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 V ^"S "
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN
 
 
 
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 GOVERNOR S 
 Garden 
 
 A Relation of Some Paflages in the Life of @ 
 
 j?o% i?gt 
 
 @, His Excellency Thomas Hutchinjbn, fometime ^ 
 Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of $ 
 
 Majeflys Province of MaJJachuJetts Bay. 
 
 ^** ** 
 
 @ - @ 
 
 | BY GEORGE R. R. RIVERS | 
 
 f 
 S 
 
 Publilhed at ^^0, in 7V<?w England, 
 
 ^ by Little, Brown, and Company, in the ^ 
 
 Year of Or Lord MDCCCXCVIII
 
 Copyright, 1896, by G. R. R. Rivers 
 
 PS 
 Z7I8
 
 To 
 
 THE DEAR MISTRESS OF 
 THE GARDEN
 
 TO THE READER. 
 
 HAVING fpent moft of my Life on the Ejlate in 
 Milton once owned by Governor Hutchinfon, 
 and during my Childhood having been told its 
 Hiftory and Traditions, I have always promifed myfelf 
 that at fame time I would write a Story in which thefcenes 
 I have known fo long fhould have a central place. This lit 
 tle Book is the fulfilment of this Promife, and perhaps there 
 will be thofe who will read it on account of old AJfociations, 
 if not for the Story. 
 
 The Hi/tor tea I Portions are, I believe, in accordance with 
 Facts. I think I have given to Mr. Hutchinfon his true 
 Character, although even to-day there are thofe who have 
 not found it out. There were Tories as fencer e as were the 
 Patriots, and the characters I have introduced to repre- 
 fent the Former are but examples of the many honeft, con- 
 fcientious Perfons who gave up home and friends, becaufe 
 they would not abandon their Convictions. 
 There is a Tradition that there was, at fame remote time, 
 a Subterranean Pajfage leading from the Governor s House 
 to the Neponfet River. I never jaw it, but perhaps I may 
 be excufed for believing what was told me when I was a 
 Boy. I only hope that my Readers will have the fame confid 
 ing Truft, and believe all I tell them. 
 I have received moft valuable Ajjijiance from the various 
 works I have confulted, but my greateft thanks go out to 
 my beloved Aunt, who for more than half a century has 
 known the dear old Place, its Garden, and its Traditions. 
 The Silhouettes, I mujl add in fairnefs to the Reader, are 
 mojlly imaginary, and were the diverjion offorne idle Mo 
 ments. I offer my Work for what it is worth, trufting that 
 there will be thofe found to whom it will be a pleafure to 
 pafs an hour in the Governor 1 s Garden. 
 
 GEORGE R. R. RIVERS.
 
 The 
 GOVERNOR S GARDEN 
 
 T / which the Reader is in- 
 1. traduced to the Hoft of the 
 White Cock Tavern and to fame other Perfons of import 
 ance in this Hijtory. 
 
 ON NEW YEAR S EVE, 1773, Caleb 
 White, the keeper of the White Cock 
 Tavern, was busying himself in getting 
 his rooms in readiness for such guests 
 as might arrive during the evening, some of them 
 to spend the time in conversing upon matters then 
 uppermost in all minds, others to warm themselves 
 by the broad open fireplace, upon whose iron dogs 
 the oak logs blazed cheerily. The night was clear 
 and cold, and the ground covered with snow, so 
 that no doubt many would take advantage of the 
 comforts offered by the inn during the next few 
 hours. 
 
 In the middle of the hall stood a large oak table, 
 upon which White had placed a bowl filled with 
 steaming punch. Around this he was arranging va 
 rious dishes with which to tempt the hungry. The 
 room looked cheerful, the long mirror opposite 
 the fireplace reflecting its brightness, making it 
 seem double its size. He glanced about him and 
 appeared satisfied, and after lighting the candles, 
 and consulting the tall clock in the corner, he 
 [i] knocked
 
 2 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 knocked at the door of one of the small rooms 
 and was admitted. 
 
 The tavern was a long, low, wooden building, of 
 one and a half stories. Its architecture was that of 
 the early part of the eighteenth century, which 
 we may call colonial, although our idea of a colo 
 nial house has become somewhat vague since mod 
 ern architects have attempted to reproduce it. It 
 stood near the highway, leaving only enough space 
 for two tall elms, whose spreading boughs com 
 pletely overshadowed it. In front was a narrow 
 piazza, whose overhanging roof was supported 
 by six pillars. The entrance was in the middle 
 of the house towards the road, and led directly 
 into the hall which was used as reception, dining, 
 and tap-room. On one side of this was a room re 
 served for private guests, which was also some 
 times used for secret meetings and committees. 
 The remainder of the house was divided into 
 sleeping-rooms, kitchen, and other household de 
 partments, and the stable in the rear was ample 
 for the accommodation of such equipages as sought 
 its shelter. It was situated at some distance from 
 the Province House, in the direction of Roxbury, 
 and anyone standing upon its roof could see the 
 summit of the Great Blue Hill; Boston Harbour^ 
 with its islands and castle; and Nantasket Roads. 
 The keeper of the tavern Caleb White, was of 
 Puritan stock, and a thorough-going patriot. He 
 was of medium height, stout, with a round, cheer 
 ful face, and very popular with those who visited 
 his inn. He had served under Pepperell at the siege 
 of Louisburg^ and had been mentioned for brav 
 ery,
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 3 
 
 ery, and at the end of the French War had come 
 to Boston to seek his fortune. For several years he 
 worked at his trade, that of a carpenter, but final 
 ly, in 1765, after the death of his father, he sold 
 the farm he had inherited, and invested in the inn 
 in which he now took so much pride. He was one 
 of the founders of the Sons of Liberty, and had 
 taken part in that memorable demonstration on 
 August 1 4th, 1 765, when the effigy of Oliver , the 
 stamp officer, was carried through the streets of 
 Boston, and finally burned before his house. But 
 to his credit be it said that he had had no hand 
 in the sacking of Hutchinsons house a fortnight 
 later, and had done all in his power to prevent it. 
 For though an ardent patriot, he would only ad 
 vocate violence as a last resort; and this was the 
 temper of all sound thinkers at that time. So 
 when he came into possession of the White Cock 
 Tavern, the Sons of Liberty and those in sympathy 
 with them, flocked to it, and it became one of 
 their many headquarters. 
 
 When he entered the side room he found seated 
 at the table three young men engaged in earnest 
 conversation. They had arrived early, and were 
 given this room where they could talk without 
 interruption. There was little danger of it, but 
 in those days when the King s spies were on the 
 watch, some caution was deemed necessary. Be 
 fore Caleb White, however, there was no restraint, 
 and they continued without reserve. 
 Charles Doddridge, the oldest of the three, was 
 about six-and-twenty years of age, tall and fair, 
 with a look of determination and eagerness in his 
 
 large
 
 4 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 large blue eyes. A Boston boy, he had entered his 
 father s counting-house at an early age. He had 
 seen the latter s fortune disappear, and his health 
 break down, until finally he died. For he had fore 
 seen that the ties which bound the Colonies to the 
 mother country would soon be burst asunder, and 
 this, together with his decaying fortune, and fail 
 ing health, had broken his heart. The son had 
 joined the Sons of Liberty^ his heart filled with bit 
 terness, and his mind with the thought of punish 
 ing his country s enslavers. 
 He was leaning on the table, shading his eyes 
 from the candle with his hand, looking from one 
 of his companions to the other and speaking in 
 an animated voice. Resting his gaze upon the eld 
 er, he said, "So the Governor refuses to comply 
 with Mr. Adams s request. He has then learned 
 no lessons, and imagines that we are to be trod 
 den under foot forever. It seems to me that the 
 time has come to rid ourselves of this King s pup 
 pet, and if his master does not recall him, we must 
 take matters into our own hands and turn him off. 
 One thing or the other must happen before long." 
 "Drive him away, I say," said the younger of his 
 companions. " Make the place unbearable for him. 
 They talk of sending Gage to do the dirty work 
 which the Governor dare not do himself; to shoot 
 our men and insult our women. If we get rid of 
 the master, the hireling can be more easily han 
 dled." 
 
 "Your idea is an excellent one," answered Dod- 
 dridge. "But as the coward has betaken himself to 
 his country house in Milton to escape justice, it 
 
 will
 
 His Excellency 
 THOMAS HUTCHINSON
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 5 
 
 will take more time and trouble to reach him. The 
 snow is deep, and the road wearisome for those 
 who go afoot instead of with a coach and six. It 
 can be done, though. It might frighten him into 
 submission were we to appear before his Milton 
 house in those Mohawk suits which did such good 
 service a few days ago. What is your opinion, 
 Whittemore? Would you join us in such an en 
 terprise?" 
 
 The man addressed was a strong contrast to Dod- 
 dridge. Although younger than his friend by two 
 years, he seemed older, being much more reserved, 
 and of maturer mind. He had been listening to 
 his two friends without interrupting them, but 
 when questioned he answered slowly, with a 
 thoughtful look in his deep-set black eyes. "I 
 am sure we have suffered enough, friends, and 
 should have redress, and I wish with all my heart 
 that something might be done to lighten our bur 
 dens. But are we striking at the root when we at 
 tack the Governor? Is he doing his own will or 
 that of the government he represents? Is he to 
 blame for the laws he is obliged to enforce? It 
 seems to me that it would be wiser to leave these 
 matters to older heads than ours: those who have 
 done so much already will be sure to do the right 
 thing at the right time, and will condemn any 
 violence or ill-judged action. Our turn will come 
 to strike sooner or later. In the meanwhile let us 
 be patient. It is reported that General Gage is to 
 supersede the Governor, and perhaps this will be 
 a change for the better. At any rate, it can t be 
 much worse, so let us wait before we undertake 
 anything more." 
 
 Doddridge
 
 6 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Doddridge had not expected this answer, for he 
 had counted on his friend s support. Whittemore 
 was a Son of Liberty, and had often been outspo 
 ken against the doings of government. But he was 
 a patriot, not a fanatic. He saw, as did older men, 
 that acts of violence would only harm the end for 
 which they were striving, and that it was folly to 
 attack an innocent man who was only doing what 
 seemed to him a duty. Doddridge was wise enough 
 to see that it was useless to attempt to argue with 
 him, for he evidently meant what he said. So when 
 Whittemore had finished speaking he replied, "Per 
 haps you are right. What can we do? Doesn t this 
 man deserve to be made an example of? Howev 
 er, let us wait a little while longer, and if we are 
 patient he ll get his deserts. But I do feel that 
 we ve a right to punish him." So saying he took 
 a draught from his mug of cider and leaned back 
 in his chair. 
 
 Caleb White had listened silently to the conversa 
 tion, but as their superior in the Sons of Liberty, 
 he said, "Mr. Whittemore is right. I have seen 
 most of the troubles of this century, and no good 
 has ever come to us from hasty, unbalanced ac 
 tion. It is better to wait. But what you have just 
 been saying reminds me of a conversation I over 
 heard here a few nights ago. All the guests had 
 gone, and I was about to close the tavern for the 
 night, when a sleigh drove up, and there was a 
 knock at the door. I opened it, and two men well 
 wrapped up came in and asked for hot spirits. 
 While I was serving them they talked together 
 in a low voice, and as they were about to leave, 
 
 one
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 7 
 
 one of them, a very dark man, who looked like 
 a Spaniard, said in an audible voice, and with a 
 slight accent, The thing you suggest can be eas 
 ily done. My brother and I have done as much 
 before, and we are not afraid to undertake it. He 
 is waiting for us at the place I spoke of, at the 
 foot of the Great Blue Hill. We will go there first, 
 and then I ll find the others. The Governor is in 
 Milton, to remain some days, and will not suspect: 
 our intentions. They then left, taking the road 
 in the direction of Milton. I gave the matter lit 
 tle thought at the time, but since hearing what 
 you have said it has struck me that perhaps these 
 men had something the same idea as Mr. Dod- 
 dridge" 
 
 "Probably some smuggler planning how he can 
 deliver his goods," said Whittemore with a smile. 
 "But if they have any intention of scaring the 
 Governor, it will save Charles the trouble, and he 
 will be content without mixing us all up in it." 
 Saying this he and his companion bade them good 
 night, and left the tavern. Soon after Doddridge 
 left also, and walked towards his home. 
 As he moved briskly along with his cloak wrapped 
 about him to keep offthe piercing northeast wind, 
 his mind was in an unsettled state, for the land 
 lord s story had made a great impression on him. 
 He knew that he could in no way get help from 
 his two friends, so he made up his mind to look 
 in another direction for assistance, and his thoughts 
 turned towards the strangers whom Caleb White 
 had mentioned, and he determined to go the next 
 morning to the Great Blue Hill. 
 
 It
 
 8 Th e GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 It was still early when he opened the garden gate 
 leading to his mother s house, and he knew by the 
 lights in the window that his mother and sister 
 were awaiting his return. As he lifted the latch he 
 heard their voices, and for a moment he forgot his 
 schemes, for he was deeply attached to them. Mrs. 
 Doddridgewas well known to the Sons and Daugh 
 ters of Liberty. She was tall, and of fair complex 
 ion, with large blue eyes, whose expression was 
 often hard. Her mouth showed determination, 
 even temper, but her whole face could change in 
 an instant for those she loved or wished to please. 
 Still young, being not more than seven-and-forty, 
 her step was light and elastic, and her graceful 
 carriage made her appear even younger. When, at 
 the age of eighteen, she wedded Amos Doddridge, 
 she had been deemed one of the most comely maid 
 ens in the town, and her marriage had caused many 
 an aching heart. She had been very happy, as well 
 she might have been, for a truer, kinder husband 
 none could have had. He was six years her senior, 
 and in their early married life had every prospect 
 of amassing an ample fortune, but when he died 
 had left little, save the house in which his widow 
 and children lived, and a loved memory. This 
 house was not far from Trinity Church, being on 
 the other side of B ishop s Alley, and had been built 
 to please his wife, who wished for more ample 
 grounds than they had around their old home near 
 Garden Court Street. 
 
 As Charles entered the room his mother was speak- 
 ing to a handsome girl of eighteen. Unlike her 
 brother, Dorothy Doddridge was dark, and her man 
 ner
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 9 
 
 ner reserved. Though a girl, and several years his 
 junior, events had made a great impression on her; 
 and she well understood their position and the 
 causes which had brought them to it. But she felt, 
 as her father had done, that they must remain loyal 
 to the King, and that nothing would be gained 
 by violence. Her mother believed that it was this 
 King s laws that had ruined her husband s health 
 and fortune, and the luxury and ease of those she 
 considered the minions of the Crown exasperat 
 ed her and made her bitter. She thought Dorothy 
 should agree to all this, and was speaking of it 
 when her son appeared and greeted them both. 
 "I am glad you have come," she said, her expres 
 sion changing to a loving smile. "Where have you 
 been this evening ? At some gathering of our faith 
 ful friends, I ll warrant, and giving them good 
 advice, as you always do. What do they say to-day? 
 Has Thomas Hutchinson heeded the warning and 
 decided to remove the troops,or is he still obsti 
 nate? It is sad that one who promised so much 
 should fail us now. What a grief it would have 
 been to your father. But you need not answer! I 
 see by your expression that he has again refused. 
 I expected as much, for he lacks that courage 
 which makes the patriot, and he serves the pow 
 erful tyrant rather than the weak people." She 
 looked towards Dorothy as she spoke, as if to im 
 press her. 
 
 The latter turned her head sadly towards her broth 
 er, as he answered, " You are right, dear mother. 
 He has again refused. It is hopeless to expect any 
 thing from him, and we must look elsewhere. We 
 
 cannot
 
 io The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 cannot and will not submit longer. To-morrow is 
 the New Year, and may God grant us a change 
 with its coming. But you are both weary and must 
 not sit up longer. I have work to do to-night, and 
 in the morning I must go out before you rise, so 
 good-night, and God bless you both." 
 "Sleep well," answered his mother, "and may you 
 have courage in the time of need." So saying, she 
 and her daughter passed through the large hall, 
 and up the broad stairway, leaving Doddridge to 
 plan his journey to the Great Blue Hill. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 TT InwhichMr.Jaqutthgoes 
 
 1 1 . 
 
 the Great B/ue HilL 
 
 1 
 
 Great Blue Hill, known to the early 
 settlers as Massawachusett^ rises about 
 eleven miles to the south-east of Bos 
 ton. One hundred and twenty years ago 
 it seemed much the same to those seeing it from 
 afar that it does to us to-day. But one who then 
 stood upon its summit could not anticipate the 
 changes in its surroundings which have since tak 
 en place. Now one climbs it by a broad road, and 
 the view that spreads itself below him, over the 
 wide expanse of Massachusetts Bay to the east, 
 toward Weymouth and Plymouth on the south, 
 Mount Wachusett to the west, by Middlesex and 
 Essex to the north, and back again to the shores 
 of Cape Ann, is a view filled with the busy life of 
 modern civilization. There are stretches of mead 
 ows and fertile fields, sprinkled with towns alive 
 with buzzing factories; the gaps between dotted 
 with farms and threaded with white roads and 
 shining railways, with here and there a winding 
 river spanned by bridges, from whose banks rise 
 lofty buildings with smoking chimneys, and on 
 whose waters float many a craft of toil and pleas 
 ure; on the bay the many lighthouses and the 
 ever-moving panorama of vessels; and around the 
 harbour the warehouses, wharves and docks of a 
 great maritime city. There are great changes since 
 the date of our story. Then, to be sure, there 
 were towns and farms, and Boston Harbour was 
 [n] full
 
 12 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 full of ships, but the country was in a state of 
 transition, and the virgin forests about the Great 
 Blue Hill still held remnants of that race whose 
 existence was soon to be a legend. 
 On the morning of December 26th, 1 773, a sleigh 
 containing two men muffled in furs, turned the 
 base of the hill and stopped by the banks of a 
 little lake. It was early, and the sun was just be 
 ginning to look over the shoulder of the hill, 
 causing the snow and ice on the tree-tops to spar 
 kle in its rays like a necklace about the pure white 
 throat of a maiden. As the sleigh stopped the 
 elder man said with a peculiar accent: 
 "We are near the place now. It s on the other side 
 of the lake, and he ll be there soon." 
 "I am glad of that," answered his companion 
 quickly, "for I am near frozen with this frosty 
 morning air. I trust we shall not be long in com 
 ing to an understanding." 
 
 The other made no answer, but started on in the 
 direction of the lake, which was a little below 
 them to the east. Driving over the snow nearly 
 to its edge, he went down a narrow path on to 
 its frozen surface, and crossed to the other side. 
 Lake Hoosic Whisick was a small sheet of water, 
 and at the time of the Revolution had been little 
 disturbed by white settlers, though there were a 
 few who had built their houses within a short dis 
 tance of it. But it was a comparatively isolated 
 spot, and its southern side, to which the two men 
 had driven, was wild and unbroken. Densely wood 
 ed, this was in some places difficult to reach from 
 the lake, for many rocks projected from the shore. 
 
 The
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 13 
 
 The driver knew the place well, however, and 
 found no trouble in making a landing where the 
 shore was flat and there was an opening between 
 the overhanging pines. He went on a few rods 
 and then alighted from the sleigh, requesting his 
 companion to do the same, and led the horse 
 still further into the forest, until they reached an 
 open space. Here he fastened the animal to a sap 
 ling and conducted his fellow-traveller to a shel 
 tered spot, where they spread their furs and seated 
 themselves, to await the arrival of the person they 
 had come to meet. 
 
 The elder of the two, a man of about five-and- 
 forty, was dark, and might when muffled in his 
 furs and in an uncertain light, have been mistak 
 en for a Spaniard. But in the winter sunlight it 
 was easy to discern the straight hair and the cop 
 per-colored complexion of an Indian. His dress 
 was that of a sailor, and when he spoke it was 
 in good English, though with an accent. His 
 face was heavy and disagreeable, with penetrating 
 hawk-like eyes, looking out from beneath scowl 
 ing brows. He wore gold earrings, and his hands 
 showed that they were no strangers to the hal 
 liards and mainbrace. 
 
 His companion was a young man, of slight fig 
 ure, with flaxen hair and blue eyes, and with that 
 set of jaw which indicates a strong will and a bad 
 temper. It was evident from his drawn brows that 
 his mind was weighed down by some affair of im 
 portance and difficulty, and he rose every now 
 and then and walked up and down impatiently. 
 At last stopping before the other he said irrita 
 bly,
 
 14 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 bly, "Isn t he coming soon? I have promised you 
 fifty pounds, if you succeed in getting the tea 
 safely landed. Isn t that sufficient inducement for 
 haste? The brig should be near land by now, and 
 every moment is precious, and here we wait, 
 wasting time. What do you intend doing? Tell 
 me now." 
 
 Fixing him with his sharp eyes, the other an 
 swered coolly, "In the first place, Mr. Jaquith, I 
 intend that you shall pay me the fifty pounds 
 here, and further swear that you ll not allow us 
 to be known in the matter should it fail. After 
 you ve done that you ll learn our plans, and we ll 
 do our best to satisfy you. Here he comes, so 
 you ll not have to wait long for information." 
 When Jaquith looked up he saw a tall, wild-look 
 ing Indian approaching them. He scanned both 
 the men, and going up to his brother asked in 
 words the white man did not understand, "What 
 brings you to this lonely place, when you can have 
 all the comforts of the town? Have you some 
 undertaking in which this young gentleman is 
 interested? If so, let me know it, and I will aid 
 you if there is good profit in it." 
 "You have guessed right," answered the other. 
 " Now are you ready to pay us? " he said, address 
 ing Jaquith in English. The latter answered by 
 taking a bag from beneath his cloak and handing 
 it to the speaker. 
 
 "I will count it later," said the Indian, placing 
 it behind him. "The weight seems good, and that 
 is sufficient now. I ll tell you my plan, and my 
 brother will thus learn what we are to do. You 
 
 say
 
 T he GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 15 
 
 say the vessel consigned to you is due in a few 
 days, and has orders to cast anchor off Nantasket 
 Roads until nightfall, and at a given signal the 
 tea is to be sent in boats to the mouth of the 
 Neponset River. Our duty is to get it and the rest 
 of her cargo to land, and finally into your posses 
 sion without the knowledge of the authorities. I 
 believe that is what you require of us. But remem 
 ber that it is a perilous task, and," he added with 
 a cunning smile, "if it fails we had no part in it." 
 "That s agreed," answered Jaquith impatiently, 
 "but your plan, your plan. Time passes, and it 
 must be settled." 
 
 "It is this," answered the Indian. "After dark, 
 when the boats arrive, my brother and I will be, 
 with some others, at the bend in the river, near 
 the Governor s land in Milton. We ll then carry 
 the goods to a place of security we know of, from 
 whence you can take them when you see a favora 
 ble opportunity. Does this please you ? It will be 
 necessary to divert the attention of the Governor 
 and sentries, but you leave that to us, and I prom 
 ise you it shall be well done." 
 " Twill do well enough if it succeeds," answered 
 Jaquith. "I do not know what methods you in 
 tend to employ, nor on the whole do I care so long 
 as the result is satisfactory. Does your brother 
 agree?" 
 
 The Indian answered with a nod. "Very well, 
 then," he continued, "I ll leave you to arrange 
 matters, and I ll return to town to get the news. 
 You have horses and can ride there. But remem 
 ber that I ve paid you, and do your best." 
 
 The
 
 1 6 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 The Indian made no answer, but pouring the 
 money out of the bag began counting it careful 
 ly. Jaquith returned to the sleigh, and was soon 
 slowly making his way out of the woods, across 
 the lake, and on towards Boston. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 the Jieps of Mr. Jaquith. 
 
 TTT ^ n w kich we find Mr. 
 111. Doddridge following in 
 
 1 
 
 sun rose fair on New Tear s Day, 
 1774. It was just light as Charles 
 Doddridge descended to the dining 
 room where he found breakfast ready 
 for him, and a few minutes later, having put a 
 flask of wine into his pocket, he went to the sta 
 ble and saddled and bridled his horse. 
 The morning breeze cooled his head as he rode 
 along New bury Street, and he found himself won 
 dering if his was not a foolish errand; if Whitte- 
 more was not right ; and if it would not be more 
 reasonable to leave the matter to others, and let 
 things take their natural course. Nevertheless he 
 rode on over Orange Street, and out of the town, 
 by the old fortifications and across the Neck, un 
 til the blue crest of Massawachusett came in full 
 view. Then all his old feelings returned, and he 
 headed his horse in that direction. 
 He had finally reached the base of the hill, and 
 was about to turn into a path which showed signs 
 of recent travel, when he heard a voice among the 
 trees. Turning in its direction, he saw an Indian 
 boy standing with his head thrown back, and 
 looking towards the crest of the hill. He had a 
 proud look on his dark face, mingled with a cer 
 tain sadness, and his black eyes were flashing as 
 he kept them fixed on the sight before him. From 
 where he stood he could see the mass of oaks and 
 pines reaching to the summit of the hill, and be 
 yond the bright blue winter sky, broken here and 
 [17] there
 
 i8 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 there by ribbons of white cloud. He had in one 
 hand a bow; in the other a rabbit he had shot. 
 As he stood he swayed his body gracefully from 
 side to side, keeping measure with a song, or 
 rather chant, learned from his father, who had 
 been taught it by his father s father. This is what 
 the song said: 
 
 Majfawachufett, mountain fair, 
 The blue hued mantle Around thy breaft 
 Protects the wild fox in his lair, 
 Gives Jhelter to the eagle s neft. 
 
 About thy feet the waters clear 
 RefleSt thy image in their deeps, 
 Upon whofe furface without fear 
 In peaceful reft the wild duck jleeps. 
 
 Thy fpirit from its granite home 
 Has viewed the ages gone before, 
 Will know the ages yet to come 
 When our proud race Jhall live no more. 
 
 And when our wigwam s swept away, 
 Our tribe s laft warrior* s fought his fight, 
 Thy fpirit will recall the day 
 On which thy children firft f aw light. 
 
 When all was peace, and joy, and life, 
 When hunter s call, when young brave s Jhout 
 Rang through the for eft in that ft rife 
 That put the Tarratines to rout. 
 
 Maffawachufett, Great Blue Hill, 
 In thy fond care our pajt we leave, 
 That when we fall, thou standing still 
 In lafting web our tale may weave. 
 
 Doddridge remained quietly seated in his saddle 
 until the last strain of the boy s song had died 
 away, and then rode towards him. It occurred to 
 
 him
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 19 
 
 him that this lad might give him the information 
 he sought, or else diredt him to someone who 
 could do so. He called to him. The boy turned 
 and Doddridge, seeing that he had an intelligent 
 face, and a friendly demeanor, said to him: "Can 
 you tell me, my lad, whether a sleigh containing 
 two men, one of them of very dark complexion, 
 has passed this way within the last few days? I 
 want to find them." The lad answered slowly, and 
 in a sweet voice, "I don t know, sir. I ll ask my 
 father. He s in there," he added, pointing to the 
 forest. Doddridge held out a shining shilling, 
 and said, "Lead me to him, will you? I would 
 like to speak with him." The boy took the silver 
 with a smile, and ran towards the woods, followed 
 by Doddridge. 
 
 The Massawachusett tribe had generally been 
 friendly to the whites, and those of them remain 
 ing at the latter part of the last century were for 
 the most part harmless. So Doddridge feared lit 
 tle danger, and kept on after the boy without 
 hesitation. Turning to the left the youth led him 
 through the woods by a well-trodden path. The 
 boughs were heavily laden with snow and ice, and 
 in some places he was obliged to bend low over 
 the horse s neck to avoid being lashed by them. 
 After going a few rods the trail widened, making 
 the passage less difficult. They began to ascend, 
 and in the course of a few minutes reached a 
 species of plateau on the southern side of the 
 hill. Stopping to rest his horse, Doddridge looked 
 about him. Before him, to his left, and behind 
 him, was a dense forest of pine, oak, and hem 
 lock.
 
 2O The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 lock. Casting his eyes to the right, however, a 
 sight greeted him which filled him with admira 
 tion. At his right was a steep descent between 
 the trees, broadening as it reached the base of the 
 hill, and forming a ravine, which, with its pro 
 jecting, moss-covered boulders, was evidently the 
 forsaken bed of some mountain torrent that had 
 torn its way to the waters of Lake Hoosic W hi sick. 
 Below him was the frozen Jake separating the 
 hill from the forest, which was broken here and 
 there by open spaces filled in with little villages 
 that showed signs of life and industry in strange 
 contrast with their surroundings; near the forest 
 was the meadow with its tiny stream flowing 
 slowly toward the north to meet the river further 
 on; and beyond all this the forest again, backed 
 by the rolling hills along the south-western ho 
 rizon. 
 
 Even now comparatively few see this landscape 
 in winter, and a century and a quarter ago the 
 ride was rarely undertaken. But on this day, al 
 though the snow was deep it had not so blocked 
 the ways that a sure-footed horse, well guided, 
 could not follow them. 
 
 As Doddridge looked around he thought that this 
 was but a small part of that beautiful land upon 
 which his forefathers had planted that tree which 
 an unworthy King was hewing down with the 
 sharp-edged tools of unjust legislation. His heart 
 revolted at the thought, and his determination 
 to dull one of these tools, and to make it useless 
 in the hands of the destroyer, became stronger 
 within him, and he motioned to the boy to has 
 ten on. 
 
 They
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 21 
 
 They again passed under the snow-clad shade of 
 the forest, and in a few moments found them 
 selves in the centre of another flat space, which, 
 unlike the first, was shut in and overshadowed by 
 the trees. Before them was a low hut, built in a 
 primitive manner of old timbers and boards, with 
 here and there a hewn log. It was one of the re 
 sults of the civilizing influence of the Europeans, 
 and intended to be a copy of a white man s house. 
 Under a shed were two shaggy horses; and two 
 or three dark-faced, black-eyed little mortals 
 were wading about in the snow, stopping a mo 
 ment to stare, with a look of stolid indifference, 
 at the stranger as he rode up. The Indian boy 
 gave a peculiar call, and his father, the brother 
 of Jaquittis Indian, appeared. He met Doddridge 
 with a look far from reassuring, in which some 
 curiosity was, however, apparent in spite of the 
 sullen ugliness of his expression. 
 As he approached nearer, Doddridge dropped from 
 the saddle, giving the bridle to the boy, and said, 
 "A few nights ago a man stopped at the White 
 Cock Tavern. He said that he was going to the 
 Great Blue Hill to seek his brother. I have ridden 
 here in search of that man. Do you know where 
 I can find him?" " Maybe," answered the Indian, 
 "but it will be some trouble, and perhaps you ll 
 let me know what you want of him." 
 " I am a Son of Liberty" answered Doddridge bold 
 ly, "and I want him to help me punish the man 
 who is causing our ruin. Find him for me, and 
 you shall be well rewarded." The Indian looked 
 at him with his piercing eyes, and answered, "And 
 
 how s
 
 22 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 how s he to know that you are not one of the 
 King s spies? It is dangerous to trust anyone in 
 these days. Give me some token to take to him, 
 and then if I find him he may be willing to speak 
 with you." 
 
 "Take him this," said Doddridge, handing him 
 a little token of his order, "and tell him it s the 
 son of Mr. Amos Doddridge who wants to speak 
 to him." 
 
 "That s enough," the Indian replied, "and what 
 may he expect if he consents to do your work?" 
 "Tell him I ll pay him well," said Doddridge," and 
 ask him to meet me at the White Cock Tavern to 
 morrow evening, at seven o clock. If he gives the 
 token to the keeper he ll be admitted." 
 So saying he jumped into the saddle, and descend 
 ed the hill on his way home. 
 It was now after noon, and the sun would be low 
 when he reached Boston. He had had nothing to 
 sustain him since his departure, having avoided 
 all the inns on his way, so he was glad to head 
 towards home. He was uncertain what to expect 
 from his excursion, but knowing that an Indian 
 would do much when stimulated by promise of 
 reward, he decided to go to the Tavern on the 
 morrow, and trust to good fortune. 
 When he arrived at Summer Street, the sun was 
 setting red in the west, and above and around it 
 were those fluffy clouds, which in a New England 
 winter foretell a storm. Looking out over the har 
 bour he could see on the eastern horizon a long, 
 low, grey bank, and he knew that the morrow 
 would bring snow, and probably a north-east gale. 
 
 He
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 23 
 
 He rode into the stable, and having cared for his 
 horse, went into the house to seek some refresh 
 ment. Then retiring to his room, he was soon 
 asleep. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 HowMr.Doddridgeand 
 . Mr. Jaquith joined their 
 forces^ and acquired an Ally. 
 
 AS Doddridge had foreseen, the tempest 
 broke forth in the night in all its fury. 
 No land in the world has more severe 
 north-east storms than New England 
 in January, and this was one of the very worst. 
 The trees snapped, chimneys toppled, and the 
 shipping ready to sail hugged the harbour, better 
 favoured than those vessels that were struggling 
 up the bay in search of its shelter, many of which 
 were destined to leave their broken ribs along the 
 shore. The brig Dreadnau?ht t more fortunate than 
 many, had come about before the gale struck, and 
 gained the open sea again, where with head up to 
 the wind she braved its fury. She had made a fair 
 voyage until that night, and the master had 
 thought a day or two before that he should pass 
 up the Roads in due time. Still he reasoned that 
 there might be an advantage in bad weather, as 
 it would be necessary for him to avoid notice as 
 much as possible. He therefore decided to take 
 some risk, and in the afternoon, with the storm 
 still raging, turned his brig s head toward shore, 
 and set sail. Soon finding, however, that the dan 
 ger was too great, he put about again, and sought 
 the open sea. 
 
 The Dreadnaught had proved to many a priva 
 teer that she cared not for wind and weather, 
 and could show them her stern. So her command 
 er felt secure in facing the perils of the coast. She 
 [24] now
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 25 
 
 now came from Havana, laden with merchandise 
 consigned to Ezra Jaquith, of Boston, her cargo 
 being ostensibly fruits and tobacco. But hidden 
 away were a number of chests of tea, on which 
 her owner expected to make a handsome profit, 
 should he be able to land them safely and dispose 
 of them secretly among those whose patriotism 
 had as yet not caused them to deny themselves 
 this luxury. 
 
 John Carpenter, the master, was a hard-looking 
 man, who had commanded the brig since she was 
 launched, and was to be relied upon as faithful to 
 her owner, and as having a knowledge of her pow 
 ers. Jaquith, therefore, had no fear either for his 
 vessel or her freight, or lack of confidence in her 
 captain. But when this storm broke over the bay 
 he could not avoid a certain feeling of impatience, 
 for he knew the brig must be very near, and he 
 wished the business well over. He therefore hur 
 riedly started on foot towards Dorchester Point. It 
 was late in the afternoon when he reached the shan 
 ty in which the Indian sailor lived, and knocked 
 at the door. After what seemed a long delay, an 
 ugly, red-faced woman appeared and asked if he 
 was seeking Master Pete, for if so he had been 
 gone from the house for about an hour, and had 
 left word that he should not return until late, and 
 possibly not until the next day. 
 "And where s he gone?" inquired Jaquith irrita 
 bly. " This isn t weather in which one goes a-pleas- 
 uring. Didn t you hear him say where he was 
 going? I must see him at once." 
 The woman looked at him crossly. " I don t know 
 
 where
 
 26 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 where he s gone, and I mightn t tell you if I did. 
 But," added she, "his brother was with him a 
 long while, and I heard him say Elue Hill, White 
 Cock Tavern, and Summer Street. It may be to 
 one of those places that he s gone." 
 Jaquith made no answer, but went down the stairs 
 and out of the house muttering, "It is probably 
 to the tavern that they have gone, to spend some 
 of my money. This is a fine time for them to be 
 steeping themselves in rum, when the brig is near 
 due. I ll go home and sup, and then to Caleb 
 White s to find him." 
 
 Now with the chance of more gain, " Ponkapog 
 Pete" the Indian sailor, had not delayed to take 
 the token which his brother had brought him, and 
 had started at an early hour in the afternoon 
 for the tavern. As he was not due there until sev 
 en, he first ascended the Heights and looked out 
 towards the sea, hoping that the brig might be in 
 sight. But even his storm-hardened eyes could dis 
 cern little through the blinding sleet, so descend 
 ing again he started slowly towards the tavern, 
 where he arrived just as the clock was striking 
 seven. 
 
 When he entered the hall White was occupied as 
 when we first met him. On catching sight of the 
 Indian he at once recognized one of the visitors 
 of a few nights before. "Are you the landlord?" 
 asked the Indian. 
 
 "Yes," answered White. "In what way can I serve 
 you? I ve ale, and mulled wine, and hot spiced 
 spirits will be soon ready. Which will you have ? " 
 "I ll have a mug of hot spirits," answered Pete. 
 
 "Take
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 27 
 
 "Take this to its owner," added he, handing him 
 the token. 
 
 As has been said, Caleb White was a patriot, but 
 did not believe in foolish pranks and violence. It 
 was then with some misgivings that he found this 
 was the stranger whom Doddridge had told him 
 to admit, for he feared that the young man would 
 be involved in some unfortunate affair. Neverthe 
 less he went to the door of the side-room, knocked 
 and entered. As he re-opened the door a moment 
 later, Pete heard him say, "Be careful, Mr. Dod 
 dridge" 
 
 When White had given him the token Doddridge 
 had started in his chair. He had hoped that the 
 man would be found, but really did not expect it. 
 He therefore received the Indian with some ex 
 citement and much curiosity. 
 "You have sent for me," said Pete, "and I have 
 come. What do you want of me? I know you, 
 Mr. Doddridge, for I ve sailed in your father s 
 ships to the West Indies, and have often seen you. 
 What can I do for you? My brother has only told 
 me that I was overheard here the other night, 
 and that your business may be like that of the 
 young man who was with me then. If so, I m at 
 your service." 
 
 "I don t know what your young gentleman wants, 
 nor who he is," Doddridge replied, "but if he de 
 sires to disturb Thomas Hutchinson, my wish is 
 the same. Can t you tell me his business? I m to 
 be trusted to keep it secret." 
 "Perhaps so," answered the Indian, "but I don t 
 know that I ought to tell what is given to my 
 confidence." 
 
 "Go
 
 28 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "Go on," said Charles, "you may safely tell me." 
 "You are a Liberty man," began Pete, "so I ll 
 speak. The young gentleman who was here with 
 me a few evenings ago wants to get some stuff 
 into the town without the knowledge of the offi 
 cers. I used to sail for his father as well as yours, 
 so he sent for me. We are to get the goods in by 
 the Neponset River, but as all will be on the look 
 out we must get the authorities on another tack, 
 and I have been thinking how to steer the busi 
 ness. You wish to annoy the Old Man, don t you ? 
 Can t we splice plans, and all hands heave to 
 gether?" 
 
 "I hoped something of that nature was contem 
 plated by you," answered Doddridge, "and that s 
 why I ve looked you up. Wouldn t it be easy to 
 repeat the war-dance of two weeks ago before the 
 Governor s house in Milton, but with real Indians? 
 He is a coward, and has some protection about 
 him, but if I can have the satisfaction of seeing 
 some of his pretty friends frightened, and him 
 self shaken up a bit, I shall be content for the 
 present. For I wish to do all I can to drive him from 
 the land he has betrayed, and by perseverance this 
 can be accomplished." 
 
 "It can be done," said the other. "Our tribe of 
 ten cruise from house to house, begging and dan 
 cing. I ll take bearings and set the course." 
 "Good," said Doddridge. "Here s the money I 
 promised you. I will give you more after the en 
 tertainment. Hold a minute, I think I hear a 
 friend s voice in the hall. If I m right, I ll bring 
 him here, for he is of my mind, and will do noth 
 ing
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 29 
 
 ing to prevent the carrying out of my plans. 
 Ezra," he called through the open door, "come 
 in here and have some wine with me. I have a 
 friend here, and I ve something to tell you." 
 "All right, Charles! " said Jaquith, but as he en 
 tered the room he stopped suddenly and looked 
 at Doddridge s companion. The latter also started. 
 After standing silent for half a moment, Jaquith 
 said, "I came here to find you, Pete, but this is 
 strange. I didn t know that you knew Mr. Dod- 
 dridge" 
 
 "I ve known him since he was a boy," answered 
 Pete, "and have served his father as I have yours, 
 and will serve him also, if I can. But I didn t know 
 that you were his friend. Now as we re all friends, 
 I ll tell you that knowing that Mr. Doddridge 
 could help us, I consulted him, and we have agreed 
 to pull together. I ll go now. I can find you here 
 later." 
 
 "Wait," said Jaquith, "I have sought you here 
 to know your opinion about the arrival of the 
 brig. Do you think she ll venture in, in this weath 
 er?" 
 
 "No," answered the Indian, "she will not be off 
 the Roads until forty-eight hours after the storm 
 holds up." And with an awkward bow he with 
 drew. 
 
 When left alone the two men stared at one an 
 other with a look of surprised amusement, and 
 each waited for the other to speak. Finally Jaquith 
 broke the silence, saying: 
 
 "It is evident that this fellow has told you my 
 affairs. I have no objection, and am convinced 
 
 that
 
 30 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 that he has good reasons for doing so, for he is 
 shrewd and has a good opinion of the value of his 
 head. But tell me how you happened to be here 
 together. Since you know my business, won t you 
 let me know yours?" 
 
 "Willingly," said Doddridge, and told him the 
 story. 
 
 "Why," said Ezra, as Charles had finished, "you 
 found that old rascal, Pete s brother. He would 
 agree to murder a man for a trifle, and he un 
 doubtedly took pains to communicate with Pete 
 at once. He s about as bad, and has done some 
 irregular things for which he would pay dearly 
 were they known. But I have some of his secrets 
 from my father, and he ll be perfectly docile in 
 my hands." 
 
 In a short time the new allies started off arm in 
 arm. The gale had somewhat subsided, though the 
 sign-boards were still swinging vigorously. Ja- 
 quith, noticing the change in the weather, said 
 with excitement, "The brig will be here within 
 two or three days. We must get all in readiness, 
 and Master Pete will no doubt hasten matters for 
 his own sake, for he will be well furnished with 
 funds if he succeeds." By this time they had passed 
 the Liberty Tree and turned into Essex Street. 
 Taking a short cut across John Rowers fields and 
 pastures, they reached Mrs. Doddridgis. Accept 
 ing with alacrity Charleses invitation to visit his 
 mother and sister, Jaquith entered the house, and 
 was soon absorbed in conversation with Dorothy , 
 forgetting for the time his various schemes and 
 plans in the charm of her society. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 Wherein the fufpicions of 
 feveralPerfons are aroufed. 
 
 ON the fourth day succeeding the events 
 just related, a horseman might have 
 been seen on a high promontory over 
 hanging Nantasket Roads, anxiously 
 looking down the Bay. He had in his hand a ma 
 rine glass with which from time to time he swept 
 the horizon. It was early afternoon. The sky was 
 clear, the weather warm and a gentle south-west 
 breeze blew from the land over the water. The 
 recently storm-bound craft beat down the harbour 
 and then stood out to sea. 
 
