beneath Xick's ministering hands, his face half-daubed with paint, his hair stuck through 7 * J i 'i 111- Colonialb with feat'iers. Three others, crudely but completely di.-guiscd, ^t:lnl■d forward from their chairs. One leaped tu the mantel and l;le\v out a candle, ihe travc Her look til;' mr.aiiiiny liylil and heM il ainiw his head. The man iialf-painled stooped to tlie hearth. Four hatchets leaned aj.^ainst the jamb; the man seized one, its sharp edge gleaming. " Who are ye? " he cried as he rose again. " \\ ho is he, Xick? " " i'nt down the candle," ordered Xick. " Ptit it out! Why cdinc }c sjiying? " '■ A ^py ! " exclaimed the other-. They slL-i)p>'d closer, a da!igerou.-> ring. The travi'ller read thei:' temper in their eyes. lie turned to the l)arl)er. " Xick," he said, " .Mr. Humphreys is dead." "Dead!" they echoed. Xick imclenchcd Ins hanils. The man with the hatchet dropped his arm, and the others drew ixick into the corner of the room. The traveller put the candle down. "Will you cine and help me lay him on the bed?" he a>kcd of Xick. '■ And 1 think yon should take charge of \u> effects." " I u ill Clime," said Xick. " lUit — ye will say nothing of u^ ? " The tr..vel!er turm-d !ii> back. " What care I how yuu ma^nuerade." he said. He went into the entry. Xick followed and closed the door. They laid the dead man on the bed, and straightened the limbs. " Left lie any message? " asked Xick. " Or went he suddenly? " " Suddenly. He said something, just before, of that secretary, and young Ellery. That is all." " Ay," said Xick, " there is money in it. What now? " There was a step on the stair. They turned and looked. A figure appeared at the door, and X'ick started forward, respectful. " Doctor Warren!" \Vluu.>, l'(>rii-> and lUtK oats 99 'Ihc irnvt'llcr \va? in the shadow beyond ihc bed. lie Kuv a -raceiul lii^ure al llic ^h>,>v, oi middle lieii^^hl and well propurlioned. The head v.a. lieM a little forward; the cxpre.-^iun oi the iaee e:"-'ie-t. l)ii.',iiiiy and wnnh sat n])i)n Dr. Warren ; force, enthnsia>iii, devotion, were ail lo !)e read in his countenance. With one L,danee al liie traveller that seemed ai)le to ]Merce even dark- ness, the doctor v/ent to the bedside, looked into tlie (k-::(\ man's face, touched the wri-i. and lhoni,dU brietly. Then he turned to Nick. "Who was with, him?" he a>ked. Nick indicated tlie tr;iveller. " Come into the light," >aid the doctor, and the trav- eller, as in obedience to a military superior, stepped for- ward and met the doctor's eye. When he left the room it was wiih a.lniiration of the doctor, and with a feeling of relief from the keenest scrutiny he had ever tmdcrsone. The house below seemed now silent and deserted, and he let himself into the street. "That," he said, thinkinc: of the doctor, " is a man! " lie went and niingled with the crowd. CHAPTER III TEA AND SALT WATER The rrcat nuH'tiiig wa> mRmu iu the Old Soulh Church." A lew candies ht the edifice, casting shadows into corners, revcaUng but uncertainly the hundreds of faces ranged within the pews. The meeting was wait- ing ; there was no discusi T" Hours before, the citizens had resolved that tlie t u.uld on no account be landol Thev had sent x^otch, the owner of the first of the tea->hips. to carrv a message to the governor at Milton, demanding that the ships be allowed to clear tor I ondon. Since then. ..nly nuirniurs had passed through the church. Doctor Church arri-ed late, and for hiiu they made room where there was none before. Doctor Warren went out. to the wonderment of some: he re- turned in a ciuarter-hour. to their relief. Still, in the dim clnirch. the citizens sat patient. Doctor W arren took his seat again by Church's side. "What has happened?" asked the older man. turning his eves, a little haggard, on his more active colleague. "Was your patient dead?^" He read a change in Warren's countenance. ^_ " Yes." -.nswered Doctor Warren. " Apoplexy. As it unwilling to speak further, he dropped his eyes and shook his head. Witliout and within, the great crowd waited. T.te light in the west had gone: dusk departed, night came. Then at last was heard at the do._r of the church the Whi"-s, Tories And Hctlcoats lOI I stumbling of a tired horse. The crowd upon the stairs made wav for a man as ueary a? his steed, and through^ the church the whisper passed. " Kotch lias returned 1 ' The meeting roused into life. Prentice anr. " will you tell the meeting if, on your own responsibility, you will order the ship to leave the town? " The Quaker stoo'l firm: hi> aspect was honest. I cannot ''^l.e answered clearly. " The ship would be con- fiscated. It would ruin me." •• Will you'attempt, then, to land the tea to-morrow? " " If cailo!io(l either hy title or by fame. 'I'lu'V had asseintiied Xo ))r<)test aj^aitisl the act of one of tlie greatest inomrchs of the i,dobe. Dili anv know this was a cri.-is in world's history? How many looked forward to *'..e chanjje which the next miniuo wonld hejjin? Who foresaw that from that hour would daie the separation of two peoples? ( hu; man sat there, busy with f^reat thoughts. His was the master-mind of Massachusetts. But who of all that waited for his speech guessed the far-reaching import of his words? Samuel Adams looked about him, and caught the eye of Doctor Warren. The doctor nodded slightly. His eve passed to Doctor Church, who norlded also; to Mr. Hancock, upon whose lip a llitting smile appeared, almost a sneer, whose eye spoke with meaning. He met the glance of Paid Revere, who frowned and nodde 1 Ves, and caught the eye of Molinciix. whose face was set in inil'.'xilile resolution. 'I'Lcn .-lowly .Sanntcl .\(lams rose to his leet. There was absolute silence in the church. .As the iiush before an eartlujuake — nay, a- the stillness of nations wlun they wait for an em]x'rMr to pronounce iudgement, in ^uch a quiet the men of Boston waited for Sanntel Adams to speak. .And he, as he spoke, knew that his words, though simple in their sound, meant defiance to the king of England. " This meeting can do nothing more to save the country." That was all. Then came the abrupt sound of luui- dreds of people rising to their feet. Without words the meeting was dissolved, and the men of Boston turned their backs upon the scene of their long waiting. Tamely to return to their homes? Steadily, sturdily, they left the place. Wiiigs, 1 one ail'. K(cl t XK t)aiS I' The churcli was half empty, I>ut the lea lers had not moved. A few of them spoke tog;ethcr, hut all seemed lo he waitinij, listciiin<;. Somen h<. re in the streets without sounded a cry. Then came another and another, ilun a whole I)urst of sound. Xoises stranjii^e to Boston ]■•'■'• upon the air. D(3Ctor Ciuireh c.-itiq;Iit Doctor WaiTon l)y the arm. " Come," he said, " what is iliis? Let us see." lie pushed (|uickl\ lo the side door, r.nd out into the porch. !>om the steps they looked down upon a sea of faces, iaintly illumined by ilie scattered lights. People were l>u-.hinpf. crowding, craning their neck-;. Something was coming. What was it? There — at the corner of the cinirch, beneath the lamp — a gleam of steel. And then again that cry. " i'.y Jove," cried Doctor Church, clapping the oilur ■ ■n the sh.ouldcr. " the war-wlioop! " lie knew that eves \' ere on him; he pretended surprise. " Indians, as I nvc: Tile cry came again, and again, and again. Ai (ho corner began a commotion, arms were tossed, weai)ons v.crc lifted higii. Xot sv/ords. but liatchets, and l)elow wiTe featliercd head- and ])ainted faces. The war-cries nuilti])lied, and resounded in tlie narrow place. Tiie crowd pushed apart, and down tiie living lane came luirrying a motley band of shouting figures. Then across the v.ay the whoop was answered, and from the little house more Indians came rushing, broke througli the crowd, and fell in with the rest. The Indian cries rose louder, but among them now v.cre distingui.shed I'.nglish v.orfls: "To Criflin's wharf I To the tea-ships!" The people comprehended slowlw .\t fir-t, in a-ton- i-hment, they were silent. But one understood quicker than the rest, and gave his welcome to the Indian troop. Doctor Warren, looking among the crowd, found one :!■■ i(>4 The Colonials clear-lit face, and on it fixed his eyes. It was a young man's face, fired with cntlnisiasm. In sudden exultation at the pur])0>e of his countrymen. thi> man rai-.-d ln.> hand and ^tnK-l< it on his moutli. He gave out the real war-whoop, the terrilde sas-sa-kx.'i. it rang alM)VC its feebler imitations, palpitated in all ears, and struck into an instants silence the Indians themselves. Fists clenched, hearts heat faster ai the sinister cry, and startled listeners ga^^ped. " M- Cod! " cried Doctor Church. " Hear that ! " Doctor Warren did not move. The sound died. In an>wcr rose from every side a roar of fierce applause. Doctor Warren lost sight of the young man, as Indians and crowd swept onward to the wharves. I CHAPTER JV I Tin; EI-LHRV HOUSE From tlic walk of ilie old Ellory library the family portraits btill looked down, cliancngiiig the admiration of llu-ir descendants, but in vain, it adniirati.m iTic.ir.i imitation. The grim great-graiidtatlur. I'Vanci,. in coal of tin and hat of lead (anist unknown) pointed with drawn sword and deadly frown at kort Hill, froii' the staff of whicli the r repeal, conileiiiiiiiig that faint-hearted ai)anduninent of the principle^ of taxation as the encouragement of " the iacliul)3e- queiit, and present-day, unbearable boldness. Therefore it was not to be wondered at that the Ellerys who still remained, while they allowed their ancestors their places upon tiie walls, Tory talk v.iili hii uncle, and wander out into the -tr(^ets again, which was allowed upon promise that he wunld not go near tlie little hon^-e in Milk Street. • Mr. l-'.llery, alone, drew up heiore tlie tire, and with certain jj.apers from an iimer [tocket l)U-ied him-eli for a lull half-hour, cyphering at sums. .\ single camlle was enough for light, two meagre sticks upon the hearth supplied him warmth, as he worked induMiicjusly. Cut he had an ear for foreign ^iMuid-, and at the first fall of a foot upon tlie steps without he tiirust the papers back in their receptacle, and I)egan. though off the key, to hum a stave. H*^ knew that Dickie had come I)ack, but scarcelv had ti'ie to wonder at the ha-te in which he came. " Uncle." cried Dickie, bursting into the room. " {'\wW I " he stood panting. He was angrv — twice angry. ?Iis tmcle disarmed him of one \.eapon. "What i:. itl"" he asked, and \Ui liCci (juiciiy. \Mii-> loiR . .iiui U.-ik-o.irs 107 Dickie was no hand to I.Ianie t ,,i i,." panted Dickie, "is thr,,wn into tlie iiarbour. A mob disguisod as Indians - " 'I he (hrty villains ! " exclaimed his uncle. " Tdl me no more." Dickie came upon his lesser cause of an-er his h^aid '''"'''°" ^'"' '°'''''"'' " ■^"'' ''""'I''"'^\^-^ i" ^^-ad." Mr. ICllery .uuwd tn,m hi, chair. " \\h.„ ■-• he cncd A greater matter ihi>, ,., h„„. than an art of world-importance. ".Scarce an hour .since." rr-poncKd Dickie. " I met N.ck uMho .treet. Oh ! ,„ulc. H.nr.phrcvs wished to see me hc.orc he 'tMr. KlK.ryd,dn,„l„cd. I Ic U.ok a .tcp t.nvard the door, and pau.cd. '■ Who ua. u i,h hin, uhcnhe died.-' he a>ke(|. "I know not." said Dickie. ,t,n-icved to the heart at in- neglect of the old servant. -Mr Ellery hastened to the hall; Dickie, following, f-und hnn w.th h.s greatcoat alrea, the old stone house. A hug*^ c^'-', cheerl'^ss place : no fit dwelling, one would think, for just two men to occupy. T.ul Dickie would not sell it. He could go back in his mind to the clay when Frank, pale and <|nii-t. faced their uncle in the library and rrin-ed to -i^n a deed conveying the house. Then he had turned to Dickie. " Father said. ' Never sell the house or the wharf.' Some day F!l tell von whv." I'rank had disappeared thai very after- noon; Dickie had been out of the house— to him those were Frank's last words. The younger brother knew not the reason, but loyally adhered to the rule. The uncle's plead.ing: " Doctor Church will give ns a good price for the house, and Mr. Sears for the wharf," had ncjt moved Dickie. It was the one point upon which tl*.^.- *j».'^ f%- ♦■ rt /> *H Wlug^, lone-, .uu! luilio.lts f09 So tl'.c two Ellorys stayed on in tlu' house, almost lost in its immensity. The carvct of the Whig Ellcrys and their Whig I servants, the last to know the secrets of those solid * walls. An impulse seized her to take the candle from ^ the library, to visit each room, and to call up tliercin ^ the images of the past. Ann h.nd -oen liie house built, iiad witnessed the rir.-.t nicnl at its bo;ird. That sileiu dining-room had rung n thousand times with laughter. Two generations of children had sat within it — how many feasts, how many merrymakings had been there, she could not count. Governor and councillor, soldier, merchant, traveller, royal commissioner — tlicsc and more had partaken of the Ellery hospnalily. Many pipes of noble wine had gone by that board— tut, tut, a little smile came to Ann's face at the recollection ; then vanished, like the faces that were gone, like the beauty of the faded hangings — or like the glory of the cupboard that stood empty of its silver. The hall had seen so many things, Ann could not think of one, or only one. Here Franl: h.ad fought the constables and delivered Benjy. She shut the vision out. she would not think of Frank. The parlour, cold and 'I 1 lo The Coionuils 1 dresses, handsome forms of men and Nvomcn, moved there to music ; 'ind Ann, upon the threshold, watched them as thcv slow revolved. The courliy tashions oi forgotten davs, the stilted manners of an earlier tunc. to her were so familiar they were real. Ihe candle- light beamed soft upon those forms, the room grew warm again, the breath of life .^lirrcd in ihc nurl :ur, and sobs came crowding to the servant's breast. The librarv was still alive ; here Dickie and his uncle often sat. But there had also sat old Thomas Ellery— '• Smuggler EUerv •—with the gout, slapping his well le^ swearing his great oaths,and jesting with his friends, nts pewter llagon, which Ann once kept filled, still stood upon the table. Here too had sat Frank's father, the gentle merchant whose early death Boston still deplored. She looked at their portraits ; Ann did not know that an Fn-lish rirl. three thousand miles away, was thinking of tliosc portraits, of thnt house, at tha. same moment. So Ann wandered through the house, and ghosts met her at each turn. Men and women, children, guests and servants, moved noiseless in the halls and rooms, or passed her as she went up the stair. She saw their faces clearlv, but alas, thev could not speak. Finallv she came to the closed door of a chamber. ';he stretched her hand to the knob, then let it fall ; she could not open that room. The ghost that lived therein she could not face. That ghost could speak, not of the past, but of the future, every hojie in which was dead. Into iis face she could not look; its words she could not l,car That was Frank's room. 1-rank had been a baby in her arms, had been the pride of her ohl age. tlic hc.pe of the EUerv house. She strove to shut him from her mind, as everv dav she strove; but now tltc thought and the mood wer. too strong for her. She went again to Whigs, Toucb, and Redcoats II I the entrant ball an 1 hat was the pah. One after one Us men had da.k Dickie the la^t. a bov. wa, tricked and duped. AH vis wrong Her .ords were nothing; her wa nn.g ;:;i:r There .as no help any more. The ghost f^ ].-rank-s chamber came and stood over her. Ann rocked back and forth: her sobs sounded - the emp >^ ,,all At last she fell vp.n her knees, and stretched hr hands upward. " ( .h, God." she med " take me too, or send Frank again." Hopeless, hopeless appeal. There could be no answer. .. t- i ,. ;il Yet she thought she heard a vo.ce : "Frank u.H '' Slie gasperl then checked her breath, and in sUence Unelt and listened. Then can.e a little sound, as of wood .Uding upon wood. She looked " she cned loudh. Ttrotulv now she went to the dining-room, looking -ai abrut her'. There was no one there, the curtams o Ihe windows all were drawn. She went to the wamscot k: 1 1 :! Tlir C'()loni;lls near the tircplacc, and laid her candle on the ma el- picce. With both hands she touched the woodwork, pressed here, prc-^cd there. A tiny panel slipped aside. She put licr hand within the cavity, and fumbled. A whole section of the wainscot moved— a door that no one would suspect— and >wunj? away upon a hinge. A dark recess was shown ; Aim totik her caiidlo and slippeil inside. She shut the door behind, and looked about her fearfully. rhe candle lit a narrow, niustv -pace, strongly sheathed in rough-hewn oak. To her riglu she saw a brick wall, open in one small place to show the back of the hall wainscot. To the left a winding stair ran up and down ; beyond it was the chimney masonry. She barkened. Was there a Mjund, faint echoing from below? She was not sure. Trembling, she looked at the floor. She had swept it reccntlv: there was no dust to show footsteps. She crept to the end of the chamber, and examined the wainscot. Had ll'.c little panel been moved? She could not tell. In a corner lay heaps of silver vessels, black froin neglect, and by them a brass-bound box. They were the Ellery plate and jewels. Beside them were six little leather bags— Ann's savings of fifty years. " Nothing has been touched ! " she whispered. Had really any one been there ^ There was one way to l:now. She held the candle over the stair, looking down. She never swept here, except the first few steps. A little way down the dust would show. Should she go? The memory of the voice came to her. As on an owl's wing, fear swooped down. Trembling violently, she turned, and opened the door imo the dining-room. She stumbled hastily out, and the living air carne like a blessing. When she had closed the door behind her, \ Whigs, TDrio. mul R( cii o.its I ; and ilie wall seemed solid as before, she tottered to the table and sat down in one of the chairs. Tpon the board she pnt h.er am and laid her heail upon them. There she stayed until the opening of the outer door roused her. She licanl Dickie's voice: " But uncle, you were not able to go into the room?" -Doctor Warren." snarled Mr. Rllcry, -had scaled up everything, and Xick would not let me enter." \lc flung his greatcoat on the settle, and stamped up tlie stairs. Dickie came into the .linmg-room. " Ann ! Here you are. I'm going to bed." She rose. His voice reminded her of his father. Dickie was all she had left. Her heart warmed, then vearned to him. " Dickie." she said tenderlv. " shut the door. Come here, lad. I will tell you someihing." But Dickie had his own thoughts. He shook his head. " I know all about it." " Silver and jewels? " she said. " Silver and jewels," retorted Dickie, "will imt restore the tea. The king will be terribly angry. What is it you can tell me? The name= if some of these scoun- drels of Indians? " Ann grew hard again. " Would you tell ' " she a^ked. " Ay," answered Dickie sulkily. " They should hang. He did not mean it, but she flared. " I know nothing of your Indians." she cried. " But let the .ilvcr and jewels stay there. You shall never know." Dickie understood too late. " leather's silver'— mother's jewels?" he asked hastily. Ann raised a shaking arm. " You Tory," she said. " You shall never know. Xo Tory shall know." " Ann !" pleaded Dickie. "Where have you come with your Toryism?' she 114 'I'hc Colonial-- demanded. ". lIic honour, all the prosperity of the I^llcrys, was Whig. Yottr j:^ran(h'athcr, your father, your brother, all were Whig. Now where are you with your Tory uncle? Look at the shabbiness of the hou>>e, the meanness of your life. What figure does your nnclf make within the town ? " " Ann ! " he cried, startled at Ikt vilKMUonce. "And now the news that conies to-niglu," -he went on, her little figure shaking as she brought forth eacli fact. " Hunij)hreys is dead. Eight months he has bi'en sick. What has become of the business meanwhile? Coming to rack. Did you not know? I knew. Why, even the Savages have ceased to buy the Ellery rope. Think of that, after sixty years of trade. The hands discontented, the customers lost. Only Pete, and Hum- phreys sending directions from his bed. have k(.])t tlie gates of the yard open. Now what will happen ? Do you know the business? Xo ! Your uncle? 'Tis he that killed it! Are you proud of your Toryism now? Your wearing of broadcloth? Better have worn home- spun and learned the business, as Franl-. did. Oh. Dickie, Dickie ! Ruin is coming to us all ! " Another miglu have pitied him as he stood aston- ished. But Ann was angry. 15reathlcss from *.he invec- tive, she turned tn go. " Never will I tell vou of the jewels and the plate. Let them lie where they arc till I'Vank comes back ! "' "Frank comes back?" echoed Dickie. " Ay," she retorted bitterly, as she lefi the rouni. "His ghost!" CIIAPTF.R V THE NTAV MAXAGER ■:'i The sleep of ^Tr. FIUtv tliat !iii?lit was troublo\ little changes here an.Ir. F.llcry, always keenly appre- hensive at any change in his nephew's manner, won- dered what was to come. Dickie himself had spent a night of thought, and after one or two false starts succeeded in broaching the subject nearest to his mind. "I'ncle." he blurted at last," I hear that the business is in difficulties." An abyss, long dreaded, opened before Mr. F.llery's feet. It was as if Dickie had assumed the face and voice of his dead brother. andbegunagainthe old-time war of interests. Mr. EHery's heart began to flutter, as fear of consequences rose up. This was the most inconvenient time of all for his nepheTvr(j ri-bel. The busmessknown \ Whig^, ioiiis, and Redcoats i i J to be in straits. Dickie in oppoMtion— next would appear Doctor Warren to repeat his threat of a suit to change the guanhanship. On this last account ihorc was no possibility of driving Dickie to IVank's fate, thcrelore conciliation was the only way. I'ut at the moment he could not sniooih his face, and like the fox that shows his teeth, he snarled. ••WIio is meddling?" he demanded; "who told you It happened that Mr. EUery had mu^takcn Dickie, and hi., instinct led him to the proper speech. Dickie was not su.spiciou^. He failed to read the fear in his uncle s face, and ;-aw only the indignatii.n. He felt that he was prying. '■ Why, Ann,'" ho conios-ed. •• W hat do you wish to say? '" asked Mr. Ellery. Dickie stated with hesitation what was in his mind. •• I thought that maybe I, since 1 am to own them some dav. ought to enter the ropewalks and learn ilie trade." ilere mav be seen how liabit carries us through difti- cnlties. Mr. Ellery perceived from hi^ nephew's tone, iliffident and apologetic, how complete his own ascen- dency was. and suddenly relieved, went confidently tor- ward. Dickie was no such lad as Frank, enquiring and persistent. '• ( )> t of the question! " declared the uncle, and then more kindlv : "Out of the question. Dickie boy. "Tis very good of you to wi^h to lu'lp me. but I can carry it through alone. Ask me nothuig just now, in a few days I will tell von all about it." And so having gained time ; liaving, al'-o, caused his nephew to forget that the offer to enter tlie Inisiness sprang not so much from a desire to oblige as from a sense of duty, Mr. Ellery escaped from the house. Hi« heart '^till beat fast with the sense of dancer, not yet entirely avoided, and he sought iiS liic Colonials eagerly for a straw of help. But Dickie, relieved by the vuice oi authority from an offer which meant work, was free to attend to other platters. The town that day was lA agog, 'ilic \\ ln\;^ had taken, l)efore the world, the position from which they never retreated. Boston had thrown down the gauntlet to the king. While the new^ travellctl on *low packets to his majesty, hi> representatives in Boston sought to take the challenge u]). Customs officials, commis- sioners, the governor him.-^elf, came forward angrily. Nothing so bold had yet been done. The good Tories were shocked, the zealous ones were furious. Rewards were offered; it was understood that any jiarticipant in the tea-riot could have pardon, by naming others. But enquiry was checked at the outset. Who were the cul- prits? — whether a mere mob, or an organised band from the caucuses — and who, more important, were the in-ti- gators? — where was the proof? These were the baftling ((ucstions. Would any of these Whigs betray the rest? Whig as well as Tory asked the last question. More than a hun(h-ed persons knew the -ecret. Would any tell? Dickie ])hmged into the whirl of the excitement with a boy's delight that something was doing. He joined groups at street corners, visited the wharves to \ iew the ships, examined the samples of the soggy tea which were exhibited to rouse the indignation of all Tories, and read the bulletins that already offered rewards. Unusual feelings rose within him — a desire to chuckle, a vague envy of the privilege of such destruction — inere boyish instincts, but far from the sensations proper to one of his party. When he met Anthony Paddock, he was not of the state of mind in wliic!; he could wholly sympathise with .Anthony's denunciations. ' rint 'he a"*^ors," he A ntVi/^rtir ■ 1 1 m*-i/-i cTMim I saw in the town last night ? " (iawdl " "Gad! " echoed Xick. "The imn like him," .^aid Pete. "He made Us a speech when -Mr. 1-^llery leii. " Vuu have been idlin' here,' he say-. ' I'll have no mure of that. Wretched stuiif you've made for rope. 'Tis no rope ; 'ii> marliii. .\'o wonder business is off," he says. ' Xo more of this now. 1 noticed some rope in the counling-houic here, hang- ing on the wall, five sizes. I make that a standard. If you can't make rope as good as that, Pll find men who can.' That \va> Mr. I'rank's rope, Xick. made when he was sixteen. Tlic hands got a half-holiday when he finished the cable." But Xick was not attending. " If he should tell! " he said. "Gentlemen were talking in the >hi >]) this morn- ing of tlie puiii-hnient. "Ti^ not trea-on, bnt 'tis near as bad." "He'll not icH." asserted Pete. "If lie told about the fioatin' tea, he's no Tory. How was iliat" " " 'Tis true," responded Xick. brightening. " Xo Tory WfiifTs, Tories, aiul U at his side on the vvharl. You and the rest " " Lower," cautioned Pete. Xick lowered his voice. " Vou and the rest were hrealdnjj up the tea-chests and throwing the tea over- board. All were Wliig.s around us. He said to me: ' Who arc these Indians? ' I said ' Mohawks.' ' They do their uork ill,' he says. lie showed nie the tea, lloating in heai)s inches out of water. ' Men in boats,' he said, ' could pick lip a tiiird of it.' I passed the word along." " 'Twas well." said Pete. " The tea was light as feathers, it would have floated till midnight. lUit we stirred it well after that. Xow it lies on Dorchester Beach." " Small virtue to it left." " P.tit do you suppose." asked Pete. " he remembers mv face from last nitrht? " " lIu-1 1 : I'eet sounded on the v.alk without, then on the steps. A key rattled in the lock, and the new manager stood in the doorway. , " All, Xick." he said, '" working so late? An~ai(l Pitc, riMUg and touching his forelock. I llmuglu tlii> morning I had seen vou before. \\ lure was it, can you say?" " Xo, sir." ■■ \\\ !!, ] must tliink it out. Faces change — are dis- guiscij. Well, good-night." They heard him going up the stairs. Pete sat down heavily. " He's teasing me ! And does he lodge here ? " " In the garret, till Mr. Humphreys' roum is ready. Put I feel better of him, I\-te. He'll not tell." .\nd he did not, nor did anv one. While the Tories *4 11 122 'lilt' Colonials tried all mcan>, no Whig came forward to betray, no luethod was found to break their armour of silence. Jlut Mr. i:ilery. it will be seen, had a coninuinication for his nephew that night. It had the effect of direct- ness, and wa> suited to it^ end. 'ihat they were poor, and that Humphreys' methods were anti<|nated. must be acknowledged. .\nd yet Mr. I'.Uery had never con- cealed the first fact from his nephew, antl the second— " my father did not 1 reed mc to the business, Dickie," lie said regretfully. " and you know 1 was twenty years in \ew York "—had only just been discovpre. and children arc Whigs, Torirs, and Krilcoats 1-3 easily diverted, and it was a simple matter to lead him from uncomfortable topics, as Mr. Ellery had once more proved. But as a Maltese, when once grown, will watch for hours at a mouse's hole, or as a bulldog learns to keep its grip, so Dickie had possibilities before him. eiiArTER VI TUK IIKITISII COFKKK IlorSE The vcar wore along, l^-ton lay snow..! under or a.e .tree., ran wa.er in the February ^^-v. L . 'hanj^e. prevailed in politic, uhere wmter elull a,vl .tnn.-r heat contended. In Anu.r.ca ^'-f --;;";; were more important than the weather, uh.le oscr tn Mamltbe Kin. a,Kl rarhamem were preparm, , an- i.hmcnt lorthede^tructrMiot the tea. Piekie l-Uerv, , pen-eyed and open-montheci, le.encd rionmlhnn. Anthony 1 'add. >ch wa.h. .u.le and conn.ellor. taking -re that all Uem^ ot ne.^ ^onM reaeh Dickie', ear. ;n their pmper torm. I he ma Uer .he i tulles- .alarv and the in,pcaehnu>nt of the Ch,e ,^;;:.:,;,....,nin,oftheHon.e.rrankhn.a.^^^^^ that he had .ent to Atner.ea U.e '-.on. IhU nn^ s<.n letter., evett the proposed Massachn.ett. Acts e. ceiallv uf the la^t Dickie leartted Irom A,t,hon>. t vas deM'ntcd. he was told, by special tr.al to pto- tcc^ ^ ^ <- .enattt from pnm^lnnent for violence ::;.:nu.d m the conr.e of hi. dmie. 't-s proposed ,,, ,,,,idoe the rh.dtt to hold town-nteettng.. atvl b> . -ii,,- ;„,l, Ot lUit the measure with the name oi WlUCil wa- iingnig, was ihe I'.o-^lon i'ort Uill, ihc colony which the port of Boslo n w as to 1)0 clo^c(l, aiu! ihc -oat ol i;-'ivcTii- iiKiit rdiiovcd. until liio tea should bo ]K:h\ i ir. Dickie UK 1 not see tho wiMloni o f this uii lil .\nlhon\- pom tod out that loss ai trade wou Id spe edilv brinj; tho Whigs to -n Yot (init, whon all would -'o smoothly aga m. m spno I) trom the ot chor i Anil'.onyV caro 'ido, principally through Dickie heard echoes Roilmaii Sav- itre, once I'>ank's triond. and T.arhara. Rodman'- prt ttv i-ister, wlio w as older tkan Diik 10. vo t fond of him. am desirous that tho l)oy diould mak jmeihing: of himst If. he learned that the Whigs would not SUi)- rom tiiem i^e icarnec mil, that the town would never pay for the tea, nnrl that :\larbKhoad. Xowburyport, and Saloni, rofu>ing to profit bv the di-lro.-s of a sistor-t.jwn, offered the merchants of Boston free use of their wharves And when the bills passed Paidiament, and it was learned that soldiers wore coming to enforce thorn, it was Ivxlnian who pointed out to Dickie the inevitable ..uffering of tho working classes, "^nd Barbara who. with unspoken reproach for Dickie's listlessness, showed him how the Fdlery man- ager was forestalling distress among his workmen. •• When vour uncle was roaily to close the v.ork-. said Barbara, "as all other ropemakers have done, and as mv father had to do v.ith his slu,)vards. did not your 11*'' manager guarantee your miclo tv.enty pounus a week it he would keep the ropowalks open." " " Ay," answered Dickie. '• ?ee what one m.an ha- done," said B.arbara. " He is Init Rodman's age. In six months he has saved you.r trade from r-.un " "Ruin?" stammered Dickie. " Av." she said. " Tlow little von know of your own affairs! But the town know^. lie lia- saved you from H 120 'lilt- Coloiiial.- iailurc so successfully iha- new he dares to run the business by aid of lii> C(juntry irade alune. and if this embargo is short will ^ave h'> men irum poverty, gain you credit, and merit the thanks of llie toun. \ et prob- a1)lv the hemp -upply will fail, and he must close." JJickie knew what ^lie was thinking: tint -hi.-, man- ager was setting an example fm- him to follow. And as the lad thought of the coming distress in the town, of soldiers and a i^ossible repetition of the Massacre, ho saw that the work of one m.an would not only keep many people well fed, but al-o help restrain the workmen from making trouble. More than any other cla^s of men the ropemakers were turbulent and fearless. Dickie felt a touch of shame that he was so small a factor in hi.-, own att;iirs. And spurred a little by I-arbara's words, he watched events with a new desire to inform himself. The coming of (icneral < iage, the new governor, and the departure of li'.Uchin-on, the old, ])lea^ed him with their pagean- trv, but when tl'.e ! 'ort Hill was i)Ut in force there was no such delight fcjr Dickie as for h\> Tory friends. On the first day oi Jtme the warships in the harl)"ur moved into position tipon all die cluanneU, and along the water frot.l. Xo boat was to be allowed to come or go with iiuTchamlise. The governor left the to^v•n for Salem, with all the ofTicers. I'.clls tolled in all the churches, there were mom-.iing emblems on Whig houses, and gentlemen apjieareil in black upon the streets. Ship- building ceased, sailors, ropemakers. and dockmen were thrown out of work. Trade of all kinds was affected; the shoemaker, the tailor, the baker, the marketman, all felt the blow at their prosicrity. Yet at the Fdlery vard there wa-- activity, and the luanager, as he went about his work, knew that the thanks of his men silently followed him. Wlii!j:. . l\)rK-, ;iiul IiciK oats !■ or almo.-t ininicdiauly Mifloring n in tilt' Iciw: 1 1 was small cun- trcmi lacK ui money to uuy luou solation 1(5 a scli'-rc-pccling man tliat he couKI live on 1 came in from ulhcr tow as in the the contribution.^ w liich pro vnicc. T O "■>) u lU u! loi-MJ anil tiicl lailv to the Donation (./unmutt. e street- to 111 in th ,lii) had al\ tor was .■It- exasperatitm to those men wlm liau always been seii- su])porting. Tlierc was iki pre-^ent liopc of clian.i;e : tlie town, in a crowded meeting, refi!>ed to pay for the tea, and nntil \hc jiaxnient wa> made the act-- weie to con- tinue in force. And Dickie sitrlied fi^r tlie uuhicky peopU'. Vet as llie lung-expected troops began to arrive, his mind stirred wiin pleasure ai ihc sight of iheui. Alulo^l uail> , throughout June and July, there were new companies debarking, or artillery rumbling through the streets to the Common. ( lentlemen and ladies went ever\- day to view the paratle : on the streets the gay coats of the ofticers became a familiar >iglu. Dickie loved to watcli them, and Anthon> boasted. I"urther opiiositioii was now impossible. What if, a.-- now was clear, the -ister colonies were uphiilding .Ma.-sachusett>. and by coiuri- butiou'- were feeding the jxxir ui IJo-ton.-' What though all the colonies were choosing delegates to a general Congress? Nothing could be done again>t the army of King CJeorge. Vet the W'liigs were stiff-necked still. In a crowded meeting they refused to abolish that " root of sedition." the Committee of t'orresjKJudence, aiu! steadily con- tiiuu'd tcj strengihen their union with the other coloin'es. In the face of the governor's threats they circulated an agreement to consume no Tuore Engli-^h goods. Xay, the Whig leader^, .\dams, W.arren, Hancock, and the rest, went openlv about sedition^ business, defnng arrest, and the guwrnor did n(jt dare to seize them. ^^vl :";il I2S The Ci)i()niai.-^ iJickio marvelled. Amhuny's tleers, ilie contempt ui llic Tories for the " oli'scouring of the carih," could not Iiliiid the lad's eyes to the courage of the Whie^s " And i wi^h you fellows would be more temperate, ' he hurst out one day, as he escaped from the coiiipany of his friends. — A new thint^. a strange departure for Uickie. He was trying to think fur him-elf. The mood continued, for in the streets he met his manager, tall, silent, and observant. Here was Dickie's chance to know him better, and liis little feeling of reiH'llion ag;iinst his iVieml^" iiitolerancr ])riiiii])ied a strange proposal. "' W here are you going'' " he a.^ked. " To Inncli .at the CotTce House? May I not go too? " He saw the other tlush beneath his ta'i. and under hesitation detected jileasurr. Tlu' manager agreed, and the two went to the Coffee House together. It was an unusual meal to Dickie. He was with a Whig, with his uncle's servant, yet witli a man of character, one stronger ihan hini>eli. Tlu- few words were cuncise; the slow smile was attractive: tlu' keen, (luick-glancing eye showed self-reliance. Dickie's inter'--^t in the man- ager grew. They had !)een earing alone: the meal was all tini-hed but the cheese. Then, with great clatter. ;i half-dozen officers came into the room, .\rriving too late to use the table by the windov.-, which Dickie and the manager already held, the group stood irresolute, debating where to sit. ■' We arc nearly finished," whispered Dickie. " 5:-hall we not give up the table and go? " " r.y no means," said the other cahuly. The officers took the table near tluir own. Dickie was glad that he had not gone. Every item of their equipments pleased, him — their swords, their button-^, belts, scarves, collars. He forgot his companion and stared epenly. The manager, calling fur a long clay w H^^x 1. )i!c^. aiul Kcdroat^ '■<■} pipe, filled it am! -niDkni. 'I'lu" officers tali-a'.l, uhilc .vailiiiLC itir their food. iJickic heard every word. Their carelc.-s maimer spoke to Dickie of far cam- I)aign-, the life of the world. Their confidence was the outcome of llritirh sncces.se> in a score of wars. I low- fine nnist lie tlie life of men who were so frank aii'l free, who lauj:jl!ed so tjaily. ordered their wine so jovially, who filled the rt)oni with the clamour aiid the glamour of fighting men! ( iood-natured, loo, iliey were, as they kaid asiile tli'ir -word-', -eated themselves, ami began liantering eacli other. There were two that interested Dickie most. One was a haughty man, whose stern eye, clean-cut nose, lijug upper lip, and j;'.w -poke ari-tocrac}'. his manner, ea>e. Dickie saw him in profile. The other was in full- face. shiM-ter, lirigliter, gentler far of feature, cpiicker of s])eech. I'.etweeu these two uere divided the grace and gnmdeur of the soldier. ( )iie of the oflicers -poke to tlie -horte-r one, laugh- ing. " I'.gad. ('-eorge," he said; "vou are the only one of ri'l tlu' regiment that likes this I'o-toii." " Well," -aid the otlier, lirightly, " 1 hnv" cause, l-'irst as you know, jack, hecan-e 1 like everything, even \ou " " Hear ! " they cried. .\nd '^econd, lieeause I'o-ton yiresideil in the stars at my birth, tii influence my fate. I even ha\'e a liking for tliese Boston Whig-." They all protested loudly, but t!ie captain's smile was cheerfully defiant. " Tis true," lie said jauntily. He showed white teeth ; Dickie loved him for his face. " My be'^t friend was a Boston Whig, tho">hc is dead." " Explain," said one. The i)ther looked at him s'.irprised. " Yuu know the m til St li »3o 'The Colonial story of niv Alico," In- said, as if thai wrif explanation enough. It was. His (lucstiontr lififd hi-- glass. " To Mistress Alice! ■■ and they drank. '• But your worst cncuiy. George,"' was the next ques- tion. " Is lie yet dehned, or is lie, mayhap, also dead? " 1 lickie ^a\v a change in the eai)taiirs face. " I hank ( ,(.d he i- 1 " and hi- tt. " 1 le and I could not hiith live together on thi> earth." " .\iid ua- he a Whig-' " •■He were the king's l;ver> , hut I never ^aw him." " Xever saw him .' " ■■ M \' \\ hig friend kuled Inm. l', you stt^ry." They scented to knuw, at the explanation. name," asked one. " A-k Sotheran " The haughty captain had sat unMiiiliug. spoke, and together the others turned to liim. Dickie noticed in this act a trihute to his character. " Kh, 'tis a man of force." he thought. " I know the name," the cajUaiu said. The voice was strong and even. " i'.ut if you ]>lease. 1 will not tell it." Dickie recognised this as a warning ' 't to ask. 1 here was a moment's awkward pause before a fresh topic was introduced, and Dickie, always curious, lunged to know more of the forliidden subject. Th.eir meal came now. Dickie noted with pleasure that it was served h\- the (jhicer-' servants iii uniiorm. He turned to the manager. " Wdiat fun to have one's own servants, and to live as well as the.-c men. ' The maiKiger rai-ed his linger and beckoned to one of the servants. The man came. " Will you tell me the name of the officer who sits facing us?" " Captain Tudor, sir." now t!ie •■ Hut his Now he Wh 'to'' I Dllt-. .Ilk u fLU'oats 1^1 lie m an spoke loud ami inrncil away. Tlie officers hcarc and looKec Tud or tiin iled, Inn the nearer cap- tain, Sotluran. l.iiil hi- brow^. The di^^tance \va- short between the two tables, and he spoke •^o as to Ijc dis- tinctly heard. "Sir. you are asking names"" ■■ If Ca])tain Tudor will pardon nie." ■■ lerlaiiilv." ,-aid Tudor; I)Ut the other continued: " I'erhaps ycni would like to knijw nunc.' " The servants all stood still, to uatch and listen. The (jfiicer> evideiitls- jiricked their ear-. Dickie hjoked umiuietly at the inana.uer. then at C'apiain Tudor, who spoke. "Hey there." he said (|uickly to the servant-. " Vou fellows go out. atid shut the door. Sotheraii, the gentleman ha> a right to a>k my name." Captain Solheran, sliil looking at the manager, answered nierelv: "The gentlemati does not rej)ly." There was a moment of silence in which Dickie felt his heart heating faighi'd — " but I sliould be glad to know how you came l)y that scar cm your temple." The scar s])rang out suddenlv iiuo view, white, as the skin around it reddened. The ofncer clinched his lumds : 1 )ickie gasped. " Sotherau," cried Tudor spring- ing u]), " Ilenrv, I beg of you " Ca])tain Solheran rose. His tlush died; hi.-, face was calm but ominous as he faced the manacrer across the tables. " I sh:dl be very glad to inform \>>u, sir, at any time and place that you tnay name." " Complete," s;iid (Mie of the officers. Tudor sat down again, shrugging as one resigned. The manager tapjjcd uijun the table with his fingers. ASl J , , 'ilit' C'i)loni.iLs His cvc> .11.1 not move from Solhcran-s fa-c. "You • '• u . '>;,! •■ If n.'iiiis iiic not to meet honour nic, ;ir, he >aid. it paui.s you." , . .. T The Ensli^h captain laughed, and took his seat. i t ,M v.jti ••'!,. saul to the others, '• Uk- \Vhij;s vvouUl not llohi'" Dickie's excitement gave way to discomU.rt, and on the face of Captain Tudor relief and disappomt- incnt blended. "The fellow seems stuui and i.rm (.uoukIi." Tudor thought. The manager reddened now; he felt the change m them all, and in the stillness spoke again. " My reasons, '''•-Wlu.-i^h priggish rea^on.!" interjected Solheran. •• \re"Jimplv in the public rerpie^t of the governor, to have no ciuarrels. I cannot take it upon me to break the peace of the town." Captrin T;i.lor'. face cleared. -The gentleman is right," he >aid. The ..ihers nodde.l, all but Captam Solheran. , , The manager inlii> turn ru.e. "And I have certam duties, -ir. ^^hich 1 may not now ri-k. Vrt n 1 cciiM ,H,t meet von, I acknowledge that 1 should not provoke you. In'^o tar. T beg your pard EUory. m,c renutnherrd the .h.K-k .)f learning ot his drownms^ In her heart Nva. a little corner kept for her memones of him r.nt that was a-; h-n- a-o as the Massacre, fonr vears. and nothin- el-e had ever gone ann.> wUh r.arl)ara. .\t Ian the day cam.' when life wa-> weanM,nie ' So she declared to herself, and >he l.elieved it. Little r.arl)ara stood pontini,- and t;ipi>in,L;- v.i'.h her n.oi. -,. che looked otu of her xxindow at the re,arhara-tho~e p,',ntim; lips, those tla>hin- eyes. th:U
  • damtnl poisc, hrnvcv'er -reat vexation they express, show no si-n --t the f^rand despair which yet can come in Inc. \o. it was qtdte in i-norance (^f her possibilities of -nfferin^- that i'arbara thons'in herself weary of life, ^ho was ansrv. her patriotism was wonnded. her i>nde ■•,, her home was ontra-ed; bnt a< for wclcominc: -lealh Tarb-ira ha.l no thonght of nich a thin- The bl-.lie was sutleriii:.' under a peacefu. blockade. I lu- dnnii and life waked her eacli iimrning, and she was ashamed, as slic worked abont the honse. to notice her fingers and feet moving to niihtarv ir.ii-ic. And thi> inorning.finding Iier fcjot again tapping intiine, •-he bnr^-t into tear^ ,,{ niortilicatimi. ar.d cried (.ill amid sobs; •■ ( )h. I Iiatr tlieni! I hate them! " So siie (hd. So knew Captain 'I'ndor a^- ho met her glance, when before long, with Kat\- in attendance, Barbara K'lt the house for mar,^et. So feh Mistress Caroline Oliver, tiie Tory belle, when tiie two ladies cxclianged frigid salutations in i)a.s>ing. And the gentlemen attendant on Mistress r)iiver laughed among themselves, (jtiietly, when i'.arbara had passed. "An iceberg! Defend me!" " Xay. rather a withering llame ! F.h, Tndniay tl.c caj.tam . re.iucst. •' You wijh to W'lii''^ TDrics. aiul Kciii'o.its J 3 -peak with ilio .t^fiitlcMiian ulio wa^ witli im- at t ic Coffee Ik )11M' irii-t you ^o not to convrv a chal- idtre Xav," sail! tin- captain nn'kh "J i..rl)i.]. I have encinimi i-< mecrninL^ hini ; \iiur I'orv leaders licre h;ive ImM me that hi-i life is valuable lo them." "lie I ( >nr ni.inajjer ' " eric.l Diikir. "A\," said the captain. '■ '] licy >ay that he aloiic hi lids in chccix mmit most dani^erntis das-;, the rope- niakers. \n;\r .Mr. Sfci-ctar\ I'lucker s,i\-> this niana,^'er can do more to keep [hv town's piace than a ri'!L;;imcnt of dragoons." •' Indeed?" said Dickie .as li,- ^kc^hu to Ii;,.! the way. This was a snrprise. ihat .Mr. .'Secretary f-'lucker should I'ven know of the evi,tenee of the Illlcrv nianaq-er. "N'et the statement was \ cry likel\- true. !\openiakers had I'roM.trht ahont the .Massacre, hut since tlie .soldiers" commj,'- they had lucn vcrv ipiiet. If lie sliuuld lie killed, or i-ven iiiinred hv one of iis,"' ■-aid llie captain. "' his men. wIiom' lircad. I ninh'rstand, depends on him alonr. w.)nld It.-ive tiie town hv the ears at once, '{"here miist he tio duel." They went alon,c: toi^etlier. tail Itmiherin.i,' Dickie and I he -ipriplitly cajXain. cotitra-tinj; ;,'reatl\-. vet tiic Kngiishman conhl even chat ^aily. Dickie found, with ■uch a stran,<,-er and a ho\- as he. ( )f the town and the fort lull, of a certain search wiiicli the captain feared he must prosecute without success, mdcss one Dickie Idlory "Dickie l-".llery ! " cried Dickie. '-Win, [ am he!" " ."^o," said tlie captain in surprise. " \ cm live in a jireat stone house by the water? .\nd own ropewalks' \ es. sn I was told. .\nd had yon, mv dear sir — " the captain halted, and looker! upon Dickie verv earncstlv — "a brother who went awa} >ome year^ ago?" 'i: •3^^ The Colonials "A hroili'T crrt;iml>." ?ai were piled a few bales of rope. Other sheds stood ahnost empty— the hemj-. shed-, tluir U-~ening storage foretellintr the time when the l-.Ucry w rk. inn-t close. T.tit the place was active still. Two ir.onili- more, the manager expected. Tlie eaptain went to lln' open ir.- " Then he perceived Dickie, and pulled hi. forekK-k. "Send the m.anager. I'ete," '^aid Dickie. " Av, -ir." and the man went to fetch limi. The eai)lain, at the do(-pr. wa< conscious of lowering glances at his nnifovm. but looked in at the work with the frank interest lie felt. " Somewhere in Boston," he said. " i-^ a r-ipev.alk- that is dear to me. You are interested. Mr. Kllery. T was j,g,.„_ :„ fi-i- tf^.v.-n before this month, vet hen- wa- bred a man to whom I owe—" he stopped and mu.ed. " And Wliitia, Toiifs, and lUdcoats ^37 I thnuplit you were the brother. There is no other in the low 11 that suits. Alice imi.->t come herself; I shall write her so. Forgive tnc, Mr. IlUcry. I was thinking of my sister; she is \vaiti11j4 but my word to come here, anil I like not to have her alone in London ; since my father died her best place is near me. And she longs to see the town, to know his relatives. Yes, 1 must write 1 need her he![). Ilere i> liie manager." .'^tejjs pattered, a lail tame running, anil halted in front of the cai)taiii. Then the manager appeared, and tlie Ijoy's glance went back and forth betwe.'U the two men as tiiry ^poke. " \nu have come to see me?" asked tlie m.inager. " .\y," said the captain, "and witli strange feelings." "Indeed?" Tlie \\ big wa- very ItiriMal, very well- liTi-ii. 1 >ii.'kie was strucl-; by !ii> manner. 1 am in a nr.t of yon," langluil tlie I'.ngli-hman. '■ Here are forty W'iiigs, earh uiih a woldring stick. Are not tho~e the instruments your men drub our soldier.s with? And I but with a swunl." The captain's manner was engaging, and the manager relaxed and smiled. The I)oy si)oke ijuickly. " We will not hurt you." ".And why not?" asked the captain. " The Eng!i>h," answered the lad, " are to shed the first blood." " Eh? " cried Tmlur, startled. "Roger," said the manager, "go away noA." "Who is he?" a-ked tlie captain as the lad went away. The manager shock bi« head. "IK' knows, but lie will not tell. .A runawav. past doubt. I foi.md him all but fro;?en. almost starved, in the counirv three months since, as T was journeying on business " "But what he said?" pursued the captain. "The ■■if ;!i i;.8 I'he Colonials English are to shed the first blood. What did he mean? " •• "Tis preached in '-very pulpil, " said the manager. " Even the children know it." •• P.ut tile..." a^ked Tudur eagerly. " Clood once shed, what then? " The manager .h.uuk his head. " May the tune not come." ■• But wouUl the colonials fight? " •• C)ur one desire i>. to have no fighting." " You do not answer me! "' cried Tudor. " Do I need? " The captain looked at the Whig. Thi. tall manager. the sinewv ropemakers. typified the town and the colony. There were hundreds of such workm.en m the streets, there were many such others to lead th' m. Tudor ran over rapidlv in his mind the Whigs that J been pointed out to hnn: ihi^ managei ; young Savage; Knox, the big bookseller; Warren, the doctor— one and all, thcv were figlUers. •' (",ad! " he said astonished, " I believe you would. And Dickie w?s troubled a> he heard him. The town rci'-i. the colonv rebel? It was called but a threat to frighten the Tori-. Vet the W higs had courage. Of that he had no ked the Whig. Willi;.:, Tories, and llfdcouts 139 " Xay," said Tudor (iuickl\-. " I canic oi inv own motion, as a peacemaker. I understand, -ir, vour reasons for jxj-tixjnin.c: a duel. Honour lead> xou to po-tpone ii merely, .'uid 1 learn the lenein.i,^ master lu re ]>rizcs your skill above hi., own. \'et \o;ir ania_i;o- nir-t wouKI be the mo-t jiraeti^ed liand in London. And — ])ardon me. sir, ii I >\>vdk of thi>. \et you cannot know it — he is my friend, 'tis his one laull, but lie is merciless to an adversary." " You pre mi^tal^en. Captain Tudor." said the ir.anager, " T knew of it." Then his maimer changed, and he looked upon the captain kindly. " This i.-, very good of you,' he said. Vou canic to say " " To express the hope." said Tudor, " that since a meeting nuist be jio 'poned, the matter might eventually be forgotten altogt. ler." " ^'ou ar-' very gooil," said the manager again. " .\nd yet 1 cannot please \ou, e"a])tain Tun- sidcr that you have higlily horouredi nie. And when you know us colonists better, sir, I hope that you will not lose your interest in our affairs." "W ere all the colMnivt>," thoi'ght Tud. t, "a -^courage- ous in a quarrel as thi> man?" I'.iu there were figures at the gate: Rodm;i!i ."^avage was there, and Dickie cried out " I'arbara ! " " Pete," said tli( imager, calling up his foreman. r.-^ke charge fo- • .■ re-t >n the day. 1 am going awav. Cajitain Tudor. I go to sail in the harbour wi::i my friend-. Do yo'U care to ccjuie^" Tudor was soon to go (jii (Inty. and declined. Yet he was introduced to the pretty Whig whom he had m if ll * ■•;.* 140 The Co!;)tii;ils admire.!. Her cheek, were warm at the s,-ht otjr.s unit, .rr.i ; h.u lier manner was cohl al meetni- him. i he K<::M, c;'.i)'.: inV inmiour came to his rescne. •• Will the colonists t^ght? " he a.^keil himself. h.Te i.- one that wiil I " The (lue-^iiun and its answer stayed hy him dnrm- the afternoon; if there shonld be an onihreak. it wonld not he safe for Alice to come. I'ut an evenmi; with oineers a-M Tnriec di~i.e!led all doulu'^. Kidicnlon. to snppose that the Whi-. would persevere in their opposition. iSeforc the captain ^lept that iwRht he wrote to his sister, begging her to come to Boston. CIIAITl-R Mil TiiL \ovai;e ^?\ Tliat tall yornq- lady with tair taoe, who read her hruilicr's Utter latween Miiiles ami t<.'arr-, ]ake of her [nwc, fea.'-Ii'SS heantv. That the_\- all loved her — indeed, for thi- very character of jund'y and courage, some did not. When ill r eyes ila-hed h'.n^i^ni I lo(lj:j;-cs siteeclile-s in the mi'lst of Ids son.tj. wlnti luT >ilence rebuked the junior capiain for his je.-t — cidd ami hai;,q;ht\-. said the}- hoth. !hii she was anproachal.'le hy all, adim'red 1)\- manw lovrd hy at least one, .M.ajor liarley, whose spirit crawled on the deck hifore her. " \\ hat does she like? " asked some. " Xeiihcr wine, nor cards, nor merry talk." I'm t!;e few tm,->poiled ijoys. the honest, lonely major. ;ind tlte astonished sea- ' .p;ain, fonnd lur tastes to !)i' for simplicitv, honestv, and tor healthy, nnfashionable amusements. Alice had been a hor-ewnman in London. IIow thov had clustered around her when she rode ! Rut the close air of the card-room, the restless, anx'otis spirits at the ii 14- "llu C'i)li)ni:ils .1,0 would he on deck, would l.rcaihc the air, watch the shin aud welcome each portent oi the sea. Ihe por- poise. anh, the .lislant berg, and ,a,l,-ilu-.e were mr lu r. Not the low dusky cal.u,, the i)ack of card^, nor the ship's wine. Health and pooddivins, these she loved. These others loved iti her. kluv were unusual: so much the more to he pri/ed. •' -X'onc of your funcky lad>e>, whimpered the mate. " She eats the food and finds no fault.- •' T-\rad." said the captain aside to Major Harley. "Watch her as she swavs with the >hip. See the ,,,,Umr-t!ie hknvini^ hair! Were I twenty years youn,t;er " "Were I ten vear. vounser!" though' p-or liarle>. ( hie thing f.f Alice : she did not forget. 1 low should one who iia> eaten l.oiled deerskin despise ship's beet? How should one who has starved, indeed, ever cease to be thankful for ])lenl^ ': And again. Xatur.. who had been harsh to her, she l(jved— loved wiu.l and blowing -yx^xx . loved the great waves, the staggering ship. She ga., -d each hour at the tumbling waters. She had an eve for the common men, the sailors oi the troop-ship. 'an.l the luckless troops. If she were on »he dec!: (as she almost always was) the poor privates worn bv sickness, the sailors tired by toil, felt the da> brighter and their !)odies stronger. I' or she walked among the ni. smiled, and spoke. And sometimes, as to all sterling natures, came to A. lice ...... the great melancholv of the sea. its eternal broo, a kuelv Snhmx. know^ ing no answers to her own question^: Where -go we? w'hat is this all for^ This was not nnhappiness. on!v wonder, overwhelming awe. and tlierewitii a sweet con- \\ u-> i'oiir-^. .iiui I'lcdi ().it> M.. tent, ju>t li> livi , tu I'c in ilic world, to >ai! npiKi the bca and let Ciod guide her. At such times Ilarlcy and the captain, or the mate, stood {^iiard lest any should di>Uirh her. llcr maid n)ii~ed Alice that la>t mnriiiii_2;, poor >ick (diri^liiie, in wlinve voice iuv the lir>t time was chei it'iil- lle^-. " I'lO.'-iiiii Harljouf i> in siLdii." -Mice dressed (|t'.ickly, and \sem u]Hin the declc. Ih-r first vi<-\s fr(im the conipanii inway wa-> land, a lnw, i^'recn hillock risiii^j from the water. ."• lie looked from -(tuth to north. There, scattered alont;-, were mi.ire ikit liills in groups cjr singly. Clo^e at hand ro-e up in --harp eontra^l ^onie rocky i.■^let^. ( hi one of tlinn was a lighl- liouse. Beyond, a channel opened. The ^hip wa- mak- ing for the entrance. The soldiers w ere alread\' nu deck ; ^ome were ewn jiart way u\) the >hri.nd>. ( )ne by one the olticers came up on the quarter, hut Alice did not see them. She stood at the bulwark, holding to a stay, and fixed her eyes upon the land. She saw the grasses waving, she smelt upon the l)ree/e the odour of new hay. 1-land after island opened to her view as the ship beat it:, way along the channel. Fishermen in boats were close at hand. Cattle grazed upon the hillsides. It wa- peacc- fu!, lovely, almost English. The minutes pas'^ed unnoticed. The orders of the seamen tacking shi]) ; the flapping of the canvas ; tlip crov,d of gesticulating -oldier,-. glad of land at last; even the old delight of wind in her far", .ii tiie rushhig ship — all this made no impression. She thought no more of the coming reunion wiJi her brother, ignored the group of ofticers behind, naw at last even liet whereaboitts passed from her mind. This was not regret : it wa'^ not memor\- ^he lived nu-.-iin in nnfiihf-r time and n the snow \va> a vonng man tullin},^ I'anii-hed lo a sliade, laint unto death. A dream, a ni.L;lilniare ol (icvutiun, un-elli-ii- ness, sacrifice. A to^^t nt oih.er men by which Uk-v failfd. The roar of a c;innon shauered her vision, and brnn.cht lier to hcrscli. Ihey had reached tb.e ni-ier li:irl)..nr. A little fortress was saliiliuL,'; there were Vvarshijis at a short distaiK-c, and sailhfj.its ;r.i)ved on the water near at hand. The soldiers on the forecastle hvi^Mn to cheer. . .lice looked bevond all, and ^-aw riTuLr from the water wharves and houses, cupola-, trees and -pirc-. iler bo>oni ro--e and fell ; her eves -hone. I'o-t'in ! The officers cnnvdcd brliiiid her. pointed, a-ked, and talked. There was the tlai;->hii), there llie h.itiery. .^he did not hear. The noMe ships of w;ir -he did not see. l"(jr her was onlv the town, where iTank had lived, where were his brother and his friends, She gazed aiul gazed, and could not have enough. CHAPTER IX AX AKUIVAL Captain Tndor had ii-ct his M^ter when she landed upon Lon.c; W hari. .\Hee"^ oyos wore hri-^ht and ca^er as she j,danced ahoiu her. Already from the >hip >he had recoj,nii>ed Uu- I'.d^tun of I'rank's de-eriptions— the many steeples, the numiTous wharves, the Trininmit behind ail. Xow whrii uii foot -he iuwinl !ier->elf willnn the town it-^ch", she h)uke(l i,,r nuire of tho.-e si,>;ns lon^: familiar in her dreams. Ai the very hr.t, one -lood before her. l'r.)m liie wliarf -i street stret.died on. iior.Irred wiih buildin,t,'-> mostly of a irnhHc nature, shops, wa.relionses, taverns, and the cnstoms house, several of them were handsome huildintrs. all were (jf a ]ileasin,i( simplei .s, proper to the main street of a colonial town. Hnt ai he end of the street, standin.t,- directly in the middU'. was a^ bnildins- finer tha!i the others, scpiare-shouldered, (li,c:nified. and stronr;-. Alice stopped and re.crarded it. "What is the matter?" a^^ked her brother, but she did not turn fr.nn lookini,^ Ihe buildiiti; was crowned with a bell-cano[.y, and su])- portin.q- its pediment were two heraldic beasts, the li,)n and the nnieorn. sne said aloud. AI " 'Tis the Town House ! " "Ay," he answered, surprised. "How knew vou. ice . ? " There were others in attendance vfnni-r off;,-^.r 1^6 'I'lu Colonials to mci'i iho Lon.ion \hc Mill sl.uul inoli.nilcss. I'ir.-i hcT tixcl i,M/A- was tiR- look oi one tryin- to rccollccl ; then -ho I'uu up lur h^in.l v> !kt tnupU', and clo-r.! hcr cvcs '-(ih!" she' -ai.l Muldouly, and turned to llu- riVit, lookin- a-an,. Vrnu^ ihc hn.ad Mrcol ran a nar- row Huk- aUev. •••rhcrr!" >he cried. Thr.m-li llic allev ua> si^ihle. at a hundred yard--, U fud oi another kir-e l.inldin-, - 'hh.-re i> ii." repealed Alice hurriedlv. " 1 know tlu- place. •• Ti., Faneuil llali;' -aid the hrolhcr. " Vcs. ' -lu- said, llcr breath wa- quicker, her die. k> were tludiod, a< she turned lo him. " (k'orgo, conu- with nic." die enjoined, ami to her escort she said: " C.eutleinen. 1 ]>v^ you to excuse me." She went (piickly to the alK v, leavinj.; an a-toni-hoil .^roup. Her brother kept at her side. "What is it. .Mice .' Ik- a>ked afjain. •• i )o you really think " •• It has all come back to me," she interrupted. " I can find the wav to I-rank^ house. Do not ask me questions, but come." She walked with hastv step, .ind he, his interest incrcasiniJ, went on with her. At the end of the allev they saw the whole of Faneui! Hall. Alice cast up but one £::lance at the stately build- ing, passed its end. and found the water- of the Town Dock King across the straight path. " Pnit there is a drawbridge." she cried. " ( )h-t!iere ' " A little to th- ridn a drawbridge spanned th," entrance of the dock; ero-ved, and entered anoth.er nh-'v in front. he to a larger street, running to I icrlit and left. Without he-iiation -he turned to the right. " W e go on this." she said, " till we find the h.