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+The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Young Continentals at Lexington, by John
+T. McIntyre
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
+will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
+using this eBook.
+
+Title: The Young Continentals at Lexington
+
+Author: John T. McIntyre
+
+Illustrator: Ralph L. Boyer
+
+Release Date: December 24, 2021 [eBook #67004]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+Produced by: D A Alexander, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed
+             Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT
+LEXINGTON ***
+
+[Illustration: _A BROAD-SHOULDERED YOUTH OF SEVENTEEN_]
+
+
+
+
+  The Young
+  Continentals
+  at Lexington
+
+  _by_
+  John T. M^cIntyre
+  _Author of_
+  “With John Paul Jones”
+  “The Boy Tars of 1812”
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+  Illustrated by Ralph L. Boyer.
+
+  _The Penn Publishing
+  Company Philadelphia_
+  _MCMIX_
+
+
+
+
+  COPYRIGHT
+  1909 BY
+  THE PENN
+  PUBLISHING
+  COMPANY
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+Introduction
+
+
+“THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT LEXINGTON” begins with that vital period of
+our country’s history when the great forces that made the Revolution
+were slowly coming together.
+
+The port of Boston was closed; an army under Gage occupied the city;
+Massachusetts Bay was thronged with troop-ships and frigates, and the
+colonies were writhing under a series of unjust and oppressive laws.
+
+It was at this time that the four boys who play the leading parts in
+the story began their experiences. Historical events that led up to
+the war for independence are met with in every chapter; the great
+personages of the time figure upon almost every page. From the meeting
+of the first Congress at Carpenter’s Hall to the stand of the minutemen
+at Lexington and Concord Bridge, every important step in the movement
+for national life is touched on.
+
+The second book of the series, “The Young Continentals at Bunker
+Hill,” takes up the thread of history where this book leaves it. It
+will show the siege of Boston, and the glorious defeat on the Hill. It
+will tell how Washington was given command of the army; how he sent
+word to Ethan Allen; how the heavy guns he captured at Ticonderoga were
+hauled through the winter wilderness upon sledges to Boston; also how
+Washington mounted them upon Dorchester Heights and finally drove the
+army of Gage from the city.
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+
+      I. SHOWS HOW BEN COOPER SAW THE WAR A LONG WAY OFF               9
+
+     II. TELLS WHY NAT BREWSTER WALKED TOWARD CLIVEDEN IN THE DARK    20
+
+    III. SHOWS HOW NAT MET “GRUMPY COMEGIES” AND WHAT CAME OF IT      31
+
+     IV. SHOWS HOW STARTLING NEWS WAS NAT’S REWARD AT CHEW HOUSE      38
+
+      V. HOW NAT BREWSTER MET THE PORCUPINE                           50
+
+     VI. SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER AND THE PORCUPINE RODE THROUGH
+           THE NIGHT                                                  64
+
+    VII. SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER MET WITH MR. WASHINGTON               81
+
+   VIII. TELLS HOW THINGS BEGAN TO LOOK BAD FOR EZRA PRENTISS        105
+
+     IX. NAT BREWSTER FINDS MORE PROOF                               120
+
+      X. WHAT THE PORCUPINE SAW AT CHEW HOUSE                        130
+
+     XI. SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER SPOKE TO HIS UNCLE AND WHAT
+           THEIR RESOLUTIONS WERE                                    147
+
+    XII. WHAT HAPPENED ON THE NORTH ROAD                             159
+
+   XIII. SHOWS HOW NAT MET ONE STRANGER AND HOW THE PORCUPINE
+           MET ANOTHER                                               174
+
+    XIV. THE NIGHT PROMISES WELL                                     192
+
+     XV. HOW THE PROMISE WAS KEPT                                    203
+
+    XVI. THE TALL MAN BRINGS A FRIEND                                216
+
+   XVII. WHAT NAT HEARD AT THE COFFEE-HOUSE IN ORANGE STREET         230
+
+  XVIII. IN WHICH DR. WARREN AND PAUL REVERE LISTEN INTENTLY         238
+
+    XIX. IN WHICH A WINTER PASSES, BRINGING MANY THINGS              250
+
+     XX. NAT BREWSTER IS TAKEN BY FOES AND PAUL REVERE BEGINS
+           HIS MIDNIGHT RIDE                                         273
+
+    XXI. NAT BREWSTER MARCHES WITH PITCAIRN TO LEXINGTON             287
+
+   XXII. TELLS HOW A MYSTERY WAS SOLVED AND HOW VICTORY CAME
+           TO THE COLONIES                                           306
+
+
+
+
+Illustrations
+
+
+        PAGE
+
+  A BROAD-SHOULDERED YOUTH OF SEVENTEEN      _Frontispiece_
+
+  “WHO ARE YOU?” HE DEMANDED                             34
+
+  “I ASK YOUR PARDON, MR. WASHINGTON”                   103
+
+  “THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG, THEN”                      188
+
+  HE SAW THE TALL STRANGER                              228
+
+  HE GOT A GLIMPSE OF THE NEWCOMER                      270
+
+  THEY CAME WITHIN SIGHT OF LEXINGTON                   303
+
+
+
+
+The Young Continentals at Lexington
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+SHOWS HOW BEN COOPER SAW THE WAR A LONG WAY OFF
+
+
+The smart little roan mare drew up at the gate of the Cooper place,
+and Ben Cooper leaned over and lifted the latch with the loop of his
+riding-whip. The gate was still creaking open when the lad noticed old
+Stephen Comegies stumping along the road on his gouty legs, and leaning
+heavily upon a stout oaken staff.