 The view was beautiful. Before him lay the wide 
 expanse of Massachusetts Bay, showing the effects 
 of the lashing it had received from the recent gale; 
 to his left stretched the long white beach, and on 
 the right was the rock-bound shore against which 
 the heavy waters fell with a roar to be carried 
 back in prismatic spray with the next incoming 
 breaker. The horseman took little note of this, 
 but fixed his gaze upon the south-east, where now 
 and then the top-sails of some incoming vessel 
 appeared rising higher and whiter until its whole 
 form was visible. 
 
 He muttered impatiently from time to time, and 
 at last said, "I wish she d hail in sight. This is a 
 nasty business and I want it done with. The river 
 is open now, but it will be cold again after this 
 mild weather, and if it freezes our job is ended." 
 He had been there for over two hours, and as the 
 sun was now sinking rapidly in the west, he was 
 [31] beginning
 
 32 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 beginning to despair when suddenly he started in 
 his saddle. To the casual observer this surprise 
 would have seemed unwarranted, for nothing ap 
 peared to the naked eye but one of those white 
 specks, the like of which had shown itself fre 
 quently during the day. But to the Indian sailor, 
 for it was he, this white speck meant much, for 
 he had recognized through his glass the top spars 
 and sails of the Dreadnaught. He waited a few 
 moments to assure himself that there was no mis 
 take; and then turning his horse s head toward 
 Milton, he descended the rocky cliff, and started 
 off at a gallop. 
 
 Charles Doddridge and Ezra Jaquith had spent 
 most of the last few days in the little room at the 
 White Cock Tavern, hoping that Pete might ap 
 pear at any moment with the news they were both 
 anxiously awaiting. They were therefore in a very 
 nervous state by the evening of January the sixth, 
 and Jaquith said, excitedly, "We ought to have 
 news of the brig to-night, and I begin to fear she 
 will not be heard from. My God! If this thing 
 fails I am ruined, for I have put all into the en 
 terprise." 
 
 "Don t be disheartened," said Charles, "she may 
 have put out to sea, and the captain, knowing the 
 difficulties he would have to encounter, may have 
 decided to keep out of sight until the harbour is 
 clear of the shipping delayed by the storm. At all 
 events we can only wait." 
 
 It was about nine o clock when Jaquith s quick 
 ear caught the sound of a horse s gallop upon the 
 snowy road, coming from the direction of Mi If on, 
 
 and
 
 Mr. CHARLES DODDRIDGE
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 33 
 
 and soon after they both heard it go into the 
 stable. 
 
 "That is certainly he," said Jaquith. "We shall 
 soon know the brig s fate now." 
 Presently there was a rap on the door, and Pete 
 came in. He was a weary looking man, and was 
 covered with snow and ice. When he entered the 
 room he threw himself into a chair, and ex 
 claimed, "Give me some hot spirits, and then for 
 the news." This request being speedily granted, 
 he said, "She s in the bay, but she ll not come to 
 anchor to-night. The captain will stand off shore 
 again, now that he knows he has been seen, and 
 wait until to-morrow night. I will sup here, and 
 take some rest, and will start for the hills before 
 daybreak, where they are waiting for my orders. 
 You rest and be here early to-morrow. I will let 
 you know when we are ready. Good-night, Mr. 
 Jaquith; good-night, Mr. Doddridge. I must be 
 off." 
 
 As Charles and Ezra passed through the hall on 
 their way out Caleb White said to them, "Is all 
 going well ? I trust, Sir, that you will succeed, for 
 it is but right. Had I recognized you under your 
 thick wraps the first night you came here with 
 your friend, I should have known that your in 
 tentions were patriotic. But I feared from what 
 I heard that something foolish was on hand, and 
 I warned Mr. Doddridge. You ll forgive me,Mas- 
 ter Charles, won t you? But now I find it is a mat 
 ter of business, I beg that you ll make use of my 
 inn to its fullest extent. It will always be open 
 to you." 
 
 "I
 
 34 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "I thank you," answered Doddridge^ with a feel 
 ing of shame at having deceived his old friend, 
 "we will avail ourselves of your offer. Give the 
 Indian what he desires, and see that his horse is 
 well cared for, for he has travelled far, and will 
 have a hard day to-morrow." 
 "I ll cheerfully do what you ask," answered White, 
 as they left him. 
 
 An hour later Pete had supped and was sleeping 
 quietly in a little room under the gabled roof. The 
 last guests were gone, and the landlord was count 
 ing his day s gains, when a sleigh drove up to the 
 door, and there came a loud rap on the brass 
 knocker. He was surprised, for late hours were 
 not the custom of his inn, yet he did not hesitate 
 to open. As he did so a tall, broad-shouldered, 
 military-looking man stepped into the hall. He 
 was followed by two others. 
 "Is this the White Cock Tavern, and are you the 
 keeper?" asked the tall man, walking across the 
 hall, while his two companions remained standing 
 by the door. 
 
 "At your service," answered White, "but why do 
 you ask in this abrupt manner? I thought every 
 one knew the White Cock, and that all were well 
 served here. What may I do for you?" 
 "Allow us to search your house," replied the oth 
 er. "Your tavern is suspected of being the resort 
 of those who are infringing the laws, and I am 
 armed with a warrant, which will oblige me to 
 take a look at your premises. For who knows but 
 something contraband may be stored here. It has 
 been so suggested." 
 
 Caleb
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 35 
 
 Caleb White was not a coward, and he knew the 
 search would reveal nothing, for he had nothing 
 to hide. But he also knew that he had under his 
 roof one whom it was best they should not find 
 there, so he hesitated before answering, thus mak 
 ing a bad impression on the officers. 
 "Why do you say nothing?" asked the latter; 
 "have we guessed right?" 
 
 "No," answered White calmly, "I hesitated be 
 cause I knew that no answer of mine would deter 
 you in your business. We have become accustomed 
 to submit in silence to the laws of our good King 
 George. But you are chilled, gentlemen, and some 
 hot wine will warm you. I will go down and bring 
 some of my best and brew it for you." 
 He was civil in his manner, and started through 
 the door in the rear of the hall without waiting 
 for an answer. Instead, however, of descending to 
 the cellar, he mounted rapidly the steep stairway. 
 When he had reached the top he turned through 
 a narrow passage at the end of which was a door 
 on which he tapped lightly. At first there was no 
 answer, but after a second knock a voice said, 
 "Who s there? What s wanted?" 
 " The officers are here with a search warrant. Make 
 haste, and when you leave your room go towards 
 the light I will leave at the end of the passage; 
 then down the stairs, and by the rear door to the 
 stable, where you can saddle your horse and be 
 ofF. They don t suspect that you are here, but be 
 cautious." 
 
 He then went hurriedly to the cellar and fetched 
 the wine. When he returned to the hall he found 
 
 that
 
 36 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 that the three men had not waited for further in 
 vitation, but were engaged in examining the room 
 and its contents. White fully realized the folly of 
 resistance, so smiled pleasantly and began brew 
 ing the spiced wine. 
 
 Pete was not a timid man under ordinary circum 
 stances, and could fight his way clear of any two 
 men. But in this case something besides his own 
 personal safety depended upon his not being 
 searched or questioned. A large amount of mon 
 ey was at stake, and in order to get this he must 
 accomplish his task without unnecessary delay. 
 So he jumped from his bed, stole through the 
 passage, down the stairs and quietly out to the 
 stable. He saddled and bridled his horse, and start 
 ing over the snow, crossed the fields towards Bos 
 ton, in order to delude his pursuers should he have 
 any. As he rode on, it became clear to him that 
 some change would have to be made in his plans, 
 and that if the tavern was under surveillance, it 
 would not be safe to communicate with Jaquith 
 and Doddridge there, unless this visit of the offi 
 cers was merely a formal one, in which case it 
 would be soon over, and there would be no dan 
 ger on the next day. He did not dare to notify 
 either of the young men at once, for it was not yet 
 midnight, and his appearance might create suspi 
 cion. Accordingly he hitched his horse in an un 
 frequented place, and started cautiously back on 
 foot towards the tavern. When he reached the 
 house he crept round it stealthily until near the 
 front door, and finding a shelter behind the trunk 
 of one of the large elms, resolved to wait patient- 
 
 iy
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 37 
 
 ly until the officers should come out of the house, 
 and then endeavour to overhear such remarks as 
 they might make upon the subject of their search. 
 After over half an hour, the door opened and the 
 men appeared, the leader remarking as they did 
 so, "All is well, Mr. White , and I thank you for 
 your hospitality. We have to do our duty." 
 The boy brought their sleigh from the coach 
 house, and getting into it they started off without 
 another word. P<?/*,feeling reassured, returned for 
 his horse, rode back to the stable, and entering 
 the house went again to bed. He was convinced 
 that there was no further cause for anxiety, and 
 in the morning started for the Blue Hills to com 
 plete his arrangements. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 /^LJ A pnptT"P \7"I Wherein Captain Fair- 
 ^n/\r 1 ILiX VI. weat her pays a Wit to 
 
 His Excellency at Milton. 
 
 IT was early when Pete left the tavern, and 
 as he thought there would be few travellers 
 on the road, he decided to go by the way 
 of Milton Lower Mills, and the turnpike 
 over Milton Hill, both to take a glance at the Gov 
 ernor s house and its surroundings, and to see if 
 there was any sign of the brig, over the river and 
 marshes in the direction of the Roads. He passed 
 down the steep pitch from Dorchester by the pow 
 der-mill; on across the new wooden bridge sup 
 ported by stone piers, which had been built nine 
 years before; and then up over the Country High 
 way. When he reached the top of the hill the sun 
 was rising over the islands, the waters reflecting 
 the red morning light. He took one look at the 
 Roads, and seeing nothing that interested him 
 turned his head to the right towards the Govern 
 or s house. 
 
 Even at that early hour there were signs of life 
 about the mansion and stables. He wondered if 
 they would in any way interrupt his plans. But 
 he did not wish to attract attention, so went on 
 over the narrow road, turning about a mile fur 
 ther on towards the Great Blue Hill. 
 Although Pete was a shrewd man, he had over 
 looked the possibility of discovery when he made 
 his temporary escape from the tavern. After the 
 officers had driven away from the inn, the leader, 
 [38] turning
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 39 
 
 turning to the others, had said, "Did you notice 
 that room which had been recently occupied, and 
 which evidently had been left in a hurry? There 
 is something suspicious about it. When we get 
 where we can find horses, do you both jump into 
 the saddle and return to the inn and watch. If 
 anyone comes out before morning follow him at 
 a safe distance, Trenchant; and do you, Captain 
 Fairweather, ride on to the Governor s and tell 
 him what we have learnt." 
 
 So it came about that there were three horsemen 
 following the road to Milton in the early morn 
 ing of January the seventh, 1774. Two went on 
 towards the Great Blue Hill. The third, after 
 climbing Milton Hill, turned into a road to the 
 right, and reaching the Governor s coach-house, 
 dismounted and gave his horse to a groom, tell 
 ing him that when convenient he would speak 
 with His Excellency. 
 
 While waiting for his summons to the Governor, 
 Captain Fairweather spent the time in looking 
 about him. He was fatigued after the night s ex 
 periences. The fresh country air did him good, 
 and he was glad to stretch his legs and enjoy the 
 quiet, for since his arrival in Boston he had had 
 little but hard work and excitement. So he gazed 
 about him with satisfaction. 
 He saw a low, rather long house, of one and a 
 half stories, with two small wings, and a hip-roof 
 from which rose three large chimneys, and out of 
 which peeped gabled windows. The front, or east 
 ern side, had a large panelled door, with brass 
 latch and knocker, and was reached from the road 
 
 by
 
 40 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 by a swinging gate, gravel path, and short flight 
 of steps. On each side of this path stretched the 
 green lawn, bounded by shrubs, bushes, and young 
 trees. On either side of the doorway were two long 
 windows looking across the river and marshes 
 towards the harbour. The appearance of the rear 
 was similar, save that the entrance was by a small 
 er door, and the steps leading thereto were some 
 what steeper. The house was clapboarded and 
 painted white.* 
 
 The lawn and road in front of the house were 
 lined with plane trees, the platanus occidentalis. 
 Across the road were broad green fields spread 
 ing down towards the river, the blue line of which 
 was seen at their foot from over the tops of the 
 shrubs and trees, going southward until directly 
 opposite the house, then flowing to the east through 
 the yellow-green marshes, until at last sweeping 
 round the rising hummocks like a blue scimitar, it 
 rolled on unruffled to mingle with the salt waters 
 of the harbour. Beyond all this, one could see 
 the spires of Boston, Dorchester and Roxbury, as 
 well as Dorchester Heights and the Castle with its 
 troops and its prisoners; the harbour with its ship 
 ping and great men-of-war; and the islands; until, 
 looking over S quantum (where Chickatawbut saw 
 the glories of his race die with him,) Nantasket 
 Roads stretched its deep blue way towards Mas 
 sachusetts Bay and the great Atlantic. Above all this 
 
 was 
 
 * Anyone pajjing over Milton Hill before 1828 could have 
 feen this man/ion much as it was when built in 1743. But 
 from that time until its demolition in 1871 many changes 
 
 were made in it.
 
 GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 41 
 
 was the pure New England sky, rivalled but not 
 surpassed by that canopy of the Roman gods, 
 whose beauty has been sung so long. To the 
 south of the mansion were green fields again, and 
 the orchard with its apples, peaches and mulber 
 ries; in the rear, the garden with its flowers, 
 shrubs and trees; and beyond, the Great Blue Hill, 
 a sapphire set in emeralds. 
 
 A long, low structure with pitched roof and gable 
 ends stood to the north j ust across the narrow road, 
 into which Captain Fairweather had turned on 
 parting with Lieutenant Trenchard. In its east end 
 were the coach-house and stables, beyond, the 
 quarters for cattle and swine, and haylofts above. 
 To the west of this was the farm-house, and out 
 lying buildings. 
 
 Captain Fairweather stood looking at the river 
 when the Governor s colored servant, Mark, ap 
 proached him and said that His Excellency was 
 waiting to receive him. Passing over the front 
 lawn, up the steps, and through the large door 
 way, Mark led him into a hall, which had doors 
 opening into the adjoining rooms and a passage 
 leading to the garden steps. Upon the floor was 
 spread a rich floor-cloth, in the centre of which 
 stood a handsomely carved mahogany table, and 
 at either end of the hall an inlaid, folding card- 
 table. On either side the entrance to the passage 
 way was a mahogany sofa, with claw-feet, covered 
 with haircloth, and scattered about the room were 
 chairs of a similar pattern. Above each of the sofas 
 hung a portrait, one of which was of Mr. Hutchin- 
 son when a youth. The other spaces upon the walls 
 
 were
 
 42 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 were filled with engravings, paintings, and a 
 large gilt-framed mirror. At the windows hung 
 heavy, crimson damask draperies, which accorded 
 with the general colouring of the furnishings. 
 The whole effect was that of luxury and comfort, 
 combined with much simplicity and good taste. 
 The Captain caught a glimpse of the south par 
 lour, a smaller room, yet of comfortable dimen 
 sions. Upon the floor was a thick Turkey carpet 
 of rich fabric and soft hues ; against the wall stood 
 an oaken bookcase ; and there also were haircloth 
 chairs, and a small inlaid stand. On the walls hung 
 pictures, and at the windows, one looking east, 
 the other south, curtains of Turkish manufac 
 ture ; and over the wide fireplace, with its brass 
 andirons, was a circular, convex mirror in an 
 ornamented frame of French design, on either 
 side of which was a bronze figure, one of Milton, 
 the other of Shakespeare. Facing the parlour, at 
 the northern side of the hall, was a small room, 
 which at this time was used by the Governor as 
 a study. In it was his walnut desk, open and cov 
 ered with papers and documents, indicating his 
 persevering industry. 
 
 In 1 740 Thomas Hutchinson had purchased a large 
 tract of land in Milton, overlooking the Neponset 
 River, and extending over the larger part of Mil 
 ton Hill. In the same year he went to England 
 on public business connected with the currency, 
 and while there visited many large estates, and 
 was delighted with their architecture and land 
 scape gardening. When he returned to New Eng 
 land, he brought designs for a garden and or 
 chard,
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 43 
 
 chard, and in 1743 built on the brow of the hill. 
 The house stood about a quarter of a mile from 
 the wooden bridge crossing the Neponset River, 
 set well back from the Braintree Road. The frame 
 was of English white oak, so solid that what re 
 mains of it to-day scarcely feels the sharp edge 
 of the carpenters tools. The plan was a simple 
 one, but the unrivalled scenery of hill, river and 
 ocean lent it a special charm. The walls were 
 fully a foot thick, and packed with seaweed to 
 keep off the cold in winter, and the heat in sum 
 mer. Besides the rooms already mentioned there 
 were in the main part of the house the dining and 
 State rooms. The former was to the south of the 
 passage leading to the garden, and was panelled 
 in oak and richly furnished. Next the fireplace 
 was a short corridor to the parlour, and in the 
 south-east corner another leading to the south 
 wing, where were two bed-rooms, one of which 
 was occupied by Miss Hutchinson. The State room 
 was opposite the dining room, and was panelled 
 in rich mahogany. Many things had been brought 
 from the Boston house after it was sacked, and 
 this room was largely furnished with them. Be 
 yond it was the north wing, in which were the 
 Governor s bed-room and other apartments. The 
 kitchens and offices were in the basement, reached 
 by a steep and narrow flight of stairs. In the at 
 tic was one bed-room running the depth of the 
 house, the remainder being divided into eaves 
 and storerooms. Such was the Hutchinson house in 
 1774. For thirty years it had been the summer 
 home of its owner, and he loved its quiet and 
 
 peace.
 
 44 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 peace. But now he felt like a prisoner there, and 
 his heart was heavy. 
 
 A short time before the Captain entered the hall, 
 His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson stood looking 
 out of one of the windows. He was a tall, thin 
 man of sixty-three years of age. His bearing was 
 that of the well-bred gentleman of the eighteenth 
 century, and his deep-set, rather small blue eyes 
 were soft and kindly, yet had an expression of 
 extreme sadness in them. His features were an 
 gular, the nose long and straight, and the mouth 
 drawn, as if with care. And yet it was a handsome 
 face, gentle or firm as his feeling directed. As he 
 looked out towards the harbour it was sad and 
 tender, for his heart told him that those scenes 
 must soon give place to others less welcome. He 
 held a letter. A messenger had brought it to him 
 on the preceding day, and he was re-reading it. 
 It was written in a woman s hand, and ran thus: 
 His Excellency Thomas Hutchinson, Efq r: 
 Sir: 
 
 Tour Excellency is in danger, and jhould watch care 
 fully. I am one ofthofe whofe Friends have forely fuffered by 
 what they tell me is the Injuftice of the King, our Majhr, 
 yet I hardly believe this, for my Father taught me to hon 
 our the Government under which we live, and to bow to its 
 Commands. There are thofe who are planning Mif chief to 
 your Excellency becaufe they blame you for all their MiJ- 
 fortunes, and they would do in Milton what they did nine 
 years ago in Bofton. Further I know nothing, fave that 
 I am 
 
 Tour loyal Servant. 
 
 The letter was unsigned, and the messenger had left 
 before he could be questioned, and was unknown 
 
 by
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 45 
 
 by those to whom the letter had been delivered. 
 Thomas Hutchinson knew that the storm was gath 
 ering thicker and thicker, but could not in his 
 heart believe that he would be molested in. his 
 quiet home. He asked himself what he had done 
 that all should turn against him ; if his actions 
 had not been dictated by a sense of duty ; and if 
 he had not always had the welfare of his country 
 men uppermost in his heart. A feeling of bitter 
 ness came over him, and for a moment his face 
 hardened, but again relaxed into an expression of 
 sadness and pity. Sadness for himself and his; pity 
 for these misguided people. 
 His thoughts passed rapidly over the events of 
 the last ten years, from that time when they had 
 attacked him in his house in Boston, and stripped 
 it of everything it contained. He did not find one 
 act in his long public career for which he could 
 reproach himself, and he knew with a sincere con 
 viction that but two things had guided him: his 
 loyalty to his oath, and his love for his country 
 men. He felt as keenly as any of them that they 
 had been hardly dealt with at times, and in every 
 case he had done his utmost for them. But when 
 called upon to maintain the laws he could not as 
 sist those who openly defied them. He recalled his 
 early days, when he had put his best energies in 
 to opposition to the Stamp Act ; when, as Speak 
 er of the House of Representatives, he had done 
 so much to have the Colony reimbursed for ex 
 penses incurred in the French War- when with 
 every thought and action he had opposed tyran 
 ny and aided justice. Finally his thoughts changed 
 
 and
 
 46 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 and he looked about him. His face lighted up 
 with a loving smile, for he felt sure that he was 
 secure in the hearts of his neighbours ; that their 
 love for him and their gratitude would be a monu 
 ment which none could pull down. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 IGOOOOOOLlQOE 
 
 TT T T 
 \ LI 
 
 -^ which we are intro- 
 duced to the Governor s 
 
 Garden. 
 
 GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON turned 
 from the window as Mark entered 
 and announced Captain Fairweather. 
 He saw before him a fine-looking 
 young man who made a respectful salute, which 
 was returned with a gracious smile and a "Good 
 morning." 
 
 "I understand," said the Governor, "that you 
 bring me a message from the Castle. Pray give 
 it to me, and I trust it will be welcome, although 
 I fear not, for we look for little cheerful news 
 in these days." 
 
 "I am here," answered the Captain, "by the or 
 ders of the Colonel, to inform your Excellency 
 that there is a conspiracy to attack you in your 
 house. The particulars have not been ascertained 
 yet. It is only known that a messenger came to 
 the Castle yesterday afternoon and begged to 
 speak with the Colonel. He told him that it would 
 be well to watch the White Cock Tavern for a few 
 days, for there were persons there who intended 
 to do the Governor an injury." 
 "And has this been done? " inquired the Govern 
 or with some curiosity. 
 
 "Yes, Sir. Last night the Colonel, with another 
 officer and myself, drove to the tavern and made 
 a search. We went through it looking for contra 
 band, but with eyes open for suspicious persons." 
 
 [47] "i
 
 48 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "I trust you found the guilty ones," interrupted 
 the Governor with warmth. 
 "No, your Excellency, but we are on their track. 
 There were no guests in the house, but we noticed 
 that in one room the bed had been but recently oc 
 cupied, and we suspected that someone had left it 
 suddenly. After we had left the tavern the Colonel 
 ordered us to get horses and ride back and wait 
 in the shadow outside until the first person should 
 come out. Shortly before sunrise a man muffled in 
 furs walked boldly out and went to the stable. 
 He soon reappeared mounted on a black horse, 
 and took the road over the Neck, and we followed 
 him at a safe distance. My companion had orders 
 to keep him in sight, and is doing so, while I have 
 come to inform your Excellency, and to receive 
 your orders." 
 
 "I thank you, Captain Fairweather, for your time 
 ly warning. But do you think these good people 
 have sinister intentions? Are they so black-hearted 
 as to attempt to violate the laws to such an extent 
 as this? What is their disposition towards His 
 Majesty s troops of late? Are they still sullen and 
 threatening? I would not harm them, yet if they 
 forget that they are subjects of the King they must 
 be dealt with firmly." 
 
 " They are in a nasty mood," answered Fairweath- 
 er, "and abuse us as we pass though the streets. 
 Yet I hardly think they will dare do anything 
 openly. What we fear are secret acts of violence, 
 and it would please our Colonel to give your Ex 
 cellency protection for a few days, if you are will- 
 ing." 
 
 The
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 49 
 
 The Governor held up his hand deprecatingly, 
 and with a look of resolution, answered, "No! 
 No ! I don t need a. garrison in my house. If they 
 come here, I will speak to them. I have not aban 
 doned the hope that they will listen to argument, 
 for they have been wont to do so in the past, and 
 are at least a kindly people. No, Captain Fair- 
 weather, tell your Colonel, with my thanks for 
 his solicitude, that I will take what the good God 
 sends me." 
 
 "It shall be as your Excellency desires," answered 
 the Captain, with disappointment, "but I wish 
 you felt differently." 
 
 "I am decided," the Governor replied, "but you 
 must be faint and weary, Captain. Breakfast with 
 me, and remain here a few hours. Come, and I 
 will show you the view from the back of my house, 
 and tell you about my garden, which is sleeping 
 now under its soft coverlet. Were it summer I 
 would take you into it, but I never tire of talking 
 of it, so listen to me patiently." He led the way 
 through the passage, and opening the door looked 
 out upon the pride of his heart. 
 "Captain Fairweather" began the Governor, "for 
 more than thirty years I have nursed this garden 
 as a child, and have seen it grow to manhood. I 
 have watched its every step since the ground was 
 first broken, and have never ceased working in 
 it myself, even under the warm sun of summer. 
 I have planted seeds, roots, shrubs and trees; I 
 have sown the grass on the pleached alleys which 
 you see from the foot of those steps, and which 
 run in parallel lines to the ha-ha fence below. 
 
 Direclly
 
 50 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Directly in front of you is the middle walk. You 
 can see the fields beyond dipping towards the 
 turnpike. The arbour here, over the gravel path, 
 I built for my grape vines. Haven t they grown? 
 They are five-and-twenty years old, and the stalks 
 are large and strong. Down there is a cross path 
 half way from the ha-ha. Along all the paths I 
 have planted flowers and shrubs and hedges of 
 box. These terraced parterres next to the house 
 give a pleasant foreground in the summer, and 
 as you see, the whole is most lovely with the roll 
 ing hills behind it. Perhaps you may be here when 
 it is all green, and you will not wonder that I 
 love it." 
 
 "It reminds me of home," said the Captain, 
 "where did you get the plan?" 
 "When I was in England in 41," replied the 
 Governor, "I went into Norfolk to visit a friend. 
 I stayed with him several weeks, and spent much 
 of the time in his garden, and I asked him if I 
 might copy it. He willingly granted my request, 
 and this is the result. I have lived to see it thrive 
 and should be satisfied." 
 
 After breakfast the Governor retired to his study. 
 Before calling his secretary he showed the Captain 
 a closet, in which were kept guns and other weap 
 ons. "This will interest you more than flowers 
 and trees," he said, "but I am a man of peace, 
 and prefer the garden." 
 
 Returning to the hall two hours later the Gov 
 ernor found his guest looking out of the window. 
 "Is this not a charming landscape?" he said to 
 him. "Do you wonder that we love New Eng 
 land
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 51 
 
 land when we have such a view to look upon? 
 It is a beautiful land, and I would to God that 
 its people were not poisoned with disloyalty. But 
 they will come back! they will come back!" 
 "It is indeed fine," the Captain answered, "and 
 I trust your Excellency will enjoy it for many 
 years yet. Pardon me, Sir, for urging it again, but 
 we are desirous of giving you such protection as 
 is due your rank as representative of His Majesty." 
 " No more of this," said the Governor, with firm 
 ness, "I appreciate the kindly motives of your 
 Colonel, but we are not in a state of war, and 
 although we must punish those who break the 
 laws, we cannot anticipate their acts. We must 
 take precautions, and watch them closely, but it 
 is not well that they should think we fear them. 
 Tell the Colonel to see that suspicious persons 
 are kept in view, and their movements watched, 
 but let no demonstration of force be made until 
 their intentions are ascertained. Then it will be 
 time enough for action. In the meanwhile I have 
 faith that no harm will come to me or mine." 
 "I will take your Excellency s commands," an 
 swered Fairweather, "and they shall be strictly 
 obeyed." 
 
 "Thanks," said the Governor, and handing him 
 a cloth bag filled with papers, he added, "Will 
 you kindly see that these dispatches reach their 
 destination. There is a letter for my son among 
 them. How fares he at the Castle? I miss him, 
 but I know he is safer where he is. My duty keeps 
 me here, and I must wait until this excitement 
 blows over." 
 
 "He
 
 52 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "He and his have every comfort the Colonel can 
 give them in so cold a place," replied the Captain. 
 "I am grateful for it," said the Governor, "but 
 now you d better go, as they will be expecting 
 you." 
 
 After thanking him for his kind reception, Cap 
 tain Fairweather took leave, and started for Bos 
 ton. 
 
 When left to himself, Mr. Hutchinson s expres 
 sion changed again. His face grew sad, and he 
 paced up and down the room, went to the win 
 dow, and then through the hall to the rear door 
 and looked upon the garden covered with snow. 
 As he did so he sighed and said to himself, as if 
 speaking to a friend, "Ah! well, if I must leave 
 you for a time, it will be but to return to see you 
 fresh and gay in your coat of green and bright 
 colours. They will not touch you, for you have 
 done them no injury. Poor people ! God grant 
 them a change of mind and a better heart. It is 
 but a passing tempest, and the clearing will be all 
 the brighter." Returning to his study, he was soon 
 busy with the details of pressing business, and for 
 a time his mind was relieved of its unhappy fore 
 bodings. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 InwblchMr.Tren- 
 c hard fees feme Ro 
 mantic Scenery^ which he has no Dejire to revijit. 
 
 1 
 
 INDIAN sailor, known at sea as 
 ft Ponkapog Pete" rode quietly over 
 the turnpike, on his way to the Great 
 Blue Hill, unconscious of what was 
 going on at the Governor s mansion, and that he 
 was being followed by one of the King s officers. 
 Had he known all this, his mind would have been 
 in a much more perturbed state, and his horse 
 would have moved more swiftly over the snow. 
 The recent storm had made the roads heavy, and 
 in places the drifts were deep. Few had travelled 
 that way of late, and the traces where Pete s horse 
 had ploughed through the snow were easily dis 
 tinguished, so that Lieutenant Trenchant could 
 keep safely in the rear without danger of losing 
 his quarry. 
 
 When he had gone about four miles beyond the 
 place where he had separated from Fairweather, 
 he noticed that the tracks left the narrow, wind 
 ing road, and entered a rough path through brush, 
 scrub oaks and cedars, and after crossing a brook, 
 again penetrated the brush. A little further on 
 it began to twist and ascend, and although Tren- 
 chard was a brave man, he wondered if he might 
 not fall into a trap, and the idea of a smuggler s 
 camp came into his head. But he kept on, for he 
 was a true soldier, and had orders to find out 
 where the man went. There was little danger of 
 his being heard on the soft snow, and he was not 
 
 [53]
 
 54 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 likely to be seen, but he took good care, never 
 theless, to free his pistols and disengage his sword 
 from under his cloak. He had advanced a while 
 in this way when he reined in his horse to look 
 out at the view before him, and he acknowledged 
 to himself that it was exceedingly beautiful, al 
 though he was loath to praise anything in the coun 
 try he considered a wilderness peopled only by 
 rioters and savages. He was evidently at a great 
 height, for he could see the farms and towns of 
 Milton and Dorchester^ and the spires of Boston. 
 He thought he could distinguish the Castle ris 
 ing out of the harbour, and the sight of it and 
 the blue line of the water gave him a feeling of 
 longing, for there was all that was congenial to 
 him on this side of the Atlantic. 
 The Lieutenant was an Englishman, stationed in 
 Boston but a few months, and knew little of the 
 surrounding country. He was well aware, how 
 ever, that he was going in the direction of the 
 Blue Hills , for he had often seen them at a dis 
 tance, but he had not noticed, until he now saw 
 the broad landscape before him, that he was ac 
 tually ascending them. The path now widened, 
 becoming more level, and finally began todescend. 
 He was discouraged when, looking before him, 
 he saw the edge of a deep ravine, through which 
 there seemed to be no passage for a horse. In the 
 bottom of the hollow was a tiny brook rushing 
 down through the ice; and raising his eyes he 
 drew rein, for on the other side, just entering the 
 forest, was his horseman. Fortunately for Tren- 
 chard^ the Indian did not turn his head, and in 
 
 another
 
 T he GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 55 
 
 another moment was out of sight. The Lieuten 
 ant was now at a loss what to do, so dismounting, 
 he crept cautiously to the edge of the gully and 
 looked down. The wind had laid the rocks bare 
 of snow, so that it was difficult to see hoof-prints, 
 but he was sure that the rider could have gone in 
 no other way, so he decided to make the venture. 
 Returning to his horse, he jumped to the saddle, 
 and was soon safely across and on the trail again. 
 The path had now been rising for some little time 
 when he thought he heard the sound of voices 
 ahead. His hand sought his pistols, and reining 
 in his horse he listened. There was no mistake; 
 so dropping to the ground, he stole into the wood 
 and hitched the animal by the bridle. He then 
 crept carefully through the underbrush in the 
 direction of the voices. In a few minutes he was 
 stopped by a sight which made him hold his 
 breath. Before him, at some distance, was his 
 horseman, still in the saddle, but not alone. Gath 
 ered about him in an open space under the trees 
 were about twenty savage-faced, dark-eyed be 
 ings, clad in every kind of garment, listening to 
 him attentively, and occasionally saying some 
 thing as if in answer to a question. Trenchard 
 could not hear what they said, and it might have 
 availed him little if he had, but he could under 
 stand from their bearing that there was something 
 on foot which boded no good. 
 He had watched in this way a few moments when 
 the horseman suddenly turned back over the road 
 by which he had come, and the others started up 
 the hill through the forest. This was an unex 
 pected
 
 56 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 peeled move. The Lieutenant was not afraid to 
 meet the man alone, but the others might come 
 to their companion s assistance at any moment, 
 which would be dangerous for him ; so he re 
 mained quietly hidden in the brush. The horse 
 man passed without seeing him and reached the 
 place where Trenchant had dismounted. There he 
 stopped, and looked anxiously about him. He 
 noticed the tracks of another rider, and his sus 
 picions, ever on the alert, were awakened. He 
 tarried but a moment, however, and then con 
 tinued down the path towards the ravine. 
 c Trenchard waited a little while, then returned to 
 his horse, remounted and followed. He had just 
 reached the bed of the little stream, when he was 
 startled by a sharp report, and a bullet hissed 
 by him, flattening itself against one of the great 
 boulders beyond. With a dash his frightened 
 horse bolted down the ravine. At first the Lieu 
 tenant thought he was lost, but being a good 
 rider he kept his seat. The sure-footed creature 
 held to the bed of the stream, until with a final 
 plunge over a sheer descent of fully five feet, he 
 stopped in a drift of snow at the bottom of the 
 hill. 
 
 Dismounting to examine the still trembling ani 
 mal, Trenchard drew a long breath, and leaned 
 against the trunk of a tree. He had had some ex 
 perience of danger, but had never been so near 
 death before, and was thankful for his escape. 
 But this was not the end of his troubles. Look 
 ing about him he saw nothing but a pathless for 
 est. There was nothing for him to do but to keep 
 
 to
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 57 
 
 to the bed of the brook, trusting that it would 
 lead to some open place whence he could find the 
 road, or at least be able to cross the fields in the 
 direction of the town. 
 
 In the course of time he found himself in a pas 
 ture near a rolling hill. This he climbed, and to 
 his satisfaction saw before him a road leading in 
 the direction of Boston. In another hour he recog 
 nized the wooden bridge over which he had passed 
 in the morning, and before the sun had set was 
 at the Castle with his report to the Colonel. 
 Colonel Leslie was uncertain what to do. He had, 
 a short time before the Lieutenant arrived, re 
 ceived the message from the Governor, brought 
 in by Captain Fair we cither, declining the protec 
 tion of the troops. It was evident, however, from 
 Trenchard s account, that something was brewing 
 which meant mischief, and he decided to have 
 the White Cock Tavern watched. Not wishing to 
 detail a body of men to Milton after the Gov 
 ernor s distinct orders to the contrary, he con 
 sulted the latter s son, Thomas. This young man 
 was one of the unfortunate consignees of the tea 
 which had caused so much trouble, and had been 
 forced to take up his residence at the Castle for 
 reasons of personal safety. He differed from his 
 father in that he did not feel the same sympathy 
 with New England and its people. He was fond 
 of the Milton place, and a devoted son and broth 
 er, but often said that he did not care if he never 
 saw Boston or its rabble again. 
 He advised the Colonel to keep a careful watch, 
 and decided to steal up the river after dark, and 
 
 remain
 
 58 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 remain a few days with his father and sister. He 
 asked Captain Fairweather and Lieutenant I r en- 
 chard to accompany him, and they arranged with 
 four troopers to take them across the harbour to 
 the mouth of the river in one of the man-of-war s 
 gigs. They could then go quietly on to the bank 
 at the foot of the field opposite the Governor s 
 house, leaving the troopers to return with the 
 boat. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 Wherein two Ladies ex- 
 p re j~ s pp Jite Opinions. 
 
 IT was apparent to Caleb White that the plans 
 of Jaquithand Doddridgewzrz suspected by 
 the authorities; that the visit of the evening 
 before was undoubtedly connected with 
 them ; that in consequence the tavern would be 
 closely watched ; and that therefore it would be 
 unsafe for them to keep their appointment there. 
 Accordingly he arose early, and having given a 
 few instructions to his servants, started out to 
 seek the young men. 
 
 Jaquith was surprised at the visit, and on learn 
 ing its cause was much annoyed. He rushed to 
 see Doddridge^ who, although he took the matter 
 more quietly, was disturbed, and said that some 
 thing must be done to put the officers off the 
 track, so that they could proceed, as there was 
 now no turning back. 
 
 "They only think that something is going on," 
 he said, "for they are always suspicious. But it is 
 impossible that they should know our business. 
 White told you that the officers left the tavern 
 satisfied that there was nothing there, and Pete 
 has escaped safely. To be sure," he continued, 
 "we cannot receive his message at the tavern, but 
 we can go up the river and watch proceedings 
 from there. Pete should be there at about eleven 
 o clock, so we will dine together, and after rest 
 ing a little, procure a boat at the Point, and go 
 quietly on our way." 
 
 "That is no doubt the best we can do," answered 
 [59] Ezra.
 
 60 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Ezra. "Yet I feel anxious, for if there is a sus 
 picion that there is anything to take place near 
 the Governor s estate, our plans will fail." 
 "None but Liberty men know our intentions," 
 said Charles, "except the Indian , who has too 
 much at stake to betray us. So it is impossible 
 that they should be known to the Governor or 
 his friends." 
 
 Later in the day, Charles and Ezra dined with 
 Mrs. Doddridge and Dorothy. 
 " David Whittemore was here yesterday," said the 
 former, " and a fine young man he is. He stayed 
 but a short time, for he had pressing business and 
 rode away in great haste. He thinks our troubles 
 near an end, and seems confident that all we need 
 is patience. But in this I do not agree with him, 
 for we have borne enough already, and we should 
 now strike for our full liberties. Don t you agree 
 with me, Ezra?" 
 
 "I do indeed think as you do, Mrs. Doddridge" 
 answered he, "and I m impatient to strike a heavy 
 blow. David is a strange fellow, and seems to 
 lack spirit." 
 
 " I know you are a true patriot," said Mrs. Dod 
 dridge, with a smile of satisfaction. "If all were 
 like you and my boy we should soon be free, and 
 rid of Thomas Hutchinson" 
 "We will soon be rid of him, mother dear," said 
 Charles, with a significant look towards Jaquith. 
 "Ezra and I have business to-night connected 
 with this matter, which you will hear of later. 
 But rest assured that you will be well pleased with 
 what we do." 
 
 "I
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 61 
 
 " I have no doubt of that, Charles" said his moth 
 er, "and good fortune attend all your works." 
 Two hours later Charles and Ezra left the house 
 to secure a boat for the evening, from a man they 
 knew at Dorchester Point. 
 
 As soon as they had departed Dorothy went to her 
 room, and going to the window watched them un 
 til they disappeared. Tears were on her long black 
 lashes, and her cheeks, ordinarily so rosy, were 
 pale, and her face wore a distressed expression. 
 She dropped into a chair, and then turning looked 
 about her room. As she did so she caught sight 
 of a portrait hanging on the wall opposite where 
 she sat. It was that of a man of about forty years 
 of age, wearing the dress of a Colonel of the 
 English Army in the seventeenth century, and it 
 came across her that this Colonel Doddridge, her 
 father s ancestor, had fought and died for the 
 King. And then she turned to another, smaller 
 picture, that of a young man, her mother s ances 
 tor, who, under Cromwell, had fallen in battling 
 for the Commonwealth and the freedom of the peo 
 ple. She asked herself if it was possible that these 
 two men had bequeathed to their descendants 
 different views of loyalty and patriotism, one to 
 her father, the other to her mother. Those strong 
 faces seemed to show that their characteristics 
 could not die with them. "God forgive me if I 
 am wrong," she said. "Oh! Charles, Charles, for 
 give your sister, who wishes you nothing but 
 good, and loves you with all her heart. She only 
 wishes to do her duty to her King, and to the 
 blessed memory of her father, who taught her to 
 
 honour
 
 62 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 honour him." Then making a strong effort to 
 control herself, she said, " This will not do. I must 
 be calm." 
 
 "Dorothy, dear," said her mother, as she entered 
 the room a short time after this, "are you not 
 proud of your brother ? Does it not make you feel 
 that our freedom is sure to come when we have 
 such as he and Ezra to fight our battles? Would 
 that I were a man, that I might join them!" 
 Dorothy hesitated before replying. She did not 
 wish to deceive her mother, yet she dreaded of 
 fending her. At last she said quietly, "You have 
 asked me this question before, mother dear, and 
 I have answered you as well as I can. I love both 
 you and Charles, and I would differ from you in 
 nothing were it possible not to do so. But I re 
 member what my father told me when I was a 
 little girl. He said that we were subjects of the 
 King of England, and that so long as we remained 
 such, we must accept what it was his will to give 
 us. He told me that we owed much to our moth 
 er country, and should be willing to sacrifice 
 something in her behalf, even though it was hard 
 to do so. And he told me that though he had suf 
 fered from laws which did harm to the business 
 of the province, he still loved his King, and would 
 abide by what he ordered. I cannot, therefore, be 
 lieve that it is right to rebel against the govern 
 ment, nor can I agree with you and my brother." 
 "You are causing us both great grief," her moth 
 er replied, with warmth, "but you are young, 
 and do not understand. You will learn better be 
 fore long, so I will let it pass." 
 
 "Do
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 63 
 
 "Do you truly believe, mother dear," asked Dor 
 othy, looking at her fearlessly with her large black 
 eyes, "do you truly believe that Governor Hutch- 
 inson is a bad man, and is doing wrong? He was 
 my father s friend, and was always honoured by 
 him." 
 
 "He was your father s friend, as you say, Doro 
 thy, " answered her mother. " He was the friend of 
 us all, so long as it was to his advantage to be so. 
 But now he has changed. When our liberties are 
 attacked, he refuses to defend them because by so 
 doing he would lose his post, and with it his 
 chance of wealth and preferment. He is a traitor, 
 Dorothy, a turn-coat and a traitor, and he must 
 be made to leave the country, or we shall never 
 have redress." 
 
 Dorothy made no answer, but going up to her 
 mother, kissed her and left the room. She felt that 
 her mother had suffered much, and she was sorry 
 for her, but thought both she and Charles were 
 wrong. That they would change their views she 
 was sure, and she had resolved to be firm in her 
 position until that time came. So she said nothing 
 more, and going to her room, prayed quietly that 
 her brother might come to no harm in his wicked 
 undertaking. 
 