-ge house facing the liarbour." W'hij^N 1 Due . aui! l'i< di ').it.- '4; "Arc yon imi — " Urpan lur liro'lier. nivl chrckcd himself. lie walkfil at Iht ■•idc as slic b.urricd on. Tlioy went aioni^^ tlie -trecl as it curved to the ri^hi. following the \.aIer-iront. lM-e(|iient npenin.L;' Ud d'<:\n t(i the wliarve-, wlure u>eU>- .-lii]ijnni; la\- iinni;,L;od : to tlic left were streets runniii!.^- ,cway into the town. Alice looked at each hou>e. " There :" a-ked lur l)n)ther. a^ they came to iMie of larger size. "' .\ of wood, and I'rankV stood in it-- gare^ >he pre-^ed on, whik,- he, wondering nnich, hut con-tantly n;ore excited. kei>l i)ace. Snddenlv to ik.e right the huikling- ojicned to >h(nv the water, and to the left a karge g.irden ro-e in a gentle ^lojie. She saw and ([uickened her >\v\). 'I hen she slop])cd. " There! " she whisin-red ag.dn. .\ flagged walk ran from the iron gate of the garden to the front of a great stone house. Dark and grim it frowned upon her. hut she looked at it and smiled. " There it is," she repeated, and clasped her hands. '■ It must be! " cri'^d her brother. " Come," "^hc said. They entered the gate and went along the tlags. ■' The knocker is an engic,"' she stated. " There is a great brass latch." .\s they mounted the steps to the porch her brother saw that she was right. He seized the knocker and rapped loudly; .Mice stood waiting in suspense, with her e\e.s upon the heav\- panelled door. Who w(^uld come ? The latidi was rai ed: the door opened inward. .\ li'tle old woman stood there looking out. Her face was w rinlded, her hair grey, and she wrapped her thin h.mds in the folds of her blue-checked apron. Alice looked for a moment, then she started forward, holding out her liand*. " Ann! " she crit^d. -*r^ I U ' 'I"!ic ColoniuU " Land -avr u-! " cxclaiiiKi! tin- little wouirm, rctrral- iw^. Alice lollMuri!. "Aim," -liv -aid iiiurc gciilly. •• 1 1)1 icar inc. I cuine wiih news of 1-rank." •• 1 rank? " cried \\u\ loudly, ikr nunitli opened, she bcj^an to j,'a-i). " 1 rar.k?"* she repeated feebly. Some (,iie came to the door at the riLdil. and Alice turn. 1 to sec a tall ymnii,'- man. "Dickie!" :-li>.- ex^lair.ud, luT lace bcainin.L:. At the same inonunt her l.rother -poke. " I'dlery!" he cried. " So \oU li\ e here .' ' '■ Ye.'^." ati-ucred liicl.ie, "and this is your si-ler.^ lie looke.l iqion lur in awkwanl astoni-hnient, her grace, lier -v.eet face, but mo>l lur glance vA undis- guised ai'feclion, C(jnfn-im; him. '• 1 ;in! Alice Tudor." >lie -aid. " Dickie. 1 know you better than \oii think. I knew \om- hroiher l'r..nk." " I'.nl Alice,"' -aid her brother. "Hi- broiher v.a- drowned here, ye.ar- a!_;o." " No," -he re]ilied. " lie was not drowned. 1!.' wt'iU awav 1o the great woodr ; he lived there, and iherc I knew liim." " Xot drowned," ga-ped -onie one in the room behi'^d Dickie. Dickie turned. " I'ncle ! " he '^aid, loeling strange and afraid. " i lere i- -uch news ! " .Mr. l-".!lerv sat in his f.ather's chair, lii- hau'ls on its arm-, and tlujugh he tried lo ri -e he shook, and v'ould not. '■ i'Vank — " he rejuated — "nut (.Irowned? What — ^vhat ': " Dickie turned again suddenlv, with joy in his face. " Thicn 0, here i- he? " he demanded. '■ Ib.n he i- dead. ui. vertheless," slie an-wtrcd adiy. " He died — -avitig me." '\\v. Ellery ga.-pcd again, and colour came back to his face. Whigs, TorifN :ul Picdroats i.}q Dead ? " ho dcmarrlcd hoarsclv. " Arc vou " I am sure." lie rose now, though unsteadily. "Did you sec his body? " he pcr.-isted. " I vaw his hody," slie answered qtiit-tly. " I — " I'c said. " F — " III- put up a liaud to covt r hii niouih. " I am sorry." he fini-hed. Ann, uiio had been h>tcnin{T closely, i)m lur :r,.V'>n to lu-r twitching face. And Dickit'. pali-, lun l;- lii- in ad. "' \'.'(.'l]/' he M''.,dicd. " Tis the same." " Tis not the same," cried .\ i\-o with .c^lowint:; face. "Tis not at all the .ter m r. turn ? " lie M i/ed her hands and clunpf to then.. .\nn, throuph her ! ar , wa'clu ! thi^ wond- rfnl vi-i'.n. Xono such had been in tli..t hon-i fur iie.irh- twentv vears. Mr. Ellery, now qu' e recovered, step[>ed afTably to ("aptain Tudor. " .Ma\ 1 •'ffer \ on an your sister," he askecl, "a t,dass of u ine " " lUit Dickie and \lic-e con.timied to look at each, other, he with fre(|ui-nt h.a-hfid i^lances, astonished and con- f'.ised, sl;e with t'.irect and beauiint; looks. She was enraptured, bri^lu with delitrht at her inspiration, and at the same time reverentlv thankful, as one who re- ceives a lon_ui e, coiiit'i ri,"t\'c i.'iiitji at iivi ivei. i5<' '1 ilC CljllJlU.ll i It ua> all ^o luu- tc Alu-r, so i)U'a-,ini. and so strange! To 1)0 .huwii [he hoii^iMlK' i)nrtrail>, ami I'rank's room; to -ec iJukic ,111.1 iiiiil that -111- couUl luvc him; to iiml Ann; to look ai Mr. Kllcry and uiulcrstans: this Uncinate. 1 lur. I'-ut iho altirnoon was half :^pfnt, and she look her leavo. 1 Kr hr-.thcr hroiu^lit Ikt to the lod^;inj,'s which Ik- had i.tciuirrd I'-r lur. She lolt ^crrnrly iliankiul al luT >nccc--, and \vi>h<"d, to qiiii't Irt txiiti'd heart, o;ilv to \>v alone and think. lUn al the lodyinj; a v;~itor v.a,^ wailini,'. al the »i.L;ht of whom Tndor ^ave a cry of welcome. " Ileiir\ ' " he exckiimeil. " Thi-, i> very kim .Mice, here is L'aptain .^otheran (jf ^)nr> to wail ujion you, the friend of whom 1 wrole " lie wa^ actually red'':enim; hei'ore her: i)OMtively difti- denl and afraid. Thi^ \\a^ the Captain Sotheran of whom she had heard -o mncli — the duelli-t. the woman killer. Kumour had ilatlered lum; he ua> not coui. She simled and cnn--c'\cd. "("a])iain Sotheran do.j> u,e much honour," -.he ■-aid. l',ul he had -ullicienl boldness to read her face, and in her appr kind a.- to excuse me, Captain, for 1 am \vear\ from my da\ ." S!;c left the two ofificers ;done torr,.tlu'r, :ind d'udor hur-l into l;iuL;hter. " She herself mu-t hhnli ! " he repealed. " I'-gad, ytriict (.•oiupleinciUs, as Dickie at lir^t -^i^'ht liail iVIt il.iiii t.. 1)0. l.acli wa^ ila- adoriiuK'nt .-i ihc "iIkt, lor iy>\\v ,111(1 ^'racc. firniiu'^s and i.liaiu-y. lian^dit- mc-, and aiiiial.ililN . i-oolne^s and warimli, character- ised the one and the other. In a u.nd. ilu> ucrc the K'renadier and the li^r),, ,„iantrMiian. l-.ach had hi, cwii streiiK'lii, hrantv, and lailin-— ..t which laM Solhcran's was (to the ordinarv ul). erven lii> [.ride; liidor's. that inistiulncss which i., the \\eakiic>^ of an hoiu>>t heart. They went out. .Alice, at lier ehaniher window, -at tor an iioiir, luokin- out upon a street of that town of wliicli she iiad M.) oiten thou,L,dit. licr emotion, were .,troni,' within her. She was again m the Xew World; v.hat furt ine would it hriiiL,'' happiness, tlie following,' day, veeiiied to sIkmv. .She careil not that 'I'^rv Ho, ton wa, at her feet, that from the -^'overnor to .\iith.in\ I'addock the men admired her. She .sou-lit out j'rank', friend, and made them her own. She sent lor Ro.lm.m Sava.t^e; she called in per, on ui)on i'.arl.ara; she he-.i,^ed that Doctor Warren would come to see Iht. and when he appeared anions: r,,rie-. and redcoats she t;ave him honour hefore them ad. iler parlour made a neutral .c^roiuKl. where partisan^ met and laid aside their diffen^nces. De.ctor Church, as usual cnltivating his eye for the heatuiful. he.sjL'ed to he pre- Muted. She drew into her circle Kno\ the h. ., ikseller, .•:nd hi> charming wife. .\t her afternoon. Tore aiul Whig drank chocolate logetluT. l\,r a while it seemc! as It she were the imol'ticial agent of peace hetweeii the factions, \nd as 'die came to know her new ac<|uaintancrs hettcr, there opened before her a path of happiness a, .vet imtroil hv liei. vet v. hich for every woman is allur- ing. Captain SotJieran. a- Iter lirothorC dearet friend. ^'8:- The Culoniuls ,. ^. t!,o littli^ r.i»ta<^-c \.-hcrc Alice, with ^ir, Drew, wan! ,i conw wuh Iut tmn, hn^;an,l. c- cc.vod her (ricna. The captan. .till helic.l h>s repu a- 11.. v.as called hamrhly, cnl,l. a ina-t.r rath-r Ix' SL'cnied witli ■^o in lact tion. than a M'.itor '■{ wmni'n. oUuT^. l^nt v,i,h.\!ic. !u. wa. yiehhn^anaattemnc. . student of IKT wi he.. She learned from other, then surpri^e ;U hi> nnwonted manner, the -l.-tmetiun uas flalterini,- and I'lea.an.t. . n: -l-i,. ()„lv two thin- tronhled her. One was that _.)-.Uu. ,nracud like the other youn,; Tor^e.. was learnm^ the London accon,pli.lnncnts which the onicer. lud nun. auced. 'in:e.ned^-nl.. never to exce.., and m^anunc: „variahlv won. hm the luve had hcen .atal to manv another 'hoy. She eomnu.nded Sotheran andlur brother to guard Dickie from harn. And her M-eond ,,,„;,,l,_irritation, ra.her-ua^ that Irom dav .o day v-^., ivwti^one.l h.r vi it to the I'dlery ropewalks. Ihc n^anacrer. one dav absent in the countrv, on the next too bu^v'for an interview, con-tantlv put oh the vhU .or uln;h ^he km^ed, wlnle in the meantime the da> vNas ,lrawimr near when :. .r lack of heu'p tlie walk> mu^t close Tin- man..o-er hiiu^elf interested i.er. so was he nrai^e.l bv the Whi-- for his achievement. ^ et she Ijad .„,n neither hi,n nor the ro^ewalk^. when that uav arrived on which General (iaj^e ^ecret.v sent out to Cambridee and seized tlu- cok>ny"s powder. CHAPTER X Till ■- SIXnxn (Vi- SKPTENfnF.R IIic last hemp ha.l l.c-cn lru-klc-,1 an.I .fnm. thr lo.t oal.Ic hound in i,. coil. Ti,.. la^t cu.stonuT, a countrv- n^an. took ,1 in hi. cart, Tl,,. uwu watchoi hin, a. hc drovc av.ay. l^orty >i,nuHT^ anrl tiu-ir w^rk was .lonc Ihc sic};c was llnisluM, tlie tiirrc months uvrc -ver Now, like their fellows ,,f the .,iher walks, tliev were to go ..n, „no the toN,n. work, u thev nnL,d,t.'in the cliar.ty hnckyarcis, and stand in hne n,r the Donation oinmntee s provision... Tlie end had hcen delaved but It had conic. Thcbell rang for the last time. Pete, the foreman came trom the c-.tnuin-hou ;e >or. " .Men," he said' "filo up n.,w fur your p.iv. .\„d the mana-er is to c^ive a .irumea extra m each married man. ten .Inhin-. to us that s sin-le." . 'nir mana.cer Mood at the count m.L^dion.e door look- "'^ as thev had .dways seen him. re-olute and calm ;.o men fell into hie and walked up for tlu ir pav' l-.ach looKcd him in the face and said hi-, thank. Tlie ;^'anaj:^.r shook each hy the liand, and warned Irm -,, I^--P tlic peace of the tov.n. Then in ..roups the num ncnt away. Lxcept for the few montiis of IlumnhrevV ^'CK-ness. some of them had worked there half their live-> •"" ucre not asham.d of tears, .^".ome laucfhed reck- l"^y. some swore hitterlv. '• IHood.- mmtered some as they thought of the soldier.., - mu.H pay for thi. ' - 154 The Colonials The manager and Pete shut th .real g te . and locked the.n uUh the heavy pp.lh>ck. Kog.r, the manaeer-s protege was wiih ihc.n. The two men taccd manaj,'-' ^ ' ^ u^„a- Pc^o choked and could each other and struck hand., let. cl.oKea not speak; the other also was >uovcd ''! - > ; ^^;^ the Fllerv walks had not nopped work. 1 hc> turned ;: oifposite directions, and Uo.er kept at the n.anager . side, to be presently dismissed. " Go home." said his protector k.ndlv. Ask M.K n vou can help him in anv wnv. an,l wait untd I come. aIoi^ the Inager walked toward the Comn.on. busied with his thoughts. , , -. He drew an audible breath at last, and ra. 11^ He.d Uo looked abo-u hn.i as a new man. M clt a'tl^'hc said. -'Now things ^ will change. 1 hev were changed alrea ilv. he building ^cenH.l finer, the streets broader, the very SKy bhier a^^ he walked aw .ng. With a different eve he looked each luan ,n the [a. e a. he pa.^sed. and when be reached the Lounnon .c >tood LIstirveyed it a. one that had come into ns hern g B^ghtwasthesunonlhat^epteulber.la^. h .- was richest green, the tent^ gleamed while. 1 a, as .u, :l. were glmtiug arm. m motion, and n.archmg troops ,^•0 contra. t to the musing herd iha, couched upon L slope. The regimen,, were exerciMug ; in one pla.c. lLewashringatamark,_.t,okepuUedrepea^ S .nd the reports came to his ears agamst the u-nd. 'Unon tho Mall were gentlemen and ladies, ofncers. Tories and evui Whig^, differing ^.nmglv nt -her homespun dress from tl.-e in gnver colour^. 1 rom T,e nearer group, be heard laughter, and . .tram o ;!;nit^:rv mu^ic clme. A hohdav and carelcs scene it wa. to him who came ther^ with a purno.e. He mingled whh the crowd and sought his friend.. Thcv "^rc not upon the Mall, he did not hnd them ! Whig5, Tories, am] Rrdcoats i-- '^ :';^'''- '^^' ■^'■^^^- Al.Mrc.. Dliver with her httle court and La,lvilarru.tLcl.n,l. far c.cl,pM„^, ho n V--I beamy .uh h.r a-h,„rn,;; tra„J Th.r . " ;^r^T •■ ""'""'"" "^'' respondent l„:cks and -'parks; here uere i.no ladies in s.Iks and laces scarcely -oresoberl,de.kedfor.he,.ornin,pro..cnac^^ Z T""^ -;t-tainn,ont. Vnn no.vhere did he see he or,. Ik- sought. At last i,v the ,lrincr-.,uad he per! c. vod a httle .E^roup, an-e were. Rodn.an and Harhara. u-„h Tudor close . l.ad ,herc_stoodn,,,,Uun,ln.u,^I,i^^^ I> s.le a .^racetni „.„,, The Manager hahoi ; n^ne •^Mheui had seen n':ii Tint ,r- \i; i ,■ , . int.. dim;.- ,- \ "•^' ''"^•■^''^'^•'""k.I,nrbri-htlv• mo DKkKVs tace. A vouthtul forui. a v.onian's eve nd .ertous ,„outh-un -p„iK.d beautv. no sophistica d London he.le. Hc,-e there wa. none u. court'. t/ he uas at ea.e. She .a. „ health, her cheeks ^H at:vv,th n-,end., and uiih ..„eh fr.end. - The.-efo e MIC was happv. The ur.-n. .-,■,- - ' i , , "'^"^'^'- •Hthisho'^;, ,,,;;,'''■■■'••-' ••■'•''^ '■''-'-' ''Pot. her. n.' hesitated to s,^ak to ,u.,- Ho. .h„uld he .peak at^,.ddhesav. Ho. ...,„d he n.ake her Lw I'lm. — lhis i> what happened Tudor had been .houin,. ,.,T hi. contpanv to P.arlnra ;-' -"H ..all success. The tar^.t. '„ no C^T '••"ce, was httle marred : Tudor uas vexed \V r r .I.at.ala.veonntrvuKtn.hoh-ul Jl, ^^ "^ ' UT.nderedon ,h,. r. ' . '"'.''' '"M'roduce and wr.ndered on ih,. Common to '-,.,■ the a.q:nms( a tr.M and !i!i!^ht>fl. ■• wi l^■ ^o-,h. „„,,.,,„^^,.,^.^^^.^.^__^,^^^^_^^^,^_^ The n,en .ere .ncrrv. and •uuttored, Tudor saw that na.bara stru.,,,Iel l-;arhara tnrn.,1 away >n,l.l.nl.v. 1 n.l..r iht^hed. "Coriv.ral." hr ^aid sharply. - Ih-in? lu-re thrcimt- kcts. Now. .nv man. yott shall ,c;ivc nic a prool 01 your •• One uun-il do." >aid the fellow nn.h^turbod. P.ut ^.,1 ,^,^^,, ,, „,,,,,1,-." He watched the men otfer thetr guns eagerlv t'. , th. corporal. - ( au-.-. your men. ap n. La like to have me lalhn- at -cm. Til lake th,s one. lie balanced it in h.i^ hand, -l-ordl what a heavv ,,„,,., ^,,,,,K,,,:^ Well then.- He f.red at a tree and .P.,;;;.! ,he re.uh. - Kicks like a ntule. Xo wonder ( aiVn. vonr r. en can't ^hoot. Twtce too much paowdcr ,, ,H, Kill. Xaow. if y>n, please. Til show yon what. ,K, i,,aded; a villa.^n^ wn he seemed to he. and kept on ,,ith hi. talkin-. " We use balls halt the weight ot these. (;oje.-asfar:Cap-n:killu.--a^' ;;'' V''^'^'^^'- ' ^^>'^-'~- '""'^ marchin' in a ro";.zb conntry , , , r , Tudo," cm hnn -hort. - Your ^v.n i^ loaded. Let nic see von ^hoot.'■ The ^okel wa> alert, and aimed. The sohhers cntned their ttecks to ^ee : Barbara. Rodn.an. Dickie. ^'"1 Ahce prc^sed nearer. Tlte fellow fire.h and, ,|ropped the btUt upon the frround. Mice clapped her hand. • .a otills- ^''-T.Vo.h- ^ai.l the grinning fellow, looking .ound. •• VonVe pre.tv. mv ladv. and r-ee well. Where's that fellow goings Come back. Corp'ral. Can't you :-ec the Whi-s, Tories, and Hedcoats ,-- "'*;bai,d II,. Inthertola.. uunu.n. ..nm.l „,nvH .u.ck as s,,lu. iii. .,,_,,,,,,,,,, ..,,,.•„..„:,; "c.ilo..da. ,u,ckasilu.: Stand awav, Cur,,,:.! ' i„ shcnvyou ..ow. AlaH<.Capn. Jcs' above U. other ;;ole He h d. and Al.ce cried a^ain to her brother- ab:n:i;;:r'°"^^^"'^""^--"^ '-=—'- "Shall I tire a-iin? " a^ked ih. cn'Mitrvman. li< "ill iDiiiii,'' a- Tudor stood blank, l,,- r.coverc.l inn^eli ue tiinied to Alice and Mnde.i. " Thi. i, sud, l-rank's was, Alice." She shook her head. • Xot at all!" she -leclared. lo hit someth.ns ni.ivin- i, far nmr- ditru-nl- - I can do that, too." said li.e vokel. lie loaded the gi!n atraui. " \\ liat vhall I hit ? '• " Cdve the ^uu ... „K.," .a.;,i Ute .nanager from behind. "'^■.;- '""'-I to him. but he did no. look :u them. He tuok the gtt. fro.n the cnnntryman an.l ^a.ed out on _he water. I I^ore uere a> ahvavs ^nll. npon the bav. '-1 >ng. screaming, and .|>,arrelling. ..une tloated on tlie wa er. sonte swept across the line of .ight. Xune stnted 1>"'. Ihev uau-heu bin, as he .rowned and looked •\hce, wuh a httle gasp, crept t,p to her brother, and n,t orhandmh,. T-,do.gkmcedather.nin.tant,stnii; "k^^- _ llu. 1. Dickie, manager," he said. " X'o." she whimper- d. in a tone of awe A gnil detached .t..elf from the rot, heading for the arbour. It came directiv a, the gronp. thing hig -anm, to pass overhead, g,.:,g .,,,,. p..,,, Leu,; - . ' -- t'- ''anle.t .hot the bird conld present. ra cd h.s gun and on the instant tired. The gnll was -trnck m the breast, seemed to crutt.ple like paper, and 158 I'hf Colonial: f.U a n-ia^s ni feather.. Tudor, the soldiers, even Rod- man and the countryman ened out. The manager gave tlte gun to the corpora and turned to his friend.. Barbara snuled, Dickie cried bravo. He paid no attention. AHce stood by her brother, shak- h,g and pale. Her eye. were tixed upon the ^^^^^^J'y ^' fear v.as visible m her .ace. 1 le stepped to her and held out his hands. He spoke, himself much moved. •• Do vou not know me." " •■ I'rank' •• .he cried, and cUmg to him trembling. ■YUrvr ihev >tood to,Teiher. crowned with happmess. eekers l]\ing. Again iie looked at the uncon- scious Alice. A voice cried " Kodman ! " It was Doctor Warren, walking rapidlv witli other Whigs ot intluence. IK- beckoned Rodman. "I shall need you." he called. Rodman, with a last Jance at his new-tound friend, vent after the doctor. The noise of the troops increased ; the heavy sound oi moving cannon came. 1 wo men i)a>,-,ed close at hand: ilie governor anxious and perplexed: and the lieutenant-governoi,' Oliver, his wig awry, a.^ from a hurried journey. '•'Tis not a mad mob," hrank heard him ^av■ "but determined. They are marshalled in order. You mu.,i not thmk of sending troops against them." Thev passed on. Frank turned to his brotlier and placed Alice, now fir.st moving, m his arms. " Take her home, Dickie— _I^arbara!" he took both her hand^ and kissed them. lake care of her; I mu.t go." He hastened after Rodman. liL ^"■ T/?e landina of the Briiish ircops 2 /i Boston ^/ier Paul Hrvcr^'s J rint %^^ mm .♦i.i Ill Book Three ^ AN ARMED TRUCE 4 *:^SW-«?, Chapter One Welcome; Brother' !S, (luriny a Ion- pcnod of drv siirn- riiLT weather, vt-nns arc cx.)ecto! but do not come, and in the (luiet of each evening- distant thunder i. iifard, from day to day louder, so throu-h the year liad increased the om;n(.us mutterinf^r of the people And as some day. in the heat, clouds feather and over- i'^'n- and irom their Mack bosoms send out threaten- niR Hashes. bi:t finally pa.s away unbroken into peace ;'.t:;nn. so on that September morninij it seemed that relK'ilion had come, hut by night ail was quiet once more. Yet as the storm would surely return, so would tlie outbreak certainly ccme, unless those who held power should hasten to avert it, 1-^ir on the news that the p^overnor Iind seized the colony's store of powder, and in so doin- had killed citizens (but the last report was fal.e), four provinces rose in arms, and the roads were black with armed men hurrying toward Boston. Nothing was more MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No 2 1.0 I.I 1.25 ^ 12.8 ■ 23 "«^^ lllll^ 2.2 n: Uii It li^ ^-^ 1- .. 1.8 1.4 i.6 ^ APPLIED IM/^GE Inc ■■■• Ne« >o'W '-"=■" -. - 0300 - P--. ' -1 - S989 - fa. 104 Tht Culuiiials dftfrniined tlian tlu'ir intent; i to seize the town and ilrive unl the >uldier>. I'.ut leaders among the Ameri- cans represented to tliem that no one had I'een killed. that the -x.vernor had a right to take the powder, and that fcjr the ])resent there was no exeu^e lor an attack. For the present ! Thongh the men m" AIa•^^achusetts, Connecticut. Rhode l~lan'i. and New llampdiire returned to their homes, they sent word to the Whig- of lloston that they wunid come again when needed. They advised a careiul guard over the remainder oi the i)nwder, and secretion (if all arm- from seizure. Tlie new- tra\elled on to the South, and each colony responded in it- manner, but each angrily, to the vv'ord that citizens had heeii kdled. In that re-ponse some were wise enough to read the terrible future. The troojis did not read it, clamouring to be led out again-t the rabble, i'.ut ( ieneral Cage, the governor, read it, and commenced from that day to fortifv the town. The Tories later laughed and forgot if, even that conum-Moncr who came into Boston on the gallop, homespun horsemen at his heels, declared that the Whigs were coward-^, uut many a man upon the other side saw at once what a force was ready to be loosed, and trembled when he thought of the possible results. I'Vancis F.Ucry saw, and knew that he could not yet dare to bring a!)OUt his duel. One single spark might set the country in a tlame; all ]u-rsonal de-ires mu-t be subdued in such a crisis. Yet I'rank could wait for a while without harm. It was in other ways that tbe events of the day had done injurv lo hi- plans, for while he was in Cambridge other- had beeli to niter. An].osing of some councillors and the high sheriff. " Disposing ! ■■ cried Tudor, aghast. " Killing, man ? " Only taking their resignations: even the lieutcnant- gr.vcrnor resigned from the council. And for the same purpose Commissioner Ilallowell wa> wante.l, but he lien J'Vank tnjd Hcd on his chaise-horse and escapee of the orderly meeting at Cambridge, the militia stand- ing m companies, their arms laid aside, while one bv one resolves were passed. <,r re.MVnatinns accepted The quiet dispersion at last, and the turning back of the thousands who still had been coming. I5"t tliev were readv t<. n,^. a-am. no donl.t ^ \o doubt whatever, and a ted. " Stop. Von ^hali not ^o. Here is the strangest thing. Let me tell you. \ on know this gentletnan'" The captain turned and looked Frank up and down^ He smiled, a liaughtv smile from th.e haughtv soul of <_;_ T-.'.i i--r-..-t'.=-v.p f.nc in hi"^ brilliant unifonn, he ' pm An Armed Truce 167 seemed to lignt the apartment as with the gleam of the -star Lt,c.fer. Frank, standing quiet in his sober clothes could but adnnre. -I remcn.bcr this gentleman" Sotheran said. - We have an engagement.^ \ ou shall give it up." said 1 udor. " I will persuade earth.' ■'■• " ^'^ '"^^ '""'^^ ' ^^^^'^ '" -" ^'^e The captain smiled again, and looking upon his shorter ,nend. tapped his shoulder carelesslv a. one nidulgently rcn,inds a ch.ld. - George." he said. " that best fr.end of whom you used to boast, is dead ' ' .\ay. cried Tudor with delight. " He lives and Here he stands. Henry, this is he-Frank Ellerv' " Sotheran stepped back one pace, and for an instant cropped h,s mask of carelessness. As a miser at an alarm opens ., pahued window and looks out. so this gt.archan 01 a secret showed his proper face, "where ■ \\hat! " he cried; and his I'lidor gailv. " I knew welcome for vou d be Iiim.? Jealous. lear and inry blen^"''"' •'"''' '^"^"''- '^''''^''^- " ^^' ^-^--v formal. W. are forgettmg to .hake bands. Come, ab.;ive ea.-h Zn^-T '""^^S^^^^^- It must be dropped." I- 1 68 Thf' Colonials '• My dear Tudor," sai.l I'mnk, analisty my curiosity. Here is vour best friend come to life. \ our worst enemy, of whom once I heard you speak-is he tnen surelv (had? " •• Ui all men." cried Tudor. " you should know! _^ " Is there record of his death upon the rolls?" The maid appeared at thedoor. " Mav Mistress Tudor ^jieak with Ikt Ijrotherr" " Certainlv." answered Tudor. " I leave you two to- gether. Make it up. now. .\n^^scr his (piestions, i^enrv." , , , . The door .hut behind him, and the two looked at one another. The deepe.-t interest, the keenest study, held their -lances fixed, and they spoke slowly, steadily. Though Sotheran appeared to lounge and Muile, though Frank might -eem at ease, there wa> a tension in each brain, and they were merely actors. •'There wa> a record. Captain?" '• Av," said Sotheran. "Only one lieutenant was killed on the ironiKT in JJ. Killed^by Indians, the li^t said, but of course it w;i- the same." " .\nd his name? " '•Mu^t vou know?" a-ked tlu' W:o\. Hi- tamilv— his mother or sister— wM„ld be injured by the .candal. Would it not be better not to a-^k" " Ik" lo(,ked 1-rank in the facr, and put his question fairly. There was no answer, and they stood gazing. Though homespun contrasted with the king's livery, there was likeness in their eyes, their mouth-^ firm set. their cool composure. Nearly a minute lluis they stood. An Arincii Truer ibc) Then smiles grew „„ the face of each, the /uner.can's ,cnni, the Lnglisliman'h bhind. •• -My dear Mr. Kllery.- a.ked the captain in liis most urbane tones, "have you enjoyed tlie dav of excite- nient.'' •• Captain Sotheran." enquired tiu- other. - have von a mother, or a sister.' " Then the tiger looked out of the officer's eves, and h.s han.l. clenched once more. One stole to his su'ord hilt, but there, in that room, no nu.rder was possible and I-rank was secure. The hate that glared on him, the' surprne and the fear: these were his revenge after two )ear^. lUu the moment was hnef. The devil dis- appeared irom Sothcran\s face, and his lau^h was a marvel. '^ '• Xo relative. : - he cried. '• Xo sisters, no mother to mourn me. Ah, I am glad to see vou. Mr. Ellerv Wdnt 's hie wuhout an enemy? Ten n.inutes ag,", and I scorned you. Xow I can hate-at lea>, until to-morrow mornmg. At what hour shall it be, and .here^' A c ear sunrise, a quiet spot. Then he who leaves the place can even love the other." Frank smiled. _ "Let me propose."' said Sotheran, " a solitarv meet- >ng. \\e cari be more thorottgh. I despise humane interruptions. " And besides," added Frank, •' there will be no dving words, no last statement." ' " I see we agree. Six o'clock, let us say. And to- morrow ? ■* Not tfj-morrow " Still a coward? " Merelv curious said Frank. asked Scthcran as with pitv. ,,;„ , , . ''■'''' ^''^' '■^P'y- " to see what you will do, I give you rope " :t»''-| Pi if 170 The Colonials '• Knowiii,?," finished I'rank. " That you will liang yourseh". LK-ar Cainain, you are mine, and when I choose "You will tell! " he exclainied with contempt. "Ah! no, lur then Tudor would kill you. Tliat pleasure I reserve for myself." They heard voices in the ne.\t room; the latch rattled. "Captain Sotheran, good evening." Tlie hint was as broad a? the butt of a musket, but in his departure Sotlieran showed well. .\ look of mer- riment grew on his face. " Dear friend," he said, " wel- come back! Xow is there interest i,i life, and a cam- paign begins. Good evenuig." And smiling still, he shut the door behind him. At the other door Alice entered, timidly, her handa trembling before her. And here was a study in tender- ness, which I'rank. turning from that defiance of In-? enemy, could not decipher. How had she dwelt on his imagi- in these ycar->. how loftily enshrined liim in lier heart! lie. whose con- sideration caused the sacrihce of his ambition, whose devotion cost him his life, had become to her a wonder- ful ideal ; and as time went by hci heart, yearning for its master, turned unhappily to the one man who might have ruled u. The memory of him had not lessened: not gratitude, but understanding of him, caused her con- stant pain: and .Mice, v.hen she had lost him. loved him. She saw before her a life without other love than this, and being a woman made to enjoy rather than to renounce, but at the same tinie steadfast, she had prayed dailv with tears for th.e nnracle of liis return. From this cause sprang the melancholy in her life ; she was as a woman widowed. Then when he came, light flashed up. The phantom rose before her and became ile^ii and biood : .-nc saw I i An Arnu'd True*; 171 him, and he wa^ the saiiic. His manly form, whicli for Ikt had borne enormous burdens; his face, refined by hardship; and tlien hii voice, ihrilUng with every noble quahty of his mind: were not lc hair as he stuoi)cd before her. •• r.rdtlicr!" griimhU'd Tudor \\\wu I'lk-ry had gone. "If he is not more than Ijrothrr ulicn tho vv'ar is out " i'.ut .\hce escai)ed witli hrr tears. She iiad Icannd that i'rank had written, and >he had not answered. And he wa> to be hir brother now, until he wanted to be more. CHAPTER II ipw^ Till-: H()Ml>r()MING And Frank? W'lun he. from his interview with Ah'cc, came at \ii.A to the old hhrary where Mr. KUcry sat sunk in the <;reat chair, and Dickie sulkily poked the dead tire, h'\-> reception w;i> ready. It was an interestintj i)icturc, could he have ret^ardcd it di>passionatcly. Tiie broad back of his brother was elo(juently turned, and his savage thrusts at the charred sticks spoke loud of vuiccrt;unty. The uncle's visage was composed into resignation, as he prepared to fight for all he had. There were no ojiening words ot wel- come nor pretence of cordiality. Frank haltetl at the door. Mr. Ellcry remained ^ealed, and bore the gaze of lii^ nephew with considerable success. When he felt that his eyes must fall, he turned his loolc to Dickie with a s:gh, and spoke. " So, Frank, you have bnen deceiving us." Frank understood, and saw that the tight was for the po.^session of Dickie's mind. Dickie was listening for liis answer. '■ Have you no welcome Imme for me, uncle — or Dickie?" he asked a little sadly. Dickie stirred as if to turn. Mr. Ellery spoke quickly. " Have you not foffcited a welco' .c ? " " Have I, uncle? " " When you returned last December, why did you not come to us? " ■ T-i 1 lir Colonials " Do you not know, sir? " " Oil! " cried his uncle. " I am pained to tlie heart by this underliand action of yours. That you could so de- ceive nie, and so spy upon me " " Spy upon you? " Mr. Ellery's sallow cheek grew paler still. " I expect an apology. Francis." I' rank ^aw now no iurlhcr change in Dickie's attitude. " 1 prefer ttj e.N])lain, sir," lie answered. " Did you not once, in this very rooiVi, swear to keep mo from the rope- walks till Dickir came of ac:c? " 1 iK-viT meant it, I'ranoi'-," an-^wcrrd 1m> uncle. " You swore ujjon the Bible. W lun 1 came last De- cember and found the business on liie Ijrink of ruin, and knew that I, and only I, could save it. could 1 do .)ther- wi>c than I diil? " Irancis," said hi> unck' very gravely, "\ou should have come to me. I would gladly have given yon the management of the walks." One of the phenomena of our mental nature came suddenly to Mr. Ellery's aid. Into Frank's mind, stirred as it was by tlic discussion, came the word " brother," uttered sweetly. It passed quickly, but stung him into sliarj; speech. I do not believe you I " he answered. " Frank! " cried Dickie, starting up. Mr. Ellcry also rose. " Let there be no quarrel." he >aid. " There can be no further argument between us. You have not trusted me, Frank; but you are welcome home. I shall be patient with you, and when you are ready to be friends with me you shall find me waiting." With a dignity in- spired by his wo-ds. he left the room. Fie climbed the stairs to his own chamber and stood there, thinking ner- An Arracd 1 ruce 175 voiisly. But hib last look ai UicKic had givfu hiui courage. Dickie had sat hstcning, pulled both \va/5. Frank's voice had ihrilied him, but the habit ot respect and obedience was not at once to be shaken off. Frank's final, open diibelief of Mr. Ellery's word brought Dickie to his icet indignant. Vet a.> he faced his biutlic-r, alone, the ^trong and earnest face before him tempered his feeling. " What will he say? " thought Frank, and waited. Dickie strug- gled for words, but before he could find them his nrotest faded into di.-^appointcd ])lcaiHng. "Would you not even apologise?" asked Dickie. "Once more with u>, and .dready defiant? It was rea- sonable for him to feel hurt, and for mo. ^ on do not seem to liave couMdcrcu u>. Had you no lu-art.'" •• Dickie." asked IVank. " do you know that you de- cided me to keep unknown?'" " I? "cried Dickie. •' I found when I came back Dickie, my teaching^^ forgotten. I left you opposed t«> uncle; I found you friends with him. I left you a Whig; I found you a Tory. Yes. I had a heart, and it was cruelly hurt. What place was there for me in your life? None, Dickie, none." Dickie was too deeply impre.= -ed to speak. Frank went on : " There was a place waiting for me clsewherr, Dickie —a place that no one could till but myself. I saw Humphreys, and he advised me. begged me, to do as I did. But had I not found my brother so completely changed. I never should have followed the road Humph- reys pointed out." " Humphreys disliked uncle," cried Dickie, with burn- ing cheeks; " but father trusted him." I70 i"li<' Colonials ■• Fatiicr was !:,'oo(i," answcrcHl 1- rank, - a> arc you, God bless you, Dickie. You see no harm in any one,' not even in politics." The tables had been turned on Dickie, and the instinct nl the young is self-defence. " In politics," he replied, " I am for the king." "And I a-ain-t his ministers," answered Frank. " Some day, Dickie, we snail think alike. We must, or it will h.- a >c(l life fur u> both. Hut let us end this, Dickie.' Frank was deeply disappointed. " Is there any wny [ can hel]) \on:- Do you need money? Uncle has none unle-> he draws upon our savings." " 1 iiave money," an<\. ^red Dickie. "But our sav- ings.? Why, we are poor— in (lcl)t! " " Well," said I'rank, " let all this pass. Try to believe, Dickie, that I have tnou • of you in everything I did. In the future it will \)v the same." He ended with a sigli. and Dickie nearly melted. An- other moment, and all nught have been lorgotten in an avowal of affection. I'.ut Ann. drawn by tiie sound of voices, came to the library door and rushed at her boy with a cry. Mr. F.llerv, fearing that the conference might last too long, called from the stairs : " Dickie, 1 want you." Dickie went away, and though Frank saw, he did not move to stop him. The brothers had not even shaken hands. Truly h rank's home-coming was a disappointment. Ann wept over him, and Pete came like a dog to his master; Doctor Warren and Rodman were happv to re- cover him, and Barbara was joyous; .Mr. Adams sent for him; Doctor Church was gracious to him; Henry Knox sought him out to renew his acquaintance; and in the Whig ranks a place was made at once for Francis Ellerv. But where his heart was most deeply set, there he had fnilpH TViH \\;f^rf'\ ** v.t-j^f]-;;.,- " *-.--.'- •!"_ ?^^: -.1 : ^ c An Arnu'cl Truce / / I'rank's heart: he knew not what he had ex[iectetl, yet not that. 'i'Iioiii:::h there had been no rui)ture with Dick'c, there was no confidence. And the news that the estate was in debt brought anxiety, cr else added sus- picion. 12 n CPIAPTER III UEDCOAIS A.NU ToKlHS Time (lid not draw tlu- two brutlicrs tosi^cther, tor Dickie comimicd to <^o on lii> way. Ik- believed in hir, uncle; he I'l^Teed with tlu- Turic.^; he saw nu h;irm in gaming. Thu> he said daily to hini^eli. Dickie was in the condition oi a cracked jar which, far from i>retendin- tlial it is whole, has not even lieard that it is possible for earihenware to be injured. He seemed more of a Tory than over, so that even Anthony was satisfied with him. Yet his confidence in himself was shaken, and his allcctions could not be smothered nor his perceptions dulled. He was fond of Frank in spite of himself. He had admired him as a manager; he could hut see that he was a fine fellow. The deception aside, Frank was a brother to be proud of, though Dickie would not show his 'eeling for the world. And however he might rail against the Whigs, Dick- ie's sense of hmnour did not leave him. nor his love of fair play. The officers and Tories who declared the Whigs cowards could draw from Dickie only a weak agreement. Was not Doctor Warren a Whig, and was there a cowara nerve in his body- Frank and Rodman were not afraid, nor were the farmers of the conntrv. as Dickie instinctively felt. If the colonials were but blusterers, why should General Gage fortifv the Xeck, a« he did with all haste, and mount !!.ore cannon on i t 1 All Ariucd I'ruce 79 every battery? AnJ why should the prominent Tories of the colony one by one move to Llosion with their families? And was it exactly honest of the Tories to promise the Whigs not to serve on tlic council, and, once safe in Boston, 'o break the promise? Such questions arose in Dickie's mind, occasionally interrupted by a chuckle. For v,hen the Whig^ quietly removed one niglit the cannon iruin the provincial i)al- tery at Charleiioun, and not long after took n'oni under the very eyes and ears of a guard some cannon near the Common, it really did seem clever. Other such things occurred, until at length the admiral, to preserve the colonial cannon that remained, felt forced to spike them. At that news Dickie, although he inniie- diaiely checked himself, laughed aloud and cried: " Is ih;it (jur only niean> of keeping our own?" Vet Dickie was in a most unenviable state of nind; for while his instincts would not be denied, his reason persisted in betraying itself. He regarded the Provin- cial Congress, for in^tancc, as an impudent body, whoee establishment of a new system of militia was illegal, and whose election of tlirce generals was like a threat. Its actions were silly, because feeble; but its collection of the public moncv was actual rebellion. And the Boston mechanic^, in refusing to build barracks for the troops, acted foolishly and uselessly, because work- men could be had from Xcw York, and the only result was a vexatious delay. .Meanwhile, as the year ad- vanced, the soldiers shi\ered in their tents; the town was crowded with people from the country; and the idle inhabitants still refused to submit to the authority of the Massachusetts Acts. Dickie, in other words, repeated what was told him, as the surest method of avoiding thought. He was not . f.. =-..... i-.:„-....u 2.^.!^ 1 ,,. t 1 1 V ' ' ■■^Ifli :; f^ sfiS li)0 Ihc Colonials Weill more and more into tiic li\rly conii)any whose object was plcasnrc-. Ihit a snlkiness pnr.sucd him, • lescencHnj,' u])()n him whenever he remembered himseh'. At sucli limes. Dickie was not happy at all. Such a time came one day luuard the end of October, when lie sal witli his chosen friends in the large room of the tavern. There met the Association, so-called with many otlier loiicrer names, of officer.-, and Tories, for the serious pur>nii of winniiiir each other".-, iiKjiiey. Cainain Soiheran was its organiser, president, and leading .-pirit. lie held, and meant to maintain, a posi- tion in the town as tlie officer most experienced in the science of fa-^l li\iiig. Thoroughly ver.-ed in all llie ways of London, he set the fashion here, and drew around him the youngest of each regiment, with those of the provincials who yearned for instruction. The club already had a refuitatioii in the town, and Soiheran, as its leader, was adding lustre to laurels gained in London. It was he who had invited Dickie to the meetings. That day, as on other days, Dickie won constantly at cards or dice, yet he could not smile. Just now. when Doctor Church had paused to look in at the door, and the Tories challenged him to dice their champion, Dickie had won ten guineas in two throws, and the doc- tor had left an I. O. I', with Soiheran; but the money lay cold in the lad's pocket, and he could ..ot rejoice with the Tories at the defeat of a Whig. "And the doctor is deep in debt, they say." cried Anthony in exultation. "' His country house is heavily mortgaged." " Nonsense." grumbled liiekic. " 'Tis true," asserted .Anthony. " My father savs so. Remember how extravagantly he lives anci h.3w much An Armed Truce i8i he games. Did you see his face change when he lost? Even ten guineas is of weight with him." " Poor (k'vil, then! " muttered Dickie, lie eoulil not agree with liis frientls that nioniing. The smoke of pipes was offensive to hi~ nostrils, the loud laughter tli>agreeable to his ear. And the man whom the officers were now (juizzing — he who liad announced himself as a \e\v York Tory bringing workinen to the town to build the barracks— displeased Dickie by liis noisy words. " Not a shilling oi iirotit, upon my word," '.he fellow was saving. His broad red face, with boKIly staring eves, coarse liair in a careless (lueue, great bare hands that held a broken riding-whip, splashed boots, frayed hat, and faded green coat, all were disagreeable to Dickie. " And as 1 wrote to the general, if the policing of the town i> put m my hand-, I'.oston will soon be as (|uiet and orderly as London," "A grand simile!" cried TtuU.r laujdnng. "Our London mobs would put a I'o-ton cniwd to shame. Xot a maimed man, nor one beaten to death, have I heard of since I came. Xay. not a broken pane of glass. If to change BosLon to London be your object, friend, "twill not appeal much to the general," " Excellent wine," said the New Yorker imabashed. " I will fill again, by your leave. Gentlemen, remember that the finishing of the barracks is my doing." "And still they stand," commented Sotheran, " mere frames," " Xor is half the good begun that I mean to do for the town of Boston. To repress the Whig-, root out vice, take some of the spirit out of the lower people, as I assure vou we know how to do it in New York; in short " 4. -[- i ;!... .! :! "' -.:■•. '.". Tt!.-!."r S: if- 5. lS2 Tiitr Colonials ■■ Lvcn that. Vos, s;cntleincn, I am the man lor all these. AnrI if the king's army here in Boston does not bless my coming " Dickie rose. The noise and smoke, the hilaritv in \vhich he could not join, disgusted him. But ilio Xcw \orker saw him and called his name. " Hey! 'tis young Ellcry. upon my word." Dickie paused, regarding him wi:h surly eyes. " How do you know me? " lie asked. The Tory winked at the officers. " .My name is Brush — Crean Brush. 1 know you well. Do you not remem- ber me? I am the one that fir.t reported the drowning of your brother." Dickie smiled sourly. " Vou saw him drown, if I remember? " "Truly did I. and co'Id not prevent." " Ho! " cried Anthony. " I'ncle paid a reward ' " a-kcd Dickie. The officers bur.t out laughing. ••Egad!" crii-d Tudor, " 'twas easily earned. Can you restore it?" " Looks not able, from his dress," answered Harri- man. "What mean you, gentlemen?" asked Brush. " My brother is not dead," said Dickie. The Tory's face was a study, and the company began to laugh afresh. But he recovered himself and' bowed. " My dear sir. I am heartily sorrv for vou." Then the laugh turned on Dickie, and he strode 'out. The noise behmd hiin rang in his angry ears. Home Dickie went, with his head held low. Sothcran had called him "Dickie" twice; that was the triumph of the morning. But the remembrance of his gambling was not pleasant. The crisp air contrasted with the tobacco-tainted room, the quiet of the streets with the ' 'V 1 li t Hi. lie saw grave An Armed Truce i8- Whigs walking, and tlieir solidity was a relief from friv- olousness. These were impressions, and vague; Dickie did not analyse his sensations. But his spirits were a baruincter of fair accuracy, just now recording low pressure. He reached the i.euse. Sonic one ran up the steps after him as he opened the door. Dickie turned, and saw the burly lor.i. of the Xew Yorker, Bru^h. " Are you here? " asked the lad. "Truly," he answered cheerfully. "My old friend Thomas — your uncle, my boy- will be glad to sec me." Me pushed past Dickie into the hall, and stood looking about him. " The old house, not a bit changed. Xot even a new carpet," and he winked at sullen Dickie. " Where is your uncle' Will you not fetch him?" Dickie closed the door and started up the stair. Brush's greatcoat was already on the settle, and he >tood switching his hoot with the broken whip. " You needn't come back yourself," he said. Cli.M'Tl'.R 1\' AN LNW KI.COMi: C.UUST Eacli age produces its adventurer-. Tliesc vary in their class according to the age, but tiie classes remain fixed. 'i'he brawler. unles'< he has a genius for self-culture, is not thriving in our day. A hundred years ago there was still room for him on the earth, and he elliowcd his wav alIllo^t e.xactly as in .\jax" time, h'or him of re- finement tlie weapon oi' lerr(.ir wa^ the duelling sword: in the lower ranks the resort wa> to the cudgel, diven a lusty arm to wield the latter, a voice loud to bluster, willi a ciiuntenance of bra.---, and the owner was >ure of consideration from his fellow -men. But given in addition a keen eye for tne time^, a knowledge of flattery as well as of threats — for while threats are but stepping stones, flattery is a ladder to climb by — and the person thus fortunately (jindihcd was in a way to get on in the world. Crean Brush, Irish by birth, long a New York Tory, had emerged by this means from the lower order of men. and won himself a position at the skirts of the tipper. It was a delicate station, with difficulty held, occasionally cried upon with the voice of scandal. Brag, bluster, and sometimes force were necessary, for he was a sheep-etter grcetmg. Tom. to your brotIicr-in-1 ' " Sh! " cried Ellery in a fright. " So J touch you?" asked llrush cooll\ . " F^ut no one will hear, unless your nevvy lias a habit of listening at doors. Well, here I am. What do you say to me? " " It does seem." whined l-Lilery. " as if you might have stayed away. 1 i)aid you to." "Tut, man; tiine's up. I stayed four years for your little twenty pound. Now the troops are back, I'm here again." '■ Xot to stay?" faltered Ellery. " Certainly. Fine picking from the army always. I'm I 1 86 The Colonials a little oin at elbow, you sec. They laughed at me at the tavern to-day, but with a new suit from you atid a job from the Rovcrnor, I .-hall do well for a wtiile." Ellery winced, and his mind diddled on the brink of precipices. He could not respond to the suggestion of clothes, for his pocket's sake; and there were certain topics that drew him with an unplca-^ant fascination while yet his apprehensive heart held him hack. I'.rush watched him with a broadening smile. - Well, man." he demanded, after a moment of silence; "have you no interest in your loving friends? "' "What friends?" hesitated Ellery. " She sends you her love," answered Brush. Ellery sighed: that marriage of which Brush thought so cheerfuilv was no pleasant recollection for him. It was a union compelled by the threat of the cudgel, and though smoothed by a promise of secrecy, it had caused him half his woes ever ^,incc. " I hope," he said, " that ■ she is well." •'Oh. do ye?'" retorted I'm-h. "Well now. IM not have thought it. Where is the money in all this while that should keep my si^ter in good health? That's what he'd like to know." The position, face to face wnh Brush, was a little un- comfortable. I'.lKry took a chair at the farther end of the table. " I sent money." he answered. "Did ve?" asked Bru;h. leaning forward to scowl at him around the tall flagon. " .\ little came, to be nttre. Bcdad. 'twas not enough to keep her in clothes, 'et alone the boy." " How is the boy? " asked Ellerv. t'or tiie diversion'-, --ake. But inwardly he groaned. Two lumgry mouths to feed! A growing boy to clothe! ' TX'.,u^ f.rioM"h." .in:--werod Bru'^h. He Ic^aned back t.^ "n-m. then forward to scowl again. " Well enough. An Armrd 'I'rucc IS; flunks to the labour of his loving uncle. I've done for that boy, Thomas Kllery. what his fatlu-r sinjuld have (lone, and I say it to ye squarely." The discomforts of life pressed heavy upon Kllerv. He squirmed in his chair, and locked and unlocked his fingers in a gesture that was very nearly a wringing of his hands. " I sent money," he repeateil. ■' Ay." answered Hrush. " I'.iit 'twas not enough. And I'm here this day — old friendship's sake aside — to enquire what ye mean to do for the wife and child that are dependent on you." lie grinned i)ciiind the llagon .•igaiu. with a hidden Iiumour. leering the while with one eye keenly cocked. There was a confident good-nature in his tone. " Come, Toni," he added, " speak up like a man. Ay. and j)ay up. too." So the process began, scientifically, of cxiracling incjney from an ICllery. Loud protests of poverty wore oi iM avail. "What have you been doing in these years." snecrrd llrush, " if not laying it by? The estate in debt? Ciood \.i>vA. Tnux. irl! tiiat to your nephews." Sums at last uirc inrntioncd. and a wrc' hed haggling Joilowcd. EUery, like an old h-.-n. llcw s(|nawking from cover to cover. I'.ru'^h. like the farmer annised. balled i iin with right hand or left toward the coop. I'.ut his patience gave way at last. " Come, come," he said. •■ Ilere ir. my true word. .\ct the proper. Tom. or my -i>ter herself will come on with the boy and live in tb.e house." " Von know fh- can't." said Kllcry, in this one detail nfo. " \'ot in thi- house." " Well then, hodad, right hero across the stre.'t," \ isions rose up in the Ellery mind. Even the un- imaginative dream, and Thomas Ellery had a nightmare "1 broad davlight : <^{ a loud-voiced sl.-qttern liail'vc h'tr! in the streets and proclaiming herself as his wife Pili I 'Ml 1 88 I he Colonials tliroiiglioiit tlic town; arrl of a wliimperiiiK hoy with a dirty lacc following at his heels. Tlie end came, and he slunk upstairs for his money, i hi n I'.iu-h waited complacently lor his pavment, but the scrawny hand withheld the money, while Kllery made his last sus- picious enquiry : " How do I know you'll pay her .^ How do I know you've ever paid Iut uliat I pave you?" "She seeins satisfied, doesn't she?" sairush spat happil\-. " I'll think of it." he an-wered, and rolled up his eyc^ from enjoyment. I'.Ilery .sighed again: sailors sometimes drown. " I wish you would," he said. Then Roger came, and set down the trav hard, staring at Brush. "Eh, what!" cried Brush, starting and staring too. He rose and caught the bey by the shoulder, turning him to the light. " Why, Tom — " He stopped, per- ceiving that Ellery still sat sunken in his chair. " Who's this? " he asked. All A.'iiirtl I'rure 189 F "My ik']iIk'\v's .-.(.•rv'jiit," aii-wcri'd I'.lUry, sighing once more. Terror showed <>ii tlie l)oy'-, lace, deUglu on ihe man's. " Well, ye young brat, " he baid. " My respects to ye. Have I seen ye before? — never. I'm sure." " Never, sir," answered Roger in a low voice. " Do I hurt your shoulder? Excuse me." He pressed harder. "' Do you like your ])lace? Are you treated better than your last? Vou've ^nji i\u thuiujlu ot leaving' " .\<', -ir. " Wiir'^nrush glanced at inattentive Ellery, then spoke to the b(jy with a terrible iace, but with voice smooth as before — "mind ye'rc good; do }our work well, and stay righ; here. 'l"hat\ the adv-ice I always give a boy. I like yt)ur look-; I'll come and see you often, if you try to leave " — lulery was still not listen- ing — "the devil himself will light on ve. Xow go!" and Roger gladly went. l'ru-.h laughed as he took up the wine. " Vou won't drink with me, Idni? I'd give you a tna.-t. but here goes alone. ' May a certain boy we know of live long and prosper! '" He gulped the wine, and slapped Ellcry on the shoulder. " Good-bv; I'll sec ve in a few days." " You'll keep away?" begged Ellery. "Oh, well, for a wliile." He left the house. Ellery crept to his room and sat there gloomy; Roger cowered in the kitchen. I'.ut I'-ni'^h strode cheerfully along the street, occasionally grinning with amusement. M CHAPTER V A COMMISSION' It was fie!.l-(lay ,m the Coninion. Tlie December sun siione briyin, tlie surface of the gromi.l was soli Here an.l there i- shehered place, lav snow, but even at Its beginning that famous winter was niiki The glitter oi arms, tlic tread of marching troops, an.l at tunes the sound of military nr.ic. had drawn fr,n,i the town the Hower of the Tories to watch the parade. The Fourth was off duty; the officers mingled with the spec- tators, and their red coats made brigiuer still the groups that sanntered on the Mall. Ladies in furs and velvet gtntlenieji in broadcloth and satin, promenaded, ogled' an.l c.nver.sed. The sound of feminine laughter rose on' the crisp air: the deeper tones uf men responded. All was gayety, save for the occasional sight or Whicrs in sober clothes, nassing with unapproving eves askance A knot of officers hc.d taken their stand where all the other sightseers must pass them in review. They were Tudor and Sotheran. with their lieutenants. Harriman and Ormsby, all wearing the scarlet of the Fourth and members of the Association which alreadv had such a fa.^hionable reputation. The four marked the costumes critically, and the least ambitious aspirant for popular favour trembled as she passed their group. B-n Alice, as she approached. the\ regarded with no trace of disapproval. She walked between Frank and Barbara, and bowed serenely as she passed. An Ariiitd Truct; I VI ■■ r>y (jaUI " ^ai dangerous to meet his glance; they I(jokcd away. Then Dickie came with Amiiony, and tliey hailed him. Why had Ellery not been to the Association of late? Dickie explained, with the boyi^li directness which was his charm, liiat he had in truth been tired of play, and besides, Doctor Church had been asking him to cards. " .'^o that is why," said Sotheran. " the doctor has not come for his revenge of me." " lie thought he had an innocent in Ellery," cried Harriman. " .\nd wiio won?" Dickie laughed and tapped his pocket. The others looked at each other with appreciative siniles. Then Dickie excused himself, for the governor was coming. " Tommy's worried," whispered Harriman. " Tommy " seemed worried indeed, as he approached them with peevish face. Kesponsibilities greater than his skill, perplexities than his tact, oppressed the gov- ernor. His usually complacent brow was clouded, and his fussy str- <- had regained, in his abstraction, some- thing of naturalness. He was talking querulously with his companion. Colonel Fenton, and thev caught a*; he came near a sentence of coinplaint: " Stiff-necked be- vond con'!T?ar!iO!i ! 4 1 9-' The Colonials " The U'liigs," imutcroil Ormsl)y. The governor, on seeing the gruii]) of officeis, stopped at a few paces and regarded them. He rephed to their salute?, but still spoke to his companion. " And this is what I have to bear with on the other hand." A smile struggled faintly at the corners of Colonel Fenton's mouth, but the officer managed to regard the young men gravely. The general stejiped closer to them, and singling Captain Sotheran, held up a finger. " It is you, sir, I understand, that are the head of this Association for high play." The others dropped their eyes; Sotlv m, knnwing his chief's fondness for respect, saluted again like a corporal, and responded: "Our plav is ' >t verv liii;h, sir." " Why, sir," resjjonded the general testily, " I hear that many officers are deep in detu. counting upon re- mittances that have not arrived. Ami re-^pectable gentle- men among our party, sir, complain that their sons are learning extravagant habit'-. 1 am not at all pleaded — • more, I am displeased. I expect that this hint will be enough, sir. Good morning." Ancl with the colonel following, he walked away. The llush reui'wed itself on Sotlieran's face, and he tapped with his foot as he watched them go. Tlie others, looking at him, saw this was no time for pleas- antries. DtU the captain presently recovered his man- ner and turned to his friends. " I'^idgct) old f''l!(jw." he remarked lazily. " .\ trille upset this morning; the Whigs are on his digestion. But he'll forget." "Yon won't go on. lienrw surely?" asked OruT^by. "This is not a campaign." answered Sotheran. " He won't enforce it. It'- all because his lady wants us at m An Aimed Tiucc "Ha. lial " laughed llairnuaii. " Six-pcnnv J9: Middlc-agotl ladies with false teeth. A i-ip ui currant wine when we rise irom f 'jIc. Departure strictly at midnight. Thanks! " •' And you're right, Henry," said Ormsby. " Tommy will change his mind. He's changed his mind on every hubject so far. But here's Colonel Fenton returning. Tommy's gone on. Let's stroll." " Xut I," replied Sotheran; and >o they waited. The colonel -topped when he reached them. " .May I ask you to attend me to the Province House?" he asked of Sotheran. The others, much interested, watched the tw(j walk auav. " .\nother wigging," said Harriman. "This is seri- ous, liy Jove! if we can't do as we like in this stupid place, it's hard." Hut the general, true to himself, had changed his mini! again, and Colonel Fenton was leading the con- versation away from the reproof. " The general was hasty," he said. " 1 trust you were not put out." " Oh, no," said the captain composedly. Hi:^ com- panion, glancing at him keenly, looked appreciative. ■■ I hope," said he, " that you ire willing to advance yourself." " I hope so." " The general was troubled," went on Colonel Fen- ton, " by the unbearable coionials. 'Tis a peculiar situ- ation here; the general is often at a loss. He needs some one now for a delicate misMon. There is an op- portunity to forward one's own iiiterol wliile doing the king a service." " Any one should be very glad," was the reply with- out eagerness, " to do the king a service." The colonel smiled and appeared to change the sub- ject '' 1'hr-^ :•,•:- rstU^T •!; .-h-.-rr-:-.'.--. — " 1-.^ r-.'.'. " TT.~.-.;r 13 , ■ '^i' ^ (-^ wl ' '.: r";fH 194 1 he Ci'lonials pleasant this town would be were it not for the political disturbances. 'Jhe ob.-linacy and secrecy of these W'liig leaders is remarkable. 1 weal to Mr. Samuel Adams recenily with certain propositions. I hinted that he might wish to make peace with the king. Have you ever had occasion to note the religious language that some of these fellows assume? He rose up very grandly. ' .^ir.' lie said, ' I have long since made my peace with the King of kings.' And he showed me to the door. ' ■■ Xo?" said the captain, mildly surprised. " It is a fact," averred tlie colonel. " Do yuu know, his assumption of dignity imposed upon me for the mo- ment. The general was mu'di disappointed. He wf)uld give a great deal for infc : ion of Whig doings." "Try Warren," sugge. .cd iothcran. 'IMn' colonel shook his head. "Out of the question. But just now sure word was brought to the general that it might be possible with another o: their leaders." " Indeed? " murnnired the ca]itain. " Warren," said the colonel v.ith a subtle emphasis. " is not the only Whig physician in the town." " \'ery true," answered Sothcran. The colonel stead- ily regarding him, he was forced to meet his eye. " You have met one other? " asked the colonel. " I have." was the reply. .A fia■^h of intelligence passed between them. " If the general," said Colonel Fenton, " is a little awkward in opening the subject, perhaps you will be able to assist him." The\' spoke on other things until they reached the general's room in the Province House. The colonel left Sotheran with the general. General Gage, after a nervous greeting, walked up and down in uncertainty: and the captain, eyeing his nails, the orna- ments, the portraits on the walls, waited with patience. "Captain Sot'icran," hesitated the g-Qvcrnor at last; I All Arintd Truce 195 " i \vi.>h to sneak with yoti upon the — it — public r-ifia- tinn. My lack of infunnation — er — particularly dis- tresses ine. Colonel Fenton has kindly endeavoured to help me. But up to the present — there is nothing." '■ Perhaps some one of less prominence," suggested the captain, " of lower rank, sir, might have better opportunity." " But where?" enciuired the general (piickly, a gleam of shrewdness on his heavy face. " Can you suggest? " " If the general will outline the nature of the infor- mation he requires, perhajjs I could find a way." " Sit down," said the general promptly. They sat on the same sofa, and v.ith the precaution (if a stage whisper the general began to unfold com- jilaints. " .My position is a hard one," he said. " I am iiNtructed to check the Whigs, to prevent meeting.-., and gather iniorniation against the leaders. But they check me; they carry off their stores from under the noses of my guards. Bv adjournment, they have kept their town meeting since last May. And I can learn nothing! The powers they possess of keeping secrets! I have no evidence in my hands sufficient to incrirninate any one. All we need is a few facts — merely enough to arre t the leaders — then the opposition would cease. The . -ilows would be punished and the king would reward. The king," he repeated. " would reward." Captain Sotheran was smoothing his ruffles placidly. " But," the general went on again. " we must learn ;"om one in their confidence. Xo me.