+
+“Good-morning, Mr. Comegies,” saluted Ben, cheerily.
+
+But old Stephen seemed not to hear; his eyes were fixed upon the road,
+and his lips were muttering; from the way his gnarled hand clutched the
+staff, it would have fared badly with those who had excited his anger
+had they been in reach of its iron-shod foot.
+
+“A fine morning, Mr. Comegies,” said Ben Cooper.
+
+This time he was heard. The old man paused--leaned upon the staff and
+regarded the boy from under his shaggy gray brows.
+
+“A fine morning,” repeated he. “No! That it is not. I see nothing fine
+in it. But,” and his voice rose a pitch higher, “I see a great deal of
+bad in it. I see a great store of ill being laid up, for future days to
+take care of.”
+
+A slow smile stole over Ben Cooper’s round, good-natured face. The
+whole of Germantown called old Stephen “Grumpy Comegies” and Ben had
+listened to him frequently before.
+
+“It’s fine weather anyway,” insisted Ben. “The harvests are almost
+ready; the shooting is going to be good; the rabbits and birds are
+growing fat and plenty. What more can any one want?”
+
+“If they had any understanding,” replied old Stephen, “they might feel
+sorry that these colonies are being swept by a flood of ingratitude to
+an honest king.”
+
+Ben’s mouth puckered into a whistle of surprise; for Stephen Comegies
+was a man of authority and weight in the community, and it seemed odd
+that he should begin a political discussion with a boy of sixteen years
+upon the open road. However, the matter was explained the next moment,
+when Ben heard his father’s voice and saw him rise up from a bench
+inside the gate where he had been sitting with a book.
+
+“I know, Mr. Comegies,” said Robert Cooper, “that your words are
+pointed at myself and not at the boy; so I will take them up.”
+
+He leaned upon the fence as he spoke, fluttering the leaves of the
+book with his fingers. He was a tall, spare man with a pale, studious
+face; but there was something about him that was forceful and ready; an
+opponent would never find him at a loss for either words or actions.
+
+“Can you deny that a spirit of unrest is abroad?” demanded old Stephen,
+planting the iron-tipped staff in the road. “Can you deny that a
+rebellion is being fostered against a generous prince? Can you deny
+that the irresponsible firebrands in New England are arming against
+their lawful rulers?”
+
+“I shall not deny anything that you charge,” replied Mr. Cooper
+sternly, “I shall only say that it is all true, and further add that I
+am greatly pleased to be able to say it.”
+
+“Take care,” cried the old man, his gaunt, once powerful frame
+quivering with resentment. “Take care, Robert Cooper. You and your like
+are sowing seeds of sedition that can be reaped only by the bayonets
+of the king’s regiments. You can flaunt your scandalous theories of
+liberty in the faces of your neighbors, but when the time for reckoning
+comes you may not seem so ready.”
+
+“I think,” replied Mr. Cooper, calmly, “that when it does come, the
+reckoning will find me ready enough.”
+
+Old Stephen lifted his staff and shook it tremulously to the southward.
+
+“The broth that those vipers brew in Philadelphia,” declared he, “will
+be the death of them!”
+
+“Those sent by the different colonies to this Congress that is to
+meet,” said Robert Cooper, “are honest American gentlemen. They have
+wrongs that require redressing and they chose this means, as the best
+they know, of procuring the remedy.”
+
+“It is a threat,” maintained the old man. “They are shaking a sword in
+King George’s face. Why do they not beg redress of wrongs like dutiful
+subjects, and not come together like a lot of skulking rascals?”