 <**. 
 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 In which ^ flown the Dif- 
 ference between Attempt and 
 Sticcejs. 
 
 IF anyone could have seen at a glance all that 
 was going on at the same time between the 
 Blue Hills and Milton, up the Neponset Riv 
 er from the Castle, and in Nantasket Roads, 
 on that dark night in January, he would have 
 found much to surprise and interest him. Four 
 different parties were on their way to the same 
 point. 
 
 Shortly after sunset a large boat, with muffled 
 oars, stole out from the Castle and headed for the 
 mouth of the Neponset. In its stern sheets were 
 seated three young men, and it was rowed by four 
 others. 
 
 "It is a dark night," said young Hutchinson, " and 
 could not be better for our trip. The air refreshes 
 me." 
 
 "Had you taken the ride I did to-day," answered 
 Lieutenant Trenchard with a laugh, "you would 
 certainly appreciate this rest. The stream I fol 
 lowed was somewhat rougher, and my seat hard 
 er. God forbid that I should ever be called upon 
 to visit your beautiful Blue Hills again. My na 
 ture is too unromantic to enjoy them, and I pre 
 fer the Castle." 
 
 "They are certainly beautiful to look upon," 
 Thomas replied. 
 
 "Better to look upon than to ride upon," an 
 swered Trenchard, "and that is why I prefer the 
 Castle. I am willing to look upon them so long 
 [64] as
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 65 
 
 as it is at a respectful distance. Do you know that 
 I believe those men I saw were Indians ? I thought 
 that they were extinct in these parts." 
 "And so they practically are," said Thomas , " but 
 there is a small reservation near the Blue Hills, 
 containing perhaps twenty or thirty, all told. They 
 are an ignorant, indolent, thieving set, and will 
 do anything for money. You may be sure that 
 they are being bribed to do some mischief, and 
 we must find their employers." 
 "They will be found," interposed Captain Fair- 
 weather. "The tavern is being carefully watched, 
 and they cannot expect Ah!" exclaimed he, 
 breaking off suddenly, "what are those boats 
 doing near the mouth of the river? I cannot see 
 them distinctly, but there are three of them, and 
 of good size." 
 
 "Some fisherman, in all probability," said Hutch- 
 inson. "At all events they have not noticed us." 
 At about the time that this conversation was go 
 ing on, "Doddridge and Jaquith jumped into a 
 boat at Dorchester Point, and rowed quietly around 
 towards the Neponset. 
 
 "We have ample time," said Charles, "so we 
 needn t hurry. Everything seems quiet about the 
 harbour, and I feel encouraged to hope that all 
 is going well. I will pull as far as the river, and 
 then you may relieve me." 
 "All right," answered Ezra, "pull away. I feel 
 a little nervous, and shall be glad of the exercise 
 later on." 
 
 The three boats which had attracted Captain Fair- 
 weather s attention had left Nantasket Roads just 
 
 as
 
 66 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 as the sun set. They were laden with chests of 
 tea, and were awaiting the arrival of the Indian 
 to take the cargo up the river to the appointed 
 place. Captain Carpenter was in one of the boats, 
 and was becoming impatient. 
 
 "When will that d black rascal come?" he 
 
 said. "Keep steady there, and don t let em drift 
 in too near the river. There s one boat passed 
 up already, and we don t want to be spoken." 
 "Ay, ay, Sir," said several low voices, and then 
 all was quiet. 
 
 While all this was taking place near the mouth 
 of the Neponset, about twenty dark figures could 
 have been seen in the bend of the river, eight of 
 whom were getting into two boats, while the rest, 
 under the leadership of a large man, were prepar 
 ing to climb the bank towards the Governor s 
 house. As their dusky forms moved to and fro 
 under the overhanging branches they presented 
 a weird and forbidding sight. They did not dare 
 light torches, fearing detection, and groped about, 
 starting every now and then as some one impru 
 dently stepped upon the thin ice bordering the 
 river, causing it to crack with a sharp report. 
 Not a word was spoken, and at last the two boats 
 started, paddled by two men. The leading one 
 was directed by Pete. 
 
 They had gone about a mile and a half, and were 
 sweeping softly around the curve where the river 
 turns towards the harbour, when Pete suddenly 
 stopped his boat. "Hush! Be quiet; follow," he 
 said in a low voice. The night was still, not a 
 breath of wind ruffled the glazed surface of the 
 
 water
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 67 
 
 water, and every sound was distinctly audible for 
 some distance. Turning to the right the boats 
 drew into a little creek, and the men paused to 
 listen. A boat was coming up the river, and the 
 splashing of the oars could be heard in regular 
 motion. As it drew near the sound of voices fell 
 on their ears, and Pete bent his head forward. As 
 they passed he caught the following words, which 
 made him utter an oath. 
 
 "If those fellows come to-night, Captain, they ll 
 have a surprise. I don t imagine there is anything 
 in it, but I did not like the looks of those three 
 boats we passed as we entered the river. What 
 do you think they were doing?" 
 "I could only see the outlines through the dark 
 ness," said another voice, "but it seemed to me 
 they were well manned and cautious. However, 
 it is perhaps only a fishing party after smelts, 
 which are caught here in plenty." 
 "I don t think so," said a third voice, and as the 
 boat then turned a bend in the river, Pete could 
 hear nothing more. 
 
 "Damn it! " said he, "we must go down the riv 
 er at once, and send the boats back to the brig. 
 The game is up, and she must get well into the 
 bay before dawn. As for those who have gone up 
 the hill, they must take their chances. We ll go 
 with the brig if they ll take us, as our lives are 
 not safe here. Row hard, I say." 
 They at last reached the three boats, and giving 
 a signal, were soon alongside. Just then Pete turned 
 his head. Going into the river was a small boat 
 with two men in it. 
 
 "Just
 
 68 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "Just in time," he said, "now to the brig as you 
 value your necks." 
 
 The men answered with a will, and reached Nan- 
 tasket Roads without accident. 
 The next morning incoming vessels noticed a 
 handsome brig going under full sail down Mas 
 sachusetts Bay. She seemed in haste, for she spared 
 nothing, and had no time to signal anyone, but 
 flew on regardless of wind and weather. On board 
 of her were nine new men, so she was amply pro 
 vided with hands. 
 
 " Where to, now? " asked the Captain, turning to 
 the leader of the new-comers. 
 " To the south," was the answer. " Such were Mr. 
 Jaquith *s instructions in case we failed." And they 
 sailed on, the crew singing as they manned the 
 halliards : 
 
 Ho, Heigh, Ho! let the good brig go 
 To the Sea of the Carribbee, 
 For the Jky is blue, and the hearts are true, 
 Of the maidens with eyes of ebony hue, 
 In the Sea of the Carribbee. 
 
 Ho, Heigh, Ho! the wejt winds blow 
 And the fcuppers fill under our lee, 
 And there s plenty for all in calm or f qua II 
 On the dark blue waters that rife and fall 
 In the Sea of the Carribbee. 
 
 Sing Ho, Heigh, Ho! for the northeaj} gale 
 
 To blow us far over the fea 
 
 Acrofs the Stream, the wind abeam, 
 
 With creaking and /napping in every f earn, 
 
 Towards the Sea of the Carribbee. 
 
 Ho,
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 69 
 
 Ho, Heigh, Ho! Sing Ho, Heigh, Ho! 
 Her Jtud-fails are drawing free, 
 Her Jheets are taut, her halliards fajl, 
 She dives in the open fea at laft, 
 Towards the Sea of the Carribbee. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 W her ein the Adventures 
 of the Previous Chapter 
 are continued. 
 
 WHEN the boat from the Castle, con 
 taining the four young men, arrived 
 at the bank of the river which young 
 Hutchinson knew so well, all was qui 
 et. Had it been day, they could easily have known 
 from the freshly trodden snow, that it had been 
 recently visited by a large body of men. But in 
 the darkness they suspected nothing. 
 " It is so gloomy," said Captain Fairweather, "that 
 we will have the four men follow us up the hill to 
 the road. They can then take the boat and return 
 to the Castle, as we shall go back by land in the 
 morning." 
 
 " I think your plan a good one," answered Hutch 
 inson, "for although the distance is not great, 
 the fields are well sheltered, and afford ample 
 space for concealment. There is safety in num 
 bers." 
 
 They climbed up the bank, through the brush 
 and under the trees, and as the ascent began to 
 be less wearisome, they halted a moment to catch 
 their breath. 
 
 They had reached that part of the field from which 
 by daylight one could see both the harbour and 
 the Governor s house, when young Hutchinson s 
 attention was attracted by two or three lights 
 moving to and fro on the opposite side of the 
 road. 
 
 "What can this mean?" he said, stopping. "My 
 [70] father
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 71 
 
 father and sister rarely go out in the evening now, 
 and they never have so many lights. See, they are 
 
 increasing. I do believe there is mischief going 
 
 
 on. 
 
 He had hardly spoken when the line of sycamores 
 and the snow-clad fields were lighted up, showing 
 the house behind them. It was as if a sudden con 
 flagration had broken out. The next moment they 
 were startled by a sharp yell in front of them, 
 sounding like the barking of wolves, and they 
 could distinguish a dozen or more dark figures on 
 the lawn dancing and screeching like demons. 
 "Good Heavens! " cried Hutchinson, "they are at 
 it already, and we are just in time. It is a second 
 sacking, and my poor father and sister are alone 
 with the servants. Make haste, Captain, before 
 they accomplish their cowardly work." 
 "T your pistols, men," shouted Captain Fair- 
 weather , "and double-quick up this hill as you 
 love your King." 
 
 They all rushed forward with a cry, discharging 
 their pistols when within range, and before they 
 had reached the lawn all was quiet and in dark 
 ness, and the rioters had scattered as chaff before 
 the wind. Not a trace was left of them, save a 
 few smouldering torches, and the smell of the 
 resinous smoke. 
 
 "Take your arms and make sure they re gone," 
 said the Captain to his men. " Catch some of them 
 if you can. If you find nothing return to the 
 house. I should like to have got hold of that big 
 fellow," he continued, turning to his companions, 
 "but there is no use in following them far in 
 
 this
 
 72 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 this darkness. They will not attempt anything 
 more, for they are apparently timid." 
 When they reached the house they were met at 
 the front door by the tall figure of the Governor, 
 who, true to his word, was on his way to argue 
 with the rioters, thinking them to be of the same 
 sort as those who had appeared in Boston nine 
 years before. To his surprise he fell into the arms 
 of his son. 
 
 "Are you safe, father? " said the breathless young 
 man. "I am thankful we came as we did, for there 
 is no saying what might otherwise have happened." 
 " Is that you, Tommy ? " said the Governor. " How 
 came you here? Yes, I am well, but am sorry I 
 could not have had a word with them, for I m 
 sure they meant me no personal harm. Ah, I see, 
 here is Captain Fairweather, who has disobeyed 
 the commands I gave him this morning. This 
 won t do, Captain," he continued with a smile. 
 "You have brought the troops with you. Can you 
 excuse yourself?" 
 
 "I think, your Excellency," answered Fairweath- 
 er, "that you will forgive me when I tell you that 
 these four men would have returned with the boat 
 ere this, had we not seen what was taking place." 
 "And further, my dear father," interrupted young 
 Hutchinson, "these gentlemen come as my guests, 
 not as soldiers." 
 
 "That being the case," replied the Governor, "I 
 forgive you all, and ask you to drink with me a 
 health to King George" 
 
 They entered the house, and soon the events of 
 the evening were nearly forgotten in the agree 
 able
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 73 
 
 able conversation and good punch of the Gov 
 ernor. 
 
 But there were two young men on the river who 
 had seen the lights, and their sudden disappear 
 ance, and who never forgot that night. 
 "There is something wrong, Charles" said Ja- 
 quith. "They should not stop so early, for they 
 have given no time for action on the part of that 
 rascal Pete and the brig s crew." 
 "Let us go to the bank and learn what we can," 
 answered Charles. They accordingly rowed rap 
 idly on, and when they came in sight of the shore 
 Jaquith said, with surprise, "Isn t that a boat? 
 Evidently they have not gone down the river yet. 
 Pull in and we will examine her." 
 They did so, and by the aid of a light read in large 
 black letters the appalling name, " Arethusa." 
 "By Heavens! A man-of-war s gig," cried Ja 
 quith. "We are trapped. Turn and pull down the 
 river, and let s get back to town as soon as we 
 can." 
 
 Thus ended the attack on Governor Hutchinson 
 in January, 1774. Its immediate effect was not 
 serious to him, but it was one of the many acts 
 which helped to wreck his life and make it end 
 in exile. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 In whicl} the Garden 
 i; aga i n frequented. 
 
 IT was now the end of April. The snow had 
 gone, and the fresh green grass was begin 
 ning to cover the pleached alleys of the 
 Governor s garden with a soft velvet. The 
 sun was bright, buds were bursting on the early 
 shrubs and trees, and the orioles and robins were 
 singing their joyful message of an early summer. 
 Nothing in all this lovely world was more lovely 
 than the garden in Milton on that spring day. 
 Down the middle walk three persons were mov 
 ing slowly towards the ha-ha at the foot of the 
 garden. The tall, somewhat bent figure of the 
 Governor, his right hand clasping tenderly that 
 of a young girl, was in the centre. On his left 
 walked a young man. 
 
 The Governor stopped now and then, to examine 
 some green shoot just peeping from the ground, 
 or to point to the buds upon the trees about them. 
 He had made the place a Paradise on earth by thir 
 ty years of loving labour, and watched its progress 
 with the tender care bestowed by a doting parent 
 on a child. Reaching the end of the path he turned 
 and looked back through the overhanging branch 
 es towards the house. The sun was shining over 
 its roof, throwing the shadows across the green 
 sod, giving the whole a rich and varied colouring. 
 " I had hoped to be on my way to England by 
 this time," he said, turning to the young man, 
 "so that I might return before all the green is 
 gone. How beautiful it is ! I would not leave it 
 [74] could
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 75 
 
 could I not be of better service there. Here all is 
 fast becoming anarchy, and my counsels are un 
 heeded. A few rebellious fellows are doing all the 
 mischief, and they will not listen to any conces 
 sions. I wish you could go with me, Tommy, but 
 you must remain to care for the farm and your 
 private affairs. You could not leave the manage 
 ment of the estate of the late Lieutenant Gov 
 ernor in such a time of uncertainty. But I shall 
 have Elisha and you, Peggy, dearest," turning 
 with a smile towards the girl. "It will be but a 
 short time, and then we shall all drink tea togeth 
 er once more under these elms." 
 "I wish I might go with you, father," said Thom 
 as, "but as you say it is impossible. I should not 
 regret were I never to see Boston and its rabble 
 again, if I could be with you. This place I love 
 because you have made it what it is, but little 
 would I weep for the rest of this benighted land." 
 "Say not so, my son," replied the Governor with 
 warmth. " Remember that the good people are but 
 misguided by those black-hearted fellows in the 
 Assembly. Ere I return all will be changed, and 
 the spirit of loyalty will prevail." 
 "I hope you are right, Sir," answered Thomas, 
 "but I fear that matters grow no better. Can a 
 people who insult the obsequies of the beloved 
 Lieutenant Governor be trusted to reform? Noth 
 ing but force will check them, for they listen to 
 no arguments but those of traitors and rebels." 
 "That was indeed a sad affair," said the Govern 
 or, bowing his head, "and I think the leaders are 
 ashamed of it. Such acts separate the chaff from 
 
 the
 
 76 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 the wheat, and may save it in the end. But be it 
 as it may, I cannot leave my post of duty in the 
 hands of a rebel council, and shall await His Maj 
 esty s orders. Are you impatient to leave these 
 scenes, Peggy dear?" 
 
 "No, Sir," answered the girl, "I am happy here 
 with you. But when you are away I sometimes 
 crave the companionship of one of my own age. 
 My friends are separated from me, and I see them 
 so seldom." 
 
 "It is but too true, my dear," the Governor re 
 plied, " but it is impossible for you to go abroad 
 in such perilous times. The danger of insult is too 
 great. But some old friend might visit you here. 
 Is there no one you wish to see ? Speak, and she 
 shall be brought if possible." 
 " I ve often wished that Dorothy Doddridge might 
 be with me," answered Peggy, looking up at her 
 father, "but Tommy says that her mother and 
 brother are rebels, and that they would not per 
 mit it." 
 
 "Poor Amos I " said the Governor, with a look of 
 tender recollection. "That one so loyal should 
 leave such to represent him ! His wife has sorely 
 changed since his death, for she was once loyal, 
 too. I don t know that her mother will allow it," 
 he continued, addressing Peggy, "but you may 
 ask Dorothy to come." 
 
 "No, father," replied she, "I fear it might cause 
 you annoyance. It is well known that her broth 
 er Charles has spoken harsh words about you, and 
 that Mrs. Doddridge is very bitter, so I doubt if 
 they would permit it. Dear Dorothy is a sweet 
 
 g irl >
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 77 
 
 girl, and I love her so well that it would be a com 
 fort to have her with me, but I must not think 
 of it." 
 
 They cannot refuse you this, " answered the Gov 
 ernor, raising his head with dignity. " Go and write 
 a note to Dorothy, and I will forward it with a word 
 to her mother, as soon as it is ready. It would in 
 deed be unkind of her to reject the invitation." 
 Peggy kissed her father, and ran towards the house, 
 her heart full of joy at the prospect of seeing her 
 friend. 
 
 Before Mr. Doddridge s death, he and Mr. Hutch- 
 inson had been strongly attached to each other. As 
 representatives in the General Court they stood 
 shoulder to shoulder, and it was Doddridge s un 
 flinching loyalty to his friend that had enabled him 
 successfully to combat the demagogues who had 
 attempted to wreck the finances of the Province. 
 In those days he and his young wife had been fre 
 quent visitors at Milton, and in later years Charles 
 and Dorothy had been there much. But things had 
 changed in the last two or three years, and the 
 girls had scarcely seen each other. It was a great 
 grief to them both, and Peggy had often thought 
 of asking her father s consent to invite her friend, 
 so when he asked her whether there was no young 
 companion she wished to have visit her, she had 
 taken courage to ask for her company. 
 After Peggy had left them, the others started back 
 towards the house. "Has Captain Fair weather" 
 asked the Governor, "been able to find the mes 
 senger who brought me the warning on the day 
 before you and he dispersed the mob from before 
 
 the
 
 78 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 the house? There are loyal hearts here yet, but 
 why should they wish to hide themselves? It is 
 indeed sad that the King s faithful subjects are 
 obliged to act in secret." 
 
 "All that has been discovered," answered Thom 
 as, "is that the man was dark and rode a brown 
 horse. He will be found, though, for both Colonel 
 Leslie and Major Phillips are anxious to reward 
 him. The gentlemen at the Castle are much in 
 terested also." 
 
 "Have they the identity of any of the fellows 
 who were here?" inquired the Governor. "It was 
 not a serious affair, but they should not be en 
 couraged by the neglect of the authorities. No 
 doubt the messenger could tell us much were he 
 found." 
 
 "I will steal down to the Castle this afternoon," 
 said Thomas, "and learn what I can. I need a 
 change, for I have been going from house to 
 barn, from barn to house, and the monotony is 
 wearing me out. The store is closed, and seems 
 likely to remain so, for an honest man is forbid 
 den to earn his livelihood in these days. But I 
 may get some news at the Castle, and I am sore 
 ly in need of it." 
 
 "Do not attempt going to the town," said his 
 father. " They would do you an injury if they saw 
 you." 
 
 On entering the house the Governor retired to his 
 study, and Thomas to his room to prepare for his 
 afternoon excursion. Since the occurrence of Jan 
 uary, he had been but seldom on the river, and 
 he now took special care to provide himself with 
 
 pistols
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 79 
 
 pistols and sword. He would have felt no regret 
 at having to use them with effect, for he was 
 wrought up to a state of anger which knew no 
 bounds. He and his brother had been deprived 
 of their business ; his father threatened and in 
 sulted, and all for no fault of their own. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 an Invitation 
 
 . was given by His 
 
 Excellency. 
 
 ABOUT four o clock that afternoon, 
 young Hutchinson started across the 
 fields to the river, taking with him 
 the letters to Mrs. Doddridge and 
 Dorothy, hoping to find a bearer for them at the 
 Castle. He found his boat safe on the gravelly 
 beach, and jumping in pulled leisurely down the 
 river. He did not hurry, for he desired to reach 
 the Castle after dark, and there was ample time. 
 The air was warm, and he felt refreshed after his 
 confinement. Nothing disturbed the quiet, except 
 the shore birds and sea-gulls which hovered over 
 the river and marshes. He wondered how God 
 could permit such a beautiful land to be poisoned 
 with the spirit of rebellion. His mind wandered 
 back to the days of his boyhood, when he and his 
 brothers and sisters paddled about these same wa 
 ters without fear of molestation, and their songs 
 and laughter echoed from the banks and hum 
 mocks without restraint. Now he was forced to 
 steal along like a thief at night, hardly daring to 
 speak to himself. He was not cowardly; he was 
 even reckless ; but he knew his position too well, 
 and the danger if he were seen by the more law 
 less people. He therefore crept on slowly as far 
 as the river s mouth, then turned his boat towards 
 the harbour, and headed her for the Castle. 
 The sun was getting low, and it would take him 
 half an hour more, so he began to pull a vigor- 
 [80] ous
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 81 
 
 ous stroke, when he noticed lying directly in his 
 path a number of boats filled with people, who 
 were throwing stones and other missiles towards 
 the war-ships and the Castle, and although he 
 could not hear what they said, they were undoubt 
 edly hurling blasphemies along with them. It was 
 only too apparent to him that he must postpone 
 his visit until after nightfall, so he turned and 
 rowed towards Boston, intending to keep out of 
 sight until a better opportunity of reaching the 
 Castle should present itself. 
 It then occurred to him that he had the letters for 
 Dorothy and her mother, and that they should be 
 delivered at once if possible. He could easily do 
 the errand himself, for there could be but little 
 danger in reaching their house, and a word from 
 him might cause Mrs. Doddridge to give the mat 
 ter favorable consideration. Accordingly when the 
 sun had set he pulled along the shore to Bull s 
 Wharf, and landing, secured his boat to one of 
 the piers. He looked about him. There was no 
 one in sight, and the stillness was only broken by 
 the swashing of the waters against the wharf and 
 adjoining shore. 
 
 Walking rapidly by Flounder Lane to Summer 
 Street, he met few people and these paid little heed 
 to him. Nearing the new South Church he contin 
 ued at a slower gait, until he reached Mrs. Dod- 
 dridge s house. As he approached it he heard the 
 door shut and a step come towards the street. 
 Drawing back quickly into the shade of one of 
 the large elms, he remained quiet. A man came 
 
 out
 
 82 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 out of the gate and was immediately joined by an 
 other, who came from the direction of cT Acosta s 
 pastures. As they passed the tree behind which 
 Hutchinson was hidden, he heard the first one 
 saying, 
 
 "I got the chance of a word with Dorothy. She 
 says that Charles is still bent upon his foolish er 
 rand, and is exasperated at his last failure. I may 
 have to go to Milton again with a note of warn- 
 ing." 
 
 "Let me go, "replied the other, "they might ques 
 tion you were you to be seen there again, and we 
 don t wish to cause Doddridge trouble." 
 Hutchinson caught no more, but he had heard 
 enough to satisfy him. 
 
 "David Whittemore, as I live," he said to himself. 
 "Can it have been he who brought that letter, 
 and did none of the servants know him ? Ah ! I 
 forget that all except Mark and Riley have been 
 changed. But why should he bring it? I thought 
 he was a rebel and a Son of Liberty. From what he 
 said, it must have been Dorothy who sent it, and 
 Charles must be one of the villains who planned 
 that atrocious act." 
 
 He waited a while, and then going to the door, 
 knocked and was admitted. 
 When Mrs. Doddridge entered the parlour where 
 he was awaiting her, a look of astonishment spread 
 over her face, and throwing her head back haugh 
 tily, she said: 
 
 "This is an unexpected visit, Mr. Hutchinson. It 
 is long since you have condescended so far, and 
 
 you
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 83 
 
 you ought not to wonder at my surprise. You 
 must have an important message to undertake so 
 perilous a journey." 
 
 " Mrs. Doddridge" answered Thomas courteously, 
 and bowing low, " I have indeed an important mes 
 sage, otherwise I would not have troubled you at 
 this time. You are unjust to me, for neither my 
 father nor I have ever refused to visit you. Like 
 many another in the Province you have turned 
 against us; not we against you. And why?" 
 "Mr. Hutchinson" she interrupted, "we have 
 borne until we can bear no longer. Do you deny 
 that you and your partners have done all in your 
 power to ruin us ? Do you deny that your father, 
 as Governor of the Province, has upheld all the 
 shameful laws that are breaking up our homes 
 and starving our people? I would gladly believe 
 that this is not so, but I fear I am not mistaken. 
 Do I not speak the truth?" 
 "It is true, Mrs. Doddridge" answered Hutchin- 
 son^ coolly, " that you have suffered, that the peo 
 ple of the colonies are suffering. It is true that I 
 was made one of the consignees of the tea which 
 has caused so much trouble. It is true that my 
 honoured father, Governor of the Province, has 
 upheld the laws of Parliament, and enforced the 
 orders of His Most Gracious Majesty. But it is 
 not true," he continued with emphasis, "that he 
 has enforced unjust laws, or that he has aided in 
 causing the ruin of the people. His every act has 
 been in accordance with his oath of allegiance. 
 Never has a heavy burthen been placed upon the 
 
 people
 
 84 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 people that he has not given his whole heart to 
 lightening it. Never has an unjust law been passed 
 that he has not used his greatest energies to have 
 it modified. As for me and my friends, the con 
 signees, it is well known that we were made such 
 against our desires. We have lost a lucrative busi 
 ness in consequence, and we are sufferers as well 
 as others. We differ in our point of view, Madam, 
 that is all. We have done what we know to be 
 our duty; perhaps the people of Boston think they 
 are doing theirs. If so, I fear they don t under 
 stand what it is." 
 
 "They understand so much, "answered Mrs. Dod- 
 dridge, taking a step forward, " that they have de 
 cided to put up with these things no longer. They 
 understand enough to know that your father is 
 their enemy, and cannot, or will not, help them. 
 Why does he not do as they do, and stand by their 
 rights? Why does he allow our men to be shot, 
 our maidens to be insulted? Tell me why?" 
 "He permits none of these things, and you well 
 know it, Mrs. Doddridge" answered Hutchinson 
 quietly. " You must be aware that he has always 
 punished acts of violence. But tell me why the 
 people insult him ? attempt to mob him ? threat 
 en him? And why do they do these things in the 
 dark? He does his duty openly; they make their 
 plans in secret. Is not his course the more honour 
 able?" 
 
 "They do those things," she replied, "because 
 they have no other means of freeing themselves. 
 Would you have them shot down like beasts? 
 
 They
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 85 
 
 They have tried argument and persuasion ; this 
 is all that is left to them." 
 "Mrs. Doddridge" said Hutchinson, placing a 
 chair for her, "I did not come to quarrel with 
 you, and I m sorry that you feel towards us as you 
 do. I come not as an enemy, but as the son of 
 Mr. Doddridge s old friend. Do not be angry ; do 
 not let the heat of these times make those unhap 
 py who do not deserve to be so. Will you listen 
 to me for a minute?" 
 
 "You are right," she said, seating herself, and her 
 manner softening a little as she thought of her 
 husband, "I should not have received you so. But 
 do not blame me. Speak, and I will listen." 
 "My father," began Thomas, "goes to England 
 in a few weeks to be away several months. Ah! 
 I grieve to see that this pleases you. Yes, he goes, 
 but it is in the interest of the Province. My sis 
 ter goes with him, and she has one friend whom 
 she wishes to see before her departure. Do you 
 understand, Madam? She begs that you will allow 
 your daughter to visit her. I bring two letters with 
 me, one from her to Dorothy; the other to you 
 from my father. Will you read them?" 
 Mrs. Doddridge hesitated. For a moment she felt 
 that perhaps she was unjust in putting so much 
 blame upon her husband s old friend. She took 
 the letters, and read hers slowly. When she had 
 finished she raised her eyes, saying, "Do you and 
 he know what you are asking of me? Do you real 
 ize that for one of my family to break bread in 
 your father s house would stamp us as traitors? 
 
 No,
 
 86 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 No, Mr. Hutchinsoiiy I must refuse, though you 
 may think me ungracious. I fear that Dorothy s 
 mind is somewhat poisoned already, for she does 
 not see the meaning of all these things as I do. 
 Forgive me, you cannot understand my feelings." 
 "I do, very well," he said, "but you and your 
 son will not be there, although I know that you 
 would both be welcome. This is but a young girl s 
 fancy to have her dearest friend with her. Pray 
 let it be satisfied. Don t make them suffer when 
 there is no need. I will send my boat for her with 
 Peggy and two trusted men, and she can steal up 
 the river without notice. Think of what I have 
 risked to bring this message to you. Were I seen 
 in the streets of Boston I might be roughly han 
 dled." 
 
 " Mr. Hutchinson" she answered, " you have acted 
 bravely in this matter, and should be treated kind 
 ly." She hesitated a moment and then added: "It 
 is true that no one need know of it, and that Peg 
 gy will soon go away. Let me reflect. I ll speak 
 with Dorothy, and will let you know my decision 
 to-morrow. But how can I reach you?" 
 "I ll wait now if you will consult Dorothy at 
 once," answered Thomas. 
 
 "I will do so, but I must speak with her alone if 
 you ll allow me." 
 
 She left the room. After some minutes she re 
 turned. Her eyes were moist, and her manner was 
 gentler. She said, as she entered, "I am afraid I 
 am weak. I could never have thought this possi 
 ble. She may go." 
 
 Hutchinson
 
 T he GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 87 
 
 Hutchinson took her hand respectfully, and said : 
 "I thank you, Madam, and I think you will not 
 repent this act. At four o clock to-morrow after 
 noon then, send Dorothy to the Point where we 
 had our boat in the old days. Peggy will be wait 
 ing for her there. Good night, and may you soon 
 learn that my father is the best friend the Prov 
 ince has." 
 
 With this he took his leave, and returning to his 
 boat, reached the Castle without accident. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 Wherein the Govern- 
 
 . .., / w / toft - OT /, ,,. 
 
 cepted. 
 
 ON the following morning young Hutch- 
 inson left the Castle in company with 
 Captain Fair weather ^ and rowed to 
 Milton. On his arrival he immediately 
 sought his sister to tell her of the success of his ef 
 forts in her behalf. She was delighted, and at once 
 began preparations for her trip to the Point. Then 
 he sought his father, whom he found in the study 
 engrossed in his correspondence. On seeing him 
 the Governor said, "You have returned early, my 
 son. I did not expect you before nightfall. But I 
 am pleased to have you here in safety, for I had 
 some anxiety lest you should be seen in the har 
 bour. What did you learn at the Castle? Nothing 
 good, I fear." 
 
 "I have learned much," answered Thomas , "but 
 not at the Castle. I disregarded your warning and 
 sought Mrs. Doddridge in her house. There was 
 no danger," he continued, for his father looked 
 displeased. "It was dark, and /was seen by no one. 
 But I saw some one for whom we have been look 
 ing for weeks." 
 
 He then related what he had seen and overheard. 
 The Governor knit his brows and thought a mo 
 ment. Then he said doubtingly, "There must be 
 some mistake, my son. Young Doddridge is un 
 doubtedly misguided, and would perhaps do an 
 unlawful act, but he would not attempt violence 
 upon the person of his father s friend. No, Tom- 
 [88] my,
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 89 
 
 my, that part of it you have ill-understood. But 
 Whittemore? You are sure it was he?" 
 "Yes, father," answered Thomas, "I know his 
 carriage and voice, and his companion addressed 
 him as David There is no error in this. Do you 
 wish him sent for? I m sure he ll not come unless 
 assured that he ll not be questioned as to the 
 source of his information. For if I m right about 
 Charles, he wouldn t wish to betray him." 
 "You argue correctly," said his father, "but this 
 can be arranged, and we will send him such a mes 
 sage that he will have no hesitation in coming to 
 us. But how fare the gentlemen at the Castle ? Are 
 your wife and little ones tolerably well off?" 
 "Colonel Leslie and the officers are most kind," 
 answered Thomas, " and give them every comfort. 
 But I forgot to say that I have brought Captain 
 Fair-weather with me, thinking that he might be 
 of service to us. He has gone to his room, and will 
 be ready to speak with you when you are at leis 
 ure. I have great confidence in him, and so has 
 the Colonel, and if you agree, Sir, I will make him 
 acquainted with what I have just told you." 
 "You may do so, my son, and I have faith that he 
 will act wisely and with sound sense." Bowing re 
 spectfully, Thomas withdrew to his own room. 
 At about seven o clock that evening the cheer 
 ful voices of two young girls could have been 
 heard issuing from the Red Room in the south 
 wing, overlooking the garden, orchards and fields, 
 towards the Blue Hills and Eramtree. The bright 
 carpet ; the crimson damask curtains ; the four- 
 post bedstead, also with crimson hangings; the 
 
 mahogany
 
 90 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 mahogany chairs covered with the same stuff, all 
 looked bright and cheerful in the dancing fire 
 light. Peggy and Dorothy were happy on this night, 
 although they had both suffered much of late. But 
 now they forgot it all and recalled the days of their 
 childhood, when they ran about the garden and 
 over the fields, picking the wild flowers and pluck 
 ing the fruit. 
 
 "To-morrow," said Dorothy gaily, "I ll jump on 
 Fairy and canter over the old roads and fields. 
 Peggy darling, I have been shut up so long in Bos 
 ton, that I have hardly breathed the fresh air, and 
 I ve felt stifled. But now I ll make the most of this 
 dear place, and be a girl again." 
 "And I will go with you, Dorothy. I, too, have 
 been much kept in-doors of late. My father fears 
 my going abroad alone because of the disturbances 
 in the town. He says it is not safe for me. Do you 
 think they would harm me?" 
 " They wouldn t harm you, Peggy. It is the men 
 against whom they feel bitterly. It s your father 
 and brothers, the chief justice, and the army. But 
 I don t agree with them. You knew that, did you 
 not?" 
 
 "Tommy told me so, and it made me very happy. 
 Why do they wish to harm so good, kind and 
 patient a soul as my dear father? They don t know 
 him as we do. Loving, generous, thinking never 
 of himself; always of others. Not a day passes that 
 he does not grieve for the people, and express his 
 distress at their sufferings. It s unjust and unkind, 
 Dorothy." 
 
 "It
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 91 
 
 "It will not last long," said Dorothy. "They will 
 change. Is it not a good sign that I was allowed to 
 come to you? I grieve to say it, but I feared I might 
 never be permitted to do so again. But I m here 
 and I m happy." 
 
 A little later as they drank tea in the oak-panelled 
 dining room, no one would have suspected what 
 was in the minds of most of the party. The Gov 
 ernor, at the head of the table, was life and wit 
 itself, making all hearts light. No word was said 
 of existing conditions in the Colony, for Thomas 
 and Peggy alone were certain ofDorofhy s position, 
 and the Governor did not wish to offend her. After 
 tea was over, the two girls were left to themselves 
 in the parlour, while the others retired to the study, 
 where they remained until a late hour. 
 "I think, your Excellency," said Fairweather, in 
 answer to a question, "that it would be well to 
 summon Mr. Whittemore to Milton. If he is loyal 
 he will come without doubt." 
 "He must be loyal," said the Governor, "but he 
 is also an old friend of Charles Doddridge, and if 
 Tommy is right, he may wish to shield him. I can 
 not believe that Charles had any hand in the riot. 
 If he did, I wish to spare him if possible, on his sis 
 ter s account. There must be others more guilty, 
 and we will look for them." 
 "Make it known to Mr. Whittemore that he will 
 not be questioned, and I am sure he ll come will 
 ingly," the Captain replied. 
 "I will do so. Tommy will write to him, for he 
 knows him well." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 In which 
 
 Whittemore fays what 
 he thinks. 
 
 ~W ^ZRA and Charles had waited in vain for the 
 Ay return of the brig. At first they thought that 
 M. J she was biding her time until suspicion had 
 subsided, but as the weeks passed in rapid succes 
 sion they finally became convinced that she had 
 been captured, and gave up all hope. Jaquith de 
 termined more than ever to lose no opportunity 
 of revenge. Towards the end of April, Mrs. Dod- 
 dridge and Charles asked him to share their home, 
 and on the evening of the day Dorothy went to Mil 
 ton he became her mother s guest. When Charles 
 learned where Dorothy had gone he was at first 
 very angry. But on being told that the Governor 
 was soon to sail for England he had become calm, 
 for such good news was enough to reconcile him 
 to anything. They had succeeded, he thought, in 
 making the Province too hot for His Excellency. 
 Jaquith, however, felt differently at her absence, 
 though he did not confess it to his friend. The truth 
 was that he had set his heart on the beautiful girl, 
 whom he had met of late on terms of close friend 
 ship. He had not realized it until he found her gone, 
 and gone, as he thought, into the enemy s camp. 
 He feared no rivalry, however, for he imagined 
 none at Milton. But, as in the case of his lost brig, 
 there was no redress; and he had to submit. He 
 had changed in these three months, and was mo 
 rose and often overbearing. He spoke little, but 
 thought much. 
 
 [92] No
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 93 
 
 No further search had been made in the White 
 Cock Tavern, and the two young men strolled there 
 almost every day, for they were sure of meeting 
 many friends and sympathizers. They had noticed 
 that of late, one who had once been a constant at 
 tendant at their gatherings, was never there. Whit- 
 temoreha.dn.ot entered the tavern since New Year s 
 Eve, and Caleb White had often remarked upon 
 his absence, and the Sons of Liberty were much in 
 censed at his neglect. Charles had frequently spok 
 en to David about this, but as he answered little, 
 he finally guessed the truth; that he had abandoned 
 the cause. But one evening, as they were seated in 
 the parlour of the house in Summer Street, dis 
 cussing the important news of the day, that of 
 the refusal of the Chief Justice to accept his salary 
 from the Province, they were interrupted by the 
 arrival of Whittemore. He was received kindly by 
 Mrs. Doddridge, but the two young men greeted 
 him coolly. After a while, Charles asked with 
 warmth, "What do you think, David, of the im 
 pudence of the Chief Justice? He still maintains 
 that he is the servant of the Crown, and that he 
 will receive his salary from none save the King. 
 Was anything so outrageous ever heard?" 
 " I think," replied DtfwWquietly, "that he isdoing 
 his duty. Why shouldn t he receive his salary as 
 the law requires? Why should the people take this 
 matter into their hands and attempt to dictate to 
 the government? I see no reason why we should 
 not obey the laws, and be good subjects." 
 His three companions started. "Do you know 
 what you are saying? " asked Jaquith, taking a step 
 
 towards
 
 94 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 towards him. "Do you come here to say such 
 things? I am surprised that you should hold such 
 unpatriotic sentiments. Do you not know that 
 this act is striking at our dearest liberties, and that 
 it is intended as an insult to the Province?" 
 " I know nothing of the kind," David replied, un 
 moved. "Do you not know that the judges have 
 been ill-paid, and at times cannot get what is due 
 them? Do you imagine that they propose to serve 
 for nothing? " 
 
 "I have noticed of late that you take less inter 
 est in your country than was your wont," said Ja- 
 quith excitedly. "What s the reason of this change? 
 Is there something to be gained by it?" 
 "There is nothing to be gained by argument with 
 you," said David, turning from Jaquith towards 
 Mrs. Doddridge. 
 
 "I will not argue with you then," said Ezra, now 
 in a passion, " but I will say one word more. I knew 
 you were losing interest in the cause of liberty, 
 but I didn t believe you were a traitor." 
 Whittemore turned upon him, flushed with anger. 
 "What do you say? Do you, the smuggler, the 
 breaker of laws, the would-be destroyer of your 
 sovereign s representative, dare call me a traitor, 
 because I don t wish to join you in your infamous 
 work? It s you, who should be shunned by all self- 
 respecting men. Pardon me, Mrs. Doddridge, for 
 saying these things in your presence, but I came 
 here on a friendly visit, and have been insulted, 
 called traitor." Then again addressing Jaquith, he 
 added, "Either you will apologize to me, or you 
 may expect to hear from me. I ll give you until 
 to-morrow to cool down." 
 
 Ezra
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 95 
 
 Ezra was white with rage and attempted to re 
 ply, but before he could do so, David had bowed 
 stiffly and left the house. He was not sorry for what 
 he had said, and he was not the aggressor. He had 
 gone to Mrs. Doddridgis in the hope of seeing 
 Dorothy, not expecting to meet Ezra there, and 
 when the latter had called him traitor it had stung 
 him. 
 
 Whittemore had always been at heart a Tory. He 
 hardly knew it himself until recent events had 
 set him to considering matters more seriously. He 
 was a Boston boy; a classmate of both Doddridge 
 and Jaquith; and had been brought up in the midst 
 of all the troubles of the last years. But he had al 
 ways been thoughtful, reasoning in his own way, 
 and making up his own mind, and had now come 
 to the decision that although the government was 
 hard in many ways, yet it had done many good 
 things, and had made it possible for the Colonies 
 to be what they were. Yet it was not until his meet 
 ing with Doddridge on New Year s Eve that he 
 really knew with whom he sympathized, and he 
 then and there decided where his duty lay, and re 
 solved to protect the Governor, should it be in his 
 power to do so. After leaving the tavern on that 
 evening, he had made up his mind to forestall his 
 friend s impetuosity. For some days he could think 
 of nothing to do, but knowing Charles s love for 
 his young sister, he finally decided to communi 
 cate with her and urge her to influence him. Dorothy 
 knew it would enrage her brother to learn that his 
 friend had betrayed his secret, and she could not 
 bring herself to speak to him. She therefore wrote 
 
 an
 
 96 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 an anonymous letter to the Governor, warning 
 him of impending danger, and put it in David s 
 hands to be delivered. The result we know. 
 The morning following his quarrel with Ezra, as 
 he was about going out, a servant handed him a 
 letter which had just been brought by a messen 
 ger who was awaiting a reply. Breaking it open he 
 read as follows: 
 David Whittemore, Efq r: 
 Sir: 
 
 Having ascertained that you have done us a great 
 Service^ my Father defires me to requejt that you will viflt 
 him at Milton at once, that he may in per/on thank you for 
 your Regard for him, and for your Loyalty to His Majef- 
 ty the King. Be ajjured, Sir, that the Motives for your 
 Attion will be permitted to remain in your fole pojfejjion, 
 and that we wijh but to exprefs our Gratitude. 
 Tour Obedient Servant, 
 
 Thomas Hutchinson, Jun r. 
 