-e follower, yon i-iderstand. 1 have sounded the leaders; there i- iiothing to be done with most of them. Yet one re- mains " — the general fidgeted — " whom you — whom Colonel Fenton says you know." 'ihe captain studied his cufTs and appeared to medi- m\ P iyb '111'- C'uloni.il i . tate. " This mornin^^" lie rt'tk-ctcd nlnml, " I was for- bidden to play higii." " We will lurgct that." -aid the >a>neral quickly. "There i ■■ a Wlilg," went on Sotheran, intent on his gold braid, " who can be approached on the side oi play. But — " he pauicd. " You have debts," suggested the general, after waiting. Sotheran missed Colonel Fenton's delicate touch. " This person of wiiom you sjK'ak," he said, " may also have debts." "He has!" the general r(.i)lied cat^erly. "That is where we are strong. His country house is mortgaged; his personal debts are large; his tastes are extravagant. I Iiave just learned in a letter from Hutchinson that he was once before on the |)oint of giving information. Do not you think it can be done? " " There is one unfortunate e.-sential," remarked the cajHain. " Debts retjuire — " He checked at the u'ord. Ihere is ])lenty of money lor such a purpose," said the general, not hesitating at all. " Your debts and his, both shall be paid. If you can ascerta.n from him the amount, he can be relieved at once." The captain saw that circumlocution was thrown away. " Pardon me," he said; " they should not all be paid. Little by little; and if in the meanwhile he makes more " " So nnicli the better! " interrupted the general in de- light. " I had not thought of that. My dear Captain Sotheran. you are just the man. I put the matter in your hands. How large shall I make the order? " He rose and went lo his desk. The captain on :e more regarded a portrait. " You understand that it cannot be done in a day? " '■ Of course. Oi course, " replied Gage. An Armed Truce '97 " I doubt if lie will rare to a])pear in court to give evidence." "Letters!" cried the s^eneral. " Sninetliing over their signatures." " His price will he liigii " "The king will \rd\ . How mucli?" The general poised th'- ]icii. " Give nie," said tlic captain with decision, " an in- definite order. I cannot be sure how much I shall need. It will save much running to you." " \'ery well," agreed the general ai'ier a pau.>e. and wrote. When, after taking his leave, Captain Sotheran stood on the steps of the I'rovince House, the order buttoned in his ptjckct, for the first time in year^ he felt excited. Xot at tlie idea that he coidd do the king a service: not, to do him justice, at the thought tliat h.is debts were to be paid. Debts pressed lightly on liim til! the bailiff thrcatcncfl. His form v/as more erect, his pulse was quicker, the veil of inriifference was gone from his eyes and they slione. because he felt that he lield the key to all his most secret desires, and to his revenge. 4 hV- ? CHAPTER \ I A MESS OF POTTAGE ( 1 A luiinan heart as flcop and a.-» dark as a well, con- tainin.q^ ("kkI alone knew wliat passions: a form superb, a manner \oity. a i'acc as composed as a \'an Dyck por- trait, an eye nnrcspon:ivc as glass; finally, a mind ot vast and slugf^ish power, seldom .stirred : such were the char- acteristics of Captain Henry Sothcran. So satisfied was In- with liis life tiiat to move in hi^^h society, and to have money for his pleasures, were al- most enoiii^^h for him. One othe. thing, however, the nature in him craved: respect, that is, deepened hv a ."suggestion of ni\-^tery and dr^ad. \)y his exploits wiih duelling sword or pistol h.e gained the glamour he de- sired; by aloofness he vleepenefl the spell. Men were deferential to him. cautious of expression, willing to contend for his gocid-will. \\"i.;iien were I'ascinated bv his manner, !iis few wortls, and the resjKxn that was paid him. Thus he conijias^ed his sniall ■■•-ii)iiion. He might go or come. s])eak or be >ilenl. a- he ])lea.>ed. .Mo.-tlv he preferred to be that contradiction, the haughty fop; was fastidious in dress and word and company. coi;i- manded. lorded, and was obeyed. There are episodes in onr h'ves we would gladlv forget — deeds, word-, even thoughts. Time does not weaken the memory of them; recollections persist in returning, bringing to the good man humiiiaiiou, to tlie bad or An Ariiictl 'riiicT '99 weak, anger. One siicii there was in Captain Sothcran's lite — one complete failure, his blackest act, foiled by Frank Ellery. The thought of it roused not a blu.^h, but fury. He had no care of the stain of it, but he fumed that he had been checked and wounded by a creature he despised. Xo one before had so much as scratched him: no one had even looked into his e\es witit contempt; he had never inspired anything but iilarm. For these things he hated the woodsman, and for this in addition: that instant of fear before the sword cut him. That was almost the worst of it all: he could not forget it; it recurred in his dreams— an awful moment, with a white, indefinite face threatening, an impending stroke, and in his owmi heart horror. Xo memory of pleasure could obliterate that shame: no woman seduced, no oi)]K)tuMit whom his sword h.ul pierced. .\s 'I'udor loved, so Sotheran hated the memory of the dead. Then whrii I'rank started up. that instant of fright was renewed — a doi;I)U' degradation. Innnediatc re- taliation was denied: a slower course began, in which l-rank stood in his way like a wall. Into Sothcran's niiufl, first stung by fear, then deeply spurred by opposi- tion, came like brain-Hashes to an angry eagle consider- ations for revenge. Mewing ail things from his mental height; constructing by mere effort of metnorv the once tmheeded perspective of circumstance; comprehending solely by desire, us by inspiration, the course of political events ; he i -"d waited for a while thinking, regarding, pausing, till the moment offered. Incidentallv. bv ,n policy that attracted him as much as his bold suit to Alice, he took advantage of the division between the brothers and began to conciliate Dickie. But still ho waited, until at the last somethirg wonderful happened. The moment on the Common when he saw P'rank ^^^ 300 Thr Colonials pass by with Alice, when he knew his friends to be studying him curiously, hail been bitter, liut there was more than the shame of being openly supplanted, more than mere personal rcbufT, for then he realised liow much he cared. At the sight of Alice, rosy and pure, somewhere witliin him a throbbing began, the sudden pulsing of a new force — his heart. From that instant, up to the terrible cnrl of hi> liic, he was ruled by a new passion — love. Never before had his iicart swayed b.ini at all. -Ml his impulses, all his desires, had hitherto come either fnuu his brain or from iiure nerve centres, seats of animal craving. Conceive a man who had never been exhilarated in his life, either by wine or woman; who indulg?fl in these solely from a cool appreciation of their excellence. He was controlled by his mind. Xo im- pulse had ever yet led him beyond his plans; nor had pity for an adversary or affection for a friend iii any degree changed his course of action. Neither had Alice at first brought him out of himself. Intention to conquer her and to crush Frank were his ■strongest feel- ings; dangerous because aided by self-possession, pur- sued in cold blood. r.nt then hi', heart began to heat la-t. and h.ve leaped into being. Real love, tortured, misshapen, perverted, an awful passion, without warning seized and ruled him. It added itsfif to the brain's powers; it (piickened and stimulated tlum; it breathed malevolence and de- manded action; U instantly donbley hands in thought, and the circles at his eyes. " This man is mine," the captain thought. Aloud he said: " I never sv.pposed that you were al- lowed to be alone. Where is the following of Whigi? "^''lu have escaped them? " " Ay," said the doctor, forcing himself to attenvion. " One must have privacy." " That is well for me." answered the captain, " be- cause — " and he tapped his pocket. "There was an I. O. L".. was there not'" a^l^orl t^#. ■ .a 1 302 I'iif Culom.ils doctor. To himself he thought : "Were it the only one! " " A httle one." .aul the captain. - A lew minutes only are enough to make it change hands." •'My dear Captain." answered the doctor. " 1 am a careless man, and have not so much money by me. •' You mistake me," returned the uttk-er. - 1 am not the man to press for payment. 1 merely tliought ther. must be cards here." " Oh! " said the doctor. A smile came and his eyes twinkled. " Forgi\ >• mt if I misunderstood. Land- lord! ■• he cried, then turned to the captain again. " 1 iKive not held a hand tor two days. Landlord, a pack of cards! " . Then he pau.sed. " Cut nnlcs. you hnd. ' lie .^aid, or credit me. I cannot meet you. Captain, let nu- remmd von of an epi-oo frtjin his p.jcket. " H.at a fair tight to a finish is worth two victories gaiiied by other means. Such at least would any soldier say. He began to laugh and extended the purse. "Vccrtig pomf cried the doctor; "can you lend so much? Kh, but the purse is heavy!" •• There are a hundred guineas." said the captain. " Divide them evenlv." challenged Church. " It at the end of the half hour 1 have not them all. and the L O. U. as well, then the devil is with you.— And agam-t me," the doctor added to himself. The contemplation "'N'or wU it pleasant to watch, as the half hou" passed. All AriiHil Iriu-c 203 the crn.Iual rcassiinljlini,' ,„• ,]„. coins at the captain., side. Littk- Kam by lit lie t'ain. Sothcran won; occa- sional reverses did not change the course of the game, but merely delayed tiie end. Soiheran was a mastcruil player; the doctor was hasty and venturesome. These facts, more than the captain's luck, caused him u wm. Finally the doctor threw himself back n his chair. " There! " he said. lie ha,I n.jtiiiiij^r K-ft. This last chance of aid had slipped away like the others, leaving him once more worse off than before. Fifty guineas deeper in debt; creditors pressing more every day; the end in sight- it was a liar that?" I),,et..r Church (ieniaii.le.l querulously. 'I he captain did n.u look up irciii his pastiuie. •■ .\rr they ncr fi.ic?" he askc.l. '• Is there anything finer in this world?" Me took a dozen of the" coins and let tlicm slip back slowly through his lingers. The doctor niafle no ansv.er. " .'^o yellow," nuirnuired the captain: " -^o bright and clean! ^^■hat would not a man give for all of those'" A groan forced itself from the doctor's breas:. " More than you know." Sotheran looked up quickly. " Eh, my dear Doctor Church, you don't mean to say that the trilling loss is anything to you' " The other's haggard face and long- mg eyes were a delight: but the captain's tone expressed depths of comprehension and '■•nipathy. •;•„••.;•.•: v. ;..;.,. ^ ,-, ,;i,, > , ..; Unwiiiingix' fr'mi the money. •' Trifling los^!" he repeated, Ho felt the :o\ Tilt Colonkils impulse lo confi.le, to unlock Ins breast. " Sir, it yon „niv knew- " 1 lo checked himself and gestured eagerly toward the money. " Could you but lend me that! " Uc cried. ■■ 1 cannot lend it," answered the captain. The doctor drew himself together, passing a hand across his face. " Excuse me," he said confusedly, but abruptly added with irritation : " Then put the money out of my sight." " Let it stay," answered the Englishman smoothly. '• Let it stay a moment." He began again to stir the coins with "his finger, looking in the American's face. " Mv dear sir. I am very sorry." "'Tis nothing," replie.l the doctor with an effort. " Only a tradesman who dcMuands to be paid to-morrow. Never mind." " I should be glad to lend." said the captain. " But unfortunately—. However. 1 can find one to do so, if you desire." " Never mind," repeated the doctor. " He would lend it," continued the captain slowly, the chink of the coins audible between his wordi. " He n-iight even — give it." •• Give it?" demanded the other. The captain met his eye. " He is a good friend to all that love him," he said, " and one whom all should love. He wishes to be friends with all Bostonians; will show favour to those who deserve it. Yes, he will give this very money — on conditions." The pau^e that followed was terrible. Tlie captain saw a flush come out on the other's face: the doctor put both hands on the table as if to li-^e. Then he sank down, looked the officer full in the face, and with mouth half open gazed at him startled. For some seconds he An Arnicd Tnu-r 205 i " On conditions," repeated the captain softly. " Von under' tand? " The doctor niov:d his head for a Yes, but said nothing. Then the captain waited in suspense. He had come quickly to his point, perhaps too quickly. It depciued now on the doctor's circumstances; how closely he was pressed, and for what sums. He drew from his pocket another heavy purse, and poured itj contents upon the heap already on the table. At the sound the doctor looked up, and the captain read his countenance. The landlord was approaching. " There, Doctor," said the captain briskly, " is what 1 owe. You have won it all except the I. O. U., which we will play for as often as you wish." " Anything moic, gentlemen?" asked the landlord. " Nothing," replied the captain. " 1 hope to be here again — will you charge my bottle to me? Captain Sotheran of the Fourth." The landlord withdrew. The doctor had not looked up. The captain took his hat and stood for a moment close to him. " Shall we meet again in a week? " he asked. " Tell me," re(|uircd the doctor hoarsely. " exactly whom you mean." "Adams, Hancock. Warren. Thr^e in any case. Whomever else you can. Hut certain evidence, you understand. Their own writing." " Yes," whispered the doctor. Sotheran bent to him. " Listen," he said; and t'.K're was a ring, not of gold, but of steel, in his voice. " This also. There i= a fellow, Francis Ellery, lately come to life. You k.iOw him? " " Yes." " He must be included also." " \'erv well " 'S 2O0 The Colonials " Good day, then," said the captain brightly, for any listening car. " Wc shall meet here again, shall we not?" He went to the door, but glanced back as he closed it. The doctor was extending his hand tu the money un tlie table. ^, CHAITKR VII A NEW ALLIANCE To carry a jaunty ''"ont; to live as well as the best in the town; and to be, among his political associates, ad- mired and trusted, had long been the aims of Dr. Benjamin Church. The first was natural to him; the last he had won by his address and tact; but the second he had bought dear. Equipped with the bc^t education the colony could afford, his training finished in London hospitals, the doctor stood high in his profession. But with a desire for expression, a clever pen, and a talent for verse, he was not the man to keep himself from the public eye. El'jgies upon distinguished men, ccasional light poetry, and some partisan writings, brought him into promi- nence. He early saw the popular side, and willingly embraced it. For the sake of his professional standing (since a Whig would as soon employ a Tory lawyer as a Tory doctor), it was wise to go with the majority, and the admiration of the many was dearer to Churcli's heart than the friendship of the few. He won the fourtli place in public esteem; the members of the caucuses gave oath at each meeting to reveal their deliberations to none but Adams, Warren. Hancock, and Church. Able to steer with the wind, for a number of years he enjoyed h.imself to his heart's content. But sailing even on a summer sea is not always smooth, and the winter of colonisl politic^ ws" sp- ^tir-« 20S Ihe Colonials I)roachinp:. The doctor found himself in iroul^lcd vvviters, with contrary winds. The coming of the truups had frightened him; he feared the anger of the kin 5^. And Church's extravagant life had led iiim deep into debt. Gaming, his favourite amusement, almost a pas- sion, turned suddenly against him. He trusted to it to bring him out of debt: it failed, and thrust him deeper. The time came when lie was very closely pressed. When he sat down in the tavern to consider his assets. he found himself constantly thinking that his most valu- able possessions were his secrets. Captain Sotheran came to him at the right moment. I'ortune aoled as with set purpose; the loss at rards was the last straw. The doctor sold himself in the way that pleaded him most; with the one hand he clung to the life that was dear to him, with the other he betrayed it. His stunted, worn-out conscience was no bar. But now that he had surrendered himself, the dread of discovery — not his own shame, but publ'^ dis- grace — was unbearable. He shrank at the thought of the popular disdain: he used every endeavour to shield himself. His hope was to earn his pay while saving his reputation — a delicate, juggling task, to contemplate which drove him to the bottle or the gaming table — or both together. Therefore, it was not strange that at the end of a week he was in search of Cai)tain Sotheran. He met him walking in the street alone, and joined him with the outward llourishe> and gestures from which any looker-on could see their acquamtance was merely cere- monious. But between the words of formal greeting he thrust in other sentences: " I have something for vou. .-Knd I need money. This place is too public; will you go with me to the tavern? " So thev went togetiier, but the doctors jauntmcas An Arnifd 1 rucc 20(.j H was le?s than ustia;. IK' had l;e,-un to realise that he was no lonj^cr his own. A smile, put on tor the decep- tion of the Whig workman who passed and touched his hat to his leader, had shown him his future path. Fie was bought, he was on a chain, and this officej- of low grade was his keeper. -Vs they went they met on a narrow side street a lean. tall man. with threadbare coat unbrushed. and with apprehensive aspect. His eyes were shifting quickly, and as he passed he made no response to the doctor's greeting of: " Good day, Mr. Ellery." "Ellery?" asked Sotheran, halting. " Did vou call him Ellery? " ■■ Ay," answered the doctor. " Thomas Ellery, the uncle of — your friend." " Turn back." .said the captain (juickly. " You shall introduce me." I5ut Mr. Ellery, after bowing and smiling mechanic- ally, begged to be excused. " I am in haste," he said. " Vou nnist pardon me." "He is quite spiritless," whispered Church to Soth- eran, as Mr. Ellery started on. " By your leave," answered Sotheran, " I will in- spirit him. Wait me here a minute, good doctor, while I hav- a word with him." ^^ He caught up with Mr. Ellery, and n-alked at his side. " Sir." he said, " although of such l)rief accjuaintance, I wi.^h to recommend myself to vou." " I will remember you." replied .Mr. Ellerv-. " Xay," said the captain, studying the wrinkled face; " but you have not yet observed me. nor can you repeat my naine." " I pray you," begged Ellery, hur v-ing on, " let ine go. m li 2IO 'I'hc C"uK)iuals ■• Lti iiic -peak." replied Sollicran, keeping pace with him. " 1 \m11 nut delay you. 1 wk^Ii tu ^peak ol your nephew." •• Which?" " The older, Franci.^." " W'll, say quickly." * I am his friend." Mr. i'dlerv cried out suddenly: "I wish nothing to do with you! " •' Such a friend." continued Sotheran, " that 1 wish he were in the harht)ur. That 1 would put him there again." He fmishcd with a sudden snarl ni hate. Mr. Illlery stopped, and stood staring at him. " Now look at me," t-aid Sotheran. " Remember my face. Shall we not be friends? We can serve each other. We have the '-ame purpose, you and I." Mr. Ellerv put a trembling hand on Sotheran's arm. " Your name? " he asked huskily. " Sotheran of the Fourth," he replied. " Courage, sir. You are not alone. I will wait upon you. We shall see what we can do together, eh? " " Yes, come and see me," agreed Mr. Ellery. " No. he might be there. Let me come to you. When, and where? " " Soon," answered Sotheran. " Soon; I will let you know. Meanwhile, remember me. Clood day." " Sotheran of the Fourth," repeated Mr. Ellery, and stood looking after him. •• Well." said Doctor Church, as the captain rejoined him, " whether or not you have put spirit into the old fellow, he is changed." They went again to tlieir former place of meeting, rnV.ed for cards and wine, and presently money and An Am led 'i'ru Cf 21 I a folded paper changed hands. After a proper interval. uarni with iiis wine, and satisfied, the doctor went away.' The cai)tain remained after the other had departed; he si[.{,t(i Ills wine and drummed on the taole witii his lingers. He thouglit. an powerful face displavL-d unusual traces of his feelings, as in his duskv corner he felt lumself free from observation. Ideas were com- ing to him, his plans were moving forward, and Ik saw ui the future not merely success, but triun.ph. It was not long, however, before Tabb entered the room and stood at attention before him. ••Well, Tabb?" asked the captain. " Vou saw me come here? " " Nothing new to-day, sir. Christine savs Mr. El- Icry's not been to call on Mistress Tudor for' two davs." Sotheran drummed again on the table. " iJocs he still give you the cold shivers when vou pass him on the street?" Ay," returned the servant. " When I think of that time I ran in and found her gone, and you Iving in blood " ••That will do!" commanded the captain sternly "Tabb!" ^" '•Sir?" " Mistress Tudor's maid pleases vou? " ''^ Oh, yes. Nice little thing. Sort of innocent." "She likes you?" •' I think so." Sotheran leaned forward and looked in his eye. ■' Make her like you more." he said. " Plav with her. Turn her head." ' Sir.-" asked Tabb, a stare and a smirk contending on his face. • Mak^ her yours!" rom.manded the r.-inf.nin "Do you understand;"" :: I 2 Ihr Colonials " Yes, sir. " The captain placed a g iinea on the tahle, ind left the tavern. The s'^rvant called the landlord, ordered wine, and began in his Lurn to play the officer. J CIl.M'TLR VIII PETTINESS That corner in the tap-room of the Silver Ball, where Sotheran and Churcli already twice had sat, was des- tined before long to see another meeting. The captain sent word by Tabb to Thomas Ellery that on such a day, at such an hour, he could be found at the tavern. But to his surprise and disgust, at the appointed time there entered, not EUcry alone, but also Brush. The world at that moment was not going well with the New Yorker. He was out of money, he wanted more, and on the street he clung to his brother-in-law for the purpose of extorting it. He began to drop hints. 1 he boy — oh, Ellery knew well enough what boy — there was a secret about him which Ellery would like to know. Would he pay to know? Ten guineas — eight guineas? Xever: and Ellery marched on. " Well, then," said Brush at last, " the boy has run away. Xow, will you pay?" " Run away! " cried Ellery, between delight and un- belief. "When? Where?" " A year ago. Bvit where? — ^s if I knew! " "Couldn't you find him — catch him?" " Xo," answcriil I'.rnsh; "and tried my best, too. X'ow, won't you give me something, Tom? " '■ Why snould I?" grinned Ellery, resuming his walk. it TT » *« He s gone. "Ah." re.-pondcd Brush, "but where i^; he?" i 14 liu- Colonials Kllery stopped in alarm. " Will lie coiiic here and find :nc? " "Fool!" sneered the other. "He dueMi't know of you, or his own name." Tilt father was relieved. " Don't you call me a fool. L'roan," he directed, walking on. Brush still followed. " Now you'll give me something, won't you, Tom? " he asked. " Just for the news." Ellcry had reached his destination. " Xo," he an- swered. " Xow, I'm going in here, Crean, to meet a gentleinan. I don't want you. '"'^me to me to-mor- row," he added as a propitiating c..ieithought, and en- tered the tavern. But Brush, like a bulldog, shook his surly head. "To-morrow!" lie repeated angrily. "I'll see what sort ,'hed Ellery, and sank in a .hair. He was but a panting, timorous creature as he en- deavoured to collect himself. His shaking hands, nis open mouth, his rounded shoulders, even his grizzled hair betrayed agitation, straying from his queue. The other two surveyed liiiu. Sotheran with cold amuse- ment, Brush with contempt. "What!" cried the New Yorker, as Ellery did not speak. ■■ He knows you not. He will not hurt you, Tom — not bite. A boy. a mere >haver. llrace yourself! " '■ Hut if he knew! " e.xclaimed Ellery hoarsely. " I will see you again about that," answered I'.rush \MtIi meaning, and turned to go. Cut the cai)taiii, his scarlet blazing in tin- dingy room, raised an arm. " Stay, friend," lie cuniniamled lazily. "Come, sit down. Here is wine." " I must go," stammered Ellery, beginning to scram- ble to liis feet. " Xor you either." returned the captain. " Sit still. Now, friends, wliat is this pretty little mystery^" He looked from one to the other as thev hesitated, i'.riish c!i(|uired of l-'llery with his eye: "Shall I tell?" llllery, with a face of dismay, signalled " Xo." But the captain, seeing some new thing connected with Frank, meant to understand it. " Come." he said slowly — " drink. Mr. Brush — it seems there is a boy in question, whom I tliink I re- member to have seen. He turns up unexpectedly in the house of Mr. Ellery, who, it would seem, would prefer him in Tartary. lie knows the boy. but the boy does not kn<-iw him. He fears harm, but the boy cay^ . not barm lu'm unless ^Ir. TVu'^li savs a certaij*' wo?d='l ■'^•-, What is that word. Mr. Brush?" lo lilt Colonial.s Hut lie received nu reply. "The word," said llie captain gcniall\, "sticks in Mr. r.rush's throat. Hut lot nie examine. There is something that Mr. Ellcry docs not wish the boy to know, it would seem "—he eyed Mr. EUery. smiling— " as if there were — some — hidden — relationship." "No!" cried Mr. Ellcry, starting from his chair. His pale face was spotted with red. hi« eyes showed fear, his breath, as he stood and panted, came rasping in his throat. Brush looked up at him in comprehen- sion, but the captain quietly smiled. " Oh, sit down," he drawled. " There is no caui:e for agitation. Tiie secret is safe with me. Pray sit down; that is right. And so this handsome stripling is your — son?" lie rcail the correctness of his guess in the downcast looks of both, and languidly smiled. " A little wine, Mr. Ellory," he said, filling a glass an -n you!" cried tliey both, turning upon him. 1 roni you? Whv? " " Because," he answered indifTerrntlv. " I mean to have the bov." ^1 Vou! '• repealed IJrush. •■ Wiiat tor;- " ^ " Perhaps." answered the captain, " to i)Iease Mr. El- -^ry And I need another servant— to ruu errands black shoes, and assist mv man." ,i,h J^on't let him r un out of sight." advised Brush. 2 io The Colonials laughing loudlv. " or lic'll rx-vrr conic back. But cunie, ,l\ agreed, l.uc me my muiu > . and I gel you the bov." . , The caplain counted down five guineas irom his pur^e. •• The rest," he sai.i, " '.n deHvery ut the article. •• \nked in a low voice. •• To make vour acfiuaintance." answered the otficcr. •• To .atislv mv^ell how far y-ni are wi'.hng to help me with your nepli'ew. 1 think ' -an.l he MUiKd with i. ail- ing — ■■ that 1 know.'" V.lle.-y winced but c.m.iinued to look into Sotheran .^ fu-e ■• You hate him?" he a.ke.l anxiously. •• yp.re than you." replied the caplam. " 1 have more staked against him."' •• \ot half M, much,"" exclaime.l l-.ll-ry. heedk-s that r.rn^h could liear. " Not Iialf-l)ut Roger, uliy do you want iiim? " •• \\m are iivpii^itive." >aid Sotheran coldlv. •■Ihii why?-" i-erMMed KHery. •'What will you do ^""^Inheran"^ eve for an instant Hashed at his thouglit. •• I warn, ilu- bov."" he an.^wered. " to anger _vour nephew with. I'o ruin him l)efore hi- eyes, to •• ^"e-. ve-?"' urged k-llerv eagerly. " Xotiiing."" fmi^hed Soiherau. nodding with his head toward I'.rn-h. But IVush was ostentatiously pocket- ing his mon^-'v. . " Ecrad' ■" he muttered to himself. " Vou have a ]0h on vour hands, my fine Englishman. Roger knows a thine: or two."' <^'fiAr-ri;K ix I" tl,c ^reaf i:!!.,.- k„ci,on, u-I.ore vcnr. had di.- '1- walls bn^lu ucn.ls st.ll .s|,o„e, and on tlK-l. a fire flanged It .as ni^ln. I,„t tl.o tire and on. Z M.fhcec ,or l,o.I,t. throu-in,^ shadou. into corner, a I ;r".r -IN. The ,lace wa. wann. honudv. ! Uuvnu- and the .ouruho sat before the fire udt eae- ■nde.eree.thenillueneeoftheroom Ann and Xiek an.! IVte and Ro,.r sat in a ^enti- "e look" '"' '"■" '"" ^'^'^^^^ '" ^''-- '-"'- -'• et. looking ;o measure the Ii,|uid that stoanted nn„n t'.e^l;oarth, saw with satisiacti<,n titat tltere ua> plen,; '•f^ay for it. then." she answered. -Tel! „,o son.e -n^nen-s. I ITo so >eldont from tl,e !„„:.e ,ha, n,ear Mic. How jrocs ,t. d ve think, ui,h .\ia>ter IVank a.id ■^'.■=tres> Tudor ;> Win- does l,e delav"^ - \\ clI.- ventured Pete. '• for one thin- he's too Int^v in!.' n ' r"u ""' '" "^"'^" ^^'^ ^'^'' '^o'-nittees. and n,g Doctor ^^arren•s ri.ght-hand man. And Lord' ^l'<^ s so nnged round uith o.ticers and Torie.-!,ou- can a Whig go there?" ^^J^nut he does go,- cued x^oger eager! v. - [Te'Il .-in i f^ U : •• r,ut. wb.o was lu'. this uncle ^^Q Thr Colonials " To hi. liKk," rc^pnndo.l Pof. •' Roger, you're not drinkinp:? '■ , . •• No," answered Roger. - I've drunk too much ni my life. 1 drink Init when 1 must." ■pete turned in order to look at him tl .- hctter. •• Drunk too much in v.nir life! Hear the hoy!" He and Ann laughed together londly, and Roger Hushed. "Mv uncle." he -aid, " l.egan .)n me at three- years first with heer. then wUh ^\nvh<. I learned to carry it — anc' ! learned other things, to..." he added >lyly. "What other things?" enquired Tele with curiosity. "To he drunk." .-xplainecl Roger. " Unch- always was uglv when tip-v. hut I'd lie like tlie dead when I saw danger coming, and he wonlf politics. Roger sat closelv listening. .\ thin, sharp lad lie -eemeil to be. with bright, unhealthy eyes and mouih ■ >n- used to hi.ling secrets. Eager to learn, stubboru- ideaM in his own pers(.,i knowing well the meaning oi oppre-ion. his course of life had taught him the value of certain things. He ha liberty's home. Injured and freezing m ih.e country. I'rank had not onlv found an.i succoured luni, but aUo kept hiin carefully and kindlv Jn lioston the boy was happy, until the shock came of meeting again with hi.-, uncle. Dread constantly hung over him that he would be taken back. lUit he had been allowed to stav where he wa . and continued to admire and studv the'great men "1 the town. ]fe knew them all bv sight and name, he uiulerstood their .lesire>, he wa> close to the undcrcur- 'viits of intrigue that accompany all great political movements. He longed to be more, to be active in the uork, if but the bearer of a note or a watcher at a wmdow. And he wouKl be-he felt .t-suitable for such ])urpose. The others came in their talk to the discussion of (lie movements of the troops. Roger did not need to be told that every lounger at a corner, everv stroller in ilic streets, each man out of work, each woman at her kitchen door, was a Whig agent, self-appointed. Everv 'inusual action of the soldiers was at once noted and re'- ported. •• iJut," emphasised Pete. " we want more. To learn their plans beforehand— how can we do that?" " ^^■hat plans?" asked Roger. '• ( 'f seizing our leaders. They've threatened it for months. Or of marching out after our stores in the countrv. If they should strike quicklv. we could not prevent." Roger drew the long sigh of a visionary. To save |hncock and Warren from sei.7ure. to give warning of tnc movemeiiis 01 the iroop^— even a bwv could do Tlu- Coloniali lliL'so! I lis eyes grew ami wiili tk^irc fur *iic op- purl unity. And then the blow, so long dreaded, fell. His uncle ajjpeared at the kitchen door, to seize and carry him ijii. it was in vain lliat I'ete and Xick i)rolested; Mr. l-'.lkrv \va> there to ^ii>tain i'lim^li. i'ete >ent Xick for ^Master i'rank — that was all that coukl be tlone — v.lnle the ropeniaker hiin>elf ilogged iJru-h'b .-leps a> he led the boy through the streets. Since r.ru-h had -ei/ed. him, Roger had not said a word. " Roger," a-ked I'ete, ranging \.\\) along-iiie. " Is he }()ur iukU-.' " " \'e-," an.swered the bo>'. " Shall I suiadi him; Will you run?" " Xo." stammered Roger. " ( )ii. 1 can't (-1) it; I'm not able." I'eie droi)pe(l back. "Wait till -Mr. I'r.'ink con.es!" he threalenetl lirusli. r.rush hurried, almo>t drag^ging the boy. through the streets. Thex were nearly deserted at that time of night, bi!i at each figure he saw api)roaching he grasped his cudgel firmer, and constantl}- over his sli,,i;lder cast glances at I'ete coming close behind. He began to breathe easier as he ai)proached his dcslinatiou : and at last, when he turned into the street where were Sotheran's quarters, hv felt relieved. A V\i:!;\n was burn- ing at the capt.ain's window. Rrush went (|uickly, and knocked at the door. Then he was forced to wait: and waiting, he heard the hasty steps of persons coming along the street from ifi other end. Pete stood clo-^e ;il his side. I'rush could but hold the boy and look in the directiiin of the sound'--. They came nearer: it seemed as if two persons were co'iiin.!?-. ■^ne \v\^^^ dui k light steps, one with a firn-,er stride. Then two men, the taller in advance, the An Aiiiicil Tr UCV --J slu.rlcr la^^-my di»v bduiKl. came in ?igiii under ihe >trct-i lamp. ■• Here, mV! " cried I'ete in delight. " Siand iliere un the ^icps, Ruger," ordered Brush i-.>n-hly. He- placed the boy a-ainst the door, and agani rapped loudly uiih hi. >tick. T,, his jov he Iieard feel un the -tair wnlim, jum a^ I'Vank J^llcrv n'earcd him. 'i'hcre ua.^ a Iitile li-l,; ,y^,„i ^i^^ ^^j.^.^,, ]'^,,jj^ ...j.^^^j. ^■ame clo.-^c to the man and looked him m ih,- lace. •• W'hatV ihi~, l;ru>h.- •' he a^kcd (n.hctly. •• !leV my nephrw. ^ir," a-sertetl llrush with e.xcite- iiUMU. •■]!(■ ran aua_\ ironi mc. 1 iuuu\vung open. There in a flood of light stood Sotlieran. and behin.l him Tabb. The scarlet uniforms were l)ril!iant, and Sotheran stood and smiled, a jaunty, sneering figure. "What's all this noise:" he asked. " Ha. Ellerv! S(|iiabbling at my door?" " I've brought the boy. sir." said Tirusli eagerlv. " Very well," answered the captain. " Let liin'i alone, fellow. Ucrc. Tal)h. talce the boy." P.nt Pete cried out so fiercely. "Stand back'" that Tabb recoiled. Frank stepped forward. "A word with yoU: ("nptain," he said. 'f!i ! n 224 'i tu- ColoniaL " Jk' quick, ihcn," wa^ the answer, .-iianding abuvi-, Sotheran looked down insolently. " The boy i.- my ^>.Tvant," >aid I'rank. ■" iJy what ri^ht do you lake hiin: " ■■ lie i> my nephew," bawled I'.rush. '• 1.-, ihal ir;;e, Ru'^^er? " " Yes," baid the ijoy. I'rank paused, then turned to Brush. "• Once more, Mr. l]ru.-h, give him to nie." " 'I'lie ])Ov is the captain's." ■'Well?" demanded Sutheran, as h'rank looked at him. A hablv wurd was on l''rank'> lip. but he bit it in two. lie clenclied light his cane— his grandfather's sword- cane— as he restrained him-^ell. " Then, Captain "— and his tone was quiet— •' i)ray return the boy to me." •'A recpie^t?" a^ked the cai)tain. " If you please." " Then damn your request! " cried Sotheran. " Vou sneaking I'uritan, go l)ack to your committees!" Xick and Pete, with angry snarls, drew closer. hVank stood firm. " Captain." he asked. '■ w' at mean you to do with the boy? " The captain canie down one step. " To wreck hiin! " he answered. " To spoil, by God, the thing you care for!" Anger boiled up in Frank's breast, and carried him away. He strode closer, and seized Sotheran by the sleeve. " Captain " "Wfii:-" '• Three minutes with you in a cliamber. Candles, and vour pistols." The captain threw off the cla-p. " Xo! " he cried. " Datnn vou, 'tis mv turn ul'w! ^'ou had vour chance, An Aiiiu-J Trurc '-0 ruin yuu, and I bcj^in ;iiul loM it. lillcry, lj_v i .(k1, this night! " " Cunie down!" nnswcrcd Frank vclicmcntlv. lie ■ wilted his canr ni his hand^. and (h-cw out thJ short, li.ulit I)ladr. •• lluv, inidcT the lamp! [ have a sword,' i'rnig yours! " 'I'hc captain hesitated: the tenii)tation was strong. Again. t iii.-, own hjngcr ucapnn h'rank would staml -Hail chance. Hut in. r.'venge was too well planned; l:c put the opportunity hy, ami laughed. iabb," he said. " take the hoy." _ "By heaven!" criol frank, -you shall io>c liim or kglit for him. I'ete, -top liini! " But as Pete, with a .narl of jov at tiie permission, ■-prang torward at Tahl., Roger came in between ^tretchmg out hi. hands. '• Master 1-rank," he said.' Ini sati-lied to stay. Td— I'd rather stay." " Roger! " cried I'rank. astonished. " i— I want to stay," stammered Roger. " Don't try u> get me back. I— I want to be wiUi the soldiers." 1 hen he burst into tears. " lake Inm in, Tabb," directed Sotheran again, and iiH- servant led the boy into the house. The three ^^hlgs stood astonished: Brush himself was scarcely less so; but Sotheran turned for a final word. " \our own servant again.t you," he sneered. " The rats leave the sinking ship." " \ou refuse my challenge. Captain?" "I %vonld not soil my sword," was the ansv.-er- -nd drawing Brush after hitn. tlie captain went in and closed the door. His eyes were gleaming with satisfaction. "Take ilio boy upstairs, 'J'abb," he directed. "Friend Brush I am obliged to you." "They're going." said Brtish, h'-tening at the door. !i I 226 'riu: C't)ii)nial:') " Tlic'v'rc ^oiic. I'll ^\\\> ul'l ilk' olluT \v;i;. . Tlio five guineas.," lie suggested. Suliierau ga\e tluiii. lirusli paused (or a warning beiuie he opened the duur. " iJon'l be too sure ot" ilie latl; he's sly." " Xul too sly lUr me," replied the other. " ( iood night." r.ru:-ii went quietly out, and Sotheran aseended to his room, 'i he lire of lii> recent dehance wa> still in hi-. e_\e>. and in hi-. Iirea-l the brute wa^ aruu-ed. "Chal- lenge me, would he'" he muttered, "'(lad! I'll break iiim." lie entered hi- room. " W'elK where i> that b( i\? " l\i)gi,r, trembling, stood in the middle ui" the tloor. The eajitain took the candle in hi^ hand, and >nr\eyed him closelx. "Thin," he commenied. " \\"ell, you'll be ihiinier. I'an you \vork?" " 'S'es, sir," an-h brass? " " Yes, sir." " Do \c)ur work well, then, or beware the strap. Are ytiu a \\ iiig? " " Xo, sir." "A Tory?" with contcni])t, "You lie, Tabb, my cane." " A Tory! A Tory! " asserted Roger earnestly. The captain struck Inni across the knuckles. Roger cried out. " If a Tory," demanded Sotheran, " why did you stay witli that Whig' " " He was Idiv! to me." " Kind? Then so am I. Well, if a Tory, you shall prove it. Tabb, a glass of wine. Xow, boy, drink me Ti,.. t-:,,.,i TJ., .1,.^ rrl. ♦ 1,^ ln,l All Anucii 'i'lucc -- / uiid took it and rai.scd it to lii> lin-,. ■'The kiii" \,,.i uai!" ■• TIic kins." repeated Roger, and drank. '■ AH. all of it! ■' warned the ot'tieer. Tabb stood ready Willi the buttk'. ••iill again, Tabb. .\o\v, boy— Lord -Xortii." ■■ Lord Xorth." " I'il! ai^-aiii. Wiiat, boy, you drink to Lord North?" Sotheran e\fd him suspiciou>ly. •' Xu trieks with nie." The bcjy ua> trL-nibliny and evidently airaid; but he held 11]) hi-, head. iruly," he said. "I'm ;i Tory. V,,n lu'ard wliai T said to Mr. l-:ilcr\. I'd railur Ik- wiih ym." Tile eaplaiu L^TUiublcd, and l.Kjkrd him over. ■• I'.y Cad! ii _\ou try t., (Keeive me—" he muttered. " (iive l'i:n the "la^s aj^aiii, Tabb. .\..,\v. bov, the iloslon Port liilll All— ail!" as Royer drank. ^ <■! the eaptain wa^, not satisfied. "Tabb," la- .ai.l, " the brandy. Xow, tlii^ time we shall see. 'ITi. time " "I'lease, sir," be^'i^-ed Rooi-r plaintively, "I fet-1 dizzy." "Confti-iion to .\dams and Warren! Drink." Roirer was |)ale. " I iTel so strani^^e, vir," he pleaded. " The toast," repeated tlie captain, his cane raised " Drink! " 1 he boy seemed unsteady on his tTet. "Confusion " lie began. " To Adams and Warren! " "To .\dams and Warren!" lie raided the glass to Ins lij.s. opcnc-d his mouth to drinr then collapsed. He fell heavily, the glass was shattered, and the fumes of the brandy rose in the room. The boy lay where he ien, aiui began i)reatiiing iioarsely. Sotheran pushea liim with his foot, but Roger did not move. 22S Ihr CuliJiiial •• I'ick iij) ihe glass, Tabb," directed Soilieraii. " Xow you may go." lie sat al his tabic aiul eyed the pros- trate bov. The beast in him was r.it yet satislied; 1 c wi.-Iied he might do more, lint he began to gloat over h\^ success of the evening. It was brutal, unworthy — more, it was wanton — but he was pleased. He di he m-c and left the room, Roger, through lids scarcely (jpen. watched him go. 1 .'i CHAPTER X TF.XSION For more than six months h:ul oxi'^tcd an nnparullel'.-"'! situation in Massachusetts. Since that day in Seplenibcr when bloodshed was imminent, the colony had f^fiverned itself. Its capital was defended against the mainland by a fleet of ship-, and by earthworks on the .\eck. In it were the j^cvernor and his council, with judges, com- missioner-, ;>nd sheriffs — all of the crown officials, in short, that had been able to Ike frcMii the country to the protection of the troop>. None darc(l to rcttn'n M their home-, knowiiii^- that tho-e of ilu-ir associates who wt-re still outside oi I'.oston had resigned their posi- tioii.>, atid found it prudent to remain within the limits of their estates. lUn tlKJUgh in the colony the old machinery of gov- ernment was stopped, something new took its placi— namely, the public conscience. In defiance of Parlia- ment, the people held meetings, and selectmen of towns were lacitl; entrusted with the responsibilities of keep- ing r)rder throughout Massachusetts. They succeederl well. Without judges, sheriffs, or juries, with all laws in abevance and penalties suspended, never had there been such a period of internal trancjuillity. There was communication between F.oston and tlif country, since men were free to come and go. Yet tlv^ town was in a state of semi-siege; few provisions could -J f - ...J it... •. .-,.., r -» 1 f 2;o rii( Colonial i.iiioii-,. No iiroLlaniatiun oi ( aiural ( ia^t' was iKHdcil beyomi the limits of Jioston, except liis bombastic proniincianu'iito affaiiiM li\ pocrisy. uiiirh vtimd to its • lepths the anger ui the coU.nists. Ami everv iiinr a body of troojis crossed the Xi'cU for exercise a tiiuii- ^aiid eyo were on thetn, the word was sent around, and llie ahole neif^libotu-hood was rendv t.i -priiij^ lo arms. Meanwhile, into i'.oMon (•(uuinued lo puur euntribii- tion> lor the relief of it> inhabitants, l-'roni Maine to the Carolinas provisions were sent; from thv iiKiiin- taincers of the new country beyond the Alleffhanies came otTerintr,. 'riius were s-ipported by the whole of AiiHTK-a iho-e who were siirferin,or in the p^eneral cause. I'v-'u nature herself secne.l t.. lirl].. i..r tin- winter w.is the miUlest ever known. hi [.alienee th.- people of l'.<'-ton bore their trials, and with the consciousness of .general apiiroval. rruiaiued tirm. They would not submit to the .>cts oi rarhametu, n..r would thev ].,iv for the tea. They simply waited. I'.nt at a time when v;rv:Urr hardshijis were vi-iMe in the future, each itund was overclouded with can>s. rainfully situatetl w>Te the member, of families -h- vided a,q:ainst themselves, i-'rancis flhu-v, workinjj to strenfjth'-n. the Whi.' eaine. rose eaeli mornin- with tlic thonp:ht. and at ni-ht lav down with it, that s,, so..u as the real troubles eommenccd. Dickie and iie would be on opposite side<. The .threat. lo'a))le hov had a firm hold on his brother's heart; the longer they lived in the same house the closer grew the bond. Frank could not tell how luurh h.e was to Dickie. Dickie followed his own road, kept lo his Tor- com- panions, and was fond of his uncle. T!ie older brother felt great anxiety for the yotmger, longing to go with him, lo warn, protect, and instruct. H,. L-n,,,., tl,,. ,i-,„_ li UK ( 1 I I 111 «• :;ors (.t iIk- Iih- the ufticir. wore ti-adimq-; he watched closely inr tl:c ^igns of dissipation, and dreaded to sec ilu-.n hegir— the iieavy eye at breakfast, tlie reeling step at night. Hut Dickie preserved always the same aspect, kept his clear skin and ruddy lip. and in every wav remained the same. I'.iit in the yunn-,,r l.r..ihvr', heart std! -nau.d tiie w.)rm of discontent, and tiirived n,, uliat n „,un.l ihne. I)ady iM-ank ^rrcw more to inin. and hi. lovr nicrea-cd. Secretly lu |,„,k up,,,, him w,,, i,, Duku' .i pleasinv; he adnnrrd ilir M.prrh phy>i.|ne. the '-ead udl iu.,,cd! the eye like a Iiauk, a„d ,1,,. „„,„t|, !.Ke-Iike n.ulung hnt the niomh of ,!„■ ,,ld Muuggler. humorous and '"■'"• I'"" Inimoin- M'ldoni pkaxod n.,ut: the -ood citizens vieM the road, pav '!ama4ustitig conduvl, a> ilic otTiccr^ loudly proclaimed. Dicl.ic had a brief in>ig!u into the per-oiial sid<' oi politi- cal disaj,'recinent, realised for a moment how differences in manners produced irritation, and obscurely perceu'ed that diver.c^ent educations can produce as great mis- tindcrstandin.t; as disMuiilar race or lai!guaj;e. Vet at such times of thought, detecting himself, Dickie went at once U) the other extreme. lie loved hi- uncle remorsefully, was ultra-Tory, and plunged th.e deeper into gay sociei}-. Then in the very midst would rise up the picr'.re of Frank, and Dickie would pause, withdraw, and slip home to bed. In other households than the Ellerys' were doubt and searching of heart; even in one where, of al! places, it would seem content should rule. Alice Tudor now- lived in a plcasi'.nt cottage in the court end of the tov with colorless Mrs. Drew as hous.d she could cnjov. P>ut with a mind "Stirred by alarms, and a heart — r, :)ne but sir." knew h.ow -^adly— discontented, she friund herself in the cniulitiori of .ill in the province, watching and waiting as the days passed. Tier time was spent among people who were, for the nio:;t ]>art. unaffectedly confidetit and gay. The seren- itv of the remainder wa^^ deceit full v ii,-.tur;d. Yet by subtle signs .Mice came t.) know that the more serious among the lovalist parly were not at their ease. Thev v.ere aware, as wa^ ■^lie. of the threatening faces oi the V.'higs. a backgrounil to each Torv gatlierinu-. With one ear tb.ey listened to the noises in the air; as it were, they constantly looked over their shoulders to see who was behind. Alice could not meet the governor and fa:l to know that hi cares increa'-ed from week to week. Ai: AiiiicJ 'i'l-ucc "-could sl,e walk upon the stress and not perceive ilic nicrcaMug- tension. .";■■ '"'"^''^■'' '■"! ""^'>i",? to put her at re.t His -H wasontlK..„ne.ubject;a..heu-a:ohedhint!de saw he tound no connort. Many a dav he ean,e into iKr parlour uuh a weary air, between In. eves a irZ -u deuadnnj Ins sword would stand it in the corner .1 '!'H->aHl: May there, I'm sick of ihee " l^ut on one occa.M..„ he cau.e to her with a verv t!K.u,hnuI,ace. Thi. tune she was waitut. hint ea,eri;. ^) 1. ^he demanded, -all pas~ed off .juietlv--- ' IJtuet enou.q:!,." he answered. •• A,id v'.-t everv '"""";• ;ve were on a powder mine. There wa> such a -wd m.e Old Sotuh that Warren had ,o come m '•> '|H- wmcr of us officers were on the PKlpUsta.rs nght before u. sat Adams and Hancock- *'" three of the leader, in one trap.- "';"t theovne-al :,ent no one to arrest them;- she en(|U!red. u.dge. winch they carry everywhere, now, like f,nMUle- -twcr walking-stick. If the general means to seize 'hese leader, nt all, he probably will '.p.a'.p. ;n I'-oston were learning to dread An AriiitJ 'i"rut:p e "re here ua. one ,nanu-ho chafed at the slow i-- K^c o tunc. a„ci s.uglu to l.a.tcn tl.c progress o hurc toneu-d.closuresJ.oIdu,gclLreladons: ar.uorng,nvr„or,..a. a changed n,an. ll.s con,- • i- scarcely kr.ew in„,. vvonder.ng at in. new and :'-;-^t n,anncr. an-aul u, the irrnable ,.n,pcr that ' '•"t time moved sloulv To vvniV for . ,. v^>wv. lu wait lor a secret n-u-k-.'t- '-nlWor Church was a plague; to keep up hl'^m --"'-^--rpurMntwa.ahnostbevJndlt.po n.lK.re each hu of ,K.ws to th. general with a f^^; - = - ti>at he might dotiblc its intportance. \vnn'^ - 1- n|o.a,c was near!, complete, it still lacked wl,: \^as. to Inm, the nio.t valuable piece. '-age summoned Sotlieraii ii I-, f n„ i dn.v\v '• -n '^'^'' ni"-'>iic.ned him ^'^.>ch. J here ar. surely a,, manv .tores a. ^ou sav 'Iqwsited at Concord?" ' a. \ on sav ••There yon have the memorandum, a fortnight old lo-day there will be more, rather than le.. " And Adams an i . ■ , J (Inv. -,n r ''^'•^•nn.ned to .end out in a few «1^.^ an e.xpedn, on to sei.e the Concord stores You u'm:^".,^'!^^:i.:.?r^'>---' ---t Hancock I^d If. ,i^ 236 Tilt- Colonials " Y •■ You" shall have a picked cscorl. Yon iini>t not fail. What is il you wish 10 ^ay?" " Warren? " a^kcd iho captain. •' lie shall be arrested that same night." " Could 1 not stay here and do that— would it not be hctter?" .. "Xol" answered the general emphatically. i no ,,ihcr is the more delicate ta.^k. It you succeed, Cap- tain, vou shall be well rewarded." Sotheran's face ilushed, and he spoke with vigour. " I wish onlv one reward. Arrest Ellery as well." The general rcgar.led him. " This is a personal mat- ter? " he enquire.l with hesitation. '• I lee niyselt forced to say. Captain Sotheran— of course you have served us well, but— but without better evidence " " You shall have it," cried the captain. " Doctor Church has promised it. On what date do you plan this expedition, sir? " '■ The night of the eighteenth." CIIAITER XI SMOKING THE WHIG TIic eighteenth of April came— the time when the people of I£ngla-<1 and of licr thirteen colonies, niein- Lers of one race and one empire, were to take their separate roads. America had done all in its power to avoid the final issne. Towns, Committees, Colonies, Conventions, Congresses, had in turn addressed the king, the I'arlia- nicnt. and the I'.nglidi people. In words firm and re- spectful they iiad urged consideration of their rights; in acts sometimes ItoUl, sometimes forbearing, they had in(h'caled tlieir de.■^ire to accept any compromise that woidd not curtail their charters. They had waited, and not been heeded: had restraiTied themselve--, and were cried upon with threats. The colonics were exa=perate(!. Pct!\- oppressions and real hardships: threats at their liberties, more dear than their lives; rumours of greater wrongs to come; the certainty at last driven home of the unyielding temper of the king — these liad combined to make the people ready for the struggle. Thus amid rumours and menaces the lainU'(l iiuur; iJicivic ami AnlliDU}' arrivccl, ciu'iou^ ami e.xcitoil; cilm.xi> caiuc in ihcir Itrij^iu unii'orni.s. '] hiTi.- Aii-ir(.->> Laroliuc IJluer caiuc, cUiormiucil to out>iiiue Ikt hu^lL■^^, as uuc hun]) auuiln-r; auil thiiluT came Alice Tudor, in relaliou tu llieiii bolli a- \va> the moon. She was escorted l)_v I'rank F.llery, whom a note had summoned to !ier .ser\ice, who was deliL,dited to be with Inr, yet wished him:~i.di away, r^luch was doin.L,' in the town; there was irequent occasion lor waichfulne-s, t\ir consultation, for desjiatching; warninLj note.-. Why had all grenadiers and light im'antr}- been tree from exer- cise the last few days? \\'li_\ wire the boats of the men-of-war moored together near the foot of the Com- mon? lUit Alice's face was a pleasure to his eyes, her ^oicc a caress to his ear. Vet a silence fell between them; their mouths were stoi)i)etl by their thoughts. " There is nothing to say," thought I'Tanh to himself. " lutlier UMthing or too nnich." A weary con~ci(jUsne-s of pi:;.)lic distresses, the certainty that terrible thing- were iKiimd to ensue, complications in tliem-elves dreadfid enough, without being made worse, weighed upon Inm. A man who liabitually repressed himself, hithertc^ absolutely sclf- reliaiu. he had not yei C(~)mt' to tb'" p.riint where to U!i- btirden was a .-ist ine. I will not Irouide you, Cajjlain." She gave hrank one -lance a> she turned to the door oi the dressing-room. \'es, he realised, she is the same. The fire in his eves ],e- cair.e a tlame. He, too. turned to lay aside his cloak. and .Sotheran, unnoticed, bit his lip and returned to the reception-room. The glow oi Frank's Ihunc remained to w^arm Iiim. He met unmoved the cold glance-, of officers in the dre'^sing-room, as ihcy Mirvexed his iiomcspun. " What does the Whig here," muttered Harriman to de I'.er- niere, "this night of all?" He slipped out to warn Sotheran. " I know," said Sotheran, " I know." His c\e was on the floor, and he tried to conceal the anger in his face. "Yes, and I)..clor Church is here," went on Harri- man. "Two Whites. If they should .suspect! " " Leave Church," said Sotheran. " He will be busv with the punchbovvd and the ladies. But we must get Ellery out. Harriman, do you as I say, vou and de Bernierc." Alice and Frank entered the reception-rooin. The company buzzed at their entrance, and there was a slight general movement toward Alice. Sotheran saw Dickie, Anthony, and full half of the officers and Tories, turn in her direction. Even Harriman felt the attrac- tion. "How she stirs a room!" the li.nten.'int exclaimed. "Egad! I must pay mv respects." He was starting ;orv.c:ru Wn^u outiiciaii cuugiiL iiiiii by tile sleeve. Am Armed Trucf 4 I '•^ou arc Io^ovtI,Il.,^■• ,•,■„„„, ic,I ihe captain impfri- oii.ly. ••.Sec tJnii.ln, ,1c Ikrnicrc, and one or two more, but not Tudor. Jlid thcni be roadv to smoke tin- Win- Von nni^t -ivc me your .-pcech tlial you made bci.Mv the t'ou-rcss of ( M'licers." ■■ Real!}-:- " a>kcd 1 larriniaii. " Ve>, and Mcniicrc In-.. Co tell iiim so." -Mice \va. l.rin.t^in.r^^ I'rank forward, alino.t a. one introduces a >tran>:cr. T ones and ol'ticcr^ jires.M-d up to speak \vith her. but none greeted IVank. iJi.plca^ed. she paused a moment to make sure. A liiilc knot of .<=oldicrs and civilians gathered at once in her front another at lier right side. At her left stood J'rank alone, although lie was acquainted with manv. Im- patiently she swept a way with one movement of her laii, and with head erect, her eyes steel-blue, led I'rank to where Lady Harriet was standing. V.'hi.-pers ro.e behind them, to be immediatelv stdled. Their voices were heard di>tinctly in the room'. '• .^o glad to sec you. dear." exclaimed Ladv Ilarri-'t. "And you have brought the truant! .Mr. El'lery, I am pleased to welcome you." "And [. madam." he returned, ••most flattered bv your invitation." Tudor stepped up to Alice, and drew her aside to speak with her. Lady Harriet, embarrassed to be alone with the Whig, and impatiently .signalling to those be- hind Frank to move, go away, do anything but stand an'> tliat I vriitiiir lo address yon. OUo- dier - the calls ol my cuuiilry at all time-, 1 ai)poar bc:ore you to offer the irel/u- et'turl- of a (H-hune.~l mind — " Those aronnd eiml "" Hear! " Irank llushed and Iiii li;- h]). It ua- a linrle-(|iK' of W'lrreii'- recent oration. ■■ 'I'lir iieart- cf ilrii'Mi- and AnuTJran^," went on llarriinan, "iitiu huni with jraIi>ii-\ and rat^e. Sm Ije it I Si > nia\ il i-\it he arni> of ( irurL^c our riL^nt- ful kin.LT, ai\- exti'nded t<.uaid n- with synii)athy and love; Iiut .-hall we arccj.t in- kindnr.--? All i.;raciou^ lieavtn avirl it I " Mr ]>an-rd and ^lanerd tuTcrlv around, |i.. .tin-.' hi- eheek-. Laughter aro-r from hi- circK'. and spurred him to jiroecvd. I'mt Ladv llarriet interrni)ted. ■■ ( )h. tifl" -he erie.k " l"ic, Mr. llarriman, de-i-tl "hi- far from anm>ini:^. (icntk-nien, the taMr- arc -rt for card..." " Ihil I.ai'\ ilarricl." pnt in l'.n-i;.rn d.r I'.ernicre, "let me tell \on of anoiher -]icecli. \ i>:\ kno\>- 1 wa- up comury scarce a montli ago " '■ In a connlryman'- dre-s, Mr. d,^ Tlernicrc'"' a-ked Alice crildly. " I'll, \e>." he -aid. " A mo.-l excellent disL; lisi'. ]-'ew knew ns. At a tavern en the r(.ad, as we ate. we watched a com])any of militia exercise. Oh, 'twa- ex- cellent! Such uniforms and equipineiU, and such order! That fellow- h'alstaff scarce had -.vorse. And the cai)tain made a speech at the end. " l-\'!low-citizens,' lie said — now I'll eive you his manner. ' h'tdlow-citizens. sine it mav cfmu- ahaout that we meet the Ilriti^h, I'll te'i ve what we do. P)raverv we have, coolness we nui-t culti- vate, an' a!-o, fidlow-citi/' n>, jiatience. Stand when ve see them comlno-, w.tii for th.eni to fire fust, then take "■ood aim, an.d when ve've fired, cliarge. Xaow. re- All Ar!iitil Tiuce '■4. uiembcr, friends, what our cUl nun toll ih of tape iJrctun and Loiiisbiirg. \\ hat wx dul ihiii wc ,in do at;in, an' it llic rii,'lar> wortiii iiiiu h witliaoiit us, they can't I>f luiicli a^in us. And with I'litnain and I'.ripa- dirr W ard lo Icail us, we'll do a« ever our lathcr> did." " His voice was ilruumd In- laughter. " \'ery good, Mr. dc I'.crnicrc," said Lady Harric-i dryly, when it liad cia>cd. " ^■()nr t.dcirs are scarce excelled by tiiu^r of .Mr. liarriniaii. lUit the tables ■' ^otlieraii bad licen standing at one >id' . X,iw lu' I'i;t in his word. " Have \nn hoar' Lad\- ilarrin," he a-kcd. " titat the W hii;- are leaving tounr" I-ady liarriei. imiK iim u^ll ;d.le i,, nianagc an enier- i^ency, involuntarily hooked at b'rank. in-taiitlv the ituation changed; I'rank w;!> bnmg'.it iino the t^n.■e^- ^.ition, and the ruiswor was ir him to t-iake. He --aw >"theran's eye sudd iil;, light ;■. ^ at success; he knew that all wen- listening. " They are." he ,-,.:d. ".And can yoii l(dl ine \vl ?* " n^ki '■ Sf) many Tdrie-," was tiie rejilv. that the Whigs are crowded out." A iiiovenicnt amot-.g the listeners ackii Adedged the retort, and Harriman sjioke sharply, "l-di!" he de- maiKled. "Is ir no- that the \\dn'g> are frightened?'" "Lome, conn." interrupted a voice, and Uoelor t'hurch pu>hcd into the circl-. He l)ore a glass of l>inich in his hand, bitt noi • ev^r saw the doctor more than flushed. " Gentleinen, here we are neither Whig nor Tory. Init all frie-ii . Lft ii> laugh— let us drink! " "Drink?" repeated Harriman. " I'.v all mean>! (ilasses, Orinsby, de r.erniere!" Thev turned to tlie • '1-1 ■ ' „ .... .'- -■;c :;ear;;;g^ tin jjUriCiiuuvS i, uiiu Look giabbcb iruni til!; Sotheran. are coming in, m !44 '1 lie C'oioniaU servants. " 'lore, Mr. l^llcry, is a glass. Li-i u.^ lia.c a toast. Sutlioraii, vvliai sluill ii Ik-?" Danger was not avcncd; it iliiilh d in the- air. .V^ Sollicraii stepped forward, Doctor (. Inucli loinid iu> words, and l-ady llarriri. airaid am' iurvi>iis. h.id no fnrlhor tliont;lit of .stopping liu' itrdce.'ilmgs. SotluTan, glass in liand, faced Irank. "You say," lie asked, " the Wliii;- arc but crowded out. Sure tliey linpr t^ return'" " .Surely," ;ni^\vered I'r.ink. " When times are (|ni(Mer." " I hen drink the toa-'t with nie. .Mr. h'.llery. Success to all the wishes of th^)^e u hu next U'ave town! " l"raiik glanced along the hue. lie --aw a Mieer on Soiiieran's face, a smile on 1 Ia^rilllaI^^, and on Tiidor's an t'\iire'-sil: war! " I'raiik turiKtl to Lady llarricl. " I iiui-t take my leave oi \oii," la .--aid. " I am surry thai my pn-^once ha. cati-cd d!>comlort." Embarrassed, she iiadc no effort to detain him. and he went to Alice's side. " Cicod nifjht," he said. She looked up at hin; with eye-, where anL,"T and sympathy eontcnded. " I am >orry," she said, " that I ]\i:\c exi)Osed \uu to this." I liink not of it," !ic responded. "I am rejtaid to have- seen so ninch of yoii. Well paid. Alice." I Us \-oice warnied. and he i^ave her a ^d.mce that liron^ht the i-olor,r to her cheek- " 1),) riot snp])0:.e." he said. '■ that 1 f(jrget those other days, that other life. Never happeiieth" lie >aiil. " W'lien you are oldei yun uid take 'hings easier. 'Twas their foilv, that ua- alL IJiit I'o. form's sake 1 leave the house wi'h yon." ilm I'rank was tninkiiic". "Uortor Ch.nrc!i," lie asked al)ni])t!_\ ; " did you notice that those were iu- I'antrv ofticer-, yet all wt)re .-inir>? " •• Idi. no!" I'l'diir."' nni.-ed l-'ran!-;. " wore spur.-- — Ilarriu'.an. .^"oiheran, de llerniere. l)(jctor t hurcli, I am convinced that mischief i> ahtut to-niqiit." "A-hor^e, mure !ik(.dy." km,yl;cd the (kxnor. "Mr. Tdli'ry, there i-. an ordinary cK.i-e at hand, wlio-e wine " I'ard.in nie. Doctor." in'errnpted i-"r:ink. " Li-ten!" Thcv h-tened to ^i)tmd> tum-nal in the n;,i;-ht. " Surelv that i^ the tramp (if troops upon the Common." .\'i'\er," retitrned the doctor. ""Pis but a rnmlilin'^ can. ."^nrcly thet inve-tiL^ate," >aid l"r;ink. " Come von with me. Doctor." V,\n the doctor protested he had work to awkward An Aiiiud TriKL- ~A7 , >iloiico. Alice .