+
+“The time for begging has gone by,” said Mr. Cooper. “From now on
+the colonies will demand--and in a voice not to be mistaken. We have
+submitted too long; the king is an ignorant old man surrounded by
+incompetents. There have been no more faithful subjects than those of
+America; but they will not permit themselves to be plundered. If we are
+to be taxed we desire a voice in the government that fixes those taxes.”
+
+Stephen Comegies gazed at the speaker in horror. That a man should
+cherish such sentiments and still be permitted at large filled him with
+wondering alarm. For a moment he was unable to speak; then, recovering,
+he burst out:
+
+“This is not the first time I have heard treason from you, Robert
+Cooper; and the day is fast coming when you shall rue having spoken
+it.” There was a pause, then he resumed with a harsh laugh, “They
+will demand, will they? And in a voice that will not be mistaken, eh?
+Well, take care! It is easy to send out a summons to draw a rebel pack
+together, but it is not always so easy to actually assemble them.”
+
+Mr. Cooper gazed steadfastly into the deeply-lined face of the old
+Tory; there was something in the countenance threatening and sombre,
+and somehow it gave out an impression of hidden joy at some grim joke.
+Mr. Cooper was about to reply, but old Stephen gripped his staff firmly
+and moved a step or two on his way. Then he paused and turned his head.
+
+“Don’t forget what I have said,” added he, with another cackle of
+laughter, “and don’t say you were taken unawares.”
+
+Then he stumped away upon his gouty legs, the iron-shod staff ringing
+upon the hard road, his big gray head bent and his lips muttering their
+hatred of all the king’s enemies.
+
+“He seems to be in a high temper this morning,” laughed Ben, who had
+listened with amusement to the Tory’s words. “But he’s always crying
+out against something.”
+
+Mr. Cooper shook his head.
+
+“I’m afraid,” said he, “that the coming struggle will see the Tories
+one of our greatest sources of vexation.”
+
+Ben looked at his father in surprise.
+
+“The coming struggle,” repeated he. “Do you actually believe that it
+will come to that, father?”
+
+Mr. Cooper resumed his seat upon the bench and opened the book once
+more. It was easy to see that his fears were of the worst, but that he
+had no desire to impart them to his son.
+
+“All this controversy is a struggle,” he said. “And as time draws on,
+it will grow more bitter.”
+
+“But,” queried Ben, his face alight with anticipation, “do you think it
+will end in blows being struck?”
+
+But his father was bent over the book. All he would say was:
+
+“No one can predict the outcome of such a thing.”
+
+Ben waited for a moment, thinking he would speak further; but as he did
+not, the lad shook the reins and Molly loped gaily up the path and off
+toward the barn.
+
+In the shadow of the coach house a broad-shouldered youth of seventeen
+was engaged in cleaning a long, shining rifle. He looked up as Ben
+dismounted and turned the mare over to a hired man.
+
+“Good morning for a ride,” commented he, as he rubbed industriously at
+the brass butt of the weapon. “Wanted to go over my traps, or I’d have
+joined you.”
+
+“You missed something,” replied Ben, as he sat upon a sawbuck near the
+other. “The air is fine upon the road.”
+
+“I know,” smiled the other, “full of sunshine and some other things
+which you can’t see, but which make you feel like a giant. It’s that
+way among the hills, up in the Wyoming valley.”
+
+Ben kicked at some chips with the toe of his riding-boot and looked
+thoughtful.
+
+“You _are_ right,” he said, after a short pause; “there are things in
+the air this morning--things that maybe you don’t mean. And the nearer
+I rode to the city, the stronger I felt them.”
+
+The broad-shouldered youth laughed and his gray eyes twinkled.
+
+“Maybe,” said he, “they were bits of Mr. Franklin’s electricity.”
+
+“It might seem odd to you, Nat,” proceeded Ben, without noticing the
+other’s light words, “but I fancied that the roadside looked different.
+Everything seemed closer together and secretive, somehow. When the
+trees rustled in the wind and nodded toward each other, it seemed as
+though they were whispering mysteriously.”
+
+Again Nat Brewster laughed.
+
+“Ben,” said he, “I think you’ve passed the glen where Mother Babette
+lives, and that she’s put a spell upon you.”
+
+But Ben paid no attention to the raillery; his round, good-natured face
+was serious and he went on soberly:
+
+“Of course, I don’t think any of these things are so. They are merely
+impressions caused by something I did not notice at the time.”