 "This is a strange matter," thought Whittemore. 
 "How could it be known by His Excellency that 
 it was I who carried Dorothy s message? But I will 
 go, for after last evening s occurrence there is 
 nothing more to hide. I have now openly taken 
 sides." He wrote a note accepting the invitation, 
 and decided to start in the early afternoon. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 a Libert y Tree 
 
 wasplantedandwhat 
 
 Fruit it bore. 
 
 SOON after Whittemore left them, Charles 
 and Ezra went out, and walked rapidly 
 towards the White Cock. Conditions had 
 grown so much more serious in the past 
 few weeks, and the cause of the colonists had made 
 such headway, that they had become emboldened, 
 and those remaining loyal to the crown were now 
 cautious and on the defensive. It was without con 
 cealment, therefore, that the Sons of Liberty held 
 their meetings, and the White Cock Tavern was 
 every evening filled with enthusiastic, determined 
 patriots. This evening was no exception, and on 
 entering the long hall, Charles and Ezra found 
 some thirty young men talking, and drinking 
 toasts to Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and 
 making uncomplimentary remarks about the King 
 and the Governor. Seeing them come in, some one 
 shouted from the opposite side of the room, "Here 
 are two more, and they are welcome. Come, drink 
 a toast to Mr. Adams, To that sturdy tree of 
 Liberty, whose branches shall spread over all the 
 land. " They all arose with a shout, and drank. 
 "Now where is our friend, David Whittemore ? " 
 continued the speaker. "He should be here to 
 night, for we are going to plant a liberty tree in 
 the centre of the table. Come, Mr. White, clear off 
 the punch bowl and make room for us." 
 "David Whittemore will never be here again," an 
 swered Jaquith, setting down his glass. 
 
 [97] "How
 
 98 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "How so?" said the other. "Is he dead? or has 
 he joined the Quakers? " 
 
 "Worse than either," said Jaquith, with anger. 
 " He s a traitor and a turncoat. He thinks himself 
 insulted because I told him so to-night, and I may 
 have to stick him like a pig." 
 "Ha, ha! We thought as much," said a number 
 of voices at once. "What s he done now?" 
 " He has said," continued Jaquith, " that the Prov 
 ince has no rights, and that we should submit to 
 the laws without a murmur." 
 "And further," interrupted Charles, "that this 
 man, Oliver, is right in refusing to obey, the As 
 sembly and Council. Are not these things suffi 
 cient?" 
 
 "They are," said the other young men in unison. 
 "Stick him by all means, Ezra, and we will stand 
 behind you." 
 
 "Death to all traitors, and may the pig be stuck," 
 shouted a voice, and they all drank the toast. 
 "Now bring in the liberty tree," said the young 
 man who had first greeted Charles and Ezra on 
 their entrance. "We will cut one of yours, Mr. 
 White, and plant it in a box of good New England 
 earth." 
 
 They all rushed out, singing as they went, return 
 ing in a short time. " Here we are," said the bear 
 er of the tree. "Now for the planting." They all 
 gathered around the table, and amid loud applause 
 the spokesman stuck the the tree into the box of 
 earth. 
 
 "There are certain limbs on this tree which should 
 be stricken off," he said, pointing at it. " First I cut 
 
 off
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 99 
 
 off this rotten one, which represents David Whit- 
 temore." 
 
 "The pig we stick," cried a number of voices. 
 "Thus," continued the spokesman, lopping off 
 some more branches, "I dispose of all traitors." 
 A shout of approval went up. 
 "And now," he concluded, " I toast the tree of lib 
 erty shorn of all its imperfections." 
 After this toast was drunk, someone called out, 
 " One more toast, and then we will leave Mr. White 
 in possession of his tavern. To Ezra Jaquith, 
 may he stick the pig." 
 
 They one by one retired, leaving Ezraznd Charles 
 alone with the landlord, who was the first to speak. 
 "Do you expect to hear from Mr. Whittemore? " 
 he asked, "for if so, you would better prepare 
 yourself. I once had an affair of this sort, and was 
 considered a good sword in my day. Perhaps I can 
 be of service to you, for I believe you have had lit 
 tle experience in warfare. If you will come into 
 my loft, I will show you a few passes which may 
 be useful to you." 
 
 "Thank you," said Jaquith, "I ll take advantage 
 of your offer, but not to-night, for it is late. I trust 
 I shall soon hear from Master David^ for I wish 
 to show him what I really think of him. I have 
 many reasons for desiring to chastise him." 
 "You are right," replied White. "But if you do 
 not get a message from him, I will assure you that 
 he ll be seen to by the Sons of Liberty. No traitor 
 shall be permitted to go unpunished, and we in 
 tend to deal out justice to all like him. Have no 
 fear but that he ll get his deserts." 
 
 "That
 
 ioo The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "That would please me," Jaquith replied, "but 
 not so much as to do the work myself. And I ll 
 do it if I can." 
 
 Two days later he had the satisfaction of receiv 
 ing a visit from Captain Fairweather, of His Maj 
 esty s Army. 
 
 " I come," said he, "on behalf of Mr. Whittemore, 
 who considers that his character as a gentleman 
 has been attacked by you. He is ready to accept a 
 satisfactory explanation of your words, and would 
 gladly believe that they were unintentional. But 
 if you are unwilling to give this, it will please me 
 to see such gentlemen as you may name to arrange 
 for your meeting." 
 
 "Tell Mr. Whittemore" answered Ezra, with 
 warmth, "that I have nothing further to say, save 
 that my friend, Mr. Charles Doddridge, will meet 
 you at any place you may indicate." 
 "I will bear your answer," replied the Captain 
 with evident satisfaction, "and if agreeable will 
 call upon Mr. Doddridge here to-morrow morn 
 ing." This being agreed upon, the Captain rode 
 out to Milton. 
 
 David had told him his story, and asked him to 
 be the bearer of his challenge, to which Fair weath 
 er had willingly consented, deeming it a pleasure 
 to serve one desirous of upholding the honour of 
 the crown. It was somewhat late when he reached 
 Milton. Taking David to one side, he told him 
 the result of his visit. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 Mr. DAVID WHITTEMORE
 
 How a Garden may 
 -^ . containmorethanis 
 
 generally fuppofed. 
 
 ON arriving at Milton^ David Whitte- 
 more had been much surprised to find 
 Dorothy. Naturally it had occurred to 
 him that it was she who had told of 
 their notifying the Governor of his danger, and 
 he was at a loss to understand why she should have 
 done so. He therefore determined to question her, 
 and a suitable moment presenting itself, he asked 
 her to stroll in the garden with him. 
 "Oh, no," she said in answer to his enquiry, "I 
 was not aware, until His Excellency mentioned 
 it to me, that they knew of it. They have not told 
 me how they were informed." 
 "It is strange," said David, "but since it has been 
 the cause of my finding you, I am not sorry. I trust 
 it will not reach your mother and Charles that I am 
 here, for it would cause them much annoyance. I 
 fear they don t wish to see me again, Dorothy" 
 " Why not? " asked the girl, looking up at him in 
 surprise. "Surely you have always been welcome, 
 and we re old friends. They wouldn t shut their 
 door on you because you differ from them in your 
 views of what is right. I differ, too, yet they have 
 permitted me to come here, and they will welcome 
 me back." 
 
 "No, Dorothy" answered David sadly, "they 
 would not refuse me the house because I differed 
 from them; but I have lost my temper in their 
 presence, and have exposed my true position." 
 [101] "You
 
 IO2 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "You must have had great provocation to cause 
 you to lose your temper," she replied. " I thought 
 you were not easily excited." 
 "I am not usually, but Ezra Jaquith enraged me 
 with his arguments, and as I did not agree with 
 him, turned upon me and called me a traitor. I 
 answered him hotly, and hurled the epithet back 
 on him, and I think I did right." 
 "I am sorry for this," said Dorothy sadly, "but I 
 don t blame you. He was certainly in error. But 
 don t think of it further, for he will not remember 
 it. Poor Ezra has suffered much, and I wish I could 
 like him." 
 
 He looked up quickly. It was not displeasing to 
 him to know that Dorothy did not care for Jaquith. 
 "He has attacked me in a manner that I cannot 
 forget," replied he. "But I grieve to have offended 
 your mother, and I wish that Charles could see 
 the right and be loyal." 
 
 "That will never be, I fear," said Dorothy. "Charles 
 is so bitter. He loves me, but will not listen to me, 
 for he thinks me only a girl without experience. 
 Perhaps he is right in this, but I do not think I 
 am mistaken." 
 
 "You are not mistaken, Dorothy dear," said Peg 
 gy s voice at her shoulder. "You are a dear, good 
 girl, and your mother and brother will agree with 
 me some day. You think me an eavesdropper, but 
 it was unintentional. Forgive me." 
 "I say nothing to Mr. Whittemore that I wish to 
 hide from you, Peggy. We can speak our opinions 
 freely here, thank heaven!" 
 "It is pleasant to have good friends about us," 
 
 continued
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 103 
 
 continued Peggy. "It is long since we have had so 
 many, and it makes the dear old garden cheerful. 
 But where is our gallant Captain? I have missed 
 him to-day," she added with a laugh. 
 "He has ridden to Boston" answered David, 
 flushing slightly, "but promised to return early. 
 Perhaps he will bring us news." 
 David knew very well where Captain Fair weather 
 had gone, but had said nothing. He felt justified 
 in challenging Ezra, but did not care to have it 
 reach Dorothy s ears. 
 
 " What does this mean? " said Governor Hutchin- 
 son, with mock sternness. "Is this another con 
 spiracy? You are not so well hidden behind the 
 arbour that I cannot see you, and your voices 
 sound low and ominous. Have you already done 
 away with the Captain? I have not seen him since 
 morning, and it looks suspicious. I have faced 
 more than one rabble in my day, but none so for 
 bidding as this. Why, Mr. Whittemore looks most 
 wicked. Are you aware that it is near dinner time, 
 my dears?" 
 
 "We were preparing an attack upon you in the 
 dining room," answered Peggy with a laugh, " and 
 you have just saved yourself. As for the Captain, 
 no one knows where he is save Mr. Whittemore, 
 and Dorothy and I share your suspicions. We think 
 that our friend here has waylaid him, and thrown 
 him into the river. Shall we arrest the suspected? " 
 "Do so," said the Governor, "and bring him be 
 fore the board at which I shall preside. I am deemed 
 a severe judge in the Province, so let him tremble." 
 "Come, prisoner," said the two girls gaily. 
 
 "If
 
 IO4 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "If the Captain is not found before the Court 
 adjourns," put in the Governor, "justice will be 
 dealt out to you." 
 
 "I submit," said David, "but fear I must suffer 
 the penalty, for the Captain will not be here. Be 
 lenient, your Excellency, I beg." 
 Later on, while they were still at table, the Gov 
 ernor remarked, 
 
 "Mr. Whittemore, you must now have judgment 
 passed upon you, for it is evident that you are 
 guilty. Mark," he went on, turning towards the 
 colored servant behind him, "fetch a bottle of 
 that Rhenish wine which I suspect you know too 
 well." 
 
 The man retired, soon returning with the bottle. 
 "Now, Accused, here is your punishment. Many 
 before you have drunk their own death in poison, 
 but you will be obliged to do this, to drink with 
 me and your jailers a health to King George ///, 
 and to all loyal subjects." 
 
 "Your Excellency," said David, raising his glass 
 and bowing, "I think my case should be dealt with 
 lightly. Let me add to what you have proposed, 
 the health of your Excellency, and I will cheerfully 
 submit." 
 
 "You may do this," said the Governor, "and now 
 as I have had two pleasant hours with you, my dears, 
 I must return to the more serious matters of this 
 life." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 1 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Mifs Hutch infen s Pony. 
 
 "^HREE days after Captain Fair weather 
 had brought Ezra s answer to Milton, 
 two young men rode into an open space 
 near a spring of fresh water, at the foot 
 of the Great Blue Hill y and dismounted. Securing 
 their horses in the woods at some distance from 
 the road, they returned to the spring. They had 
 ridden from Boston in the cool of the morning, 
 and had been impatient to reach their destination 
 before the others, for they wished to look over 
 the ground unhindered. They did not know that 
 Captain Fairweather and David Whittemore were 
 in Milton, and had thoroughly examined the spot 
 on the preceding day. 
 
 "This is the place," said Charles, looking about 
 him, "and it is certainly as good as could be found. 
 David will have a chance to refresh himself at that 
 spring, which seems pure. Yet I don t half like 
 this expedition. He is an excellent swordsman, and 
 although White has taught you a few good moves, 
 I fear you will have some trouble. Keep your cour 
 age up, and make a bold rush on the first attack. 
 Perhaps you may be able to take him by surprise." 
 "Have no anxiety," answered Ezra. "I have the 
 right on my side, and shall do my best. If I can draw 
 some of his traitor blood, I shall be content." 
 " I wish I might have a chance at that British offi 
 cer," said Charles. "It would be a great thing to 
 have a bout with him, and show him what we think 
 [105] of
 
 106 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 of his murderous kind. Look to your sword," he 
 added, " and see that all is in condition, for I think 
 I hear the sound of horses on the highway." 
 In a few moments David and the Captain appeared, 
 and bowing to the others, dismounted. David 
 walked up to Ezra, and looking at him with con 
 tempt, said, in measured words, "Mr. Jaquith, 
 you have attacked me, but I am willing even now 
 to accept an explanation, and shall be happy to 
 know that you retract your words. But remember 
 that if you still persist in them you must take the 
 consequences." 
 
 "Mr. Whittemore" answered Ezra, returning his 
 look angrily, "a few evenings ago I called you a 
 traitor, but I refrained from saying all I thought 
 of you because we were in the presence of a lady. 
 You did not so restrain yourself, and now, as we 
 are in the hearing of none save these two gentle 
 men, who are willing to assist us in this meeting, 
 I will add that which I did not say before. You are 
 not only a traitor to your country, to the Sons of 
 Liberty, who have honoured you, and to every in 
 stinct born in you, but you are besides a coward, 
 for you now wish to escape the punishment await 
 ing you." 
 
 At these words David sprang back with rage, and 
 drawing himself to his full height, said, with his 
 hand on his sword, " I would willingly have spared 
 you, but you have made it impossible. Which of 
 us is the coward will soon appear, for I see that fur 
 ther words with you are useless." 
 So saying he turned, and going up to the Captain, 
 who was standing at some distance waiting for him 
 
 to
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 107 
 
 to finish his interview, said, " You may speak with 
 Mr. Doddridge. Mr. Jaquith is even more insolent, 
 and the affair goes on." 
 
 The two young adversaries, stripped for their en 
 counter, were awaiting the signal, when Charles 
 heard the sound of horses hoofs coming rapidly 
 up the road. Some early traveller was in great 
 haste, for the speed was that of a runaway. The 
 four young men stopped and listened. Instead of 
 passing on by the highway, the horse suddenly 
 turned into the path leading to where they were, 
 and presently they dropped their swords in some 
 confusion. Coming towards them was a young girl 
 on a pony. 
 
 " Dorothy!" exclaimed Charles. For in the wildfig- 
 ure he had recognized his sister. 
 "Yes, it is Dorothy" said the girl, catching her 
 breath. " It is I who have come to save you all from 
 this disgrace. What is the meaning of this, gentle 
 men ? Have matters come to such a pass that old 
 friends must insult each other and fight like sav 
 ages? You are surprised at seeing me here, but 
 I fortunately overheard some remarks made by 
 you, Captain Fairweather, when you were walk 
 ing in the garden with Mr. Whittemore, so I have 
 stolen Peggy s pony and have followed you. Stop 
 this, for Heaven s sake ! Do not forget that you are 
 old friends and companions. Are you not ashamed, 
 Charles, to be here against your old friend? I knew 
 you were foolish, but did not think this possible." 
 Charles stood a moment without answering. Then 
 going towards her he said, "Go back, Dorothy, 
 and leave us. It is too late to stop. No, do not go 
 
 back
 
 io8 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 back, but come home with me, away from that 
 place, where you are being taught to forget your 
 country and your friends. Ezra," he said, turning 
 towards his friend, " if Mr. Whittemore is willing, 
 we will postpone this meeting. What say you, Cap 
 tain Fair weather?" 
 
 "We should respect the presence of a lady," an 
 swered the Captain, bowing. 
 David looked steadily at Dorothy without speak 
 ing. He had no desire to fight in her presence. 
 " Mr. Whittemore" said Ezra, going towards him, 
 "you have escaped me this time in a very clever 
 manner. But you will hear from me later, for I 
 don t intend to give you up." 
 David turned on his heel without answering, not 
 caring to discuss the matter. 
 "And now, Dorothy" said Charles, "you will ride 
 with me. We will send for your effects." 
 "Do you imagine," replied Dorothy, looking at 
 him with contempt, "that I would leave my hosts 
 in this way, without thanking them? No, I will re 
 turn to the Governor s. When you and Ezra have 
 come to your right minds, I will go back to my 
 mother s house. But while you remain disloyal to 
 your King, and a traitor to the memory of your 
 father, I will stay away." 
 
 "Do as you like," said Charles, looking at her 
 angrily, "but learn this; that the day you side 
 with traitors and villains is the last you shall be 
 called my sister, and you need not look to me for 
 further help." He sprang into the saddle, and 
 with Ezra was soon on his way to Boston. 
 Dorothy returned slowly to Milton Hill with David 
 
 and
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 109 
 
 and the Captain. Little was said on the road, and 
 she controlled herself until she reached her room; 
 then she broke down and wept bitterly. "Oh! what 
 will become of me now," she thought. 
 At dinner the Governor and Peggy were anxious 
 to know how their guests had enjoyed their early 
 ride. "I feared," said the Governor, smiling, "that 
 it was another conspiracy, and that this time the 
 Captain would be waylaid in earnest." 
 "You see he is safe, your Excellency," said Doro 
 thy, faintly smiling. "I knew Peggy wouldn t mind, 
 so I borrowed Fairy for a morning ride. It seems 
 that the Captain and Mr. Whittemore had the same 
 fancy, and meeting them on the way, I rode home 
 with them." 
 
 Ezra and Charles likewise rode away, and in no 
 pleasant humour. 
 
 "She shall not stay there, "said the former angrily. 
 " If we have to take her away by force, she shall 
 not stay there." 
 
 "She will come when she is calmer," said Charles. 
 "I see it all now; we have more to settle with that 
 villain than affairs of treason." 
 "Yes," replied Ezra, pale with suppressed pas 
 sion, "I will have a warrant issued for his arrest 
 as a traitor to the Sons of Liberty, and if needs be we 
 will drag her out of that den." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 ?!? Governor s Garden in Particular. 
 
 weeks had passed since the day 
 when Dorothy had disturbed the duel, 
 and she and David were still at Mil 
 ton. The Captain had returned to the 
 Castle, and "Thomas had been away much of the 
 time, both at the Castle and at Oliver Hall in 
 Middleboro\ where his brother Elisha was visit 
 ing the Chief Justice, keeping out of danger s way. 
 During these weeks much had developed. Doro 
 thy had learnt the story of David s heart, and he 
 had been told that the story was not distasteful 
 to her. Peggy had their secret and was delighted, 
 for in their quiet drives and walks together she 
 had learned to like David very much,and her ad 
 miration for his loyalty to her father was intense. 
 The Governor had been much with them, and it 
 had not escaped his observation that David and 
 Dorothy were happy in each other s society. He 
 was pleased with it, for he felt a great interest in 
 them both, and a certain responsibility for them. 
 Mrs. Doddridge and Charles had sent no word to 
 Dorothy , doubtless thinking she would repent her 
 folly, and come to them to ask forgiveness. But 
 in this they mistook the girl. She was firm in her 
 love for David) her gratitude to the Governor, 
 and her loyalty to her father s teachings. She had 
 been invited to stay at Milton as long as she wished, 
 and in the position in which she now found herself 
 she had no alternative. 
 
 [no] It
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. in 
 
 It was now the middle of May. The flowers and 
 shrubs in the garden were beginning to show all 
 their beauties, the air was warm, and the Govern 
 or, Peggy, Dorothy and David were walking down 
 the pleached alleys, picking the lilies of the valley 
 and late tulips, and examining the fresh young 
 shoots on the grape-vines, the pride of the Govern 
 or s heart. The old Scotch gardener was transplant 
 ing and trimming, while in the orchard men were 
 ridding the fruit-trees of their over-growth. The 
 Governor was talking, the others listening atten 
 tively. 
 
 " David" he said kindly, " in two weeks from this 
 I expect to be on the ocean, bound for England. 
 It has been a great pleasure and comfort to have 
 you here, for you have fairly earned my gratitude 
 and affection. What do you plan doing when you 
 leave me, or rather when I leave you, for if I were 
 to remain you would be always welcome here? It 
 would certainly be unwise, if not unsafe, for you 
 to attempt to return to Boston. Why don t you 
 come with me, and when all is quiet again, and 
 loyalty has re-entered the hearts of these poor 
 people, we will come back together? It can be easi 
 ly arranged, and would give me great pleasure." 
 "It is very kind of your Excellency to think so 
 much of my welfare," answered David^ "but I 
 must remain here and take my chances. There is 
 still something for me to do, and I have ties which 
 bind me here. No, your Excellency, I cannot go 
 with you, although I thank you for asking me." 
 " I know you have ties to keep you here," said the 
 Governor with a glance in the direction of Doro 
 thy;
 
 H2 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 thy; " you must remain with us until my departure 
 at least." 
 
 "I will stay with your Excellency until then if I 
 am not a burden to you," said David with a smile. 
 "And you will be here, Dorothy, to keep Peggy 
 company," continued the Governor. "She ll miss 
 you sadly, but it will not be for long. Perhaps, 
 though, you may go with us?" 
 " I should like to go with Peggy" answered Doro 
 thy, " but I too have duties here. I must try to bring 
 back my poor mother and brother. I do not aban 
 don hope of doing it, but it will take time, and if 
 the worst comes to the worst I can take care of 
 myself." 
 
 "I do not think that will be necessary," said the 
 Governor, looking at David as he spoke. " No, my 
 young friends, I have guessed your secret, and may 
 the good God care for you. I would not advise you 
 against your mother s wishes, Dorothy, were it not 
 my duty .ado so. But you are guided by your sense 
 of right, and are both loyal and true. If you wish, 
 remain here until I return in the autumn. But I 
 think all will be well long before then, and that I 
 shall find you happy, with all your differences 
 adjusted." 
 
 They walked back towards the house in a cheerful 
 frame of mind. The birds were singing in the trees ; 
 the rake and roller sounded merrily on the gravel 
 walk under the arbour; the lowing of the cattle 
 came over the field beyond the ha-ha; and the sweet 
 spring air was fragrant with the wafted perfumes 
 of flowers and fruit blossoms. Why should they 
 not have been happy in that peaceful scene? It is 
 fortunate we cannot read the future. 
 
 11 David,"
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 113 
 
 "David" said the Governor, taking him to the 
 study on re-entering the house, "as I have said, 
 in two weeks I shall be on the great ocean. There 
 are many matters requiring attention before then, 
 and as my life is so very uncertain, it is well to pre 
 pare for anything that may be sent me. You have 
 proved yourself faithful and courageous, and I 
 know since the day you first came here with Doro 
 thy s message, that I may trust you entirely. Will 
 you undertake a journey for me which may in 
 volve you in some danger? There are few mes 
 sengers worthy of confidence at this time, and 
 I deem myself fortunate in having one like you 
 to call upon." 
 
 "Your Excellency," answered David, flushing 
 with pleasure, "there is nothing I would not un 
 dertake for you. I am proud that you should think 
 of me, and I ll do my best." 
 "I thank you," said the Governor kindly. "My 
 son Elisha is, as you know, with the Chief Justice 
 at Middleboro . It is necessary that I should get in 
 to his possession certain valuable papers which I 
 have with me here. Experience has taught me that 
 such things fall too easily into the hands of the 
 rabble, and at a distance of thirty miles from Bos 
 ton they will be much safer than they are here. The 
 people are losing their heads so fast that they may 
 come even here before my return, although I do 
 not think it. There is really no great risk in the 
 journey. Do you wish to undertake it?" 
 "This is a light task," answered David smiling. 
 "I had hoped that I might do something better 
 to show my appreciation of all your Excellency s 
 kindness." 
 
 "It
 
 114 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "It seems light, and I trust it will prove so," said 
 the Governor. "You shall have the best horse in 
 my stables, and can start to-morrow early. I will 
 have the papers and a note of introduction ready 
 to-night. You will be able to return the follow 
 ing afternoon, for I do not wish to keep you away 
 too long." 
 
 "I will be in readiness," answered David, as he 
 moved towards the parlour where the two girls 
 were talking. 
 
 Upon his mentioning to Dorothy his journey, dur 
 ing a stroll in the garden in the afternoon, she 
 showed some anxiety. "I am foolish, David" she 
 said, " but I wish you did not have to go. There are 
 those who wish you harm, and who knows but they 
 may lie in wait for you? Yet you must go, and I 
 would not discourage your doing what you can 
 for His Excellency." 
 
 "There is nothing to fear, Dorothy, dear," an 
 swered David with a laugh. "What can possibly 
 befall me unless I lose my way, which is not proba 
 ble? Surely they cannot know of my trip, nor can 
 they always be on the lookout for me. Besides all 
 this I do not think they would take me unawares 
 on the highway, for although they are hot-headed 
 they are not cowards." 
 
 "I trust not," said Dorothy, "but some of the pa 
 triots have done cowardly things already, and 
 their folly carries them to great lengths. But you 
 must go, so I will not worry." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 lt was more dffi- 
 
 . cuh to r id e from Mld- 
 dleboro 1 to Milton than it appeared. 
 
 1 
 
 next morning Dorothy and Peggy 
 arose early, and saw David depart. The 
 sky was clear, and his horse being fresh, 
 he cantered briskly on by Mrs. Foye s 
 to the New State Road, thence by Wild s Tavern 
 around the base of the Blue Hills towards Middle- 
 boro . "The Country Heigh Waye" over Milton 
 Hill at this time was narrow and rough, and vehi 
 cles were unable to pass each other upon it except 
 at certain places. There were several houses along 
 it, the homes of the well-to-do dwellers in Milton, 
 the majority of whom were the Governor s warm 
 admirers and friends.* 
 
 The New State Road left the highway about a mile 
 from the Governor s mansion, and turning to the 
 west, wound towards the Blue Hills, where it 
 joined the Stoughton Road, and finally passing 
 Hoosic Whisick Lake and the Great Blue Hill, it 
 started southward through Ponkapog and Stough 
 ton. These ways were still more rugged and wild 
 than the Braintree Road, being in places steep and 
 rough. They were, however, well bordered with 
 farms and houses, until the hills were reached. 
 There by the lake stood the old house of Nathaniel 
 Houghton, which, although over one hundred years 
 old, still was solitary amidst the forests. 
 
 Everything 
 
 * Some of them^ when his estate was confiscated^ went to 
 England to show their disapproval of the aft. Most of them 
 returned^ however , and became later good citizens of the 
 United States.
 
 n6 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Everything was still, and David met few travel 
 lers, although the farms began to show signs of 
 life. His horse was good, and he went at a fair pace, 
 leaving the forest, brooks, and little villages be 
 hind him, until he came at last in view of Asso- 
 wamsettPond. It was just a century since the body 
 of Sausamon had been discovered under its frozen 
 surface, and the story of King Philip and his treach 
 ery ran through David s mind,causing him to look 
 involuntarily about him. He was ashamed of his 
 feelings in a moment, and laughed aloud. To be 
 sure there were traitors now, but they were not 
 savages, and what could be more peaceful and un 
 troubled than that shining sheet of water? The 
 turmoil of the town had not affected its repose, 
 and he found himself wishing that he and Doro 
 thy might be near its quiet shores, away from all 
 their troubles. The sun was now high, and he was 
 at a loss to know in what direction to go to find 
 Oliver Halt, so he inquired at the next house he 
 passed, and finding that he had gone too far south, 
 turned back, and was soon on his way again. Then 
 riding along the lovely Namasket, and taking a 
 bridle-path through the wood, he dismounted be 
 fore long at the broad door of the Hall. 
 This noble structure near the banks of the Nam- 
 asket River, with its lawns and forests and serpen 
 tine walks, met the fate of many such, at the hands 
 of the enraged populace. It was burned to the 
 ground after the Chief Justice had left it, an act 
 of lawlessness for which there now seems to us to 
 have been little excuse. Chief Justice Oliver at 
 this time was compelled to remain in his Middle- 
 
 boro
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 117 
 
 boro house, for it was not safe for him to go to Bos 
 ton, unless he agreed to give up his allegiance to 
 the Crown, and to take his salary from the Prov 
 ince. This he would not do, so he was impeached, 
 and finally went to England, uttering the most bit 
 ter invectives against his countrymen and their 
 government. 
 
 Elisha Hutchinson was much like his brother, 
 fiery, angry and disappointed. David found him 
 self in a less sympathetic atmosphere than that he 
 had left in Milton. He felt as the Governor did, and 
 could follow him, but not those who were, in his 
 opinion, selfish and unpatriotic. For strange as it 
 may seem to us, he considered the Governor the 
 only true patriot. Whittemore was cordially re 
 ceived by both the Chief Justice and Elisha Hutch 
 inson, and there were many inquiries about affairs 
 at Milton and Boston. Much interest was manifest 
 ed in the Governor s departure, and his son was 
 preparing to join him on ship-board. 
 The following afternoon, having thanked his hosts 
 for their courtesy, he took letters from both, and 
 mounting his horse started on his homeward jour 
 ney. He was not sorry to be headed towards Mil 
 ton. The weather had changed during the night, 
 and the heavy dark clouds overhanging the west 
 ern horizon threatened one of those thunder tem 
 pests which come in the early summer. He went on 
 cheerfully, however, giving little heed to the ris 
 ing wind whistling through the boughs, his mind 
 being occupied with matters nearer his heart. He 
 had gone fully half the distance, and the clouds 
 were still rolling up and the far-away thunder was 
 
 re-echoing
 
 n8 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 re-echoing from hill to hill. As yet the storm had 
 not broken forth, but seemed to be gathering all 
 its forces ere it should sweep down on its errand 
 of destruction. A few miles further on, the inky 
 summit of the Great Blue Hill broke into view, 
 and he wondered if he could beat the storm, and 
 reach Wild s Tavern in time to save himself a 
 drenching. The tempest s forces had evidently 
 been marshalled by this time, for each flash of 
 lightning and peal of thunder was brighter and 
 louder than that which went before. The scene 
 was awe-inspiring, and he spurred his horse and 
 hastened forward, for he feared that if the storm 
 should break in all its fury, he might lose the road. 
 He had finally reached a point in the thick woods 
 within amile of the hill, when hishorse started sud 
 denly and its bits were grappled by a strong hand 
 which threw it back upon its haunches. It was 
 at first impossible to see anything, but a moment 
 later there was a bright flash of lightning, and 
 David perceived a dark figure holding his horse, 
 and several others standing near by. His first 
 impulse was to strike at his obstructor, and he 
 brought down his crop. The horse sprang but 
 was held fast, and his effort was answered by a 
 low laugh from the direction in which he had 
 struck. "It s no use, Mr. Whittemore" said a deep 
 voice. "When I have orders to stop a gentleman 
 on the highway, I generally succeed, with the help 
 of my friends. Now just be good and quiet, and 
 come with us." 
 
 "You scoundrels," shouted David, drawing one 
 of his pistols. But two pairs of strong arms were 
 
 thrown
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 119 
 
 thrown around him, and he was lifted bodily from 
 the saddle, and laid on his back on the ground. Be 
 fore he could speak again he was gagged and a 
 moment later his hands were bound behind his 
 back and he was set upon his feet. He then found 
 himself taken on either side and forced to walk, 
 he knew not whither. The ground seemed nearly 
 level, though rough and stony. 
 "Blindfold him," said a voice. This being done 
 they moved on, and he could hear the soft splash 
 ing of water as if on the shore of some small pond 
 or lake. In a short time he was helped into a boat, 
 which was rowed along swiftly until finally they 
 disembarked and began to ascend. It then seemed 
 as if he was going round and round, up and down, 
 now over smooth ground, now over rough stones. 
 He could form no estimate of how long this last 
 ed, but finally his captors halted, and he could see 
 lights through the coverings on his eyes. Then 
 a voice said, "Take off the bandages from his 
 eyes." This was done, and the sight before him 
 struck horror to his heart. 
 The storm had passed, and the stars were shining 
 bright above him. He was in a rocky place sur 
 rounded by pines and scrub-oaks; on the ground 
 in front of him were seated about a dozen masked 
 men, surrounded by torches stuck into the earth. 
 In front of these stood two others, also masked, 
 evidently the leaders. He could not see their faces, 
 but thought he recognized their bearing, and when 
 one of them spoke he found he was not mistaken. 
 "Mr. David Whittemore" said Ezra Jaquith, 
 "you escaped me a short time ago, but I have no 
 
 intention
 
 I2O The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 intention that you shall do so again. I have ob 
 tained a warrant from the Order you have betrayed, 
 and you are arrested in the name of Liberty. This 
 country has had enough of such as you, and you 
 are here for trial. Oh! don t be impatient, you 
 will be allowed to speak when the proper time 
 comes. We do not intend to pass judgment with 
 out giving you a chance to defend yourself. But 
 you must hear the charges first. Knowing your 
 impetuous nature we have thought best to bring 
 you to a secluded spot, and to keep you quiet for 
 a while. What is the charge, brothers?" he said, 
 turning to those seated behind him. 
 "Treason to his country, his order, and his con 
 science," shouted the voices in unison. 
 "You hear the charge," said Ezra with a sneer. 
 "What other charge is there? Charles, you have 
 one." 
 
 "I charge you, David Whittemore" said Charles 
 through his teeth, "with poisoning the mind of 
 a young girl with traitorous thoughts; and with 
 being a designing coward in the hands of a brutal 
 master. These are my charges, and may you pay 
 the penalty due for them." 
 "You hear these additional charges, David Whit- 
 temore" said Ezra. "And I have yet a word to say 
 if the others have finished. You will remember 
 that a girl successfully protected you from my re 
 venge a short time ago. I accuse you of wrecking 
 her home, and taking her from those who love 
 her. I am one of those, and I have decided that 
 you and she shall never meet again. You are a 
 scoundrel, and a traitor. And now, my Indian 
 
 friend,
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 121 
 
 friend, loosen his mouth-piece that we may hear 
 his defence." 
 
 The Indian obeyed, and David looked a moment 
 about him without speaking, his head high, and 
 with an expression of the utmost contempt. Final 
 ly he said slowly and distinctly, looking first at 
 Ezra and then at Charles, "You, Ezra Jaquith, 
 and you, Charles Doddridge, are brave men ! You 
 have attacked a solitary man on the highway in 
 the dark, and fearing your inability to do the work 
 alone, have hired a band of savages to assist you. 
 You have bound him, gagged him, insulted him; 
 and now you give him the privilege of answering 
 your charges. This he will do in few words. You 
 are all liars, assassins, traitors, and cowards. That 
 is all I have to answer. I am now willing to hear 
 the verdict. Only let me remind you of one thing; 
 that what you are now sowing you may reap soon 
 er than you think." 
 
 " Is that all you wish to say? " asked Ezra, with a 
 laugh. "These are only opinions; we must have 
 explanations." 
 
 "You will have nothing further from me," said 
 David. 
 
 "Very well then," answered Ezra, this time with 
 anger, "put on the gag and blindfold him again. 
 Now, brothers, what is the verdict? Remember that 
 Charles and I have a voice in this. Speak, what is 
 it?" 
 
 "Banishment!" shouted all together. 
 "Aye! that is it, Master David. Banishment! You 
 are to be exiled, never to return. Never again may 
 you expect to see your Governor and your Mis 
 tress.
 
 122 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 tress. Now lead him away. The chaise is ready, and 
 before dawn you will be on your way to where 
 you ll be well cared for." 
 
 David Whittemore was proud and courageous, and 
 did not wish to show his real feelings to the men 
 who were thus attacking him. He knew, more 
 over, that he could gain nothing by attempting 
 force, and decided at present to make no resist 
 ance, but to use his wits, and if possible, escape. 
 When they again started they walked for perhaps 
 a quarter of a mile, and then placed him in a chaise 
 which immediately set off at a brisk pace. How 
 long his journey was, David did not know, but at 
 the end of about two hours the sound of the sea 
 breaking along the shore fell upon his ears, and 
 he knew the time had come for him to act. He 
 therefore strangled and coughed vigorously. His 
 conductor undid his bandage, asking what he 
 wished. 
 
 "With whom am I, and where am I ? " gasped Da 
 vid. " For Heaven s sake let me have breath! I am 
 choking, and can certainly do no harm with my 
 voice now. Answer me, who are you?" 
 "You don t know me, Mr. Whittemore" answered 
 the person he had heard when first attacked. "But 
 you need not be strangled," he added, further loos 
 ing the gag. "Those are not my orders. I am not 
 allowed, however, to tell where you are going." 
 " Will you not tell me, as we are alone, whether I go 
 on shipboard to-night?" asked David. 
 "We are not alone. Two gentlemen follow, and 
 watch us carefully," the other answered. "Don t 
 try to escape." 
 
 "I
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 123 
 
 "I don t wish to escape now," David answered, 
 "but it will be greatly to your advantage to help 
 me later." 
 
 The other laughed disagreeably, and said, "May 
 be that is so, but I am watched and don t want to 
 be shot." 
 
 David thought it best to say no more at this time. 
 He had succeeded in finding that he was with a 
 stranger, and that Charles and Ezra were follow 
 ing. He decided to wait quietly and form some 
 plan. He had got into hands from which it would 
 be difficult to extricate himself. The unknown 
 man who was driving him was in reality the rascal 
 ly brother of Ponkapog Pete, and their destination 
 was an estuary near Brain tree, where the brig 
 Dreadnaught had dropped anchor. She had re 
 turned from the West Indies, and had made sev 
 eral attempts to get into Boston, but it was only 
 on the fourteenth of May that Pete had been able 
 to unload her after over three months cruising. 
 This had given Ezra new courage, and although 
 the expense of running the brig during this long 
 period had been great, still he felt that his fortunes 
 were saved. When Pete had first appeared before 
 him he had started as at a spirit, but soon remem 
 bered that he had another undertaking for him. 
 He sought Charles, and they arranged the plan 
 whereby David was captured, and finally brought 
 towards the brig by Pete s brother. The Indian 
 had had spies watching for several days, and one 
 of these had seen David pass on his way to Mid- 
 dleboro 1 , which fact had been communicated to 
 Ezra and Charles, who had forthwith gone to the 
 
 Blue
 
 124 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Blue Hill Tavern with some of the hotheads of the 
 Sons of Liberty. When the messenger rode in to in 
 form them that David was on the way back, they 
 all hastened to the appointed place. The affair 
 had been well planned and skillfully executed. 
 Ezra and Charles were well pleased as they drove 
 behind the chaise containing David and his cus 
 todian. Charles felt that they were doing an act 
 of justice, for he thought that David had proved 
 himself both dangerous and bad, scheming not on 
 ly against the freedom of his country, but against 
 the affections of a lover and a brother. No redress 
 being possible in any other way, they had taken 
 matters into their own hands. 
 Not many moments after David had spoken to 
 the Indian the chaise stopped, and he was forced 
 to descend, the gag being first replaced. He again 
 entered a boat, and was shortly handed over the 
 side of the brig, which then immediately set sail, 
 and drew out into the open sea. This then was the 
 end of all his dreams! With a heavy heart he 
 thought of Dorothy. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 @&@@ && @@^^^^H 
 .@_ --f . 
 
 looks. 
 
 ALL the afternoon Dorothy and Peggy 
 had watched for David s return. But 
 the Governor had assured them that 
 he could not arrive until evening, and 
 when the storm began to gather he made up his 
 mind that very possibly David might seek the 
 shelter of one of the taverns on the road and await 
 the morning. 
 
 "I can t help feeling anxious, Peggy " said Doro 
 thy as the tempest burst forth. "I do not know 
 why it is, yet I cannot prevent it." 
 "He is all right on Gipsey. If he were to miss his 
 way, she would bring him home." 
 " It is not his going astray that I fear, Peggy dear. 
 But he has enemies who would not hesitate to 
 do him mischief if the occasion presented itself. 
 But it s no doubt a foolish fancy." 
 In the evening they were sitting in the parlour 
 with the Governor, when they were suddenly dis 
 turbed in their conversation by the sound of a 
 horse coming up to the house at a breakneck 
 pace. They all started, and Dorothy ran to the door 
 and looked out. The stars were now shining, and 
 the bright flashes over the harbour towards the 
 east told that the storm had passed out to sea, to 
 spend itself on the broad Atlantic. "You are late, 
 David," she said, rushing down the steps. She 
 stopped suddenly and held her breath. Seated on 
 Gipsey was an Indian boy, bareheaded, with his feet 
 hanging loose at the mare s sides. 
 
 [125] "Quick!"
 
 126 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "Quick!" he said. "The gentleman is stolen. I 
 was hidden in the trees, and heard them say, * Take 
 him to the ship and send him away. Quick! I 
 say." 
 
 By this time the Governor and Peggy had come 
 out, wondering why David did not dismount. 
 Dorothy stood trembling, and for a moment was 
 silent. Then she turned and said in a choking voice, 
 " It is as I feared, your Excellency. Davidhas been 
 waylaid. Hear what this boy says." 
 The boy repeated his story. 
 " Oh ! Peggy! Peggy! what can we do ? If only your 
 brother or Captain Fair-weather were here! What 
 can we do, your Excellency?" 
 Governor Hutchinson was standing with an expres 
 sion of horror on his face. Turning to the boy, he 
 asked, "Do you know, my good lad, where they 
 have taken him? You will be well rewarded for 
 this. Speak quickly." 
 "To the water near Brain free. 1 
 " Make haste, Peggy. Order a chaise with the fresh 
 est horse, and I will go myself, since it is I who have 
 brought this upon him." 
 
 " No, your Excellency," said Dorothy, regaining 
 her self-possession. "You cannot go at this time 
 of night. I will go, if you will lend me Peggy s 
 pony." 
 
 " This is out of the question," answered the Gov 
 ernor firmly. "The chaise will be ready in a mo 
 ment and I shall go at once. They will not dare do 
 me harm or disobey my orders. But to a young girl 
 it would be a perilous trip, and I cannot permit it." 
 " Oh! your Excellency, remember how little I have 
 
 left
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN 127 
 
 left in this world except you and Peggy and David. 
 I could never live and know that I had not done 
 all I could for him. You cannot go, your Excel 
 lency. You are not well, and I know they would 
 not respect your person were you alone. Let me 
 follow the boy and learn what I can. I think he is 
 to be trusted, and I will take care not to be seen. 
 Remain here with Peggy , whom you cannot leave 
 alone. Let me go." 
 
 "I wish I might do so, Dorothy, but you are in 
 my care, and I cannot allow it. Where did you say 
 they were going?" he continued, turning to the 
 boy. 
 