-iood iniiicrious. and looked coldl'.- ui)i)ii Laplain Sothcran. who bowed beiore her. •• Forgive you;" >he a,-ked. '• And lor uhat reaMui:- -Mr. Kllerv wa.-. my i^uesi." "And nniie," added Ladv Harriet, coniiii£r to In^r .side. He bowed aj^ain to lier re-pei_;iully, I)ut with tirm aspect. ■• i am truly -orry," he >aid, ■' ihat i wa:. lorded lo be rude." "borced?" repeated Alice. " llrielly," he explained, without a smile, " twas o niiliiary necessity." Alice's iac wa> unchauf,'ed. " This ni.q-ht an expedition siart^ tor ..le country, and we nuist piescntly take our leave to '^o with it." He saw tliat jhe f;rew pale. "An xpeditionl " exclaimed Lady Harriet, cla^i)iiij^ her liantls with pleasin-e. " Thereiore." ^"ni:hed .^'.theran "lest .Mr. bdlery -luiuld -uvpect. we .u;dt him iroin liie hon, i)Ut all hi> at- tention was on .Mice. .she turned to her bnMher. -uddenly ala'-med. " < leor.fe," she dein;uided. " do von i^Mj? " Mc' eame to lur uiieaMJy. "The t^eneral's order-. "' he >aid. She was still pale. " I mu-t v:o home." she .-^aid. "Lady Harriet. I cannot slay here. Cleorge, will \mu escort me lionie ' " He hesitated and looked at .^^otlieran. who an-wered icr him with r.'oret. " U'e mu-t leave here in a lew minutes. We ride in advance of the expedition, on spe- cial dutv." .•^he looked about the listening circle, where all eyes were on her lace, so elor;uent n\ distress, '(ieiitle- :4S The Colonials nu'ii," she a>kc(l ^adU. " du you kiiuw what i^ lo come ol llii>? " " Surely nothinj::. Alice," ?nid her hrotlirr ^ai;crly. "'Twill he ;iwi;t and successful; i undi-r.-utr.d w^ >liall be g.jiie scarce twelve liour.>. The ^ankui- will he ruhhiii!.;- lluir eyes, while we >h:i!l he fini-hed." 1 hey are no ^lupid peasantry," she responded. " 15 lit nia\ }ou he a- rapid as you hope, and meet nu opposition. iJicl^ie, will you hring me home? Lady 1 larriet — .i;rinlenien — i^'ood nij^ht." Sotheran appruaelied her a^ she reached tlie door. " I am forgiven?" lie asked. ■■ "^'ou have di-arnied all anqer," she responded. She was -ad and thou^iUMi!, and pa-scd without nujre words. Lad}- Harriet -tuod alone, and ge-tnied ni despair. " '1 hree ;.,'one, and so many more lo gid What is to become of my jjarty? 1 cannot forgive von." '1 he oiheers ])ri.---ed around hei'. Soth.eran, llarri- man, and Ormshy fori-niosi and obseciuious. " V nnli- tary iiecessit\ ," (.xclaimed ilarriman. " Tiiinl^ of the occasion." " Uh," cried tiiey all, ■'Lady Harriet, for- give! " "Well." she xivdded. flattered. " ! forgive." " Mr. ldler\'s toast, then, before we go." proclaimed Sotheran. " i dassc^ all rmmdl i'micli. ilu ri. ' .\re all ready? Success to th.ose v h(-) luwt lea\e tlie town I " Tliex dra.nk tlie toa-t amid triumjihant laugliter, gavlv forecasting a holiday march. '! iu'ii the ofticei - wlio were to go took their leave. In '.he -ireet Soiiieran. bidding liis party mount and w;iit feir him. hurrif il to his (|naru-rs. There he foni'.d uailing a cloaki'd and muflled tigure. in the upper liallway of the liouie, out- side his chamber dcjor. "Is it von"'" ho a^-ked, pei'iing in the dim hght. " Have you the i>,qprr,-. noetor?' There wa- U" chance An Ar'ncd 'I'lucc 249 ai Lady Ilarncf. to yivc then, n.e. Lome inside.- lie tlirew tile door open. Doctor Church follou-ed Sotheran -nto the room It ^^■a> the hr>t time he hau been there; he wa. un-asv .vo names, tor Cod's >ake! " lie caiuioned. A candle was burnmp: in the room, and tlie doctor, look!,,^^ about i':in, saw a lorm upon the rioor. " Who is that"' - lie ::'k-ed. So leran surveye.l it by means 01 the light " Mv ^ervant,- he said; " in one of his drunken fits. A bov sot ot Ellery-a keepsake I am preserving in akohol.'' He smiled at the grim pleasantry. •' Thus he lies half the day. '• Win he not hear?" asked the doctor anxiously, ile IS hke a log," replied Sotheran. - A few glasses of wine, and you can discuss all secrets before him We have thrust him with nce.lles; he cries out, but is too sodden to wake. See. I will prove it." He held the candle over th-^ l>,,v. and tilted the hot ^rea.e onto his cheek. Rog.,- sc|uirn,e.l quicklv, groaned, and covere.i hi> face with his hand I'.ut h'is eves di.l not open, and presently he was a-nin mnn I he captain laughed. -Do you see?" he n^ked. " \ow, the letter" i lu- doctor iianded JM-.n a ir.ldcd sheet of paper with .' iM-oken seal. The captain opened it. and rea.i with sparkling eves. ••■Tis cr„od.- he .aid. "XXv, friend, 't;. perfect Aow, thi> otluT thing-where sleep Adams and Han- cnek to-niglit? " " At me house of Mr. Clark, in Lexington," ••T:.. house of Mr. Clark, in Lexing'on," reneated th.^ captain. -You are sure ^ Good' Then paVmem IS due. He turned and reached into a cupboard Will you take the whole fivt hundred now-" *st« 2 so 1 hf C'i)luruals " All — all." rL-i)i)iii!fcl the iloclor eagerly. " I can carrv lu j^old wiiat a waiihousc jiorler could in iron. (.li\e p.ic It all." lie took l\\c heavy haj^s ivoui ihc cap- tain .111(1 ihrn.st them in-ide hi.> cloak. ■' Xcnv j.;o nnih, leader of the W'lii.;:: artisans and most tntsted messcntjer ')f ho patriots, to -unimon him to Warren's house. Ihit C ap- tain Sotheran "-at at his de^'k, and tinickly \vr' ■ a note. "Tahhl" he called, wlu n it \va> finished. " Tai)h! Where are yon : " Th.e -^iTvant answrn-od -leepily from tlie adjoining chaml)cr: " Here, -ir." lie entered, frowsy. " I've jiist \)cv\\ dozinp." "Just keen li.-tcmng." corrected hi- scornful master, "ill re." .\^ he sprike lie enclo-ed Doctor (hurch's htiiT in his owii. .tikI e.-ilcd the luicla't. \s soDU a- 1 ha\e gone, tai^e ihi- to the general. D'ye hear.' He rose. " Yes, sir." Sotherai^. approaclif^d the serwint and looker! liini in the eve. " Tahh." lie .-aid. " do you remember our little mishap on Lake Ihu-nn' " 'I'hough his word- were careless, his eve glittered vitii anger at the recollection. " Snreh'. -ir." --aid Tahh (iniekly. '■ Docs Mr. I'.llery still make von shiver when you see lu'm" " " \ liMle. -ir." Sotheran lapped tlie letter in his hand. "lietc, Tabb," he said, " i-^ what will make him forever unahlo to harm us more. TVi^on. Tabb; a \'oyage to England. a trial in London, the gallows, and the grave." He , An A mud 'IVucc .-, snarled om tlic words with deli-ln " Thu ; i . , ■ letter means for Mr. Ellery " '''^''' ^'^'* " (Jood, sir! " a.MIc bag,, ami come ui,i, „,e. D',- k„o,, „,,„ ,„„' "Hh?" cried Tahl^ astonished "So soo.i as 1 have gone, co.ne back for the letter Je ver „ a, once to the general. Conu-." He ent to the door, thm pauM'd •■ i.;,,- i,.v!i •• i • , "'■ wrnt out with Talib. TlK-y locked the door behind. There was silence in 'H- room a> the two went down the stair.- t e , -se resonnde,. whh the ck.n, of the front d^ : 'e hamher the candle was st.Il burninc,. Thelene >''one wime beneath i, „pon the de^k Hu- h^dtt " >u-nv,n..hadow. into corners. In the roo„. b^' n"^ •;:-' '" 'H.rried breathing; then, presentlv. . f o, Ilmig moving. ■ '10 scarclied the room with in's eve. \ext he ro-. .."otiv cantionslv. to hi. feet. He s.c^ or 1 mo -m, then stepped on ttptoe to the desk, walking ;^, """"^•^••7'"-'"^^'--TPnn. He took up the letter and stood hstening. Then he brc.e the seal The ottter letter was the Captain's. '• Ceneral-T -nd enclosed the evidetv.-e for which von wait Both ' ^ -^.^ed a. platmcd. I udl not fail to ftdti! nu- dutv 'i he Colonials in Lexinp^ton.— Henry Sothcran." Ro?:rr laid down the letter, and opened the other, somewhat creased and rubbed. I K' rei'oj;ni'ed [''rank's \\ rilinL;-. •• ,M\ dear Mr. Adani^." the letu-r ran. " npon direc- tion of Doctor Warren. 1 went to CanihridLTe and for- warded to a safe place the ihnc camion which were there concealed. 'I'lie^" were the ones, as you enquire, which 1 caused to he rcmo\H'(l ironi the L'harlestown batterv sonic months a<,o>. \'our directions in regard to the other stores I had already forestalled upon my own respon^'hililv. \> to the cannon which were spilced hv tile man-of-war^men. 1 am |)!;imiin,u- witli Doctor Warren " Ko.ir^T thrust the letter into tlie tlame n\ the candle. It caui^Iit fire, blazed uj). ami ihr hoy dmi^ped it on the hearth, watchint; it till it was hut a cinder. St'.H it pre- served its >hai)e: characters could he -eeii unon it: he knelt, and ruhl)Ld it to a powdrr bctwcv'n his palm-. Tiien he ro-e. folded once more the other letter, sealed it with the seal that still lav upou the de-k. and placed it where it was before. A'^ a kev rattled in the door l)elow. he cast him-elf once more down in hi- corner. Tabb came np the stair- and into the room took thf letter. tlir:!-t it in hi- belt, blew oiit tin- c-"idlo, and de- p;irte(l. l\o;,^er lav where he was so lout,'- that at la t lie fell a-!eep. Mi;lni. ''- l-n-,1 ,lu. .nm.l of .ignal ^„„s and -^'_gaIIopmM- ot iHu-.M-, i„ ,h, cun.try lane., conveyiiu^ Ilinr messages over Ira a> pure jnid a-, warm a- a iiu.rnin^^ ia Jmif. X,, cImikI <)l)>curc])y tlic face of tli;> I'arth, lliat tlio word^ (i! till- patriot-. iHT Iia tliat I Iti a small -ard.-n in Motion the hirds awakcnrd, inno- I'-'nt and swr^-t. ''"he lir>t cn(|uirin,<; note- irom the lilac was answered Ijy one from the cherry-tree, sleepily, iTokenly. One hy -.ne the l,ird> roused themselves as tlie li-ht -rew clear. Over in the orner a rohin at last withdrew hi^ head from hi, win-, shfu.k himself, preened Inni^elf: then with a llirt he .pran- from the hush, sailed the iVw yards to the trellis by the window, and in clear cadence called his mate. Alice Tudor waked from her dream, and lay with dewy eyes and rosy cheeks, its spell mate. The liule ^ound snioii- (ju lier hean-^lrini;-^: a> at the note o; a drum her happiness heii, and ireniMini^, vho sat u])riL;ht. 1 hal was a dream — dreams l;o by c(jinrarie-I She heard ste]).> in the >ireet, and her ear. Ioul;' -ince well trained, ti.iok note of them. 'I'b.ey were the ha>ty fiujtsteps of two piDple — one heavy and lumbering', the other liL;'hter and more -pringy, but both hrm. '1 !ie\ cea-ed, and --lii. heard the sound of a brass knocker rapi)ins;". MesseUf^'er-, she knew at (.)nce, fi>r Doctor Warren. Slie went lo l!ie window, with beating heart, and drew the l>lind a liitle way. Tliere were h'rank hdlery and a dusly countryman, V, ailing at iJoctor Warren's door, ."^lie drew bad; (juickly. I'.ut knowing h'rank "> face so well — too well. t be that that name of j.eace meant the beginning of \\ar.'^ llien came anotlier name, passed hurriedlv fr«m month to mouth — Lexington I \cl there was no definite new^. Alice received from the serxam each rumotu- as it sweju the Mreet. .Men had been killed— Americans ,,r I'-ritish? There still was i,ghting-„o, there was not. Then she heard ai a a ])recaution. llirough the niorn- ni; Dickie cauic an uenl, hruignig her Micii coiniuri ab this, aa ignorant ui the meaning ot the day as the very children who, dismissed from school, were play- ing in the streets. Even if there were a little firing, he assnrcd lur at nuuii, there wa> nu ilanger to the troops. Hut Alice remembered Aneeb's account ui the lighting against Uraddock. Aneeb, sitting in the lodge, had luld liie sltjry to his son. A handiul uf 1 'otlawattuiuie> were with the I'rench. The English troop> haii been lUuving >lowly, steadily, dav alter ilay, nearer and nearer hort Uu- cjuesne. The garri>on \\a> small, the lort weak, the iiidian allies were lew. " Un the la-t day," de^cribed Aneeb, with glowing eyes, wliile hi> >on drew clo^er, breathless, '" the I'rench commandant called us together, said that the EnglirJi were but a few mile> (itT, gave our ye'ung men mm, and our chiefs ])re-ent>, broke oj;eii the piiwder barrels for u.> lo help (.turselves, ami sent us out to light." A.nd then — the ^urpri>e and confu.-ion, the brave English standing in companies to be shot di.iv,n, the futile volleys again^t the invisible Indians, the yelling, tlu' noi-,e, the soldiers falling by do/.ens, and at last tb.e ilighi. " Ihit for the X'irginians," said Aneeb; "but for that young chief \Va>h-in-ton, we should have killed them all." Stone walN. thoui;lit Alice, were as good as trees. Where was her brother now? Where was Captain Cicorge Tudor? Where were all the other gay anil careless ofiicers who had gone forth so jauntily? Running, swearing, screaming. TToarse with rage. "Pick up your gun; get back to the rank- 1 Load, damn you, load! My God, Harriman, the men are inif Concord Fi-lu ami Ciiarlcstown Bartir 261 Avild. Is Gould down? AiioiIkt officer ,c^one! ilcrc, Corporal, help that man bind up his arm. Leave thJ gnn; he cannot use it. In step, men: steady, .teadv. Thank- God, here's a halt! Close up! Malt! " "Here," the stone tells the traveller of to-dav, "the P.ritish halted for rest." The exhausted rtankcr> came ni, guns were loaded, the men were marshalled aire-h. lint bullets came from nearby thickets, from walls antl trees and f,arns. lT,,tectcd by tb^ b,l!. assailable from one side only, the men continued m drcj. in the ran];s. and looked in vain f,>r the enemy— for but a sinjjle man" to shoot at. A .dinipse of a shoulder, or t!ie top of a head, v.ere not mark enou.tjli for pkiuion fire. '■ I'm not bit," >aid 'I'lulnr k. jij. lieutenant. " .\ot yet. thank God, but here i< a hole in my sleeve. How close the fanners creep up: and they drop from tiie very cloud-, -l-herc seems to be a man lor everv IkisIi. -And the heat, ll;irriman. and oiir poor devil- tired and ium.q-ry! Hut here we -o on a-ain, borwar.l. march! " ^ AncMher wooded tiu-n, where llankin-- is impossible. \\ dl the coumrymeu never en.t^-ar^-e iiroi)er1v? Will they never come int.i the onen and li-ht bke men? Xo vol- levs. iifithin.t: but down. Wilkin^ huri, I'-ili-on >h<>\ in the throat. There's that i\llo\v with the red neckerchief coming tip now o tire again, lie newr misses; lie moves too frist to be in't. Thank the Lord. Ik- t'lred at the company in front. Here's the man he liit. Iwiiching. hut alread}' deail. Sti']) oMT him and ])as> nu. ( )li, for water. water! The .-ergeant wa> killed ai the last well, wlien he tried to drink, i.cd. ilurr'- the man with the red kerchief againi liow (|uickly he loads! The men pre~s away from the fellow with the red h;indanna: tin captain -bouts and darts, with threaten- ing sword, to keep the-m on the roa " It is of no Use \n worry." Alice teild herself. " I'ut the micerlaiuty confust\s me. Take me." she a^ked of nickie. when he came again. " to see I'arliara." Wmld Mrs. Drew come' Xo; and Alice went with Dickie. I'or the first time she was in the -treets. seeing on all hands frightened faces, with imct't. unsatisfied, fjues- tioning looks. At I'nrbara's gate they entered, to be met at the door of the housc by ISarbara herself. v.-it!i a cold f.ace. Concord l-i-hr duA Charlotou n liarrlc -'■':-> •■ W hy >l> yuu cuine:- •' ^he a^kcd, uccupving tlie pass- age, uitliutit uffcrinfT to stand aside. ■■ \\ hy, Barbara! " faltered Dickie, r.arhara's uelcome was far from warm. Her brotiicr uas out m ilu. comury. U'^hung-i]ghun^ a.train..t Alice's f-rotlier. Dickie was a Tory, and ha-l luen >nnlins (->■! ..nch a dav to smile! So iiarbara confronted them at the door. " \\ hv do you come? " .lie ad.e.I ai;- lin ■• iiarbara," ^a,-! AIkt ,c;cntly. "you and I are friends. \\^' nm.t ahvay> be irien.].. whatever b.appeu^. Let nu' m. I come to ask the news." "The news is bad.- said Barbara: but she stood aside and let them enter. The Whios had th.e neu-: thev had had it in.,„ tiie v all alon- the line of their retreat." " lu'treat?' lio! " cried Dickie. "Wait," returned Iiarbara; " wait until father corner." I hen Mr. .Sava-e emere.] the house. " Iiarbara." he ;-alled, as he entered, " fetch me my ^pv^Ia^s. Mi.u-ess ndor. '--Dickie:- { ome uiil, me, all of vou, to Beacon llill. C ambrid-e brid-e has been taken up: the troops timst come back by way of Charlestown-or not come at all." And then—Alice could see h a-ain at anv time die pleased, by closin- her eye. i^r-t wa. the ea-er climb up the of smoke, above them, on the hillsides. ])uffs of smoke. Men were swannini; mi tlir liilN, nun in brown — the eountrMiUMi. '['he tri'op- niarclied fa^t. now liidiUn by houses and trees, now plainly visible in llicir uneven array. That was the army, the pride oi the natiiDii. and those — heavens! — those were the cowardly farmer.^! She saw a man fall. This wa^ the new world — thi- her fortune in America! On and on tlie troop- went. There were tlie marines, there the cart- with wt ttnded, tliere the ii-ele-- cannon. And puff- and puff- and puffs of smoke came from fields and houses and iiiil-. The r.ipid march — a flight — continued: no -omid w;i- beard from the distant mus- kets: it was a silent panor;iiiia. 'nit near her 1 )iekie bit hi- ]\p and -wore, ■twl men drew lii--ing breath-, and women groam d and f;unted. ^'et the r.iarch went on, nearer and nearer C.'liarU'-^tow n. and the sliii")-. and safetv, while the coliiiiin grew thinner and shorter, and here and there red bodies doited tlu du-ty ro;id. i'liit at la-t — at last the tinal qtiarter mile wa- jia-'^ed, and she saw the troo]^- crossing C'harlestown neck. Safety! The guns upon the shijis began to thunder: those men in bmwn. -cattered ;dMi!g the road-ides and the fields, drew back; fresh companies. seiU over from IJoston, were in line across the little isthmus; and in frightened ("harlcstown tlie weary troops cast them- selves down, even upon the pavements, to draw breath. The cloudless day was over; June in April brought its K'A'civ sunrcr. The nation was aflame; for forty Coiu-oRi lM\;i,r .„,,} charlcstown Batrl. -' O : Mlfs ar,u,n, rm-n wcr. hastening „nvanl Bo.iun, and the men o. AJarblehead and Sak n,. arm ,ng just too late. Nvcre gna.lnno their teeth at tlie siglu o, ,1k- troop, in satety-lMU ih, day ua. over and the fi^^hiin^^ ,,„„, Ahce was coM. Wa. one of those red spots, molion- Icss^^on the d..,an, road. lur I.rouur: Was Frank _ Tiiis last c,ne>tion uas answered. Mr. UvacTC sweep- ing the shore and water with his glass, suddenlv said There conies I rank Kll.ry.- and pointed to the river ihere ni a hmn. was a sinele rower l^i „r i,- Lliarl.-stown and tiie troops. ' ^^j:m her brother? " Dickie." begged Alice, " take me CIlAl'TI'R li THK Sliua-: BECWNS Many were tlie feelings of ilie ir()0])> in Charlestown. Men in the rani^:^. veterans of the Seven Years' War, for^^ut wounds and fatigue, groaning as they thonglit of tlie day. drizzled officers, accustomed >ince years to consider their arm-- invincilfle, were amazed at what had hapjiened. And young ensigns, now lliat they had jKiuse to think, gritted their teetii as they nah-ed that their nnilnnn>, for the lir^t time under lire, bore the .-tain of llight. r.ir. the -old oi him upon whose shoulders rested the resi)C)nsiI)ilitv of all tlii- wa- tilled with alarm. Every- thing had L;one wrong; he had nothing to -how lor ihi- daw i'iteairu. Inirr\ing over from C'harle-town, lirought to < lage. -tanding near the ferry, the reijort that at Concord little had been done. Ivither the stores had been -jiirited away, or the report of their quantity was fal-e. Three cannou lia.l been found and di,-abled, a few barrels vi woodeii bowl- and -poons burnt, a number of liarrels of tlour broken open, but no ]iowdt^r was seized, no balls, and tio other arms of any kind. The croneral. knowing that hi- information was correct, k!ie\v al-o ihat either the-e devil- o'' \'a!d between Lexington and Concord, to stop all comers. Soon a;ter midnight came two riding along the road, whom our pickets s{)urred out to slojv They turned into the tield where we were waiting; one ran right in among 11, in the dark, and we seized him. The other w.u^i have .-een u- ; he \>\n his horve at a fence and got awa\-." lo Concord, yes," conmiemed the general bitterly; '■ so that the Yankees saved all the be>t of their stores. Wel!> proceed, sir. U h.it of Hancock and Adams?" "The prisoner was Revere, the silversiuit!,." said Sothcran. "He bore himself haughtily: said he had alarmed tln' country all the wav from lloston. ;nid the people were rising on us. \\\. j,,.],! him tjn ,1,,. troops were near Lexington; then let him go and re.de to find Hancock. I asked a maid the way to .Mr. Clark's house. She said Clark's tavern was down a road to the left of the green. We went " "They were goni'?" interrupted the --neral. "They were at the house of the minister, Mr. Clark." >^aid .^otheran, grinding his teeth. " The jade had m tricked ns. W c lost t en minutes searching the house 268 Ili<- C()l()iu;il.s wlieii \vc I'oiind the riglit scciil. lliat devil Revere had warned tliein. and they were gone! " ■■ Their pajiers? " demanded llie general. ■■ Revere had taken them; wc saw him and anollicr man with a trunk." " Von did t.ot pursue? " cried tiage. " hiring had begun at the green," answered the cap- tain. " There were militia around us, and between us and Revere. Considering our duty done, sir, wc re- ported to Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, who sent us to take command of our companies." "My God!" burst out tlie general; "and not one of you the man for a l)uld stroke! Those papers, or those men. were worth half the jirovince to me." Sotheran said nothing, lie rcmenihered that llairi- nian iiad cri(.i!: "C'imiu' mil \\'e ,-an take Revere." Tudor had urged: " .\(laiiis aiid Hancock cannot be far." His liltle following had been ready for the I)old stroke for wliicli the general longed, but lie, in com- mand, liad 111 '! '.;i\ i-n the word. lie \va> not the man the general thought him, r.ra\e indeed he wa-. indilYerent to danger, fnltilling anv dutv i;i eonteiii])! uf hazard. lie would have gone alone agaiIl^t a balt.Ty ;i- wilhnglv a> he oileii went, in the early nn)rning. to a duel first and a little breakfast afterward. Ihu to -pur acro.^s fields after a man with a trunk; to scour the country for two rebels — well, damn, why ^honld he? " And. thanks to you again," went on the general, '■ I have lo-t Warren." The cantain started. " r.ul l£llery," he cried. " Xot Ellcry, sir? " " Where was the paper," demanded the general. " that you were to send? I v»-aitcd for it." " Twa:. in the letter. ; ir. ;-nreiv vou loundi ii?" (."oiu-orI Fiirhr and Charlcstown Battle 269 ■' 1 (lid not," ^ait iiave uvcrlo(.kc(i it. Send— k-t nic pcj myself and lind it!" Sutlieran pressed cIm.c to llie general. lu>* face p.nle with eagerness. •• ^'«nl presume, sir," replied !iis superior. "Stand Iiai !< I " 'Hie captain I)ent himself and begged. " Let me— allow me. ( ieneral— but to go and look uimn vour ,K-k. or among your waste paper, 'ris not too laic." The general flushed with anger at his in.MSience. "Sir. the letter is not upon my desk. If it fell among my waste papers, 'twas l.urm this morning bv mv orders. And 'tis too late: W'airni ;.n,l I'.llcrv were seen to cross the ferry early this morning. ( io. sir: at once! " With angry eyes, white to tlu- lips, Cai)tain Sotheran saluted anride; but that his re- venge was balked— that rotised his .icvil. And the general, left to liiiiHelt. walked up ainl down with such de.spair upon his mild, weak face, that his subordinates dared not approach him. Hancock. War- ren, and Adam- were to the rebel.; more tlian powder and ball— they were backbone, heart, and l)rain. To have caught them would have been -orth t!ie ,hiy and all its losses, but without them he knew the storm tiiat would break upon his head. How reputations crumble! Onlv the strong can bear re-^jion.-^ibility, onlv the eagle f1v in upper air. ^feanwh^le. Captain Tudor, despairing like the gen- eral, but without the bitterness of personal disappoint- ment, was tellins" to Ills experiences 01" the dav. ^ter, in broken words, hi lia\c 01 : a moment 2 70 Tlic Colonials said. " I nuisl slt'C]) witli my men at the barracks to- night. I'oor iV'Iow.- — uh, AHce, it was terrible! " ^ So eliangcil \w was from his carelessness of the night before! •• ^■>al arc Pol huri:-" hhe enijuired earneslly. Von are so pale, George? " " h'aint and hungry,"' he said. "Hurt to the soul. Xo, I nip.st not Cat jusl mnv; I came hut to tell you oi my safety, .^ueh a dreadri! da;.! We are disgraced — beaten by a militia! The most frightful march! I can never forget it. Our oldest soldiers were in a panic; discipline uas forgotten; all things were forgotten but fear ior thein>elvr>. 'I'lu' .American^ that ivU into tlu'ir Iiand>— oh, near the tavern ai Alenotomy, where 1 have dined, an (dd man stood at the fence and tired at us. They killed him; they thrust him with hah' a dozen bayonets. .And Ik— my (, !— of our own hhiglidi blood! 1 saw t)oys, .\liee. shooting at us. ibnv they must hate us! This can never be remedied." 'J ears came to his eyes— honest. maid> tears, such as many !()ver> of their Cdtmtr}- at that moment were shedding. " This can never be remedied! " he repeated. Never be remedied! What terrible forebodings did he feel — did all sober Torio and good Whigs feel — at the thought of eivil war. " 1 did not e.xpeet this." cried poor 'J'udor. Vcw expected it. The warnings of Warren, the ac- liiHis of Congress, and the arming of the colony had been considered but pretence, hiven now. few under- .stood what had happened. Thus Dickie FJIery, seeking his brother, was still be- wildered. "What is thi^'" he asked, when h.e fotmd IVank in his room. " Why has this happened?" " It was bound to happen." answered Frank. "What brings you back? ' asked Dickie. Doctor Warren sent nip " C'oiKi)i\l i'Viit and Cluiilfattjwn BattI 1 brotlicr, " i.- to "And wliat," continued tl happen now? " " War, nickie. war," ^aid I-Vank. " Xo! " cried J )ickie hrealliless. lie piiinted out t(.' I'Vank, as well as he couM, the lolly of it. The king was irresistible; to use force was matinees. When had a few peo])le con(|uered a kinij? Magna Cliarta — what's that? Xo, Dickie knew nothing oi \\\v great Revokttion. Ccnildn"t I'rank >ee that an\ one who engaged against the king would be ruined for- ever? An ideal? "" Why. I've always been satisfied." crii'd unhap])y Dickie. " Why >ho'.ddn't every one be?" ,\t dark l-'rank l-'.llery was standing on the :uunniit of l)eaco!i Mill. Lights, numerous and unwoi;ted, twinkled on the shores that encircled the harbour. They were thickest in Roxbury and on Charlestow-n Com- mon, stop])ing the two egresses of the town. While Sotheran, learning that Frank had returned, was revolv- ing new plans against him, Frank stretched his arms in greeting to his distant countrymen, and his pure ardour brought inexpressible emotion tr, his breast. The country had spnmg to arms — the siege of Boston had liegun I CHAPTER III PERSKVKRAXrE All durin.c: that nin.,..,,,], o, Apnl. when hurrvin^^ -woadt.n,:uli.nn,kjaK.rv,n,on.K..landd.r.ct.^d the .a^cr ,ann.r>. intent as l,e ua. on th. work t!,e ^o.,,uo.Al,ccwasinhis,n„.,. In .had, lanos or „t d > roads: now so cdosc to th. i'^ht that he could see 1 .roo,.. now tar awav;„>.,,iu. .f,,,e excitement he au he ,ace repeatedly, ^aw her as she had stood in J-a.l\ Harriets anterooni, and heard hei words- "Do you remember?" ' ' Did l,e remember' Yes! Kvery dav of that fornter .ntnnacy was precious to Inm; once he had known her very thouo:ht. Dv the stran;,e subconsciousness of love, she was present to hint in danger attd in work- he returned to Boston warm with the tltou^^n that he was ne^arer to her. Soon ne should see her; soon she shouKl The len.c^th of the interruptions that came was enou.-^h to drive hmi inad. ^ From the verv hr^t there were thim^s tlmt he mu^t -'• In-M. to s.enre all of Doctor Warren's papers .nedumtes. and instruments, and take them before mid- n.ffh. to the ra.:.bri,U'e shore. On his return he'se- ^■uvv^\ his two boats from seizure, concealing them w.,ere none but he wotild ever fmd them. Then he must see the selectmen, and ,cave them Doctor Warren's message. It was two oViuck before Frank was sleen- C(Micord l-'iLfiit and C'liuilcbU )\\ n B, ItUL- lilt in his bed. En triv in the '.rioniinir the sek-ciir.i'ii .sent luv him to come lo the town house. L'pon their shoiiulers was the respouMhiutv lor all the to\vn>!K'opIe. I'.y the militia out-ide, sui)piies were cut off; at any niinate there mi-hi !,e h,L,'-Iuini;- in the town itself, and what to d.j with liu- poor and the sick, the women and the children. nm>i he considered. J-:i- Ktv was needed, Henry Kn.,x wa. needed— both xrun,; y.ning men well known amon- the p.K^rer ela»e>— to e who came besie-ins the -loors oi' the tuwn house. It was here that be-nn th.e clo^e ac.|uamtance of hrank with the man who. from liis M-rvice in the Boston battery, m^e tu be the commander ><{ the Ameri- can artillery. They worked to-ether ,,n that dav. At nn'dni.^-hl. Irank, freed ir.MU his service, neared Alice's cottasfo, .miy lo .ee redcoats at the wind.m. lie turned away, went to Meaeon Hill, an.l looked iip,>n the ])anorama. Helow him was sj.read the peiiinsnla of l'.osl,,n. stretchin- awa> to the narmw neck ,,n the >,.uth. Westward was the broad an.l -hallow Hack Ikiv; east- ward lay tlte harborr. I'rom the north Charlestown reached out from the land, ,-diaped. like Boston, as a pear, and connected with the mainland bv its slender .-tern. To the southeast Dorchester, with its rockv licl.tjhts, squarer than the other two penin-mlas and broader based, likewise stretched out toward P.oston. Though Frank was no soldier, the military situation v>a- at once apparetu. Well protected though a i)eninsula usually is, Boston c-)'.ild be either dc:r.inated or defended bv the other tno projections of tlie shore whicli approached her on t!ic north and the southeast. Onlv the narrow river channel, scarcely two furlon-s .vide, separated Iloston iron-; riiarle.^towii, the Lwo hills of whicii were in eaiv ■74 'I iic C'oioiii.tl^ cann.ui ran-o. On tiic uiIkt mcIc. Dorohcstcr Ilcighi^ coiniiiai;(k-,l tlie lown. If the Americans could takc'and Iiold the ilci-lils, or iUmkcr-.s Hill, iIk- ilriii^li could not remain in i]o..tou. But, on the oiIkt iuin.!. however great the numher of bescigcrs. let (Jeiural ( ui-,. l„u seize those vantage points, protecting the land ai>- proaclu- a> his tlrrt controlled the wat.T, and ilo-tun would be imi)rcgnal)k'. Away at RoxI)ury I-rank could see his countrvmen working !)u.ily, a^ th.-v had worked all da> . (;art>'were going hack and lurih. entrenchnicnt^' were rising. Xearer tlu- lown trees had been fcIK-d and of (--•ncord, sent to the farther colonies. wa> kindh'ng in all hearts a flame of anger. Vet he began to cliafe as the politics of a second day kept him in,m >eeing Alice. The selectmen emploved him with Knox a^ bef.^rc. as many communications pas.scd between them and ( ir,venior Cage. J-'or the lanes had been protecting to tlie governor. If the women and children were ailowe.l to leave the town, the men that remained would he more rcadv to make trouble, and. by cooperating with an attack from ont- sidc. could do great harm. The 'r,,rie- tirged the gover- nor, before granting ]iermisHon for anv one to^leave I'.oston, to demand a delivcrv of all arms', and a general promise by the citizens to keep the peace. In or.ler to come to an agreement, it was decided to call a meeting in the morning. I here the !nat*e** • ... 1 1 ■ . o^'wliCvi Caiii\ loi iJoctor C'c)iu:t)rd Fi^'ht and Ch.irii>r()u ii Battlf 27^ Church apinarc'l bcl'eiri,' ii. lie, rcjiuU'd to have been with W arr1.11 in tile li,t;lit of tlic nineteenth, had entered tlic town, lie .said, I'ur medical s'lpplics; and with a llriti.sh captain — it was Sothcran — to ccjuduct him, had come to the mei'tini^'' in order thai, as a member ui the Cummittoi- 111 SaieiN. he ndi^iit .i^ivc aiivice. 'llie gen- eral had allowed it. Had allowed it, ye.s; bnt what ire.-^h guinea.s were in the doctor V ])i)cket: Yet wiiliont a bhi>h he stood, and i)roiight the meeiinn to \n> wishes, lie \s'a> master ui' the methotl of swaying these people who tiustcd and admired him. Something of the lucid reasoning caught from Mr. Adams, something of the warmth of Doctor W'tirreii: these (|ualilies in liis s])eech. tlioiigli embroid- ered with ihe rhetorical llowcrs of a ])'.;etaster, were sufiicieiit to sliow with convincing force the reason why the towns]ieoi)le should give up their arnn. The meet- ing came complete!}- t>) the (U.icior's view, .and in en- thusiasm voted to accept it. As good-naturedly pushing and jostling, with that sense of comradesliip which comes after tlie removal of a danger — and a very real danger ir had seemed, to the minds of most, that there wouUl be fightii.,; in the streets — the crowd went otit from the hall, it happened that I'rank and Knox were carried where they would meet Doctor (."luirch at the head of the stair.>. The doctor, wlio Iiad been talking llucntly with those about liim, reached out and shook the hands of the two young men as they came clo-er. Side by side thcv went down the stairs and out into the street. There the doctor drew Frank and Knox apart. " I have lost my keeper in the crowd." he said. " Let us wait here for him to find me." He spoke with them until ^('-it Imr 1 T 1.1 1 71 TT rr in t \in rrfiwi 1 1 1 L-f* nnnnv peareci to claim hii charge. n i M: -7tran-o contrast to the man at his side, the doctor u.m auas. He bowc.i affably to tlie salutes of the Uhip l,nt once clear of the crowd spoke to Sotheran ^^.^^^ ''•''■^' ''-^'^^''^ ^•-'l^'".^- lu >^-nd nw iniormation," he 1 I-.^' cold face of his comivanion lighted. " Voii have' " he ad tlK-v stilUto.,d hv tlK- dock. •• i. fn,.„,N with -'^1^^ ^ce li""-hei,,vcnc.u„-teon^ tohis^nardian- l'nndc made n„ answer. His eyes trained in past ye;n-s , exceptional keenness, saw in the countenances <' Sotheran and Chnrch niore than mere cot.rte.v Wns !,■'■%";" ;'^!^'^"" i" 'in. captain', eve. earnestness in C-hnrchs ,ace. Wed, they had turned a corner and uere sr.ne. Hut that momentary glimpse of the two profiles made an impression, faint au,l at f.-t foi-,cten birt strong enough, if recalled, to upset careful phn-. ' ' ^ on wdl advise the n:eneral to detain Fdlerv in the I."':"-' ""'l:''^ ^"■hvrau, weighing the doctor's proposal , \*'^>- ^^^ 1; !!^nnotarre-ted, nnnl. He must be free o^ ketray hnn.elf. Let him ntake rope "-and the cap- tamt„ot,,,ht of I^rank-. own word.-- to han^ himself " nat evemn;,. i„ ^.c mess-room. Sotheran was con- gratulated by h,s triend.. - .^o the rebel phv.iciat, is gone a-ain. and your task done." sakl ( )rmd.v '• It must have been a dtd! day, old fellow." '; 1 .> hni^hed, at any rate," respc^ided Soiheran in- difierenlly. •• Hear hint." laughed Tttdor: " he lives Lut from .Inv to d„i_s uii liic sensations of each." Concord I'i-ht ami Ciiarlotown B.ittic 2~-] \\\\\. ii.uini lo-ilay IK) Iioiicv," crivil liarriinan. " Aor wiiu, eh:" enquired Unnsby. " Xor a quiet Iialf-lior.r fur cards witli tin- doclor? .My dear lelluu, i commiserate." So liu-y jested wiMi Iniii. 'm,vA and prMud oi him, as an ornament to tiie r-'^iment. lie ua,> their };renadicr captain, tluir brav. s» man mid ihiir handsomest, their coolest and hauyhtiejt, with a repr.iation with the sword that shed a little lustre on thrm all. Thev sat in a half- circle before him. w.itcliiiit; his face at each sallv, and strove' to ron>e him beyond indifference. Thi> \\a~ v.liat he loved, to ba-k lazily in the wan;uh nf homaj.,'e. to acknowled.c:e each hit with but a lift of the eyebrow, to smile and say nnihin.LT. '^ \\\ Jove!" erii'd liarriman suddeidx . " Xe\v> I news for all ! ! j^ot it of the ai('e who to(_)l< the UH'>sa,L;e. Moulton (if the Forty-third. Idlery. you know— \-u' tnend. ileury, ,,r your-, ( ic^or-e— kdlery i- detained in ti i\\ II. " .\ot arrested: " c'-ied Tudur, imi h disturbed. " .\'o." re])lied liarriman: "but I uudcr-tand that ii'> and knox are informed !)\ the ,L;eneral that thev are not to lea\e the town without ptTmiswert d liarriman. " Xov.' what d'ye think of your friend. ( ieorye ? " " I"ie. liarriman!" cried Sotheran. " "Tis unfair to suppose that c;eor5:::e lousier considers Ellery his friend. I!c sure he's forbid hitu the house before nov.." Ilis passing: crlancc ]irea(l ;hi' oilur's lace. '■ I >a\'," hcMtated Tv.dur. "Ought I to do so, 1 b'lirx? " CiiAi'i i:u [V 'iruoK s i>ii,i;m.\ia Solhcran rclircil Cdinplctcly hcliiiid ilie '-crccn of his manner. " Aiy dear lellow, " lie roturiRd, lookins^ at Tudor vt*ry (iin'i'tl)', _\et nio.-l diMniiftiiiylv . for il was as if lie did \v<{ - • .' liim. " ;i^ [ -aid, 't;> iiniie of i;iy affair." je He ruse as ri -i,L;iial that the sul)iect ^ln ii!i elianged. "' I larriiiiaii. did Mo^iiton -ay anythiiisj of an attack npon the feI!o\v> otit-ide?" " Xay," aii-wered llarriiiian <|uickl\', tal^i^,c; the in- dicated cue. " "i'i- not to he expected iiays the rehel- in K(t\hnr\ are very ^tron};J. Do you not think that ioimiiy will wait. now. til! the reeforcements come? ■' '"'ni'-by ijave hi.> opinion on tlii> point, ;ind with Sotlicran and Ilarriman licgan to argne. lUit 'riidi.ir, hiving received a new and nio-t disagreeahle idea, >at staring straight before hini. lie had never thought of forhidch'ng I'".ller\. Wdiat shotiM he done? lie saw himself confronted hy the nio-t di-tres-ing problem of his life. It often liappen- that the good-namred grow to man's estate without the necessity of making one important choice between duty and affect ion. The two so often coincide, nr can be made to do so bv sncli sliThl cotn- proniises, that commonlv one can follow an easv course. ' .. 2bO I'lu: C'olunialb There is a little takiii.vj ot advice, an occasional request for favour, ami — well, ii one imist give up a :.iiiall mat- ter, 'lis no gnat sacrifice. Captain Citurgc TiKlur lirul pa->iil his youtii in pleasant i>lace;., and advanced beyond hi.- niajotity wiili- out any mure diin.!;; circmn>tances than those two years of separation from Alice, and the tleaihs of his l)arents. These experiences, hard as they had seemed to be, had not called out in him any other than the genilcst of his (pialities — patience. To wait and to endure seemed all that was demanded of him. And the experi- ences, pas.-ing by, left him with his freshness of spirit, 1 *s good-nature, and his tru-t in others, unimpaired. There was in him, indeed, a persistent horror of one man u hich sprang from these good (|nalitie>. ( >nce or twice to his comrades, once or twice to I-"rank. he had expressed hi- loathing of the man who had trieilirr;in liail do- eidiil lo make ]\\ next impression. Tudor was not weak — not more ilian 1 'ickie, whom at this jieriod he strongly resembled, lie and Dickie had arrived at the time when they must ])ay the jieualty tor lack of thought, and they both paid high. I'lit Tudor woidd not have been the brother of Alice, nor Dickie of hTank. ii among the perplexities that met them they had not been able to find, ilioiigh late, tlie proper v;ay. -And it must be a(hrii;ted that Tu comrades made a current of ilioii^'lit wliicli was buund to inilucncc his. A>. lie conicmplattd the Mi<;f,'c,-,iion which Sotheran iiad so artfully insinuated, he could not fail to feci that hi.', companions, discussing at a greater length than necessary the question of what would happen next, were conscious of his dilemma, and w crc con>idcrately giving him time to resolve it. He knew very well what they tiiought he should do. I'.ut they could not know hi> imnunso gratitude to I'rank. nor the admiration that Mrengthened it, nor the jier.-onal aiTection that iiad sprung up between the two. I'-xactly as l)ickie, living mar hi- lirother vet speak- ing seldom, had come hy the mere sight of him to love iiiin more and iiiori', ^o Tudor. ]irevented hy the feel- ing in the corii- w hich lie mu-t respect, from an intimacy with a Whig, had hi'cn prnf,)Mn.'l\- stirnd hv their occa- sional meetings. This (jtiict fellow, so self-reliant, drew to himself both Ttidor and Dickie by the feeling that he was stronger than they. .\nd Tudor's deep affection for his sister, v.iih t!ir Ic-iowledge tli.?t he owed her. his most precious possession in life, to I'rank, caused and niaintained in liim a powerful sense of obligation. Then how hard it would be to forbid Kllerv the house! .\s an officer and a- a man. Tudor's dnlie.- seemed so different, tliat. as Sollieran e.x]"»ected 01' liiin, he sought advice. Harriman and Ornisby left ilie room, and Tudor sprang up and spoke to Sotheran. ITenry," he >aid. "I'pon mv -mil T'lii inn-t di-tre-^ed. .\n-v,-er me now. as a friend. W hat sliould I do in this matter' " "Oh — 'lint'" Sntlieran henme grave, and looked away. " M\- dear Ceorg''. I cannot adH-e von." " TIipn_ " ,>;r,.-..1.. t ...I T..,l,^_ •• \y.. I T .1 '. 1 1 ..e,, — tja-^-.::.;i-^u i ■.:■..; -^-i . :_•_. _:•_•■. v, i u-,/:: l .-.:;v.v what to do ! " iH The Colonial He sat down flcjeotcdly in hi. diair. put iii> chin in his hands anrl stand at the floor. He was unable to think, confused as lie was. and unpractised in the art. Sothcran understood him j)erl\ctly. and l,ut lor the in- terruption that came would presently have spoken. Vet the interrupt i,m. evui had he planned it. could not have been more opportune. A sol.lier-servant oanie into the room brin.Mnj: a ran! in his hand. " Beg pardon, sir." he said to Captain Sotheran. and pave the card. - .\ .crentleman to see von." " I will -o." sai-..„ ran receive him here." " .Vav. rrni.-iin." r.-.p..n,ie,| .^.itlicr.in. joc.king at the card. •■ Mr. Ileiirv Kno\— uIki'. in-?" I he houkselier," aii>\\er<'d '["iid..r. " I liave no account with him." .h-auled tiie captain. ■' I'.iit slinu- him m." Me placrd liimself before the fire- place m his laziest altitude, aiui uailc! imiil Knox quK-tlv -Ire^sed in his homesi-mi. -rave and courteous! tall, very !,rM,„l. .-md very stron- stood bel'ore him. Knox and Tudor greeted as acf|uaintances. hm Sothe- ran tiodded nonchalantly to the AMMTJoau'- ^aluto. \, Knox looked with interest upon him. ihr captain, po.jn- negligently, gave him little time. ^^ "Mr. Cox— er. excuse me." referring t.^ the c.ird. •Mr. Knox, my time i^ short." "And my errand." replied the Rostonian. ••v.ill not tend to make it longer." " Well ? " Knox did hi.> errand ccremoniouslv. • Mr. IVancis Ellery!" he .said bowing, "reminds Captain Sotheran that lie has promised him a meeting. Will the captain designate some friend with whom I tan arran-e the Conconi lM-(,f ;„„| (h.trl,. nnvn H.ittI, ^^3 ■■'^li!" hrratlicd T ulor lu the .,l.>iic<'. Sothcran. loaning up,,,, ti.c mantd. looked at Knox .or a ,„omcnl with lifted brous. - Truly? " lu- c„.|„,rcd "'■''">•• "^•'-1<-1 down at his waistcoat, and brnshed away a cnnnl,. - Well-" ,,, ,,,,. ,, ;,- eon.idcring ii,i,dit!y. and then deciding. Hni^lud: " Xnf Knox n.ishcd and bowed. lU.t a/ho'tMrnod to co Sothcran raiser! in's hand. '• Stay." he said careles.lv Mr. lo.x-pardon me-Mr. Knox, prav take a .uller answer to Mr. I-llery. Since our general, a.. I under- hand, ha.s been pleased to indicate to vour friend that he has purposes concernin.i- him. it would not become me "> nneriere. Tha, i>. [ ,ak. „, n-as„n enough. l!u,-- •".-1 jio startc.l suddenly away fro.n tbr mantd Hi, ■mhfterence vani.shed, he drew him.sdf t:raudlv n-. ot and with one stride stood face to face with Knox Nk- two confront.-d .ach other; both haughtv and '";th threatetung. Kur.x. like an angrv bull. 'stoo.I wuh re,l eyes, while .^otheran, in llnvch p.ncralinL^ voice, hnished In. message. '■''"!\ '"''■''■''• ■''~'' ^''■- '-i'-'-v.l...: WVre ho „,>, n;arked by our general for his nun. 1 ^^,,ul[ nn, „uHt liim. Smce this is time of war. I l,,,],] „,vm1i at all 'nnes ready to obev the onhr. ,.Mnv o,|,uu.l. ami am "ot tree to dud. ilm ,.,-,.,, duMi-trll .Mr. JCHerv this- as a rebel he is beneath me. an gone, stared at ,. •"•■■' ^•• — •■■■^ -.'.urds. Sutheraii i.ad not regamed '^is careless manner: his face wa^ a dull red, and throu^-h ■ f t>a« ti 2S4 The ^^oloniuls his partccl lips his teeth were showincr. He turned and looked upon hi.; friend as one much moved. "George," he said, "circumstances — thi^ fellow — have forced me to give you ihr opinion 1 refused." Tudor nodded, his eyes fixed on the oilier'-. " Yes," he said. It wa- not easy to say it in your presence," said Sotheran. "" Xow. since I have gone so far with Knox, I must say the rest to you. IJul my position may easily seem false. 1 am a suitor for your sister's hand, so is this Kllery. Credit me with no selfishness in advising you against him." "Henry." cried Tudor generously, "I would never think it of you! " He s])rang up and touched the other affectionately upon the arm. Sotheran .Miiiled, hut with con-traint. " Von arc ]t li:.> sacred ^lajesty. I am swiirn to r.]ihold him, m) are von. A rebel — my God, Lieorge," lie cried, " I con^idcr a rebel the most despicable thing upon this earth! " His voice, repressed lest others in the corridors might hear, seemed to shake him with its pent-up vehemence. His eyes fixed Tudor'.>< ; the weaker man felt the great inlluence of a powerful nature. Sotheran paused, drew bnatli. and then continued: " 1 could not ])revent this Idlery from speaking witFi Doctor Church this day. A Whig leader and his fol- lower — was not information exchanged? We have no proof: out of forbearance the general permits Ellery to walk the street-. I'm he suspects hnn; so do I; so, in your heart, Gcurgc, do you. And you know as well Concord Fi^rht .i„^i C),:i,u,^r„\vn Battle 2.S5 as I what you ^houl.l say to Iiini when ikxi he appears at your door." " Yes," faltered Tudor. Sotheran had found within himself the spirit of the actor. He drew Lack a stip and wiped his forehead. '• \ou do not often see lue tluis, ( leorge," he said with sudden cliangc of tone. Tudor, astonished, saw a look of frontleness come upon his companion's face. The taller, older man put out his hand. " Do not misjudge me," he said, lie wrun- Tudor's hand, and abruptly (piiited the room. Tudor, much moved, after a few mimucs- pause gathered up his uwu liat and sword and left the barracks. The streets were winding and the evening dull, .^o wire his thoughts and his spirits. '• ! h.atc ii_l l,atc it I" lie >aid to himself, and faced his .lutv with the shrink- ing of one wVo has never, of lii> own will, attempted the nnplt-asant. '•Cud. what terribk- times!" Hi. own dead comrades ! Well, he was resolved. He was going to his sister's cottage, where he was to sleep for the first time since the nineteenth. He reached the gate and rai.ed the latch, .^ome one strode out of the dusk toward him. -George—" he recognised i-rank s voice. " I am glad to see vou. Mav I go in with you?" Tudor closed the gate again, and lace.l the other. .V pauiful lack of words oppressed him. How should he say it? Frank, as he listened to Tudor's stumbling words, v.atched him with pity. This good fellow trving to do right. hone>.ly baring his own mind, how mitvirtunate was he in his ignorance ! How wotdrl a rejoinder stab him to the heart ! .As blundering Tudor used Sotheran's name. I-rank felt the fresh .ting of the rejected chal- 286 The Colonials Icngc, and was almost an-ry enough to tell his talc Yet he could not speak. Sotheran had stopj,ed his mouth and tied his hands Clever- \ es, damnably cirver. hVank's chalk-nge had practically been a threat of exposure. Sotheran'. replv u;as the detiance : " Tell what you know, and Ttulo'r dies! _ Sotheran knew, an.i IVank knew, that Tuit, uhicli \va> accomplished in the mo- ment of his entrance. He saw Tudor's dejected face and Alce's pensive air, and knew that he had succeeded. I'.m tile accident thai l)ron,£^ht Dickie there was en- tirely n lii> taste. Dickie had come with Anthony, yet wa; withotu his n^uaI i)noyancy. Ihat cloud which for tw» days had darkened In'-; bro\^• it was Sotheran's busine.s first to (lee])en, ami then to clear away. The captaii saw his oi)])cjrtunity io betjin upon the second of his projects. He ook possession of Alice, with the lordlv manner that semed to ,efive him right. Harley. who had come shyly D view his goddess, sighed as he found himself in a ctrner beside chattv Mrs. Drew. Harriman and Ormsly exchanged glances, meaning that what Henry desirec was sure to be. Dickie, unversed in these things. did not notice, or certainly what remained of his chcorfilness would have deserted him. Sotlrran. from his scat beside Alice, commanded smgui£. '■ Ormsby, you '^ing. Something stirring, as befits tie times. We are all soldiers here but one — and Mistros Alice." He lowed to .Mice ; Dickie felt the distinction which 4!j.*"t_ XtJlwlR ^^S- " ^uS? "i 2 83 Tli; Cijli)iiials k'lt him (v.Vl. lie \v;i< ilu' one that was no soldier; 2 little llnsh mnimt' .1 to hi> teni].les, lie sir.iled uncoiufort- ably, and the elond began to deepen. ■■ Dickie will he a .-oldier some day with the res;," fried Aiuhony. " He waits but to be sure he sho.iid join the XUlnnieer-.." '■ What reason docs he lack?" a>ked Sotheran. '• .^ure yon are no \\'hi,q-. Dickie? " " Xo. ' hesitated Dickie. lie was too outspokai to conceal hi,. reason>. " My brother be-i,a'.l me on;e to take no such step nmil I came oi aj^e." ■■ "Tis but ten weeks now." explained Anthonv. " P.nt did you j^nvc the pp— ".e? " enuuk the ad in gloom. For Dickie was troubled indeed. On the very lay of Concord f^ght the Tories of the town, some two htndred in number, among them Anthony and young Jliver and all his friends, had offered thems iriends" I)!eading:. hi> devotion to the kinj,^. and the attraction of a soldier's life, ui-re working upon hiui. and unlv the love of his brother held him back, lie had been trying to wait until his twenty-first birthday, Inn doubted if he could last, h'.ach assault upon his resolution weakened it. Yet he could not forget l-'rank. Alice perceived his depression, and spoke to Sotheran unhouId 1)^ d'-vido.l' in opinion. W'onld you have tlieni enrolled to fight each other?" She saw that he heard, but for a moment he did not answer, sitting as one that thinks. Wiien he raided his eyes to her-^ \iv was very serious. " -Mistress Alice." he answered, " I can imagine onlv one thing worse, wliicli is to have both !)rothers against the king." I le had silenced her. " Von will understand me," he pursued, studying her face. •• I have no personal feeling. This rebellion I consider most shocking. Those that abet it I condemn. All ^h(.;d(! nnite in sujipressiiig it." " i suppose that you are right." she answered. The admission was forced from her. She could see both sides, and perceived— in Frank and in her brother —that each might think it.^elf right. The fight promised to be stubborn, it was acknowledged that the defences of the rebels at Roxbury. blocking the Xeck, were so strong that Gage must wail for reenforcements. Be- sides, beyond were hills, and hills behind hills, and a "n-ted province. Was the general not right in desiring volunteers? ?ot!;cran Npokc again at her side. " I shall even feel M Jcp Tii(.' Luloniah juitilici]," ho saiil, •• ill pfr.-uadiiin^ y'"""".!:,' Mr. I^IKtv to join liic- \(jluntocr>.'" " Xui lu-ro," slif said. Martinr '• \\n\ niav In- ri-ht; I cannot judge. Jlut n,,t ,„ my piv>c-n.x-. lai.Uiiii" Sotlicran." I will Hot." lif ])rijnii.>od. And he did u.,i. Ilr saw tliat Amh.jny. cncoura-ol h ■ hi. words, was ready to r^-npen the subjeel. Among the younger Tories the warlike spirit was aroused; and Anthony needed little .-ncniragement to hainiuer. in season and out, at hi., friend to gain hi. consent, liul Sotheran. watehi'nl. lurru-d the suhjeet wlienever it he- came (langerou.. ordered llie others to sing in turn. sang himself, drew as a reward a song from Aliee. and (mally. .weeping alnio.t the whole companv with him, said good night and left the liou.e. *' I am obliged to you." said Alice as he left. She held out her hand, snn'ling brightly. He drew back. •' [ ,Io not know if lean take vour band, ' he -aid. " .My sentiment, are the same." ^^ "And soldierly," .he answered, still offering her hand. " Xeither yon nor I are responsible lor the times. I thank yon for what yon have done, noi for what von may feel you must do." He experienced a thrill as he touched her, a thrill that was familiar to him. In the once cold chimney of his nature his love was now burning. It was a strong fire and large, at times warming and cheering, at other"^ plaguing and torturing Inni. i',,r hr I,,-,d reacliewered Ihckie. "llow can I advice?" she retiuned. "It seems as if 1 ought," he -aid. '•Tin-, is a re- hellion — men are needed — and one nui>t follow his con- victions." hickie spoke a> if he had opinions of his own. " Ves." >he agreed. " r.ut when 1 think of l->ank." he said. " 1 — " all he fell. " I -'nn vx-iUi His laee and hi.- voice showei widi 1 were a coward." " Poor Dickie," she said gently. " And cannot you advise me? " he asked. " 1 cannot," she said. " Dear Dickie. I know not what to say." Dickie was all at sea. And when, joining his friends outside, he found them waiting with an invitation to a little supper at the British coffee-house, he foresaw the trial that awaited him there. Here wa- .\mhon\-, with those five ofificers whose hrilliancy and gaiety so much attracted him. He feared them, and hesitnted. " Oh. come," urged Anthony. '" Captain Sotheran gives the supper. " 'Twill not be late, for at midnight the captain goes on guard." U 29:? Thf Cohjiii.ils Dickie doubted in. ou„ .trc„.,Mi,. and still held back- A> Ik. had ju.t n,nv MM.^ht Al.a-'. advce. so he d.Mrcd' bclorc vnitunn- inlu such cm s '"lu M.cn cunipan^. a u.>rd uiih hrank Let n>c Ku home hr. alwavs Pn^c and a pleaMnv. 1, wa. . privile--. ' was envie.l, and which, bestow d hv the "Hhe fa.hionable officer,, he Inohh' p,-„,„ ' »'^-i<-';/' said the captain wnh an open sn,IIe."vou ;""^' -'.->^-ay .e all D,p. ,.,„ „•„ decide. Vet -vu- nnnd ! 'ad.lock ; ^,. ho,ne an.I speak with vour '■"tco.ne then and join onr little supper: 1 quite do- Pendonyou. y,,,,,„,.^„,^. Then le will wait f^r Dickie took one step away. Should he ^o^ Xeed "e .^o I he reasons why he should consult with Frank " I will iTQ with you." he ay to jne? " " (iud bless you."' answered hi^ hrother: " tliat i,> all." The sadness in l'raidx'> face, the deep affection of his tone, were too much for Dickie. He could n at- tention toward disarming foes within the town. The selectmen waited upon him with the keys of Faneuil Hall. " ll.Tve all the citizens given up their arms?" the general suspiciously enquired. " .Ml who desire to do so," was the replv. The f.ccretary. at the governor's side, said ii was tlic Concord i'Vlit uul Ciiaiicbtuwn Battle ^95 wliispiTcd that the ropciiiaker^ liad delivered no imi>- kels af the hall. "And tlicy are known lo have butiglu arm^," cried the general. " This is against the agreement." "As it was also against the agreement," said Mr. Timothy Xcwcli, who spoke for the selectmen, " to pru- liihit .Mr. KUcry and Mr. Kno.\ from leaving the town. Mr. Ellery is idolized by the men of his trade. Xo rope- maker would give up his arms after tliat. " '■ (live here the keys," demanded the governor hastily. .Mr. .\ewell withheld them. " It is understood that no further restriction shall be laid on those who wish to leave? " he stipulated. '■ Yes," said the general. " Mven the ropemakers," insisted the selectman. ■• ^■e— and glad to be rid of them," added Gage to iiimself. The keys were delivered, and the agreement went into lialting oi)erati()ii. Hut it was observed that no rope- maker kit the town. Ihe general might enjov the 'injileasant considrratioii that two hnndrrd ui the hardi- est Yankees, trouble-breeders since before tlu' Ma»a- cre, were ready at any time to take up arm> at \n> back. .\iid counting h\> lorce too weak in numbers to act aggressively, the geiural left the enemy to strengthen their lines against him, to drill in peace, to increase their Miihtary stores, and finally to act themselves. It was •i:e misfortune of England at this juncture that her -^-M generals and admirals were al! \Vhig<. While \mherst and Keppcl refused to enter the field, and thers as capable were out of favour with the court. -uch men as Graves and Montagu commanded the tieet at Boston, aiul Gage, by hi. inaction, dailv gav ■ •."nfidence to the rebels. V aptain S»nhcian settled down \u wait the fulhlmcnt 2gb 1"'i'- Colonials "f li.s revenge. He l,a,l siiccecded .n < • . "•anuler also he would suc^e d »/ "';. '" "'^ ''• "^•w imifortn in the r-mL f , '''''' ^'"''^'^' '» his once. '• I have „o .none' Vo'rTo,,"""' ''^' '°''^^-" ^^ ••''^nrtf/:r:T^-°"^j"-'--'^'-.he,^ ha„,l,uly. '" ••°"''-^' ^"^-^•••^•^ the captain ,, " ''"^•■' ^-'i'l l;ru>h. wit I, a leer "if ^ Jr.'nkKiK.rv.Hjiatthen.^- " '" '''" I*'"'^-'^' ■■ Walk- aside wiil, „,,, | •■ ^^•I■at have you to sav? " " •^"'^''^-an. " Xow. Merelv that Kom-r x, •. i -■■>--aun.^^: ;::-""";; ;:';-^;i^u>. a,,,, Roger \va-, a bov fl,-,, ^^ ■ • '^ '-^ my business—' R"frcTlK.co,„c.slK-ir.„„o,„- u ;;■ .",'""*^''' "'"' o„;t;r;,;:: ':::;' -''"'■'""^ -..■.■..«,,,. ho„„. -i.h hi. f ce „;lv^H I " """"•' '" ''"'"■■ The,,, fron, ,„a, .il .^ , ':,;"™7' ""•^■- ^"' K"?'- ,^ ■■■^. .1.1, ,^uuia piease tl. Cuncuid li-;it and C'ii:irl< town H:irrlc ■<,'7 Icry little, "it vou'rc quRt ;>ii.l .niick, you sliall atKiul 'lu' wlicii I walk ai)road." Time pasM-d, and ior 1 rank Ellcry lioavilv enough. His first occupation, of assisiinj,' from the town tliose wlio wished to go, soon began to fail. Applications for I>asses were still ininu-rous, but it became evident that till' general did not intend to keep his word. At first, ap- plicants were denied the right to carry out their goods; tlun when, at first indignant, they finally resolved to accept these terms, they were forI)iddcn'to take with them more than five pounds in money. To fathers of fanilics, not knowing what they siiouhl do for support, this was a furthrr iMuds. Then passes were given wliich -iparated families, wives from husband-, or c!iil. P.v tlinat of'lavin- down our arms and leaving tin- town, we have induced tlie general to prevent the inhal)itants from leaving." "Clood, good!" exclaimed Mr. Ellerv, rubbing lii.s hands. " It seems, don't you think." asked Dickie, " a l)it unmanly to keep the women and chiMren here, just to prevent an attack'" " It's to protect our women and children! " cried An- thony. "What care the Whigs for them'" Frank, passing the library door, caught the words, and understood the question. He paused at the thres- hold and spoke. "What of the genornl'': promise?" he a^-kcd. "And ^vhat of the townspeople's arms, which thev gave up to secure it? Will he return ther , ow' " What promise' " ?'^loA Di;-'..-: ■• u-.-.^ tts--...' i... j ! '98 The Colonials Anthony blustTcd, Mr. Ellcry smoothed, anu the topic was turncJ. Ijiit i>ank was left idle. Doctor Warren hail said: " Go to the town, watch evenl.-^, and wail. 1 may need you." Watching and waiting grew wearisome at last, until one day he found how he could ijusy himself. He took lessons of the men he meant to fight. Frank stood by the groups that drilled on the squares, and studied the art of the sergeant. He sat himself on the slopes of Beacon Hill, and examined the panoramic camp below. More, he rummaged Knox's shelves for books on military subjects. He read the Campaigns of Frederick, and possessed himself of the spirit of the master of strategy. The more he studied, the more he comprehended the struggle that lay before regular and rel)vl. He proved his unskilled instincts "rue, the instincts that showed him the iwo keys to lloston. Still they stood bare, those fateful hills, as neither Uriton nor American made a move to take tlicni. < )i'tcn I'rank looked to the Heights and to ['.linker Hill, and longed to see them crowned with redoubts and bristling with the arms of his coimtrynien. lUit one day, wiien to Knox he spoke his desire, the older man repressed his impatience. "You wi>h too nnich. F.lkry," said Knox soberly; " t'ar too nnich. I have the same desire; but think of our army over there " — and he waved his hand toward Cambridge. " Can you figure the lack of organisation? Who are the generals? Heath and Ward, old and feeble. Enthusiasm keeps the whole together as yet, but pray heaven that the younger minds soon take the lead, or the army will fall apart of its own weight." Frank's spirits f 11. " I see this disappoints you." said Knox. " Fear not; Congress must uphold us. If thev appoint a general Concord Pight ami Charlfstown Battle -99 of force, this siege is won. lUii 'tis too soon, as yet, to hope- for af,rgies>ivo measures." " How soon?" asked Frank. " A month— two months, perhaps. Dut unless Cage has lost his wits ho will seize the Heights. Twas .aid, a> I remember, that he was planning a fort there, but the plan was not finislied before the dav of Lexington." CHAPTER \II earkara's gate There was plenty of social plea>urc in the besieged town. The >piiKt in Alice's parlour tinkled often in the evening, and during the day there were tiie same fashionable promenades. The thrill of expectation gave more mteresl to life, as the possibilitv that each dav nnght bring forth important matters excited all nnndx Ihere were the sanu- number of asseml)lies at night but m the da>- tlie former pleasures were increase.l bv parties mad^' ui> to view the new fortifications. _ It was in rriurniiig from ,,„,. of these partii>> that Captain 'i'u.lor nut with an unforgettable experience. They had been to " the lines " at the .