+
+Nat looked at him with more interest. The long rifle lay across his
+knee, and the burnishing ceased.
+
+“That’s so,” said he. “I’ve often felt like that myself. Sometimes when
+I’ve tramped alone among the mountains I’ve felt worried about things
+that I couldn’t give a name. And always something of importance turned
+up afterward. It was just as though I felt it coming a long way off.”
+
+Ben nodded his head.
+
+“That’s it,” said he. “That’s it, exactly.” He paused a moment, then
+continued, “All along the road the people seemed quiet. Men burning
+brush in the fields looked strangely at me through the smoke. People
+in carts who’d usually have something to say just nodded their heads,
+and seemed to look after me, watchfully. I passed the schoolhouse there
+at the crossroads and the long drone that always comes from it, of the
+scholars chanting their lessons, was queer and hushed.”
+
+“It was a strange sort of ride,” commented Nat. “I wish I’d gone with
+you.”
+
+“I went as far as the ‘Bull and Badger.’ Some farmers were gathered in
+front of it and some travelers were upon the porch. It was the same
+with them as with the others. The very inn seemed to be trying to
+contain some weighty secret; and I turned and rode away without even
+getting down.”
+
+Ben leaned over and his forefinger tapped his cousin upon the shoulder.
+
+“I was at the gate of this place before I found out what caused it
+all,” said he.
+
+“What was it?” asked Nat, quickly.
+
+“We’re going to have a war with England,” replied Ben. “It means
+nothing else.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+TELLS WHY NAT BREWSTER WALKED TOWARD CLIVEDEN IN THE DARK
+
+
+Nat Brewster settled his stalwart frame back against the coach house
+wall and, wrinkling his brows, regarded his cousin attentively.
+
+“It’s very likely you’re right,” said he at length. “The expectation
+of such a thing would act just about that way upon every one--even to
+children and others who did not understand.” Then he stretched out
+his long legs and snapped the lock of his rifle with his strong brown
+fingers. “If war does come,” he went on, “I hope it comes quickly,
+while the colonies are aroused to answer the call. The whole of the
+north country is ready; and from reports, the south and coast colonies
+are also.”
+
+There was a silence for a moment; then Ben asked:
+
+“Do you think, if it came to blows, the colonies would dare defy the
+king?”
+
+“They’ve done it before now,” replied Nat. “Charles II tried oppression
+and his commissioners were soundly beaten and shipped back to England
+to him. James II patterned by his brother in this, and his governor was
+first imprisoned and then banished. If the colonies were bold enough to
+do these things when they were weak, they’ll do others like them, now
+that they’re stronger.”
+
+As Nat finished speaking there came a clattering of hoofs and the
+rumble of wheels upon a side road. Then a strong voice called:
+
+“Who-o-e-e!”
+
+The boys looked in the direction of the sound and saw a light spring
+cart drawn by four wiry little horses. A pockmarked man with fiery red
+hair sat upon the seat; and in his hands he held a sealed letter.
+
+“Hello,” called he, in his loud voice. “Come get this, some one. I
+can’t leave these critters. If I did, they’d try to climb over the
+barn.”
+
+Ben arose and hurried to the fence.
+
+“Something for us, Tom?” he asked.
+
+“Something for you,” replied the pockmarked man. “Was given to me at
+the City Tavern last night.”
+
+As he spoke the carter tossed the letter to Ben, who deftly caught it;
+then he went on:
+
+“I stopped there to get some things which came in on the Baltimore
+coach for Mr. Pendergast, above here. There’s a lot of Massachusetts
+Bay people stopping there; and one young fellow comes up to me:
+
+“‘I hear you carry goods up Germantown way,’ says he.
+
+“‘I do,’ says I.
+
+“‘Do you know the Cooper place?’ says he.
+
+“‘As well as I do my own,’ I says.
+
+“‘Here’s a letter then,’ he says. ‘And I’d like it delivered with
+despatch.’
+
+“And with that he gives me a half crown and the message, and tells me
+to keep the one and give you the other.” The carter grinned across
+at Ben good humoredly and added: “Anything you want carried toward
+Whitemarsh?”
+
+“I think not, Tom,” replied Ben.
+
+“Good-day to you,” said the man. He tightened the reins; the wiry
+little horses sprang forward against their collars and the cart went
+whirling away in a cloud of dust.
+
+All the time the man was speaking Ben Cooper’s face wore an expression
+of astonished impatience. The astonishment was caused by a glance
+at the handwriting upon the letter, the impatience by the carter’s
+monologue. But now that the man had gone, the lad broke the seal and
+his eyes ran over the few lines of writing which the sheet contained.