 "To a ship at Braintree. It s no use for you to go. 
 Better order a ship to follow them." 
 "An excellent idea, my lad," said the Governor. 
 "Dorothy dear, it is useless for either of us to go 
 to-night. I will send a note to the Castle, and 
 they will start in pursuit. My lad," he continued, 
 "wait while I write." 
 
 He entered the house, and in a few moments re 
 turned and handed a letter to the boy. "Ride 
 fast to Dorchester Point. There leave your horse, 
 row quickly to the Castle, and give this to Colo 
 nel Leslie. Do you understand ? " The boy nodded. 
 "Here is money. Do you know the ship?" 
 "Yes, Sir," answered the boy. 
 "Then go with them and help find her. We will 
 remember you." 
 
 The boy gave a shrill whistle and started on a gal 
 lop down the hill. 
 
 Dorothy had regained her composure, and now saw 
 the wisdom of the Governor s action. " I know you 
 
 are
 
 128 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 are right," she said on re-entering the house. "It 
 would be useless to follow them by land now. If 
 what this boy has heard is true they would be down 
 the bay before we could reach Brain tree. I will try 
 to be brave." 
 
 " You are always that," said the Governor, kissing 
 her on the forehead. "In the morning we will all 
 three go to the Castle and learn what has been 
 done." 
 
 The Indian boy rode swiftly to Dorchester Point, 
 and waking up the sleepy stable-boy of the small 
 tavern near the water, gave him the horse and ran 
 on to the shore, where a number of boats were 
 lying. Without thinking to whom it might belong, 
 he jumped into one of them and pulled with a vig 
 orous stroke towards the Castle. Making fast his 
 boat he ran to the gate where he perceived a light. 
 Taking the letter from beneath his belt, he handed 
 it to the sentry who had barred his way, saying, "A 
 letter for the Colonel. Quick!" 
 The man examined it, and noting the large seal up 
 on it, retired, leaving the boy waiting outside the 
 gate. In a few moments he returned, and led the 
 boy to the Colonel s apartments. It was now near 
 ly eleven o clock, and many of the people at the 
 Castle had gone to bed, but Colonel Leslie, hav 
 ing much work to do, was still busy in his office 
 when the lad was admitted. 
 "You come from his Excellency, at Milton" he 
 said as the boy entered. "He has written me what 
 you have told him. Are you sure they said to 
 night?" 
 "Yes, Sir. I heard them say so." 
 
 "Lieutenant
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 129 
 
 "Lieutenant Trenchard" called the Colonel, go 
 ing to the door of an adjoining room, "find Cap 
 tain Fairweather, and tell him to come here at 
 once." 
 
 " Captain," said the Colonel, as he entered, " I have 
 just received this from his Excellency. Read it, 
 and tell me what you think." 
 The Captain took the note and read it. As he went 
 on, his brows contracted, and he drew his breath 
 in slowly through his teeth. "I think, sir," he 
 said, when he had finished, " that if possible a small 
 swift vessel should be sent at once down the bay. I 
 know Mr. Whittemore well. He is loyal and has 
 given up much for his love of good government." 
 "If you please, Captain," answered the Colonel, 
 " go to the Admiral, who is still here, and ask him 
 to do what is requested. If you wish to go on the 
 expedition, you may." 
 
 " Thank you, Sir, and I ll take Hutchinson with me 
 if he cares to go." 
 
 An hour later the Captain and Thomas Hutchinson, 
 with the Indian boy, were on board the man-of- 
 war Lively, preparing for their chase of the brig. 
 It was well after midnight when they got un 
 der way, and the commander, knowing that she 
 would be far down the bay before he could pass 
 the Roads, decided to crowd on all sail, and head 
 towards the ocean. Passing the light-house he 
 bore towards the east, and was soon ploughing 
 through the water at a brisk gait. The night was 
 clear with a strong north-west wind, and he had 
 only to set his sails and let her go. The wind 
 holding, he passed Cape CWas the sun was rising, 
 when the lookout sighted a sail. 
 
 "Where
 
 130 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "Where away?" shouted the officer. 
 "Off the starboard bow, about sou east, Sir." 
 The officer took his glass and looked in the direc 
 tion indicated. There were surely the topsails of 
 a brig in sight, and feeling certain that he had 
 his man, he started in pursuit. 
 Those on board the brig had seen the war-ship 
 before the latter had found them. 
 "By G d," said Captain Carpenter, "they re af 
 ter us. We ll give the old tub a fine dance, though! 
 Here, you Mr. Jones, give her every rag she ll 
 carry, and if he can catch the Dreadnought, I m 
 willing to give up." 
 
 Every stitch of canvas was crowded on to her, and 
 she drove through the running seas swift as a fright 
 ened doe, scattering the white foam high above 
 her spars. At last the Captain started at the report 
 of a gun in his wake, but so far off as not to be 
 dangerous. 
 
 "The d d fool is hollering at us to stop and let 
 him take us. I guess we won t do that this morn 
 ing. By this afternoon he ll give it up, and go back 
 to protect his Castle and its precious freight of 
 blackguards. Where s our new ship-mate, Mr. 
 Jones? Remember we have orders to treat him 
 well until we unship him. Is he comfortable in his 
 quarters?" 
 
 "Aye, aye, Sir," answered the mate, "he s a-strut- 
 tin up and down as if he was a king or an admiral. 
 He looks as if he owned the whole ship." 
 "When we get out of sight of land and that fire- 
 eater, let him out. No disrespect,understand. He ll 
 have a lonesome time in about three weeks, so we ll 
 
 make
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 131 
 
 make it kind of sociable for him while he s with 
 us." 
 
 " I think, Sir," said the mate, " that you ll find him 
 mighty poor company. I don t think I ll have 
 much to say to him without orders." 
 Captain Carpenter was a good sailor, but he had 
 little moral sense. He had, to be sure, always sailed 
 in the merchant marine, but would just as willing 
 ly have been a pirate. He was a terror to the men, 
 and had had more than one incipient mutiny, but 
 had checked them all by his indomitable courage. 
 He had no fear of being caught by the man-of-war, 
 but even had she overhauled him he would have 
 pitched into her without hesitation, foolhardy as 
 it might be. So he kept merrily on his way, giv 
 ing his pursuer little thought except to laugh at 
 him, and call him names. 
 
 "The d d old landlubber," he said chuckling, 
 "he s pulling astern of us already, and he ll have a 
 pretty time beating back up the bay. Hope this 
 nor wester ll hold, and his old shooting-irons will 
 rattle round in him like dried peas in their pod." 
 At about four in the afternoon nothing was to be 
 seen of the Lively but her top-gallant sails, and be 
 fore the sun had set she had disappeared entirely. 
 " It is no use going any further," said the Captain 
 of the frigate, as the sun was setting. "It is con 
 trary to our instructions, and we must not leave 
 the Castle for longer than we have already done. 
 I am sorry, Mr. Hutchinson, but you will under 
 stand that it would be an endless job to catch her, 
 and from the way she was going, when last seen, 
 I doubt if we would be successful under any cir 
 cumstances." 
 
 It
 
 132 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 It was necessary to make several long tacks in 
 returning, and it was well into the morning hours 
 when the ship cast anchor off the Castle. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 Miss HUTCHINSON
 
 Wherein MifsDod- 
 Bridge makes up her 
 mind on a Certain Subject. 
 
 I 
 
 Governor, with Peggy and Doro 
 thy, had come down the river to the 
 Castle in the morning, and had been 
 waiting for news all day. They were 
 sadly disappointed at the result of the chase. Doro 
 thy, however, showed no emotion. She had soon 
 made up her mind that the brig could not be caught, 
 for she had guessed that it was Ezra s clipper, and 
 she had often heard of its speed. She had also re 
 solved that she would keep her self-possession, 
 and devote her whole life, if necessary, to rinding 
 David. She therefore said to the Governor, "I 
 thank you, your Excellency, for what you have 
 undertaken, but I feared it would not succeed. As 
 you return to Milton this evening will you leave 
 me at Long Wharf? I wish to see my mother and 
 Charles. Perhaps he can be of some use to us, and 
 I think for the moment he will forget his anger, 
 and try to assist us in rinding our old friend. Who 
 it was that captured David I can t say. But I feel 
 sure that Charles would not go as far as that. Let 
 me go, and I ll return to the Castle and await news, 
 for something may yet be learned." 
 "As you say, Dorothy" answered the Governor, 
 " your brother must forget his anger now and help 
 you. This is an outrage, and even the Sons of Liberty 
 will be ashamed of it. Go. I will send you at once 
 in one of the barges. We will await your return, 
 and when you comeback we will all go up the river 
 together." 
 
 [133] An
 
 134 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 An hour later, Dorothy found herself at the door 
 of the familiar house in Summer Street. She lifted 
 the latch with a firm hand, although she felt some 
 misgivings, and was doubtful how she would be 
 received. Going up stairs she knocked gently on 
 the door of a room overlooking the garden, and 
 upon receiving an answer, walked in. Mrs. Dod- 
 dridge was standing facing Dorothy as she en 
 tered. On seeing her daughter she started, but at 
 once controlled herself and drew herself to her 
 full height, and looked her in the face. Dorothy 
 drew back under her mother s gaze, and for a mo 
 ment her eyes dropped. Mrs. Doddridge spoke 
 first. 
 
 "So you ve returned to your father s house once 
 more, Dorothy. I did not expect to see you so soon 
 after all I have heard. What brings you here? 
 Why do you forsake your good and loyal friends 
 who are so kind to you, and are so considerate of 
 your welfare?" 
 
 "Oh! Mother," cried Dorothy, raising her eyes, 
 "you know I have always loved you and Charles, 
 and that I have always obeyed you. You know 
 that you gave me permission to go to Milton, and 
 that you ve never sent for me to come back to you. 
 You know that my brother told me I was not want 
 ed here so long as I refused to agree with him, and 
 follow his foolish advice. I Jove you and Charles, 
 but I also love the memory of my dear father, and 
 so long as I live I will do as he taught me. I do not 
 come to ask you to take me back, nor to say that I 
 am sorry for what I have done. God knows I 
 have done nothing that I am ashamed of, and I 
 
 only
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 135 
 
 only wish that my brother could say the same. 
 Does he not disregard all the teachings of his 
 father? Is he not a traitor to his King and untrue 
 to his friends? Deny it, dear mother, if you can, 
 but you know it s all true. And now what has hap 
 pened? A most atrocious crime has been commit 
 ted, and I fear that Charles knows about it, al 
 though I have tried to persuade myself and others 
 that such a thing was impossible. I am sure, how 
 ever, that it is the act of one he calls his friend, and 
 who lives under your roof. Ezra Jaquith has way 
 laid and sent away on his brig a guest of the Gov 
 ernor, David Whittemore. Did you know it? " said 
 the girl in horror, seeing her mother show no sur 
 prise. "Is it possible thatj0# knew it, and did not 
 prevent it?" 
 
 "Yes," said Mrs. Doddridge> her eyes flashing. 
 "And I approve of it. Do you know, girl, what this 
 man has done? He is not only a traitor to his coun 
 try, but he has stolen your heart from those to 
 whom it belongs. Dorothy , the highest court in the 
 land, that of the Sons of Liberty, has decreed that 
 David Whittemore be exiled, and it has done its 
 duty." 
 
 Dorothy bit her lips, and said with forced compo 
 sure, "Then hear what I have to say, mother. So 
 long as you believe such things right; so long 
 as you encourage kidnapping and violence, you 
 will never see me in this house. I came here half 
 hoping that you and Charles would help me save 
 David, but you have proved to me that it is use 
 less to seek your assistance." 
 
 She
 
 136 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 She turned and left the room and the house. She 
 did not stop until she reached the wharf, and was 
 soon back at the Castle. 
 
 "Your Excellency," she said with firmness, "I 
 will return with you to Milton. I have seen my 
 mother, and fear I cannot go there again. God 
 will be good to me, your Excellency, for I am do 
 ing right." 
 
 " My dear Dorothy" answered the Governor, 
 "God will protect all who act according to their 
 conscience. Come with me. I sail in the ship Mi 
 nerva on the first of June, and you shall keep Peg 
 gy company. She will be lonely, and I have often 
 thought that she should have a young friend with 
 her. Be her companion, will you not?" 
 "Can I not do more for David hero.? Were it not 
 for that thought I would willingly go." 
 "We will have all that is possible done before we 
 leave, and afterwards Gen. Gage will investigate 
 the matter. But I think we can do more in England 
 than here, for there we shall not be under the eyes 
 of the Sons of Liberty. I promise you that the mat 
 ter shall be looked into at once. I have no fears that 
 they will do him harm, for had they wished that, 
 they could easily have done him an injury at the 
 outset. No, they only desire to get him out of the 
 way, for a time, and I do not think it will be diffi 
 cult to find him." 
 
 "Then I will go with you," said Dorothy, simply. 
 "Oh! Dorothy dear," said Peggy , "I shall be so 
 happy and so much Jess lonely if you are with 
 me." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 &|% 
 : S 
 1^ 
 
 farewell, 
 
 AFTER Whittemore was on board the 
 brig, and it had weighed anchor, Ezra 
 and Charles turned towards Boston. 
 They went direct to the White Cock 
 Tavern and ordered supper. "I am glad that s 
 well over," said Charles. "I don t like to hurt the 
 boy, but we must begin now to get rid of all such 
 as know the secrets of the Sons of Liberty, for they 
 are too sacred to be betrayed. They will treat him 
 well on the brig?" 
 
 " Never fear. They have my orders, and Captain 
 Carpenter will do anything for my father s son. 
 Master David will be put on shore in a warm cli 
 mate with all that he may desire. He won t get 
 back here in a hurry, but I don t think he ll die. 
 Now as to Dorothy. You don t intend leaving her 
 at Milton. For God s sake, send for her, Charles, 
 and get her away from there." 
 "Tou don t know her. She will never yield now, 
 and you had better give her up. We have other 
 things to think about than a foolish girl. Put her 
 out of your mind, as her mother and brother must 
 do, and think of your country." 
 "I can t put her out of my thoughts, Charles, but 
 I will wait until she sees I am right. Do you think 
 she ll suspect that we ve had anything to do with 
 David s disappearance?" 
 
 " How can she? She would never think of our re- 
 [137] sorting
 
 138 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 sorting to kidnapping. And even were she to imag 
 ine it, she wouldn t betray us, and if she did, who 
 would dare touch us now? The Sons of Liberty are 
 supreme, and before long they will be able to act 
 openly, which I shall like much better. They say 
 that Hutchinson sails for England in about two 
 weeks. Thank God for that! for he is a fox and 
 Gage is not. I would rather have the stupid fight 
 er than the crafty statesman." 
 "I believe," replied Ezra, "that he expects to 
 
 come back again, but I think he goes never to re- 
 
 
 turn. 
 
 "I hope so," said Charles. "By the way, did Pete 
 go on the brig? He may be of use to us here." 
 "No, he is at the Blue Hills. I expect to have him 
 do some more work before long." 
 It was now after midnight, and the tavern was de 
 serted. Caleb White had got over his scruples 
 about doing violence, because he considered that 
 matters had come to such a pass that it was impos 
 sible to get justice otherwise. As a Son of Liberty 
 he approved of removing David, providing no 
 injury was done him. "We will remain here to 
 night," said Ezra, " as it is late and we have mat 
 ters to attend to to-morrow which will necessi 
 tate an early rising." 
 
 "Very well," said White. " Everything is in read 
 iness for you," and he lighted them to their rooms. 
 They did not return to Mrs. Doddridge s until 
 late the following afternoon, after Dorothy had 
 been and gone. Charles noticed his mother s wor 
 ried expression. "You look ill, dear mother," he 
 said, "what has happened?" 
 
 "Dorothy
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 139 
 
 "Dorothy has been here. She has gone away still 
 in the same spirit of rebellion. She is stubborn and 
 lawless, and I fear will never come back to us again. 
 It is a great grief to me, but she has made her own 
 choice and must abide by it." 
 "Dear mother, I grieve too. But it must be so, and 
 I can never own her as a sister so long as she be 
 haves thus. She has wilfully abandoned us to join 
 our enemies, and we must not consider her far 
 ther." 
 
 "Poor Ezra!" said his mother. "That she should 
 treat such a loyal, loving heart with such contempt. 
 I fear he will find it even harder to be reconciled." 
 "No, mother. He will be reasonable, for he has 
 said as much to me." 
 
 "I am glad of that, for she is no longer worthy of 
 his love." 
 
 There were many instances during the War of the 
 Revolution of families being irremediably severed. 
 As in all civil or quasi-civil conflicts, this was the 
 inevitable result of circumstances, the saddest 
 part of such sad struggles. 
 
 Ezra in his folly had fancied that all that was neces 
 sary for his future happiness and success was the 
 separation of David and Dorothy. He did not sus 
 pect that she would for a moment imagine that 
 he had had any hand in it, and now that David was 
 out of his way, he was planning to regain her fa 
 vour, notwithstanding that he had told Charles 
 that he would try to put her out of his thoughts. 
 Mrs. Doddridge and her son said nothing to him 
 of Dorothy s visit and abrupt departure, and he 
 remained in ignorance of her knowledge of his 
 
 complicity
 
 140 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 complicity in the affair. It was about a week after 
 the sailing of the brig that he decided to write to 
 her and ask if she would see him, as he had many 
 things to say. Dorothy took no notice of his letter, 
 and on the first day of June he mounted his horse 
 and started for Milton, determined to force an 
 interview. It was about ten o clock in the morn 
 ing when he arrived at the Governor s house, and 
 asked for Miss Doddridge. 
 
 " Miss Doddridge^ Sir, "said the servant, "left here 
 this morning with His Excellency and Miss Hutch- 
 inson, and they are now on their way to England. 
 If you will turn your head towards the harbour 
 you will see their ship just sailing out from the 
 Castle." 
 
 Ezra turned, and with an oath put spurs to his 
 horse, and started for Long Wharf. 
 " Is there a ship sailing for England? " he asked up 
 on arriving there. 
 
 "One will depart in two or three days," was the 
 answer. 
 
 "I will take passage on her," said he. He returned, 
 and without a word to his hosts, began prepara 
 tions for his journey. 
 
 Ezra had been told the truth. Dorothy had made 
 such arrangements as she could, and with the Gov 
 ernor and Peggy had left Milton early in the morn 
 ing of June first. The day was bright and warm, 
 the flowers in the garden were sweet and brilliant. 
 They all went down to the ha-ha for a farewell look 
 over the meadows ; the Governor touched the trees, 
 shrubs and vines tenderly, bidding each a silent 
 farewell. Elisha had also come from Middleboro 1 to 
 
 g
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 141 
 
 go with them. As the time came for their depart 
 ure the Governor gave one look at the place he 
 loved so much; then turning away his head said 
 with a sigh, to his son Thomas, "Take good care 
 of everything until my return. Care especially for 
 the grape-vines, whose fruit will give us a welcome 
 home in the Fall. By the way, do not forget to send 
 the first roses to Mrs. Foye" 
 The coach stood ready at the bottom of the gravel 
 path leading from the house to the road. Peggy, 
 Dorothy and Elisha got into it and were driven 
 across the river to Dorchester Neck, where they 
 waited for the Governor, who walked down Mil 
 ton Hill, where he was greeted by a sight which 
 moistened his eyes. On either side, the road was 
 lined with the citizens of the town, who at the last 
 moment had put aside their political feelings, and 
 had gathered to bid the good neighbour and citi- 
 
 o o o 
 
 zen a God-speed on his journey. With the excep 
 tion of a few in the background, they all uncov 
 ered as he approached, and a faint cheer went up, 
 hushed, however, as he raised his hand to check 
 it. The first he met was his old tenant Vose. Going 
 up to him he took his hand, saying as he looked 
 about him, "I thank you for this demonstration 
 of your good-will and kind hearts. God bless you, 
 and when I come back may peace have forestalled 
 me, and your lives have returned to their accus 
 tomed tranquillity." 
 
 And so he proceeded, bowing and shaking hands, 
 until he finally entered his coach and was driven 
 to Dorchester Point. "My God," he said as he 
 dropped back in his seat, "these people love and 
 
 honour
 
 142 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 honour me, yet do not wish me to return. What a 
 pity they cannot see the light!" 
 From the Point, they were rowed to the Castle, 
 and Thomas Hutchinson cast a last look at that dear 
 New England he loved so well, as they sailed in 
 the Minerva^ early that evening, for England. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 Inwhichrefidence 
 
 ./ , ^^ c// . 
 
 mate is Jhown to have its Disadvantages. 
 
 ABOUT THE time the Minerva had 
 reached a point midway between New 
 England and Old England, the brig 
 Dreadnaught drew into a bay on the 
 southern side of a little island in the South-east 
 ern corner of the Caribbean Sea. The shore was 
 rocky and precipitous, save at the head of the bay 
 where a sandy beach formed a crescent, edged by 
 a wood of palms and banyans. Seen from a dis 
 tance, the island seemed like a high hill, but a 
 closer view showed that this effect was given by 
 the lofty pointed cliffs on the eastern shore. Ap 
 parently there was no access to it except by the 
 little bay into which the brig had sailed, and this 
 would not receive a vessel of much draft. As Da 
 vid had seen no land for some days, he had become 
 convinced that he was to be left at a safe distance 
 from any of the well-known islands, and was not 
 surprised when the brig dropped anchor, and lay 
 on placid waters unruffled by any breeze, and 
 warmed by the burning tropical sun. The pas 
 sage had been a smooth one, save for a tempest 
 in the Gulf Stream, but the wind had been very 
 light, and the Captain had become impatient at 
 the slow progress made. Whittemore was impa 
 tient too, for he was in haste to be on shore, no 
 matter where it might be. He felt that his chances 
 of escaping from the brig were inconsiderable, 
 while if left on shore he could think and plan, and 
 [143] be
 
 144 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 be his own master. He knew the folly of attempt 
 ing resistance, and he was too proud to show emo 
 tion or fear at his position. 
 When the brig had come to anchor the Captain 
 said, "Mr. Whittemare^ it is my painful duty to 
 leave you on this island. You will be well supplied 
 with clothing and stores, and there is plenty of 
 room for exercise, but I fear you will have little 
 company. Is there anything you desire? If so you 
 shall have it, if in my power to give it to you." 
 David looked at him with scorn, and answered, 
 " I thank you, Captain. There is nothing I wish 
 save that you put me on shore at once and leave 
 me in peace. Stay, there is also this. Tell Mr. Ezra 
 Jaquith that he has played a very pretty game, and 
 that I appreciate his skill. Tell him also that many 
 strange things happen in this world, and that he 
 may yet regret what he has done." 
 "Into the boat then," shouted the Captain, turn 
 ing to four sailors standing near. "Row the gen 
 tleman to the head of the bay, leave him and the 
 goods, and then return. Lively, now!" 
 David went quietly down into the boat, and not 
 long after was seated on a small chest on the sandy 
 beach, watching the brig get under way. 
 When finally she had disappeared he arose and 
 looked about him. He had kept the time from the 
 brig s reckoning^so he knew that his watch would 
 give it to him correctly. He found upon consult 
 ing it that it was a little after five in the afternoon. 
 The sun was still high and scorching. He bathed 
 his head in the salt water, picked up the small chest 
 which had been left for him, and carried it into the 
 shade of the overhanging clifF. 
 
 Had
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 145 
 
 Had he been foolish to offer no resistance? He 
 thought not. The crew had undoubtedly orders 
 to overpower and kill him, if necessary, and he 
 had done the wisest thing, taking the only chance 
 of ultimate liberty. To be sure his prospects were 
 not bright, for Jaquith had probably sent him to 
 an unfrequented island, off the course of passing 
 vessels. 
 
 He wondered what the outcome of all this would 
 be, and how long he would have to remain in this 
 lonely place. Opening the chest he examined its 
 contents. It held some clothing, provisions, to 
 bacco, and several flasks of wine and spirits. These 
 latter reminded him that if he wished to live he 
 must have fresh water. He did not know that with 
 one or two exceptions, there was no running water 
 on the chain of islands of which this was one, so 
 he proceeded to search for a spring and a suitable 
 resting-place near one of the high cliffs, whence 
 he could watch the sea for a passing vessel. 
 He entered a forest near by, keeping a close watch 
 for water, and at last his search was rewarded by 
 finding a little stream. The spot was not more than 
 half a mile from the bay, and he could reach the 
 crest of the highest cliff" with ease. 
 Three weeks passed, and he neither met with an 
 accident, nor saw any passing vessels. He had spent 
 as much time on the cliffs as the burning rays of 
 the sun permitted, and the lookout over the bay 
 was such that he was satisfied the situation could 
 not be bettered. He still had a good supply of food 
 and drink, and the tropical fruit he gathered, with 
 water from his spring, supplied all his needs. 
 
 He
 
 146 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 He thought much of Dorothy, but he felt so cer 
 tain of her safety in the hands of the Governor 
 that he worried little, except for the shock his dis 
 appearance must have given her. But he reasoned 
 rightly that she would suspect Ezra of having 
 something to do with it, and knowing her strength 
 of character, felt sure that she would not pine, but 
 set to work at once in his behalf. All this consoled 
 him, and made him doubly anxious to keep his 
 head clear and his nerves steady. 
 He was at his post on the cliff thinking over all 
 these things for the hundredth time, when he was 
 suddenly aroused from his revery by the sight of 
 a sail on the horizon. His heart bounded, and with 
 a shout he sprang to his feet, waving branches he 
 had arranged for that purpose. The sail grew 
 smaller and smaller, and finally disappeared be 
 hind a projecting promontory in the direction 
 of the South-east. 
 
 At no time had it been near enough to be signalled 
 by the solitary man, and he had realized this, yet 
 the disappointment was almost more than he could 
 bear. 
 
 As the sun dropped behind the horizon, he de 
 scended the cliff and returned to his cave. The 
 moon was bright in the heavens, and after sup 
 ping he started out into the forest towards the 
 bay, thinking the cool of the evening would re 
 fresh him. With his clasp-knife he had cut a heavy 
 billet, for although there were no animals of any 
 size to molest him, he felt companionship in it, 
 and more security from the reptiles which at times 
 annoyed him. 
 
 He
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 147 
 
 He had walked to the place where the trees end 
 ed and the shore began, when he was surprised to 
 hear a splashing sound upon the waters of the bay. 
 It was indistinct, but it was certainly there, and 
 it grew louder and louder as he stood with his 
 head bent forward to listen. 
 "A bird or a fish," he thought, and started forward 
 again. No ! it was not that. It was a regular splash, 
 as of oars dipping in the water. He certainly had 
 seen no signs of life on the island. And yet he be 
 came more and more convinced that the sound he 
 heard could be made by nothing but a boat pro 
 pelled by men s arms, so he slipped into a dark 
 opening in the cliff and waited, looking down the 
 moonlit bay. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 prijing Adventure. 
 
 Which treats of 
 moretbanonefur- 
 
 H 
 
 E had watched a few moments, when 
 a dark object appeared on the water, 
 and soon he could see the outline of 
 a boat, and the moving backs and 
 arms of several men. Then he felt his first real sen 
 sation of despair, and his over-wrought nerves gave 
 way. He thought he saw it all now; Jaquith had 
 sent out a second party to murder him. His hands 
 sought his knife and club, and he determined this 
 time to fight his way clear if possible. In a few mo 
 ments the bow grated upon the sand, and one by 
 one the men jumped out, and then hauled the 
 boat up after them. They stopped and looked 
 about them. He could not see their faces, but 
 their forms were powerful. One of them pointed 
 towards the spot where David was hidden, and 
 they all started in that direction. His heart stood 
 still, and he crouched down, holding his knife 
 and stick tighter. He would have risked almost 
 anything to get away from his prison, to which 
 even death, had it not been for Dorothy , would 
 be preferable. He was unnecessarily alarmed, how 
 ever, for they passed his hiding place, and turn 
 ing around the clifF, disappeared. What could 
 they be in search of, if not of him ? The idea of 
 flight came into his head, and he was preparing 
 to make a dash for their boat, when his attention 
 was attracted by the sound of footsteps directly 
 [148] behind
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 149 
 
 behind him, seemingly in the same cleft in which 
 he was hidden. He at once perceived that they 
 had entered an opening near where he was, and in 
 close proximity to him. But he could do nothing 
 but wait, and trust that he would escape discovery. 
 The footsteps at last stopped, and a voice said, 
 "This is the place, Captain Peasely, and a bloody 
 fine place it is, too. We stored our stuff here when 
 I sailed in the Black Betsey fifteen years ago, and 
 I don t believe a soul has set foot here since. Now 
 that we ve cleaned out that sloop and emptied her 
 belly, you can use this for a ware-house." 
 "All right, my man," answered the one addressed. 
 "It is certainly a good place, and I don t think 
 we can do better. How large is this cave, and how 
 much will it hold?" 
 
 "I should say about forty feet square, Sir, and it 
 will hold all you ll get this season. I wish we could 
 have caught that d d Yankee, Sir. She looked like 
 a good one." 
 
 " Yes, she was certainly a skimmer. What was her 
 name? Did you notice?" 
 
 "Dreadnaught, Sir. Blast them Tankees; I have a 
 wish to get hold of one and shake him up." 
 "You re right," said a voice which had not been 
 heard before, "if ever I get aboard of one of em 
 I ll slash away with a will." 
 "Well, my men, I agree with you in all this," said 
 the Captain, "but we have work to do before day 
 light, and plenty of it." 
 
 "Aye, aye," said the others, and they went out 
 of the cave, returned to the boat, and rowed away. 
 David now trembled from head to foot. With a 
 
 supreme
 
 150 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 supreme effort, however, he controlled himself, 
 and going out into the air, walked feverishly up 
 and down the beach. He now felt that he might 
 soon be a free man, but that he must strike boldly, 
 and with apparent confidence. 
 He knew from what he had overheard that the 
 men would soon come back to hide their ill-got 
 ten goods; so he waited, intending to speak to the 
 Captain, and try to persuade him to take him off. 
 In the course of an hour he heard the boat ap 
 proaching up the bay, and he drew a long breath, 
 for he knew that what he did now meant life or 
 death to him. The boat was beached. This time 
 it was piled high with some kind of merchandise, 
 and six men disembarked. They quietly unloaded 
 the "stuff," and left it, while they all went with 
 torches to examine the cave. David remained qui 
 et until they were well inside, then slipping out ran 
 down towards the boat to await their return. 
 He saw the flicker of the torches as they came one 
 by one into view, and manned himself for a des 
 perate effort. They did not notice him until close 
 upon him, and then he was covered by six pistols, 
 accompanied by as many oaths. He folded his arms, 
 looked from one to the other, and said slowly, 
 "Wait a moment, my friends, and don t kill one 
 who may be of service to you. Will you let me 
 speak, Captain Peasely? or shall they shoot?" 
 On hearing his name spoken in this place and by a 
 stranger, the Captain started. 
 " D n it ! How do you know my name, Sir, and 
 what are you doing in such a place as this?" 
 
 "First,"
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 151 
 
 "First," answered David, "request your men to 
 put up their weapons. Thank you. Now before I 
 answer your question, let me ask you one. Do you 
 wish to own the brig Dreadnaught, the fastest in 
 all these seas?" The Captain started again. "If 
 so," he continued, "listen quietly to me, and do as 
 
 I5> 
 say. 
 
 " I would answer you Yes if I thought you could 
 do anything," answered Peasely, eyeing him sus 
 piciously. "But don t attempt to spin any yarns; 
 it won t do." 
 
 "Take me from here, and you shall have that 
 brig," was David s reply. 
 
 "Why should I believe such nonsense as this?" 
 replied the Captain with an oath. "How are you 
 to give her to me?" 
 
 " Listen. I am David Whittemore, of Boston, in the 
 Province of Massachusetts Bay, and because I am 
 a loyal subject, I have been kidnapped and brought 
 to this island to die. You ask what that has to do 
 with the Dreadnaught?" 
 
 "I do," said Peasely, "and I don t want any fool 
 ing. You ll give us good proof of what you say, 
 or we ll bury you here." 
 
 "Well, I ll satisfy you then. It was the owner of 
 the brig, Mr. Ezra Jaquith, who had me waylaid 
 and brought here, and I have sworn a solemn oath 
 that if ever I leave this place I will be revenged. If 
 you inform the authorities that it was Jaquith who 
 got me out of the way, I will see that you have the 
 brig. If you prefer to take her yourself, I ll help 
 you to find her. If you shoot me or leave me on this 
 island, you ll never have her, for you will not dare 
 
 to
 
 152 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 to go to the government without me. What do 
 you say? Is it agreed?" 
 
 "What shall it be, boys? Take him, or leave 
 him?" said the Captain, addressing his men. 
 "Take him," said the voice David had first heard 
 in the cave. "I want a voyage on that brig." 
 "Mr. Whittemore" said Peasely, "we ll take you 
 on one condition. You shall not leave the Night 
 Hawk until the brig is mine. I ll do this because 
 you are loyal to England, and I hate the Yankees. 
 But remember that you are to swear that you ll 
 never say who it was who took the brig." 
 "Fear nothing," answered David. "Long before 
 that time comes I shall prove to you that I am 
 to be trusted." 
 
 He then gave what remained of the wine and spir 
 its to the Captain to distribute among the crew. 
 He had scarcely touched them himself, for he was 
 wise enough to know that it would do him little 
 good in that hot climate. The next morning he 
 was on the poop of the brig, watching the little 
 island disappearing below the southern horizon. 
 His face wore a bitter smile, and he muttered as 
 the last cliff dropped out of sight, " Now, Master 
 Ezra, we shall see who will prevail ! " 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 His Excellency is not at home. 
 
 1 
 
 Night Hawk was an English built 
 brig of about one hundred and fifty 
 tons, sparred and rigged for speed in 
 light weather, but unsafe for the North 
 ern Atlantic in the rough season. In July, however, 
 she could proceed towards New England without 
 anxiety to her crew, and she was able to overhaul 
 most of the craft that crossed her path. 
 The commander was a young man of not more 
 than three-and-twenty years of age, new to the 
 trade of a pirate, but a thorough sailor, having 
 been to sea since boyhood. 
 
 The crew numbered fifteen in all, including the 
 master, and the mate Bill Saunders, an old salt 
 of about fifty years of age, who had sailed over all 
 the seas, and in every capacity. Like Captain Pease- 
 ly he hated the colonists, and for the last few months 
 they had both devoted especial attention to annoy 
 ing American ships. 
 
 The Captain had often wished that he might have 
 a fleeter craft, and when giving chase to the Dread- 
 naught, became convinced that he had found what 
 he had been seeking, and resolved that he would 
 do all in his power to win her. 
 But having recently stripped a small sloop of her 
 belongings, he was heavy laden, and felt the neces 
 sity of lightening his brig before attempting the 
 Dreadnaughf s capture. He had consulted Bill 
 [153] Saunders
 
 154 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Saunders as to a suitable place in which to dispose 
 of the cargo, and the mate, who fifteen years be 
 fore had sailed with a notorious pirate in the Black 
 Betsey, told him of the island and its cave. It was 
 not on any chart, but he had no difficulty in find 
 ing it. 
 
 At David s appearance, Peasely had suspected that 
 the mate had got him into a trap, which feeling was 
 soon dispelled, however, by the demeanor and lan 
 guage of the stranger. On learning his knowledge 
 of the Dreadnaught, he remembered that he had 
 met the brig coming from the direction of the 
 island and evidently bound for the coast of North 
 America. These facts seemed to lend probability 
 to the story, and so he decided to take David on 
 board to be held a prisoner until he should secure 
 the brig. 
 
 Once on water, David laid plans for the future. 
 He would not betray Peasely, for he felt that come 
 what might he was his rescuer, and that through 
 him he might have revenge. 
 The Captain put aside all thoughts of other prizes, 
 concentrating his energies on the one object in 
 view. For more than two weeks the winds were 
 light, and the brig seemed to crawl through the 
 water. Then a breeze from the south-east sprung 
 up, and early in August they entered Massachu 
 setts Bay, casting anchor off Braintree late in the 
 afternoon. David would have given much to go 
 to Milton, but he was closely watched, and knew 
 he was still a prisoner. He therefore dismissed the 
 subject with a sigh. 
 
 "Mr.
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 155 
 
 "Mr. Whittemore" saidPeasely, approaching him 
 after the brig had dropped anchor, "we ve taken 
 a long trip at your recommendation, and I hope 
 for your sake as well as our own, that you have not 
 deceived us. We re in close quarters here, and it 
 won t do to take too many chances for nothing. 
 What are you going to do now?" 
 "I have thought it all over," answered David. 
 "There is in the Castle yonder a friend of mine 
 who can be trusted. I ll write to him to come on 
 board your brig, and two of your most trusted 
 men may carry the letter to him. I have reasons 
 for believing he ll come, and that he can give us 
 the information that we need." 
 "Now look here, Mr. Whittemore" said the Cap 
 tain with a suspicious look, "do you think me a 
 fool ? Do you suppose I will allow you to write 
 to the Castle, as you call it, and get the officers 
 down on me? If you have nothing better to pro 
 pose we ll set sail again." 
 
 " You don t understand me," said David quietly. 
 "I intend that you shall read the letter and ap 
 prove it. Doesn t that satisfy you?" 
 "No, it does not," said the other. " If he is brought 
 here he ll have to be taken back again, and then 
 before we can get under way, one of those frig 
 ates will be down after us." 
 "I think," replied David, "that if he is willing 
 to trust himself with your men, and on your ship, 
 you shouldn t hesitate to have confidence in him. 
 Do as I say, Captain, and you will not regret it. 
 Besides, it may be the means of finding the ship. 
 She must have been here, and there is no other 
 way of learning where she has sailed." 
 
 The
 
 156 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 The Captain walked up and down the deck, and 
 then stopped before Whittemore. You ve appeared 
 honest since you have been on the Night Hawk, 
 and perhaps I ought to trust you. But mind one 
 thing. You ll be on the brig after your friend leaves, 
 and if there s treachery, so sure as my name is Jim 
 Peasely, I ll have you lashed to the foremast and 
 made a target for my men to practice on." 
 "I agree to that," answered David smiling. He 
 went below, and soon returned with a letter to 
 Captain Fair weather. Captain Peasely approving 
 it, the mate and one of the crew jumped into the 
 boat, and were soon out of sight. 
 It was some hours before the boat returned. The 
 letter had not been delivered, for Captain Fair- 
 weather was not at the Castle. 
 " Now, Mr. Whittemore, what next ? "asked Pease 
 ly. " We can t fool away our time in this way. Shall 
 we put out to sea?" 
 
 "As you like. But if you do so, you ll lose what 
 you ve come for." 
 
 "I think," said Peasely \ "that we have learned 
 about all we can from you, and that we can do about 
 as well without you as with you. If the boat is about 
 here, we can find her. I ll wait until sunrise, and if 
 you think of nothing before then I shall have to 
 get rid of you in some way." 
 "Captain Peasely" said David unmoved, "I have 
 spoken to you honestly. I have as much reason as 
 you can have for wishing to find the Dreadnaught^ 
 and can still assist you. Don t be hasty. I wish to 
 help you, but first let me go on land. It isn t yet 
 midnight, and you have strong men on the brig. 
 
 Get
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 157 
 
 Get into the boat with me and two others, and row 
 me to Milton by the way of the Neponset River. 
 It s a long pull, but we can be there and back be 
 fore daylight. Bind me, gag me if you wish, but 
 go where I say, and do what I ask you." 
 "Very well," answered Peasely^ "I will give you 
 this chance. I suppose we ve a right to row on 
 these waters. Muffle the oars," he continued, turn 
 ing to two sailors. "We ll go." 
 He seated himself opposite David with his pis 
 tol on his knee. On reaching the bank of the river 
 at the foot of the Governor s field, David mo 
 tioned to them to draw in to land. 
 "Now," he said," you may put on the gag if you 
 see fit." 
 
 "We ll not do it here. We ve a good watch on 
 you, and the place seems quiet." 
 "Very well then, send one of your men up over 
 the field to the house across the road. Let him rouse 
 them, and ask Mr. Thomas Hutchinson, the Gov 
 ernor s son, to come to this place to see me." 
 "Mr. Whittemore" said Peasely, "if you ll give 
 me your solemn word that you will come back 
 with me, I ll accompany you, and let you do your 
 own errand. I don t think you ll try to escape 
 me." 
 
 " I thought you would come to trust me," replied 
 David. 
 
 The two men went up the hill, Whittemore leading 
 the way. The night was dark and all was still about 
 the house. David went to the front door and pound 
 ed the knocker vigorously. There was no response 
 and he repeated his loud knockings, until the Cap 
 tain
 
 158 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 tain warned him that the noise might reach other 
 ears. 
 
 "This is strange," said he, "some one should cer 
 tainly hear us. Come round the house, and try the 
 other door." They did so without success. 
 "And now to the farmhouse." Making their way 
 through the garden they rapped on the door. Af 
 ter a few moments a window was raised, and a 
 voice with a strong Scotch accent asked, "Who 
 is there? What do ye want at this time o night? " 
 "Where is Mr. Hutchinson?" asked David. 
 "If you mean His Excellency, he s in England. 
 Mr. Thomas is at the Castle, and will not return 
 here soon, I fear." 
 
 "And Miss Doddridge?" asked David, his voice 
 trembling. 
 
 "She has gone to England wi them. But this is a. 
 fine time o night to be wakin one and askin one 
 questions. Who be ye, anyhow?" 
 "I m Mr. Whittemore, and mean no harm. I think 
 you know my name." 
 
 "Him that is dead! " said the gardener, shutting 
 the window with a slam. 
 
 "Return to the boat, Captain," said David, "I m 
 your prisoner again. We will start for the open 
 sea as soon as we reach the brig, and wait ofF Cape 
 Cod awhile in the hope of seeing the Dreadnaught. 
 If this fails, do with me as you like." 
 Just as the red light of dawn was beginning to 
 show itself over the bay, the Night Hawk set sail 
 before a fair wind, reaching Cape Cod about noon. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 neffes a Naval Engagement. 
 
 DESPAIR overcame David. The sail 
 down the bay that August morning, 
 was far more painful to him than the 
 one he had taken in the Dreadnaught 
 two months before. Then he had hopes of ultimate 
 liberty; now all seemed to be against him. Captain 
 Fairweather was away from the Castle; Thomas 
 Hutchinson was at the Castle, and the Milton house 
 was deserted; while Dorothy was on the other side 
 of the wide ocean! Peasely had begun to lose faith 
 in him, and he was eyed with looks of angry sus 
 picion by all on board the brig. 
 They passed a few small fishing vessels and one 
 large schooner before reaching the Cape, but for 
 some hours no sail had been seen. It was late in the 
 afternoon, and David was leaning over the rail 
 watching the water rush by, when he was startled 
 by the voice of the man on the lookout calling, "A 
 sail! Brig to the Sou east, Sir. Looks like that 
 Yankee" 
 
 In a moment David had sprung to his feet and 
 rushed forward. 
 
 "Give me the glass, Captain. If it is the Dread- 
 naught, I shall know her. I have had a pretty close 
 acquaintance with her." 
 