\eck, and .Mistress Oliver had giggled. Lady Caroline exclaimed, at the strength of the defences. They had looked through glas.>;es at the rebel entrenchment, and united in de- preciating them. Xou. returning, Ladv Harriet had brought up one of the great topics of the hour. '■ W hen the new generals arrive." she had asked, " we may expect to sweep the country of the rebels? " ' _ "Oh, yes. assuredly." the group of ofilcer^ replied in chorus: and Ormsby explained with animation how Ib.we was brave. lUirgoync brilliant, and Clinton arbara saiil. f am a rebel. the little bead was up; the eyes looked into \n> .le- liantly. Yes, Barbara could fight. Tudor know that she referre.l to J-rank— here was his act recoiling on i ^02 The Cjionials " Mistress; Savage!" he exelaimcd. Her hand ue„t now to the latch, and raised it. For " ='''e said ; and opened tlie j,rate. " .\o, madam! " he cried. She shut the s:ate again. " 1 „„der.stand tliat tl^c k.ngs ofhcers sometinies bow to rebels/' she said H hou I do; J udl re..pond that 1 am verv well It tins nunute. Captain Tudur. 1 am verv xvell hideed' " ' He recovered himself, and took his dismissal' gal- ';'"'ly. •• Mistress Savage." he .said, bowing verv i!w 1 rejoice m your good health." Then he went'awav' e most imhtary figure of the nnlitarv. concealing '"der a stony face his astonishment and cha,^r,„ Hit in^ids^vvere far ahead; he turned aside and did not '■"' thai evening at the coffee-hou.se, hea..ng .\n- Kmv again boasting of the volunteers' success in keep- g the _\Vlng women in the town. Tudor suddenlv en- mrcd. Do you suppose that this man.xuvre of ^ours nas kept Mi>tress Savage from going out? " " ^ es." answered Dickie at once. - Mr. Savage was about to send her away, but all passes are now refused." Ihen contound your Association!" cried Tudor from the t(_iK(i without spcakini;, ai.d slill at oppo>it(. liis nephew, !;rinning nervou^lv. hVank's continued presence at the house embarrassed and .hs- pleased him. '• Ii you are so proud of your trien uithuut." lie a.ked when he dared, "why do you not join them? Ann boasts you can. whenever von please." iM-aiik rou>ed iiiniMdl and r.,,,-. lie looked down upon hi-, uncle with the eld -lance that .Mr. Ellery hated. lm])elled i)y hi> mood, the young man spoke the truth in a threat: ■■ ^'iay till Dickie's birthday comes." He left the room. He could not see that joy and i,rreat trouble, that the second desire of his heart, with the greatest danger of hi> liie, \. Te to follow that expression. Vet had he known the ditticulties that were to follow his words, he would scarcely have cared. Inaction was chafing him sorely: the slow i)assage of the davs. with nothing doing, was enough t(, make liim welcome some- thing new. The lootli ni love unsatisfied was wearing hmi: pity for his fellow-townsmen bore hard upon him: and the word— for to the Whigs in Boston regu- larly came, through moie than one source, news from outside— that Congress had at la-t ajipointcd as gen- eral for the armv Washington, the \irginian, of whom men spoke so well, meant that there would soon be decisive action. .\ restless desire to do was welling up within Frank. Like an over-filled reservoir, he was almost ready to bur>t his bonds. Hut if Frank had thrust a knife into his uncle, and tlien turned it in the wound. iMr. Ellery would not have been in more rain. His nejihew had th.re.Ttenff! what Concord Fi^lit aiul Charicstoun Battle ue s 305 was worse than physical death. True, Hnnipliroys was (lead, tliere was no other witness leit. and the a.-pect of the new set of book, ua.^ pmVct. The old set was nut destroyed— Mr. I^IKtv nruded thcni a little Ioniser in coinparinfT fur ini>takes— hiu tiny w.mld he j;,,iie i)ef(ire Dickie's hirtlulay. 'idle trustee was, therefore, well prepan-d against a lawsuit, and as a loval siil)ji-ci had every advantage over the Mi>i)eeted n-hel. \ et he shrank from the struggle. Therefore, after an hour of writhing, wherein cold fits of fear of Frank alternated with the deepest thought, Mr. I-dlery decided to go to see his strongest friend, who also was Frank's strongest -iieinv. Yes, even though he must meet Roger there— plague take the hoy!— he would go to Captain Sotheran. He went, and on hi. return ruhl)ed hi. hands when safe from obser- vation, and shook his b unlocked." ua.s the replv. Roger entered the library slowly, and stood before Frank wr head ash, was if he had been in fault. ^^ ••Well. Roger." sai": every ndnute of four montlis. sir. I burned a letter once, Master bnu-.k. that would i.avr s mU vou to prison. Now " i'Ut FVnuk Slir-IIlrr 1 1 . , . * ^ ■''■ ""'^ ^"iitiiii iiiiii i;v iae blioui- Concord Fight aiul Charic^towii Bartic 307 .1.1-. •• Roifcr, what is this?" lie cried, and dnw tlio jjuy toward liim. Alino>t sobbiny; hi.s relief, Roger told 01 the letter wiiicli the miitlled visitor had brought to Sotheran. •■ Truly," said iVank, " it might have hanged ine. iWit there is a traitor somewhere." He ciuestioned the I>ny closely, yet could not find who the cloaked man was— only this more, that letters came to the captain every little while, that they were writen in nuuierals. that the captain turned them all iiit(j i)ropcr script, and took them to the general. "Who could send these?" asked Frank of himself. He found no aii-uer. " And now—" cried Roger eagerly, and told his news. l.a>t night two officers had met Sotheran at his room. .MI three had been dressed in homespun, and near mid- night, well cloaked, they had gone to the Xeck. At the lines they had left their cloaks, with Roger t., iiold them, and. luoking like Yankee farmers, had passed out into the darkness. And, Roger said, they had studied at tlie room, and Sotheran carried with him. a piece of paper with a curious drawing on it—a diagram, like a -tar of many points. "The plan of a furt ! " cried I'rank; and his heart sank. lie remembered Knox's words. " Did they go," he asked quickly, " to Dorchester 1 feiglits ' " They returned at early twilight, Roger said, from that (hrection: and that was the only place they could have viMtcd without passing the American lines. They took their cloaks and went again to Sotheran's room, where tlio hoy served them with wine while they marked, with ink, figures tipon the drawing. " Measurements! " cried iM-ank with certain! v. Then, described the hov. the two ot'fieers went away very merrily, and Captain Sotheran slept until ;o8 T!i( Colonials A nine R^ V''"' '''' '^''^'^"^'^ '" ''"^ '--^' At n.nc Roger attended ,he captain to tl.e general wl,u ^^eI omed !)„„ and took huu into a ruo.n. Wcr wa^^ed ..md the door opened again, then he heard t': g:, ^ d ^ay bunday night. Vuu shall g., with tl,e d ad >ncnt .t you desire." Th.n the ca.nain told it to •■■•^' tinng, he saw at once; one thing njjon a ;'^-:'- iu>pe. inhearn,y..tsidr;.rs :^r;; t. thy nnghtdnvetlte British front the town. If and hnrnedly h rank took a pen and wrote. i have, were his words. '• intelligence that the gov- nnr nuans to seize and fortify Uurchester Heights on tl'^' ">glit of Snnday. the eigluecnth " n,at was enough. Xick would take the note to the HMudand that n.glu. I^rank pan.ed an.l thought, then s^nedh.stnllnanu.,-- Francis Kilery,-- that th;;e,t^gh nod hto,theu,f,.nna,i,,„. Tlu., as he addres' e, "'< note to Doctor barren, the thought ca„>e: - If there '^ to he a hght. I „u,st be there;" an.l he a uncle wanted .Ma-ter IVank from the town, and the captain wanted him in it. and -aid, if Master Frank were arre^^ted, and sent to London for trial, wouldn't that suii— ■' Ridicidous! " cried Di^-kie— and Mr. Ellery pronii-ed to watch everytliiPL: Master I- rank did. and get scraps of his writings. " You little fool! " roared Dickie. " When was this? " "Day before yc^terdav; and I listened at the door." " Frank," cried Dickie, " will vou strap him, or shall I?" "Is this true, Roger?" asked Frank. " It is true." answered tlie boy. "Surcl\-. Frank." exclaimed Dickie, "you don't be- lieve that? " "Surely." answered Frank. " I do." lO 'I'hc Colonials And so I came to wan. I,i„,." cried Korer. as Dick.c stared at i.is brotiier. - lu „n„d cvervthu.g he does, to keep his writings under luck, to dJ nolhnu^ nothmg. „,nl,i„jj. ,hat nngl.t he reported a^'ainst him! ' von- °' '"" '"'" '''"''" "'""^ ^''''''' ■' ''"■^'■^' ^ ^''■''^^ "I lave you sai.I everything. Roger?" enquired 1 ranK. " Kveryihing." answered tlie I)ov. "Then go." directed IVank, " le^t you be missed." Koger shot one defiant glance at Dickie, who stood red-faced wth rage. " it is true! It is true! - ne re- peated, and went to the door. In another moment they saw hnn speedmg out the gate. "1 will ask you to remember. Dickie." said Frank, as the two brothers turned a.id looked at each other .lK.t u you let it be known that Koger has been here,' he wdl receive very heav, pimishment." "I will tell at once!" retorted Dickie, with flashing eyes. He moved toward the door. '• Where is imcle' •' J- rank stood in front of him. " Uncle is out " he replied, " Let me go!" cried Dickie. "Dickie." a-ked I'rank. "would vou h^-.ve the bov's lue on your head?" "Hi^ life! "exclaimed Dickie. "Ilislife! Good God. •rank, what do you mean? Can you suspect tiiat Cap- tam Sotheran " ^ " And uncle." put in IVank. ■' -And uncle, then— would murder' " "Would trea' ihc boy with great "crueltv." answered rrank. ''Arc vnu crn/v'" Dickie almost shouted. ,,."/•"'"'!'■' ^ "'■'■'•'■ '-in-^^vcred Frank, so sobcrlv that I ^ickie siibered too ^ 1 i Concord Fidjt and Chark-stoun llaiiv -u ■■ Iraiik, " he asked astonished, " you really believe it?" " I really believe it," responded Trank; " every word." " \\ hat has come over you? " cried Dickie. " Do you nalise what the boy has said? That any one would Iilot against your life— why, 'tis preposterous! Uncle least of all." ■• L'ncle first of all," answered Frank. " And Captain Sotheran? " cried Dickie. " Captain Sotheran next," was the reply. • What can the> have against you?" demanded Dickie, utterly amazed, yet beginning to perceive his brother's earnestness. " Everything in the world." answered Crank. " .\re you speaking (he truth? " asked Dickie. " Do you believe what you say?" " Look me in the face." said Frank, " and judge for yourself." Dickie, groping as in a fog, Iiis head whirlin- wiih the shock of Frank's assertion, looked at his l)ri)ilKT. Frank took his arm and drew him clo-ir; he pm his hands on Dickie's shoulders and Iidd him. lie felt the frame of the young man risjncr and falling quickly with his astonished breath, and he nut in Dickie's eyes the demand for truth. For he second time in his life Frank felt that a crisis turned upon that wliich is so great, and yet so un- dcfinable. part of a man— the glance of his eye. As .\nccb once, so Dickie now, searchc vuii have luuke^l at nie, and see if he will meet you. Go to C?ptain Sotheran,' l'",k him in the face, and a>k yourself if you can trust him." " It is so new! '" gasped Dickie. " Xot new," replied Frank. " if you would but have listened to me." " I mn t think," answered Dickie. hrank left him to himself, .fitting tiiere in the great chair, staring .-t the picture of his grandfather, vet see- ing nothing: wliat did Dickie think? lie iuid too long been cheerful and careless, too long trusting. Here was at last an accusation. What was he to do? i' I CHAPTER IX IHE BOV AND THE MAX Tl le new straii> of exercising thought, the effort awaken his niin Jure iipcn Dicki liard. .Me] to elv to suspect was loreign to iiim, but here well founded, t'u was a suspicion, in hu man ed, t'lat -trucK at tiie very root of his trust goodness. Dici^ie had never thought. It w trouble; his delight in act as not in him to seek ivity was pliysical, not mental. Rough weather was a joy, but a problem was a hard ip; and unless a thing were manifest! sh cepted it. .Mr. Ellerv's careful consid. in born y untrue, he ac ■ration of Dickie' r.d prejudices had been successfid thus far; Dick le never yet suspected iii< nature, r.ut hiinde uncle's motives, or his real now Dickie Iiad Hashes of insi; 'n that ah u hull. loval servant. Ann distrusted his uncle, and si IJiui m.ost ic was a lie was devoted to the famih- most honourable ma liouse after Frank's d iplire\s liad disliked Mr. FJIerv Doctor Warren, and the n in the town, W(n:!d net enter the !.v tl Dick le banc W isappearance. nor take Mr. Ellerv s thi- uncle, so long arlmired, a — ie faltered before the word— a villain? surge of anger flushed Dickie's brow. If he !iad the r. Ellerv were been deceived, then-! The great ."^sts clenched chest heaved, and bis leeth set hard. If M false, '-e should pay! Then bcga ;t uav? ui ins lifi I Iff The Colonials The qnostion which readied back into iiis past, and had the mo.>t important bearinj; on hl^ future, was nut to he decided in an hutir. 'i'iiere was no evicd disappointment -poke in his look, to be followed by burning anger, repres.-ed in turn by a calmness of reso- lution that wa> like his l)rotlier's. Then the l)iiy wouhl return; uncertainty faliered on his face, and apjieal treir.bled ])athetically on hi-, lij). lie had h\> time- of revidsion, when all sus])icion fell awa\- from him. lie diced and drank, drilled, and ured hi- brolhcr. scanned him. and te-ted him. He found bi;t one flaw, and that was one of hi- uncle's ■showing, while I'rank"- excuse was fair. l-"rank \\a- fair in everything. Here wa-; a ca-e in which -lieer character. cxprei5 The second and the third day jias^cd, the foiirtli face, grew weary of the life. Aln^t he wait, after all, the doctor's permisison to go? His brother still chmg to his inicle. i-"rank wa> plainiing to li.dp Knox from the town. Wliy not go, loo? If but the word from Doctor Warren would come! \'et Dickie, for all that hrank wa- lo>ing hope of him, was slowly changing, and from hi-> old rontine saw- things wiMi nt'wiy f|ue>tioning eyes. It is oidv a mind es.-entially simple that would go so deep into conse- qncnces as Dickie did. One skilled in euphemisms could gloss the fault: one (|uick in resources could dis- card one fimdamental and retain the re>t: and one alraid of the charge of inconsistencv would dread to change. But Dickie's minrl was fatally direct: the struc- ture of his helief- rented upon a single Jirop — Ids imcle — and ulien that failed the whole was doomed. Contem- plating .Mr. I'Zllery's I'aNity. imagining a ]>roof, Dickie saw stage at'ter stage of hi- helief-- ef|ualh.- vain And as i)ickie examineil hi< uncle, so aNo he scannerl lii'~ own familiar and accepted wav of life. He >aw hi- comrades and their Aevd^. he questioned the worth of their opinioTis .and tlieir words. Hoasts had lo^^t their ofTect on him. tlie mw proclamation of tlie governor drew a Mieer to hi- lip<. The " r.-hels affected to hold the royal army besieged "' .VfTected mo-t efTectuallv, then. Where was the " elbow-room " P.nrgovne had promised^ What of the fre=h provision Cage liad negli- gently lost? .And the governor'- protni-e to the Whigs when they gave up their arms— what had that been, and was it really broken' He flushed with indignation M •til ,i6 The Colonials when, ai the coffcc-liousc that la^t evening, he torced tht' truth ironi Anthony. " And that is the way ih. king will make his subjects loyal— by appoiniing governors who break their prom- hc cried. " Has this been done bciore? Was isesi this why Hutchinson was so hated?- And Bernard^ Xnw I remember." he added suddenly, "the Hutchin- son letters. Did lie " '• Softlv, softly," warned an older associate, llushing a little. •■ Was Hutchinson," the Wiiigs one lliiu!^ ami llie king anotiier.' insisted Dickie. " really telling ■■ \W silent I " rt l)^d^ed bi^ elder. "Who are >ou to question of your botiers: " Dickie crowded down hi- wrath. Who was he.' he muttered to himself. Who were the Whigs, then? What right had any subject to expect a pledge to be kept? Was he— good God!— was he tc f.ght for prom- ise breakers? He glared so angrily from his scat that the others looked anxiously at him. " What ails the boy? " asked (Icneral Rugglcs testily from his table. "Don't inter- ru.pt the game." r.ut Sotheraii. la.-ily dealing cards to anotiier group, spoke so loud that the room heard. " TheM- volunteer-, egad! prize themselves eriuai with us." C.eneral Rugglcs, who was but the leader of the volunteers, himself bit his lip at thi-. Dickie started up with such a look that Anthony caught his arm. " Say nothing." he begged. But Dickie shook him ofif and strode .to Sotheran. The sullen anger that had driven him for three days had broken out. The sting of honour betrayed, the spur of contempt, made Dickie heedless. He stopped at Soth- -oncor J i' i^lit ana C'iuiilcituwa Battit J ' / I ■i "So," lie demanded, "no one is to a^k questions?" Sotlicran stared back :,i linn hauyluily. " Xul yon, at any rate," lie responded. " You mean no provincial? " said Dickie. " What riglits have you?" sneered the other. " And promises are to hu broken? " insisted Dickie. "Too strong — too strung!" protested older men at his back. " Sit that ni,L,dit most momentous in the history of Doslon, and of America. Mile- away, oiu of Cambridf^^e, a detachment of men was marchiui;. It was mnmiformed and r(JUf;h; ihei'e was slii,dit militarv order; the arms of the men were various — in many cases old. ^'et their dee a iloni'^t^ ' " Then he ^aw Har!e\-. bui did not tlu>h. " Vou. too, sir: answer if you can."' r.nt .-Mice said. " 1 cannot tell you, Dickie," and Har- ley, with the shadow coming down again upon him, asked: " Have you. too. a doubt?" "I too?" exclaimed Dickie. '"Do you doubt as well? Can I".ngli>hmen doubt, without my cause for it? " " There are many Englishmen who doubt," said Har- ley quietly. " Good night! " cried Dickie, and abruptly went away. Here was new knowledge to draw him to Frank's side. But his uncle? How was he to learn the truth of him? He went slowly toward his Iiome. Knots of soldiers passed him in tlie ill-lighted streets: or (juiet people, wishing to escape insults, slipped along from shadow to shadow. A group met him under a lamp: at the sight of him two of them — a man and a woman — quickened their pace and passed. The third stopped. " I have been looking for you, Dickie." It was Frank's voice. Dickie looked up. He was not ready, not quite ready, to give himself to Frank, and resisting all the impulses that drew him to his brother, feared to speak with him. I ii was Concord Fight and Charlestown Battle 3^1 " I'm iliinking." he said liastily. " To-morrow, Frank." " Good-bv, then," said Frank, and took his hand. " Good night," answered Dickie, and went on. The man and woman had halted to wait for Frank. • Me did not imderstand," said the woman with sym- pathy, as I'rank joined them. " Xo, Mrs. Knox," lie said. "He did not imder- stand." They went onward totrether. Dickie went home. It was late: the house was dark; •Hid wishins: not to rouse liis uncle, if a.-,loep. lie opened and shut the door . He went slowly up the ^tair, deep in thougln. If he could hut learn the truth irotn his uncle — in some way surjirisint^ it out of him! He saw a lie^lit in I-"rank's room, and a movins^ shadow. Who could that be? Xot Frank. Dickie went to the open door. There was his surprise! Mr. Fllery knelt at the fireplace. A candle stood on the floor : the man was looking among the ashes and drawing out torn scraps of paper. His shadow loomed behind, gigantic on the walls and ceiling, and in the light his sharp face was eager and delighted. He stopped to piece his find together hastily, grinned, and looked for more. .And Dickie, standing at the threshold, saw him and saw more. That was his uncle, so foully searching there. There dird an ideal, blackened and disgraced; ;nitart. ^ nii m'c, I i!nl lir wa^ trfiiiiiiiiii; ivim] \\viu\ to foot. " .\i^ uurd>!" intiTriii.tril Dickie, lie .stepped fuiward. '■ I came — " persisted .\Ir. I'.llerv. iJiekie rai-eierid\. lii. uncle, like Sotlieraii and I rank, should nunl the tiiial te>t. He look .Mr. h'.llery jjy the arm and drew him to tju- lij,dit. \\ hat do \!iimaiided his nei)he\v. How niiserahly lii.s uncle failed! That sight was im- jtresserl on Dickie forever— a haggard face, a trembling lii), a -hilling, fe;irfnl, lidi\ fve. " Look at me!" com- manded Dickie again: hut tl e glaiua' -till fell hetore his. " (^h. uncle!" Dickie cried, and released him. Hi, voice, (1 -])ondent with accu>atii.i< and reproach, [hu Mr. I'^llery beyond the hope of excu-e. .'^lill shaking, he stood siU-ni, and iiis nephew lock frcjm his hand ihe I)its of paper. Dickie lighted them at tlie candle and burnt them on the heartli. Then, with his face working irom a hundred new emotions, he turned awav. I must tind I'rank at once!" he cried, and ran from the room .-md from the house. Where was I'rank ; Xo one could tell him. He tnet Whigs on the street; not one had seen his brother. Ill' went to Xick's: the barber had n-n spoken with Mr. Irank for some hours — not since, in fact, he Iiad de- livered him a note. Dickie chanced on Pete, but the ropemaker knew nothing of Mr. l'"rank. Then, as a last ho])e. Dickie went to .Mice. Harley was g(ine. Alice had in truth not seen Frank, but Ann had brought her, only a few minutes before, a note. She showed it to Dickie, with tears in her eyes. It was in Frank s hand. Concord I'i^.lit aiul Churlestowii Battle jj^ m " ' lood-ijy," vva- all il s,-ii(l. Ik' is leaving ilic Uiwii! " cried Dickir atjha^t. Hut tlicro might yc-t he chance to liiul him. ilc could ask Ann; and Imrni-d honn-. I'll till VMU in the morning," was all Ann would say. Again>l lur iron obstinacy Dickie knew it was vain to strive. W'iih hi- liaiid- iiuldiii^ hi- head, lie threw hini-eli iiiiM the great cliair. Had hrank heeii iliere, Dickie u-.uld ha\c t'dllowed him lihinlh'. i'.iit left alniie. widi nil one tu vshmn to iiini. hahil >iill sirung vn him, he fi'l! hini-elt nlterly conin-ed. Meanwhile, tm tl;e dark waters of the lia.rlH en-, a lioat floated in silence. IVank hdlery wa-^ seated in it. His long waiting. hi-< umIcs-, watching, were t'mi-hed. Tlie sudden lidjie ut Dickie, which I'ur a while apjieared ;ind buoyed him, liad prcp- aratioii:- i impossil)le longer to watch in idhiu --. .Mnio-t ihi-- vcould have caused his de])arlure: the surety that at !a>t hi> coun- tr\inen imist act, and seize the Heights in ad\ance of the r.ritish. lh:t while he he.-iiated befure the decision. Xick put into his hands a note from Doctor Warren. ■■ Vou have done what I wished," it said. Come, but to be in time, be (juick." Xothing could kecji him after that. He had landed Knox and his ^vife at Winnissimet I'erry, and rowed out ngnin npon the water. He paused to get his bearings, intetiding to gu to Dorchester. I'erhap-^ that very night the Americans would be there. Me heard :\ rli^t.'int crv '* Vll's wiOl " fr;"^!"?! n '^:f^nt!»if'1 of the fleet, ami from shii) to ship the signal was re- N' i i I 3-^4 1 Ik Culuiiiul;: pcatc.I. W.Mtiii- and ,^'azin.c:. Uvinrc Iio gripped his oars again ilic tide and brcc^c ha heart leaped violently. It was but a ^ngle sound, and faint aj^ainst the breeze, yet he knew it for the blow oi a pick upon a >!one, .sciitcncd by iiiterveninir earth. " Instead of Dorchester," he cried to himself, "they have chosen Uniikcr's Hill! " The sound came again, and set him right. " Breed's ITill, nut r.uiiker'*." He urged the boat ashore. .1 ni- ne Id little ently. t the •on a they ced's CHAPTER XI TMF RF.HELS It was cominp! I'rancis Mllery, Icaninp on \'i-? ram- part oi tile little fort, >:i\v the la;.t of the I'.ritisii troops laiulintj (111 tiie shore helow. Beyond lay a noiiderfiil panorama. That day, so per- fect, was warm ; hij^h tleeey clouds lay along the horizon, and above was tlu- blue. Melow, the bay and river sparkled in the little breeze, the tall grass waved upon the slope, and the broad green sweep of the Charles River shore was not yet scorched by summer. Sh-'ps la\- ui)(>n tlie water, and acr(is> the river char.nel vvas many-stcepled F.oston. as charming, with i's g.irdens ami its tree-tops peejiing forth, as any peaceful town upon the eartli. I hit a sound v. as in the air, an intermittent roar, seeming to die ;'t times. t)ut ri-iiig abniptlv into tiiunder. And from tiiat lov(dy i'loston, from the noble ships below, ro->e clouds of white and drifted on the breeze. iVoni Copp's Hill, from tlie "Somerset,"' the " Falcon," the " Lively," the " ( dasgow," and from lloat- ing batteries, cannon were playing upon Breed's Hill. Below I->ank on the hillside would rise suddenly clods and dirt, thrown violently upward by a ball. Other balls passed overhead with soft caressing whir, to fall far beyond. And soinetimes one would strike in the dry dirt of the embankment, sending up a cloud of dust and a spurt of stones. But Frank was used to r! 11 'W2I 326 Tlu- Colonials llii>, it. Ind p^dpc now; he ,~,'t\v llial the C(jUhk'1 \va> w iiiiiii;- that he .-iMiuld expw^c hiin-ch', and standint;' in the shade of the aiij.le-iree tlial h.ad been built into tlic tort, lie studied the situation. The clianee had been >inall that tlie little redoniv., Iniilt u])(_in the most advanced hill of Charle-town penin- sida, could stand a >in.i^le attack. Tliose who had toiled throuj,di the ni,;;ht to make it, misu|)porteil and vuire- frcshed, were to lie it> defender,-, h'rank lof)ked upon them: i're>cott the conunander : Rcil)in-on lii^ aid — he who had marched at the head of the militia at Concord — ihe men, toilwi^rn, thii>ty, autl hmii;r\ : all ih(.>e had spirit for the liL^lit. Ihit i>o-ted in the middle of the broad peninsula, the narmw neel Ik hind .-wept by a ca'inon tire that none but the br;ive.-t dared to pass, with C'harli. -tow n a luxi]- il. I'mce on the one ide. and with the auxiliar\ brea-tw orl^ reach.in:,'' but a few rod.- towar too short; it extended neiiher to the iireastwork on the one iiand nor the water on liie other. Stone to the knees, tiicn rails and hay, was the onlv protection against bullets: yet the fanners of Connecti- cut waited calmly, prrpared to difeud that lin-. again-t veteran nginients. I'rank, looking back upon this frail defence, smiled proudly and ther. sicrhod. The llritish boats were re- turning now, the tanlali-ing lu.nch below \va^ ended, vet >lill in the redoubt were the blazing -^tm, .and thirst, ;ind hunger, .still acro>> the slopes of Hunker's Hill, wh()h cannon, Mraggled forward a ivw \-, uiteers. One man on a foaming horse rode ]).ick and forth among theui, pointed to ,e hill-to]) and tne i>iled imrenching tools, and -•ecmcd to inijilore them to j^'o there >\ith him. Yet liail- were lhickl_\- f.illing iluTe: the men liail coi'ie to tight, not to dig: and Urael Putnam, knowing that a fort upon Hunker's woidd make the redoubt on I'.reed's secure, yielding with cur-~e> — afterwa.rd re|ientantly acknowledgeil in church — sent all comer,> to the rail- leu-c, and -till rode b.ack and forward furiou-lv, ars-in"- new men acro-.s the i-thuu;-. next beggiTig th.ein to stay with him and dig. then giving them up as before. At last the British reenforcenients were landed and the troops in line. The hou ,as coming: now in the "doubt the officers were be; .uiuq; to repeat the order: ■■Hold your fire!" Down bv t|,e beach the muskets were lengthened by gleaming l>a^■(^net';, and above in '!!• lort the yeotnan looked to their flints. Tlie troop^ '"^rp iria. ocuvcring into position: the field-piecc'^ wer-:^ ^i-agged forward, and all wa.. rcadv for the bait!,. h'i f' I 128 The Colonials I! I I'rank cast one la=t 'rouhird look at tlie thin, -hort line of men who were lo deieiid their rear. IIi> lieart leaped and his eyes tlaslied. Upon the side of r.unker's ilill. in perfcet (^rder and with steadv step, was inarching toward the fence a solid hodv of men' He did not need to he told their valne ; that they were there was enough, that they marched ?o f^rmjv was enough, and yet the heart of the frontiersman responded as he heard F'rescott's words: "There is Stark with the Xew Hampshire men ! •' Stark and his men! Hnnter> and Indian fighters? The rear was secnrc. He gave one final look of jo v. And then his heart, exultant, sank. What figure" was that, hastening to the redoul.t. sped on bv Putnam's pomtmg .sword ^ The idol of his bovhood. the guide of his youth, the friend of his manhood: Warren^ it was commg to that post of danger-Warren, not needed there, too precious for such risk! Yet they cheered him as he entered. Frank- saw Prescott hasten to cla.-p his hand, he saw the ofTered sword and its refusal, \\-arren seized a gun. " Where shall I stand?" he seemed to ask, and then in a mo- ment he was at Frank "s side. He grasped the voung man s ha-id, at the same time that Prescott, anxious at such a charge, spoke in Frank's ear. " Take care of Iiim," he said, an? How to contrast the .^ilendonr of tlie ]'.riti,-h array witii the bearing of tlie men of the land? Au.l how to indicate the thousand deeds of courat^v when Englishmen met ICngiisIur.en? Armed with the bayonet, covered by their cannon, the r.ritish marched agam-t two points — the redoubt an.i the rail-fence. I'v^un Kd the detachment up the hill, Howe that which went along the water. In bright attire and perfect order, yet under that hot sun carry- ing the weight of ^ix score pound>— in gun and car- tridges, blankets. haver>ack. and three da\s' rati-ns— the Ilritish faced the long and slippery grass, the fields cut up with fences, and the fortified foe. And never before drawn up for such a fight, ploughman and woods- man waited. The fire from the shipping slacked, and though the " Cdasgow " continued to sweep the Xeck, and the field-pieces began to bellow, in intervals of quiet the waiting Americans could hear the tramp of the stjldiery and the tap of scatf^rcd dnmi^. Then the two solid ccdumns tlejjloyed. As on parade tliL-y spread out. presented a brnad fr^jni. and came marbling on in pride— fatal mistake which gave to marksmen such a target. Each .Xmcrican picked his man and rn liiin nvrri li.'c <> C<~l»■>^«^ i r^/~\ , ~„^ c. JJ^ The Colonial Uk^ at (li^ant ■leer; and m the !!rilisli ranks the first men tdpi'kd aii'l fell. But Rohinson, leapintr to the iiarajict of the redonbt. kicked up tlie K'l'i'"'- -"i"' '^^ ^'^"-' '■''^''" fi-nce, rii;;rin;^' with fury, I'uinaiu threalenrd to c'U down ;!ic next tliat disobeyed. And maxims, now historic, leaped into lifu and pas-^od from lip to liji. " Aim at thr handsome coal^I l-irc at the cro^MniT ' 'f the belt-^ 1 Wail till vou xh^ the whites of their e\ e^ ! " h'or the officers u ere the finest dressed ; upon the scarlet breasts two white bands crossed: and the distinct si,e,dit of their opponents' eyes meant sliort and deadly distance. .\nd n^nv, within tlu- AnK-rican lines, was silence and restraint. l'>ut at last the rejjjula.rs be^^an to fire, i'y companies, -vvith loud and sullen discharge, they answered the first scattering- shot of their enetnies. and tiring, advanced. The breeze drifted the smoke away, steadily they came on, throwing down a fence, stepi)ing owr a wall, ])au-.- in"- to load, and ihcTi nre-emin.g for anuilRT volky. But of the line of waiting head that cmwled the re- doubt scarcely i>ne wa- hit, and iraiik, turning t.i Warren at his -id,-, jiointed to the ;ipple-tree above them. Its twig> were falling. ' The\ tire too high," he ^aid. " Wait for the w'->rd I " came the strong voice of rro=;- coi . Bending, he looked with knitted brows at the advancing line, .^wting his sword, walked, and paitscd again to look. .\nd at tl:e fence Putnam, with redden- ing face, wa'ched I'te approach of enemies once fnends, and counted the roil- that intervened. But still the troops came on, while from the ships below, and tlf town across the water, thom;and< of spectators watched the first act of the terrific drama. For another minu'e la -ted the impressive sight. The Concord i'"i-;ht and C'harltstoun Battlt jj springinf:^ up amid tlie .strain, flew away. Tlu> sun still shone, tiie sltill >niile(l. tin- waier still rellccted the licauty of a world where teadily lessened the distance he- tueen them and their foe. till the very numbers on regi- mental badges were cle.'ir, and the whites of eyes were visible. And then the outburst came. Sighting along their l)ointing barrels, each nuizzle moving slightly, follow- ing its mark, the Americans had been patieiU. Their eagle commander at the reiloubt had measured everv '..ird: down at the fence the trixips had reached the slake which Stark had jilanted as a mark: the time had come, the word was given. " j-'ire I " .\ntl the volley sped. And no word can describe, or jien indite, the swift succeeding mimites. Ttjrn, shattered b_\ hurtling bul- Ir-t-. while still as moments passed the vollev was re- newed, and in the smoke each .shadowy form was marked and doomed, how coidd those tro(ips, though '•1 terans oi Mindcn, bear f.,>r a single minute that fright- ful carnage^ Yet thcv did bear it; and other ranks came forward still. At the hill many struggled onward, to fall upon the rampart's very slope, and without offi- cers stood fast. And at the fence, where Xew Hamp- "iiirc and Connecticut proved themselves no less than Massachusetts, still while they might maintained them- selves the grenadiers. Ye* it wa'; vain ; ]v> hurnan force could take those slender walls. The word was given to retreat, and the baffled troops withdrew. TI,- on iic the 00- Ihv Colonials waved tin- l)oiuling grass. Xuw it wa-' beaten as by hail. Pure crimson si)uts, like poppies amid grain, dotted the grass, but tliat was blood, and a strange harvest lav there ihickh'. A windrow of I)odies marked the line where the fir^t lire met the tr(jMi)>, and scattered farther on lay other forms, llrighl in their scarlet, gay .vith gohien lace, otTicers lav with white face--; while round them were tlieir men, in vain having emulated their leaders. Writhing ^ome, but some already still, the best of I'igott's force lay upon the slo])e. And by the shore, where }e>terday had jjassed reaper-, where the whetting ot scythes had made music, to-day another reaj)er had passed, the swee]) of who-e blade drew groans. Almo-t unscathed the defenders stood, but shocking was the slaughter of the trooj)-. The dead were close together on the hill, but by the shore they lay " thick as sheep in a fold." Where the light infantrx had skirted the beach, and where at their ^ide had marched the grcnadier> — the tlower of the army — the scene of death was friglufid. " Served up " one by one against the lir ■ of men who-e aim wa> sure and whose re-loading rapid, whole ranks had gone down together, and those who retired bore many wounds. And }et tliose troops reformeil. Blind courage, heail- strong anger, deinandcd vengeance, and Howe and Pigott prepared a new assault. In 'dv^ breathing space wounds were bound, and there began again the cannon- ade from the ships and Boston. Putnam, again on horseback hurrying to the rear, found still the hesitant militia on the wrong <=ide of the isthmus. Though he rode up and down amid the balls, daring the mer to cross, it wa> in vain. The dust sptirted beneath his horse's belly ; few cared to run the risk, and though some came, the reat maii)rilv hung back. Scamtnan'^ -I . 1. . _ _ 1 I - , Concord Fight ami Cliarlcsfown Battir - 53 nicvsen.cfer to know it lie were wanted, (ierrisli's cinnon slaved at Cobble Hill, and stuttered feebly at the ships. That invaluable force was wasted, and Putnam, hearing behind him the second ominous ceasing of the cannon- ade, once more hastened to the fence. .-\nd now one other sight was added to the panorama. i-'.i'ston breathless watching was nut enough; the har- ^-.ur and the river, the sliij.s and the cloudless >ky, and the bloody focus of all eyes, were not sufficient for that (lay. I'ired by red hot shot, the conflagration increased by sailors from the ships, Charlestown was in a blaze. I'lanies were leaping from many roofs; the church was afire; and from house to house the breeze was spreading h.ivoc. While once more the troops began their jour- luv. the spectacle of a burning town, with clouds of smoke and sheets of tlame. ga- .■ grandeur to the scene. And this time the Americans, their les> .n learned, wailed. Xo shot sped now from them. But the P.riti^h. not vet perceiving that an extended front, comparatively safe against a fire such as their own, did but invite de- Mr'-.ction at the hands of marksmen, came on as before. With measured pace, volleying at intervals, the men stepping over bodies as over logs, again the two divi- MMiis marched against the redoubt and the fence, while at the ships and on the farther shore spectators watched and dreaded the second welcome. Xearer than before the columns went, but no other volley than theirs was tired, and no sound came except, against the wind, the crackle nf the fire in Charlestown. The flame swept up flu- spire, and waved from its top destruction's smokv ■'Tg. until as the soldiers gripped their guns for the •T.-irge the worri again was gi\i'n to ihc farmers. Then !• ipi'd the short flames from the guns; the crash was like tlie noise of falling walls, and one great cloud en- velop ^U loft ailu icnee. HIM 334 The Colonials '|1 _ Cnimhlincr. the l,atinlion> oiu-e more withstood the hro. \^ra,„, ,„ tiu' ^purt.n,^ sin,.kc. thov thn... un and were seen and sli.n. \ain it u;i> u, tall .,„ the face of the redoubt; vain to dni> h ilu' stones ,l,at ha^ed the KTiee. With fuiiie eries tiie otiieers pres-ed forv.ard with lienusni sU|HTh \nn iniavailin- Howe hiniM'li stood alone ni iront .,t hi^ men and calK-d ih,-ni o, melted awa\- ; ihe\ u , first panic of that dav .st Ixjats. 'hey had d in til onic lew Sijldiers sons^ht their ■ ere svv^pt hack hliiuk-d, and \n tin All praise. theref.,re. that thev woul.l form a^Min -\"o .liscredit that otticers pr.. tested, for thur men's .ake ai^MiiiM a third attack. The st„l,I„,rn Howe ,i;ave new order,^. his Mil.ordinates ha>trned to fnlfd thc^m. an.l the shattered re^Mment> once more steppe.l into rank A tew marmes came fresh to the Hght. Clinton with I)urnni.t,^ zeal leaped into a boat and crossed: these were the ilritish reenforcements, not to be despised Yet though J'nfnam a second time beat up for help anrl found It not, they were to all effects the same a.lver- sanes that lor a third time confronts each other— with one most fatal ditiference. The Americans in the redoubt were short of powder. As they beheld their foe once more advancing, thov turned totheir commander anda.^kedfor what he did not have. .\ nw artillerv cartrid.crc. were opene.I and their cont, t^ gn-en out. and the men l,)adcd for the last time Prescott saw the fmish of the dav at hand. Hcwe had learned his lesson. .\ot now in line, but in close column the re-ulars were coming on. Idankets and haversack, liad been laid, aside, so that lightened of their burden the men might move mor< qtn'cklv. Tlie 'irger body of the troops was sent at the redcmbt, and the British artillerists, being told they must, were dra-ging their Concord Fiiflu ami ClKiiIc^-towii Battle j.i.-> I ])ieco> tn a ]>(jint wlivnct.' iIk-n' could sweep ilie breast- w urk. Truly llie end was near. So much in vain.' A night ui toil, the moral conquest over ini .\]>ciicncc that had t\>ice lepulbtd the regulars, liie conricleiice gained that -tdl would win the victory: all were lo>t lor tlie lack ol puwder. A\Va> upon the niaiiilaiid --lill d dlicd Scanmians an(l ( ierri^h ; ami \\'an.l ,;l Camhritlge. implored a >.core oi' time-, at la-t had de-])atelH'd tre-h regiments — too late, 'i'he commander I'loked l'>ng for reeiu'orceineiu-, but there were none in ight. lie turntd to the liriii-h, and saw that in silence iiMW. without a -hot, they wirv making their advance. < Iff to the left the I'.riti-h cannon openetl, and the de- fenders of till' brra-Iv.ork. iluir ]K)sition ho]iele^s, came cniwding into the redoubt. .Xnother look at the ap- proaching bayonets — there were scarce a dozen for drfence — and I'rcscott gave tiie reluctant word: " ball back, and use your last powder as the\ reach the parapet." So, forced not by their enemies, the .Americans de- serted the rampart which they had held all day, and with their backs against the farther wall waited the final struggle. Yet none can blame them for the day so nobly lo-t : or grudge, indeed, the victors a field so dearly won. The front rank of the regulars mounted the wall, lO 1 e >wept awav by a fire deadly as ever — worse, indeed, like the death ^ting t^i the rattle-n.'d.e. 'idicre fell the noblest of the Ilriii-h: Piicairn. whose command at Lexington had begun the war; and Abcrcrombie, friend of Putnam. Then, as the ramparts bristled with fresh bayonets, a few la-t muskets spoke, and stones were thrown — the final missiles. Like tiie surge of a v.'ave the soldiers tojiped the ])ara])et ami flowed into ttie redoubt, to take their vengeance. i lie, i.' lO'C/iv piuCc iiji a icw I'liui i iijijiiidii , wiic ri 'I J * Jj^ 'l'\'.<- C'oloniiilN grapple ot the ,lav. ,-e. Like veteran, they surlily retired, and by their aspect turned the flight to a most orderlv retreat. There Pomerny. threatenincr ^vith hi« useless musket —that gun which had, that day. served the old man of seventy better than the o.ie which in his youth always trave hun tw-n J.-e^ *^ fViT-a« . u,^* . n. , j i. i i Concord lidit atui C'liarlr.'.touii fi.irrlcr i-illingly. Stark witlult JO/ proudlN , and McClary with Iiis giant voice dared the P.ritish to pursue. Knowlton left the neld which he had txcn the tir^t to enter, and thus Connecticut and Xcw Hampshire, side by side, bore ay their laurels from the foot of Bunker's Hill. And Putnam, raging, implored his men for one more -land. Still cli loiriL: to the Impe that uuuld save the day, he i),.iim(l to tlu- i,,p ,,i Hunker's Ilil! and de- manded a fn.al rally. W- tin re vas no true lir.pe a1i.-u powder horns were almost empty, and hidlets spent. After them ad he went at the end, the last man on the grouncl. The cannon from the -lu'iipin- was thimderitig now, and sendini; death amid the scatterinc,- Am. ricans. The >liipcs of Hunker's Hill grew red at la^t, the causeway at the Xeck was more thickly strewn w 'h bodies. The >oldiers, following a^ well a. ih> y n-.ight for the fatigue, reaped the sjKirse harvest of their victory. A few mure "f the militia fell and died, mai c: ricd away wounds. luu m half an hour after the storming )f the redoubt :'ie last of the American' had left the peninsula, and sought shelter on the mainland with the regiments which still seemed to threaten the I'.ritish. And the sun began to decline towar.l that evening when both sides were to count their loss with anxiety. I he fire of the shipping c-ased; doctor and surgeon commenced to perform their duties on t.ie bloody t^eld, reenforcemcnts were demanded from P.oston, and many- timcs-decimated companies were sent back to rest. The smoke had cleared away, save wlv e from smouldering Charlestown it rose among the a.dics : and above still were fleecy clouds and smiling skies. The distant hills were just as beautiful, the town across the river chan- nel ju^t as lovelv, as at the innocent dawn. t!ut death had not cea;ed his work, f. or evervwhere u p i '■ i i i 1 ria h w i I :- 1 —.M ■iii4i iL iii ["If J)J' I In C'dIoiii.iI.s n]iipii tlu' -(1(1 the uiiiiinlfd ucn- dNMit,'. Mori' di^laiU itill, 111 luMit - niiidiKln-.l li\ liulk'i iir |j\ steel, was bitter aiigui-h. And the real iniit- cd that da\ uiTc vet lo be j;atlicrcd, ai. they iiuii'^ to uversliadow the cuiiiiii}^ year;) (j1 war. H) oppre-- uiili their ifrr,l)lc uciL^lit the victor^ of tile 'little, s. \ el to lln>ii-aiids (li patriot heart- that wa-. defeat, wo>{ re.il. most terriMe; aiKl failure of their cause seemed for the luonieiit -ure. Xot for himself did I'lank Kllery mourn, no, not for him-elf, lhoUL,'-h, with bound anils and Moody forelu'ad. he was a prisoner. He stood with desjiair besi,U. the body of Warren, the frieiul wliom he had tried in vain to save. H^^ ,W-^^is"^ '^ I. Ci I.- r 1: 1 M'f » « I Book 7ive PLOT O COUNTERPLOT Cha/)fer One Brothers X a stran,';e turmoil was Boston on that sunn,\ morning-. Waked from their beds at dawn by the sound of cannon, man, woman, and child; \\'Iii,q-. Tory, or redcoat ; all started tip from their In-ds, starinj^, listen- '"C. 'i"n the way he jiassed tiie cotta-e] saw .Mice's anxious face at the window, and took her with him. I'.eneath his shiny trapi)inj::^s, as he watched .he marching troops. \v.> heart l)eat now so ';a^t that he panted, now so slowly that he could scarcely breathe at all. The soldiers in their advance began to fire; he saw the smi upon the leve! barrels, the cloud- of sinckc, and lieard the sl;,,rt discharges. ( )„,. i,y one the companies volleyed, cl-.nd alter clord of smoke lif:ed and blew away: steadily the troops advanced, and less bv rods and yards grew the space between ihe forces.' And Dickie, as the lateful moment neared. felt within himseK a whirl of feelings. ^^h.')t rlid he think' What was the strange admira- tion iliat lociked out of his eyes, not u]-ion the i^ritish ♦roops. Imt upon the dingy rebcN ' \„,1 uiiat new emo- tion was this as the -^pace grew sho-ter and shorter iH'tween the Soldiers and the farmers:^ |[,. in-ard one near him oiw aloud in triumph: "The ^'ankees have fled aireafiy!' and he .strained his eyes at the .silent Plot and Counterplot '■edorbt. Had then tlie rebels slippcfl .i\\a 543 111,' >a\v licads above tlie parape*. W ly in fear? Xo iv >lii)iilil tliat eivi Aim! then be saw tbat autiil sbeet ot tla me. lie curl int: smoke mllrd tortli and bid tbe foremost -oldi.Ts. Tiny Ii.t;btnin,<,r> darted in tbt elond ; but tbe cloud re- iiiaiiiec ai- ! I )icK -iK'iit, t:;l ilu ie coubl nut see i)eueatb it. It tl was a 11 err came tbe cra-b ni tbat terrific tirt Tben burst on burst of sound, t most dreadful, beat upon tbe ear. Onward bappeninc:; wbo bad won? fben sbattereil. reelmg back, out of tbe smoke came tbe di>ortlerefl iruop-. ickie, and be knew bis beart. Thank liod ! " cried 1) loo( lie knew, and in tbat moment >^pran,c: '"to bis man- i. Tbe (|uiet of bis faiber. wbicli b'rank bad ie stooti and -reat des^ree, entered and controlled bim ; I \'.:iiclu'd, tbe calmest on the lull. I m so n the succeedimr iour nicn around bim cursed, or raved, or bid --^r nn lov tor afetv's sake And women, as a tfnvn watclitd a batt rroaned, or wept, or fainted, I'.ut I) )nt for tb<- bre tbat rl ickie. expressionless nient in bis cheek of tbe muscles of rock, protected Alice from the cru-h. word. Alice watched with les; ,i::leamed m bis e\e, and the move- ke a ins i.Tw. stood li md said no further emotion than Dickie the winninq; of tlv> field. She was a w Oman ; her agony was per.sonal; in her thoughts her brother and lover only v.ere corcerned, and there was still tbe glimmer of hope. Tint D.ckie in bis new patriotism took at once a man's larger view. If i'rank and died blessed. !V,;t were dead, th.m h bb i. I ii 111 I r e died no a )\v\\ tm^trc'^'; now first loved, could not have sccm-d fairer or more dear il 344 The C"t)loiiials than now, w liei; Dickie- bclidd ..cr (l\ing. A vision rose lip, of a land (ii)pro.s>c(l .ind curr>c(l. Silently the} went together down the hill, among a silent crowd. Men carried fainting women; or them- selves scarcely able to walk, tottered to the shore to meet the boats that already were in motion. No loud- voiced Tory boasted now, nor trinniiihed in the victory; the sight of the thonsand bodies .scattered in ihe fields of Cliarlestown pnt a seal on vainglory. And keeping close together, as two v.Ikj m that crowd s\-mpatliised witli each other'.-. deepe.-t feeli-ngs, Dickie and . ice waited the arrival of the wounded and the dead. A mourning procession met them. Before it reached them they saw peoi)le standing aside for the foremost coach, and hats removed with reverence. The dr'"er curbed his horses with strong hand, si) that they seemed to prance gayly before the stylish vehicle. But an arm Inmg limply from a window, and above it they saw the pallid face of .Major llarlev. He was looking among the crowd, seeming too listless to hold jiis head erect, yet with a different energv scan- ning each face as searching for a friend, ihe look of sickness vanished, colour came to the lijjs. and his eyes sparkled as he saw Alice. He raised hi< arm ; " Stop ! ' he cried with some strength. " Stop ! " repeated Dickie. The driver brought his horses to a halt. Alice pressed quickly to the coach's side, and took ITarlcy's hand. It was cold as a stone. His eyes, as she looked into them, were languid again, and tlie blood was ebbing in his cheeks. " Von are hurt ! " she cried. " Let Dickie get in with you and support you." But Dickie, looking over her head. '. -ired I Xo Kngli-hinan can gain honour iron ihi,. ' ;Ktv. there i.> your answrr," ■ 1 hear." answered Dickie liumbly. and stepped back. The crowd, out of respect. Had stood away. liarley, alone with Alice, looked at lier with the feeling he had never dared express. " Von know I have loved you? " he asked. '■ r,od bless yon for it ! " '^hc re-ponded hrokenlv. " ^ 'Ml bless me for it? " he :id ^urpri-ed. ■" Then — " !'.• had raised himself a little in I;i- gratitu the driver. The coach started on^/ard, ancn waiting followed. .Mice leaned agaiti-^t Dickie, iier eyes streann"ng with tear-, btit he regarded th'.> pro- cession with drv eyes. Xot Parley's pathetic deatii. nor tho-e sad coaches, were able to move Dickie. .\nd yet the eight was one to rouse emotion. " In the first carriage," says Clarke" . narrative. " was Major liarley bleeding and dying, and three dead cap- f T ! 346 The Colonials tains of the I'ifty-sccond Ivc-iniunl. The second con- tained four dead ( )trK-rr^." And ..ihors followed witii their lifeless forms, til! there eaiiie an open earl. hVum the cart blood dripped u].on the cobbles, and a ehild, with a child's shrieis, pointed at liie blood and ran awav. A figure came pushing throtigh the crowd, in the uni- form of the X'olunteer Association. It was Oliver, who made his way to Dickie when he saw him, and accosted him abruptly. " Ellery," he said, •'yon were the only one who did not come. I told you we were ordered to parade and wait order-. Where were you ?" " " I could n(jt come." answered Dickie. But he flushed. '• General Rii^gles is angry," said (Miver. ■ He -poke of punishment."' " I do not care," reph'ed Dickie hau.-htilv. They wjre both under the strain of the dav's excite- ment, and parted without ceremony. "Wait then!" warned ( )]iver as he went. " Do what you please," answered Dickie, and turned his attention to .Mice. " Come." he said, urging her gently. " Mv ho.sc is near at hand, ^'ou shall go ihcre. aiid 1 wdl get von news." Thev went on and neared the house, tnoving slowly through the crowd. ' Let us cross here," said Dickie when they were ncarlv opposite the gate, with the alley leading to the old h:ilerv wharf at their backs. " Here comes something that may cut us off." He saw- bayonets glistening above the heads of the croud ; soldiers were mnv-^. Alice wa^ deeply moved, and greatly fatigued after standing without food all dav upon the hill. Thev were not quick enough to cross the street. The crowd prevented, falling back before the soldiers. Dickie btopped at the curb, and looking over Plot and C(Hintrrj)lot r 347 the nearest heads saw that the suhhers were not many, but tliat there were iiifn am.Mi<; them, in huiiic>i)un! uiili hoinid arms. " rri-diiers! " he cried. \K and Ahce looked at each other with a sudden a clatter and tiie M.und of a fall. " He's down a^ain ! " cried a voice. ••Halt!" responded another. The whole small body, prisoners and escort, came to a stand opposite tiie alley, just in fn.nt of Dickie and .Alice. A prisoner had fallen; the people crowded to ^ec his face as the soldiers raided hini up. I'.ut Dickie stood a moment, lookin-. There w, re ^carc.■ly thirty pris- "lur^ in ah, each with his arni^ tied hehind his' hack; and for a guard there were about a dozen soldiers. Dickie's eye ran hastily over the group. " I do not see iiiai." he whispered Alice. " Perhaps he is the one that has tallen." lie turned to go. but .Mice caught his arm. .•\ man stoot of the j^uard were some vard; away, with pri.M)ncrs and crowd between them. Dickie felt hastily in In's pockets. " .v knife!" lie whi-pcred eaqerlv. Hr had none. And Alice j^^ave a .i-Ii for her scissors, left at hon:e with her tatting^. Then .lie lonnd help. .{ bullet had pierced Frank's waistcoat, and torn it; the soldiers, when thev tlrst -ri.:e belt tiie hih of a knife. Alice saw it and knew its Indian c;-,rvin-. Ileavv. ^hnrt and sharp, it was P.enjy's knife. I-rank'> thnnvmcr knife, '^'ire as a tomahawk, as he harl explained to her once, and more deadlv if ;en; bcLuecn tiie ribs or a! the throat He had f^iven it into h^ land once : she had been readv to use it on hcr-elf. .Vow she rc-ched out ciuicklv and drew it from its sheath. " ' dve it to me . I •' demanded Dickie, and took it from her. " T'-rn ! •' he said to I'rank. The chance was pnod. To gain the house was not pos.^ible. yet the wharf was near, anr] onre in i's shelter Frank knew him.-elf ^afe. Ihit the ri.k to Dickie v.-as evident. " Xo." he answered. " Think of yours''.' " " Turn ! " repeated Dickie fiercely. Me seized ''raiik by the shoulders and turned him half about. Frank strained at the co-d that hcl.i his arms. Dickie put the knife to it. and it sprang in two. Frank shook his arms free, took the knife from Dickie, and turned quietly to slip among the crowd. M\^ Plot I!tit a soldier heard tl 1. iikI C ou'ircrjilut 549 !(.' .>oini(l i»i ilic VI cuiiii'' c(iri (juickcT than his icllow.- md 1(JUKC( .11(1 hat man is luu^u I le slioiucd reckless of those who intervened, i : a.v I'rank fro( and pluiu,^'d iurwari It once to hi, aid. The sold i^ co.iirades turned to seize Frank when Dickie, stepp ler had hi.^ haml outstretched Ixn ween, receivec J uin in 111-, arin^. ■■ Ct'iilouiid Mill voii (l.iint.^ ;iLMiii>t tliv cru-d ea^t thi )ickie 1 t'll ' ilMlv. w (i\v iroin liiin xm at are jkiitlv ■MiliIuT wild c;inie next. iviiii: lie h to iiis hrother. I rank _<;av<' Ahce one tool. ok ul "Tatilndi. and turned t<,warih(.-r .-oldier. .\ii the Mipjjrc- >'.■(! ])a>-''i 1 'ickie's head, 'idio tnij n oi tile da'- >urged to mjIi Iters, (hsengagcd fr om each otlur » embrace, >~iart c(i aL nil, curMiiL Dickie tripped the tlr^t, and with a sh a.^aiiist a i)y.standcr \\c seized a third Iw seize ■ 1 aiU Dve "-('111 the other \i'U doiiu \\ hat ar' ! the ladv here ! 'V the cullar. he deinaiuled II, IV e a care i-et ir.c ge!" cried the soUHer. fell lon't von see that ow loose D ickie '■■aw that I'rank hail cleared h nn-c't ironi the crowd and ^oId C oin ui-a])i)eare( 1 in tl le a !l.-\ rek i\k ler. ( inard and i)e()ple ru.died headloncj alter h'rank. e (|uiek]y." whimpered Dickie to Alice. v.i!l take to wharves tl ■raiu tlie water: le can swiii! ami uiidi r tl le ley canni <\ ^^■^■ to aini. seized, or m u^i. dl boats are I'tit the soldier uitli (kMiMLTi'd no- iK'v II never •t hnn; D ouK i)eIore 1 m >-een. e and cheek, wlioin ickk Had tir>t thrown iiito lii< comrade's arms, and then tripped, pointed him out to the 1 guard. ieutenant of the Oi) o 'Vhr Culoiiiali ;• That n,an.- he cricM, - .topjH-d n,c from sciziim the ^^ •• Vuur .uldier." said Dickie to the officer readilv was charging right upon tiu> hidv Mr " Ihc Hemenant regarded hun .sternly. ■•Son,e one told the prisoner to run. Wa. it not vou ? Stav-" He p.cked up the cord that had fallen from inink's arm. il'atiscm. Duiyou.utit.sir? 1 was at the coffee- iiou>e la.t niglit and observed your actions. Sir I SUSpl'Ct \(JU I " "IJq'ort me to yonr sup.rinr.," an uered Dickie I>au,^hi,Iy. •• ih,_v ,,,11 kno„ uhere to find me" Jk- ^"r"'^ •;• ■^^-■- ••^-- -vay," he saui. As the .old.ers hegan to return from their fruitless chase, he and .Alice went away. " A .ecund cnunt again., me," he said when thev had ictt the j)lace hehmd. ■•< 'li, Dickie." she sai. and unhurt were the men that marched ^^.■"; '"'H. Harriman was b.-hind him and live private, ot their companv: next came Sotheran and onlv three men. i eiiind were other little squa.ls of officers and '"^'"•, [^''r' ''""• '"■ '^'^■^'" '" ^ ^-o.npanv. there niarch.d ihe unmainied remnants of the light 'fnfantrv and grenadiers. "Take ir.e home now," said Alice vhen thev had passed. He left lier nr her duor. and started for his own. He expected to wait at home until nightfall for Frank, but his brother was there before him. CHAriER II CLASH or SWORDS V 1 As Dickie wotu up tla- stairs he met Ann coming 'lown. In Iier i'rnis was a bundle of wet clollus. " I> I-"rank licre alreaily;-" hv cried. " How came he licre unseen? " " He is in his room," she replied. I )ickie hurried to hVank's clianil^er, and found him nearly dressed in a dry v.iit. "Frank!" he cried, ■-■nterin^-. '■ Dickie," responded his brother, meeting him gladly, ■ li'iw can I thank you? l!ut were you not seen?" "What care I?" answered Dickie. He burst out v.ith lii . news: " 1 am with ycjti now— a W'iiig, a rebel! " ■■ Wiiat! " cried liis bmtlier. lie made no (luesiion of the statement — its truth ^iinne forth. IVank saw in Dickie's face the evidences "I his long mental ^trugg:l. and cf his dreadful day. i here were rings under his eye>, his cheeks were pale, and in this moment of reunion lii- lip trembled. Frank realised what, in secret, hi-^ brother had experienced; and !)et\\een sympathy and joy, tears ru-hed to his eyes. "Dickie," he cried. "I woukl have given my right I'and for this! " And Dickie, seeing the tears, knew wha" emotions underlay Frank's iron self-control. The two clasped hands. .Standing so, looking into each other's eves, no veil was between the brothers now. no separating chasm. MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART ANSI ard ISO TEST CHART No 2 1.0 If M ll!!!M [^ 140 II 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^ APPLIED IN/MGE Inc ^FI '653 E^jsl Mam street ~-S Rochester. New fork 14609 USA •-= (716) 482 - 0300 - Phone = (716) 288 - 5989 -fax Jj- rhf C"o!c>;iiuls ■■ I'orcv rl " Dirkii- cried. " I am with yon forever! In spite oi llii> dcieal — in ^jiiie of everything! 1 shall be arrested soon; I do not care." Tears ca'nc into his own eyes. " (3h, 1 ani ashamed! So long blind! So long a fool! I deserve pinii>hinent.. Bnt to have been witl; yon thi'- day! And now, if I might bnt slip away from the town, and go tii Doctor Warren " " Doctor W'.irren i> dead," interrupted I'rank, " Dead! " cried Dickie. " Dead — how?" lie started away from i'rank in liwrrdr. Shdt a-; 1 v.a> r.ri;ing hnn from the redoubt," an- swered !'ra'.d<. " lie fell in my arm^, dead on the in- stant. The soldiers seized me as 1 laid him down, lie came to the tield with a headache." >aid l-Tank sadly, " and thus \va> it ciiroi." Dickie i)aced the rcucn wringing his hands, and with sweat on liis brow. "(Mi. they shall ]i:iy! They shall pay! " lu- cried passionately. ■■ Vou shall go safe from the town," said I'rank; " but not to him." " How can I go." " returned Dickie. " 1 cannot swim, as yon. .