+Then he turned and dashed back toward the spot where he had left Nat.
+
+“You’ll never guess what it is,” cried he, breathlessly. Then, without
+pausing for a reply, he added, “Ezra Prentiss, of whom I’ve told you so
+much, is in Philadelphia.”
+
+“In Philadelphia?” echoed Nat.
+
+“Listen to what he says.” Unfolding the letter, Ben read:
+
+                                                “_City Tavern, Aug. 23._
+
+  “MY DEAR BEN:--
+
+  “I know this will astonish you. I’ve come south with Mr. Samuel Adams
+  and his brother John, of both of whom you’ve no doubt heard. They are
+  here to attend the Congress which is soon to meet at the Carpenter’s
+  Hall. As you might guess, they were in a great hurry as they came
+  into the town and I had no chance to call upon you. We will be
+  staying in the City Tavern; come in if you can. In any event I will
+  come to Germantown in a few days.
+
+                               “Sincerely, your friend,
+
+                                                        “EZRA PRENTISS.”
+
+“Mr. John and Samuel Adams!” said Nat when his cousin had finished.
+“They are the brothers who have spoken so boldly and openly against the
+king. It seems to me, Ben, that your friend keeps very famous company.”
+
+“He’s a great patriot, you see,” explained Ben. “Even while he was at
+school here several years ago, he used to tell us of the happenings at
+Boston and how the citizens defied the government.”
+
+“But I think you said his father was an Englishman.”
+
+“His grandfather. His father is dead. He never seemed to care to go
+deeply into his family history; but he told me this: Some years before
+his father’s death, there was some sort of an outbreak--against the
+Stamp Act, I think. Ezra’s father sided with the townspeople. But
+the grandfather was a Tory. A bitter quarrel was the result and they
+afterward no longer saw or spoke to each other.”
+
+“I suppose there is a great deal of that,” said Nat. “And if it comes
+to war, it will be worse.”
+
+They had now risen and walked toward the house. Down the path along
+which Ben had ridden in entering they saw Mr. Cooper pacing to and fro,
+with bent head.
+
+“That talk he had with old Stephen Comegies has upset his nerves,” said
+Ben. “Politics always has that effect upon him.”
+
+As they walked up the step and into the wide hall he related to his
+cousin what had happened.
+
+“I see,” said Nat, thoughtfully. “That is what has fixed your
+impression of war.” He looked at Ben steadfastly for a moment. “Tell me
+again: What was it he said before he left?”
+
+“As near as I can remember,” said Ben, “he said: ‘It’s easy to _call_ a
+pack of rebels together, but not always so easy to actually _get_ them
+together.’”
+
+“And you say he seemed to have a sort of--well--a look, while he said
+it.”
+
+“It was a satisfaction to him. I could see that.”
+
+“And then he bid your father not to say he was taken unawares, eh?”
+
+“Just as he was going,” said Ben. He looked into Nat’s bronzed,
+thoughtful face and was surprised at its expression. “Why, you don’t
+think he really meant anything, do you?” he asked.
+
+Nat shook his head.
+
+“I don’t know. Sometimes crabbed old men delight in making meaningless
+threats. This may be one of them.”
+
+He hung up his rifle upon a rack in the hall and sat down in a broad
+seat at the door. The beautiful suburb with its broad fields, white
+roads and stately houses was stretched out before him.
+
+“Are there many Tories hereabouts?” he asked, after a space.
+
+Ben nodded.
+
+“Yes,” he replied, “a great many. And it’s the same way in the city.
+With a very few exceptions, it is only those who actually suffer by
+the heavy taxes who are aroused and speak against the government.”
+
+“The people of consequence, as you might call them, are then mostly
+Tories?”
+
+Again Ben nodded.
+
+“And they are proud of it,” said he. “Though I must say I can’t
+understand what they have to pride themselves on.” He pointed across
+some prosperous grain fields; behind a clump of heavy, thick-growing
+trees could be seen the outlines of a rather fine looking house.
+“That’s Cliveden, where the Chews live,” he continued. “The Tories meet
+there now and then and protest about the growing disloyalty to the
+king.”
+
+For a long time Nat Brewster sat gazing straight ahead and pondering.
+Ben watched him curiously for awhile, then as his cousin said nothing
+more, remarked:
+
+“I think after Molly’s rested I’ll ride into town and see Ezra. He must
+be a regular mail-bag for news. Will you come along, Nat?”
+
+“I think not,” replied the other.