 With a trembling hand he covered the vessel. 
 "Captain Peasely" he said, his voice choking, 
 "Now s your chance. That s the Dread-naught!" 
 "Clear the decks," shouted the Captain. "Batten 
 [159] down
 
 160 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 down everything. To your guns, Master Saunders. 
 Crowd on all sail and make for her." 
 As they were out of sight of land, with no other 
 vessels visible, the opportunity seemed propitious. 
 The Dreadnaught was still some miles away, but 
 was evidently in no hurry, and suspected nothing, 
 for she was beating leisurely towards Cape Cod un 
 der light sail. It was an easy task for the pirate to 
 intercept her passage, and when within a few hun 
 dred yards of her, Saunders sent a shot across her 
 bows which made her stagger. In a moment she 
 came about, and was bowling before the wind. 
 Captain Carpenter had been taken entirely by sur 
 prise. P easely knew too well that if she once got 
 under way his prize would be lost, so he fired 
 again, this time directly at the brig. The shot was 
 well aimed, and with a crash the lower fore-top 
 sail yard fell overboard, carrying the great fore 
 sail with it. There it hung, dragging in the water 
 and impeding the brig s way. In a few moments, 
 however, the wreck was cleared, and floated in her 
 wake. Even without her foresail, the Dreadnaught 
 was almost a match for the pirate. But she had been 
 much delayed, and Carpenter, fearing that another 
 shot might stop him, prepared for fighting, answer 
 ing Peasely with his little cannon, but without ef 
 fect. The latter did not wish to injure his prize 
 further, and as he was gaining on her every mo 
 ment, ceased firing. At last he came along-side, 
 and at the risk of a serious collision, grappled her. 
 There were only eight men all told on the Dread- 
 naught, none of them fighters save the Captain, 
 so the struggle was short, and in less than half 
 
 an
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 161 
 
 an hour the crew was overpowered and securely 
 bound. Captain Carpenter had resisted nobly, but 
 with three or four desperate fellows on top of him, 
 had been able to do nothing more than give a few 
 blows with his cutlass, none of which were serious. 
 The captain of the Dreadnaught did not notice 
 David among his adversaries until, when bound, 
 he saw a dark figure standing over him. "Mr. 
 Whittemore" he gasped, "how came you here? 
 Is it your ghost?" 
 
 "It s nothing of the kind," replied David, with 
 a mocking smile. "It is he in the flesh whom you 
 were kind enough to take on a trip to the sunny 
 islands of the Caribbean Sea. Did you give Mr. 
 Jaquith my message?" 
 
 "I did not, Mr. Whittemorefor the reason that 
 he s in England, d n him! and I ve been hover 
 ing about this coast for some time at a loss what 
 to do. But it seems now that I needn t have any 
 further anxiety." 
 
 "You are safe in my hands, Captain Carpenter" 
 replied David. "You treated me as well as you 
 knew how, on our last voyage, and you shall be 
 treated likewise. Will you do me a favour ? " added 
 he, turning to Captain Peasely. 
 "That I will," answered Peasely, " and heartily." 
 "Then let Saunders man the Night Hawk and 
 take our friends here and land them somewhere 
 on the coast. Give them provisions, but don t 
 make it a pleasure trip for them to get back to 
 Boston. Then when the Dreadnaught 1 s foresail is 
 repaired, take me to England and leave me there." 
 "All right," said the Captain. "You ll always have
 
 162 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 a friend in me. Trust me to make em comforta 
 ble," he added, with a wink. 
 Before long, the Night Hawk was headed towards 
 the North, and the Dreadnaught towards England. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 /ions from the Colonies. 
 
 AFTER a wearisome passage, during 
 which all suffered much discomfort, 
 the ship Minerva drew into Dover 
 Harbour on the twenty-ninth day of 
 June, 1 774. Poor Mark had died on the way, but 
 with this exception the little party was well. 
 To all except the Governor these scenes were new, 
 and the line of the English coast as it appeared 
 from the Channel affected each traveller differ 
 ently. To one alone was it a real pleasure to see it, 
 and he hailed it with satisfaction. This was Elisha 
 Hutchinson, for like his brother Thomas, he was 
 so bitter against his native land, that it had little 
 place in his heart, and he was glad to get away 
 from it. Peggy looked upon the trip as a vacation, 
 in which to enjoy new scenes, and see new faces. 
 But to His Excellency and Dorothy this journey 
 meant a great deal, and their feelings were of a 
 deeper and more serious nature. 
 The Governor had much on his mind, for he had 
 promised himself to save his country were it pos 
 sible. His first thought was directed towards this 
 end, and he was constantly in his cabin, busy with 
 papers, making notes and memoranda. Now that 
 he was so near his destination he grew impatient, 
 and was in haste to reach London, that he might 
 present the petitions he had with him, which he 
 intended to strengthen as much as possible by his 
 [163] own
 
 164 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 own arguments in behalf of his countrymen. Af 
 ter this was done he would have ample time for 
 rest and recreation. 
 
 On the morning following their arrival they started 
 in post-chaises for London, by the way of Canter 
 bury and Rochester, reaching their lodgings in Par 
 liament Street late in the afternoon. The Govern 
 or s youngest son, Billy, was waiting for them, 
 having prepared everything for their reception. 
 Dorothy kept a brave heart, feeling that all would 
 turn out well if she only had the courage to wait 
 patiently. The others had treated her with the 
 greatest kindness, cheering her with their en 
 couraging words, and the Governor had prom 
 ised that all should be done that was possible. She 
 was much changed, for she had suffered almost 
 more than she could bear. That David would 
 keep up his courage and do the best he could, she 
 well knew. And she felt sure that if by any means 
 he was able to return to Milton, he would lose no 
 time in following her to England, and she would 
 then have him all to herself, away from his ene 
 mies and persecutors. 
 
 So the days and weeks passed on; the Governor 
 had interviews with George III, and his ministers, 
 and hopelessly struggled against their stubborn 
 stupidity; Dorothy and Peggy were much togeth 
 er, save when the latter s father required her com 
 pany at some rout or levee, which the unfortunate 
 man was obliged to attend, though with much re 
 luctance. But he could not offend the powers, or 
 his last hope of a reconciliation would be lost. 
 
 It
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 165 
 
 It was towards the end of August that the Gov 
 ernor, beginning to despair of turning the King 
 from his obstinate course, accepted an invitation 
 to Caxton to visit Dr. Murray, whose daughter 
 had been a passenger on the Minerva under his 
 care. 
 
 " I shall be glad of a little fresh air," he said to the 
 girls, " and it will do you both good. We will go in 
 my coach,which will be much better than a hack 
 ney. Perhaps a little quiet thought will persuade 
 His Majesty that I am right, and that his minis 
 ters are only fanning the flame of rebellion. But 
 my dear people will know that I have done what 
 I can for them, whether I succeed or not." 
 "You have done all you can at present, your Ex 
 cellency," said Dorothy. "And I thank you so much 
 for what you have done in David s behalf. Does 
 Lord Dartmouth have hopes of finding him and 
 punishing the criminals? You remember your 
 promise not to let anyone know of our suspicions 
 about Charles, for I cannot break my mother s 
 heart." 
 
 "Were it advisable I should mention their names. 
 But it would do little good. They do as they please 
 in B os ton now, and the law has little terror for them. 
 I think all that is possible will be done by Lord 
 Dartmouth. That David is safe, and will eventu 
 ally return to us, I am sure. Be brave and patient, 
 Dorothy dear, and all will go well." 
 It was on the first day of September that they left 
 Golden Square, where they were now living. Pass 
 ing through Effing Forest, by the way of Cam 
 bridge, they reached Norwich on the third day, 
 
 arriving
 
 166 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 arriving at Dr. Murray s villa at Caxton a little 
 later. 
 
 Shortly after the Governor and his party had 
 passed through Norwich, the post-coach from 
 Yarmouth stopped before the Sign of the Red Lion, 
 a small inn within the historic walls of the town. 
 There were perhaps half a dozen passengers, most 
 of whom were merchants agents coming to at 
 tend to the shipping of stuffs manufactured in the 
 old town, and exported to all parts of the civil 
 ized world. But there was one, however, who had 
 come for another purpose, and who took little in 
 terest in the affairs of his fellow-travellers. 
 David Whittemore had been landed a few days be 
 fore at a little fishing village near Yarmouth, and 
 was on his way to London to seek the Governor 
 and Dorothy. 
 
 Before his unexpected trip on the Dreadnaught, 
 his knowledge of the world had been confined to 
 the vicinity of Boston. Since that May day, how 
 ever, he had travelled far, and now he was in that 
 old England of which he had heard so much. The 
 country about him was low and swampy, with long 
 stretches of marshes threaded by little tortuous 
 streams, and dotted with numberless lagoons. He 
 thought the scene not unlike that from the Ne- 
 ponset River, though of much vaster dimensions, 
 and with no background save the rolling downs. 
 After a wearisome walk he entered the town, and 
 the following morning took the coach for Nor 
 wich. Everything was strange and interested him 
 deeply. The maritime town of Yarmouth with its 
 wharves, shipping, and houses of pebbles laid in 
 
 mortar;
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 167 
 
 mortar; the little fishing vessels, manned by short, 
 thickset, honest-faced sons of the ocean; the barges 
 coming and going on the river; all these things 
 were pleasant to him, for they were the signs of 
 peaceful industry, and he thought what a happy 
 land it seemed, free from strife and worry. When 
 the coach passed through the gate, and entered the 
 narrow street of Norwich, he breathed more free 
 ly, for he felt that now he was truly his own master 
 once more. 
 
 The quaint oldRedLion was a quiet inn,frequented 
 for the most part by commercial travellers. He 
 secured a room, and having dined, went out and 
 after purchasing a travelling outfit, strolled about. 
 In 1 774 Norwich was a large and busy town, and 
 its forty thousand souls were industrious and con 
 tented. Its manufactures were many, and its com 
 merce large and prosperous. But it had little or 
 no trade with the American Colonies, and was 
 therefore unaffected by the state of affairs there. 
 One of the most ancient towns in England, it re 
 tained the imprint of its many masters, and the 
 outlook over the heaths, fields, farms and villages, 
 ruined castles and modern mansions, and the riv 
 ers Tare and Wensum winding towards the sea, 
 was exceedingly beautiful. But David *s heart grew 
 heavy as he contrasted this peaceful town with his 
 own dear Boston, and with a feeling of sadness he 
 returned to the inn, and retired to his room. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 Wherein Mr. 
 Whittemore 
 finds Enemies near at band. 
 
 WHEN David was captured, he had 
 a sum of money in his pouch, for 
 tunately mostly in good coin. He 
 figured that it would carry him to 
 London and perhaps last for a short time after his 
 arrival there, but he would have to be very spar 
 ing of it. Captain Peasely had offered to supply 
 him with all he needed, but he could not bring 
 himself to accept money from him. It was agreed, 
 however, that the brig should be, on the first of 
 October, off where he had landed, and remain 
 there for one week in case he should wish to re 
 turn to America. 
 
 He had been occupied, after entering his room, 
 in examining his new purchases, and counting his 
 remaining funds, when his attention was attracted 
 by a voice in the corridor passing his door. The 
 next moment he heard someone enter the room 
 adjoining his, and then all was quiet. 
 He had not caught more than half a dozen words, 
 but he was sure that the voice was a familiar one, 
 and it made a great impression on him. 
 "I am a little excited after all my recent experi 
 ences," he said, half aloud. "There was certain 
 ly something that reminded me of Charles Dod- 
 dridge in that voice, and yet it is impossible. I ll 
 try to hear it again just to satisfy myself that my 
 nerves are overwrought." 
 
 [168] Rising
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 169 
 
 Rising quietly he walked over to the wall sepa 
 rating him from the adjoining room and listened, 
 but could hear nothing. Returning to his chair 
 he put the matter out of his mind, and began his 
 preparations for his departure for London on the 
 following morning. 
 
 A few moments later there was a rap on the door, 
 and the landlord entered. He was just like a hun 
 dred other men David had seen in the streets in 
 the afternoon; short, thick and ruddy. 
 "Did you drop this?" he said, holding towards 
 him a pouch of leather. "It was found near where 
 the coach stops, but we don t know whether it 
 was you who lost it, or one of the gentlemen who 
 came down from London. 
 "Let me see it," said David holding out his hand. 
 The man hesitated but gave it to him. 
 "No, it is not mine. It must belong to one of the 
 other gentlemen." 
 
 "They are in the room next to yours, Sir. I will 
 go to them and ask if the pouch be theirs." 
 " Wait. Did you say they were in the next room? 
 What are they like ? Do you think they are Amer 
 icans?" 
 
 "I can t say, Sir." 
 
 "When do they leave?" asked David, the recol 
 lection of the voice he had heard beginning to 
 trouble him. 
 
 "They stay the night, but further than that I don t 
 know. They remain in their room most of the time, 
 and they sup there to-night." 
 "I will sup in my room also. Perhaps I may have 
 a chance to see them later." 
 
 After
 
 170 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 After the man had gone, David thought, "I ll 
 watch, and if they go out, I ll follow them and 
 satisfy myself." 
 
 At about ten o clock he heard the door of the ad 
 joining room open, and then footsteps in the pas 
 sageway. He opened his door a crack and peeped 
 out. As he did so the forms of Ezra Jaquith and 
 Charles Doddridge passed before him, and went 
 down the stairway. His window overlooked the 
 street. Rushing to it he saw the two young men 
 go out. 
 
 " What does this mean ? " thought David. " I have 
 been through many strange experiences during 
 the past few months, but nothing equal to this. 
 Either these men are Charles and Ezra, or I am 
 losing my mind. They must be here for a purpose, 
 and it must be to find Dorothy, for they can t possi 
 bly know of my presence here. I ll follow them." 
 Wrapping his cloak about him he stole out and 
 he could distinctly see the two figures ahead of 
 him. Passing in the shadow of the houses along 
 the narrow winding streets, the two men went 
 through St. Ethelbertgzte. Then skirting the close 
 of the Norman cathedral, whose lofty spire stood 
 out boldly in the moonlight against the autumn 
 sky, they mounted the walls, and soon were lost 
 in the shadow of the adjoining tower. 
 David had taken a pistol and sword from the brig, 
 so felt that he could defend himself if necessary, 
 but he had no desire to provoke an attack. He 
 crept along, still keeping in the shadow of the 
 walls, until on reaching the base of the tower he 
 crouched down and listened. 
 
 The
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 171 
 
 The men had stopped on the opposite side, and 
 were now engaged in earnest conversation, every 
 word of which David could hear. 
 "Where did you say they were? " said Charles, in 
 a sad voice. 
 
 "They are with a Dr. Murray, whose daughter 
 came with them on the Minerva. I learnt this in 
 London. The house is about two miles from the 
 town, but in what direction I don t know." 
 "We ll go there to-morrow. She ll not refuse to 
 see me when she hears her poor mother s dying 
 words of forgiveness, and her request that I should 
 find her and bring her back." 
 "We ll do nothing of the sort," answered Ezra 
 with irritation. "We will go to-night, and take 
 her by force if necessary. I am tired of your hesi 
 tating ways, Charles. Do you really suppose she 
 would come with us? You don t know your sis 
 ter as well as I do." 
 
 "You have persuaded me to do one act of this kind 
 of which I sorely repent," said Charles sternly, 
 "But your head was turned then as well as now. 
 What you propose is not only wrong but imprac 
 ticable. We will return to the inn, and in the morn 
 ing when you are less excited you ll see that I am 
 right." 
 
 "If you will not go with me, I ll go alone. I don t 
 intend to be put off longer." 
 "You will come back to the inn with me, Ezra. 
 We ll talk the matter over quietly in our room. 
 No one can hear us there. I will not allow you to 
 go to-night, so don t attempt to do so." 
 " Then it will be to-morrow night, "answered Ez 
 ra
 
 172 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 ra angrily. "I will wait until then, but not later. 
 I agree to this because it is perhaps better to se 
 cure more information before acting. But to-mor 
 row night it shall be." 
 
 "Come," said Charles, "the gates close at eleven 
 o clock. Hurry, or we ll have difficulty in getting 
 back." 
 
 David waited for them to pass, and then followed 
 again. The moon was now behind a cloud, and he 
 was obliged to pick his way carefully, but when 
 once in the streets of the town he had no trouble 
 in keeping them in sight. Waiting outside until 
 he saw a light in their window, he entered the inn 
 and before going to his room, said to the landlord, 
 "Can you tell me where a Dr. Murray lives with 
 in about two miles from here?" 
 "At Caxton, Sir. By enquiring on leaving the town 
 you cannot miss it. They tell me that the late Gov 
 ernor of one of those infernal Colonies is there." 
 "Call me at sunrise to-morrow," said David, and 
 went to bed. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 EARLY the following morning David 
 quitted the Sign of the Red Lion and 
 passed out of the Thorp Gate, towards 
 Ketf s Castle. He knew that it would be 
 useless to seek Caxton at that hour, and felt that a 
 walk about the fields and over the downs would 
 put his nerves in better condition for the ordeal 
 of his meeting with Dorothy. In the early sunlight 
 the thirty spires of Norwich presented a lovely 
 picture, and the Jong stretches of meadow and 
 heath, with their winding streams and their farms 
 dotted here and there, were peculiarly picturesque 
 streaked by morning shadows. 
 Seeing a somewhat thickly settled spot a few miles 
 distant, David concluded that it must be the place 
 he sought, and descending the hill started towards 
 it. In less than an hour he found himself in a 
 small village shaded by green trees. 
 There was nothing to remind him of New Eng 
 land, and he was not sorry to forget that land of 
 trouble and turmoil for a time, and to wander mid 
 strange surroundings, his own master. It was a 
 Providence that had stopped his going to London, 
 and it made him shudder to think what would hap 
 pen if he did not prevent it. It was probable that 
 Charles would restrain his companion so far as it 
 lay in his power to do so, but Jaquith was a villain 
 in David s estimation, and he was happy to know 
 that he could forestall him. For once good fortune 
 [173] seemed
 
 174 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 seemed to favour him, and it was with a light heart 
 that he accosted a man, evidently an artisan, and 
 enquired the way to Dr. Murray s villa. 
 It was not far from eight o clock when he entered 
 a long avenue of overhanging trees. As he did so 
 a feeling of terror seized him. His pent-up excite 
 ment was beginning to tell on him, and a dread of 
 meeting Dorothy and the Governor took posses 
 sion of him. But before he had gone many steps he 
 had recovered his self-possession, and looked about 
 him. Surrounded by shrubs, and backed by an old 
 garden, he saw the front of a brick mansion. He 
 hesitated a moment ; then with a firm step went 
 up to the door, and with a trembling hand shook 
 the knocker. 
 
 "Tell His Excellency, Governor Hutchinson, that 
 Mr. David Whittemore would like to speak with 
 him," he said to the servant who opened the door. 
 The man bowed, showed him to the drawing- 
 room, and retired. 
 
 The Governor was always an early riser, and T)a- 
 viddld not have to wait long before he heard a well 
 known step in the hall, coming rapidly towards 
 him. The next moment both his hands were 
 grasped, and for some time neither was able to 
 speak. 
 
 "David," said the Governor at last, "this is indeed 
 a happy moment for me. I have had no real anxiety 
 about you, for I knew that you had set sail for some 
 where on JaquitK s brig, and I was sure that it was 
 only some prank of those hot-headed young pa 
 triots, and that you would turn up safe and sound. 
 I have done all in my power to have the matter sift 
 ed,
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 175 
 
 ed, but so far without success. But how are you ? 
 Tell me of your travels and experiences. What 
 a happy day this will be for Dorothy. She is with 
 me and is well," continued he, reading David s 
 thoughts. " I have not told her of your being here, 
 but I have told Peggy, and she will prepare Doro 
 thy to see you." 
 
 For nearly an hour David sat by the Governor and 
 told him his story. The latter s face grew stern and 
 angry as he said with warmth, " This is really more 
 serious than I thought. These fellows must be 
 brought to justice. You say they ll be here to-day 
 in search of Dorothy? Can they expect that I will 
 give her into their murderous hands? No, David, 
 it is impossible." 
 
 "Your Excellency," said David gently, " I believe 
 that Charles is honest and sincere in his beliefs. I 
 feel sure that his head was turned, and that he re 
 pents having raised his hand against me. He is real 
 ly patriotic, believing that our country has suffered 
 unjustly, as I believe, and you believe, your Excel 
 lency. I should have agreed with him in all his views 
 had not the Sons of Liberty gone too far. But he is 
 now broken-hearted, and we must spare him, but 
 punish the other, who is a black-hearted villain. 
 He planned the plot against me because I was Dor 
 othy s accepted suitor; not because I was a loyalist 
 and a friend of your Excellency. He has come here 
 for his own selfish ends, while Charles has come to 
 implore his sister to return home. Don t you see 
 a difference?" 
 
 "I do, indeed! Poor girl, how she has suffered!" 
 He was silent a moment, and then added, "I love 
 
 New
 
 176 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 New England and its people, and have tried to 
 help them since I have been here, but it has availed 
 little. Yet I still hope that everything will be ar 
 ranged before I go back to Milton. 1 
 Of the meeting of David and Dorothy little need 
 be said. After the first happy moments he told her 
 his story, which she heard with horror. Then she 
 gave him an account of her leaving Milton and of 
 her life in England. 
 
 "I don t like it here," she said, " and I ve had many 
 sad, weary hours. His Excellency and Peggy are 
 most kind and sympathetic, but they are much oc 
 cupied with business and social duties. Howev 
 er," she added, "being alone has not been unwel 
 come to me, for I have been too preoccupied to af 
 ford much entertainment to others, though I have 
 tried to repay them by a cheerful manner. But it 
 has all been very, very hard for me. Now, dearest, 
 I have you back again and I am happy." 
 "And you must forgive Charles, as I do," said Da 
 vid, taking her hand. "He has suffered so much, 
 and will be so alone without your poor mother." 
 " I will forgive him since you do. Dear mother! I 
 suppose she did what she thought was right, God 
 bless her ! "And Dorothy wept bitterly for the first 
 time since she had left her mother s house. 
 After breakfast they started for Wells, on the 
 North coast of Norfolk, the Governor having re 
 quested Dr. Murray that, if two young men should 
 enquire for them, they should be told that they had 
 returned to London. It was agreed between them 
 that on their arrival Charles should be sought out 
 and forgiven, and that Ezra should be handed 
 over to justice as soon as possible. 
 
 They
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 177 
 
 They reached the Governor s house in Golden 
 Square in safety, and the lovers seemed to see the 
 dawning of a brighter day as they recalled the 
 pleasant hours in the beautiful garden in Milton. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 1 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 new friend, 
 
 COWARDS the end of July Ezra Ja- 
 quith had arrived in London, from 
 America. He had made several at 
 tempts to get an interview with Dor 
 othy, and had written the Governor begging that 
 he might visit them, but had been repulsed in 
 every effort. Towards the end of August he re 
 ceived a letter from Charles Doddridge announc 
 ing his mother s sudden death, and his intention 
 of sailing at once for England m search of Dorothy. 
 He had also written to his sister, so she knew the 
 sad news before she saw David, and her heart was 
 sore, for in spite of all she loved her mother. 
 Charles reached London some days after Govern 
 or Hutchinson and the young ladies had left for 
 Norwich, of which fact Ezra had been informed. 
 They decided to follow them, and entreat Doro 
 thy to forget all disagreements and return to Bos 
 ton with them. 
 
 At first Ezra appeared reasonable and willing to 
 yield to Charles s better j udgment, but after reach 
 ing Norwich the latter noticed something strange 
 in his companion s manner. He had always looked 
 upon Jaquith as an honest, well-meaning man, 
 and though somewhat violent, a true patriot, and 
 a fit companion for his sister. But now Ezra threw 
 aside his mask, and showed his true character. 
 Charles had long since repented the part he had 
 taken in David s kidnapping, although he had 
 [178] thought
 
 "The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 179 
 
 thought the act itself just and proper at the time. 
 But he did not know until they reached Norwich 
 that Ezras real motive was revenge, and not the 
 interests of his country. 
 
 When the coach stopped before the Sign of the Red 
 Lion, their minds were filled with far differing 
 thoughts. Charles was looking forward to find 
 ing Dorothy with a heart full of brotherly affection, 
 for he had no doubt that she and her friends would 
 receive him kindly and forgive him when all was 
 explained. 
 
 Ezra, on the other hand, was sullen and seemed 
 excited, which fact attracted Charles s attention. 
 When they had reached their room, he began pac 
 ing it impatiently, and finally stopping before his 
 friend, he said, " Charles, we have come down here 
 to get your sister away from those people. How do 
 you intend to accomplish it?" 
 "I have told you that they will not refuse to see me 
 when I explain everything. Why do you ask me 
 this question? And why in this manner? I don t 
 like it." 
 
 "Because I think you don t know what you are 
 doing," answered Ezra quickly. "It may be all 
 right for you, but I have come here to get her for 
 myself, and I intend to do it." 
 "You are excited, Ezra. You will feel differently 
 by to-morrow, after a little rest and quiet thought. 
 My plan is the best, and the only one I ll sanction." 
 Ezra did not answer, but began pacing the room 
 again. 
 
 "Come," said Charles, "we have ordered dinner. 
 Let s eat it quietly and then talk matters over." 
 
 Later,
 
 180 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Later, after their return from the walls of the 
 town, where they had been overheard by David 
 Whittemore, Ezrawzsin a yet more sombre mood. 
 He had made up his mind to get possession of Dor 
 othy by fair means or foul, and would now stop at 
 nothing. 
 
 The room they occupied was a large one with two 
 windows overlooking the street, and two beds, 
 one at each side. Ezras was that nearest the door. 
 "I will sit up a little while longer," said he, in a 
 somewhat more cheerful tone. "You are right. I 
 am over-excited, and have spoken foolishly. I shall 
 feel better in the morning." 
 The night was clear, and the moon still shining. 
 When he was satisfied that Charles was asleep he 
 put out the light, and after a few moments threw 
 himself heavily on his bed. Listening, and hearing 
 no sound from the other side of the room, he arose 
 quietly, and taking possession of the few effects 
 he had with him, stole out through the door and 
 into the street. 
 
 The town seemed deserted, and the sound of his 
 own footsteps made him start as he went along in 
 the shadow of the buildings. Creeping to the wall 
 where it seemed to be low, he let himself down and 
 took the nearest path, not knowing where it might 
 lead. 
 
 It would have been wiser for him to have taken 
 Charles s advice and to have waited until morn 
 ing. But brooking no control, and mad with love 
 and the desire for revenge, he had formed a plan 
 in his excited brain to seek Caxfon, and by some 
 means obtain access to Dorothy, and abduct her. 
 
 As
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 181 
 
 As it was, however, he lost his way, and when the 
 sun arose over the Tare he could see the spires of 
 Norwich many miles to the eastward. 
 "Damnation and fiends!" he said, stamping his 
 foot. "I ve gone astray, and if I m not careful 
 Charles will be there ahead of me, and my last 
 chance will be gone. I must enquire the way as 
 soon as I see any one." 
 
 Shortly after, he met a man crossing the fields, 
 who told him that Caxton was about twelve miles 
 distant at the other side of Norwich. 
 With another oath, he started forward, but it was 
 noon when he reached Dr. Murray s, dusty and 
 footsore. 
 
 "They have gone to London, Sir," said the man, 
 eyeing him with suspicion. 
 "Has anyone been here since they went?" he 
 asked. "Yes, Sir. There was a tall young gentle 
 man who returned to Norwich on learning they 
 were not here." 
 
 Ezra was now in a rage, and walked away, mutter 
 ing to himself. "What a fool I was to leave Charles, 
 and not learn the way here before attempting it 
 at night. I can t go back to Norwich, for he must 
 suspect my reasons for leaving him so suddenly." 
 So being directed to a small inn, he made arrange 
 ments for a post-chaise in which to be driven to 
 Newmarket, where he arrived late in the evening. 
 The principal street of the town, a poor way, was 
 nearly deserted, save for two or three half-drunk 
 en stable-boys who had been making merry at one 
 of the small taverns. It was to one of these that 
 Ezra went, for he thought there was a possibility 
 
 of
 
 1 82 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 of being seen elsewhere, although it was not prob 
 able that either the Governor or Charles would 
 spend the night in such a place. 
 It was more than a month to the Autumn racing 
 season, but the town already held many horses with 
 their trainers and backers. As Jaqutth entered the 
 tavern, he saw seated at a low table in the corner 
 half a dozen shabby, dirty-looking men, playing 
 cards, swearing, drinking, and smoking, who cast 
 side-long glances at him as he passed the door. 
 It cannot be said that he was attracted by these 
 men, though in his state of mind they had a cer 
 tain fascination for him; so having secured a rocm, 
 he returned and ordered ale and something to eat. 
 The men continued quietly playing until he had 
 nearly finished his meal, when one of them strik 
 ing the table shouted in a hoarse voice, "That s 
 my money, Jim. Hand it back to me." 
 "You lie!" said the man addressed. "I won the 
 last throw, and that was to settle it. None of your 
 London ways here. We ve lived too long by the 
 Race Course not to see through these things. The 
 money is mine, and I ll keep it." 
 Jaquith began to think he was going to have some 
 diversion, when he was startled by the sound of 
 a heavy blow, and the next moment the Londoner 
 was on his back on the floor with the rest on top of 
 him. Before Ezra could collect himself the men 
 had disappeared through the door, leaving him 
 alone with the prostrate form. 
 "What s this?" cried the tavern-keeper rushing 
 in. "Are those rascals up to their old tricks? I 
 have told them, Sir, that I won t have my tavern 
 used for such purposes." 
 
 "Is
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 183 
 
 "Is he much hurt, do you think?" asked Ezra, 
 hearing the man groan. 
 
 "Only stunned, Sir. He is a stranger to me and 
 arrived early in the evening. I believe they ve 
 robbed him of everything." 
 "He seems a decent-looking fellow," said Ezra, 
 "Has he a room here?" 
 
 "No, he came in and supped, and meeting these 
 fellows entered into a game with them. I will put 
 him on a bed in one of the rooms, and he will no 
 doubt be well in the morning." 
 "Put him in my room, for I care little for sleep 
 to-night and will willingly give him some atten.- 
 tion." 
 
 The man had by this time somewhat recovered, 
 and was attempting to raise himself on his elbow. 
 As he did so Ezra noticed his face. It was that 
 of a man of about thirty years of age, with a heavy 
 black moustache, black eyes, thick black eyebrows 
 and hair. It was intelligent though brutal. When 
 he had been laid on the bed, he again relapsed in 
 to a stupor, and soon began muttering, "Saddle 
 Ben, and let s be off. The coach leaves at seven. 
 Damn it, Jerry, we can stop em. Ten thousand 
 pounds. Hurry! Hurry!" 
 
 "Ha, ha," said Ezra to himself, "I thought as 
 much. This will be a better ally than Charles Dod- 
 dridge." 
 
 The man had slept quietly for over two hours, 
 when Ezra noticed that he moved slightly. 
 "Where am I ? " said he, suddenly raising his head 
 and looking about him. "Where are those black 
 guards? Let me get hold of em." 
 
 "The
 
 184 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "The rascals have gone," said Jaquith. "They 
 ran as soon as they saw me draw my pistol, for 
 I was determined to protect you, seeing that you 
 had been cheated and robbed. How are you now? " 
 "My head aches badly," answered the man in a 
 deep bass voice, "but I shall be all right soon. 
 Now I seem to remember you. You re the gen 
 tleman who arrived just before I was attacked. 
 Give me a drink, if you please." 
 Ezra put a little spirits into a tumbler of water and 
 handed it to him. 
 
 "I came here on business," continued the man, 
 "and was fool enough to trust those fellows. I 
 wanted a horse, for mine was recently killed. New 
 market is a great place for horses and cutthroats." 
 "It seems so," answered Jaquith, "and I am glad 
 for your sake that I arrived so opportunely. When 
 do you leave here?" 
 
 " To-morrow, early. I ve had enough of the place, 
 and my horse is in the stable. Damnation ! " he ex 
 claimed, putting his hand to his pocket, "they 
 have robbed me of everything. But never mind. 
 I have always managed to get along in some way, 
 and shall not fail this time." 
 " If you are going to London, let me accompany 
 you. My purse shall be at your disposal, and you 
 can show me the way, for I am a stranger, and I 
 might go astray. I can easily purchase a horse here, 
 can t I?" 
 
 "The landlord has one for sale which is fairly 
 good," answered his companion. "It will be all 
 you ll need till you reach London" 
 
 "Now
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 185 
 
 "Now take a little rest, and I ll do the same," 
 said Ezra. "I ll awaken you early, and if you re 
 able we ll start directly after breakfast." 
 The next morning they were off for London while 
 most of the inhabitants were yet asleep, Jaquith, 
 more excited than ever, not having closed his 
 eyes. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 Old Friends 
 
 better than New. 
 
 WHEN he had awakened, and found 
 that Ezra was not in the room, 
 Charles supposed that he had been 
 restless and had gone out for the 
 morning air. But as the time for breakfast drew 
 near, and he noticed that his companion s effects 
 had all disappeared, the truth dawned on him. 
 Ordering a chaise he was driven to Caxton, only 
 to find that the Governor had left, and that Ezra 
 had not been there. Now suspecting that Jaquith 
 had followed Dorothy with evil intent, he set out 
 as soon as he possibly could for London. 
 There were many ways of making the journey, 
 and most of the post-roads leading to the great 
 city were well built, and kept in good condition. 
 The shortest, however, was through The t ford and 
 Newmarket. The coach in which Charles Dod- 
 dridge was, took this road, and it dropped him late 
 on the second day at the White Horse Inn, in Fet 
 ter Lane. 
 
 The Governor and his party had meanwhile also 
 reached London in safety, and descended in Gold 
 en Square. 
 
 A day or so later, David, thinking little of his past 
 trials, walked down the great thoroughfare by 
 Bishopsgate, and over London Bridge. Returning 
 by Blackfriars he crossed the beautiful new struc 
 ture, sometimes called Pitfs Bridge, built by Rob 
 ert Mylne but a few years before, and which gave 
 [186] him
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 187 
 
 him a resting-place by Sir Christopher Wren in 
 St. Paul s. David had just reached the end when 
 a chaise was driven rapidly by him, and in it he 
 recognized Charles, who, however, did not see 
 him. 
 
 He was quite sure that there was no other occu 
 pant, and immediately started in pursuit over Lud- 
 gate Hill, when the chaise turned into Fleet Street 
 and he lost sight of it. Still he kept on, and was 
 soon rewarded by seeing it turn into Fetter Lane 
 and stop at the White Horse Inn, at this time one 
 of the principal coaching stations of the metropo 
 lis. Before Whittemore reached the toorDoddridge 
 had disappeared into the inn, whither David fol 
 lowed him. He found himself in a long and low 
 room, subdivided by high settees, and with a 
 carved oak chimney-piece opposite the door. As 
 he entered, a stout, middle-aged man approached 
 him, and asked if he wished to be lodged. He an 
 swered that he was looking for a friend, and tak 
 ing a card he wrote upon it, "Come alone," and 
 requested that it should be given to Mr. Charles 
 Doddridge. 
 
 In a few moments a pale man stood before him, 
 looking like one dazed. He did not speak, but 
 stared at David in a perplexed and enquiring man 
 ner. 
 
 "Get into the carriage with me, Charles. Doro 
 thy wishes to speak with you. She is in London 
 with His Excellency." 
 
 "Give me time to breathe," answered Charles. 
 "You! How came you here? I will go with you 
 gladly, for I intended looking Dorothy up to 
 day. But you! What does it mean?" 
 
 " Charles,
 
 i88 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 " Charles" began David, after the carriage had 
 started, "listen to me. I ve followed you to say 
 that I forgive you for the part you took on that 
 May night, when Ezra Jaquith sent me to a lone 
 ly island to die. You remember the night at Ca 
 leb White s tavern when you suggested fright 
 ening the Governor in his Milton house? I ad 
 vised you against it, and all other acts of violence, 
 but you did not heed me, and with Ezra and that 
 miserable Indian, would have done much mischief 
 to the Governor, and yourself as well, had not 
 your sister warned His Excellency in time. After 
 that failure you were more hot-headed than be 
 fore, and joined with Jaquith, in the name of lib 
 erty, to insult me, and provoke me to a challenge. 
 Your sister saved you then. But she could not 
 prevent what happened on my return from Mid 
 dle b or d* . You still listened to Jaquith, who was 
 poisoning you against me because he loved your 
 sister and saw in me a rival. But you are deceived 
 in him, Charles. He is not a patriot; he cares noth 
 ing for the welfare of the province. He thinks 
 but of his own selfish ends and has made you his 
 tool. I think you are at heart sincere and honest, 
 and I wish now to save you from him." David 
 paused, but Charles still kept silent, looking at 
 him in amazement. "You don t speak," contin 
 ued David, "but I ve hardly given you an op 
 portunity, and I have still more to say. Listen. 
 You joined Ezra in his plot to do away with me, 
 but I don t believe you knew what he intended. 
 You thought I was to be sent to some distant place 
 where I could take care of myself, and whence I 
 
 could
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 189 
 
 could eventually return to Boston, though with 
 some difficulty. Instead of this he had me carried 
 to a desolate island below the Caribbean Sea, where 
 for three weeks I was in great agony of mind, 
 though I had no bodily sufferings, thank God!" 
 "And you are safe," said Charles, still looking at 
 him in the same manner. "I am glad of it, for I 
 meant you no harm. I have been through so much 
 myself that your appearance startled me, and I 
 have not yet fully recovered from the shock. Go 
 on. I can t speak until I am calmer." 
 "Later I will tell you all," said David. "Suffice 
 it now that I was in Norwich when you were 
 there, having landed from the Dreadnaught near 
 Tar mouth. I overheard what you said on the walls, 
 and taking advantage of it found out Dorothy, 
 and returned with her and the Governor to Lon 
 don. All this seems impossible, does it not? But 
 there have been many stranger things." 
 Charles passed his hand over his brow and tried 
 to speak. Finally he said with effort, David 
 Whittemore ! David Whittemore ! Can it be possi 
 ble? I dreamt of you that night in Norwich, and 
 heard you call out to me to save you. I am not 
 superstitious, but when I saw you I was afraid 
 my mind was weakening. It s been much wrought 
 upon of late. You are right in all you say, and I 
 have found out the whole truth since that night. 
 I then learned for the first time that Ezra had 
 sent you to die. I then learned that he was not a 
 fit person to wed my sister, and that he was all you 
 say. I have come to London alone, for he left me in 
 the night, and I thank Heaven he did not accom 
 plish what he had in mind." 
 
 "He
 
 190 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "He has not accomplished it, and he will not do 
 so. Charles" added David, holding out his hand, 
 "we will let our political differences pass, will we 
 not, and be friends again?" 
 "With all my heart. I know you ll never take up 
 arms against our country, and that you re more 
 a follower of Hutchinson than a royalist. Isn t it 
 so? Didn t you change because you believed that 
 His Excellency was misjudged?" 
 "You are partly right, Charles. But there was 
 something else." 
 "And that was?" 
 
 Dorothy. She converted me, for she saw far clear 
 er than I." 
 
 A little later they alighted before the Governor s 
 house in Golden Square, and a few moments after 
 Charles and Dorothy were in each other s arms. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 ;v rung, but a Wedding Journey is interrupted. 
 
 A FEW days after the brother and sis 
 ter had been so happily re-united, a 
 coach and a post-chaise were waiting 
 opposite the door to convey six per 
 sons to Croydon, in Surrey, a few miles south of Lon 
 don. The Governor, Peggy, Billy and David got in 
 to the coach. Charles and Dorothy stepped into the 
 chaise, and with the cracking of whips, and calls 
 of the postilion, the horses sprang forward, and 
 the happy party went on their way. 
 They passed over London Bridge, through Black- 
 heath, Bermondsey, by the New Cross Inn, and 
 alighted at last at Croydon Church.* There they 
 were cordially met by their old friend, the Rev. 
 Dr. Apthorp. 
 
 "I see you ve received my note," said the Gov 
 ernor taking the clergyman by the hand. " I knew 
 you wouldn t refuse to unite two of our young 
 New England people. I consider them as my chil 
 dren," he continued, looking at them affection 
 ately. " It s good, isn t it, to have a little province 
 of one s own here?" 
 
 "Your Excellency," said Dr. Apthorp, "I am 
 more than happy to do what I can for these good 
 countrymen of mine." 
 
 Quietly, in the old church, David and Dorothy 
 were made man and wife. Oh! how happy they 
 
 were 
 
 * Croydon Church was built in the XVth Century and was 
 the re/ting-place of Bijhops and Archbijhops.
 
 192 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 were as they stepped into the coach with the Gov 
 ernor and Peggy, and were driven to Dr. Apthorp s 
 house. One might say that their story has now been 
 told. But such is not the case. All lives are not 
 devoid of romance after marriage. 
 It was late in the afternoon when the little wedding 
 party started on their return to London. 
 They had just passed the New Cross Inn, and were 
 going along at a brisk pace, when the occupants 
 of the coach were startled by a sudden halt as if the 
 horses had stumbled. 
 
 "What s the matter, Riley?" cried the Govern 
 or, thrusting his head out of the window, and ad 
 dressing the footman, who, losing his balance, had 
 been obliged to jump to the ground. 
 "Highwaymen, your Excellency. One has the 
 horses heads, and the other is coming this way. 
 Have your pistol ready, Sir. I will keep him off 
 if I can." 
 
 "Hold up your hands," said a deep voice nearing 
 the carriage. "We ve business with you. Do as we 
 say, and we ll not harm you, but one word and I 
 put a ball through you. Just listen a moment. Let 
 the young lady who is on the other side of the 
 coach step out, and the rest of you may go your 
 way. She ought to be willing to save such kind 
 friends as you are. Come, my lady, do this for the 
 sake of His Excellency and," he continued in an 
 insinuating voice, "for somebody else." 
 "Away with you, and let us pass, you scoundrel ! " 
 said the Governor, eyeing the man fearlessly. "I 
 don t fear your shooting, for you haven t the cour 
 age to hear the report of your own pistol. Away 
 with you! I say." 
 
 "You re
 
 Miss DODDRIDGE
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 193 
 
 " You re a very plucky old gentleman," said the 
 other, laughing, "and I respect you for it. But 
 it ll do no good. I won t shoot unless I have to, 
 so be careful you don t make it necessary. Let 
 the lady pass." 
 
 The chaise had kept some distance behind, and 
 the occupants had not noticed the coach stop. 
 The gentlemen of the road had not reckoned 
 on its coming, and when it appeared a few min 
 utes later they were somewhat disconcerted. 
 "Hurry, or I ll shoot," said the first man. 
 "No, you won t! " said David, jumping from the 
 chaise. Rushing up with a cane he struck the 
 man across his pistol hand. The pistol dropped, 
 and with an oath its owner put spurs to his horse 
 and disappeared in the darkness. 
 The man at the horses heads did not follow his 
 companion, but hesitated a moment ; then, striking 
 his horse, rode directly towards where David was 
 standing between Charles and the coach. 
 "This is for you, David Whittemore" said the 
 voice of Ezra Jaquith as he rode past. "You 
 shan t have her." 
 