\!1 boats are seized." " There is a v.ay, and a boat," interruptetl Frank; but Dickie did not l;eed. " I must ])ay for my folly," he hurried on. " But some one shall pay as well — he who led me to vohmteer, who has been conspiring against yon." " W'liom tlo ymi mean'" cried Irank, as Dickie went to the door. " Wl-.at think you to do? " " Captain Sotlu-ran," answered f')ickie. " Let mo btit find iiim! " " Remaiti, Dickie! " conunanded Frank. " Dickie, I beg you! " Rut Dickie wr; ■ already out of the room and running down the stair. In another moment Frank heard the n:' i''lot aiul Counttiplur clang of the front door. lie snatclud hastily ai h .shot's, to put thcni on and follow. Dickie, fever-brained and full o puslied his way alon^^ the crowded sir was at his side : he 1 vongciul purpose, ecis. His sword put liis hand on it wiih sati-fact ion. and scanned each face. iNIistakcn Dick he, unskilled, could with st le. tlnnking that rength alone punish the man who led hini into this cuil '['1 le one likeh. place to find his enemy was tlu' I'.ritidi Coffee-1 louse, and there he went. In its entry he met waiters jostling tt)gether. wild-eyed and nervous, giving each other, as they passed, scrap., of iicws which they had caught from the officers. "Is Captain Sothcran here?" demanded Dickie. " In there, sir," was the answer; and Dickie, satisned, cntfffd the common room and stood unobserved bv the ihjor. A little group was there, drinking and eating as they stood. The excitement of the swor(,l-hilt, and he >tarted forward. " "Tis a poor jest," he cried. " l-"llery, are you mad? " " Dickie," protested Anthony, pushing in between, " what is wrong? Why were you i.ot with us to-day? " "Yes, wiiere were you?" demanded Oliver and Wharton. " He was afraid! " cried Ormsby loudlv. Dickie saw their red faces, and welcoiiied the coming struggle. He smiled at Ormsby. "So you have learned, Lieutenant, that all provin- cials are cowards? " It was too nuich. They made one general movement toward him, and Orrnsby and Harriman half drew their swords. But none foinul words, so furious were they. And he puzzled them as he stood there — he who had been with them and for them, now suddenly jeering at their losses "Am I ch.dUnged?" asked Dickie joyouslv. "Is a mere colonial worthy of your swords?" "Draw, EUery!" cried Harriman and Ormsby to- gether. Plot and Counterplot " I will choose my own adversary," he There was a moment of revulsion. 1 ODD returned, arrimau and Ormsby buih dicw back, and pu.^hed their swords into the sheaths. He seemed not angry; il:ey thought hi. mind disturbed as he stood and strangely smiled. And they had liked him, yoimg a^ he was, buovant and 1 will ehijo^e," went on Dickii-, " the man I most despise — the unworthiesl of you and of his uniform." His eyes began to burn, and his cheeks to tUi^h. JIo \n\t aside those in front of him, and with two strides was at Sotheran"> table. Dickie leaned across it and looked at the cajitain, and m sur])ri-e the other.s li^tcned for his word^. "Captain," said iJickie, "1 saw di?honour in your i}ts Ia>t night." Sotheran was unmoveil: he wi])ed his mouth and laid the napkin down. " Tndyr ' In," a>ked (juielly. Ihit his own eyes began to flicker their cold light. .Mr. Ellery had ha-tened tei him with an incoherent tale '•1 a discovery by iJickie. How much did the boy know: " .M\ uncle — " began Dickie. " Your poor uncle I " drawled the cai -aln. Rut lie trowned; the boy's tongue was dangerous. " Shall I tell these gentlemen," asked Dickie. " what I think of him and \ou? Or will you — " He made a threatening pause, so earnest that his youthful grandilo- quence could not spoil ii. "Certainly," answered Sotheran. He rose and -tcpped around the table. " Ormsby, will you secure the door?" Those two who loved Dickie — .\nthonv and Tudor — >56 'liic- C'wU)uiaii >larn.-i.l lorwarJ to intrrci'i.i. i'.iu Sotlu-ran .-.toppoil tlu'in with a gc>tiirc. " Ik'iiry," cried Tudor in terror, " you will not let hini anger your " •' Cieorge,'" answered Sotheran, " no one shall dic- tate to me here." lie turned and struck Dickie on the l>rea>t. " Draw, \ou cub!" Anthony lell back; Tudor was stupefied: no one eNe nimed to prevent. i;y the wretched code of iion. .Moro^ely callous to such a (iuarrel, di'ticers and 'I'ories prepared to watch Dick- ie's sacrihce. The two stood opposed — Dickie with hi> sword held awkwardly, Sotheran sure of him-eli Dickie knew but the first few movements, learned in the officer-' :^word sfjuad; he stood on gi-.ard. .'"^otheran smiled at him with iri my. ■■ Will you begin?" he asked. " Yes," cried Dickie, and raised his arm — too clums- ily. Sotheran'-; wri-t turned, his sword came instantlv into line with Dickie's body, and hi- left arm prepared to balance a lunge. One second more! Tudor turned a\va\-. The deor Inu-^t opcii. A (kirting figure came I)etween the combatants, and a sheathed blade struck up Soth- eran'? point. .\n outstretched hand caught Dickie's wrist, and tlirust the lad back. " Dickie! " cried a ring- ing vnjce. "Aside! Give me yoiir place! So! "— aial mnWJt-isMt. -wi'*,-' Plot and CouiUrrpiot the blade came lla>liiHg oui. "■ Xuw, Capt"ni Soth 00/ leran, \uiir service I'raiik Hllery, armed uiili lii> iallKr'> raiiicr. stood lis brullkr':- jjlaee. in Tlie coni])an\ gasped at tlie suddenness of the inter- ruption. Startled, they sa-,v this Whig in tiieir nndst — the one wlio, of all in the town, most nearly represented in hinisrlf the i >ppo-ii!g faction. Tudor cried oyJ in- voluntarily with rcliif: hut hi> cry was checked hv alarm at what w(ju!d hai)pen next. Yet Sotheran (Irojiped his point and step-pcd hack. "\i'U come too late, -dr." he -aid. "Your brother and I were engaged. 1 have the right to tini,-h the coirbai.'" His eye >i)arkled and hi- teeth shone. ■' Lea\e your ]i!ace. sir! " he directed. I'^n; I'rank did not move. '■-And I i)rotestl" imerrujttcd C)rmb>y. "Such a change is against all rtile." '■ (live me the place. l'raidtl',er. He looked at Ormsbv. t; o. -ir, you deniand a munler: and von others, gentlemen, would permit it; but I will not." He turned to Sotheran.. unyi(dfling. " Captain, unless vou allow nx' to take my brother's place, I will expose you now! " "^'okcll" answered Sotlieran. Hi- cheek grew red. 'Ihu- clu'aplv was he to exchange his long-planned re- venge, In- the mere death of his rival? "Give place!" he cried again. " I will ask you once more," an-wered Frank. " Will you fight me now! " " Xever! " cried Sotheran. " I claim iny right." " .\nd 1 enforce mine." replied Frank. He held his '^word ready against a sudden attack: his eve never left Sotheran";- face. His voice becaine deeper; the liitcners vn oo 8 The Colonials felt the importance of Iiis mcssaj^e as he began to ?pcak again. " Some years ago, gentlemen, Captain Sotheran, then but a lieutenant " " Danm you! "' shouted Sotheran. In a moment hii check had grown pale. " Here, then, rebel! " My thanks," answered I'rank (juietly. " Your choice is best — death before disgrace." " Yon have chosen your own death." replied Soth- eran. "Your brother follows you. Are you ready?" l\rady." They took position, and the swords engaged. There was no need to ask Irank to begin. The man he despised was at the point of his sv.onl; his first thrust was so fierce that Sotheran \Mth (Htticulty swept deatli a-idc. And a> t!ie panting breatli-^ of the two rose in tlie silence of the room. wIiiK' the rasp of steel and the sciiff of shoes made the only other sound, the lookers-on -aw that the two were mated. They were tall, and uan. and ([tiiirk. F.acli had the great acqutremenc of the swordsman: body, arm, and wri.-t that with perfect mechanism obeyed the instinct of the brain, instinct it wa>, not thought, for the movements were (|uick a> sight: and the narmw parry- ing circles, the undeviating thrusts, executed their movements with least expenditure of space and time. Rapid recoveries, quick counter-thrusts, and instant ripostes, were mn-.ierous in the first, minute. In that Imt, short rally their blades seeined forked, so flashed they in and out; and death hovered above the combatants, ready to seize on either. And yet the main advantage was with Frank, for he was the assailant. " If the fellow—" muttered Ormsby. " Ah! " There was a cry, a clatter of a falling swnrd, and tlie spectators sprang forward. Frank, batdked, stood glaring angrily, and Sotheran supported hir.iself acainst Plot and CouiULTplot 359 a tahle. His sword was on the floor; Iii> loft foot, a^ hv Iiad moved to escape a lune[c, was twi.-ted at right- auglcs from its usual po^iiiuii. The ankle was dis- located. " Pistols! " cried Frank, and ••tamped I,i> foot. " The captain and I .-hall not separate >o ea-ily. Uring pi>tols here! " I'.m "I protest!" cried Ormsby: and "I protest!" cried liarriman. The latter stood forward boldlv. "He is in pain," he cricvl; and Sotheran's white lips bore out the statement. " lie could not aim. I forbid further combat." I'rank ground his teeth. Over Ilarriman's shoulder he Iooltef)ping forward. Dickie t(-iok his -word in both hands, broke it, and threw the hilt and jxiint at Oliver's feet. I lere I am." he said. < hi the moiuentou- (\a\ night had at la-t descended. !f- pitying sharl- cnverer] the hill of battle, and the -liore where the dead lay imgathered. It calmed the weary to sleep, it quieted excitement and fear, and for a little while it lulled even grief. Movement had ceased :n the two hn-tile camps, and th.e town settled into a stupor of repose. But not even darkne-- could dim the significance of the day. The camp of defeat was the home of confi- 'I'-nce, where Prescott begged for but another regi- "lent. promisinLT to ret.nke the fiek!. and wh.ere Pnttin?'! ^'■■as planning a new redonn- on the neare-t hi!!. And '!ic field of victory was a field of forebodinjr. ;oo '1 h( Coloniala There, where proans ro>c constantly, and flickering lanterns passed to and fro, one man watched lhroup;h liie nij,dit. (icneral llowc sat wrapped in his cloak. In spite of the wound in his foot, fatigue came over him, but he gave command that he should be kept awake. In his lonjLj vigil, while the groans of his dying soldiers fell on his ear, he lived the day again. In the slight fever of his wound again and again repeated themselves a dreadful series of visions. \\\dl it was for America that tlic fate of the war hung <)n Howe's experiences. .\> much as, after the first dismay of defeat, the battle of Charlestown en- co'.ua.iL^id !lu \;iidsees, so nuich it look heart from the man who was .NOon t(3 become commander-in-chief in America. IIowc'^ whole future was affected by tlie memory of that day. 'i'he shocking recollection nevt-r left him: it pressed like a loarl upon lii> mind, and rose, spectre-like, to daunt each project. Never again was he to send with confidence his men against entrenched Americans. Yet the future fur the otlier =id«^ was doulittnl. Fran- cis Ellery, standing at tlie library window in thought, looking out upon the dark niglit, without sleep as he had been for thirty-six ]iour>. weary and disappointed, saw little to encourage him. .\mi came behind him and plucked his coat. " Sure,'' she hinted. " ye'll be going soon." " -And Dickie a prisoner? " he asked. " Oil. go! " she crird. " Take the other boat and go, or I will lo>;c you botli. Tlicy mav learn you were at the battle." " Xo one recognised me." he returned. " They ma}- find yon wrote to Doctor Warren." " Dickie risked his life for me," he answered. " I i-hall stav and trv to save him." CHAJTHR III PRISON Xevcr again was tluMc in beleaguered Boston the gay confidence that had existed before the seventeenth or June. Hesitation clouded the counsels of the gen- erals, and memory brought doubt to those of lesser rank. Xever again fell boasts ea-ily from Torv lips, a!ul forecasts were always made with a backward' men- tal look upon ri,arl,>MMW!i lullM be tilled, while daily the wounded were dying in hospitals, there could no longer be ease and liglitheartedness. Alice, a silent looker-on, saw many things. She learned that Cage was completely checked; with hi^ i-nppled army there was nu further hope of taking Dor- chester. She saw the sadness, the dismay, in every circle, where from the highest to the lowest all were counting their losses. The light of the town was snufiFed out, and for many days all were in gloom. The word from England did not lighten it. London's rrcepti.jii of the news of Concord fight was scarcely heartening. iri> maje-^f was determined, at whatever co?t. to crush the rebellion. But a part of that cost had been counted out in Cliarlostown. and the new say- ing of the ^'ankees. whisnerrri atiionc th.e \\'!v>':. c.tv." an estimate of the remainder; " Wc will ?cl! thcn°an- JO J 'I'lic Colonials other hill at the same price." The same price! And a circle oi hills siirroimdcil the town! But in lingland there were tho.>c who did not stand with the king. Tiie citizens oi London petitioned liitn to dismiss his ministers. Admiral Keppel, while ready to fight the I'renchman and Spaniard, prei'erreil not to do duty in .\nierica. Loril L'liatham was about to wiili- draw his son t'runi military duty in Canada. Granville Snarpe, in the Ordnance Department, had refused to take part even in the routine desijatcli of military stores to America, and was expected soon to retire from the post. Lord EtTmgham, upon orders to sail with his regiment for America, had withdrawn from the army. At this last item Tudor winced. "So gfiod a soldier," iie e.xplained to Alice; "so young and prorni-^ing! Hi;, career i^ ruined. The king is angry; no place wdl be ojiened to liiiii in future." "And the other ollicers of his regiment?" ask^-d Alice. "Have any of them resigned?" " Eh — eh?" stammered Tudor. " Xo, not that I have lieard." He cut the conversation sliort and left her; hut he canx another morning with a still more troubled face. " Have von heard the story of the recorder of Lon- don?" he asked. "They say that when the news of April ca'.ne, he appeared in a ftdl suit of niournini,'. Some one asked him if he had lust a relative. " Ye-,' he replied: ' many brothers at Lexington and Concord.' Think of that!" ' He would not let her speak of it more, but phmged into talk of other things. Yet a cloud remained on his brow. .And more h.nd happened than Tudor knew. Tho Common Hall of London rtddres-ed Lord FfTmgham .t = a true Englishman; the mcrc'nants of Dublin gave him I'lut uiul Counterplot 3^3 their tlianks. The disaffci ion reached even tlic king's brother, who, traveUing on the continent to be free of tiie anno>piicre of ilic court, at Metz gave to a young iTcnclniian named Lafayette sucli an account of Con- coril and Lexington that tlie resulting benefit to Amer- ica was incalculable. Such was liie spirit in Liiglan.j. J low would the news of Charlestown battle affect n': It was plain, at least, how matters stood in America. The rebcU were for- tifying rapidly, and the Boston Whigs were preparing for a long siege. Alice, in her walks, saw flower gar- dens dug up and planted with vegetables against a winter scarcity of food whicli ju^t then— in June— seemed impossihly ur away. Kvcn the Savages' gar- den was destroyed; Alice had ^eeii I'.arl.ara ordering tlie death of the great lilac-bush. But the most portentous sign was the defection of I'icl.ie Ellery. .All had known and loved him. T!u: knowledge that lie wa- in prison, willingly sufferitij.; lor liberty, heartened the Whig, an arc all against us now," complained Oliver to his superior. " Those I had hopes of ])ersuad- ingwill not listen t^ another word." "And contributions have ceased altogether," added Cencrnl Ruggles. " We won the fight, yet thcv turn to the Whigs. And even yoimg Paddock-—" " Xo, no!" protested Oliver earnestly. " 'Tis but prief for the loss of his friend." .\nthony had become a j)itiful sight, lie struggled to hold up his head, but nothing could disguise the"" sad- ness in his eyes. Kven the regulars doubly busy as thev wore, took notice of him. nave compassion on liie poor feiiow," besjo-ed T..J -1.. * oto Itidor ot his sister. iu4 rile Culonials "As if \vc were not la^i I'riends already!" replied Alice indignantly. " Uul, < Ji'or^c, lell uie this: W'uuld Caplaii; Suthcran have liarnKd iJickie.'" '■ .\o," he said cinickh. " nu; 1 cannot believe it." \ erv \vc-l >ne .^an!. " Christine learns from hi_- servanl — that man," ^lie interrupted herself, " can be trusted with the girl? " " I think bO," he answered. " 1 know nothing bad of him." Tabb came frequently to the cottage. " He tells Christine," resumed Alice, " that hi- master is still in b d." " Ye>," answered Tudor. " It is very hard to be so contined." " It is harder -'or Dickie," -he returned. " George, will you secure me permission to vi.-it him.' " He demurred. " I am so bn>y, I do not knuv,- when I couUl go with you. .\ml the new jailer. Hrubii, i, coar-e and rough." " Anthony will go with n:e," she returned. And this was the scene Alice Tudor saw as, attended 'dv .\nthonv Paddock, she entered the ])ri>i.)i gate: The guard had sainted and let her ])a^s, and ["rank Ellcry came to meet her, with a Idoatcd man at his side, shak- ing great fists, and a bedraggled woman holding Frank's arm. An uproarious rabble—women of the camp, soldiers jailed for petty offence? — crowded behind, while cabbage-stalks and rotten fruit were flying thickly. With such faces before her. such dirt, and such noise, Alice paused, astonished and dismayed. This pande- monium wa^ his majesty's jail! " Let you see your brother! " tiie jailer wa-^ roaring " T think so! Y^s. you Whig, you proud Ellery, you rebel! Ah— i-, "' iic, and liic group bcitmd inm, pan-ed ni fuil ioiiguc 1^1 ot an -1 C ouiUt-rplot 3(^5 a:^ they saw Alice. Fit subject lor Mirpri^c to tlien: she u;ib— Diana at ilie border ut a slough, purity confrtmt- aig; vilcne^b. The men gazed open-mouthed, but the v.ornen, as they saw her wide eyes, turned away. They I cad in her lace not purity alone, but also pity, and lung-torgotten thame oppressed them. Brush knew Ikt, and fawned. " .Mi-irc.s Tudor, can 1 ser\'e you? " .'^Iie had seen, ay, and li\cd I'cr (la\ -^ in, a worse place tlian thi.-: that Wyandot camp, .she nnd<.-r>tood the man wlio cringed before her, but she did not fear him. "Ihere is my i)ermii."' .she said, extending it. '■ 1 come to see .Mr. fdlerv." .^he saw I'rank t!ii>li with graiitmle, Imt he spoke. 1 he drunken women had slunk away. '■ .Mice," he said, "this is no place for vou." .\ot even that place could smirch her, and as she turned and answered h'rank felt it. " 1 must see Dickie," she replied. Frank said no more, but turned to Brush, laving a hand on his wrist. " If I learn," he said in a low'voice, "that you are not perfectly respectful to this ladv, von shall be punished." Brush snatched in's hanrl away. " Xot you will touch me! " he cried. " There are those who will," returned Frank. Brush, nt the threat, remembered the lean ropemakcr who once had put him in fear. Frank turned to .Alice. " \\ ith ycur pertTiission, I will v.ait outside." he said, " for news of Dickie." He passed out of the yard, and Alice went with Brush into the jail. .Anthony, with difficulty assuming enough dignity for the occasion, waited at the jail door. An- thony still had vanity left; he knew that the v.omen, wlio h:i(l rea-semh!;-:' u-r^r;> m:T;-L--t;rr )•.■,-.-. ,-.-.. r \... !.._ .il 3l;0 1 \if C't)louials were langliing al the volunteer. It was a long half liour before AUce appcarech But Frank's hah' liour was longer a^ he waited, almost savagely, for Ikt return. The beauty of her face and form, her simplicity and swectnesi, were more to him now than ever. Had she resented hib interference? Was slie angry that he had spoken to her? She had been gracious; but -o ^he v.uuld be to any one — even t(.) Sotht-ran. ■rhi> life was torture to him sometimes. He ground his teeth. It was torture now. She was Hut .•ce me; I was hi> first vi.-.iior." '• We others." put in Anthony in self-defence. " have not been permitted to see him." Frank inrncd lo him. " And when is the trial? " " In two days," said Anthony. " I am deeply obliged to you," said Frank abruptlv. He bowed to Anthony, then to Alice, and went away, .'^he did not look after him. but his picture was in her mind. I-rank seemed older, sterner, and still more self- contained. -And he, as he went, tried not to think of her at all. He v.-as schooling himself to his tasks; he desired not to let another thought come between him and his duties. Bi;t love laughs even at locked hearts; he can st'r up pain there; he can rouse mem.ories and keep them aiive. Frank heard Alice's voice in his ears for the rest of the day. He went directly to Xick's shop. Pete was there, .Tnd met him with the humble request of the men of his trade to do anything— anything! for Master Dickie. "And I saw old Xichoh." he said, "who was jailer '.mtil two years ago. He say;., sir. that the gratings to the windows, at iear.t to the seaward side of the jail, can be torn ofif by a strong man. They liave not been replaced for a dozen years, and the salt-water breeze has rusted the clamps. If Master Dickie, sir " " Xo no" "t inrtmiately my letter wa> sewed n, hi. waistband. He was conhned a few days, during which vou mav Suess my feeling..; but a little art and a little cash set- tled the matter. Tin. time 1 write bv a sure convev- ance-so sure, and wuh such l,tt!e tuue to prepare, that 1 will not use the cipher. " Xow to come home. On tlie thirteenth of Tune \\arren (whose fate ha. made no such despair here as I expected) called hurriedly together the Committee of Safety, and showed m a letter. Laugh, for here is your desire. The letter was from Ellerv; the doctor showed n to us merely, then destroyed it. but I memorised the words: ' I have mteHigence that the governor means to seize and fortify Dorchester Heights on the night of .Sunday, the eighteenth.' 'Twas signed with Ellerv-s name, full credence was given it. and means were 'at once taken to fortify Charlestown, with what result you know. I wrote to warn you. and expected vou had re- ceived the letter, till I heard too late that the man was shot m passing the li„e..-these Yankee sentries are devih^h sharp— and buried where he fell. " I foresee Ellery's fate, an iricnd!" And he laughed the harsh laugh of malice satisfied. Keward lor the waiting and the planning, jTynient in lull lur skill and lorethoughl, were to be his. He heard a step on the stair, and hid the letter under his pillow. The visitor was Tudur, irc-h and fair, open and bright. Sotheran welcuined hini grimly— t!;e innocent fool! As Tudor sat and gaily dealt out news, Sothcran received iiis confidences and marks of affection with contempt. Outwardly he smiled and said little. Tudor knew it wa.-. Iii> v.ay. The visitor had all the gossip o; the town. A new general had yesterday arrived at Cambridge, and was to-day to take command of t!ie rebc!.^. Washim^^on was his name, luiown pcr?onalIy to the governor; a frontier soldier, imskilled in managing an army. But Tudor's face saddened for an instant as he thought of the opposing forces. "To be fighting our own people; terrible, Henrv, is it not?" he asked. There was sometliing in his humanity and hopeful- ness that might almost have touched so cold a nature as Sotheran's. Rut the older man, indifferently listening, nodded merely. " rUit," said Tudor brightly, " let us be cheerful. You ^eem much better, Henry. Yet it must be irksome to be so confined." Irksome? My God! But Ellerv should know. 0/ - 'I'hc Colonials " Thoiigli they >ay tlic wounded prisoners in tlie jail are d\in^ fast lor want oi irci-li provi>iun." Another prisoner, unwounded, would last longer. " Poor devils," sighed Tudor. "Devil! devil! devil!" repeated Sotheran under his breath. One devil should taste hell on earth. "Hcighho!" Tudor yawned. Luckless fellows! And yet."' lie said, suddenly erect a^ the rciiuinbrance struck him. " did you know tiiat the nuui liru>h is deputy niar.>hal, with oversight of the jail?" " I know," said Sotlieran: glad he was. "To allow i'.rt;>li," went on Ttidnr. hi^ expressive features changing with his indignation, " to have such power over the ])ri.,oners seems wrong. The general can have no idea of the fellow's true character. Prison- ers are sure i>i ill-treatment. " "Sure— thank (iod!" thought Sotheran. If Ellery, in Brush's care, became not broken in body and spirit, there was no other sure thing. P.rush's interest was clear, and a broad liini, a dozen guineas, would make the matter certain. " .-\nd these others arrested on mere r.uspicion— the schoolmaster, for instance— used to finer life, must find it !i.-;rd lo lie withoiu trial, not knowing of what they are accused." Thus Tudnr. sympathetically, .■\nd Soth- eran thought with delight : Hard, ay, hard as iron, to I)e close confined, poorly fed, day by day seeing no friend, and never brought to trial. Church's letter could not be read in court, and week in. week out. Ellery would languish, until the re- bellion should be finished, and the rebels, as in '45, herded for execution. And he drew the picture of Frank on his plank bed, in a narrow cell, with filthy water and rotten food, ocHiea air and •■.xcrcisc and all coiniiunu'calion. Such I'iol and CuuiUriplot 0/ J was prison life, and easily made worse. Aii.l when ai la>t iiUcry should come lo trial, secret evidence would be against him, irreiutable; and a disgracclul death would meet him, aj.proved by all his former friend-. The piclurc— nay, the vision--de!i<^htcd him. A luin- drrd limes he had thought of it; uuw a u.i. to Ik- real. -Mice would turn with terror iroiii the traitur, and El- Itry's name would be black forever. " Vcs," said Tudor soberly; " Ali-.- is indignant at it." " What? " ileniandcd Soilieran. ■■ She was at the jail to-day, yun knov,'." " No; for what purpose?" "To vi>it young I^llery. And she heard of those prisoners who are held there upon secret accusation. Tis for them -he i> indij^nant. She even speaks of visiting them. \'ou know her sympathies. I think she means to go." "She nui,-t not!" cried Soilieran. sitting upright on his couch. \'iMi^ of symi)athy? Tlu- last things he desired! "Yes," said Tudor, nodding gravely. " I truly think that -he inteuiN it." "-Mr. jlrusii." annotuiceci Roger, ajipearing at the door. "He here?" asked Tudor, rising with a grimace. " Then I'll be gone. I'm sorry for you, Henry." Gone was Sotheran's exultant certainty. The blatant Brush, boasting his new importance, roused the cap- tarn's disgust. The dry glow of fevrr came again into his eyes as he watched his imcouth visitor. I -crew "em!" crie. .ilenccd i.rush. •• \\ dl. then? " he muttered; and leaned againu the mantel with folded arms, to wait. And Sotheran tried to think, exasperated that Alice herseh should disturb his plans. Love, such as he knew contained no respect for its object. Desiring but po- ' session. ,t was inspired by physical beautv alone, and wished tliercwith neither heart nor mind. "iK- .aw that her humanity might o.Ter Frank-held - upon secret accitsation'— sympathy and consolation, and he felt both angry and afraid, l-iuui ,.itv to love! lie knew that wonjen sometimes took the path. Yet he saw no other way. and took the chance El- k-ry had iK.en too long at large. Sothcran liesitated. inn hnaily '■])()ke: •• If 1 semi you a prisoner, h ,^v uill von treat hinr^ - y^-ii send."" queried Dru>h. " If one comes then— one we both di.likc " "Ellerv?" interrupted Dru.h. leaping to the con- clusion. ■• ha! you mean Ellerv, Captain*' " T!ie captain nodded. " What will vou do with him^ " iTudi s blotched face grew purple with delight " U-i "10 but put mv hands on hin>' - he cried. - Shackled in the small cell, where he can't lie with comfort-no bed- Jl.ng, a cup of water in a day-oh. Captain. let me have Inm! And he stretched hi. luige hands will, their thick fingers crooked, toward the captain, as if that moment to receive his victim. His bleared eves glowed: his '^ceta, tobacco aained. showed between hi. hcaw lips I'lut a'ld C'ou ntrrplot 0/ J ■tCf luin.-' In new summer clotlics, spread with clicap Mlver lace. u t already dirty, l)m for his earne>tiie^:, he would have l)een laughable. I'he coat was large, even for his burly tii^ure; the cuffs came down to the red knuckles, and tlie skirts of the coat fell below the knees. Huge paste luickles shone on his shoes, and soiled silk stockings, with a mussed neckcloth, completed the costume. His large cocked hat, laced like his coat, fell to the floor as he stretched out his hand>. I'.ut the energy of hi. gesture robbed the gross and tawdry figure of ab;:urdity. Intenseness shone on his l:ot face and trembled in his limbs as he repeated: "Let me have him! " "Why should you want him?" asked the captain fjuietly. Crush cursed. " I'lit.- daiiuied uiicip, I've always hated him! He's scorned me since a huv. Tliis very day he threateiiei.1 nie. (',ive nu- the chance — I'll bring liim down! " " .And hi-, uncle will be ubiiged to you," suggested tlie captain. " Ay. Tom will," said Rrush. " Roger comes into the estate." F^.rush grinned. '■ .\nd if I give you this," began Sothcran. drawing out his jnirse. •' Xo! " cried the Tory. " Cad, I'm Hush! I want no guineas from you. Captain. P.ut init him in my hands, let me })Iay witli liim, and I'll not forget the favour. .\nd so old Tom " " Quiet," said the captain, pointing toward the other room. " Xay. the lad is singing." Rrn = h laughed loudlv. " .\nd so old Tom Ellerv i-.hv. into vom- hands and Ill J/ '1 he Colonula mine; for he can't keep what Ik- wins. That's right; u.>c his haiKiwnliny:. Laplaiii, aiul the i>rofn's ours." His handwriting? The captain marly asked the ques- tion. " You've known him long.' " lie asked instead. " Long? Ay; and yet it was only accident that 1 dis- covered tliis trick oi his. Sometliing went wrong about a note; people came asking troublesoUie questions; I guessed the truth. an>l -awd Tr,;ii t,.r more mi, chief. He was willing to leave Xew York for Boston. I'll wager that when the books are shown his nephews will get small part of their own property." "So?" aski-il I hi; ca|ii;iin. "Surely!" averred l!ru-li, "lie would cozen the skin from a cat. and produce her written consent to the bargain. And ii by this time he's not thorough master of lii'^ iujjIk iiandwntmi;. never tru.->t old Tom. Hut how'd you learn his cleverness?" Sotheran merely smiled. " Well " — and jiru-^h rc.-pon.ied wiiii a grosser imita- tion — "never iTiind. lUii \;liar> the game — a letter to the enemy? '" " Mr. r.ni^h! " wari:jd the captain. "Weil." said Ilrusli hastily, "it's simplest; that's all. His own sweetheart would not doubt the writing; and if you yourself have an cvc that wav " "Fellow!" " I'm gone — I'm gone," protested Brush, seizing hi; hat. " Xot another word, Captain. Take your time; but when you send him— ah! "—and with a go-turc that meant inorc than wcjrds. the new jailer departed. When he was gone, the captain laughed aloud. A plan was made for him, simple and — if Dru-h told the truth— perfect in its resuUs. He paused but a moment to consider. To fnhifv thr letter would be a mijiiar}- oiicncc; to forge a new one :'.imost a capital Plot and Counterplot 2>11 crime. And vet, to i, ave evidence vvliich could bt Tlien followed wli^n \\t mi i a. ad chatterm,^ with fear, heard his plans dis! pronn>cd obedience; tor Dickie's binhdav. a. th. can 'n.n remnuled. was not far awav. X. Mr \^ ;-^ doa.,„ ,„ He likened ;o-d:;e;:: au tl at too prca, cI.vcTno.. betrays itself? That m.,,,. ,vh,le the captain slept a, eas. Thonns ^^y laboured nnti, dawn. With f!:,. candles ^ ^: ?-ain Vr ;, ""'• '"'' ''^ ^^-^"''1 f'-'" '- work K"e. :?'^^'".''^^-"^^'"'"^'-'-^-ls.nart. .., ''"''' "" '^" ■^'^^P'^--'^^ ^oncu until it was time to -0. .\n,? P'M^crs, while El nrv s iiif c•a^^^;^ -n.lcl a=; he rend th« tood lor '■'"> "Pproval. The doc- o/' The Colonials tor's letter witli a passage altered— pcrtccl as the origi- nal! And I'raiik's note to Warren .eemed convincing, creased and rul)bed as it it had passed throngh many hands. ■• You arc sure this is the jiancr he uses, and the wax? "' " Yes." "And in tb.is "■--Soiheran read an Irnnble note ni curious phraseology, addressed to (.eneral ('age— " you advi-e tlie hour in which to find him at liomc? " " Yes; this night at ten." The captain curled a satisfied lip. " -My ihank>,"' lie drawled. Oh, dav of days! ( lay was the captain when his next visitor; .ar. . Wine ran through his arteries— wine oi joy. wine of triumph. The unsuspecting general had accepted Sotheran's rcconnnendalinn (^f Harrnnan as a clever man l<. make the arrest. All wa> in llarriman's hands: he had been coached: here at last wa> certainty. .■\nd that evening the captain sat at his window, tbrilU'd with anticipation. The m(Mm lighted the nar- r(nv street from -i.le to side: of the coniing spectacle Sotherati would not uhss one detail. I'llery hound and guarded, on his way to jail— oh, thi^ would cure pairi, would wipe out the memory of defeat, would sting his rival to despair! Tie raised the window, and looked out along the street, in the direction from which thev would come. A clock struck in the nearby steeple. Ten o'clock- soon now, soon! No footsteps made sounds in the little lonely street: nothing disturbed its qttiet. Impatieu'-e b'-gan to prick the captain as still the minutes passed. Hurry, Ham- man, hitrry! W'hat' Lis^et^! Ah. yes, ves! ... ... -f I- --ii-;i".<,Vind fre+ I" iini .on ric Ueara tnc tramp o-i ;ita\ii,v-i>nou iv.v,. -- ^:.; i Plot and Counterplot 579 upon the cobbles. 'J'hcrc sword-strap. Mc Icaiicil i \va^ the jin£;Ic of an officer's ■dv out. aiu! looked. A small and compact hi. single ti^i^ure, ti n ol men v. a- coining; at their side a Hnting on his sword. le moonhirht arrmian and Ins men ii came. .^olcHcr- Sotl . Ti wa^; nearer and nearer tliev l.)v Heaven leran > eyes -ought among tiie squad oi lere w-tc a dozen military caps, and — yes, -(Mie hare K-ad le waited innil thev Caught! .-ihoind come nearer, Ell erv hi- whispered. " this is for the log cabin, for the coftee- honse. for that letter lost— and for .Mice Tudor! eyes strained to perceive the features of the ma 11 IS iatcd goe; . :■ " Ho there! " he cried. " Who Hall!" responded Harriinan. Just below tlie n ne wm- dow the squad halted, a tall figure in the midst. II enrv. is it von; \\'Iiom liave you there? Our friend Ellerw" Ell er\- cried lerv- 11' it my dear frienc i'ilery! Say it is not you I I'Vank looked up, and vjthcran. a- in surprise. ' I: and wiili arms hound? Hook up, the hcrlit tel! on ms fa ce. .'^otheran saw the broad forehead. •'■ndy mouth. Could t of his calm? tlie fjUK't eyes, the le tijliow never be brou ight out " Ellery," he said caressingly. " this is most unfor- tunate. Accept my sympathies. \Miat I can do for yon I promise you I will. IMy poor, poor fellow! " They saw each other perfectly, those two incn of power. Sotheran ^nrered: Erank. unmoved, looked the rap .ain in the fare. He rrrogniter! the working"; of a perfect plan, and knew his own vigilance outwitted. Yet he would not fimch. ;So The Colonials Sotlieran waved his hand. " Good night," he said. " A pleasant t-lccp. " " Is that all?" a>ked Harriman. " I must retire and wcop." responded Sotheran. " This is a sad sight. 1 shall never forget it. Good night, Friend EUcry." " Forward! " cried Harriman. The men started on, and I-rank. going, took his im- \vavering glance from Sotheran's elated face. The cap- tain watched them '.dl they turned the corner, drew in liis head, and softly closed the window. " I must weep," ' repeated. Roger, cowering m his little room, heard pceans of sardonic laughter. CHAPTER V THE WAV OUT Frank sat on the floor of his cell. lie could not lie. he could not stand; he cuuld only sit, hour after hour, leaning against the wall, with his ankles shackled to a ring in the tloor. The- plank bed in the corner was a mockery; the crust of bread was out of reach. The kite June twilight was fading, and the second prison night was coining on. He did not complain of his discomforts or fear their c.jutinuance. iJe was thinking; he had been thinking I'T hours upon the answer to one question: Who wrote that letter? In the morning, handcuffed heavily and strongly guarded, P,r.:sh in attendance, he had been marched to the Province House. In the streets he had seen a hun- dred c.irious faces of Tory acquaintances and of sym- pathetic Whigs. Along by the Fdlery house, scattered in twos and threes, had been ropemakers with their cudgels. And this had toucher! him that, learning of hn late, almost every man of his trade was there, readv to die for him. Pete had signalled: " Shall we attack? '' '•ut Brush h.-s-l been -:o much afraid of such an attempt, that the guards had their bayonets fixed and mu.kets loaded. Frank shook his head. Yet who wrote that letter? Standing before the four generals, lie had demanded 3^-^ 'Ihc Ci)lonials lo know ilic aCl;u^ation aj;ain-.l him. Unr,c;oyne, the literary, liad urged Gage lu show liim the evidence. " 'Tis but I'air," he said; "■ and the siuxpie.'.t. We shall see how he will give way at the proof of his guilt."' So Frank, still handcuJifed, had been allowed to look at a letter as it lay upon the table before his examiners. " Did you write it? " was asked him. They saw his lips shut tight and his eyes narrow as he studied the letter. Uut he did not speak at once. " Come, confess," said Durgoyne. "' "rwill ^ave us and you the trouble of a trial. We have a witness to swear to your paper, ink, and handwriting." T'r; - ould be easy of proof, Frank saw. There were the ^ . raper, the same seal, the same purple ink he habitually used; that was his very handwriting. And the words, as nearly as he recollected, were the same. All was the same, save for one detail: There was no postscript. " I did not write this note." said Frank. They could not induce him to say otherwise. The generals were angry, almost threatening, as they saw- before them ii;e man wliu caused theii troops sucii losses. " Fellow! fellow!" cried lUirgoyne, shaking a fine*"- " Confess, and we make your gallows a yard lower.' " I did not write this," repcrted IVank. " The prisoner is remanded," said (iage finally. " His brother will not be examined until after this case is formally trietl." Frank had listened and looked no more. He walked back to the jail in a brown study, and now, hours later, still was asking himself; " Who v/rote that note?" It was not conceivable that the generals wou'd stoop to deceit. Some one was tricking them. Som^ (^v.c had seen the original note: some person — since the note Pk)t a!ul Counterplot 1 "v "> had not come into Uritisli hand.-- — in the American camp, either beiore or after \\arren'> death. Tlial person could have forged a copy, and ?ent it to Gage. , lit why forge? The bare information wonid iiave been -r.frkient. There was imnece-ssary elaboration in a forgery. Evidently, for the informant mere imprison- ment was not enough. Conviction ui)un absolute evi- dence was dc.>ired. And imitating the note would scarcely have been por.- iide without either the note itself or specimens of hi> iiandwriting. Throwing out the tirst condition — for the j)osscssioi: of the original wcuild not necessitate a furgery — there stood clear two facts : some one knew the words of the note, and was familiar with Frank'^ writing. The cell ua^ darl;eniiig, and the ])Iace wa:^ hot. Per- spiration stood on l'rank"s face from the close at- mosphere. But he paid no heed to his situation or liis feelings, as he thought on. 'i"he .\merican informant would n(/l have forged the note unless imjjelled by malice. Who in the rebel camp had malice against I'rankr Ihu in Boston there were two that hated him I .-\ chain of circumstances suddenly revealed itself. 1- rank's mind leaped from fact to fact, then to con- clusions. Sothcran hated him; his uncle hated him. His uncle, in the accoimt books, had si:)coimcns of his handwriting in plenty. Who supplied the words of the note? Xot his iii-irle. Sotheran? How, then? Ah! Roger had told of the letters that came to the captain, which the captain took to the general. And Sotheran was bold enough, and hated enough, to dare to deceive his superior. So much was clear. Frank struck his hands together as he perceived. Two tjucsiions. then, remained: Who supplied the 3^4 'I Ik- Citlonials iniormatioti. nnil who ua;- ihe luigcr? Soilicran coulj scarcely forge. IJut skill of the kind could be easily bough'., anil his uncle would supply ink, ^eal, and jjaper. And the ' .''orinant? With whom did Suihcran corre- spond"-' i-'rank jiressed iii:. eyelids tightly shut, the better to think. Some one in Warren's confidence, to whom the note had either been shown, or who found it among Ins pajK-rs. Ves, some one in Warren's confidence. Xot clear, not clear! Who could it be? Frank drew a long l)reaili. lie would set pu/;^Ie it out. Hut throuc^h the door, as he began again on liii problem, he heard .-tumbling footsteps coming up the stairs, and voices out of time and tune roaring a song. Frank heard llrush's voice bellowing above the others. The singing i.'nile(I abruptly in a chorus of hiccups and drunken iauglner, and then shufiling feet came along die corridor. '1 here was rattling of keys as the jailers made .-ure that each cell was fast for the night. At last the feet stopped out-ide l-'rank',- dour, and at the threshold in the tlu^k he baw the glow of yellow light. " Go yc downstairs now," iM-ank heard BruMi direct- ing. " I follow pre.-ently. First Fll just liandcutT my dear friend inside, and have some sport with him." " But he's safe," was the answer. " Come along." " He's safe," laughed Brush, " but too comfortable. He might sleep if 1 didn't take good care of him." Frank compressed his lips, but the jailers laughed. " Go on now," said Brush. " Lock p11 downstairs, and the outer door. Fll lock the yard gate when I come." Unsteady feet went away and clattered down the stairs. Frank heard keys jingle at his door, and Brush softly cursing as he lurched again-t it. Fumbling and rnuLicriii^, tuc man st lasi n^iistercu tnc iuCK anu swuiij^ 7 1 Plot and Cuuiuciplut ;t;> c cH'll and held tl; tlic door open. He reeled into u ligiit to survey his victim. ■' Ha! " lie leered, while wax dropped ironi th.e camhe, held obliquely. " Xot so drunh, Kllery, as you might think. How are you— comfortable? " I'rank made no answer. The ungainly fellow, with his bleared eyes, scarcely Imnian in his sottishness, brought him for the iir.t time a son.e ui helplessness. The tawdry linery and the blackguard face wrote •■ Ilrutc " at large upon the man. And, shackled as he was, I'rank ua.-, in his power. I5rusii closed the door and >ei the candle on a shelf. Then he sealed himself on the bed, holding tiie hand- cuffs and the keys. He struck the bed with his hand. " Xo answer? "' he cried. " Whyn't you get up on the be(P Lie ilown and enjoy yourself, in.^tead of sit- ting there against the wall. All day, eh, just silting there? Tired, hev? " He roared with laughter. (Jut oi l;is blootlshot eyes he eyed hrank the while, for a -ign of feeling; and find- ing none, sought again to reach him. ■' Pleasant time we had to-day. eh, at the Province House? When shall we ^tq again?^ YouVe in no hurrv, I hope. With (juarters like to yours, an airy view, and the best of food— eh, eh, Ellery, you're willing to stay a while, aren't you? " He laughed again: but from Frank the feeling of helplessness passed, and he doggedly composed him- self to endure. " Your friends send love and presents," began Bn;sh :i^^:iin. " .\ bo-kay of f]owcrs came this morning. D've want to know who sent the.n? Captain Sotheran. Thev :\y he's much distressed at your bad luck. Ho, ho! And your uncle, young man, sent a prayer-book for wo 1 lit- Colonials _\our bciicfil. lie fccIs imicli -hauK' al such a scandal in tlie family." ••Much shame!" thought 1 rank. •• Who let the soldiers so silently into the house, and led them up the stairs to my door? Much slianie! " ■• And your brother," went on Brush, " bids ye wel- come to your new ," iiunit,dit I-'rank, tliMUj^^h not a change came over his face, " for telling where Dickie is. On this floor: and Alice said he was on the harbour side. That means but one thing — the cell at the end of the corridor. Many thanks, Mr. Bru^h; come now williiu my reach! " But Brush grew irritated at Frank's impassivity. His cruelty increased by the brandy he Ii.'kI drunk, he wished to see the prisoner shrink before him. Iroiiv failing, lie changed to facts. •• We're all so glad to have you here," he said- " Sotheran, old Tom. and me. I'roud ye've been. FA- lery. Xow ye're as good as dead. Who done it — ha? Wild (lone it? Wh_\ . we three! " I'rank showed no interest, but he watched the other's increasing vexation. Brush was slowly growing angrier. Frank's craft did not desert him, and his eyes and lips sneered. " Ye don't believe it? " cried Brush, more angry still. " It's so, ye fool. Tom with his cle^'er pen has written ye into jail. Ila — have I touched y-:; — have I?" 1-or I-'rank liad started. P)rush looked eagerly for a sign of his emotion, whether rage, chagrin, or despair, and saw instead a gleam of satisfaction. He realised that he had betrayed a secret, and broke into fury. 'Tl i'U;I .UlJ C uuiucrplot o'o; Ic stormed ami ihrcaiciKil, curbed and jcLTcd. lie iricd t'.crv means to brini rank Irmu liim>cll. ih reminded liim of his situalion, kicked liic cruil of bread wiihin his reach, gloated over tiie coming sentence and the ignominious deaili, and foretold the sure douiiiall if the American cause. .\nd Frank's friends should t-.;r?e him, and liis sweetheart marry Sotlieran. More and more threats lie dragged from liis small imagina- tion, and constantly lo(;ki.d lo >ee I'rank's composure break down. It was in vain. r.ru>li I^rought no glance of intercut ; ) l'rank\ eyes, no fear into hi- face. Instead, once . i:\- there wa> an uimii-lakahle curling oi the lip. Rage seized the Jailer at the young man's self-control; lie rose from hi-> ?.eal, came closer, and bent his face down toward I-'rank's. ■'Sneer ai me, do \e?" he roared. "Sneer again!" lie struck tiie keys and handcuffs together. " I'll teach \el I'll break ye! Give me \our hand- here; I'll chain yc- u\)l I'll load ye down." lie rallied the ke> - again, and stepped so clo>e that he bestrode the young man's !iackled legs. " Reach your arms here!" Hi eyes were red v.ith rage, his liml).- were ciuiver- ing. Frank felt his foul breath as Brush thrust his face nearer. The man raided the heavy key^ and struck I'rank on the shoulder, "tiive me your wrists!" ho roared. I'rank moved his knees as far as they could go — a MUgle foot — thrusting them again-i Brush's leg. Brush, overbalanced. to])i)lfd into tlie tr;']). Two wailing arms eiu'olded him, and crushed him close. He struggled, the arms were steel; he writhed, but v. as ])init)ned fast. Fear came over him. and he opened his mouth to shout. ^ ; ". : ! c^ ! : '. : '- ci ■'_,■■ ■ ■ - ■ .••■■, ■ ■ ■ hi- breath was slopped. -»t ll f»T isa 'I'hc C'uiomab lit- could kick, but to no purpose. Let Iiini thunder on the door with liis hct-l.^— noisci were nothing in tliat place. His arms were powerless, .lis neck was almost broken. He looked with starting eyes into Frank's smiling face. "Take it easily, Mr. Drush," said Frank. ■• An easy death! " was all Brush could think. Hor- ror thickened the blood in his body; his chest wa^ bur.t- mg, antl bells were clanging in iiis ears. He was help- les:, as a child, throttled like a dog, and Frank is now looking down enquiringly, carefully, into his face. He nia;.e man. How could I-'rank explain? lint tlic mentis- had his own joke to fy r.pon the jailer, lie brought his musket to a charge, the point of the ba\onct within «'■: incl.'.j of I'rank's breast. '■ The conntrr-igu ! " lie drniandcd grinning. Dickie saw the grin, and stayed his leap. " Cou'shi^ " a>kc(! l>ank conlemptuou.>ly. " P.rokcn bottle, ye fool! ^,l^^ t' ci^ot a full one. Come!" He pushed ihc bavonot a^ide and beckoned Dickie. The sentry and the sergeant laughed as the brothers reeled awav. CIlAf'TF.R \I RENDERING ACCOUNT 1 It is a mistake to supjiosc that llic .--himhcr^ of the wicked arc alike. The licalthy sleep of Sotheran wa-. 1^ '^ound a^ a child's, and the natural repose of Doctor L'hnrch was unvisited by dreams of anything; but plei- >ure. The stertorous slumber oi Hrnsh v\as haljitually hard and lonjj. thougli it usually loft its victim with an .[filing luail. I'.ut iho sleep nf Thnmas l-'.llcry coiiiinduly cdnfornuil td tlie poetic rule. l)eing light and timorous, disturbed !)y vision^ and luDkcu by long periods of wakefidness. I'.ni-h. Ii.'indcutTcd. -hackled, and gagged, did not -cji that iiiLdii. \v\ f')r the first time in years — atid •■'»•■■ Ia>t — Mr. Idlcry had folded his iiands on his breast, ,'uid dropped peacefully to sleep. The reward of toil wa-. I'romised him .?t la>t: all nf the family ]iriip slumber, even his avarice was satisfied. The smile brought grim responses to two stern faces 'hat leaned over him, and presentb Mr. Ellerv's dream began to ; hange. There was a pressure on his chest ; he tried ■ threw it off. It increased, and his breath mu 592 Thr Colonials came harder. Golden virions turned to nameless fear.- he thouglu that a form sat on his breast, shadowy' dreadful, overi^oucringly heavy. He gasped and strug- gled. Out ol the shadow grew the two faces, fierce and threatenmg. of his nephews. Thev glared on him • he groaned and writhed. They came nearer; he cried in a chokmg voice, and suddenly opened wide his eyes There was a light in the room. Two forms stood bv the bed, one on cither side of him ; the hand of one was on his chest. He opened his mouth to scream, but his voice died m his throat. More terrible in their quiet than the demon faces of the dream, he saw his nephews looking at hin, fixedly. " Don't scream," said Frank. " The shutters are tight: ro one can hear from outside. Ann is awake but she will not come." They exchanged glances in the pause that followed. He saw Frank's same, unchanging look of nerfect understanding, the look he hated, expressing Frank's superiority, even as a boy. Ana turning to Dickie's countenance of gloomy reproach, he fonn.I there too much to bear. His eyes fell, and he shuddered His nephews, studying their betrayer, saw his fear and understood it. " We will not hurt you," said Frank. Bm uhy luui they come— and He breathed freer how ? /•Uncle," said Frank. "Thank Mr. Brush for our visit. He set us free, yet we should hive gone (hrectlv to Cambridge, but for something he said. Reach the light here, Dickie. I wish to see his face." The light fell clearly on Mr. Ellerv's features The man watched his nephew anxiously. What had Brush said? Plot and Cuuiiterplor 393 " He said." continued Frank. - that you are excellent at handwriting." •■ ( )li! " groaned Mr. I.llcry. I'rank smiled, and spoke to his brother. '• I have guessed many things, Dickie, in the past few years. Nothing is certain ; I have never tried to dis- cover the truth, though thanks to Mr. Brush I shall try to-night. But I have guessed that uncle is defraud- ing us, that he has falsified the accounts, that ue arc not poor, as he says, but rich. Does that interest vou? It interests uncle as well. Look at him." Mr. Ellery's skin was grey with fear, and his eves were wdd. Dickie looked once, and turned awav Irank gave a little laugh. " It pains you. Dickie? Think of the years of pain he lias given uk-. the deceits he put upon vou. Think of these, Dickie in what I shall do. Xow 1 will tell vou something: " Our grandfather built this hou.-,e. He put in it a secret hiding place. Father showed it to me before he died. Do you start, uncle, do yoi: wonder what I know' Then watch." He went to the wall near the fireplace, on the side toward the window. " See the wainscoting," he said to Dickie. " 'Twas a good workman made this, vet he was but a ship's carpenter. Did you ever think there migl-. l)e a secret in the wall? I press— here. Then I prn, ng;iin— there." H- stood with both hands on the wall, ..:id looked t on the table, ihen on the Hoor as their nuniliers became too great. .Ml the great account books of I he Fllery walks were there, bound all alike, numbered en the back witn their years, two volumes to a year— the journal and the ledger. I-'rank placed them in order, two by two. and stood over them. " 1 have not seen thom in years." he said. " Father kept them in the counting-house. Cncle bror.ghl thom here. Well! J am lad lo see them again. See how small the first books were ; how large the later ones. .\ great and profitable business. Dickie." Dickie frowned in ]iain. '• But now." cried I'rank, " look. There arc two volumes to a year, year after year, up to sixty-seven. Then— do you notice:^ Three to a year— umilthe last year, when there's but two again, after Humphreys Plot ;ind Couii[cn)lot 395 (]•■ ■ There arc extra ledgers for six years. [;id you speak, uncle' " .Mr. Ellery had groaned again. Rolling his luad from side to side, he gave np hope. All hi> years of work, all his dearest wishes. Dis^ vered ! Lost! '• Give me the ledgers here," said Frank. lie seated hini.clf at the table. " So. Now the little books, Dickie, that I brought from my room." Mr. Ellery "s cnrioshy held him for a moment. What were the little leather books? Frank smiled at him. " You never thought Humphreys kept memoranda of all balances, uncle? I'p to two years ago? That he gave them me when he died? The rolling of the head began again. In agonv his dry tongue lolling. Mr. Ellery writhed and twisted. The taller of his nei)hews stood at the otlier's side and watched; the elder withuul lunher speech began to compare the books. The uncle heard ilu- rustling leaves HI the pauses of his movemeius ; the large stif! leaves crackled as they were turned. His bloodshot eyes looked helj-'-.'ssIy at the canopy of the bed; or saw.' as his head feu to one side, the huge shadow ui Dickie, from time to time slightly moving. He knew when' frank put his fingers on corresponding items; he heard him ask his brother: " Do you see ? " And the gigantic shadow on the wall would nod. They might as well have laid open his heart, and while it quivered before them, touched with the knife- punit this spot and that, asking: " Do you see? " Again and again he heard hVank ask the fpiestion. A-ain and again the shadow nodded. He heard Frank push one book aside and draw another to him. and then airain began the crackling ui the leaves. One cxplana- (io;i Frank imrlr ^^t l-.cf 39^ Tlic Cou)ni;ils ■■ Conversion, yon sec. of fictitions sums to his own account. Hnniphrevs has notiiinj:^ to ccjrrc.-pond, and agrees exactly with ibc oUl books." Then next he said " Perfect!" under his breath, and next, " Do you see? " The turning of leaves continued, and the listening ears heard. Once a sum was mentioned, with the comment : " He was crowding us out." Mr. Ellcry twisted still, and rolled his head. Light was com- ing and going in his eyes; his throat was parched as from a week of thirst. He thought he should faint. But he recovered strength when the last book shut with a louder noise. " About fifty thousand pounds," said Frank. Dickie nodded again. The brothers had forgotten their uncle now, so ab- sorbed were they in liieir .-tuily. A perfect system was revealed to them: the opening wedge of a personal venture in the Ellery business; an enlargement, slow at first, of its returns. Then came the advancement of sums at fair interest, sums constantly growing in size, till the estate seemed deeply mortgaged to the uncle. And page after page the imitation of Humphreys hand- writing was exact. "Astonishing!" mused Frank. "I never expected such a delicate piece of work, nor such a large one. Think of the industry expended ! " Hours of the day and night, six days in everv week, and c-ight years in all, had been given to the work. It was colossal in its enterprise, and marvellous in detail. Frank wondered at it. " Did not the old books remain,'" he said, "' it would be diftictdt to prove." Mr. Ellcry shivered. The old books were to be burned in the morning. •• Hn? ■* i 1 *^ ' 1 i 1 ci : 1 n , )0i f*li)t .iiul CuuMtt rplot 39; necessary." He cast the ledger on the hearth. " Set the candle to that, Dickie." " Xo ! No ! " screamed Mr. Ellerv. sitting up. His nephews looked at him. ' Pale, gapping, he stretched his arms to save his wori- ■' Xo, no! " he repeated, and strove to ri=e from the btJ. Frank took him by the v.rist. '■ The candle, Dickie," he directed. Dickie took a candle and stooped to the book where it lay open. Mr. Ellery saw the white leave, brown tlun curl and take the flame. He screamed once more, in a ghastly rasping voice. Then he fainted and fell back but his nephew, paid no heed. IVank opened another book, tore it in two, and fed it to the flames. And so ledger after ledger, went up in smoke the records of Mr' Ellery 's painstaking trusteeship. At last there remained on the heartli nothing but charred paper and scorched rolls of leather. " Well," said Dickie. " that is finished." He sighed with relief. ^ " There is more to do," answered Frank. " What now remains m the cupboard.' " '■ Bags," said Dickie, reaching in. " Shall I t.ive them? They are heavy." " They are bags of money." said Frank. " Give them here." There were many bags of difTerent sizes, each with a tag statmg the contents. Fifty, two hundred, seven iy.indred, even twelve hundred pounds was marked on ilie bags. Frank returned the last to Dickie. " Put that back in the cupboard," he said. " Hunipli- reys accounts give ..^arly a thousand as due t-) uncle We will allow him the rest, out of thanks. Ivat there 'mist be something m„ro-papers or writing materials, i-'^uK and see. it is important." ]g6 '111' Colonial; " Here," said Dickie, and drew forth a slieai of papers " These are the last tilings tliere." " They are what I want," answered luank. " Coiik and help me study thcui." They bent over tlie papers together. " Humphreys hand," said Kiaiiic, throwing ihi- tir^t otie^ aside " More— ami more. This i: laihcr.s— Jo yuii sec uncle was practi>int;. Wiiy did he keep these? But it j;ives me hope. More of father's. This is yours, Dickie A clover man. Throw them aside. I want an emirelv strange hand." "Why?" asked Dickie. '■ Here arc mine." .said I'rank. Accounts came first, carefully made. " Exact ! " mur- mured Frank. He shuflled them rapidlv over. '• But hero is something:. Sec, Dickie. This would have hung me." The man on the bed had come to himself, hut he dared not move. They might kill him in their anger, if he shor.Id speak. "An unfinished copy, do you see'" asked Frank. " Dear Doctor \\'arren, I have information, etc." He threw :he papers aside. " Look further, Dickie, I must lenrn who sent the information to Boston," " Is this it - •■ ;i>;k.'d Dickie. " Yes ! " cried Frank. There were three unfinished copies this time, as Mr. Lllerv practised the unfamiliar hand. The first was but a sentence ; the secotid went a., far a> the words- " Com- mittee of Safety." The third nearly finished the letter. "I do not understand," saitopped. " Co on ! " said Dickie. " Xone of these. Go on." "Church?" asked I'rank of himself. " Ves. he was a memijor. Who mxt ? " urged Dickie. " it was Church! " cried Frank, ar.,1 smik his head in Ins hands. I le had no doubt. In h.> mind ro.so th.- pic- ture of Church rnd SoUicran. near }"atu'uil IlaM, ex- changing glances of meaning. Churcli ;.iid Soth.^r'an— vcs. it was true. " It i- impossible!" ga?ppd Dickie. Frank rose, whif- and stern. " If is true. Xr,\v 'et ui go." They took the ledger? of the last few vears, and earned them away, they took the forgeries. They brought out the bags, and locked tlie door behind them. Mr. Ellery could not escape. Carrying their burdens, Frank and Dickie went down to the dining-room. "What now?" said Dickie. •' Through the wall," said Frank. He gave h:, brother the candle to hold, and opened the secret do..r. With surpri.;e Dickij saw revealed more secrets of his ';onH\ This chamber and the winding stair, the corner whence i'ni('r(-r,.,i .wr^;,, >i,,i pi the F.llerv silver and jewels. !< ince gone, were wundc to Inn. I: )iu tl ie coi ler 11 400 rii<- Colonials Frank returned tlio vahiabk-.,, an.i ihruM the books an money in beside them. " We shall find them ulu-n we want tliein," he saic " Xow come down." They descended more than twenty steps to a littl chamber boarded with oak. It was' empty, but ther came to Dickie the taint .uj-gestion of the ocean, ii sound and oduiir. Whence ? '• Here are ;-j)rinf,rs in tlie wall," said Frank. •' Xotice Do not fors:et. The door opens toward you." Another door swung open to anotlier chanilxT, wlier, the ocean sotmd was louder, and the smell of salt wa; strong. A chamber of stone was this, with pillars o brick upholding a roof of great slate slabs. The candle lighted the place dimly, and the colunms cast great shadows. .Moisture dripped from above, boxes and casks lay mouldering on llie uneven floor, and Dickie stood astonished at this secret of the old-lime smup-gli„g trade. Irank shut the door behind, and led him onward'! fhey came to the end of a straight passage, vaulted Ml a semicircle, narrow and low. They stooped as they entered it : stone became sand beneath their feet, and Dickie, as he looked ahead, saw in the darkness the glimmer of tlie candle's rays on .ittle waves, and heard the water Loping on a beach. Thev neared a bulkv object lying in the passage. It was a boat. They stopped beside it. " I understand at last." cried Dickie. " Through this passage you and Renjy went, years ago. Through this you escaped the soldiers just the other day." "Through this," responded Frank. "'l would havf put you in safety, had you nut ru^he(i a-,vav to find Sothcran." "But now," sr.id J ). J-'e, touching the skiff, "we go «\Va.'