+
+“I’ve often spoken to him about you,” persisted Ben. “He’ll be glad to
+see you.”
+
+“Another time will do just as well. I hardly feel like going in to town
+to-day.”
+
+“Very well,” and Ben turned away. “Some other time then. But you must
+know Ezra before he leaves. You’ll like him.”
+
+After Ben had gone, Nat clasped his hands about his knees and continued
+to gaze across the fields toward Cliveden. The August sun was warm
+and the insects buzzed lazily about in it, their wings a-glitter. The
+level, fertile country was new to Nat; up north in the Wyoming valley
+the rugged hills crowded one upon the other; the grim, defiant forests
+circled the settlements; the stony earth fought stubbornly against the
+plow.
+
+His mother had been Mr. Cooper’s sister; she had met and married Nat’s
+father and had gone with him into the wilderness to make a home. But
+both were now dead. Nat, whose mother had carefully taught him, had
+served two terms as master in a log schoolhouse. But the work did not
+altogether please him; and when his uncle sent for him to take him into
+his office, he had gladly grasped the opportunity.
+
+Even in the far Wyoming valley, the growing discontent was felt; but
+the boy had no notion that matters were so grave until he arrived
+at Philadelphia and found neighbors arrayed against each other and
+representatives of the colonies scheduled to meet and pass solemn
+resolutions protesting against England’s unfair laws.
+
+He ran over all his old impressions and his new ones as well, as he sat
+in the wide doorway of the Cooper house. And through all his thoughts
+the saying of old Stephen Comegies kept recurring.
+
+“‘It’s easy to call rebels together,’” he repeated, following Ben’s
+version of the saying as well as he could. “‘But it’s not always so
+easy to get them together.’”
+
+The boy’s thick black brows came together in a frown and his locked
+fingers gripped his knees closely.
+
+“I don’t like that,” he murmured. “It has a bad sound. It may have
+been the angry, empty words of a partisan--and then again, it may not.
+It would be a good thing to have it looked into, I think, if it were
+possible.”
+
+And so this is why Nat Brewster waited and lounged about for hours
+after his cousin had ridden gaily away into the city; and it is also
+why, just as the evening shadows were deepening into darkness, he
+started across the fields toward Chew House.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+SHOWS HOW NAT MET “GRUMPY COMEGIES” AND WHAT CAME OF IT
+
+
+When Nat had arrived at Germantown, some weeks earlier, his place at
+the office was not yet ready. In order not to be idle he had gone
+to work in the fields with the hired bands, and so still wore his
+backwoods costume. A hunting-shirt, low about the throat and coming
+almost to his knees, served the place of a coat, while his leggings of
+tanned deerskin and moccasins gave him the air of one fresh from the
+wilderness, which he was. But for all this homely dress he was a fine,
+upstanding youth, broad-shouldered and tall; his movements were as free
+and supple as those of a savage, and his face wore the look of habitual
+resolution that comes to those who live in dangerous corners of the
+earth.
+
+“It’s queer,” he said to himself as he strode along, “that I can’t get
+out of the idea that I should take my rifle everywhere I go, as I did
+at home. Somehow I don’t know what to do with my hands when I haven’t
+it.”
+
+To supply the place of the missing rifle he stopped a little later and
+cut a good-sized cudgel from a scrub oak; then once more he started
+forward, whistling softly.
+
+Further on, he found it necessary to vault a fence into a narrow,
+tree-lined lane. Darkness had now about set in; the lane, because of
+its border of trees, was especially shadowy, and some little distance
+away Nat caught the yellow glow of a lantern as it came halting and
+dancing along toward him. Leaning back against the fence, he waited
+silently for the person carrying it to advance.
+
+Forward it came, hesitatingly, timidly, it seemed. Nat at length made
+out the figure of a man and that of a girl, and in a short time they
+were close enough for him to catch the sound of their voices.
+
+“But, grandfather,” said the girl, and Nat saw her look intently ahead
+in the lamp-light, “I feel quite sure that I heard some one.”
+
+“Pish!” answered the man, impatiently.
+
+“What if you did? The roads are free to every one, are they not?”
+
+“But just now,” persisted the girl, “it is dangerous, is it not, with
+all this coming and going of strange men? Indeed,” with great candor,
+“I don’t like their looks any too well.”
+
+“Hold your tongue,” cried the man, angrily. “It’s not for you to
+question the appearance of loyal subjects of the king.”
+
+“And do you think,” said the girl, “they are really willing to----”
+
+“Hush, I tell you!” The voice of the man rose sharply and broke with
+the quaver of age. “What talk is that to have in a public place? For
+all you know, there may be a score about to hear you.”