 There was the sharp report of a pistol, and with 
 a groan David sank to the ground. With a scream 
 of terror Dorothy threw herself from the coach and 
 ran to< him. 
 
 "Are you badly hurt?" said the Governor, bend 
 ing over him. 
 
 "My shoulder," gasped David. "I don t think 
 it is much, however. Kindly rest me on the other 
 side. Thank you, Riley. There! Now I am fit to 
 move. It seemed to stun me." 
 
 They
 
 194 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 They lifted him into the coach and drove rapid 
 ly on. Reaching home they found the ball had 
 passed through the shoulder grazing the bone, but 
 except for the shock there was no serious injury, 
 and on the following day David was much as 
 usual, though a little pale and weak, but thank 
 ing God, with Dorothy, that it was nothing worse. 
 "I have a charmed life," he said, as the Govern 
 or enquired how he felt. "I seem bound to have 
 serious adventures, but to get out of them success 
 fully. I hope you and your daughter are not suf 
 fering from the effecls of this affair. Dorothy was 
 really frightened, something unusual for her. But 
 except for a headache she is all right to-day." 
 "David" said the Governor, "that was Jaquith. 
 I heard him mention your name as he fired. The 
 fellow must be caught, for he s bound to do you 
 some injury, and I m afraid he ll succeed at the 
 next attempt. I ll have this matter looked into at 
 once. Does Dorothy know it was he?" 
 "Oh, no! your Excellency, I haven t told her. 
 Only you and Charles know it." 
 "Then don t tell her, for it would only worry 
 her. I believe that he can be caught, and I have 
 a plan which will succeed, unless I m mistaken. 
 In the meanwhile don t venture out at night 
 without companions." 
 
 "I dislike anything that looks like cowardice, 
 and I m not afraid of Jaquith" said David, "but 
 for Dorothy s sake, and because you ask me, I ll 
 be careful. I think that Charles is equally in dan 
 ger. Shan t I tell him that you make the same re 
 quest of him?" 
 
 "Do
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 195 
 
 "Do so by all means, for he is a courageous fel 
 low, and we must keep him out of harm s way," 
 replied the Governor, with a sigh. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 fends his Servant on a MiJJion. 
 
 GOVERNOR HUrCHINSON S foot 
 man and confidential servant, Patrick 
 Riley, had been in the latter s employ 
 in America for nearly twenty years, and 
 had come to England with him on the Minerva. 
 Although a small man, he was strong and plucky, 
 and was devoted to his master. Born in Milton^ 
 of Irish parents, he had been invaluable on the 
 place there, and at times had been given posi 
 tions of some responsibility about the house and 
 gardens. The Governor had every confidence in 
 him, and it was to him that he entrusted the prep 
 arations for the carrying out of his plans to cap 
 ture Jaquith. 
 
 The undertaking was not an unusual one, and had 
 been successfully put into operation on many oc 
 casions when the unfrequented and ill-guarded 
 outskirts of London were infested by gentlemen 
 of the road, who in their recklessness and over- 
 confidence took so many chances. 
 About the years 1773-1775 there was wellnigh 
 a reign of terror in and about London^ caused by 
 these desperadoes. But there is no doubt that most 
 of these " Knights of the Road " had a fine regard 
 for their self-preservation, and at the sight or sound 
 of a pistol they would in most cases decamp. 
 The admiration of a certain portion of the popu 
 lace for these dare-devil and jolly gentlemen was 
 [196] strong
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 197 
 
 strong and peculiar, and this the authorities could 
 not control. Their accomplices were many, and 
 found in circles one would least suspect. It was said 
 that dukes and duchesses connived with, and aid 
 ed them in their adventures, and it was even hint 
 ed that a reverend Bishop passed some of his lei 
 sure on Hounslow Heath. But that the proprietors 
 of the several suburban inns were in harmony with 
 them is an undisputed fact, for these resorts were 
 planned and equipped with special reference to 
 their convenience. Panels, sliding doors, trap 
 doors, secret passages, and every conceivable 
 means of escape have been discovered in the dem 
 olition of such of these as have given way to the 
 improvements of the last half century. 
 In these days of model police it seems strange that 
 such a state of lawlessness could have existed. But 
 the people as a whole rather enjoyed it, and felt 
 a certain pride in being relieved of their purses 
 by these doughty heroes. And there still exists in 
 America and Great Britain a class of men who look 
 with pride on the political highwaymen who plun 
 der them without opposition, rising thereby in 
 their estimation. The world changes little. In 
 1774 it was the fashion to be robbed on the 
 highway; to-day it is the fashion to be robbed 
 in the halls of legislation. The former resulted in 
 inconvenience and loss to a few individuals; the lat 
 ter brings want and distress to millions. The ques 
 tion might well be asked, "Which is the greater 
 evil?" 
 
 Those places about London most frequented by 
 these "favourites of the road" at the end of the 
 
 last
 
 198 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 last century, were Knights bridge, Kensington, 
 Hounslow Heath, Hoi born Hill and Blackheath, 
 and they did not hesitate to enter the more fre 
 quented parts of the town in plain daylight. In 
 the outlying districts, and under cover of the 
 night, they were practically unmolested, and the 
 gibbet and threats of the officers of the law only 
 served to add zest and spice to their adventures. 
 It was near Blackheath that the Governor s party 
 had been attacked, and it was there that Mr. Hutch- 
 inson proposed to look for Ezra and his accom 
 plice. 
 
 On the afternoon after their return from Croydon, 
 His Excellency sent for Patrick Riley. 
 "Riley" he said with great condescension and 
 kindness, "you have been a faithful servant to 
 me for many years, and I have therefore chosen 
 you for a difficult undertaking." 
 "Yes, your Excellency," replied Riley with re 
 spect. 
 
 "It is of very great importance that those rascals 
 who attacked us yesterday should be brought to 
 justice, for they are not in search of plunder, but 
 intend to abduct Mrs. Whittemore, and do mis 
 chief to Mr. Whittemore. What I wish done I can 
 not command you to do, for it is not a matter con 
 nected with your duties." 
 
 "I will do anything for your Excellency," an 
 swered Patrick, 
 
 "I know you will, Riley, and I realize how faith 
 ful you are. Now listen. You will go dressed in 
 old clothes to the New Cross Inn, the one that 
 we had just passed when assaulted. You will pre 
 tend
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 199 
 
 tend to be a stable-boy in my employ, and will 
 drink freely, but not too much. Keep your eyes 
 open for the two men, for I am sure they will be 
 there some time during the afternoon or evening. 
 If you see them, say, as if excited by drink, that the 
 Governor and ladies are going to Greenwich to 
 morrow afternoon, and that they will return in the 
 evening. You understand what I mean? I wish to 
 set a trap for them." 
 
 " I think I understand, Sir, and will get ready and 
 start at once." 
 
 "Be careful, and do not betray yourself. Much 
 depends on how you play your part. Come to me 
 on your return, and to-morrow we will make fur 
 ther preparations." 
 
 At about five o clock Riley went to the stable, and 
 donned an old suit and cap, with as much stable 
 dirt as would make him appear true to his char 
 acter. Well hidden, he had a pistol and dagger, to 
 gether with an ample supply of money. He looked 
 himself over with a smile, for he was somewhat of 
 a dandy, and started out through the Square, and 
 across the river towards Blackheath. He felt of 
 great importance in his role of detective, and 
 did not in the least object to his expedition, which 
 he looked upon as one of recreation. 
 "This is quite a trip," he said to himself, shaking 
 his head with his mouth set firmly together. "I ll 
 do it properly, though. If I can catch a highway 
 man I ll have something to talk about to the boys 
 when I go home. Let me see, where do we turn 
 now? This way, I think. Yes, here we are. I do 
 believe this is the place where we were stopped. 
 
 Poor
 
 2OO The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Poor old Mark! How he would have enjoyed a 
 hand in this." 
 
 It was near sunset when Patrick entered the court 
 yard of the New Cross Inn. Perhaps half a dozen 
 tough-looking characters were lounging about 
 the doorway as he went into the long, low room, 
 and seated himself with a careless air on one of 
 the wooden benches near a table. 
 "I say, Mister, give me a pint of ale, "said he, eye 
 ing the landlord. "I ve got a holiday, and want to 
 make merry. One month s pay here for you if 
 you ll serve me well. There," he continued, slap 
 ping a half-crown on to the table, " make that go, 
 and more later. I m tired of feeding vicious screws, 
 and scrubbing the clay off coaches and chaises. 
 Bring me another, my lord. Where are all our 
 friends, Master? It s lonesome here." 
 "There will be plenty here before long," said the 
 host, a hard-looking man. "You ll soon have all 
 the company you want." 
 
 " That s right ! That s right ! " said Patrick, pound 
 ing the table. " Call in two or three to drink with 
 me. Ho, there ! Come in here and keep me com 
 pany." 
 
 The men he had seen outside the door slouched in 
 one after the other, eyeing him in a suspicious 
 manner. 
 
 " Now," he thought, " I m in for it. If these chaps 
 don t cut my throat, nobody will, so here we go." 
 He had finally got so far as to make his new 
 acquaintances appreciate his hospitality, and was 
 beginning to think that a change of companions 
 would not be undesirable, when there was a sound 
 of horses in the court-yard. 
 
 "The
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 201 
 
 "The company is beginning to come," thought 
 he. "Now for a little more care in my manner. 
 Look out, Patrick Riley, you ve got important 
 business on your hands." 
 
 In a few moments there was a rattling of spurs 
 in the doorway and a tall, handsome young man 
 strode into the room. He was fair, smooth shaven, 
 and jauntily dressed, with high riding boots, gold- 
 hiked sword, and inlaid pistols in his belt. He wore 
 no wig, but a mass of flaxen hair fell in waves about 
 his neck and shoulders. Throwing his hat on a 
 table, he walked across to where the landlord 
 stood, and said in a loud voice, evidently fearing 
 nothing, "Have they come in yet? They were 
 to be here before eight o clock, and it is now half 
 an hour later." 
 
 " They are here and resting. Last night was a busy 
 one, and they went to their room as soon as they 
 arrived." 
 
 "Very well then. Which one is it? I ll go to them." 
 "In the green room. You know the way, Sir." 
 The young man picked up his hat and disappeared 
 through a door in the side of the room. 
 "Handsome Jack is busy to-night," said one of 
 the men, eyeing the man as he passed out of the 
 door. 
 
 "Handsome Jack" thought Patrick. "He is cer 
 tainly a fine looking fellow, but how am I to find 
 out anything about him ? If I ask it ll make em 
 suspect me." 
 
 "Where are his sixteen strings?" said another. 
 "He s dressed for the ladies, not for business." 
 " It s all the same to Jack Rann" said a third. " He 
 
 makes
 
 202 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 makes himself look as he pleases. Business or 
 pleasure is all one with him." 
 "Well," thought Patrick, "so this is Jack Rann. 
 I have heard of him. Sixteen-string "Jack they call 
 him. He used to be in my line of business as coach 
 man with a duke or lord or something. I m glad 
 to have seen him here and not on the road. But 
 I am sure he is not the man I m looking for. His 
 voice is different." 
 
 With these thoughts he tilted back in his chair 
 and ordered more ale for himself and his new 
 friends. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTER XXXV 
 
 knows his Bujinefs. 
 
 PERHAPS no highwayman during the 
 1 7th and i8th centuries had more dar 
 ing, or a more brilliant career than John 
 Rann, or, (as he was better known to his 
 friends and admirers,) "Sixteen-string Jack" from 
 the sixteen cords which hung from his knees, em 
 blematic of the times he had been captured and 
 escaped j ustice. He had made himself the acknowl 
 edged leader of the footpads and roughs, and the 
 officers of the law had little wish to undertake his 
 capture singlehanded. 
 
 On reaching the room designated by the landlord 
 as the Green Room, Rann found two men seated by 
 a small table with a jug and two glasses upon it. 
 They were Jaquith and his new friend, resting 
 from their unsuccessful adventure of the night 
 before. 
 
 " D n it," said Rann, as he entered, " you ll have 
 to learn something from me before you try again 
 to stop a coach and a chaise with six passengers, to 
 say nothing of coachman, footman and postilion. 
 But I ll go with you next time, if our friend here 
 will keep his word and pay down the cash." 
 "You shall have what I have promised," said Ez 
 ra, "but we ve got to ascertain first when they re 
 going out again, and where to find them. Will 
 not that be difficult?" 
 
 " No," answered Rann, " do as I say, and we ll get 
 [203] em
 
 204 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 em fast enough. We ll leave the task of learning 
 about their movements to Jerry" 
 "I m willing to do that, but remember, Jack, 
 that it s a hard job, and one for which you are bet 
 ter fitted than I. You re a ladies man, and," he 
 added slyly, "it s through them that we must 
 work." 
 
 " Nothing of the kind," said Rann. " It is through 
 the stable. Come on, and let s go out for a ride to 
 night. There is no use in wasting time here, and 
 perhaps we ll have some amusement. Will you 
 come with us?" he continued, addressing Ja- 
 quith. 
 
 "Willingly," said Ezra, "a little fresh air will do 
 me good, and a lesson from you will do me no 
 harm." 
 
 They then descended to the room below, where 
 Patrick and his friends were still making merry. 
 "Now s my time," thought Riley, "I ll play my 
 trump card now. Here goes. I must get back to 
 the stables soon," said he, "or I ll get a basting. 
 The old Governor is mighty particular since he 
 came from America. Why, he s out every day, and 
 there s no rest in his stables or anywhere." 
 "Hush!" whispered Rann, turning to his com 
 panions. "Perhaps here s our chance. A drunken 
 stable-boy, I ll warrant, and if he comes from 
 Hutchinson, he ll answer our purpose, and save 
 us much trouble. Sit down here and wait a mo 
 ment." 
 
 "I was saying," continued Patrick, not seeming 
 to notice the new-comers, "that old Hutchinson 
 is out all the time, careering around somewhere. 
 
 Yesterday
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 205 
 
 Yesterday he was away and didn t get back till 
 night. I don t know where he went, but he came 
 near getting his head blown off, and I sometimes 
 wish he would, and that I could get a new place. 
 He s been out to-day; and to-morrow, I heard 
 the coachman say, they go again." 
 " Well, my friends," said Rann, coming up to them 
 with a smile, "you seem to be making merry. 
 Won t you join me in a bumper? That s right. 
 I have a long ride before me to-night, and need 
 a stimulant." 
 
 "I m obliged to you, Sir," said Patrick, looking 
 up with a stupid stare. "You are a fine gentle 
 man, Sir, and I feel proud to drink with you. 
 Your health, Sir, and a long life to you." 
 "You re a stranger here, aren t you?" 
 "Yes, your Honour, having but recently come to 
 London. My master is an American, Sir. But this 
 is a fine town. Your health and a long life to you 
 and yours." 
 
 "And what s your master s name, my man?" 
 "Eh? His name? Oh, yes. Hutchinson, Sir. His 
 Excellency Thomas Hutchinson, Esquire, Sir. God 
 bless him!" 
 
 " Indeed ! " said Rann, assuming an air of surprise; 
 "a fine service you re in, and it must pay you 
 well." 
 
 "Pretty well, but I tire of the work. It s work, 
 scrub, curry all the time. They don t rest." 
 "Do they travel much?" 
 
 "Do they travel much? Well! Well! I should 
 think they did! Nothing else but travel. Out yes 
 terday, out to-day, and out to-morrow again." 
 "And where do they go?" 
 
 "Everywhere
 
 206 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 "Everywhere, but they don t always tell me, for 
 I don t go with them much." 
 "And haven t you heard where they re going to 
 morrow?" asked Rann, striking in boldly. 
 " To be sure I have, your Honour. They are going 
 to Greenwich, and I must sit up for em, and care 
 for the horses late. I don t like it. I d rather be 
 here." 
 
 "Another bumper, my friend. You seem a worthy 
 fellow," said Rann, his eyes sparkling. 
 "You ll find I am more worthy than you wish," 
 said Patrick to himself, "and the Devil take my 
 soul if I don t go to see you hanged. You would 
 look pretty on the gibbet with all your fine stol 
 en clothes on." 
 
 "Come here again and you ll be well received, 
 I ll warrant you," said Rann, turning towards the 
 landlord. "Remember that this is a friend of 
 mine." 
 
 "I don t think it a compliment to be your friend," 
 thought Patrick, "and you ll be sorry that I am, 
 before long." 
 
 "Now," said Riley, as he started out of the inn 
 courtyard on his way home, "if I don t get mur 
 dered between here and Golden Square, some 
 body s going to get hanged and it won t be me." 
 He had taken fully as much ale as was good for 
 him, but he was by no means drunk, and when 
 he appeared before Mr. Hutchinson long after 
 midnight, dressed in his livery, he was bright and 
 smiling with satisfaction. 
 "Have you succeeded?" asked the Governor. 
 "Yes, your Excellency. I ve seen the men, and 
 
 they ve
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 207 
 
 they ve learned with great pleasure that your 
 coach is going to Greenwich to-morrow, not to 
 return until late. But I take the liberty of telling 
 your Excellency that John Rann 11 be on hand, 
 and he s a bad one." 
 
 "Thank you, Riley" said his master, as the man 
 finished his story, " now go and rest, for to-mor 
 row I shall have more for you to do." 
 "I ll see Lord Dartmouth in the morning," 
 thought the Governor, after the servant had re 
 tired. "What a treasure that man Riley is! He is 
 fitted for a better position than that of footman. 
 He shall be well rewarded." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTERXXXVI.f r r; 
 
 caught in his own Trap. 
 
 IN the afternoon of the day following the 
 events related in the preceding chapter, an 
 equipage drove out of Governor Hutchin- 
 sons stables. On the box was the coachman, 
 the Governor s so far as the livery showed. But 
 under that livery was the body of an officer of the 
 law, armed to the teeth. Behind stood the foot 
 man, the real one, for Riley wished to go, and 
 the Governor desired him to do so, as he could 
 give much information, and was a good man for 
 the undertaking. 
 
 Inside were the Governor, Peggy, Dorothy, and 
 David Whittemore; at least that was what Mr. 
 Hutchinson s friends who saw the coach pass im 
 agined. To be sure, David was there. The Gov 
 ernor, however, was Charles Doddridge dressed in 
 His Excellency s clothes, wearing his wig and hat, 
 his face concealed as much as possible. Peggy and 
 Dorothy were two officers, dressed as women, and 
 crouched down in the corners, so that they might 
 appear short in stature. The blinds were partly 
 drawn, and the deception was complete, even for 
 those who knew the Governor and his friends well. 
 Also inside the coach was a veritable arsenal, four 
 carbines, eight pistols, swords and daggers. 
 So equipped, the coach proceeded across London 
 Bridge, and thence direct to Greenwich. It did not 
 [208] stop
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 209 
 
 stop there, however, but kept on towards Wool 
 wich; then as the sun was getting low, turned and 
 headed towards Blackheath. 
 The horses went along quietly, for the occupants 
 did not wish to reach the vicinity of the inn un 
 til such an hour as would assure their being met 
 by the highwaymen. It was now dark, and they 
 began to prepare for the encounter which they 
 felt confident must take place before long. 
 As the coach turned towards New Cross, the coach 
 man suddenly drew in his horses, and putting his 
 head down said in a low whisper, " There is some 
 thing moving in the road ahead. Get your weap 
 ons in readiness, and when you hear me whistle, 
 and I stop the coach, jump out and all to busi 
 ness." 
 
 A moment later there was a sound of galloping 
 hoofs, and instantly the horses heads were held by 
 one man, the coachman covered by the pistol of 
 a second, while a third, Sixteen-string Jack him 
 self, started to ride up to the coach door. But he 
 did not get there, for at the preconcerted signal, 
 Dorothy and Peggy were transformed in a trice, 
 and out came four men aiming their pistols at his 
 head. Rann and the first man disappeared, but the 
 horse of the one who was guarding the coachman 
 stumbled and fell to the ground with a shattered 
 shoulder. 
 
 The rider was thrown violently, and before he 
 could rise, David and Charles were upon him. 
 "So, Master Ezra" said David, helping to hold 
 the struggling man, while the officers bound him, 
 "we have you at last. When Captain Carpenter 
 
 left
 
 2io The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 left me in the Caribbean Sea, I requested him to 
 give you a message, but I fear it has never reached 
 you. It was this, if my memory serves me: Tell 
 Mr. Ezra Jaquith that many strange things hap 
 pen in this world. He has played a very skilful 
 game, but he may yet regret what he has done. 
 And it seems now that I was right. There is a 
 place called Tyburn not far from here, where such 
 as you are wont to hang in the fresh air of Lon 
 don. This is the gentleman whom we particular 
 ly sought," he continued, turning to the officers, 
 "and as I don t wish to hear his explanations, 
 kindly gag him." 
 
 This was done, and the party drove off, Ezra seat 
 ed, bound hand and foot, between two of the offi 
 cers. "We will go by the way of Newgate, with 
 your permission," said one of these, addressing 
 David. "It is well to deposit our prize without 
 delay, for a rescue might be attempted. Once he s 
 safe, we will accompany you to Golden Square." 
 "Very well," answered David, "but there ll be 
 no further trouble now that this bird is caged. 
 The others care for nothing save his purse-strings. 
 Now that they are tight drawn they will pay him 
 no further heed." 
 
 Jaquith fixed a look filled with hatred on him, and 
 David continued, "You had no pity on me, nor 
 have you sought anything but evil. Why should we 
 spare you? It is true that you gave me an oppor 
 tunity of speaking in self-defence in the woods 
 at the foot of the BlueHills, but the circumstances 
 of my arrest were somewhat different from yours. 
 I was a peaceful traveller upon the highway; you 
 
 are
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 211 
 
 are a highway robber, intent on abduction and 
 murder. You need not look to Charles for sym 
 pathy. He has long since discovered the blackness 
 of your heart." 
 
 "Ezra," said Charles, eyeing him with anger, 
 "you have been the cause of my committing the 
 only act of injustice of which I have ever inten 
 tionally been guilty. You were shrewd enough to 
 deceive me, but you have never deceived David 
 and Dorothy. They have read your character 
 aright from the first, and I thank God that I have 
 learned it before it was too late. You are now go 
 ing whence you will never return. Pray for for 
 giveness, for you need it, and if you are truly re 
 pentant, God in His mercy may grant it you." 
 They had now stopped before the gate of the 
 great, sombre prison, and Ezra trembled visi 
 bly. The two young men could not restrain a 
 feeling of pity, yet they kept firm, and said noth 
 ing. The officers dragged him from the coach, 
 which a few moments later continued on its way. 
 "It s done, your Excellency," said David, throw 
 ing himself into a chair exhausted. "God pity 
 him!" 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 \ 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII 
 
 repair to Milton. 
 
 COWARD the end of October, 1774, 
 the ship Lion sighted Marblehead in 
 Massachusetts, landing on the same day 
 Mr. and Mrs. David Whittemore and 
 Charles Doddridge at Salem. On reaching Boston, 
 Dorothy hastened to her mother s grave, which 
 was by her dear father s, in the Old Burial 
 Ground. As she stood there leaning on Charles s 
 arm, for David had thought it best that the broth 
 er and sister should go alone, the feeling came 
 over her that her father would have wished her 
 more patient with her mother, and though she 
 never wavered in her Jove and allegiance to those 
 so dear to her, she vowed that from henceforth 
 nothing should separate her heart from Charles. 
 With a sob she turned and left the ground. 
 Shortly after, they proceeded to Milton, where 
 His Excellency had asked them to live until such 
 time as it would be safe for his son Thomas to re 
 turn there permanently. They had accepted the 
 invitation with joy, for they had dear associations 
 with the place. 
 
 Charles remained with them for some days before 
 going to Boston, where he felt his presence was 
 now needed, matters having reached such a point 
 that the patriots were momentarily expecting an 
 outbreak. They had all agreed to keep their own 
 political beliefs, but never to quarrel again. The 
 [212] Whittemores
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 213 
 
 Whittemores were still strong Tories, wishing the 
 government to be sustained and obeyed. But Da 
 vid would never bear arms against his native land, 
 and like many others decided to take no part in 
 events until the final outbreak. 
 Charles had changed much, and no wonder. He 
 was now moderate and conservative, and coun 
 selled the Sons of Liberty to heed the words of 
 Adams and Hancock, and give up many of their 
 violent acts. He was always listened to, and his 
 opinions had much weight. 
 They received many letters from the Governor 
 and Peggy. The former had now decided to re 
 main in England until Spring, hoping that by that 
 time the Province would be in a more settled 
 state. He sent them flower-seeds and roots by 
 every opportunity, which were handed over to the 
 old Scotch gardener, and in all his letters his love 
 for New England and his impatience to return to 
 his Milton home were expressed in affectionate 
 terms. 
 
 New England in October is beautiful. Milton was 
 in its glory of brilliant foliage, and its hills, vales, 
 forests, and fields were radiant in their rich soft 
 hues. The garden was still charming, but seemed 
 sad at the absence of those who loved it so well. 
 Often did David and Dorothy walk over its soft 
 pleached alleys toward the ha-ha, bidding it be 
 comforted, for the Governor and Peggy would 
 surely return in the Spring, when its new young 
 life would peep forth from beneath its soft cov 
 ering to welcome them. 
 
 Many
 
 214 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Many things had happened in Milton since the 
 Governor had left it. Joseph Warren had present 
 ed the memorable Suffolk Resolves in the house 
 of Daniel Vose, and the citizens had formed mili 
 tia companies which were drilling almost daily. 
 Yet with all this the quiet town was quieter than 
 a year before, the citizens being passive, waiting 
 for the British troops to take the first step. 
 David and Dorothy saw many of those who were 
 still loyal to the Governor, and the days passed 
 happily on until the country about was covered 
 with its snow-white winter mantle. 
 On an evening near the end of December, they 
 were sitting before the bright fire in the parlour. 
 David held in his hand a letter from their old 
 friend, which he was reading aloud. It was dated 
 the second of the month, and had just arrived by 
 packet, together with some fine gooseberries for 
 Ferguson, the gardener. He had already read a 
 part of it when he reached the following para 
 graph, which was of especial interest to them : 
 " Jaquith has escaped from Newgate prison un 
 der peculiar circumstances. It seems that when his 
 friend, John Rann, (who was keeping him com 
 pany for having robbed the Rev. Dr. Bell, chap 
 lain to the Princess Amelia?) was being led forth 
 to Tyburn Tree, there was a riot among the pris 
 oners, two of whom escaped in the confusion. Ja 
 quith was one of these, and he has not yet been 
 retaken. I have little fear of his attempting fur 
 ther mischief after the example set by Master 
 Rann. That worthy gentleman paid the penalty 
 the day before yesterday. He was a braggart to 
 
 the
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 215 
 
 the end, walking to the gibbet in a pea-green coat 
 adorned with a large nosegay, and receiving the 
 homage of his admirers. I wish Jaquith had been 
 in his place, but I doubt if it be Jong ere he is re 
 captured, for there is a large reward upon his 
 head." 
 
 "The villain will not return here," said David, 
 after he had finished reading, "he would not dare 
 to do it. He will hide in England, sinking lower 
 and lower, until he reaches the goal, Tyburn 
 Tree" 
 
 "I fear so," said Dorothy, "but, alas! he deserves 
 it. Let us speak no more of him, for it is not a 
 pleasant subjecl." 
 
 "So be it," said David, and taking his wife s hand 
 he added, " yet I deeply regret that the Province 
 is still so unsettled that His Excellency cannot 
 return to enjoy his home." 
 "I have misgivings about his ever returning," 
 answered Dorothy, sadly. Charles knows only too 
 well the temper of the people, and he tells me 
 that the time is near when we shall look back up 
 on these days as the most peaceful in our lives. 
 Look at the troops as they march and drill on 
 the green! Watch the movements of the men-of- 
 war in the harbour ! Things grow more and more 
 significant, and can t be stopped now until some 
 thing terrible happens." 
 
 " I fear you are right, Dorothy dear. But we must 
 hope for the best, and in the meanwhile we are 
 happy." 
 
 Some evenings later they were seated in the same 
 room when David suddenly said, "Listen! Did 
 
 you
 
 2i 6 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 you hear that strange noise? It seems to be di 
 rectly under us." 
 
 "Yes," said she, "it must be a rat, although I 
 have never heard one there before." 
 Taking a candle, David went down to the cellar. 
 All seemed quiet, and after having examined ev 
 ery corner, as he was starting to return his ear 
 caught a grating sound in the masonry toward 
 the eastern side of the house. He stopped and lis 
 tened. Again he heard it distinctly, the scrap 
 ing of metal against the stone-work. He crossed 
 quietly to the place whence it seemed to come, 
 and bent his head forward. 
 
 "Strange!" he thought. "What can it be? It is 
 below the floors under the foundation." 
 The noise suddenly ceased, and he thought he 
 heard a hollow sound like receding footsteps. Fi 
 nally all was quiet again. 
 
 On returning to the parlour, he said, "Probably 
 a rat. Now go to bed, Dorothy dear, for it is get 
 ting late. I wish to write a little, so I will remain." 
 After his wife was gone to her room, David cau 
 tiously descended again. He made a mark at the 
 place whence the noise had issued, and then aft 
 er waiting a short time, remounted the stairs. 
 He was troubled to understand what could make 
 such a sound under the house, and determined 
 to listen the next night, hoping to learn some 
 thing more definite. 
 
 For several evenings all was quiet, and they 
 thought no more about the occurrence. But on 
 the twenty-eighth of December, as David was 
 alone reading by the fire, he heard the same grat 
 ing
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 217 
 
 ing noise underneath him that had disturbed him 
 before. He laid down his book and listened. 
 "I had forgotten all about it," he said to himself, 
 "but there it is again." 
 
 He once more went down to the cellar. This time 
 the sound came from beneath the floor, louder 
 and more distinct than on the previous occasion. 
 "I don t believe in spirits," he thought, u or I 
 should say this house was haunted. There is the 
 same scratching, and the same sound of receding 
 footsteps as before. It may be some underground 
 spring, however, bubbling up and then running 
 away. At all events I will not speak of it to Doro 
 thy until I know something more positive than I 
 do now." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTER XXX VIII. 
 
 <2# Evening may be difturbed. 
 
 IT was now New Year s Eve, and Charles 
 had promised to go to Milton to see the old 
 year out. Accordingly, just one year from 
 the opening of our story in the White Cock 
 Tavern, he stole down to the harbour, and hav 
 ing secured a small boat, pulled toward the Ne- 
 ponset River. 
 
 As he rowed along he thought how different was 
 his errand from that of a twelve-month before. 
 Then his heart was full of anger against the Gov 
 ernor, while now he was on his way to his house 
 to spend a few happy hours there with his sister 
 and her husband. He wished that Mr. Hutchinson 
 could be there too, not as the representative of 
 the Crown, but as the kind, honest, generous 
 gentleman, whom he had learned to Jove, for he 
 had become one of the few Liberty men who be 
 lieved him sincere and true. But he said nothing 
 of this, for it would have accomplished little but 
 to cast discredit upon himself. 
 The night was cold, and the exercise of rowing 
 invigorated him. As he approached the bank near 
 the Governor s house he perceived a boat hauled 
 up on the stony beach. He thought it prudent to 
 land at some distance from it, wishing to escape 
 observation; so drawing into a little creek toward 
 the south, he proceeded along the bank in search 
 of a suitable path by which to ascend. 
 
 [218] He
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 219 
 
 He had gone a few rods when two figures sud 
 denly appeared as if coming out from the side of 
 the hill. After rolling several large stones against 
 the bank, which they covered with earth and 
 branches, they got into the boat and rowed away 
 down the river. 
 
 Charles was at a loss to know what it all meant; 
 but concluding that the men had hidden some 
 ill-gotten gain, he decided to wait until daylight, 
 when, with David, he could examine the place. 
 He had just started up the bank when he heard 
 the boat turn and come back to the shore. He 
 crouched down behind a boulder and waited. The 
 men landed and went toward the place whence 
 he had seen them first appear. He held his breath, 
 for he was not more than a rod from them, being 
 direclly above where they stood. One of them said 
 in a low tone, "I must have dropped it in the 
 passage. What a fool I am! I must have it again 
 at once. Clear away the entrance, Pete, and lead 
 the way with a torch." 
 
 "This is a risky thing, Mr. Jaquith" said the In 
 dian. "Some one may see us if we linger about 
 here. We ve cleared the end of the passage and 
 all we ve got to do is to raise the stone and walk 
 into the cellar, and we don t want to be stopped 
 now all s ready. It s nearly ten o clock, and we 
 have agreed to be back here at midnight. Can t 
 you wait until then?" 
 
 "No!" answered the other angrily, "I ve not 
 broken away from a British dungeon, and risked 
 my neck to come all this distance to be fright 
 ened by this. Do as I say or you ll get nothing. 
 It won t take long, and there s no one here." 
 
 The
 
 22O The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 The Indian obeyed with an oath, and soon the 
 branches, earth, and stones were cleared away. 
 It was evident to Charles that Jaquith had suc 
 ceeded in reaching New England immediately aft 
 er his escape, and was bent on business which 
 meant no good to Dorothy and David. So after the 
 two men had disappeared from sight, he crept 
 cautiously down the bank toward the opening. 
 Peering in he could see them at a distance of 
 about two or three hundred feet, and one of them 
 was stooping down as if in search of something. 
 He was convinced that there must be a subterra 
 nean way leading from the river to the Govern 
 or s, but how it had come there he could not im 
 agine. 
 
 Having seen all he could, he started up the hill, 
 and was soon at the house. 
 "You are late," said his sister, "we have been 
 waiting for you for more than an hour." 
 "I was detained on the river. It was cold and 
 my hands got benumbed. David," he continued, 
 "may I have a word with you? It is a matter of 
 business which won t interest you, Dorothy, so if 
 you ll excuse us, dear, we ll go to the study." 
 " Very well," said Dorothy, smiling, " only be back 
 before midnight, for I have made punch in which 
 to drink your health, and that of His Excellency 
 and of Peggy also." 
 
 "Well, Captain," said David, with a laugh, as he 
 closed the door, "what s the news? I suppose 
 your company is getting a thorough drilling these 
 days." 
 
 "Yes."
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 221 
 
 "Yes," answered Charles, without smiling, "but 
 it isn t of that I want to speak to you. There s 
 something going on which requires your imme 
 diate attention. Ezra Jaquith is here, and he and 
 that Indian villain are trying to force an entrance 
 into your house." 
 
 "Ezra Jaquith ! It s impossible ! To be sure he has 
 escaped, but how could he get here so soon?" 
 "That I don t know. But I have seen him, and 
 heard him speak, too, so I m sure of what I say ; " 
 and he told him of his discovery. "But why do 
 you start so?" he said, noticing David s strange 
 expression. 
 
 " I have it ! " said the latter, rising. "Those sounds 
 were made by something other than a rat;" and 
 he described the scraping noises in the cellar. "I 
 see it all clearly now," he added. "They have 
 found this passageway and are intent on mischief, 
 but we ll be on hand to meet them. You say they ll 
 return at about midnight ? We might have them 
 surprised by the river, but I think we can man 
 age them better in the cellar when they show 
 themselves there." 
 
 They returned to the drawing-room and the even 
 ing passed pleasantly, the punch was drunk, and 
 the absent remembered by toasts. Dorothy then 
 bade them good-night, saying she wished to begin 
 the new year fresh and bright. She had not been 
 gone long when David and Charles descended 
 noiselessly into the cellar, and David soon heard 
 the now familiar sound. He touched his com 
 panion lightly on the shoulder and each held 
 his breath and listened. There was a creaking un 
 der
 
 222 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 der the floor as if some heavy weight was being 
 moved. Presently the earth began to crumble, and 
 with a thud the stone covering fell back. 
 The two men kept perfectly still, concealed by 
 the shadow, but they could see a form emerge from 
 the opening. 
 
 "Give me your hand, Mr. Jaquith" whispered 
 a voice from below. The next instant a sharp 
 blow from Charles struck down the hand that 
 was reached up, and in a moment a sound of foot 
 steps was heard hurrying down the passage. 
 In the meanwhile David had thrown his arms 
 around Ezra. "A light quickly," he called. 
 Charles made one, and saw before him the face 
 of Ezra, pale and terrified. On him lay David 
 with one hand on his throat. 
 "Now, Master Ezra Jaquith, your end has come. 
 Of all the despicable, treacherous scoundrels this 
 world has produced, you are the vilest. Are you 
 not about weary of attempting this thing? An 
 swer me!" 
 
 "First take your hand from my throat. You are 
 choking me," gasped Jaquith. 
 "No!" said David, with a mocking laugh, "I 
 don t trust you. If you can t speak as you are, 
 we will forego the pleasure of hearing you, but," 
 added he, suddenly, "I will give you this one 
 chance of life. Get back into that hole, and if you 
 can reach the river before we do, you escape from 
 us this time. If not, Charles and I will be there 
 to run you through. This is your last chance." 
 With this they thrust him head-first into the 
 
 opening.
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 223 
 
 opening. They then put back the stone, covering 
 it with a heavy oaken plank. 
 "Now to the river," said David. 
 But when they arrived they heard a boat being 
 rowed rapidly away. 
 
 "They re off, and on the whole, I m glad of it," 
 said David. "He ll never trouble us again, for 
 he s played his last card. Now let s stop this en 
 trance. To-morrow we will explore it, and then 
 have both ends walled up, never to be re-opened, 
 and we ll endeavour to forget its very existence." 
 "I think we were foolish to let him go," said 
 Charles , " but perhaps it is just as well, for I don t 
 think he will dare show himself again." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CHAPTERXXXIX.SL, 
 
 zrctf/ <? yourney in the Dark. 
 
 SO accustomed had David become to 
 strange occurrences, that the discovery 
 of the subterranean passage, and this last 
 and probably final attempt of Jaquith 
 had less effect upon him than upon Charles. The 
 latter, as he had said, was sorry that they had 
 given the rascal his life instead of ending it then 
 and there, as he most richly deserved. But he 
 had yielded to what he considered David s bet 
 ter judgment, and Jaquith had been let go. 
 They both felt excited at the prospects of their 
 visit to the passageway, for it was evident to them 
 that there was some mystery connected with it 
 which would be of great interest were it possible 
 to probe it. It was absurd to suppose that Ezra 
 and the Indian dug the passage, for it would have 
 been the labour of weeks. It therefore seemed 
 probable that it had been there for some time, and 
 that its existence was known to the Indian, from 
 some tradition kept secret among the members of 
 his tribe. 
 
 After breakfast David proposed that they should 
 go down to the river, and Charles agreed with 
 alacrity, for he was impatient to examine the 
 scene of the previous night s adventures. Provid 
 ing themselves with a lantern, they crossed the 
 fields. By following the foot-prints of the night 
 before, they had no difficulty in finding the en 
 trance to the passage. 
 
 [224] "Now
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 225 
 
 "Now we shall find something interesting, I feel 
 sure," said Charles, as he pulled away the first 
 pieces of evergreen from the opening. "Have 
 you the flint? for I don t desire to be left in the 
 dark. The passage may be full of holes." 
 "For my part, I don t think that we ll discover 
 much that we don t know already," answered Da 
 vid. "It looks like a straight path dug out for a 
 purpose, and it is probable that it was used by 
 smugglers a hundred years ago. What place could 
 be better suited for them? When there were scarce 
 ly any houses here, they could steal up the river 
 under cover of night, and conceal their stuffs 
 without hindrance. Nevertheless we will go in and 
 have a look at it." 
 
 They had by this time entirely cleared away the 
 entrance, and having pulled the boughs over the 
 opening as well as they could, they crept along 
 carefully for a short distance, and then lighted 
 their lantern. 
 
 At first it had been necessary to bend their heads, 
 but once within, they were surprised to find that 
 the height increased, until on reaching a point 
 about two hundred feet from the river they could 
 not touch the upper part. The walls were of a 
 hard yellow clay, with here and there a project 
 ing rock. Further on the passage again became 
 lower and narrower, and it was difficult to pro 
 ceed. This lasted for some fifty feet or more, and 
 then they moved on comfortably again for some 
 time. Then David stopped. 
 " How far do you think we have been ? " he asked. 
 "I have counted the paces, as nearly as possible 
 
 in
 
 226 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 in so uneven a place," answered his companion, 
 "and there have been about five hundred and 
 twenty." 
 
 "That s about what I thought," replied the oth 
 er, "and as it is only about four hundred from 
 the house to the river, where are we ? It seems to 
 me that we re going too far, and moreover I don t 
 think we have risen two rods since we came in, 
 whereas the house stands at least six rods above 
 the river. How do you account for that?" 
 "Either we ve missed some turning, or we ve 
 made a mistake in our calculations. I think it 
 must be the latter, for there can be but one way." 
 "I don t agree with you there. I m sure that we ve 
 passed beyond the house, and are far below it. 
 See! This part is different from the first, and 
 doesn t show the same signs of having been late 
 ly visited. Let us go on a little further and then 
 turn back, for the air is bad, notwithstanding the 
 draught which seems to come from some open 
 ing ahead of us." 
 
 "As you wish," answered Charles, " but I hope we 
 may discover something before we leave." 
 For some minutes more they went on without 
 much change in the aspect of the tunnel, when 
 suddenly they came to a point where it visibly 
 divided into three roads, leading in different di 
 rections. 
 
 " We have come upon more of an expedition than 
 we anticipated," said David, as he looked at the 
 three passages. "This is quite interesting, but we 
 mustn t lose our way, for Dorothy will be disap 
 pointed if we miss dinner. Shall we turn back or 
 
 go on? 
 
 I
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 227 
 
 "I am anxious to go on," said Charles, "but if 
 you think best we ll return." 
 "No, we ll try one of these passages. Which 
 shall it be?" 
 
 "Let s take this one," said Charles, turning to 
 the right. 
 
 They did so, after marking the spot, and were 
 soon amazed to find themselves ascending rapid 
 ly. A little later they could see a streak of sun 
 light above them, and the air became fresher. 
 "I am glad to see that light," said David, looking 
 up, "but I m not sure that it will save us the 
 trouble of going back, for it seems to be well 
 above us. Look! What is this? I do believe it is 
 a cave; bring the lantern this way, Charles, and 
 let s examine it. Why! there are steps cut in the 
 ledge, which lead to the opening above! This 
 place must have a history, and if possible we ll 
 discover what it is. Let s try the steps. They are 
 small and rather steep, but we can climb them." 
 Charles set down the lantern and followed David, 
 who had already begun the ascent. It was not a 
 great distance to the opening above them, and 
 they reached it without serious difficulty. It was 
 overgrown with shrubs and vines, and the roots 
 of a great tree projected through it. It must have 
 been many, many years since anyone had passed 
 through it, and David, who had at first shown 
 much indifference, was now becoming as inter 
 ested as his companion. 
 