*. " Yuu go," auMver'-d Frank, " I ^tav." books aiul ," he said. to a little but there ocean, in " Xotice. ler, where f salt was I)illars of lie candle :ast great oxes and 11(1 I^ickie 'imifTCfliiiir n onward, e, vaulted d as they feet, and n.c,' hoavv with Its heat, where distant snores gave evidence that t.K r.ousckccper's laiuiiy was asleep. Closing the door Plot aiul Couiiffiiilot 403 heard he stooJ and Hstencd in the entry. Above hin tlie iound of regular breatliing. •• Pray heaven," thought Frank, " he is asleep! " And he mounted the stairs. The captain's door was ajar, and the light from the candle showed Frank his way. The stairs creaked twice. but he went on until he reached the upper hall. Then he ^t('I)ped and listened. The .siiures iiuw sounded from l'^l natural voice, " that I will take it." "Cod!" cried the captain, starting violenflv. " Ellery ! " ^ .• " Your servant," answered Frank, removing his hat. He saw the captain's whole body quiver, and smiled. But Sotheran's surprise passed instantly. Controll- ing his anger and dismay, he saw the situation and ac- cepted it. Ellery had escaped, had fr„cc<] the secret from his uncle, and had come for the original letter. Questions and details were superfluous. What v/as hiin. ris Brush, Ljin Doctor rting wide ou of it?" rank. He n liis face. I said tlie s clever of ; suspects. 1 seized it. ;arncd too oil of this, ■ tlie letter the letter, now I re- no names. — are you :, " that : vinjcnfly, ? Iiis hat. miled. Controll- n and ac- he secret lal letter. ''hat v/as I'lut uiij Cuuntirplot He smiled lanj^uidly, leaning back aga disguise." 405 in. " A capital '• It served," answered IVaiik. " Uul the letter, Cai)- tain? " "Here," answered Sotheran, giving the copy. " The original ? " asked Frank. • Vou come too late," said the captain smiling. " Your pretty trick was wasted. The letter is burned." There was nothing to be learned from his face. The sir.ile was the same as at all times— inscrutable. He dropped his hands easily in his hp. and looked at Frank amused. "The trick was not wasted." said Frank. " You ad- mitted the truth. My suspicion was but a guess. For such a clever man. Captain Sotheran, you surjirise me." ■ You forget," replied the captain, easily, " that I am dealing with so wise a man as yourself." "And to-morrow." went on Frank, ''Doctor Church will lose his opportunity to write more letters." "Poor Doctor!" exclaimed Sotheran. He did not move; his head rested upon the chair-back, and he re- garded Frank through half shut eyes. " That will be a hardship to him. Pie is very literary. So vou are leav- ing town ? " " I am." " Can I not persuade you to remain ' " Frank smiled grimly at tiie urbanity. " Not ever. your attractions," he replied, " wi!) he sufficient. And yet I ihaiik yi.ni for your MTviee to me, Captain." " Indeed ! Will you explniti : " "Your device of tlie forq-ed letter," said Frank, "taught me many things. The general showed it me this morning. It was very deceptive, Captain. But the original had a postscript." 4o6 The Colonials ^^ "That is intrnsiins," >ai(l Suiiicraii. clo.inrj his eyes, " I'ray ,<^n. ..„ - i |e tai.ped hi> lip. a. it stillin,^ a vawn. ••TIk- lor-ery taught me,- .aid i'rank. '•That you lia.l an accomplice in the American camp. That vou knew some one who conld imitate my hand. That th'ere must nave Ix-en a letter to the -eiieral accompanying the torgery— anotliLi- f,,r-ery, Captain." •• 1 lie steps o: your reasoning? " required the captuhi But It was no longer easy for him to speak. Frank felt the dilterence m the voice, and saw the eves, not languid now, u])en again, " -Mathematical,' he replied. " \\-ithout a Haw. And uhen our talkative friend Ihu^h r.vealed who was the forger, 1 Karned. my dear C.-r.tain. how I nughl save niy mheritance. and al>o .-er\e my cause." ■"So.- ' asked the captain, ihn.ugh his teeth. Captain, Captain ! " said Frank. " E.vcuse th.i-, word. \ou overreached your.-,eIf. Vuur plan was too i^ne. ^ou sluudd have used Doctor Church's letter as it came, Wnir tricks and my uncle's are finished." " I use no tricks," .said Sotheran. " liu" fellow, since yc.u are K■a^•ing to.Mi. favour me hefor. yc u go. There arc jiistols in that case." Tie could restrain himself no longer. His pride was deeply stung, and his voice Itissed with pas.ion. But Frank, leaning clever, shook his head. " [ should i)e a fool," he .sii.l. •' to advertise mv pre- sence here. If it were swonls. Captain— i.,i: vou have '';ioon. T -ked I'rank. iim.-e]f, and sank back. T!ie 11, a single instant from his mie was evervthiiu trctclied out us wrists. ■ Hind nie ! " he said. 1 1 was suspicious, yet I- rank saw he meant it. With- ""t a struggle or a sound he allowe.l Frank to i)ind, tir.-t his wrists, then his hndv to tl le chair. Xow, " he said quietly, " let us talk. le is going," answered Frank. " And I fear I I im 111 ust gag you. Captain. [• ivo minutes." responded Sotheran, " is all I ask \\M1, answered Frank. •' heiii n. seated i-'rank drew uj aid th.e captain. 1 a chair and sat down. asked. Well ? •• he He could but admire the captain's composure. With true English condc^ccn -■-ccmod to be speaking to one 1 •ion. (|uitc at his ease, Sotheran le desired to rons(-in from lis wavs. JI Is \'nirp \^ a c r\M:n 1 h 4oS The Colonials pained by sucli trealnimt. he yet v .s readv to forgive. W -'h hi- fir.t word he pu/.zle.l 1- ik and h'cld hi, cluse altciuion. •• Wliy _-h.ould one of -our abihty," he asked, "leave the town : " " I., that not plain? " " Remain." said the captain. " Mr. Ellerv, this night you have taught me to respect you. You are more than I thought. We should be friends." Frank smiled. '• Truly, CajHain?" " I can secure ytiu a position in the armv." " "l our general., were enraged with me this morning. Gladly would they liave hung me without formalities. How should they, or your comrades, receive me into the army? '" " You suspect me?" asked the captain. " It is rea- sonable. I have opjioscd you openly. And yet there is a reason, and a goo.l one. why my jiiind ha, changed. Come. I will be frank." I le dn.pped In- voice, vet spoke more slowly and di,tinctly. - You conceive I am oppos- ing you with Mistrcs- Tudor?^ " " Leave her name out ! " cried Frank. " \ our pardon, and your patience," answered the captain. He s^oke more slcwly still. " Let me acknowledge that I have received my refusal. Stav, and win her." The confession seemed to come hnrd. vet brouq-ht ndief. lor at the end he looked at hVank with openness. But Frank rose from his ■^eat. _•' I understand," he said " .Smooth talker, another might believe you. Hut I in-rcrive. (;ai)tain. The glasses on the tray have not been used, the light was burning, the door below unlocked when I came, and at thi^ hottr von are not in bed. This talk is to gain time. "^'ou r.xpcct friends." t'T Plot and CoLintcrpfot " You misjudge nip," a stated, ail'! hear nie out." n:^\verc(l the caota in. 409 B( th lliit he was listen \U'J If oi)en window they heard footst arrinian! " shouted Soiherai rank h.^tened too. Throu£rh eps in tlie street. ■ ( )rin- IVanlx- ean.q-I ■■ Coniino- 1 " 1 with al lis force. 11111 I'v the throat. in-wereri a nierr Ik- captain, bound as lie wa-' II }• '■"oice outside. aw there wa-. no he HI strug-hng. He bore the pain of hVank' and as he heard the respo iicrce trrii shot at his e n-o from his fric nds hi: nriiiy a glance that saiil e\es ■>u arc caught I " )amuatiou ! " thought Frank, and looked about for ptainV empty wallet and Then he leaped to the pag. He seized t lie ca crammed it into the open door to lock it. There wa> no ke\-. H tile door, and moutii. T! leir feet wer .A[— m— c seized a Iieard the orhcrrs o (' on the ,-tair-. chair to nut it icn the door agauist )elow. ■ah roared .^1 ■■"■'■I'li'in ! Help! .Murder! 1 heran, casting out th e crae ( !att reak d rnslung ut> 1 cnng and staiuping. IVank hear a hand on the -ill le stall's. I [( ■vn the door d t!ic offi cers tepped to (ho wind* The fr lev conld and \nulted liirhtk iNv, placed TI leaned bewildered t '■•';<'\v not what. H :i'ned the ■lev raised th- cr\ \va^ not high, ai not catch him. "I'- recovered or even see h quic klv im as thev lu the window, looking for they -I'fr! sih.nilv clo.e to the hnu<:p'^. unseen, Tardilv corner, and left the street ' Thiof! ^'!t he wa^ diin Murd gone (1 hmi. er Refo tripping, out of the water re an hour had pa^-.ed he rosf on the Cainbrfd jre fhore. CHAPTER VIII HOLLOW SUCCESS Frank had told ; tlu' letter liad been produced. " Church ! Cluircli ! " was all that \\'a>hington had said. Reproach with, ut nieasuro. sadness deeper than words, tlirillcd in his voice. Church saw the eye ilut looked on him. the eye of pityin- justice. He felt a sudden knowledge of himself; lie >aw the blackness of h.s shame, the depths of his fall. The veil of honour was torn from him; he stood, a traitor. He had no defence; with \\a-hingt(Mi-s repetiiinuof his name he felt a nation cast him forth. He staggered, and covered his lace with his hands. That moment, even before they led him awav. bei^an his piini>hment— Dante's punishment f:ir traitors'' in hell. To l)e imprisoned in ice, and yet to feel an.l know! Alouc and unbelieved, from that momvnt hearts were ice to him. \-ain at his trial to Ma'k to exculpate him- self. .M.andone.I, liate.l bv !iis friends ^hnvlv he was to turn cold before the frigid world, to feel' his verv blood begin to freeze. They took him to prison. Washington. Knox, and Hick.e watche.l liim go. P.ut Frank, regardless of him, stood at the window and Ir.oked out. He saw beyond the scene which lav immediatelv be- fore him. The glow of triumph was gone ; Washington had taught him not to exult in a tr"i^-- f..ii lie **\'a3 ngton had eper than -' <.'ye that Ilo fch a ickncss of ^iiour was ) defence; h Ti nation i face with ay, began nox. and s of him, ately be- shington Z-T lit. ** UJ Plot aiui C( )untcrjii()r 4ir readingf his future i.IH he looked at J.oston as at the past. lorosj, the meadows (JOIK and all E verythinn- was gone— youtli and he- personal desires. He felt older, ij ppiness ehildhood, his earl them all behind— manhood. and Ins love stimulus of da lis fortune too. A mi( let down. niger had sustained hi u>ton held his He hatllcft his foes the deep down. He 111 ; but now he felt one of the ar lose h v.as ni mv. H ate iv: h e was to tight for e was to be miseit. •or there across tl Ins colmtr^ iiid an.l the broad llack Hay. lav his plea. e n\er, il sonal wLshes- ever, now. ' -na' one wi.-h. marshes, pleasures anti his ptr- W (iood-hv ! " iu Dre. ashmgton spoke ■^o dear ! thed. IJut 1 ost lor- ^ The brothers turned to him. II oi'ng men," he said. we Iiave seen him ch was smiling. " How to seething anger, and ■Tige'- thought Dickie, "t and ness. o pity, lour.g men, Kunx has told n repeated W'ashingt r>n, " Colonel Vul! \ou he irank ha IP le of you. Von have he'ped me me more .' much. K•|ght^ W (1 a sudden lie ask liope. " To take Dorchest etan( jd t le irener.'i most T., 4I-: 'I'hc CoUinials •• I think I undcr^taml k'avc hcliind a — tricnd thi^ not acceptable? Von have done me a great ser- vice, ii von hkc, you shall enter the infantry." "1 ^limdd prclcr," >aid I'rank, '• to serve with Coluntd i\ni)x." Ihit still he coulil not smile. Washington came nearer. Colonel Knox has said, you and vou fear that an enemy, a villain—" He s comfr.rt in those words. But now he shook his head. •• Let me work," he said, " and tight. All else is behind." it^l ^he Eimcuation of q^.] ■ '*^' the town of Bos f on by the British ^ ■from, ihe "Washington Medal [f*'*^ u«wuwsiiti^iw«*.tu^t'- <■**. ' 1-^ y rw^ vw^ r m ■* f V4\^y » Book Sir # RETRIBUTION 4 >o«&ooooooe>oo Chapter One (i The Man is Bad \\\L story turn? to Alice, who now, for nearly ten niontlis liavinjT^ Ijorne the hardships of the sickot> uvr. i,„ni.l; Knox and l-;ii,rv wcr bnnging trom Ticondcroga cannon of ail kuuU \„ the rudmuMUary navy, nothn.g nu.re ,iu„ a .Vu h,hin, vessels, u-a> i,rmging uuo the \\.,v l-:„^la„,l ,H,rts an, hurrying to Cambrulgc. valuable .upplu,, and amonj them powder. \et still the commander knew his weak ness. scemg well the differet.ce between hobli,,.. ,,os| around a sluggish enen.y. and attacking b„n "in hi= stronghold Congress nnght pre.s for action, the coun^ try might elamn.u-, but W ashington would not .tir To ^torm ,l,e ,.,uu would be n,adne>s. He appoint'e.l a "-V cngu.eer ,hat w.> all. to enn.uler ,he possibility of tortitymg Dorchester Heights T|'atn,anwa^ Uuiu. I 'ntn^n, millwngbt an.l fanner iKU-dy. .eh-educated. and able, ut un.chonled for hi," >ask. On y one man in the camp had studied fortifica- on. C.ndley the engineer of IJunker'. Hill, who never- heless could suggest no way to make, in a single ni-l.r trom trozen grcnn.l. earthworks to withstand cannon-" fire That was I utnant's problon, : it weighed upon bin. a"ank llllerv deserves a share Knox and I>a„k had rett.rned with the cannon fro:n I >conderog^. and learned of the difhcultv. l-rank spoke o Knox. J.,„ox spoke to Putnam. Putnam came tn I'rank n. ha^te. " What i. tbi.." ,he en-,ineer criok I hear that you have sai.i? We can fortifv in w v\ ith chandeliers? And inter? what are ?1 • ' Tit,,K«^ f„ 'OV want 01 disatifeclcci, em all ; yet L-in the one It was no luiisod and tilery were in(l.s. And H-u I'l-^liin:; !'"rts, and iid among ■ liis \s-cak- Miii;^' ji. 1.; mil in 111, llic COUIl- t stir. To ipiiiiitc'd ,1 possibility I'l I'anncr, ■il ior 111-, I lortifica- ho iicwr- igle night I cannon- upon hin, credit for iiiii fro:;] !ik spoke came to cr rricd. I winter? ,.- (. — ,., . to hold fascine- Kttribution li;^ oyc.-. flashed. T!ic hook! The book wherein they are dcbcribcd ! lie look the l.uok away with him ; in the morning tlic I-rc.blem was solved, lie came to hrank with c uthusi- a>tic face; there was no jealousy in iIr. „,an. "The credit for this shall be y.Mirs,- he .said. - And von .hall LMinniand the eaniu.n w lim we take the llei-lus." •■ The latter will be reward eii<.ii.;li;' an.\rered laiery. I ho hint was I'-rank'.,; but the whole great scheme was Tntnam's. It wa. he wh.j planned the huge attempt to make two lorts in l^n.xbury, i,, carry thein to Dor- chester, and there Im ^ct the piece, in their places. In its magnitude it was a plan niii<|ue in history. Meanwhile in lluM-.n the tr.n.ps and lories, far from comfortable l,. 1k' Mire, were making the bt.^t of a bear- able siination. In the earlv wmu-r tlu-re was some 'hstress ln,m lack ui f,,.,d ;„id luel. Prices rose high, and the poorrr s.,rt went liimgrv and cold. But nn- «a-ciipied house, were lorn duwu U,v tireuood. others were condemned. >unie wliarve. were broken iip.and the <^ld Xorth Lhurch fur a time supplud Uo far other than .ts parishioner.. i,hy>ical rather than s,nritual comfort iiurdened uith the demand for food General Howe took -teps to remove Whig paupers from the town, and in midwinter landed hundreds on I'oiut Shirley whence they were taken by th. Pn.yince. L-„,il :,up,,l,es arrived those who remained in l;,,.tun moved constantly into closer quarters, and each house as it was vacated was demolished. Hut bv the mvlllc of [auuary storcships rsuch as the American, did not seize) brought relief. Provisions became plentier. prices fell slightly, there was coal to be had, and tho.e of the upper circles turned their thoughts t(j gavety. The Old South Church was a ridine-school : F.Tneu;i naii became a playdiouse. Dances were not uu- 4ifc> 'I'lic Colonials common. an,l .-anl a^M„,hIu.. uvr. t>v.|..r„t. TIut. uas slnninn.LT m thr Mivits .-ui.i skalni^^ ai Hu- Xcvk •",;:' '•^■^•'■'^■'"K at laM a ,„.,■,„,„ .„ .Ikt Lack ,,av, ,lu ofhccrs m.Kl.t KaniM.. .\n,l u, ,I,i. la.t anu^cnu-n, ^^.^M,oI,,„...ral,l..,l,l.,„„, ,,,,,, „„.j,,,^,.^,,^.^_^, taui S,,tl,cTan, i.lavr.I „,, nn.rr. in a.u n.IaiKv as 1,.. was t.|".M .\Ii>,r..s Tu.l,,r. She. n ua. u In-,,,.,-...!, was re- tiiniim^- Iiiiu. 'i'lHTr i> force in manners far nmre efVective t!ia-i nuTc \v<.rds. i;y manners the wise are .| ■ -eivcl ; an.I tl.c cv.r wind. eo„M Mctect tlie clant: <>t lal-el,,.,.,]. luarin'^ '•'"Inn..-, cannot uarn, he hear,, lie who can act a lie ;;'■;;' •"";i;-'^ *'= 'h^ ni.o w.n o,,,v „ee.is „o o.ikt "■'";'?• •''""'" "^ -"''''•"• '" ''■'.^- """V tlK.n wonN- :"';'«''<■ 'i".ct. attentive, i.nitafve follower of a won.an i> her n,o--t dan^eron. snitor. Sotheran. constantly at '^'■^■^:^ ^':'^' ■''" '''^' ■•'-^•"'l'!y. the play, or m chnrch, wa wnnnni,^ her altection. Seven months Juul ,,asse(l since Alice Iranl< Ife had hecome a shadow. What shonld she tinnk ot imn. or Iiow know that he love, waiced. ready; nnloverlike. he t'as had heard of liail iicr ? She haassion-^ Not PKino. hnt a little shame was le^senin^. h,r love ' Ihc leelm,^- was no, dead. i)ut it was dvint,. Alice was lK-,nnm- to loe.k np,,„ j, as of the pa^t With rc,i,^ret she watched it p.: a woman „ot willin^dv R.ve np her first love. lUu Sotheran was there to tie iran. s place. Impcrceptihly he was becomini^ a neces- sary part of her hfe. A Intie lon.^er. and habit, whh tl.e wshesand efforts of all her friends, wutld brin^ abon: the end. ^ lint P.arban, knew. She heard the news Pete brourht »rom Ann^ Ihe rnyH-maker was almost speechless with (hsmay. \\ hat wonld Masier T-v->„i.- .i,:.,i. -. t,... ,. 1 4- 1-ia.i ' iUtribution 419 hara? Xo, Barbara liad iicvrr yrt lo^t flu- ])ouir of -|t.fi-li. SIk- thmi^lii; slu.^ planiud ; slic uint out upon M III one iiiniiiiiii; ami put IptsvIi' in Alui-'s wav. .1 inlor Intn tluic arbara \\oul lUit SotlKTan (Irrw aw; liav c l.iik't ;iy as Alice unit to I'.arl) waitfd for llu' civilities t knots of loutii/crs, II ;ira ami O I. nd. At a reiiarLd for a denial. " Vou have heard—" she sked. "hat yoii arc to live in the F.Ilerv h Al .Mrs. must ice was relievi ou>e. So vou know that on know ( ieo I)r ew it is must -let'j) in barracks now, .ired she it a ]ianic at the recent hnujj;. dei return to l-jiq-j-md. and 1 could not live in the cottas^ " W alone 10- low- -aid llarhara. The fracin'-nt (luestions conveyed her tliou.^rhi perfectly. gin'-ntary TI lere is absulutel v no other sw ered Alice, flusliinjif as she felt tl l)lace in .own," an- le weij^du of Barbara" Iisai)proval b'or an hour 1 tl loiiLjht, indeed, that I imist sail for ICn,i,dand for verv lack all (juarters crowiled. I!ut the v of lod.c^ing, so are oya.ije in winter is more dans^erous than to stay, my brother thinks, and the spring- campaign will finish the rebellion. The idea is C'af)tain Sotheran's. .Mr. I'.ll erv I'.arbara glanced at th i-er\- much his friend. noth e lounging figure, and said ing. So much," said Alice brightlv, " juas one short b me. .\nd did it t'-ouble v b.nrdment done for "It was welcoi how nearly a pretty moutli can loo om- oti ,1 t»n,-I, ,1 rl Tim. 420 i 'I" C'lilonu lis ho came ba,-k ,o ,t (Iciiiy (iilatin<4- eves. ■' "<'\v uncliano-cl von are' " .she cried ••A"<1 you," returned ilarhara. -are verv much changed nuleed. Von are not the ,irl - n.ed to know I am disappointed. Ah'ce ! " AHce's^enerous so.d uas at once readv for repent- anc.JNhatcotild she have done ^ U.rU.r. .JZ ,,,■'^""^^'"''■^■"^''^-^'''••'^0 t vot, shotdd speak to ;; Vou wished to tell ,ne sonu-thin;,? •• a..,a AHco iTank isvery uell." remarked Marhara. -Jlelias -•" ahsvm „-om the camp: btu he 1. well, ,nv brother w rites me. " ]'.:trbara ! " cried Alice. '•That i^ uhat 1 can.e to say." said Barbara '• Wl tlu. as well. Who stands there waitinj^ for vott-' I IS Captain Sothc-. ii," said Alice. IJarlwa! '' " ''' ' "" ^li^appointed i„ you,- declared i^he shot the wonis out cnerffeticallv. then pressed her ;r>s c,,et er. challenging reply. .Mice felt her check ;;:;;'• "'" •"^' '"^^^-^ -- -iN^lofence ro.e up .ithm ■■ 1 do not tnider.stand von." die s-iid "You understand me perfectlv." contradicted Rar- '^^''a. Excuse me, I am not a Londoner: J am irom '-P-mces." Thcrc.a.nohn,mhtvmher;.,;e::;d 1 1 lif.trihution 421 it proudly. " But if you \vi>!i luc to speak more clcarlv, 1 v.i!l. Wlicn you can have I'rank, you take that mail.' .\iia\v it once; you are umhI to it now. I know wliat 1 am sayin_c:. -flo is liad." " liarhara," -^aid AHcc lia-lil_\, •' 1 cannot -tay." " Is it too late?" a^ke.l I'arhara. " i> he Vo nnich your friend' I am sorry. Ihu let nu- -ay one word, i'ratik Kllery wonid i„,t luue a uc^rlhy rival. .And !io liates your captain." • Mice .-tood still, her face turned away fn.Mn I'.arhara, I'Ut her shmilders said. " <,>•,) ,,n." " We never spoke of liiin hut once," said P.arhara. •inickly f.illowi'i.q; her advanta-e. " I asked the (pics- ti"n: • Wdiat kind of man is Captain Soiheran ? ' I'rank I'-oked black, an is what he said: ' -[-he man 1, not tu to h've.' " Alice still stood with averted face. I'.arbara came a step nearer. " It is not ihat I'rank shf.nld he di>app:Mnted in love." -hr said, "that I care, I kno-v it i- not so verv hard, f'tu that you should love nnuorthilv. as 1—" She paused. " As you," asked Ali.c. turning .mi her cpiicklv. " You mean — a British soldier"" '.arhara reddened. " Your captain is waiting,"' she id, and lied. Ill CHAfTER II THE ASPKCT UK TRUTH Barbara, repentant, ran to Alice tliat afternoon he^- Kin^ l,,r^,venes.. She was for^.ven alreadv; Al.ce was st.llllnnkm^„fh,rwonI>. Hut Harhara's ;oune.. was ''uanl Ance only, an.l when Tu.ior was de.patched with iKr t„ see luT sau.ly ho„:e. he met .li.comihure ^■t_ he starte.l wiih her i,;n Iv. thinking' to make a Rood nnpression. " I iVar " Ji,- i„..r-,„ i,; ' <. ,,, ^ ... , , '""^' '" '".':'iii Ins conversation, tlut h,e ha. i.een very dnll for vou this winter " ■•\'>t at all.- i;arl,ara answered, "^ iiut you must have had little to do." "I never was husici, >lu' replied. _ •' Ijut so many of your frieuds „u,.t have gone " per- sisted poor Tudor. ^ ' ^ " Ves," answered Ilarhara. ^' f)o you mu wi. It u-as a htiK. unkind of I'.arhara. She raised Ikt eyes and looked i„,o hi.. •• M, l,,o,hcr." she said -ent out on th. dav of Concord i.ght. I I,ave not seen inn suKe^ n,,.,e fn.nds went with him. Ko„r more v.mthe.o!owmgn,ght. inI.oat<. Two o.h.rs sw.am >yn,ghttoLechmereWV.;ut.lK.f..rethcweekwasont 1 coTild not go m any of tho^c wav> >,ir " To TudoT her eve. were cold as diamon>ed did not k now his be saw it and cnjoved it. SI le nil the hard>hips of the Wl genuine regret, bis manlv syini)athy ""H be tried to Tnib e\-])ress his feeb'm lie said. " this war ha> 1 i>t e\[)erience of my life. A civil iigs, and when with hesita- she mi.^took it. Ken for me the hard- W strife- IV then MMi eome was foreseen. \ she cried. Th IS war prole thi l-;f(inghani, wmr eered. and so half "iir coming hastened it. If tho.se who jrrow had but acted like Lord regunents would have been lialf offi- ,''entlemaidv iisel Vet not to me Tain of sympathv sir! you came gayly. Sjjcak ndor blinked as the tiny storm broke on h bara's liHitniii"- mi. J] ar- ,gs scorched, but could not stun. Yet thev confused, and his honesty lured excuse. inn a second time to 'Cheve nu Iread a further battl be said, " I have no heart in this. I lun resi^r,, . " ,!,(. ,ij,,j,^,^,_ ^^^^ marched on. 1 lead erect, and (iiitra^-ed ler <t as great as her disgust tears we )owed ant: curtseyed formally, glad I'.arl lara went dircctlv to her roo a while without candle.., until with re on her cheeks. Tt \vcnt aimlesslv awav. " I 111, a sur- giist. she found that "'lor. bis ears stinging. ixesiLTn -ver he thought. Could no cAuiiipie of Lord L.lhngha m .Must 424 Tiic Colonials !"■ a soldier consider hh private opinions? Was there any personal duty ni ..uch a cri>i.? To lur.t^ci tin- host of questionings, he sought the cottec-liouse. But AHce sat thini not fervently devout, but the rest- less life. l':ven ;'!e aiiveiiturer who enjovs his risks— nnd Soiheran uas .„cli-gi-ows nerve-wearv with con- tinual exciteiiunl. Tlu' Inn- bout witli F.llerv had kept the captain m.i the ^tretrli. !t was the keeiu-! hv had ever j.layed. and n^w that it wa. -n-r the satisfaction nf wuimng combine, 1 with the r, lief m freedom to produce good humour. K!U-rv had iniv^cd punidiment, but his let was miserable euMugh. and a^= the captain watched (he preparatons for mnving Alice to Ellerv's verv l^'ii^c. it seemed a^ if th, Wi,ig were being set to guard Sothcran's possessions, h wa;: amusing. Hn the following dav he ludped in th" work of m-n- nig. lending Alice his servants With ('hristine. Alice packed and directed, but Sotheran spared her the jour- neys back and forth from house to house. While Tabb KcUibut iUU and Roffer carried bundles, lie took th lier luggage on liini.-oll, and begged h she should see, as a surprise, 1 rccci)ti.,ii (if er to wait until make her 'lid lie leah^ei! w hen low comfortable he w>, how much lie saved her, antl n the evening the accustomed company assen:bled rew shouid ic fniiiul her verv at her cottage for the last ti-iK- before Mr^. D go and Alice change her dwelling-, 1 grateful. I'.ut she was tired, and Soil ful as ever, h '■■ran j)crcei\ e IT ave his friends the signal for d and lingered for a moment after the door had it. Mastcr- eparture, tiieni. •• i.> clowjc] un est well." h Hi said. s consideration for her pleased her; 1 KT deeper than ever bei lian' an( I! him, her smile •And as she s niore ot what ;;ccl her: he appealed to She let him take her ■ ^■ntle in her f;aigue. and graleftd to i>re. iiigered on him at in iier (lismar.t he went up i! ink ed room, !hi i.:i;n;im. lie wa^ [•"rank. Wliicli (.'hristine comI)ed li ■arhara had said, >1 '|ue-'ti()ii w; rUair. !ng once le -^aw no evil in tin -im pl>- hetu lie to e It Kjse i^l ecu him and le mii.^ed wliile v.a- P! easant to her, lair. The thougln ui Sotl ler.ui Mt when Christine spoke, Al ice ro;i;- been a bu^x- (lav. Tl Mistre.. .\1 herselt. le men-servants have ice," said the maii! Christine worked hard. aid Alice, re nought you seemed lo speak freely to-da !iiinded l)y the words. '• I ^otheran s m; e are good friend; ••\v niiirely. " I cannot helj •• Th.Te ma am. y with Caiitaii said the maid de- >ou are a good manv t in everything," went on AI ime- vl inpe yn;i will r '■' men." icn von .'ire alo: ememher mv w.aniin! lia! mali- ce. -ot . ,.,l 426 The Colonials " Yes, madam." said Christine dutifully. The mirrr was gone or AUce would have sec., the expression tlu crossed the servant's face. " And you do not look well," continued .Mice " Hav vou anything to trouble you.> This morning /though you had been weeping." "Weeping!" th ught Christine. Ay, the nigh through. Hut she hastened to answer. "Oh nc madam," she said. " I am very happy " CHArTF.R in if STAGES OK DKIXK Not Alice alone Iiad obs.Tved C that (iav. R ogcr, helping Tabb 'pen his eyes and ears. The bo but lived no comfortable 1 I'rank was gone fro He, !iristinc and Tabb carr,v bundles, had kept y was TTiure trusted now, -ince he had no friend. should cr when thev m town, Nick and J ete tnrnei alon ■y met in the street, and the 1 e among disagreeable sights and lanitained his co sound aljotit him. iii'age, ant! wilh se )oy was I'.ut he uses alert studied all wick aiew too much, far too ckedness. >bst '^ame obstinacy wit lit'fs, he Is et it liad not spoihvl him, a nuich, of the world's Ii which lie cl ept a better moral standard nd witli the to his political be- about h 01 the laws of (he bod than the men im. He had early learned the fate of break than disgust, the 1 y. and observed with ers camp. And ives of the men and IMty. ratlier women of tlie so, wiicn on that afternoon I; Christine behind tl '*"■ the girl wiio, strength to guard 1 10 parlour door, he felt c saw Tabb kis; with luT jiretlv f ace. th ler.selt. II. compassion lacked the cottage, and lie two Iiad gone he vent "1 Ignorance of the I liail not been often t o ength to which on the streets, to plead for the mrl's I -et her alone,' 'iiicu enough." ured. when he anrl 7 s innocenc. ai)l3 were he bcggt.j_ ."pj^ lere art; r.rhf^r ■■( ri ■■ ■ ) 4^vS Tlic CV)loiii;il • Xoiu' (jtiite 50 nic'j," answered 'iai.b, wiili a langl liali CdiiUMiU'd, hall boastful. lvM;rr ua-> >ik-m h,r a iinmue. " 'l-lu- poor liitK CL-in.s. Tahi.," !„■ >aui aluiid, " vol knew the (lid ..I such a (jno— the eamp." '■•il'l' i^ave hiiii. sidewi-e, ail uneasy glance. " Whv do you speak of ht r .- 1 .it Ix " ••Or the street," added l<<>'^vr. " Cnmv, Tahb." he iu;r.-.ued. loiknvin- up with ^wiit understandiII^- ihe im- pression he >aw tiiat he iiad made; " -li.. nut' loo late. Have niiTcv." lie looked up into the man's face. Ro-vr knew his companion well; there wa> some manhood in him. Swa.-,-erino and all too knowin- Tabb wa> no such rake a. Iii. inaMer, pur^uin- pleasure for it. own .;ake, rej^-ardlev- of the mean.. IK- wa. completrlv und.T Sotheran-. inlluence. a. Ko,-.r knvw. .\dmiratiM, of 'lie captain, and fear ,,f lii. power., mad,,, him a willin- took Diu iu pergonal matter, he wa. ea.vo-,,iu-, and Ro-cr. lookin- shrewdly at him, ihou-lii he saw the s!f,ms of self-rejiroa'di. " Let be," ^-rowlerl Tabb as'ain. He would not look at the boy. Roj^^cr. meetinir no an-er. thouo-ht to reeiiforce hi< appeal bv a smr-es'tion. " II yvu should harm her," lu- said, " llu^'captain wo'dd be aiiq-r\-." He meant d'udor; but Tab!) turiie,! on him with a shr.rt, har^h lau.Q-h. " There vou are wron-! " he eric.!, with a nd.erable triumph which ilie lad perceived.' " 'I he eapt;iin ordered it I " "Ordered it?" exclaimed Ro.;er; then he undcr- stooik " Our captain," he murmm-ed. " Ay," said Tabb. " I'la-ue me no tiiore. Xo "—a? I.Il' il Hi tiii)utn)ri •or wotiKl have spoke,, a^aui-- ,or 'us i 4-9 \'»ii. oo UiU', I Miri)ri-r Ko-tit gii.st In-^.ii) t '•'"1 liavc lu ,io uiili till' ,!vl W.'l-' MkMlt. <■ I iTc'c-p ( i\or !on 111 a moiiK'nt 11:1. W ny -liuuM til h ''Va> luu .small, i( •aiu'iiiii!^- i)\ a e cap- ^(.Tvaiit mail at I abb, ail <1 saw that til .> ir.ran! J I.. -laiiccMl rfpoatodlv KUH-. not li IllMIleil. <.■ man uaiko u with ^11;- ihc til ^cuwuiitr Tl'MMItlv hcrr was "abl "ii^-hts wiiich the lad had suni- fitTi. I\ at h piililic hulls ci)nscn.-iici' in > llK't the ]),)\\ • I'nt his himdlc at the la W an. When 1 le retunie.l 1 I'le.unt;- np his h leet and wmt intn the H' was wipiiii,-- hi^ iiiMnth, and iiiKlie, went see it Imh^lt 1 un ai.,^am, not waiiinir to 0,|M\Vl.-(l Il he t( jok 'fin lie will "r rnin, thout^ht R.xjvr be boastful -"Oil. iomg ailer, I)s (;f 'iVih'j's dnmk I le knew the stt :jf Sotiieran'-^. I'l )ccome more hard and cr "abb pro-rcsscd throno-h boa enness, as well H> capiam with eaeli ^la.^s did b a.s lit nel, and wa- il ever overc onie. to a si \(> n sta£,^e o( babblin.q- before I ^ttulness to affection, thct Cence oiten thoni.;Iit that abb nii_!.,dit betra le collapsed. Ro<^er in the bnci lend y a secret, ii" tin oncv to confi- re were anv to b did become boa-ifiil hence .^oiheran I i:;sed before h noil. At the Ellerv I lotise. Kid l)een called by other duties. T ab(j l.i-d leit, an led noisilv. (1 lookin ^ around the hall. F!a lie aid. If I- rank ]-:i!cr\ \ nutniiii^- ,t I, 430 'I'lic Colonials I'';irn ' V ri'aclu'fi tlK- iMihlic ia\<.' a -Iiilliiij; to .spend. " Aii.l if thr lady kiirw! " ';ih\ Tal)i) Roger comrullol Inin^df. " M,, .loes know." l,e sai.l -V-.V, aned ont the gate Tabb nut a hand ,i •iH' hul. shonlder. "Secrecy." he said sol< ninlv ^vcvc.y mean- life M.nelinies. n,y boy." He shook 111-- hrad wisely, then |. il t,, .„i '.ering. ;• I.s tiuTe a secret.^ " tiiuuglr Ro^er. ' "Co,,!, it.'^ Uv wondered !„nv lie should -o about it " labb," he said, -hen tli house on their reinrii. " Lefs -et— •• lie tr,.,,,„.^.,i ,, ,,„. ,,,.^^j._ '-Ay.- answered Tabb aftaidy. and turned toward the '""• -\o, no!" he cried pausing. " 'Ti, orders; you inu-t not drink," It was Sothcran's strict couuuaiin his hand, he su.o^gested: "!:,„ if vou will lend the '"'•m'v to nte. ril luake it up to ye sotne otlu-r o,n :',e moment when T..bb a,:,^ain emert^ed frotti tiK' tap-room. ,nore deeply prir.e ui the strong Xovv Knglaiid r maiiK'd. ■■ thai J could last the w.^rk iMii Te- lle said tenderly. " if 1 could 1 out. Ah, Roger, drink! The pleasure that vuii li,>e: " H d but teach you h(nv to dead c wagged hi: 1 know," said Roger re£jri t A lullv. ml n.>w, whe it makes nie reuicin I'lne wav, to-dav '1 ' MI (l(jwn and rest." said Tabb. 'KT all that has happened t o nie, ou • X i;ut A tin :er. liip nn aj.peared 1 fore them, her hands upon her .Aw a\ with ve, one. Out of mv clean 1 she cru'ij. " ii your wf.)rk is nnken loiisi with \our dirty feet, y ou J) 'ear o :irl I d Tab ') en ticalh voger was in agonv lest t Vou le mO' K can't stir hi hould be lost. m Leave me t( manage him. ■' '"let out, ve loon! ic said to \nn. " Don't vuu see Awav hag! squaw! peated Ann. pretty m.u'd. and listen. 1 will tell mocked Tabb. " Or sit dowi Lea To vou stories. vc him to me. urcre d R, :cr. Ann. vour Ro health! " cried Tabb draining his bottl Roger fairly pushed Ann to tl ,o! "■ he insisted; and whispered: " A ic dining-room. Co! She doubtfullv withdre w. the new order of things. R Tabb. un, it is important." Am was not pleased with ogor returned quicklv to Co me. said bb ' abb sit here bv m ,'ct to thinking— what was I thinking? y side, Roger. I M C hristiiie." s Poor Christine! iiggcsted Roef(T. siirlied i :bb no the wench." He shook hi,> head. " SI .\nd vel T vow I lie'.s nlaiTiii '( ri '\ 432 'I'iif Colonials lal)t>— liif captain- uiiv? " "Ah!- s„,irk..l Tahk •• Ti,a.\ a >ccrct TiuTe i^^''"'''•^^/'■''>• '''--'M^'am audi know; but 'n Jil.rv u,,„i,i understand. •' " .\i>t .Mi-trcss Tudor? " "im.. a ,,ddl,. ,nr y,,„; \vi,,a dm.. :M,\„-c.,s Tudu '<"<>u- and nnt knwu--' " 'IM I n , , ^■■'I'l.iin Kiuc'd nnu. ■■ Killed liini:^" eclinrd R.-vr •-lyl^nou..nnlythc..aptau,. i.rankKlL.andne' -^-ua.nuhedarl,:. TaM, was speakin. di.tinc v u dn.v.d, and ,,K. ,ad ,.ar.d IK. uould .i^k n J ; , •;:' '"" ''''-'' ^'"'-^ '- ■•— - i^o,er ,u,g.a X'ohody else? " ''■";''>'> was tlnnkin.;. "So stran-c." lie murmurrrf .-fiitunentallv. ■' She snd, -, dW ^ , "^"""'"^^^ at her now!- ^' ^' '" -"■'• ^"^ 'o^^ ;; Did nobody else knou-"hisistodRo^er He ^ "'>"/!"/."''-"•■; —ore. Tabb. •'Jfe's dead, too - He J,,,ok h,s head. ■• What a „.and kuly she's he- ^' An I„,Han,- though, R..;er. He knew the storv of 'eiorc.t tiao-edv. as Ann had toM i. ,0 him herseh" havinof learned it from h>-,nl-' r ^ - ' "^'^'^^" Kno.\! He turned to Tabb. " Tnhb, how do voti know;> " labb wa.-; beginnintr tn doz" .i;...-:..~ .^ _ . . ' rr-"ii ^.wiVii lartiici' am I woiiKl Is it." )u\v. ■• l;t;t t. TllcT<'\ but Frank 'tit Iciiiiw. CSS 'ru,|,,r clK'ctivclv. " but ilu> '■• So no- and iiie." distinctly. < into the -T jogged lUt ribution calls a otMlic settle, his face set u,,!, tl,e looL piclure. Roger pu^livd la, shoiil 'a!)l), how do yoii know? " H- answer cuuh- faintly hut diMinctl^ J>) < <>l one \\ iio re- iler. 'i' llnre: W isn't I l<<"^i'r was c.ild with Slid,] tii: 'Ut he lost no t <'n excitement. What nne. 'Idu at>i) made n arms and .sh o respoiisi. j cajjlain; was asked. '>|>K li.ni. If W e hstriH'd eagerlv for t -•\v. ay, lu a H'cret. aid, with ieehle frncx] vogcr ^vi/c(\ him l.y the 1^ ihe capt.iin iluTt-? " '!e resjmnse. d'ahl) roused, -nature; " i)ut 'ti-; lie captam would kill—" fj cq), and Koger, pale, hut will, eves hriH stood over Iii ni. e sank into It as stccl. He had a secret, greater than he Iiad dreamed to find. I (I uirmured and look ad, too." ^he's be- story of , herself ian. and I did riot U CHAPTER IV THF. r.i.i.i:i:v i.iiirarv Alice ?ac in tlie l^lkTy lihrarv. lici'ore tlie tire. That day, for the secuiid tiim- in Ikt liie, slie had enlercil till' huii^e. What had SolhcTaii hetn thiiikmi,'- (if lo brino; her tliere? Did In- realise, >he wondered, how closely tliat man-ion wa> eonnecttd witli tlie iniasjinins^'s of her j;irlhood? .ei-nu'd to lo(,ni over her like the risen pa.-t, and draw her in. The duvky hall, the old carved furniture, made her a-k her>elf where were the owners of that hon-e. .'^he had stood a moment shrinkin;;-. al- most expecting;- I'rank and Dickie to ai)j)ear. In ^^oin;,^ to her room ^he had Molen a dance at h>ank'> door as she ])a>sed. It was -hni, and its blank surface wa> elo- (inent of the former years when that room was emptv, and I-rank was far away — savinp- Ikt. Her room was Dickie's, decorated with all the care and laste that Sotlieran conld qixe it; hut the picture that Inmq- over the m.antel was of , 'rank's mother. looking;' al her with ]'raid<'s eye 'i"he picinre h;:d hmiL;- in hTank's room, and Ahce liad wondered, as it repea!ed.l\- arre-ted her ^ii/.c, how often h'rank had stood hiokiiiEj at it. \nd at •-npper. whui \mi -erved at tin- tahk- snlkilv. Alice had rememlu-rtd ihe little e( ler ni rht.. Al one atram, no c-c reachiii die -.eeined alone with h'rank. In that ill thoii,L,dit> led to him. To lliiiik of iJickie was it reminded her how h'raiik'> intluence. ape, -nice ms brother tl ircnii. •h ti le wide--t ■•ep;ir;il!oii, had drawn him to his side and now held him th.ere. h'rank perM>tent sirenj^th was to be marvelled at. And as she sat, her lover si'emed to till the room with his i)er>onality. ler lover: ^' Hi love wa- she liad seen it m ins eyes; she had lie And her- (1 it in liis voic Never dream that 1 forget! siie- ad she not lortrottcn: S! laine aiiain. but thi- time shame for her her diet k~. V rnnk iiim->(. If lent, as his habit now ircon^iancy, reddened seemed to be there in the room : "i was — but not as formerly. Ah, those old-time cor.- M eiicer he room was deepemnc;; m ap'o — the fire- of tr.e cabin in ilu' \vood-. She saw in the flames the interior of the cabin — .\neeb upon his bed, brii^ht-eved Mukl;wah. the boy Kewadin, .and old, wrinkled W'tnokv.a. She saw the juh- dan.c^linp: from the ceiling, the skins stretcheh( d march, wiili liatiem wooderait. h.e liad kv\>i iIk-iu h" ', . -.ve umi! tliey reached I teimit ! ^ e-;. .-he had lowd him \vortlii!\-. Did r-he not !o\-e him still? What of In., later act-, and of hi,-^ silence? } le believed rebellion rii,dit — and \va^ it lun ? iiis silence was enforced, lint he h.vcd her. d'hen ."^he rose suddeid\- and paced the room. avoidiriLT the conclusion. Aj^^ain -he be.^an— a.t,rain she thought of her Ine, a_Lrain .-he ennmeratcd her debt, to liim, i\<^:i\n she paused before the -itnation. She had loved him; he li»\t'd her; thi'n Sa\e for tlu' hreli.Lrht. the room was dark: btit in the waverin- li-h.t -he -til! fell 'he pre>cnce of her lover, and knew th.u he was takin.^ possession of her. She had not thought of Sotheran once; she had not comiiarcd. It was a.'., if the new had never been, while the F.IIery lionse, with all its memories, brought back the old'. Slowly the stniggK. ]e--encfl. She catight her-elf smil- ing. U'eling that -he could not be : een. She came again to the insistent question, and avoided it once more. There was a knock at tl:c door. "Come in," sl;e called, relieved at the iiUerruptiou; and tm-iR'd to light the candles. It was Ann. With a hard face she said: "There is Captain Sotheran's boy t,- sec voti." " If there is a message or a note, ask i;ini for it," ■^r*- Ketriburioii 437 ner iroin ■'la' ^luui- Thc ^lnL^T Ik'I'I inani- t'lU' C'hi])- ircli, willi :vL' unti! (lircclcd Alice. She looked at Ann, and knew why she was so sullen, ii was for Frank — slill i'rank! "He inii>t see yuu," was the answer. ■ 'I'lien .-end lii:ii in." Roger came. She iiad never seen him close at hand before. He entered cautiously and closed the door, ]ookin<;^ al)(.uu ll.c r' ■( nn. " i- aii\- line lure? " he a-ked. X. He -;ii(! .\ir. J:.lier\ II e is i!j)>Uiirs. Chri-tim tile lad su<:'"'e>te(l where \- lie She i- in li'T numi. \\ hat is it, hu'. Tl leii 1 will tell," he .'-aid eairer IV, .Mice li>lencd to a ^torv tint made her cold and nre at hi ess hai th.at man, the \ile>; liia! lu .'[ ever crossed a woman'- path, wa^ alive, and wa> — Sotheran! I'.ut it could noi be true: and l;er face llushed w'ith indimiation. iie i)rooi oi till.' crK'cl at the end l)eue\'e ii. would have ree< i:riii-eil mm. he >ai(l. Xot so, ;e an-wered n-rwdlv. M Di aster UicKic iiid not know Iih hroihi-r, tlmil.niLr Inn Al ice was >nt he had the mai 1 fall, and thouii'ht him killed. SIh' Ini.ki.'! duv.'n into the bo^-"- face. It w;i- pale and much loo keen, biit there wa; honest V in tl iC t.'\'e; \\"]iv do \()u lictrav vnnr ma-ter? " she dema.niUd le i-; h.ard :tnd cruel." he replied »■ is ija( ; It 1-- rewm -lie .".•lilt, ilrawniL'' I>;k Xo," he said; "it is for .Ma-ier l-'ranl you hut knew liim — so good, so kind!" "Th.i! will rlo." cho '^aid. f. ■• JJo voii dare? true." Ask liim?" Roger irica He is strong — bold. ' " Co," she rt-pcalL^.l. " 1 '1 a>k him " Roger uith.livw in fear, ihe Iad^ vas . .dv -md she was for Ma.ster Frank: l.„t Sotheran'.> rage 'n ^u k'ad h„„ anv length. If anything should happen! Roger hastened iruiu the room; ..c must tell Xick and Pete CriAMKR V The SL'kl'KlSAL portraits centred their c:a7e on Al with sunken head, waitine: for S ice a.'- slie sat. striif::sl^'-;-itor:- " he a^ked deferentiallv. If it is Captain Sotl icran. he answcrei I will see im iiere alone. :\'r. r.llerv opened th; door. Then Alice heard Soth- eran s voice. The front loor shut: she heard ^fr. F,l- lery go upstairs again. She knew that Soth eran stood u 1-jO 'I'Ik' Culonials 0:1 the tiircshold, mid cwiiM iu,i i.ring hcrscii to ri.,e and iiirn to him. She sal still. lie eaiiic a stop luarrr t,, lur, hut she di dark eyes flowed upon her; he nii:rniured - .Mice! " .Anv wonian niiR-ht be i-r(.n'!'. iiinl still looked 1 10 ail but staggered. Vet she ni'i ui :he 1 i c (.■ le, -'^eenig jiis conipKie tni lis glan ce It 11. veilmeni. lo^t jii? self- face lier; for an instant si or a liionient h e Could not I lis hands clenched: hi.-, teetl le saw his shoulders (juiv at the door. T lien \vi 1 were set. He stood th an cfiforf he raised his 1 Miaine passed-the uiuy honest shame h and he met her eyes. " I will repay," he said. vv. )k- lead. e ever telt- Kepay slie criei I oil er to ir.arr y \'oii. Kejiay,' siu- r h'^es of those Jndiaii- the old man 1 house.' ^"(ju ■ I'ltealed \.-iII .veil pive hack the mv fr eiK Will iiie mv fath enj\ to Ins vj^i^T, -^sjuj ] lew him with voi; VV: yon reslc^re hore in this er: X ■^lir had thrown il waiin r hand ii kil!,-( Will vo'i sjive 1 1 i!n. R( ot ill h c '-ags of hi,, character •par in ]n> mxik.iice could 'animnation, ard f. ir a i uphold him a'^•lin^t h •lit on II' in'eni he could ■(' more iic coiii'-iaiidcd him.-elf letain what ground he conkk " }'e rea'^oiialile." ]'c said. She made no aiidiMc aus repeat his word-; and ! an< er not aii'WiT. igiil to 'Ol wer. I u r eve m lie h 'urncd hmi past is past." Ii ne. Let us be scnsi! urge( Xot ?aw Iier lips ling can hi )lr Still she looked a: 1 the monici It vra' lim. unchanging, and he saw that passing in which his words mi'^Iit move T, , „^''-' '^'^ ^"'■""^ ^^'^'" reasoning to pleading Alice." h e cried, stretching out his arms. " I admit •14^ 1 lie Colonials fver\ tiling. 1 was a hriiic; 1 have been a coward; bii I was not mysclt. (io.l knows tliat I regret it; but i dared not confess. Alice," be begged. " 1 was weak but 1 was not deliberate. Forgive. Let nie alon.-, a« far as I can! " Jic seemed to pause lur !)ri'atli. .,o iiad lii> word? vhakcu Iiiiii. l-or a -.JngK- in>tam sbe besitate.'. Il-it then lie linked at lur krmly. to mark lii,> e man that he wa>, lie recognise! hi> end. His pride came to his aid. and ^hamcd him that he stooped there begging. He st,„,d ni,rigl,t. an-i reared his Iicad. " \\ ell," he asked haughtily. " and now wliat:- " She recoiled. His .-Mice wa^ liar^h. his mamuT boi,!; he eved her— hir, a woman— with a sneer. This was liic real man- .^hr .tarte.i awav from this disclosure, more tcrnivitig than ihv tlr^l TI..- cliair came under her hand; ..be seize.l ,nnd ,!ung to it. looking at I'.im ■vvith widening eves. .'<1k- -aw hi> rvil nature to its depths. "W (>]!.''■ he demanded \', ith di-daiu. " Oh. go! '■ die Ina'aihed. " Xo." he -aid: and foIdcM! hj.; arms. " I i i< yr.a." '■ she a^k-d. She struck Itencath lii, armour, and he -trnL^gled with chagrin. For a momeiu his face worked, bm lie compose^ u. "You wi:i n )t tell." he said. " I, ui!l not be wi.e to tell." She answered not hmg, nut .-he looked the question, "Whv?" ' Ut on fio-ht incisively, "' vour ^1k' llaiiird ,,11 iiini uilli .'i S'litinj:,' nif. af' • ■'■'ii- -aiil. ai Sili-pn-servat Si'h" ! sell ! •• .1 DI'lolIs CnMIi'Illpt. •• (^ o\v- '" M'""l jiaiitiiit;. It' ri'iiiri..-(! nil liiiii. '"t \nu limit rMaiuI," h 111' liil lii> ,';.,1,1 (■ "-aiM. • \nv ( iC'or^v would '••■'vc rri(i-t(.d >■"!'• die .aid. Jur 1 !• r hcaiity Miiotr |; i"^<'in iicaviii I?- Ills t..i.ili diall .'I- \\c n all- M). iiir it '''• -'"'I "ran in. lain Ik- dencliod '■'1 Ills .U-irat. Tlh-n Ii !■ re;i inu- .'Utflld Mill ;i^ I <■"<■> not pica.sc :,K. tu liav (-■ 11 lliink that n^. had He uatclud t, liad |)ass,.,h Sh ■•ind witli CM', t Hlor(. Ceor ^jtiarnilc'd. and iVrl- S:^' niit,dit cth.Twi.- -iiisidU'd. > ^ec luT ,shri 111- a-aiii. l;ut Ikt sh,„-!c *■' ■-tood immovahl A lai Imriu'd. ilc spol. <-'. spic'iKh'd in ^m" ICC, dial iKl you are mn t poke a.^-am: U"id(i ,iot -;nit o It'ave thb plaee lor ;iat I h, IIH'. And ii voii ,1, l^oiiiion: I) ivi' inted ynii. at ^vhich ( I ' \(iii iir iind derstaiK erstand,' ■ eors^e uoiil iiali ;^^i\c out d be aiicrrv. hv .said, lioth your words and ler. was .i lirliovc, lo reali ' Her. iier cour '> Mihmission in her. Centle as he had rpi'i>e, and he began iS'e was a su se lier reserve of f oree. on aq-ree?" he asked. "! ^Iiall be punished." .she returned. •vcn as he had .;tond diet ''if lava, had "en >n an overflow. IT v-ith manner, retrained bv ..u' atir.fi: term?, his anger, like working into liquid heat and swelling 1'- \vas a primal nature, veneered public force, but brutal at 444 'I in C'lMonial.-. tlic l^ottoni. an I to a hurt lie knew but a single ansvvcr- n'vcnfjc. II,. l.a.l nieani tu overawe and clH. .lelied-nay. she ihrealened. I'tiry seized ' 'nly one man that had ever bearded him h,.,l fail, ,1 death at in- swur.r> ,,„int. Should he spare a uoman ^ Ihc .SMu- lure ua. n>ore than a mere insuh. It was his .fc--hi.s way n. Hk—or hers; for he saw resolntion in Jier face: he knew the signs of conrage well. I Ir nev.r could ,.ersuade her now; sh, was a,!,^ainst hun forever. I" -..V. luT l.n,th.r she uuuM wait ]nufr. bnt soon or late botheran w.m.M i,e cNposed. .\,„I t!,n, he saw him- self an outcast, compelled to leave hi> cuunlrv, an,l as adventurer, or a soldier in a forei.crn countrv.Hvin- to anexde'send. Xever would he give up' -\"d I-e nn:-t have .Mice! The lava boiled like water as he luoke.l upon Iut beauty. Tlii. was hi. true self lovmi,^ hke a fiend, wnhout respect or knowledge of the' wondenul thing he craved. Strange love! Love de- Mruriive. not pn-,Tvative : tvrannous, not pleadin- crusiuug, not suMa.nmg; l,.ve ivu> wImJ, hale ha-,o-,s knit m him lo^...,her: thev .- Ku,k h,ni. This was not tlio„,;ht: the foreM-.^iu which always had .lirected him. ihe composure which was his greatest strength, were lo-, i„ ,h, rush o, upheaved emotions. \n. ,lii, „-as not thought. InU iu.tinct-the mstmct of the l.nue to strike for ^afety. the impu! lower man to .uiorce his ,ie>ires. JIate and love-the two j,ass,ons which, when linked, have lorn down em- p,res-were thev to pan^e hc-fore ;. girP Thev bent and burned him, they demolished everv I)arrier of self- restrauit. and in a tlood che lava overnowed. Suddenly he turned, took one stride to the door, and closed it. CJIAITI-R VI IN COLD BLOOD Alice faced ilie captain. He was cal and with eyes agleam. J \cn in 1 their strange hglit. ]i wa- -crutiny of that i-aiithrr witli I'rank in the wuO(i> m now, but pale, ler agitation :,iie uuuced cohl, hke the un \s iiikni! uhicli .-he iiad once nic-l when A! ICC lie saw II aw hiiii iiKiiMcn hi> (h'v !■> voice was strained, and si le lii» (-"apt ain Sotluraii." v] and let nic leave il le an.were.l. "pray ^tand a.Mdi Let U' rouni. IIN StaV IKTt lie sanl ''<■■ caiii4iit at tli e 1)1 ■II- s^Tizing at liiin without iiinluT word roi)e and pulled it sironglv, ft was Christine wl i!".in let htT Christine, o came from the kitcl len. Soth- Will in and shut the door hehin-l Ikt. .iiM Ah\v, -.Mr. F.lhry is in his room. you ask him to ^len I (^'hristine turned. " '^t,- p here at oiu Tl !k- I tav," said .^otheran. 10 servant looke.l at him. In her eves Knew he was master of her fate. Dared sh tune. Inn j)Iead to him! was fear; e, some W o is in the kitchen?" he asked. Ann and Tab! o one else? o, sir." " Christine, marrv Tabb? ^aid Sotheran slowlv, " d o ^■ou wirh to MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART ANSI ond ISO TEST CHART No 2 1.0 I.I |Z8 12 [2.2 2.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^ >1PPLIED IhMGE Inc '0^3 tosi M.J>" t'r^fl -- ■.-' \tit, Tork - OJOO - Ph - - ".(MO - c . 44^ '11k- Coluiiials llcipo leaped to Irt eyes. Since llie knowledge of the consequences ui her di>;^race, had she not bec;ged Tabb con>taiuly? 1 [ Is i,_) jjiL-a^e him, affectionaie to soften him, piteous to touch him (ah, iier ineffective arts!;, slie had but learned that hi., nia.^ter swayed him. " Oh, -ir! " >he i4a>ped. " Du not g-u to -Mr. Kllery," he directed. " Return to the kitchen. Tell Tabb not to allow the old woman to answer the bell." The maid looked at Alice, hesitating. " Go," connnanded Sotheran. " You shall marry Tabb." He o])ened the door, and Christine, with drooping head., slipped out. Alice might have screamed, and ]K'rhap.- Mr. Fdlery would have heard her. But she was horrified at the treachery. Sotheran closed the door and locked it. ".Mr. Kllery cannot hear," he saitl. "The shutters are closed: no one can hear from outside. Let us talk." Ihit he cotdd not speak ea-ily, for as he looked at her, nieaning to overlord her, the power of her per- sonality seized him. Her horror passed; she said no word, but with dilating nostrils and haughty head faced him as she would have faced alone that wild beast of the wood. Her eyes demanded his purpose. His throat was clogged: he coughed to clear it: and advancing with an attempt at his customary assurance, offered her a chair. She waved it aside. She was magnificently defiant, and the heart which no one but she had ever touched moved suddenl_\ with its only affection: and to In's surprise something not understood rose up within him. How should he know that emotion' Tt va« reluctance to destroy. He, the pitiless, the calculatinc:-, gave an tmforeseen ansv.'er. "Your promise; only your promise to marrv me." lift rib ut ion 447 11 Igo of the ^x-d Tabb tu suit en ve arts! I, lim. " Return !d wuuian ill marry drooping mcd. and I she was tlie door • shutters us talk." looked at Iier per- .' said no ead faced beast of \r it; and .ssurance, irt which enl} with hing not he know He. the nswer. :v me." I scorn you .-1 slK- said but now, clieckuig ihr ru-h of anger, the strange emotion grew stn^ngi-r; and for the tir- 1 time in his hfe tlie man witlnn him ro.ie, lo wre.-tle with the brute. Never had he done as now; nut once Iiad man or woman made h.im pause, liut it wa> .>iie — -he h.er.-uh' — who now brought him to hi.- knees. '■ AHce," l;e cried, almost wildly, as he cast himself before her. "• think what vou do! Do not force me to n: romise: 1 A strange appeal that was, for her own sake to sav( liim from himself. She realiset ing hands, the passion whici 1. as he held out shak- nd 1 he was restrammjr, a knew that, once released, it would destrov Iter as a tire. llut she did iiot tear. 'Uv ave the imi>uhe to her change of mood, and she answered more gently, as one directs a he adst ronq- cluld; 11 enry, go away Hut your jjromise! lie cried, ^tretchinc; his a rms toward her. Do not touch me!" she screamed, siartincr back. e rose and moved ''. ■■ So." he said, Her cry swept all restraint away. 1 i his shordders as if to cast liis mercv of " you hate me? " He wa~ his wicked self again; the one good impulse of his life had spent its force. There wa< no softness' in him now; and Alice, tldnking rajMdly, asked herself: Tl le door: X( Tl le window " Answer! " he cried, striding toward her. She retreatefl toward the window, keeping her eyes upon his face. She wa« still calm, but his fury was al- most at its outburst, and -he «aw no lidp. A nswer fist. ie reijeated -trik ing tne tabl e wi Ih 1 lis Slie stopped; she would die there where she stood; 44S 'I'hf Culoiii.il; she would make liim jpnn figure, tall, thin, tense for a struggle, alreads was within the room. She er u> obey. He unhooked' the sword and laid th e weapon down, do Pete ';icked it lo one side. " Flubh, do ye?" cried the man. "Do I ^oil the sword- Tis you who most disgrace it. Xow. one word belore you go: Try this again. aii,l 'tis your death." The captain resumed his manner, brushed (hnvn his sleeves, shook out his ruffles. lie stood as if he were alone. Pete laughed. "Ah. but you hear." he said: "else whv work the muscles in your clieek^ So, Captain, try it' not again; for. day or night, wherever the lady goes, there will be ropcmakers within call. At the assenibly, at the church, upon the street, men of mine shall loUo'w her, and wait ■■'*%TI» Kcnibut UJ!1 44y uluTi' she can cry tu ilicm. Tlicy sluill sleep in this huusc — JYaiik IJicry's men. So, you did hear." i'or the captain'^ h-i.-, Juul clenched, i'ele lauffiied. " Go. Ann," lie said. vet can move. i-lrin< >ee u the I lull o\v in llie kiich( n mil here: and iril best be leaving." Ann went tu the dunr. Sotlier she unloci. uhd bookcases. I'ete laughed asrain. had nut Ix.vn (h-ii;rhcd. lie x'.ilh their 1 iiw came we m: aul Av, tell me that! Ann returned, driving befor e iier 'lahb, who, stagger- ing and reeling, pressed his handkerchief to a bloody lorehead, and seemed but just recovered from a daze. 'ete. lie stepped back from the t lU iiuw, aid 'ick up that >w<)rd, \uu frlluw. ■ oIkjw out. captain. " I your master Had there been resi>ted. I'.ut I'et iiity ali^ine could cover tlu of them, walking as if he spurned tlu' place, Sothcran passed to the front door. chance, the captain would still have e wa^ there with readv cudirel: (li ered I'elc out Th-it i. t:) o Thr CuloiiiaL wIkii till' !a>s lun-t iia\'c \vlii.-p(.T(Ml liiiii. TIuTr were \v<)nl>; IVtc- struck him .lown and Inurit'il inc Ik re 'riie tluor was lucked. 'I'o have lorced it would have warned the captain; so — ch!" cried Ann. " I have broken a l)romise, told a secret, and for yon." The little woman's lace worketl. " .\mi. Ann!" cried Alice, "T can never thank vou! ()r you" — and .she turned tn I'ete — "not in all niv life." The man looked down. Ik- had never before been face to face with her, admiring- irum a