+
+During the above, the pair continued advancing along the lane in Nat’s
+direction; and all the time the girl gazed ahead, trying to pierce the
+darkness beyond the circle of light. A ray from the lantern fell upon
+Nat’s face as the old man spoke the last words, and the girl halted
+with a sharp exclamation, grasping his arm.
+
+“What is it?” asked her companion.
+
+“A stranger!” breathed the girl. “There near the fence.”
+
+The old man flashed the lantern in the direction indicated; and Nat’s
+lounging figure was bathed in its rays.
+
+“What now, sir?” demanded the girl’s companion, sternly. “What do you
+mean by prowling around and startling decent people in this way?”
+
+“I beg your pardon,” said Nat, politely, taking off his cap. “I just
+happened to be passing.”
+
+The old man peered into his face. He was old, but his eyes were keen
+and bright; and he studied Nat closely.
+
+“Who are you?” he demanded. “I don’t think I have seen you in this
+neighborhood before.”
+
+“Possibly not,” replied the boy. “I have not been here a great while.”
+
+An inquiring look came swiftly into the deeply-lined face of the man
+with the lantern. He bent forward eagerly.
+
+“Perhaps,” said he, “you are from the north.”
+
+“Yes,” replied Nat, calmly. “I am from the north.”
+
+[Illustration: _“WHO ARE YOU?” HE DEMANDED_]
+
+“And you are going----?”
+
+“To Chew House,” with great frankness.
+
+“Good!” The old man burst into a cackle of laughter, reached out and
+patted the boy’s shoulder approvingly. “Excellent! But,” with an
+admonitory air, “it would be as well to mention no names.”
+
+Nat had no reply for this, and so remained silent.
+
+“I am Stephen Comegies,” continued the old man. “Perhaps,” with a great
+deal of pride, “you have heard of me.”
+
+“I have,” replied the lad.
+
+“There are a few who have not,” chuckled “Grumpy Comegies.” “The king
+has some friends who do not fear to speak their minds to the rabble.
+And I would not let it end with speaking,” he went on, with increased
+spirit, “if I were twenty years younger. There is not a lad of you all
+that would take horse in the government’s service quicker than I.”
+
+Here Nat noticed the girl plucking the old man’s sleeve. He bent
+impatiently down and she whispered some quick words in his ear.
+But he shook his big gray head at her evident attempt to check his
+garrulousness.
+
+“Child,” said he, “leave men’s work to men. I am old enough to know
+a friend from a foe. And I will not hesitate to speak a word of
+encouragement to one when I meet him prepared to do dangerous work for
+his master.” He turned to Nat and held out his hand. “Your hand, lad.”
+
+Nat extended his hand; the old man grasped it in a way that showed that
+all his strength had not departed from him, and said:
+
+“If you and your comrades succeed in what you are about to undertake,
+you will scatter this rebellion like chaff. Have no fear; sweep upon
+them and crush them out.” He turned to the girl once more. “Come,
+child,” he said. And as he started off he continued over his shoulder,
+to Nat, “Good-evening, sir.”
+
+They had gone barely a dozen yards when Nat, who stood looking after
+them, saw the girl leave old Stephen’s side and dart back toward him.
+
+“I do not know who you are,” she said, “but you have an honest face.”
+
+“Thank you,” replied the youth, smiling.
+
+“My grandfather is a very old man,” she continued in a breathless,
+hurried sort of way, for old Comegies had begun to call rather angrily
+to her, “and like most very old men, he--he says a great many things
+that perhaps he should not say.”
+
+Nat bowed silently, in the shadows.
+
+“I am glad you understand me,” continued the girl, who perceived this
+despite the thickening darkness. She drew closer to him and lowered her
+voice. “If you are not what he has taken you to be, I beg of you to be
+generous and hold none of it to his injury. Remember, he is, as I have
+said, an old man.”
+
+“If it will ease your mind, mistress,” said Nat gravely, “I promise to
+forget him in the matter entirely.”
+
+“Thank you,” said the girl, gratefully. “Thank you. You are kind.”
+
+And with that she darted away toward old Stephen, who was holding up
+the lantern and calling to her in his high-pitched, quavering voice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+SHOWS HOW STARTLING NEWS WAS NAT’S REWARD AT CHEW HOUSE
+
+
+Nat Brewster continued to watch the lantern and the two whose way it
+lighted, until the flame grew faint and flickering; finally a bend in
+the road hid it altogether.