 Descending the steps they re-entered the cave. 
 It was not more than ten feet square, and its walls 
 were of solid rock. Charles, having reached the 
 
 bottom,
 
 228 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 bottom, took the lantern and crossed to the oppo 
 site side. The next moment he was on his knees 
 peering into an opening. 
 
 "Come here," he called quickly to David. "Did 
 not I tell you that we would find something in 
 teresting? and here it is. See! This hole has evi 
 dently been used at some past time as a storehouse, 
 for there is something in it now. Look! David, 
 can you see it? How can we get at it? I can t 
 reach it." 
 
 David had now come up and was examining the 
 place by the light of the lantern. "There is some 
 thing there, that s a fact," he said, reaching in his 
 hand. "Wait a moment! Now I have it! Just 
 hold the light nearer a minute. I believe it is a 
 sort of earthen pot," he added, pulling it out. 
 "Is it of Indian make, do you think?" asked 
 Charles, taking it and looking it over. 
 "I fancy so. But look, it has letters or figures 
 baked into it. Can you make them out? Wipe it 
 off, and we can readily decipher them." 
 With a little rubbing the letters became quite dis 
 tinct, and Charles began to read them. They were 
 roughly cut, and the whole thing had evidently 
 been made by an unskilful hand from the clay 
 about. When he had finished, Charles set it down 
 and looked at David in amazement. 
 "This must be some hoax," said he. "I don t un 
 derstand it all, for it is in French, but the date is 
 quite plain. Can you follow me?" and he read 
 these words: 
 
 Bon Dieu ayez p itie de moyl Je me meurs. Je ne 
 voie plus Jeannette ny petit Pierre. Mourir ainsi, 
 
 cest
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 229 
 
 cest tryste. Yl est I ete de 1569. Sy quelquun 
 trouve cecy, quyl cherche la boyte" 
 "Do you understand it?" asked Charles, after he 
 had finished reading. 
 
 "I understand enough to know that someone has 
 put it here to make a sensation if it were ever 
 found. However, we ll find that box if it s here. 
 By Heaven," he cried, as he succeeded in pulling 
 it out. "Here it is! It does look old, though," 
 he continued, his expression changing. "Can you 
 break it open? Or shall we take it with us? It s 
 not heavy." 
 
 "If we can climb up with it, well and good. But 
 if not, let s open it here." 
 
 "I can get it up easily. Come, hang the lantern 
 on your arm, take the other thing, and scramble 
 up after me. We can squeeze through there and 
 I have no desire to go all the way back." 
 With some difficulty they reached the opening 
 and by the aid of the roots and vines pulled them 
 selves through it. They then found themselves on 
 the banks of a little stream about half a mile from 
 the Governor s house, and on top of a large boul 
 der. David now knew where they were, and they 
 made for home. 
 
 "We look rather shabby," he said, first examining 
 Charles and then himself. "Dorothy will think 
 that we have been rolling in the river. Who would 
 think where that leads to?" added he, looking 
 back. "Simply a little hole in the ground, which 
 no one would attempt to enter. Come on! We 
 will look into the box after dinner." 
 
 In
 
 230 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 In the afternoon they retired to the Governor s 
 study, where they had hidden their relics. The 
 box was made of metal, but was small and easily 
 handled. It took, however, much labour to open 
 it, and when this was accomplished they were 
 greatly disappointed. Charles had visions of gold 
 and precious stones, and David of some docu 
 mentary evidence of the authenticity of the pot 
 and its pathetic inscription. But it apparently 
 contained nothing but dust. 
 "This is a fine ending to our romantic discov 
 ery," said David, laughing. "I m glad we ve told 
 no one of it. Let s empty out the dust, and hide 
 the old box where it won t betray us." 
 " I must say I m disappointed," said Charles, rath 
 er crestfallen. "And yet I can t believe that we ve 
 been wholly taken in. There is something very 
 mysterious in this whole affair. There, I have 
 turned out the dust. Ah!" he exclaimed, "what 
 is this at the bottom? As I live it s a small piece 
 of parchment. Perhaps we ve found something 
 after all." 
 
 He picked the parchment up and turned it over. 
 With an exclamation of surprise they both began 
 to examine it. 
 
 "It looks old enough," said David, "and it is 
 certainly ingenious." 
 
 "It s more than that," replied Charles, seriously. 
 "I am sure it is genuine. But I see you don t 
 agree with me. However, are you willing to lis 
 ten to what is written here, if I can make it out ? " 
 "Yes, and to be convinced by it if possible, but 
 it won t be easy to deceive me," replied David. 
 
 "I
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 231 
 
 "I am not easily taken in myself," said Charles, 
 half annoyed at his companion s disbelief. "You 
 translate as I read and you ll find there s some 
 thing in it." David listened patiently while 
 Charles struggled to read the old parchment. "I 
 can t understand it," said he, after a time; "all 
 I can make out is something about a man named 
 De Foix. The French is so bad that I am con 
 vinced no Frenchman ever wrote it. I wish I could 
 translate it, for I can t give up the idea that there 
 is something in it. However, we ll put it back in 
 the box for the present, if you say so." 
 "By all means," said David, and added, as he saw 
 his companion s look of disappointment, "I ll tell 
 you what I ll do; if I ever have a son, he shall open 
 the box when five-and-twenty years of age, and 
 try to read it. His son shall do the same, and so 
 on until this thing is proved. Such a transmitten- 
 dum will be quite interesting." 
 With this they closed the box, and David took 
 possession of it. " Now we ll get Ferguson to block 
 up the entrance by the river. We will make him 
 promise not to speak of it about here, and there 
 is no use in worrying Dorothy with the story." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 Several Gen- 
 under/land One 
 Another better than Before. 
 
 1 
 
 ^ O W ARD the end of March, 1 7 7 5 , the 
 Colonists were still waiting for the 
 British to fire the shot which should 
 warn them that the time for action 
 was at hand. Every town in Massachusetts had 
 organized its militia, and the minute-men were 
 in readiness for the signal to start forward in the 
 struggle for their liberties. 
 
 Among all the patriots none was more earnest 
 and self-sacrificing than Charles Doddridge, now 
 Captain of a Militia Company which he drilled 
 every day. He had sold his father s house, and 
 having given Dorothy her portion, had devoted 
 his to the maintenance of his company, reserving 
 only the little that was absolutely necessary for 
 his wants. He was sorry that David would not 
 join him in his efforts to free their country, but 
 was satisfied that he was acting according to his 
 convictions and was glad that he was not actively 
 hostile. 
 
 David and Dorothy had left Milton and gone to 
 Boston, for the citizens had discovered that Da 
 vid was a Tory, and he felt that he ought not to 
 endanger the Governor s property by remaining 
 on it. He thought it possible that some hothead 
 might take a fancy to annoy them by destroying 
 parts of the estate. 
 
 Young "Thomas Hutchinson was also in Boston un 
 
 der the protection of the British troops, and they 
 
 [232] saw
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 233 
 
 saw much of him. But he was unlike his father; 
 so much so that David could not always agree 
 with him. That he should have little or no affec 
 tion for his native Province seemed strange, and 
 Whittemore feared there was a touch of selfish 
 ness in it. Captain Fairweather was an English 
 man, born and bred in Devon, and it was natural 
 that he should think his government all right, 
 and the Colonists all wrong. But David loved his 
 countrymen and could not understand that any 
 one should have other feelings than those of solici 
 tude and pity for them. So he avoided as far as 
 possible all political discussions with young Hutch- 
 inson. With Captain Fairweather it was different. 
 They understood each other, and respected each 
 other s opinions. 
 
 One evening toward the end of March, Fair- 
 weather was supping with him, and after the re 
 past was finished they retired to enjoy the pleas 
 ures of tobacco. 
 
 " I suppose," said David, "that you will be obliged 
 to array yourself against my poor misguided coun 
 trymen before many weeks are over. Why could 
 not the government heed the prayers and warn 
 ings of His Excellency and repeal the Port Bill? 
 It is indeed oppressive, and only tends to exas 
 perate the people." 
 
 "That may be true, but I think these laws are 
 necessary under existing circumstances. The idea 
 of the Liberty men is that the Colonists have 
 given to the government support in war and 
 peace without adequate return; that driven from 
 the mother country they have fostered and brought 
 
 to
 
 234 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 to manhood a great Colony which they have pre 
 sented to the Crown gratuitously. We do not 
 agree to this. We hold that they owe all to the 
 mother country, which has made it possible for 
 them to live; that she has protected them against 
 foreign invasion and from internal strife; and that 
 they must submit to her will. We have tried to 
 conciliate them, but they have spurned our over 
 tures. What then can they expect but to be treated 
 as rebels and outlaws? Mr. Whittemore, I respect 
 your feelings, and know that you have been faith 
 ful and obedient to the laws, but I cannot agree 
 with you in this. I should much prefer, however, 
 to fight the French or Spanish, for I could see 
 them shot with a better relish than those of my 
 own flesh and blood. But the Colonists will not 
 fight. When it comes to that they will yield." 
 "Don t deceive yourself. They will fight. Charles 
 Doddrige is a fine specimen of a patriot, and there 
 are others like him. He will never submit. He 
 gives his whole life to what he thinks his duty, 
 and even you must respect him for it." 
 "So much so that I would gladly take his hand 
 were he here to-night. I have heard much of him 
 from you and Mr. Hutchinson, and I like an hon 
 est foe. But they are not all like him. There are 
 men like Hancock and Adams , mere rebels and se 
 dition breeders, who will soon go to England to 
 pay the penalty of their crimes. I shall go in 
 search of them before long, unless instructions 
 are changed." 
 
 "There again the government is wrong," an 
 swered David quietly, "and I hope you will not 
 
 have
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 235 
 
 have to attempt it. I think, however," he con 
 tinued, turning toward the door, "that if you 
 meant what you said about my brother Charles 
 you will now have the opportunity of meeting 
 him, for I hear his voice." 
 
 At this he left the room, returning shortly with 
 Doddridge. "Captain Fairweafher," said the lat 
 ter, "you have been a faithful friend to David 
 and my sister, and I thank you for it." 
 "And / thank you" replied Fairweather, "for 
 taking me so cordially by the hand. May our 
 meetings always be as pleasant." 
 "I say Amen to that," said David, "God grant 
 that it may be so." 
 
 "Have you heard anything of Jaquith since we 
 last saw him? " continued Charles, turning toward 
 David. 
 
 "Nothing at all," said he. "Why do you ask?" 
 "Because I saw that villainous Indian skulking 
 about Long Wharf to-day, and he and Ezra were 
 inseparable. Captain Fairweather knows your 
 story, no doubt?" 
 
 "Yes," said the Captain, "and I trust you are 
 rid of him. He belonged to no party but his own, 
 and was a dangerous man. But I must now say 
 good-night to Mrs. Whittemore and be gone, for 
 we have early hours at the barracks. If all patriots 
 are like you," he added, taking Charles s hand, 
 "we shall have foemen worthy of our steel, if in 
 an unhappy event we are obliged to use it." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 r^U A PHPtTD VI T ^ which Several 
 ^tl/\ir 1 ILK J^Ljl. ships fet Sail for 
 
 the peaceful Dominions of His Moft Gracious Majefty, 
 
 1 
 
 s, the weeks, the months rolled 
 on. Lexington, Concord, and Bunker 
 Hill had been fought; Franklin had 
 returned to America; General Gage 
 had been superseded by William Howe; General 
 Washington had come on to Cambridge and taken 
 formal command of the army; and the war had 
 begun in earnest. 
 
 David and Dorothy were still in Boston, and Charles 
 was with his company outside its limits, patient 
 ly awaiting the evacuation of the town by the 
 British troops. 
 
 It was the night of the fourth of March, 1776, 
 and the people of the surrounding towns were 
 preparing for that great stroke which was to be 
 a turning-point in the history of the struggle. The 
 citizens of Milton were among the most active, 
 and when on that dark night a silent procession 
 of men and ox-teams, laden with all that was 
 necessary for the fortifying and provisioning of 
 Dorchester Heights, stole over the Neck, the Voses, 
 Babcocks, andTuckers, led by James Boies, turned 
 out to do the work. With them were Captain Dod- 
 dridge and his company. 
 
 Not many days after this, Captain Fairweather, 
 excited and breathless, rushed in upon David and 
 Dorothy. "I have but a moment," he gasped. 
 " Get together such effects as you can and drive 
 [236] to
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 237 
 
 to the Point, where a barge will be waiting to take 
 you and all who are loyal, to the ships. We must 
 leave the town." He did not wait for an answer, 
 but hurried back to his post. 
 On the seventeenth of March the British troops 
 left Boston, and twenty vessels dropped from the 
 Castle through the King s Road, to join the fleet 
 of packets, transports, and men-of-war awaiting 
 them in Nantasket Harbour . On the packet " Lord 
 Hyde" was young Thomas Hutchinson and his fam 
 ily; and on an other vessel David and Dorothy; all 
 awaiting the signal to set sail for England. Nearly 
 a thousand souls had left the town with the evac 
 uating troops, preferring to give up all their earth 
 ly goods rather than abandon their allegiance to 
 the Crown, and we can but admire the devotion of 
 those who sacrificed so much for loyalty. Their 
 sufferings, on those small packets, were great. The 
 winter had been extremely bitter, and the March 
 winds whistled through the rigging sending a chill 
 through every heart. Depressed, half-fed, and full 
 of foreboding for the future, their situation was a 
 wretched one. 
 
 Upwards of two weeks did David and Dorothy 
 wait in Nantasket Roads, listening to the booming 
 of cannon, and at night watching the camp-fires 
 on the hills about the town. Their thoughts were 
 on each side of the broad ocean; with the Gov 
 ernor and Peggy in London; with Charles in Bos 
 ton. For the latter they felt great anxiety, know 
 ing that he would not shun danger. 
 As they passed down the harbour they looked 
 longingly towards Milton Hill. The days passed 
 
 there
 
 238 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 there had been the happiest in their lives, and now 
 the house and gardens were to be given over to 
 those who would care little for them except as 
 barracks for troops. They prayed that Charles 
 might be stationed there, for he would be sure to 
 protect the place from the lawlessness of the 
 soldiery. 
 
 For several days and nights before the squadron 
 set sail, the scene looking toward Boston and the 
 harbour had been sadly grand. Now suddenly as 
 they stood upon the deck the flames burst forth 
 from the Castle, reaching far up into the heavens, 
 showing the surrounding country by its red and 
 flickering light. At last, with an explosion that 
 shook the very waters around them, the whole 
 structure was hurled aloft, belching forth fire and 
 molten rock, like sea-bound Stromboli signalling 
 her sisters. Little did the British troops realize 
 that by this sinister/"^ de joie they were celebra 
 ting in anticipation the deliverance of the Colo 
 nies. 
 
 After a rough passage, with much discomfort and 
 some sickness, the packets reached their destina 
 tions. That upon which David and Dorothy had 
 sailed went to Falmouth on the coast of Cornwall. 
 The beautiful harbour was filled with shipping, 
 men-of-war, and cutters, the latter moving about 
 restlessly; for in those days the shores were in 
 fested with pirates, and at night the signal-fires 
 could be seen on the hill-tops, warning those on 
 the opposite shore of the movements of the King s 
 ships. 
 
 David
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 239 
 
 David and Dorothy went to a small Inn overlook 
 ing the waters of the harbour. In the forenoon 
 they had strolled out into the narrow streets, but 
 being somewhat fatigued Dorothy had returned to 
 the Inn, and gone to her room. David, however, 
 was restless, so he walked toward the water at the 
 south side of the town. There he seated himself 
 on one of the benches, and looked out over the 
 Channel, thinking that after all he should be hap 
 py, for he had Dorothy with him, and cared not for 
 the world so long as that was so. 
 The air was soft, and he became drowsy as he sat 
 there, dreaming of all that had happened in the 
 last few years, when he was suddenly awakened 
 by a pressure on his arm, which caused him to 
 spring from his seat. Before him stood a young 
 man, evidently a sailor, who touching his cap re- 
 speclfully, said, "Excuse my disturbing you, Sir, 
 but the Captain would like to speak with you, if 
 you will follow me. He says it is important that 
 he should see you." 
 
 "The Captain of the packet?" answered David, 
 arousing himself. "Where is he? I will most cer 
 tainly speak with him." 
 
 "Not the Captain of the packet, Sir," answered 
 the young man. "The Captain of the brig. He 
 said not to mention his name, but that you would 
 know it, because you are old friends." 
 " Captain Peasely! " exclaimed David, with a look 
 of surprise. 
 
 "Hush," said the man in a whisper, "don t say 
 that name so loud, Sir. He does not wish it known 
 he is here, for there is a good sum on his head." 
 "I ll follow you then. Lead the way." 
 
 The
 
 240 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 The man passed along the shore through two rows 
 of tall trees, whose interlacing branches formed 
 a green tunnel for more than a quarter of a mile. 
 Then he turned, and going round a hill stopped 
 near the shore, in the shadow of a high cliff. 
 There he gave two shrill whistles, and in a mo 
 ment Peasely appeared. 
 
 "Captain Peasely" said David in amazement, 
 "how do you happen to be here? and how did 
 you know where I was? Do you want anything 
 of me?" 
 
 " I have risked my head to have a word with you, 
 Sir," answered the Captain. "You are being 
 tracked, Mr. Whittemore^ and your life s in dan 
 ger. Listen, and then you ll see that I m right." 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 CAPTAIN PEASELT seated himself 
 on a neighbouring rock; and com 
 posed himself to what was evidently 
 to be a Jong narrative. "After leaving 
 you near Tar mouth a year and a half ago," he be 
 gan, " I went down the French coast to try my for 
 tunes until it was time to return for you as I d 
 promised. This I did, and waited about for you for 
 over two weeks; and then giving you up, set sail 
 for America. It was in February last that I sailed 
 into Casco Bay, and after dropping anchor, went 
 ashore to get some provisions. It was late, and as 
 I went into an Inn on the water s edge to get a 
 glass of spirits, my attention was attracted to two 
 men seated in the corner, and talking together 
 earnestly. I pretended not to hear what they said, 
 and in fact was not at all interested in it until I 
 heard your name mentioned." 
 "Heard my name mentioned!" interrupted Da 
 vid. "What do you mean?" 
 "I mean what I say. As I heard it I turned my 
 head, and saw that the man who was speaking 
 was, or looked like, an Indian. He was saying, 
 Mr. Whittemore is now shut up with his wife in 
 Boston, but I ll watch him, Captain Carpenter. 
 You hover about the Bay, and be here every few 
 days, and I will keep you informed. Mr. Jaquith 
 has never turned up, but you and I have enough 
 [241] against
 
 242 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 against Mr. Whittemore, and we will settle his 
 case when we get him. You re right! said the 
 other. You keep me informed, and if we catch 
 him we will take him back to the d d island. 
 I determined to watch Casco Harbour, so I kept 
 outside for a long while, going on shore to the 
 Inn every day. Finally one evening I saw my men 
 again. Carpenter had not seen me when we took 
 the brig from him, so I had no fear from that 
 quarter. The Indian was talking again, and I 
 heard him say, They leave Boston in a few days 
 for England, on the packet Tork. They are now 
 lying in the Roads. Go down and we ll follow, 
 and if we get the Tork alone we can fix her. If 
 we don t manage it at sea, I ll be hanged if we 
 don t catch em after they land. I went back to 
 my brig and made for Nantasket. When your 
 packet got under way I was near by, but I dared 
 not show myself. No more did I dare give battle 
 to Carpenter in the wake of all those vessels. But 
 I watched him follow you across the ocean. He 
 has seen you go into Falmouth Harbour, and has 
 kept on to Plymouth, where he is lying in wait 
 for you. This is why I ve sent for you." 
 David listened attentively, and as Peasely went 
 on with his story his brow contracted. "What 
 do you think they intend doing?" he asked at 
 last. 
 
 "I think," replied the other, "that they mean to 
 lie in wait for you as you pass through Plymouth, 
 and if possible kill you, and carry off your wife. 
 I advise you not to go that way, but to come with 
 me. Now, this is what I wish to do for you. Come 
 
 on
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 243 
 
 on the brig, and we ll take you both to London 
 safely." 
 
 Whittemore hesitated a moment, and then said 
 with warmth, "I thank you sincerely, Captain 
 Peasely, and I accept your offer, for I can t allow 
 Mrs. Whittemore to be exposed to further dan 
 ger, though I should like to put an end to that 
 rascal Carpenter" 
 
 "Perhaps I shall have a chance to do that for you," 
 answered Peasely. "Be here to-night, Sir," added 
 he, "and I will meet you and take you both on 
 board the brig." 
 
 "I wish you were in a better trade, for you ve 
 a good heart," said David, giving him his hand. 
 "Can I do nothing to repay you for this? I ll 
 ask Governor Hutchinson to intercede for you if 
 you wish to give up your trade for a more hon 
 est one." 
 
 "No! " answered the pirate, "I must live and die 
 as I am; I can t give it up." 
 As David went back under the trees to his Inn 
 he was much troubled. It seemed to him that he 
 was destined to be pursued wherever he went, and 
 had it not been for Dorothy , he would not have 
 hesitated to go straight through Plymouth, and 
 take his chances. But under the circumstances he 
 felt that he had done right in determining to go 
 on the Dreadnaught direct to London, where they 
 eventually arrived in safety. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 Reader. 
 
 Wherein London 
 
 . lsre _ vi f ltedbythe 
 
 IT was now the end of May, and Governor 
 Hutchinson had been in London for two long 
 years. He had left the small house in Golden 
 Square, and had removed to a more spa 
 cious one in St. James Street, where, when David 
 and Dorothy reached London, he was installed with 
 his family and their retinues, comprising in all 
 twenty-five persons. Even this house was small, 
 and the refugees had to put up with many dis 
 comforts. 
 
 He had come to England hoping to influence the 
 King and his ministers by urging the repeal or 
 mitigation of laws which, in his sagacity, he knew 
 were fanning the flame of discontent in the Col 
 onies, and from his first interview with George 
 ///., he had spoken his mind freely and coura 
 geously, though by so doing he had undoubtedly 
 thrown away his chance of returning to his post 
 in Massachusetts. 
 
 That he was shunned in England (as has been said) 
 is false, for he had been well, even honourably 
 received by all. He had been offered titles, had 
 been made a Doctor of Laws by Oxford Universi 
 ty^ and had been granted an allowance by the 
 Crown which would have been ample for the 
 maintenenance of himself and his daughter. But 
 now he was shorn of all his property in America, 
 and as his son Thomas with his family, together 
 with others of his relatives and friends, had been 
 [244] driven
 
 His Most Gracious Majesty 
 GEORGE III.
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 245 
 
 driven from their homes, he was obliged to support 
 them all. But it was with a cheerful, patient heart 
 that he did so, his only thought being for their 
 comfort and prosperity. 
 
 Mr. Hutchinson was a victim of circumstances, and 
 as his acts had been viewed with suspicion by the 
 patriots when he upheld the laws of Parliament, 
 so when he espoused the cause of the Colonies 
 after his arrival in England, he was considered an 
 unsafe person to put in control of a great Prov 
 ince. Great was the inconsistency of George III., 
 and his ministers, in their course towards the 
 Americans! They sent supposed friends to give 
 them battle, and placed in the executive chairs 
 their most bitter enemies. If Thomas Hutchinson 
 and the two Howes had been given the reins of 
 government, and some of the governors had been 
 made generals and admirals, the chances for a 
 reconciliation would have been better. 
 When we analyze Governor Hutchinson s feelings, 
 we find that his love for New England and Mil 
 ton were even stronger than his loyalty to his 
 King. The former sprung from the depths of 
 his heart; the latter from his devotion to duty. 
 He prayed constantly for the deliverance of his 
 country, but thought that it could come only 
 by obedience to the laws whose burden would in 
 time be so lightened that the mother country and 
 the Colonies could live in peaceful harmony. The 
 idea of the deliverance that was really in store for 
 them never occurred to him. 
 So it was that in the summer of 1 776 he was still 
 waiting for the time when he could return to those 
 
 dear
 
 246 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 dear scenes. Peggy was waiting too, but the three 
 sons foresaw that their father would never go back 
 again. They did not care much for the land from 
 which they had been exiled, save that they had left 
 all their worldly goods there, thereby being forced 
 to depend upon the Governor for support. And 
 it was "Stingy Tommy" as Mr. Hutchinson was 
 called by some of his Boston neighbours, who took 
 them in, with many of the other refugees who were 
 now coming to London. These people scattered 
 themselves sooner or later over all parts of the 
 Kingdom, and even sought their homes on the 
 continent. 
 
 Most of these were in hard straits, but some had 
 been more prudent, foreseeing what might come 
 to them, and had made provision for any unex 
 pected occurrence. David Whittemore was one of 
 the latter, and he had remitted to London a year 
 before such of his funds as were available for that 
 purpose. He and his wife were constant visitors 
 at the Governor s, joining him often in his excur 
 sions. They were presented to Their Majesties and 
 occasionally went to levees and routs of the no 
 bility, but in these things they took less interest 
 than the majority of the refugees. They were 
 very content in their quiet home life. They were 
 happy, for they were unmolested. 
 
 CHAPTER
 
 which His Ex- 
 
 ce ll en cy takes ahng- 
 er yourney than any he has hitherto attempted. 
 
 ON the third of June, 1780, the bent 
 figure of an old man stood leaning 
 against the casement of a window 
 overlooking Sackville Street. His face 
 was care-worn and pinched, and the hacking 
 cough which came with difficulty shook the frail 
 frame, sending a flush to the withered cheeks. As 
 he looked out upon the great city he could see 
 the flames belching forth from above the houses, 
 and hear the shouts of the rioters, as they rushed 
 through the streets on their errand of murder and 
 pillage. The cry of " No Popery " would now and 
 again reach his ears, as some fanatic rushed by un 
 der the window waving a blue banner, and wear 
 ing a blue streamer in his hat. 
 This was the beginning of the Gordon Riots, 
 and London was given over to the mob, which, 
 joined by all the desperadoes surrounding the 
 city, was wreaking destruction wherever its mad 
 flight carried it. 
 
 The old Governor, for it was he, saw all this with 
 a heavy heart. He had aged visibly since Peggy 
 and his youngest son Billy had faded from his 
 sight, and it seemed to him that there was no rest 
 on earth. As he stood there he prayed that he 
 might go in peace to join his children who were 
 now out of the reach of all worldly troubles and 
 lay sleeping in Croydon churchyard. "God s will 
 be done," he said. "I have loved and been be- 
 [247] loved;
 
 248 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 loved; I have been honoured and respected. Why 
 should I have suffered all this? Why could not I 
 have lived in peace, free from the cares of state, 
 in the happy love of my children, amidst the flow 
 ers and trees of my garden, with the beautiful riv 
 er and the Blue Hills to look upon? Alas! Shall 
 I ever see them now? God knows, and may He 
 will it that I rest my weary head in Milton. " 
 There was a light footstep behind him, and a gen 
 tle hand was laid on his arm. " Your Excellency," 
 said the sweet voice of Dorothy, "I have brought 
 your little namesake to see you. Is not my boy 
 fairer to look upon than those wild scenes with 
 out? He knows you, dear Sir. See how he puts 
 out his little hands to you. Take him, and leave 
 those angry sights, for his sweet smile." 
 The Governor stretched out his arms and took 
 the babe tenderly. "Ah! What a ray of sunshine 
 he is, Dorothy dear, and what a comfort you are 
 to me! I try not to look upon those scenes with 
 out, but what has my life been, but one long tu 
 mult? But you and yours will stay with me, will 
 you not? And Master Thomas Hutchinson Whit- 
 temore will grow up to love me? I should be con 
 tent, I should be content." 
 He looked down upon the child, and the tears 
 filled his dim eyes. 
 
 "David has ordered the coach, your Excellency," 
 said Dorothy, "and Elisha is here to go out with 
 us. The air will do you good, and all is quiet 
 toward the opposite side of the town. Elisha 
 wishes you to go, for you have been shut up so 
 long." 
 
 "I ll
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 249 
 
 "I ll go," replied the old man, "and may I take 
 my little Tommy with us?" 
 " Yes, dear Sir, we will take him, if you wish it." 
 It was near noon when Patrick Riley came to an 
 nounce that the coach was ready. Mr. Hutchinson^ 
 leaning on the arm of his son Elisha, and supported 
 by David Whittemore, began descending the stair 
 way carefully. 
 
 "My breath comes with difficulty to-day, "he said, 
 stopping as they reached the landing. " The air will 
 do me good. Perhaps I have done wrong to think so 
 much of the disturbances which surround me." 
 "Think of them no more, Father dear," said Eli- 
 sha. " They are nothing, and your weary mind ex 
 aggerates them. The troops have been ordered out. 
 And see, all is quiet now; we shall hear no more of 
 them." 
 
 "Here we are," said David cheerfully. "Now, 
 your Excellency, a few steps more and we will be 
 in the coach. Is this not a beautiful morning? " 
 Riley had opened the door, and the Governor had 
 one foot on the step, when he suddenly put his 
 hand to his head and reeled backwards. 
 " Help me," he gasped, as Riley caught him. They 
 carried him into the servants hall, and put him 
 in a chair. He was breathing heavily with closed 
 eyes. Suddenly he opened them and looked about 
 him. Seeing Dorothy he tried to speak, then cast 
 an appealing look at her. She drew to his side and 
 put her face down to his. 
 
 "Yes, dear Sir," she said softly, "do you wish 
 something?" 
 
 He
 
 250 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 He made another effort. Slowly and in a whisper 
 he succeeded in making himself understood by her. 
 "Milton! take me to Milton! Peggy! Billy! " 
 His eyes closed, his head fell on her shoulder, and 
 with a sigh the soul of Thomas Hutchinson passed 
 away. 
 
 "God grant that I may die like him!" said his 
 son. 
 
 A few days later a little funeral procession stole 
 out of the town unheeded by the mob. It moved 
 slowly toward the little church in Croydon, where 
 but a few years before a happy marriage party had 
 looked forward to a far different future. 
 They laid him tenderly next to his beloved chil 
 dren, promising themselves that when all was peace 
 again, they should be taken to the burial ground 
 in Milton, recalling the words he had spoken in 
 life and death, and which all may read in his dia 
 ry: "Though I know not how to reason upon it, 
 I feel a fondness to lay my bones in my native 
 soil, and to carry those of my dear daughter with 
 me." Alas! this request was never granted. 
 
 THE
 
 THE EPILOGUE. 
 
 are Unravelled and a Knot is Tied. 
 
 IN the autumn of 1783, Thomas Hutchinson, 
 Jr. left England for France. With him went 
 David and Dorothy with their two boys. 
 Through all the horrors of the French Rev 
 olution, they lived in comparative quiet. Mr. 
 Hutchinson returned to London, whence he went 
 to Heavitree, near Exeter, and there spent the re 
 mainder of his life. David and Dorothy, however, 
 remained on the continent. 
 As the century was closing they went to Toulouse, 
 and the two boys entered the French army, where, 
 under the great Napoleon, they distinguished 
 themselves. Later they moved to Pau, and there 
 the elder, Thomas, married a beautiful French girl; 
 but alas ! his life was short. One son was born to 
 him, whom he named David, and shortly after at 
 the battle of Waterloo he fell. 
 The second son, Charles, went with Napoleon to 
 Egypt, and one bright summer s morning the 
 message came that he had died of fever, and Da 
 vid and Dorothy were left childless. No, not 
 childless, for they had the little David, and for 
 him alone they now lived. 
 
 It was when this boy was about twelve years of 
 age that Charles Doddridge came from America 
 to visit them. He too was married, and had chil 
 dren. He had been through two wars, and bore 
 [251] the
 
 252 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 the title of Colonel, but was the same Charles as 
 of old. What a meeting it was! He tried to per 
 suade them to return, but it was too late. And so 
 the old friends parted from each others sight ; but 
 with hearts that beat true to one another to the end. 
 
 The bugle had sounded the reveille on the long, 
 narrow Champs de Mars opposite the barrack, and 
 the streets of the little capital of Navarre, in the 
 Basses-Pyrenees, were beginning to fill with busy 
 people with their berets on their heads, and their 
 wooden sabots clanking over the pavements. The 
 market place was already alive with the peasants 
 in their homely costumes, and all was gay in Pau 
 on this April morning, for Easter had just passed, 
 and it had on put its holiday attire. 
 Looking out from the terrace in the park, near 
 the grand old chateau where the white-plumed 
 Henry first saw the light of day, and took from 
 his good mother, Jeanne d* Albret, the cup of 
 wine which is said to have given him his later 
 valour, were two young people. They were gaz 
 ing at the lofty Pic du Midi, as it arose from 
 among the surrounding mountains of the Pyre- 
 nean range, its point and clefts covered with snow 
 sparkling in the bright sun of southern France. 
 Below them wound the little silvery Gave, and 
 beyond, the valleys and rolling hills rose and 
 rose until they formed that massive barrier which 
 Roland alone with his mighty blast could break 
 asunder. 
 
 One
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 253 
 
 One of the two young people was a man of about 
 five-and-twenty, tall and fair, with deep-set blue 
 eyes;the other a girl of perhaps nineteen summers, 
 dark and beautiful. They had both been born and 
 brought up in Beam, and were destined from 
 childhood for one another. 
 "You love me, Jeanne" the young man was say 
 ing, still looking toward the mountains. 
 "You know I do, my friend," the girl replied, 
 "I have told you so many times before. Have we 
 not loved one another from childhood? You do 
 not doubt me now?" 
 
 He turned toward her as she spoke and took her 
 hand. "How happy you make me, cherie" said 
 he, "and what a joy you will be to my dear grand 
 parents," he added, looking at two old people who 
 were sitting a short distance from them. "How 
 beautiful they are in their old age! You will help 
 me to make their last days happy. Come, we will 
 walk back to them now." 
 
 "It is nearly two years since we ve heard from 
 Charles s boy," Dorothy was saying as they ap 
 proached, looking up with her old sweet smile 
 at her husband. "I should like to hear from dear 
 old Milton again, for we shall never see it now." 
 "I fear not, dearest," he replied, "but when our 
 little David is married we will send him there, 
 and he shall see it for us and bring us news. He 
 and Jeanette need wait no longer. He will be five- 
 and-twenty soon, and they shall be married on 
 his birthday. We will speak at once to M. and 
 Madame de Foix. And," he continued, after a 
 moment s thought, "he shall then open the old 
 
 box
 
 254 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 box we have had so long. The De Foix will be 
 amused to hear what use some one once made of 
 the family name so long ago. Ah ! here they come. 
 Well, Jeanne, cherie, you are soon coming to live 
 with the old people? You will be more than wel 
 come, and God bless you both." 
 "Yes, dear Monsieur," said Jeanne, looking down 
 and blushing. "If you and Madame wish it, I can 
 not refuse." 
 
 On the 25th of April, 1829,3 little wedding 
 party sat in the salon of the Villa des Roses. They 
 had just returned from the religious ceremony 
 in the Eg/ise Reformee, and the young couple 
 were radiantly happy. No one was present but 
 M. and Madame de Foix. 
 
 "Now,my dears," said David, taking a box from 
 a shelf near by, "let us conclude this happy day 
 with the little gift and the little story I have prom 
 ised you so long. You remember your Uncle 
 Charles who visited us about ten years ago? Well, 
 when he and I were of about your age, little Da 
 vid, we had a strange adventure in dear old Mil 
 ton, for we found under Governor Hutchinson s 
 house a secret passage, in which was this old box. 
 I have never had much faith in its contents, but 
 not so your uncle. So I promised him that my old 
 est son should open it on his twenty-fifth birth 
 day, and that his son in turn should do the same. 
 Your father, my boy," continued he, his voice 
 trembling, "did not Jive to open it, but now on 
 this your fete and wedding-day, it is for you to 
 do so." All eyes were turned on the young man 
 as he took the box. He opened it with some dif 
 ficulty and took out the old parchment. 
 
 "Read
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 255 
 
 "Read it," said his grandfather, "it will interest 
 us." He did as he was bid. As he read the eyes 
 of Madame de Foix dilated and she could hardly 
 refrain from speaking till the end. 
 
 The manuscript began thus: 
 
 11 Kind Traveller, whoever you may be who fend this Box, 
 for God s fake take it to Bordeaux and feek out Jeanne de 
 Foix and give it to her. He in His Goodnefs will repay 
 you. This is my Story: On the 5th of Auguft, 1565, /, 
 Jean Jacques de Foix, fet fa il from my beloved France 
 with the Sieur Jean Ribault, and many others of the Faith. 
 We fet our prow to the Weft, hoping to reach that New 
 Land where in Peace and Love we might live in our Re 
 ligion unmolefled. Some brought their Families with them, 
 but I left my Wife and Child in Bordeaux to await the 
 Spring, when I intended to return to fetch them. Alas 1 
 they are ftill waiting, and will never fee me again. But 
 God s Will be done! 
 
 "For two long Months we were upon the Stormy Sea, when 
 at lajl we faw before us the welcome Land that was to be 
 our peaceful Home. We fell upon our knees, and devoutly 
 thanked Almighty God. And we prayed for the good Sieur 
 de Coligny who hadfent us to this Land of Promife. For 
 a few weeks a II was Peace and Happinefs, when one morn 
 ing Francois Briac faw upon the horizon the fails of a 
 large Vessel, which had followed us. But alas, no! It was 
 the Spaniard who had come to claim the Land that God 
 had given to us. The Sieur de Ribault knew the Ship and 
 him who commanded it. It was Pedro Menendez, as great 
 a Villain as ever trod on Holy Earth. Soon, other fails ap 
 peared, and then we knew that we muft fight. But what 
 were we againft those bloody Men who roamed the Seas for 
 Plunder and Murder? We had come for Peace and to 
 
 Worjhip
 
 256 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Worjhip our God in our own way. Many of us had fought 
 before, but there were alfo Women and Children and Old 
 Men with us. How can I tell it? They were all killed, 
 murdered, butchered -fave three; Francois Briac, Paul 
 Lament, and I, Jean Jacques de Foix. We efcaped, and 
 
 for many days lay bidden in the Swamps, threatened by the 
 
 great Monfters whojwam the Waters fnapping with their 
 
 iron jaws. 
 
 "One Morning when the Sun was rijing, we crept forth 
 
 from our hiding place and fet out in fear ch of better Shel 
 ter. We fed upon Fruits and drank of the Swamp-Water, 
 and we toiled on until towards Night we came to the banks 
 of a Broad River, which flowed toward the Eajt. We did 
 not dare follow its Shore, for we might be feen,fo wefwam 
 it and continued on our Way. 
 "And fo we went on, until after a time Francois Briac 
 
 fell fick and died. We buried him, and prayed over him, 
 and then Paul and I continued on our Journey. 
 "Now the Days began to grow Jhorter and the Weather 
 cooler. We had trapped fame Game, and with our Jlints 
 made Fires, yet we had seen no Living Being. It mujt have 
 been about three Months after our Efcape, that Paul had 
 gone in fearch of Food while I was tending the Fire. Sud 
 denly I heard a Cry, and looking toward the Stream faw 
 him fall pierced by an Arrow. The next moment he was 
 
 furrounded by a band of howling Fiends who cut the hair 
 
 from his Head and danced about him. Caring little for my 
 own Fate, I rujhed forward and dif charged my Arquebus 
 at the Savages. With a yell they fled in frightened Con- 
 
 fujion, and I approached the bleeding Body of my dear 
 Friend. He was dead, and I was alone. And yet not alone, 
 for I felt that the good God was with me as He was with 
 my two lojt Companions, and all thofe who had died for 
 Him. So I faid a Prayer and gave Paul an humble 
 
 grave,
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 257 
 
 grave, and wandered on once more. Oh, the lonelinefs of it ! 
 For at leajt two Months I wandered, always toward the 
 North. The Air began to chill me, but God still cared for 
 me; the fur of the Bear gave me warmth; and Fijh and 
 Game, Food. Then as the Weeks pajjed it began to grow 
 ^varmer, and I knew that Spring-time had come. The Ber 
 ries ripened and the Birds began to Jing, and new Hope 
 came to me. But my Heart was heavy, for the Time was 
 drawing near when Jeannette and little Pierre would be 
 awaiting me; awaiting me, alas ! in vain, never to fee me 
 again on this Earth! 
 
 "Andfo I wandered on and on, efcaping the Savages and 
 having no ferious Illnefs, until about two Tears ago I 
 reached this Place. But now the End has come, and I know 
 that my loft Hour is approaching. May God have mercy on 
 and blefs thofe for whom my Heart is breaking. Adieu" 
 
 When he had read the last word, Madame de 
 Foix leaned forward, and with a trembling voice 
 said, "Now, my friends, let me tell you some 
 thing, in my turn, that I heard years and years 
 ago. It cannot fail to startle you in connection 
 with what has just been read. It is this. In the 
 middle of the sixteenth century, a colony of Hu 
 guenot refugees sent to America by Coligny were 
 massacred by the Spaniards. Among them was 
 one Jean Jacques de Foix, my husband s direct 
 ancestor. As you know, I left Bordeaux many 
 years ago, and I have not thought of this story 
 until to-day. These Huguenot refugees in Florida 
 were massacred, and it was supposed that Jean 
 Jacques de Foix had perished with them, but the 
 writer of the parchment must have been he. Mon 
 
 Dieu,
 
 258 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 
 
 Dieu, how strange! It is as if the very dead were 
 come to life!" 
 
 They all looked at each other in amazement, and 
 could not speak for wonder, and Jeanne drew 
 closer to her young husband. 
 After a few moments David Whittemore the elder 
 broke the silence and related the full story of the se 
 cret passage, finally saying, " To complete this tale 
 let me read you an extract from a letter I received 
 this morning from my nephew Charles Doddridge. 
 It is this: The old estate on Milton Hill, which 
 was sold to Mr. S. many years ago, has been un 
 dergoing extensive repairs, and some strange 
 things have been discovered in the course of the 
 work. A few weeks since when digging in the 
 cellar, the skeleton of a man was found in the 
 mouth of what seemed to be a subterranean pas 
 sage. He had evidently fallen in head first, for 
 the neck was broken. Nothing was found upon 
 him to identify him save a seal on which was cut 
 the letters E. J. 
 
 "Ezra Jaquith" said David, turning to Doro 
 thy with a sigh. 
 
 And the thoughts of these two old people went 
 back to Milton and the kind old Governor and 
 his dear home. He was now at peace, thank Heav 
 en ! and had never known what had become of his 
 beloved garden. But Charles had told them it was 
 in good hands, and they were content. 
 And in good hands the Governor s garden has re 
 mained until this day. Those who own it now, of 
 ten pause to think as they walk along its pleached 
 alleys, or wander through the rambling old barns, 
 
 how
 
 The GOVERNOR S GARDEN. 259 
 
 how happy His Excellency must have been there. 
 
 They would gladly welcome him back, and say, 
 
 "By the fortunes of war you were driven 
 
 from this which was yours. Take it for 
 
 your remaining days, and when 
 
 you are gone we will care 
 
 for it because you 
 
 loved it so." 
 
 THE END.
 
 Date Due 
 
 PRINTED IN U.S.*. CAT. NO. 24 161
 
 7 000550596 1