  • tance merelv, " 'Twas for .Master l-'rank." he nunnbled. All was for 1-Tank! !^he saw how, even in this dantrer, those who loved Frank had protected her. I'resent or absent, still he saved her. She hiij her face in her hands. CIIAPTKR \II D(jKein:si i;k m;i(,iiTS Captain Manly, ti^^l oIViclt (Jt lln' A mencan navv conunandcT of a link- tkcl who^cnicu wcrtjall oinnus- sioned in tlic am i\' -l.caplur(-'(l,ilK-\- siiouklhc .shut as pirates — Captain Manly, of .Marblehead.tix-jkiicavv toll i)i the ships that were sent to tlie relief of I'.oston. S up plies and >tores. fmxl and drink, puwdcr, .^uns, tlint^ balls, bullets — these he to. .k ami sent to t le eain]) at Canil)ridp-e. That •■•iani mortar which therehe!.- received wiihcheers.andwhich ■'( )Id I'ut" christened the "Con- gress felt the U -thai \va> of .Manlv'-. takin; lut low c never he rebel lleet was tiny, the openini^- of e \e.~seis sent from 1 inanv came sale to jihuuKd and its naauN pr.. paring. Deliind the hill 111 i\(.xl.;u-v nun wrre making gn-at heaps ol fas- cine-, with ehamklitT- to h(/id iheni; u\Te twisting I'undles of hay and faihoni> oi rope; were gathcrin--- h.'irrels to hold (.■arih, and lool> for digging. V>y the river in e'amhridge hoals were huilding. Hut on the -Mall g;itlu-rcd Ti^ry i;(;-ion in all its glorv, a.^ if fur one tiiial tine to preen it-elf and strut in the sun. 1 iiere walked emincillor.- and ju'lges, regi>trars and inspectors, eonmiissioner.s, trea.airers, and officers of the customs. Men of hereditary position were thev, accus- tomed to consider the hi-her offices their own, belong- ing to the charmed circle, wealthy, rehiied, and Ix^mti- fuliy liospitahle. A curi(Mis wtpcr cla-s this was, developed during a century and a half in a Puritan commonwealth, and x) far forgetful of its sternlv demo- cratic ancestry that it had learned to scoff at the men who represented the older .Alassachnsetts virtues. Their prejudice again-t th.e Whigs, rooted in the fear of lost position, fostered by ari>tocratic sc(^rn. and flowering into the sharpest partisanship, had roused an etiual feeling. Vet still safe from an outraged i)eople, the Tory magnates walked on Boston Common, resi^lendent in their Englidi clothes. An.l with them walked, inore glorious yet. their wives and daugliters, while their .'■•on<;. in the livery of the volunteers, paid soldierlv atten- tion to the ladies. The place wa^ theirs; thev felt secure in it; their fathers liad walked there: their grand- chi'dren should hnhl tlie offices th.eir fatliers held, and en Sundays walk upon that ^Tall. .\s for the temporary inconvenience of the siege — well, it was sad that men - •- •-iviuueu, aat lhu:>c wau aci upon aciusions llctiibuiiou 453 1 licir are insane, and the insane must be restrained, by force, ii neces.>ary. This was a purj^ing of the Ijody poHtic, violent but bcn-efKciit, and in llie fnlurc the colony would be ilic gainer. tlio!i.i;ii indi\idual.< must suffer. So thought the .\hn rican Tories — not bad lUen. but good; and not iguurani, i)ut educated. Their words on the rebellion certainly were wi>e. but their wisdom was like a >u- were near her now. She did not fear him; anil he, tantalised and fruilles.dy scheming, knew that she could dei'y him coiiMnnally. How to gain her? How to ])reveiU his own finrd ruin" He could not bear tlie sight r.f her, so I()vely .'in:! admired; and. disengag- ing himself from the tlfong, went to lii^ room in the I)arracks. Tabb was there. " Tabb," the captain said. " I want the room." The man hesitated. " If vou please, sir " '•Well?" '' Christine is very miserable, sir." "Why did she leave her mistress, then?"' "Sir, could ';he (lare to -tav?" " 'Twas her own choice." returned his master. "Well, is there more?" " She says yoti promised I should marry her, sir." said Tabb. Snther.Tn '■-nccred; " .\nd ^•1u would he willing?" Tal)b mo\-ed uneasih 'he's kird of pitiful. 4-M riu: ColoniuU ■"I'ool," >aul liis iiia.^tcr. "The woman's wortlilcss now. Would you lower yourself— give up your free- dom? Come, come, i'ahl). no more nonsense. I can- not have a married servant. Ikrc is a guinea to stop the woman's mouth." That day was the second of March. Tluit night few people slept in I'.oston; for, in the middle evening, from Lcchmerc's Point a mortar spoke, and its ball, rising to tower a moment at its height, fell within the town. From Cobble Hill the signal wa. an>wercters from the coimtry round— three hundre.l drivers with thrir carts and horsc^--had come to Roxbury. I'le commanders. i.„.. were ili.rc; h"ir>t (.ridley. tlie veteran v.ho planned the rcdnuht at ( 'liarlc.town : mxt Thomas, cncTi.'-.nic and resourceful, the man who. ;it tlie first occupation of Roxbury. deceived the F.ritidi with hi. >I(,n(!er force by marching it round and round the hill, and who now harl devi.scd manx of the means lor the present expedition. There wa> Rut"u> Putnam, the man to whom is dxw the credit of inakin- that expe- dition possible, wlio with his carpenters and woodsmen liad prepared tlie material for ilie forts; and there was I'dlery with his cannon, he who had as^'sted Putnam in every step, and who -aw at la>t at hand the Iono--po.t- poned fulfihnem of hi. desire. The moon wa> hriq-in. l-Vom th.e .American line at iloxbury the cannon were tirinir ^it the town. The Pritish scarcely answered I'roin the Xeck. Xone noticed the dark- coluuui of men which. otY to (he left, in full v:ew cro>>ed Dorchester Xeck and mounted the slope of the promontory. .Xo one saw. or heard for the noise. the carts which followed strewinjj the road with hav! and none perceived the steady come and .^o. throughout the nigh*, of the wagons carrying materials to the two 'summits which loomed above the town. Tlip ^lou- hotn. bardment accomplished if- purpose. X'o ?otmds s wei-e 456 I Ik Colonials hcanl iroin Dorclioter, iiu Mi-picion \va^, arou.ed. The troops slept uiulisiiirbcd within their barracks, the sen- tinels dozed upon the lleet. tlic Tories in the town at last found sice;), and heard no meaning in the cannonade. But in the morning I'.oslun wuke, and rul.i)ed aston- ished eyes. On the twin Heights which so long stood bare, were now two strong redoubts. The parapets were high, and across them lowcriMl ihc muzzles of can- non. And still upon the Heights men were working busily, with pick and shovel deepening the ditches which surrounded \hv defences, packing closer the dirt among the fascines, felling iIr. orchard, on the .loi.e to form abattis. and placing barrels of earth, ready to mil tlxMii down upon an attacking force. There was running in the streets of Boston, iluro was knocking at doors, there was shouting from iiei-hhour to neighbour, then was imrried .Ires.ing and crowding to the wliarves. Howe, standing on tlie historic wharf wlurc III,, toa ships had lain, saw on DorcheMer hills ilu- logical se(jiiciK-e of ilic T^a Party, aifl lia-l before him. sunmtari.H'd. I'.oMon's first and "last wonN t., iho king of r.n.o-lntul. i'.m il,r drawing of historic parallels was Hot hi. hciu : lie n,i,M ilii„k of action, for now came a hasty message from tli- admiral, saving that imless the Americans were dislodgetl. the fleet was at tli k.unv that Washington, who had JM>t in>i,ccic.l ilR. .U-iVnces, was satisfied. - Remcni- IHT. the 8:eneral had said, "the Fifth of March." and ' to „Ket Irank-s ehar-es of grape before the bar- rel, were rollcl. and mn.t he- (hscipiin.d i„,leed >t tiny could atta.n the fnrtv yards for wh,ch tho ri,kn„.„ re- -ervrd lliiir tire. •^"d theiv wa. aiiMilKT eu„,l.at i.npr,,,!,,,- When llK- I'.nnM, .I,o„ld la,„l „„ Dorche.t.r, rocket; wer.. ,„ s'gnal l-utna.n in ( arnhrid^^.. Within the river were boat, and har.^.-; r.adv „„ ,],, .iH,r. were fo.,r ihon- sand nu.n-tlu. 1..., drHK-d .., ,i„. ,p.op,_h„r„i„j. with des.re to cross ,Iu. Hack l;av a.-d s„,nn th. „,u„ That was to ho nid.ni a dav of h.^ditin- Th. t,.u„ nn-dn ho destn.yod; th ,l,,.,.r of I.o.h arrnu... wo„l,l cor.ainlv iH-t.sh. Trank oo>dd not ho oa-v a. I,o thon^ht of AhVe i.t.t a:, the day wore on, and hv tho Ca^tlo tho Ilriti^h seenu-d roady to ond)ark a.^ain. tho wn,d which had noon >low,nj, all tl,o day-a hi^h oast wind, driving aoro.s 'lH> dnl hoavon wi.ps a, d ra,^. of olond^, tho'fo.ornn- ners of a ton,,,ost-grew into a .i^alo. The boat, had wallowed their way from Boston to tho Castle, dronch- •"t: tho soldKTs u-ith .prav. A. noo„ the strait !,otween N.-rchostor and ( a-tlo Mand was a mass of whitocaps. •n.d by tho muldle of the afternoon the waves woro hiH, on tho boach. Washington came again to the rodonbt and. standmg bv I-Vank's sido. ga^ed down at the water' A povvorud snrf wa. rnnnmg. Xo boat could live upon tlia.t shoro. Frank saw his chief frown as he turned awav " Mr • lery. saul Washington. " o„r visitors cann'ol come I know not ub.i.di i.-;n ,„,^,.„„ .i . ,, Tho liriti^l 1 remained at tl;o Castle. E vening fell. 45S The Colonials Throngli the night hicw the lurioiis wind; loiulcr grew the poihuling of the surf. The rain came about dark, and wiicn it came it fell in torrents. Men were still 1/Usy; in spite of the rain and darkness the works were growing stronger; and when day came the I'.ritish, couUl they have landed, would have had to climb a slipperv hill against a fortress. There would l>e no tight. Washington's end was gaineil. lie saw, and Howe saw too. All through the sixth the gale continued, but the rebels worketl constantly, antl when at night the wind lessened, the forts were so strong that it would have been madness to attack. On the morning of the seventh they saw from tiic Heights the boats -eturning from the C- tie. What then ' There was but one thing leit. In liostop. it was known that the generals were in counci' at 'he J'rovince Hcuse. People gatnere^i in the streets — \V ..igs with faces grimly anticipative, Tories pale and anxious. The Whigs saw reward for their sufferings; the Tories beheld the ai^proach of an ap- palling catastrojihe. They cijuld not name it lo them- selves; they strove with quivering h'p^ to kee]) up confi- dence. They had little time remaining in which to de- ceive themselves. The door of the i^rovince House opened at last; the officers came out. The admiral tir-t, with head bent down, hurried to his boat; the generals, refusing to an- swer questions, wetit to their (|uarters. Rm die derision was not !(Mig withheld. It was whi-jiered fir-t ; then it was sjioken; then, with voice of de;-i)air, it was cried through the streets. .Men rushed headlong to their homes, to shut themselves from the light of day. Their heaven was shattered; its fragments were failing upon their heads; they saw themselves ruined, their families Retribi t.'on IcstiUite, tlieir h consternation to I onics (iestroj-eci. Th mu th e end of nianv li 'reds of hearts; it 459 at news carried s words tolled nyiivcs;,! meant j.overtv. misery, exile i'or Howe l,ai precious posses- sions, and in haste, whether well or sick, young or old, to pack and go. Each according to his character fought against despair, and sunmioning his energies as he might, fell to his wtablishment>,i)f merchants. min- isters, officials, lawyers, and judges, became w'jrthless in the town that had admired. Miserably the refu- gees began to huddle on board tlie vessels. The night . f i\ 1 . .. -1. to every Retribution aSi On tlie promontory of Dorclic^tcr a hill clo^c ovcr- luin- tiK- town, h >irvidwi\ to Mich a point thai it llankcd tiic Jlritish cniljankincnt on the Xcck, an .seen there, and his batteries opened. All night the cannon roared, from the Americans and r!riti,.h alike. ]t was the sevcrot fire that vet had come; the timid within the town, tlie frightened' women on the fleet, thought their last hour was at hand. P.alls fell cra^hing in the town: the church was struck on r.rattle Street, and a ball struck the V ,rv house, where Thomas Kllery. crouching by the librarv 'hearth; Tudor, anxious for his sister's safety; and P,rush, making the conditions of a bargain, all started at the thud of the impact. Put two who were there— Alice sitting bv the fire, and Sotheran leaning at the mantel— did not move.' Sothcran ha a window. The ceiling ,1 K piaster Kii, and us ihomas LOJ '1 ill- CoioMKlli) Ellcry started i'rigliicncd from his seat, before his eyes a part of tiie wail swung slowly open. A bookcase moved bodily from its position, and sliowed a darl< eavity behind. Il was Tudor wlio stopped Ellcry in his thght. and llru^h who seized a candle. " It will not come again. ye fool! " cried the Tory. " iluy, man. see what's heref Did ye know, Tom?" llin he ^aw that Kllery had not known. Eru^h stcpjied boldly to the --ecret chamber, and held his light within it. "Hey!"" he cried, "a noble hiding-jilace. Cunic lu're, Tom- — .>tair>! Room f(jr a man to live a month! Come and explore." '■ C"omc away, Crean," said Ellery. Tudor was aston- ished; but into Alice's glance came a reminder, and Sothcran, seeing from the corner of his eye, bit his lip. held hi- glance with difficulty a niomeiU Inngi.!, llien looked away. But I'rnsh disappeared. They hear.l him suddenly cry: "Hi, Tom, come here! Tags! Egad, the Ellery plate! And books! " '■ Books! " cried Ellcry: and sprang after him into the chamber. They brought out heavy bags, and laid thh. "Thev have no value. With these, Tom " — and he t niched the bags with his foot — " ye can start again," But Ellery, saying nothing, and glancing furtively at • Mice and her brother, opened a great ledger and laid ll«. tril)u;i()ii 4^3 aiiothcT fijllowcd it, and tlicii ;iiinilicr. :uk! while tlie lianic rose up tiie cliimncy. Jillcry, more and more erect, and more secure, allowed his nervous smile to into a sneer, and caressed with hi> glance the nore rrow ■\r ai his k-et. hags, the hox, and the I Jut Brush, ruhhing liis hands, saw in the discovery i)oth revenge and profit. I'rank Ellcry was well served, and Tom— he sure!— would pay well lor his jjassage. And Sotheran now >av. the tables turned. I.ooking at Alice, he strove to command Iilt eye and e.xpress his triumph, but she would not allow it. knowing that she could not bear it. .' uncle's jjossession. and it' taken to lialil'ax. lost to hVank forever. ■■ Come." said Tiidur coldly at last, disgusted b\ a >>.^ne which he ilid not understrTid. but i,i wliicli he su>- [)ected some dishonesty. "Come. .Mr. ilru^ii, let us complete our bargain. I and my company are ordered to sail on your two sliips, and you advise the 'Eliza- beth ' as the more comfortable for m\- sister?" "Ay," said Rrn^h. " Tlie brigantine has no space for soldiers; they must Sail on the 'Minerva'; but the ■ Eli::abot!i ' l,as the better cabins, and is the easier boat. And we need no soldiers for defence; we shall be with the fleet." " I ar.i doubtful." said Tudor to .Mice. " wdiether you should stay on shore so long. \\'e shall be the verv last to go." I-"or the liglit infantrv anr! grenadiers, as at Concord and IVeed's Mill. Iiad again been detailed for the post of danger. Brush put in a hasty word for himself. He saw^ before liim the opportunity of his life. That evening he had received from Howe — too busv with his his in c I iscriiiiinatelv- -uLioiui a V 464 I'hc Colonials to .snze all properly svluch mi-lit l,o useful to the rehels A slnj. an,l a l.r.^^ani,,,,, l,ad h.ui placed at his di.pu.al. Ihe scope of iirush's commission might be btreiched u> include almost all property of value. Here was a noble chance lor peculation; an, nistead of the i,n-eat transi„,ri.s. Wuh CommissioiuT Hallowell to-ni-hi thirty-seven pe^.plc are pi,-^'in- tos:etlur on the samJ cahm lloor. and there they wait, cooped up ,,,1 board •:nul the army sails. Ihit you are comfortable ashore' and with me " Alice turned her eyes from him. The man spoke truth, but he was odious; she h,,ped for a .piick vovage m such company. The secret passage, still open', re- '"">'i^''l iH-r of hrank; and here she was, about to flee the town, to see him a-ain— when? _ "'i'lu' arrangement smts me," she said, "fomplete It (inicidy, ( itnirge." ••Then understand, .Mr. Mrush," s;:id Tudor. ".My sister and I have the two cabins on the ' [•dizabeth*'— my men anh, .stariini,^ " 1 uantc riglii." said LUcry briskly. ■ T iioiliiiiii- nmrc for iiu lure can be " lint lor me," .-,aid Ih-usli, " there will l)e ■'(T safe carriage of you and all tliat ii ■•li^^abctli. greater pay. caMU'e on the .mi niu-i give nic now- je orge, aid -ilice, turning to the door. " I gonig to my room. Captain Stitia-ra am 1 reti his si>tcr. irn imniediatch-, Uvnr\ n, pray excuse us aid /U(l( ir, f(jllowing 'hi lev .■It lerv S and l;ri!~li I )Uterl\- olheran, coiUemiJt iKirgainun nous of them, e.xultant a.- at the disco\-erv of h>ai lie was careles>ly excused herself. The girl s treasure, frowned as Alice the c dge ]!ut -M ot damrer: walked close to lie had no fear of him. ice, m luT room, sank spirit. \o\\- that thev in her c hair with little cannonade sounded more clear! were upstairs, the n(,ise of the I ear that! said 1 ndo r, standing bv her sidt. It was the ,\orst that th >y had on the morning of the Charlestown battU e\er heard it. except w; T tie like liie continuous ri a louder, near report, now 'lling of thunder wi A niencan cannon. h the steady now boomi sound with ng of r.nt i\n not fear," said Tud ikeh- t o he hit a; or; " the house is not " I do not fear," n eyes to her brother's faci ain, and this side is sheltered. come: flee th W le town. ■^pimded Alice. She raised h Do you see where we hav cr are bomliarded in our homes, and we must I sec." said Tudor gloomily; " I understand it not. "Tt am cxtTiazed; I saui .\iiee. Her brother made 46u 'I'hc C iMuiiial.-, ju!;t HO answer. 1,, a luunicnt .he added: " k punishment." She thonglu he might >tart r,r exclaim. Instead he tiirned to her a sober face. '• Do you think so?"' he askcf , with intere.t certamly, but witlmut astoni>innent Ue are in ih- uron,^'," .be ainwered She nn.Ierstood hi. an.wer. ■ i an, a sohiier " he said • 1 must go now. J will keep vou imorn.ed. \U, you he ready packed." Jie ki.vsod her good night in the morning n was seen that the Ameii,.,,- had not hmshe.i their red. .ubt upon .\ook\s il,!l J>,„t a -•frnnnng ha.l been ma.le, and Jlowe saw that he mu.'t hnrrv. He ordere,! tlie alrea.ly hick.n transport, to '■•'" ^y" tlie harbour. That .by within tiie town there was spikmg of guns brealcing of gun-carriage., and throwmg of ammnnition into the uater. Ibn t^he work con d not be thoroughly .lone; there were bareiv enon-d, soldiers eft to guani the fortifications. l>roper policing and working were no longer po.>ibk>. It was linish's opportuniiv. and ho sei/cl i- He knew the town well : he knew the poorer sort of Torie. -hangers-on afcer ,he smaller offices, men read^ for violence, like him.elf. when fawning faile,l. Fawnin^^ had secured him hi, commi-.M-cn. but wuh violence he meant to execute it. The gang he gathered, about him- gaugers, tide-waiters, and jailers-were readv for what- 'v^r he might prnpo-e. Hi, ve.-els began to fill up ^v.th the rich harvest that he reaped. ^ Tudor snatching o„e evening a quarter-hour in which to see Ahce. saw before a warehouse P.rush-s rascallv crew, provided with axes and crowbars, and with a cart and barrow for conveving their man inlenil^ to take the good.-., Init will gi\e nie no receipt." I5ru>h, halt in licpior, roared liis response: " I am directed to give receipts to owners. 'Ihii man i> no owniT. Where is the owner?" riie goods," cried the man, " are Init silks and woollens I " " "I'is silk and woolleiKs that I want," retor.ed Uru.di. lie signalK-d to his men, and innnedialely against the imgnarded door an axe crashed. The citizen wrung hi^ hands. "C'aptai!!'. t'aptain!" lie cried. Tudor hung his head. " I cannot h.clp \=. lorhuMcn .uulcr ,.ain .„ ,Kaih! - cried Tudor Tis posted in bill.,." ^ ^ "'^^'^• :; There was a I.,1I upon the door." said Sotheran. ^^iid \oii ,hd ,i,.t interiere--" Sotheran shrug^ge.l. " Whv should I - touch hin, II , V, , ' ''■''"■ '■'^■"- ^•'■"''1 "^n I'Hi , uiiiic to linii with a reiiuest o,,',';;" ' ""■"" ■^" ""■ »■•■'"-■ ■•' l--ge;' sai,l ,1,0 !M\' ( 1(1(1, >ir' " crii'il TJ 1 •• -I- , \^li> did you not nian-v Ikt tlien^" .n,...r - i • coul,l„„t<.vcn!jolol!ar!,ar.r ' ^ ^■'•■'^"- ■'-lie Tmlor. ,vi.l, Alice', .it',, "',' '"'""'' <•■•"■'• c«.e"';„e;'r,:;::s:,;x::ri:rr^"^-'""' lU'tributioii tlii'iii tliat at anv tiiiu- 1 aiiiiv , niorc. W n- iiiiL;lit (lcstrci\ lial t 1!1C I 469 r 1 1 1 - 1 1 i^liiiii^lun ^rrw iinpatuiit, acted iiiKc Frutu tiio li K' lims liirv vaw, (jii that la^t n\i;\n, ilie .Uliinnirr ..f laiu.ru^ ,„, Xook's Hill, and hcaril acros:; the wind the blows of picks, so near was tiie jutting knoll. All ni-ht the Dritish fired upon it. i)ut uith.,ut response; the Americans knew the town was theirs. In the mor.iiiic: a small redoubt stood there, well filled with men and crowned with rannnii, which. Dickie I'.l- lery but waited for the wor.l to lire. The .Uience, at the Xcck were at his merov. Well has that been called Washington's notice to qmt. Howe saw that his ,une wa. up, and issued the order for 'mnudiate evacuation. itm 1 ^! cHAj'-ii'k IX Vll.I.AlNV It was early on tl.r M.,,:n,ng oi .ho >cvouicciuli of March that 1 i.dur .cil In hi> servant a note to Alice Uf arc prcimnng to embark. 1 have nmitlcl the iJii:abelh." (,o on board at once." So Alice, while Ann stood by with j\n and grief ...„- tending n. her heart, thrn.t the last articles nu<, her ^ag. and M-nt it to the boat. IKr bo.xes had .lavs a-o been carried ,,n board the ship; ICHerv had hastened before her to the uharf. Alice took a last look at the room, and \u-ii! doun the >tair>. fn the hall were .landing a dozen ,„en-n,,.einak.r. -and betore them was IVte. Manv . ,f tla^ir laces had Srrmvn lann'liar to Ahce i„ il^e ,,,.1 ,|,,,, ,,^.,|,^. ^;,^. I'adseen then, a. they lullowed Ikt ,n tiie ,ircet or h-ul notice.l i!„.,n a, in turn they watched tlie h,,„.e \s she saw them gronped there, thin an.l ra-ged. bnt de- voted ,0 her for Master Frank's sake, she felt a mijh di the essence of It rcprcsciilfd Jini clearly, and showed men love to serve hi ni. force her own 1 with sudden rugged men, to wait lur 1 ongmg to Slay. To give herself to thos >r I ho rest of her life — ll rank, lo repose in his strength IICSS w lere was a picture of happi- Inch, after such dangers, was alluring to h cr, so latigiie.l and lonely. Had ■^he been prunii>ed to IVank. -he i;n\'hi have yielded, lint tho.igh Barbara had Mired In r ,it his love, though his own act claimetl it. he had not •• Thank ion> had i ?pokcn. and it could not be. as- vdii," siic- -aid; and from her tones more tlKin irMiii hrr u,,r,l. they kn.-w iter gratitude. " Thank you, but 1 must go." She felt I'ete seize her hand tears came to her eve: i-Jokcd iipim tlieu- h' agam a nd ki >■; it. and hou-r wh'cl 1 hrough the tilni i.f them she • iH'^t tace>, she saw the ghjoniv 1 was •4( ) near to luT, .•Ib,^ :mi he -aw A nn at her u\v, pinched and sorrowinl the little woman. lie stoii|)ed and kissed ' Jill h(in-e. d-l)V .l-i)v! •• sli aid ami hurried iroin the e knew that at a distance the \V iiicrs were foil low- ing her, but she would not glance behind. She could not inar to sec them again, or to look at tlic dark house. to the wharf. lie and tlic hastened will] F.llery in it. and a ruffianly crew at the oars. ste l>oat was there. She pped 111, and, silting in the stern, drew her hood Uowii (v/er the boats which. 1 .r face. F.l lery cast a nervous glance at from Lonrr Wl with relief the coxswain's ord I Lined with soldiers, were jnidiiiig olY le heard larf and the Soutli liatterv, and 1 er ; On f live wav. )i)ard tl-K icit tiic town. di diip .\1 hi- was the "I'w a king !)rerit!i; -lie had beginning of a new life fur 472 The Colonials r. L„.,and next, an,l a country life, quiet and peace- "1. -.ug nutluT war „.,- n,e„, wuh ,uanv vcar. to ather nl'f ''"^"' '=^-^'^'"- ^^i-' --'M ^ve' on her a her. hale c.tatc and give herself to chantv-nnght i.e find better gratitude than Christine'.s! Tins was an! and hu.er, but she was born to endure, aturcould " ^i:rr '^^ ? '-.^•-- - ^''e town, but "i>t pa>>. tlie (liMant hvr eye caught first, and c., tleiglus. wiK>se forts were dru.ng lu. away. There ^^Sotr^^ne was pulling at her Coa.. She turned and "Roger! '• she cried. - How came vou here^" there were tears in the lad's eves "" T .Ii,».> i ^ro..T.,uru...a. '•in.an:\:fi„divr:;d^:;:j ^-tl^ i'-n, but my uncle met n,e at a corner - ' _W uncle?" asked Alice. She saw Inrush stand- n^Sjy. Is he your uncle.^ Can I do nothing for "^ Nothing." he answered sadlv. "Have couratre." she answer,.,! ■ "t Yo„ u,.!! 1 ans\\(n embarking at the South luittery. In hah' nn h.our the Ia.->t redcoat, the last Tory, would have left the towu. Her bosom rose and fell. In triumph? Was there no other feeling, Barbara? "There goes Anthony Paddock 1" cried her father irom the parlour window. "Anthony!" she cried; and ran out to sav good-bv. She caller! it after him. but she was too late.' Anthonv was walking fa=t. hi. hai at parting. And 1 l)ring .\hce's lareuel!." .^he looked at him again. "Civc her my dearest love." she said. ■• .My latiier would not permit me t*j go tip wi>cr so. I will give her your love. And .e shall meet again." -Meet again? •• 1 iru..t so." t.arbara responded truth- fully. He came a '^tcp nearer; lie widied to speak Ids own good-by. ■• I intend," I;e >ai.I. "that .ve .hall meet again." Why did Harbara trend)!-? Wb.at did ;.he >ce in Ins glance that her own .diould fall i)cfore it? Ilcr colour v/as wonderful. " Do you remember," he ad.cd her. " tliat you to! 1 n'.e to resign? " She ir.urmurrd, " A'es." " I have thought much since then." die heard him say. " Things have changed to me. I—" he he-ilated— "Alice tlu'nks— I think— that wc are in tlic wrong. I shall resign." " Captain Tudor! " she cried, lifting her eyes again— not black now. and flashing, it seemed to him, but eyes of violet brown, warm and melting. She could not ex- press her feeling, but clasped her hands, repeating: " Captain Tudor! " Something took him b^• the throat. " T— T shall come back," he said with difficulty, " v.-hen thi> is over." A^^im lier -lance was on the -ro,ni,l, again her coluur inanLlod freshly. " ^liall I 1h- ui'lcoi.ie?" hr a-kcil. '• \ou— • >l,e iK-an; - vou— " Then >he lonnd cour- ><■ 'til3.1l to see age, and looked luni in the face. " I >hall I vou. lie held his hand for her.; she L^ave it. i , ,- , -i >. .-Mie j;ave 11. Jie rai>etl it lalt-way to In. li,,.. ,]„.„ stoope.i and kis.e.l it. Then he rose angone. >iie ran into' the hon>e. and thoi-h lier lather called lur. .he wu,t np.^tairs to her room, iliere she sat panting, and oh. so .sorrowful' imlor went qnickly to the Ellerv house. He widid ;o make .nre lint Alice h.ad departed: and entering bv Hs open door, for .\nn a. well a. the ropenuaker/ had .^^..ne to watch the emharkation. he ran upstairs to -\hce s room. It was empty: hnt he staved to see if .he I>ad le.t something ,hat .he might need'. He Iooke only one," Sollieran said; "but he shall not get away." The man ajipearcd at the door. It was Tabb, wi'h his musket an ouirements. lie looked ., his ma-ter. and his eye lighted. He liad seen and followed him. yet the glance was of anger. Then he saw Tudor, and began to smile. The smile was strange. " Tabli." said Sotheran, " I t.ild you in go aboard the ship." Tabb planted his mu^ket erect before him. and looked across its nnizzle at his master. " I went for Christine," lie said. He glanced at Tudor. " Tnbb. go! " commanded Sotheran. Tabb did not stir; but he looked at his master aeain. " Site had drowned herself," he said. " It is your doing." Tudor shrank. The statement, so quietlv made, seemed horrible. " Chrininc — what Christine?" he asked. " ^'our sister's luaid." said Tabb. "She?" demanded Ttidor. "What have you to do with her!* " " She loved rne." said Tabb. " I " u lU-nibutiun 477 i Tabb, repealed buiiicran. lie ordercQ me to ruin labb pointed at hi:, l^a^ter. her," lie said. " Tabb! " warned Soiheran. " ile planned for hini:,elf," said Tabb, In^ voice grow- ing' louder, " to ruin " labb!" Sotlieran's voice was cold, and his eye was nickering. " lie planned ti> rnin yonr si>ti-r." cried Tabb. '' One night here he " Tudor, staring with astonished eyes at Tabb, saw at one side the pistol liasli. The report was loud. Tabb, staggering, let •all his nuisket anhoots me for it," he said. " Vou can know it is true. Captain Tudor. Aiid thi^, too, sir: He was the lieutenant who met her in the woods, there beyond Detroit. ! wa.-^ his servant; I fetched the wine. Mr Ell erv know: Ihere was no warning of hih coming death, no blood at his tingers or his lips; there was only the quiet re- strained voice, the paling cheek. 13nt he toppled like an undermined pillar, and tell between the officers, his brass cap rolling to the bed. Across his body they looked at one another. " My God! " gasped Tudor. " You! " He did not a~k for proof. There lay Tabb, hi'^ life the payment for the secret. Aiid there, with sneering lip. confronted him the finished villain, who saw no reason to resume the mask. Sotheran smileu. "Well? "he said. Tudor gazed with a creeping abhorrence. His ' ' r. „ .... •..:ui.,.e.; ..:,g^r.>, twitciiiiig up, and j^tarting eye, showed A7^ Ihf Colonials tl'.c intensity of liis .surprise and UKitliing. Wore micIi tliin.i^s po^siI)Ie? ■■ W liai have you to say?" asked Sotheran. '1 luldv ninenibered Alice; she depended un him. And h\> naiiKT, when ih hr-t surprise hatl pa.-sed, turned hnn rather lu griei than anger. He fell weak at the shock — crushed and not slung l)y the discovery, lie turned to the door. " lienry," lie said, " we shall meet again." Sotheran measured the chstance; lie was the nearer to the door. Tudor should never leave the room alive. '■ .\nd this is your courage! " lie said. lie knew how best, with disdainiul mien, to drive the taunt home. Tudor flush.ed crimson, then compres-ed hi- li])>. "\ou sliall know my courage later," he saitl; and took a second step. Sotheran strode between him and the door, and laid his hand upon his sword. " W iiy IK It ii.)\v'- '■ lie a-ked. T here was such scorn in it, such c:^.lni deri-ion. that Tudor almost forg'it. His hand Hew to iii> hilt—tlien dropped, as he remembere.l Alice. " Vou cannot save Alice," said Sotlierati. "Hraw!" screamed Tudor iuslanily. The blades rasped out, and clashed. That was a butchery scarcely to In^ described, so mean it was and vile. Yet Tudor, weak as he saw at first his hand turned against his friend, fought despe- rately and well. Womided three times in arm and shoulder, scratched in the neck, his forehead dripping blood, again and again he flung himself against the pitiless point whose certainty he knew. The eye be- yond it glinted murderously; not his was the skill to pas? th.-:t ^udv.]. .\vwiding still the body of Tabb and Retribution 479 the nuiskct on liic lioor. lo siiiinble over wliicl death, Tudor \ci Iclt his 1 oil iiuaiu shoulder iiuuib. Sparks ol red danc vg-i «;ro\v weak, lii . wri-t and cd m 111- f\ his t.ad wai, niiijiiiy-, 1,1. 1 jraiii \\a- 1 ruuiul; lie heard tlie clatter u\ 1 dull. he r.joni went and reeliii" airainsl th u\ his bworu upun lac floor e wall, he knew that he stood help- le^s. while Soiheran jjoised his sword in front oi him. S,,' tid Sutlierau '1 It was a voice oi satisfaction, deliberate and cold, udur was sinking where he stood. Sotheran measured him with his eye, chose his sp(jt. and dro\e his sword ihrou'Th the man thai liad K,.vi um Tudor fell sidewa\s, strikin that saw. Sotheran wiped lii> sui^rd U])on liie bed-curtain-, a. id looked at the bleeding man. '■ I sail in your place," Ik- said, •' on the ' i:ii;:abeili.' " He saw the fright: on Tudor's face, the lij). thai .strug- gled tu cry aluiid. Tudor rai.-.ed lum.self Ujiou his elbow, pointing with ilenunciatory hand. TIk- action was a cur-e, but no voice came. As Tudor saw In- euemv turn to the door, a flood of blood rushed from hi- mouth, and In- le!) upon Ids face. Vet he was not dead; for, falling as Sotheran thrust, the sword had missed his heart. But more welcome had been death. Long afterward, it seemed, a voice awakened hini to the torture of his position. He heard Ann, in the hallway, crying with delight. The door of the rooin was shut: he realised that she was at the front window. "They're going," she cried. "The Lord be praised! Ever\- ship, everv Torv, ever" redcoat' Cod be srlori- ^ . . .. ■ • - ° 4«o Tfif* Colonials I julor tricl to speak. 1 1,- could n.v. open In. nioutli. " J ho lait boalload gone! " .rird Ann. "Their sails are spread; lu ver shail iliey rcuirn. Tlie Lord has sinitlcn tlieiii." Tudor Iicard Iier clapping her hands in ecstasy. Again he tried in vain to call. "There goes tlie -Minerva,'" she cried. "There's the ' Elizabetii.'" Tlie •• Fdizaheih-! The hend was burning Tudor. He rai-ed hiin^cil with desperate strength, and, sup- ported on Iiis elbow. wr.Me with bloody finger un a sheet of paper that had fallen beside him. Fre^h blood dripped from his neck upon the floor; he dipped his finger in and continued hi, writing, feverishly, despair- ingly. Then he stopped. Ann was still exclaiming with delight. He tried or.ce more to call; then, as he fell, his forehead struck upon the Hoor. Ann heard. " Land save u^! " ^he criec turning. " What is that- " ciiapti:r X THE BKUi.WTlM: " l.LlZ.W.F.Tn " Tlic British licet sailed dc its l();>.d of despair iwn the harbour, carrvi pair and moriitied priJi ceived a dcipalch frutii tlie iiiiiiist orics behcla t'ncir n he bit his h'p. As the '1 disapi)eaiiiig b-jjiind the islands of As Howe re- ry, comniendin"- l;itn. iliNc town knew they parted from the bi hills surroundinjr tl die harbour, they e-i of life. And from the g the town jubilant thousands watched nam wiih his dctach- iheir departure, wiiile Israel Tut incnt had already entered Doston Sotheran .-.too.l at the rail of the '• Elizabeth," and ley were studying- c-ach otl ler. I'.ru'-h was with him. ^triviii- to read each other's mind-., each wiih an object. -iud each tieedin.^r for its accompliduneut the ulherv' consent. So Cant Jitain Tudor, Jru^h was a-kiuu, " will jo jom us this evening at Xantasket : Sotheran eyed him so steadily that the man's eye fell. The captain saw in Brush the signs of recent dis- sipation ; the fellow had found much liquor in the course of his ..Plundering. Vet there was no abatement of his or.gmal cunning, and Brush, while for ten davs glori- ously exhilarated, had not yet been drunk. He had worked steadily and systematically. _'' You are ordered? " Sotheran asked, •' to rendezvous with the rest in X'anta-ket Roads?" " Ay," aii-w ered li'-u-ii. 4i>.' The C'olonialj i » " Von imist have iiuKh valuable iiK-rcliandiic aboanl." liriisli looked at the cai)taiii, with a .slow and meaning smile, lie had iurir._. ih(.ii-aiul iMiund.-. under liib hatches. His eye gave his answer. ■' 'Ihe boat is svvilt? " asked Sotlieran. " .SIk' i.. good for an ocean voyage ? " An ocean voyage? thought I;^n^h. Tliere were tv.o meanings to ilie ])hrase. '• Ay," he answered. " Swift and seawortiiy. " '■ What means," went on i!ie captain deliberately, '■ have you for defence? " " ]\Iy crew," said I'rush aggressively. " Twenty- three men. armed, and bold blades everv one." '• Ruftians every one," agreed Sotheran. He had been (b.-erving the men ; tliey were the very scraping-, ol the wharve .. It wa;> a large creu- for so small a boat, lie pursued his enciniry. " Vour sailing master," he asked. " Js he under your orders;? " " lie is." a^^wered !'.^u^]l. lie gave again his smile, 'ihe sailing master was as great a rogue as any of the crew. l"or his part Sotheran hai' read the man's cliar- aeter, and was satisfied. "These goods aboard the shij)," he said. " If they were your own, now, and in the proi)er market, tliev woidd make you ricli? " Brush's smile vanished; this was coming close. He looked tl'C otl'.er in ilie eye. "They would be well enough,' ;..• said. "The sMi'gglers on the Cornish coast," said Soth- eran, •• are bold and rlcvcr fellows." He paused: P.rush made no answer. The capiain added : " They ask no questions." Brush was scowling in the captain's face, trving to road his nieaning. '" Sjieak ])lainly," he said roughlv. lu tnburioii The "Elizahctli" IukI opciuil up a passage of wuIlt to tlif left. Sollieran waved his hand to it. '• Vmi were boaslint,r just now." he said, " that you kii,\v the iiarbour Well. What is that jjassage?" " Pulling I'oiut ( ail." " Where leads it.' " " To the open bay." Sothernn still went deliberately toward h\< object. He looked at the other vessels of the tkel. " Wc are almost the last," he said, ••and iho war vessels have taken the other channel." "Ay." said Unoii (piickly. Out of the corner of his eye the capiain measured him. Ik- wa^ unpatitntly nuerestcd. and hi. >ciiwl was lessening; tlie captain's pMrpo.-e seemed to chime with his. ^'•Ifuw long," asked Sotheran, '•will the tlcet He at Nanla>ket ? " " I 'mil the Vvind cliaii.q-e^. IVrhap^ .lav^." "Ilml" -aid the cajitain. Anchored with the fleet, Alici' could obtain aid from the neare>t ves>el so soon as she discovered that her brother was not on board. As f(;r Tiidor'v (iisapiieanmce, .^oihcrau knew iliat no cue could exi)lain it. Hut here, ri-lii here and never \o come again, wa^ hi. best opjKjnunity. He turned and looked P.rusli in tlie eve. " .Steer intr. that pu," lie sai.l. - There i. no one to ?top us. At iii^TJu head to the eastward. Land me upon the Corni.di coa>t. Xo puni..hmcnt will reacli you, and yottr fortune's made." Thev looked each otiier in the eve; Drusli witl; hi^ Unv cunning. Sotheran with that power of mind and v,i!! wliich was so misapplied. Desjierate men they were not. Xo one could put his murders upon Sotheran; Brush w.T s sure ,f liurl, be gained by ])(:ldne.^ oulv, tlie thinir 1 le most desiri t m 484 '1 he Colonials life — for I'.rii^Ii, iiioiR-y ; aiul lor Sotlicnm ilic girl who lay ill Ihc cabin below, her head buried in ilie pillow, liru^h laughed; then turned away and gave his orders to the sailing master. Ellery canie to lirush as the vessel tacked and headed for the gut. " Crcan." he whined. " Where are you going? The fleet is heading on." lirush paid him no atteiuion. ■■ And why," a.sked iLllery, " did you bring liogcr here?" The boy was sitting, dejected, by the iorema.->l. r.ut Brush would only smile. The boy meant money to him. Solheran. leaning at the rail, saw Ellery go unsatis- fied away. The boat entered the gut; the lleet sailed on, aiuI the captain nodded to himself. This time he was hure. While a ragged ropemaker, desperately running, was carrying a piece of bloody paper from Boston to the lines at Ruxbury, ihe captain ca^t a sneering smile at tile town behind. He ^aw no way in whicli fate could overtake him. It was the middle of the afternoon beuire Alice came un d. !, ;;. The • Klizabeili," tacking about Xaliaut Hay, had been constantly making as though she would rejoin the fleet by the outside course around the i'.rewsters, yet hail as constantly edged away toward the nortlieast. Alice, looking about her, saw the vessrl alone, almost in the open bay. while beyond the light-house were the sails of the fleet. She glanced at the men on deck; at the bow were the crew, deeply interested in the move- ments of the boat, half comprehending them, and more than hall wilHng that their suspicions should prove cor- rect. The sailing master and P.rush, with a .seaman, were at the wheel. Thomas Ellery was at the iiuarter. Then she saw Sotheran. -riicni iOj:gvr .-;5c iooKcu aroUiivi i^v iicr lU'tribtition 48; brother. Then she reah^ed that he was not there. She Iiau forgoitcM him in h(^r oiIkt thoughts, but had he been on board he would have come to Iior cabin before ri'Mv. Ho was not on the " Ehzabetli," and a sudden fear ofiprcssed her. Rut she went directly to Sotheran. and looked at him commandingly as he rcmovcf! his hnt. " Where is my brother?" she enquired. " T met him in the street," he responded. " before we kit tiie town. He told me that he had been rcfiuired to attend the general, and begged me to sail with you as far as Xaula>ket. There he would join us." " Where is Xantasket ? " " There," and he jioiiued. " with the fleet." Her eyes did uot leave his face. " Why arc wc not going there? " "We are heading ilitrc," Iir ;in-.\vcr>,d. It was true: the ]u>v: ,.t ihr brigantiue was that nio- nicut pointed toward .\;niia-kct as siic tacked against the easterly breeze. Hut Alice di.l nd I,oIieve. She gnvc the capiaiii one searching glance ; he met it coldly. ^! bin. looking again along the deck, she .saw Roger. I lie realisation of her position was greater than all other feelings. She felt no anger, no fear, but thinking quickly, she beckone.l to the boy. He rose to follow- she went again to the companionway. and sought her cabin. The brig.-'ntine tacko.l ou. edging further an,l further from tlic tlcct. Hcyond tlu' P.rewsters Sotheran saw the ^nils of the many vessels, some already being furled as they arrived at the anohonigc. The aficrnoon wore on. the breeze held good, and the captain, as he quietly watched, -^aw his p].in succeeding. An hour and a half to dusk; then, as Bru.^h advised, th 'iCv cuuld head boldli 4S6 TIic Colonials along- the coa.>t, and al dawn could slrikc out to the eastward, toward Eiif^lami. lie saw I'.rush oonnnrr (juickly, with a troubled face. ■■ Slie has locked her.-cli' and the boy, >ir, witliiii the cabiii." Sothcran smiled. " 1 do not care," he said. The voyage would la-t lor weeks. •' lUit Roger," said Ihu^h. " had a knife. He forced the steward to give them food— biscuits, wine, and water. J Ic found a pistol, and they're well provisioned." Do\.ii in the cabin Roger was examining the pistol. " It is well i^rimed," he >aid. " The Hint is good. If he gets in you can shoot him." -Mice shook her head. She would not risk a third deliverance. " Xo," she said, •• if he gets in, the bullet is for me." Roger showed his own weapon, the knife. " Rut this," he said, his sharp eyes bright. " is for him. W'.iit till I strike." Sothcran dismissed Ilni-h wiiii a careless nod. ■' We will leave them overnight," he .-aid. - 1 will get the boy out in the morning." And still he lounged by the rail, iriumphant, as the Sim went <]'<\vn. Tlie future was brighter than the few gleams along th.e sky. Alice would be his; his way of life he could retain. Carried to England by a mutinous crew— so his story would be— the voyage would cement liis attaclnrcnt lo .Mice I'ortunate indeed. ever_\- one would remark, that he should be there lo defend her f.-om the sailors, since her brother had been killed in Boston by the ropemakers. Alice being left alone in the world. vlic v.onid n-arry him as a matter of course. Rut along the mad to Lynn was thundering a horse- man, pale, eager, shaking the reins upon his horse's neck and Laning forward in the saddle. He had plunged Rctribuiion 487 clown tlie hill of Dorcliesler; he had coursed througli Roxbury, lirookline, and Cambridge; he iiad crossed Charlcstown Common witliin gunshot of the entrench- ments on LUmker'-s Hill; and swimming the .Mystic River at Penny i-erry. iiad ni>iied to Winnissimetand taken the coastwise road. Folk scattered before his furi- ous Sliced, and crying to know if the town nxre entered, kufw that ihoy were not heard. lie passed through Chelsea: he sped on. and .seeing before him the long salt marshes, knew that his horse could carry him to Lynn. It was I'rank ICllery. Burning his mind were the words of Tudor's bloody note: he heard them through the wind that whistled in his ears. " Sotheran has killed me. Alice on the brigantine • Elizabeth ' is alone with hnn and at his mercy. Avenge us both." He was flying to avenge them. He bore in his breast .1 note from Washington to Captain Aianlv. who, on his schooner in Lynn harbour, was waiting orders from iicadquarters. J-rank had outstripped the messengers who went before Iiim. for he rode the best steed in the army, W'asiiington's own. And that evening he, on board the warlike fisherman, sailed past Xahant out of the harbour of Lvmi. The breeze was dying; slowly through the night 'the vessel crept out into the broad bay. Through the watches I-rank stood by the rail or paced the deck ; at dawr. his eyes were scanning the water. Captain .Manly— manly indce.l!— came to Frank vbcn the !--ght of day was full. "Young man." he said. " go b.'low and sleep." " I am strong enough," answered Frank. " for that which f came to do." " Hcvv can L" asked the cnpt,-r,i, -pick out one ves- sel from their fleet? I must take the stragglers only." Frank groaned. " I kUU'v he said I ;now. 488 Tlic Colonials '• The breeze is slight," said Manly. " They will not leave their anchorage to-day. We c.nnot go too near."' Frank turned away. " I know," he groaned again. "Sail ho!"' came from the masthead. " Where ? " cried Frank. " Where ? " "Where away?" asked ^^hinly. " South by east. Hriganline." " A brigantine ! " cried Frank. " My God ! " " South by east I " ordered Manly to the helmsman. He looked at the young man near him, trembling with his ardour. Then he took the helm himself. In half an hour they saw her clearly, not three miles away, a little brigantine. But the wind had died; the schooner lay rolling, ilapping her useless sails. Manly gave the helm to a seaman, and went again to Frank. Frank turned to him. " It nnist be she," he said hoarsely. It was the "' Elizabeth "; the calm had stopped her flight. And Sotheran, not pleased at the chance which left him within masthead siglit of the tleet, was making up his mind. Day or night, lie should not be balked and the time was now. He beckoned Brush. " Have you tried to get the boy out ? " " He will not come." Sotheran looked at him fixedly. " Are you with me in this matter? " " I am," said Brush. " Then come with me. Tell ynur men, all but Ellcrv and the captain, to keep ;iway from the stern of the ship." There might be cries and screams, but he was deter- mined. Waiting until Brush had given the order, Soth- eran led the wav to the cabin. Kctribution 4-^9 But on the little sehooncr, IVank. trembling like a dog at sight of its quarry, bc>onght Manly. " Boats, boats ! ^' he begged. ' . .vill go in one. We ean take her." " Cajnain Ellery." responded Manly, " yonder comes the fog. Tn five minutes we shall not see the brigantine. Our boats could neither rc;i.;h her nor return. We must trust to luck, or God, to drift the two t( •'ether." CHAPTER XI PUNISHMENT 1 Roger crouched listening by the cabin door. Alice, willi the pistol ready in her lap, sal by the open port- hole. " They have been gone a long tii.ie," whispered Roger. " Perhaps they are coining back." Alice smiled wearily. Soon or late th \v would re- turn, no longer with persuasions or threats, but with force. Roger was stanch and would not flinch, i>ut they could overj)ower him. Yet she could save his life, at least. " Roger," she said, " if they are gone, you c.'.n slip out." lie turned on her with startled eyes. "And you?" " I shall die, whatever happens," she answered. "' It is to save your life." " To save my life? " he cried reproachfully. " Could I ever face Master l->ank again? Xo! " He left the door and came to her. " And T love you," he said shvlv. " Then stay," she said. " I think they will spare \ou." She took his hand. " They may come again at anv minute. God bless you, Roger! " He answered with tears, and went again to the door. Sitting quietly, looking out upon the fog, Alice began to take farewell of life. So short a life and so dreary, with such glimpses of happiness, and such an end! She, born for a bone of Uctribi;;ii)n 491 coptont.on. knew far loo ,„uch of violence and death Iler uc ha.l repeated itself. There in the uoo<]s uith I rank hou- hke ,t had been in the hnt. waiting tlic d Pr '^ .IT""' '° '"■•^ ^"^^^'"•^^•' ''^^'-^ ^-'--» and brush slioidd conie again ! And she heard at that^ n.onient their steps on the door' .. vT\;'T,r""'" "'"^^'^''"^^ ^'^e- -^ '''^^ door. And .Mr. hllery is v.ith them " She recognised the whimper of Frank's uncle " I tdl^,. you nru.t not/' he wa. protesting. '• l' can- was ^n"!!!' "tJ' ''"' ^^^'^^'■^^'^ ^^-^' voice, and Ellerv as sdcnt. The steps stopped at her door; she heard the rustle of their clothes, and then a knock ivoger. said Brush briskly from outside. " Roli. " Ay," answered Roger. " Let him tell me what my mother was like." lie heard Sotheran again order Tlllciw to sjieak. *■ Why — " began Eilo'-y. not cheerfully. " She was tall, and liad a limp, with a mole un her cheek." .Mice saw surprise on Roger's face. The description was correct. " Come now ," said Kil-. ry. " Von see it's true. Come out; I'll treat you well. Von shall have money, and plenty of clothes. Come, and — I'll — I'll send for your mother from Xew Vork, and we will live together." lirush gasped at the otYcr. The intention was good ; F.llery was doing his l)e^t. P.nt from his station Roger laughed. " My ni(jilier I " he cried. " She's Ix'eii dead the-H- tive ycar> ! " fn ihe jKissageway thi' father ;ind the uncle looked at cacli other. Mi-^erly resentment was on EUery's face. r.rnsli began to grin. " And you've made me pay for her sujiport," cried Ellery. "all thi--. wliile!" "To him, man," urged T'ru^h. "To liim. ul it m.ade no rliffercnce to his dtity. It merely obliged liim the more to serve ?^laster Frank. He was so long silent tliat at la=t the others gave him up. "Enough!" said Sotheran. Ilis palit-nce wns ex- hnu-^ted. " Mr. Ellery. you may gi' nu deck. Bru^h. !r!'.'n Tue .t li.'it'.'lirt. Retribution 493 I Kugcr heard whisjx'rings : •Their weapons!'" anil the rejoiiKlcr : '• In sucii Imnds ! " laicry scrambled up the companionway ; Bniidi's heavier step went toward tlic steward'^ paniry. The buy turnetl lo Alice. " rresenlly," he t-aid. They were n.ng.y with him now; they would probably kill him. His face seemed thinner than ever bef(>re; the eyes were larj^cr. lUit he spoke steadily. " 1 am ready,'" responded Alice. She felt as when she had said those words before, in the burning ca!;in in ilie woods. Life was oppressive, far too bitter. Death would be ease. With the same calnmess she faced the end, and cocked the pistol. She heard the returning stcjjs of llrush, and looking out the porthole, gave one sigh for the world which others found so happy. She started. What was that shape, mysterious in the fog? A schooner? There were two masts. What were those low objects gliding toward the ship. She saw moving oars, I)ut heard no sound; there were many heads in the darting whaleboats, and bristling weapons. Silently was coming the attack. Then -he heard Sotlieran's voice beyond the door, v'ow Roger, one last incisive and determined, chance." " Roger," she v.-iiispered loudly. " Look ! " The boy s{)rang to Iter side, and saw. Hold him in talk- ! " -he .lireeted. " Captain I " cried the readv b(.v. " One word " " Well ? " What should Roger say? There came to his mind the hope of a long-planned revenge, when he slK^iid re- veal the things that he had done against liis trvant. This was the time. " Do you remember," lie a.ked, ■' the l«tter that you 494 'I'lu- Colonials were to send the {^overncjr, the iiip;hl you rode to Lex- ington? " Tlierc was no answer Beyond the door Sotlieran was glaring angrily. He un lerstood at once. '■ 1 was not drunk iliat night," said Roger. " You never saw me drunk, Cai)tain. I was always listening. I burned that letter." He heard the captain's breath ; it was quicker, and the buy huuled to himself. lie luuked at Alice; she ges- tured him to proceed. ■■ Do you ronienibei-," he asked again, " the time .Mr. Ellery came to your room, and ai^reed with \uu to lind Master I'rank's pai)ers ? 1 listened at the door. I tuld his nephews." lie listened again: it would have i)ai(l him a hundred- fold if lie could have seen Sotheran's face. " I luld .Ma.-ler I-'rank," he went on, " of the time you went to Dorchester and took measurements. He wrote Doctor Warren." " Roger," said Sotheran, " come nearer to the door." Tlie voice was tense; its accents spoke blood-hunger. Roger shrewdly shook his head and slipped into the bunk. Crawling toward the door, he spoke again. "I made Tabb drunk." he >:\u\. - Uc told me the secret— that yoti v ere that officer in the woods. I lold ^listress .Mice." "Nearer! .\carer!" repeated Sotheran. ' to ' " Roger looked at .Mice. With I'.uocr nii>ed nun, she was still watching. She heard lii;u pau-e, and turned to him. " More ! " she said. " :More ! " " Captain," said Roger, crawling along the l)uiik, and speaking with his head close to tlu- door— he knew the deiuon of revenge that he was conjuring' " Captain, do you remember that night when you were i'; "Me iibrarv: K(r ribution 495 It was I tliat told iho i-(>i)cmakcrs, and sent iVtc then hand Sotheran ground his teeth. lie Iwld hi> pistol in I us and was ponitin- ii win rc he supposed the boy to I'ur (iod's sake! " sta mniered Brush. Hut he dared not interfere, lest the frij^hiiul ra<;e should be turned on uni. A single moment!" whispered Alice to the bov, Capt am. said Roger, " will this i)av Sotheran lired. Right in Roger's face the sp! flew as I .11 punters But tlie ca]5tain heard him laugl " -Missed! " cried the boy. " ]!y (]ijd!" cried Sother " Give nic the hatchet ! " crashed downward through the panel. ;in. whirling upon Uru.-h. He snatched it. and struck ou'. in r upon the door. With- koger rai-ed his knife, and kneeling in the biuik pre- pared to strike. And Alice rose from her seat 1 pistol ready. lUu ler TI she was li-tening for other sou n. lire came tra.n ,pl nitr un the decl heavy feet, and the sound of si shouted, there were screams of t tling burst. There lots. error, all i the pounding of ^oud voices n one star- Mv Ciodl was a heavv fall directlv overhead. cried l!ru>li, " \\hnt'.> that; He started v,ith alarm, turniu"- toward ionwav. As he look the h'srht he cnnipan- was ol)=cure and the sailing master shouted : " Brush ! Captain ! Briva- teers ! For God's sake, help ! " Then lie v.-as gone, i'ru-li. turning to the captain, saw Iiim with his hand already on his sword. As Brush stooped to seize the fallen hatchet, Sotheran leaped past him, and drawing h\< weap(Mi, rushed up on deck. The deck was a mass of fighters: but ih e issi'.e was determined. Struggling at the bulwarks, at bay against 496 1 he Colonial:: ilie ina>t«>, the crew ui tlie "' Ehzahcth " were going down one by one. Surprised and weaponless, but ask- ing no quarter, like the wharf-rats that they were they fought with hands ami teetli. or with capstan-bar and belaying-pin met pistol, pike, and cutlass. The odds W' 'c .strong against tlieni; keen, hardy tishernKii were meeting waterside brawlers, rigiiteous anger was against ruffianly courage, and discipline was pitted against disorder. In the midst of the fight, Captain Manly was directing his men, not one of whom had fallen; and oi the crew of the "Elizabeth" half were already dying. Then Sutlu ran vindicated hi. ;i>lc to the .sword. lie sprang into the fight, and the first t!iat turned against him fell. Another drew back iiis pike t.) dan it against the captain's breast, but the sword, like a snake, thrust instantly. Blood .spurted to the hilt; the man cried choking, and reeled back; his lungs were pierced. .\ third man, running with a cutlass, saw but could not stop the I)lade th.at cut his thread of life. Into the figiit pressed Sotheran's resplendent figure. The sun, piercing the fog, lighted his regimentals, and amid the dingy groups of fighters he gleamed heroic. Above !iis head death tlapped her dusky wings, and with liglnning sword he dealt her messages. A rebel, ig- norant of his cony""ig, was crying " Surrender! " to the last struggiers of the " Elizabeth." Sotheran pierced his back, and he fell upon his face. Then Manly stw, ;in(| while here and there on the deck the Tories were throwing down their arms, he beckoned to the nearest of his men and sent them against the Englishman. Two sailors, with pike and cutlass, met hiin from either side. Dut .he pike was whirled aside, the cutlass slipped along a parrying Retribution 497 sword, and willi two quiLk muvciiients llu- men were slam, Sotlioran pressed on at the rebel commander. Manly prepared to meet iiim; but from ail sides his men— .since tiie last of the " Kiizabeth's " crew had yielded— sprang to the rescue. They closed in upon the captain like dogs upon an elk, and lor one brief half minute they swarmed around Iiim. Hut jostling, they checked each other, and in their midst the bloodv blade, turned now this way and now that, plaved havoc with them, it stopped a pike, and laid its owner dead. It sent a cutlass Hying, and tlirust its wielder througli. I-rom side to side tlie captain fronted, and at eacii turn ended a life. lor him it was a carnival of furv; they shrank- before his (lashing eye more than from his'sword, and quickly, like the elk with swinging horns, he cleared a ring about him. He stood with ready weapon: he cried to Maniv, the only one he saw who ^vas distinguished by a uniform: " Come here, you rebel dog! " The circle contracted: the men were rcadv to protect tlieir commander. I!ut a voice from the' side cried: " Hold, he is mine! " And there stood FJlcry— Cod! Ellery! A cold clutch, a hand of ice. was hk\ upon the captain's heart. Was there magic in the man, that he should fiv so far, and there, upon the sea, confront Iiim^ He stood with weapon lowered, while Frank, raising his haiui aloft, spoke to the ring of seamen. " This man is mine," he said. " Let no one dare to touch him." Then Sofheran recovered. TTo lnr,ked arottnd upon the .Americans, and motioned them back. " Give room." he said. He turned to Frank. " So vou, like Tudor, want vour turn'" 498 '1 III- Colonials Ellery was shaking, went overboard la-i He spoke willi purpose, to enrage h'\> foe. And 1-rank tlashetl anger at liini. Sotlieran saw it. "That old man in the wood.-.," lie said; "he is cred- ited to my score, 1 think." " Roger," .said the captain, ' night." " On guard! " cried Frank. The captain rai^ed his sword and prepared to take position. He looked ahunt him. The i admiration. JM-ank jxirried uhi!) ijio puint was at his throat. H» drew away. " ("ince more," he said. 'I'he positions were comi^letcly ciianged. 1-Vank was sclf-pos.sessed. Sotlieran was furious. The Englishman called every device to his aid. and rushed u])un the Whig. He might as well Iiave tried to pierce a wall. The slightly tnoving blade caught and turned aside his fierc- est thrusts, his hottest lunges. Yet without pau.-e Sotheran pressed liis adversary. Springing, stooping, shiitmg his puMiiun, iic sought a ^core of ways to find Hcrrihurion 499 (it ail opening. He circled his scarcJv ;i rhance for return. Vet tlierc were openings, lie >a\v hi> adversary, with calm face, twice prei)are to strike — tiieii wait. A tiiird tiiiir. Rage was exhausting the cajitain; he leil tiiat hi^ \\ri>t. wrenched repeateiUy by i-'rank's iron arm. was growing weaker, ills Iireath was .-.jiun — suddenly, as he watclied the steady face, the pliantum of doul)t swept before liim, and iii:, jx^int wavered. That instant I-rank struck. Sothrr;iii ^aw t!ic I)riL;nl blade dart at him. A strange, dull pain siiot tlirongh him from breast to back, and tiiere. close within his guard, was the hated face, fluslied a httle, the eyes looking into his. The hand was at Sotheran's viry I)r(.a^t. He heard an "Ah!" deep and horror-laden, from the circle of seamen. And tlnti I'rank sprang away. Tln' captain saw the blafle again, red from hilt to ])oint. Th.-it strange pain had again passed through him. and now, benumbed and cl;illcd, he stood without movement, staring witli dull eyes and open mouth upon his rival. Frank stood at a little distance, waiting. Sothoran under'^tnod. For a single moment rage came back, and with it >;rcngth. He started forward io strike. Frank did not move. Then Sotheran's legs failed him: hi-; -word dropped: he fell on his knees. then forward on hi- hands. Still glaring at his foe. his <"ves fearfully wide, he lowered himself slowly sidewavs till he rested on his hip. Then his head fell. Supporting liiin>(,'lf on Iii> hands he waited. TTis eyes studied for a while the pl.-'.nkine; his virion was bounded by a circle of men's feet. There was silence, -,oo '1 lu; Coloni.ili ^ t t m which he iouiul hini;-ch' h^iciiini,'- to his o'..ii laboured brcathin;;. Tiicii a >ail ilapprd apj!t, ai .1 the hri,,;amitir ^i^'ave a little motion. He icll ilie re.->poiise in Ins sinking body; tlrcnt;lh was ebbing away from him, his arms were not i;r;ii. A >trange change was going on within him, he wa> slipping a\\a\' iroin lumseli. Suddenly iii.^ head v,a> near llie planks, which became lluijded uiih red. Looking at ii, he winked, tr} ing lo clear lii.. eve.^. ilis own blood! I'ride, power, will— wliere were they? What w-as i!d^? lie was growing cold. Was ilii.. di'alh:^ \\"a. he dy ig — alone; Wir, liis last elTort he rai>ed his head — only a little — ami sa'v through chv.ided eyes a ring of nun. 'I he\ were watching him die. (iodi .\t t' • word hor- ror sei;:ed him. Wdiat was(;od' I'uni^-hmeiit! Those arouml watched hi> irightird shudder. Tlien lie died. ******* It is terrible lo take the vengeance of flod upon one's self. I'rank, turning awa\- from the body of his enemy, did not hear, as he wiped his sword, tlie praises showered on Iiim. He sheathed the weapon and pushed out of ihe ring. Manly, comir.g toward him, saw the expression on the young man's face, and stood away. Frank went toward the storn of the "Elizabeth." There by the shrouds stood i',ru-h.. At the quarter rail cowered his uncle. I'.nlo ;md feveri-h. T'llery tremlded as he -aw I-Vank. Th.e monev, the -ilver, the jewel-, now were lost again! P.ut Frank saw nei'her of the ircn, FTc stepped to the companionway and went down. The light was less tlu're. He peered at the shut doors. \\'r,ich was .Alice's^ There was one with a iiole in tlie jianel. a gash upon t!ie frame. He struck upon it quickly. Retribution 501 Op W en: !k) is it?" cried a voice inside. Roircr," answered !• rank. .'la alive! Jt is Master I'rank nl< (iod you arc He hoard ilie inarticiilaie cry of joy. Tlie bol e door opened. Tlu-re tied, ilie kvv lurr.ed. lii J I rat- wa? Koger, his face aglow, and thc-re— lik.- an image of tlie ^'irgin. framed with light from the ponliole 'behind- stood Alice! gently ujion the hov 1 1 I- rani; L-ud a ham conid .-av no v.ord. 1:, i.a-:.t(l ilir lai, narrow cabin held ont hi> arni^ to hi. love. \\ uh eyes of light, with lip? aqniver. siie met iiim, and with liappi- nc.s unspeakable gave herself to his embrace. ' he;iii, |)tit iind in the CllAl'Ti-:R Xil TlIK FAITH FUL CFrV The :-icgc' of ]'io.-toii was tini-licd; t!ii_- W'lii^'-s came again into tlu'ir own. In .talc, on :hc '-cound day, the army cnt-.Tcd the luwn, and old .Mr. .Savage entertained at his board the conunander who, ir-jni tliat daw stood acknowledged the greatest oi Americans. 'I'he i'.riiisii i^cet, getting at lat tlie wind th.-y de-ired. >ailed for rlalifax, and more besi n'ltle ^'lUadr'Mi. I'.p.t witli the sailing of Jloue virtnally endetl the lir_->l struggle of the i.nig war. I'or the o').-iinate king sent !n's men again into the held, har from Hoston, r.ow in'])r(.gnalile, liie same armies n'.et o:i other gri)nnd. and Wa; liington continned to wage the noMct -,var in InMorv. 'ilie successes he achieved— t'le ultimate failure that wa^ Ihnvc's lot — are written in a thmisand hooks. And the other actors at iloston. for good or ill, played the parts as their liearts enah'ed them. One onlv of the llriti^h genen-^ls returned to Boston. l''in-g.)yne. the lovahh" and luckie-.. walked a prisoner iin-(.ngli her ...reet-. lie was not forgofen th-^re. Some one in the crowd, as he pas>ed tlie Old Soiuh Olinrch, reminderl h.im that he had n^ed it as a riding- ka'l: and from the roof of a -lied, p^-rched where she ciiuld -ee. an old woman cried out shrilly. ■■ (iive way! " .-he cried. " Cive wav! Give the c^en- Ilctrii)ut!()M 5^3 cral elbow-room! " And Uiiri^oyiK' lliiMU'd at the rccol- loction oi his boa>t. The <_)!(! \v<)i;!an \va> Ann, who h've(K and happily, hr- . ■■ ' '■•'■ '■'•'1 '^1 '1'^ \>cii. .--lie ii\i_,i lo luiiii Vduni,'' *'.[- 1<-T_v> in hvr arni., and to know thai the old name wonld not die out. Slie .si\v Ru-er an educated man. and a leader in ini.-i;ie-~.-. ; _\et :die never wonl.l acknowled-c- complete hai>pine.-s, >ince Ma.ter Diekie remained \i ^-oldicr. and would not mai'r'.-. lint thons^di >he would not admit it. >he was happv. And no.ton, while the town had much to repair, and stdl was called, n;)on to Ixar it- jiart o! the l.nrd.en ol the war. kiiew contenlntent also; for w.-ir never came there ayain. Ihit alar in Kn-land, or in the wihK of nn.ctilcd Lanada. those Tories who had loft Iloston lived nnhappy lives. Some -rew prosperous a- lin. I.m the wei-lit of exile pre--ed on them all. and many died l)elore their natural time. Anthony iV.ddock died— nnliai^pv .\nthonv, who went with hi- la'her to hhi-land. lie was ad^ed'to enlist in •'•^' ;"]":•■• '"•• '-^"luse,!. •• I diall n-ver s.an 1 in arms ai^am, ■ he said. " a-ain-l Dickie hdlerw" •^" '■'''^''■■'' l'"!-^' i" 'li^ prcsrnee of the C(,wardlcc of the re!)els. " Tliey are not cowards," s.aid Anthony sadly. " Voii shall apolo-i.e. or eKe meet me." The next morninq- he received the otiicer's hnllet. It was not a serioiis wonnd; the t in sight of their hirthplace tile two prepared to niet'i death, what con-olation eould tiiey take in tin- re!ro^peet oi their lives? And I'rean i'>rush, after long imprisoinrent escaping, lived onlv to the last recourse of a (le-])erale man. I'm in r.oston Ahce lived in the I'.llery hon-e, waiting the end of the war. when Frank shn ' ! never leave her again. .And while the English people — hut not the Eng- lidi king — learned their lesson from their kinsmen across the .sea, in .\nierica the new republic uas ri.-ing up. I w H n'i