+
+“So that is old Stephen Comegies,” he said. “Well, I never thought I’d
+be pleased to see a Tory, but I’m glad to meet this one; for I think
+he’s clinched my belief that there is some sort of a plot on foot
+against Congress.”
+
+Through the trees he saw the winking windows of Cliveden, and he
+regarded them soberly.
+
+“Some people from the north are expected,” he continued, “and they are
+going there.” He stood for a moment in silence; then suddenly he threw
+back his head and laughed. “I’m from the north, just as I told the old
+man,” he said, “and,” clutching the oaken cudgel firmly, “I’m going to
+Chew House, also as I told him.”
+
+He clambered over the fence at the opposite side of the road and
+started across the fields once more. The dense growth of trees between
+him and the mansion loomed blackly before his face. There was a breeze
+stirring and the boughs set up a warning whispering.
+
+“There is no doubt of it,” said Nat, and he laughed at the conceit;
+“the trees are on the side of the colonies. This morning they told Ben
+of coming war; and now they are doing their best to make me keep my
+distance.”
+
+However this might be, the young mountaineer did not heed the warning,
+but went steadily on. When once among the trees his pace became slower;
+but finally he struck a broad road, where the dim sheen of the sky was
+visible through the branches.
+
+“This evidently leads up to the house,” muttered the lad. “It has the
+well-kept feel of a private way.”
+
+In this he was correct. It was not more than a few minutes when the
+lights of the house came into view; the broad windows were like great
+yellow eyes and winked genially out upon a wide lawn where flitting,
+shadowy people came and went.
+
+“Men,” said Nat, to himself, “and quite a number of them.”
+
+Cautiously he drew nearer; at length he came to a low stone wall at the
+edge of the road, and taking his place behind this, he set himself to
+learn what was going forward.
+
+“Ben said there were Tory meetings held here,” he continued. “And I
+shouldn’t wonder if this were one of them. And, perhaps,” his grip
+tightening upon the club which he still retained, “a very important
+one, considering what Stephen Comegies hinted at.”
+
+After a little his eyes grew accustomed to the wide beams of light with
+the shadows thickening at their edges; then he began to make out the
+figures upon the lawn as those of men pacing backward and forward in
+twos and threes.
+
+“And very impatiently, I should say,” Nat told himself shrewdly, as he
+watched the men. “They act like persons delayed in something which they
+are anxious to accomplish.”
+
+The wall was at the far side of the lawn; at first none approached it;
+but finally Nat noticed a pair, who seemed even more impatient than
+the rest, gradually coming nearer and nearer as they unconsciously
+lengthened their course at each turn in their walk. One was a lean,
+stoop-shouldered man; the other was tall and burly; their arms
+were locked, their heads were close together and they seemed to be
+discussing some exasperating situation that had arisen.
+
+Nat watched this twain expectantly.
+
+“At the next turn they’ll get near enough for me to hear what they are
+saying,” he calculated. “Then, maybe, I’ll learn something worth while.”
+
+Sure enough, the next turn brought the two within ear-shot. The first
+words that Nat caught were from the burly personage, and they made him
+catch his breath and shrink closer to the wall.
+
+“It would have been much better if we had thought of this in time
+to intercept that parcel of rascals from Massachusetts Bay,” the
+big man said in a harsh voice that was much like the grumbling of a
+dissatisfied animal. “The ring-leaders of the entire movement were in
+that party and with them safely aboard a British ship, we’d soon have
+them in England for trial and execution.”
+
+As he spoke he slashed at his high boots with a riding-whip and gave
+every evidence of being in a towering rage. But the lean man with the
+stooped shoulders spoke soothingly,
+
+“Don’t let your feelings get the better of you, my dear Royce,” said
+he. “We must have a beginning somewhere, and the Massachusetts members
+of the rebel Congress were already safely in the city when young
+Prentiss suggested this idea to us.”
+
+Prentiss! Nat Brewster heard the name with a shock of recollection. But
+at the instant the recollection was only as to having heard it before.
+He mentally groped about seeking to place it; then suddenly the facts
+came to him like a flash.
+
+“It’s the name of Ben’s school friend,” he thought. “Is it possible
+that----” but he drove the thought from him. “No, it can’t be the same.
+There are many others of that name, of course.”
+
+The two men turned slowly and began to retrace their steps.
+
+“He should have communicated with us sooner,” maintained Royce in his
+disagreeable grumble.
+
+“You may depend upon it that he made all the speed he could,” replied
+the other. “I never saw a lad more anxious about anything than he was
+regarding the taking of that firebrand Samuel Adams.”
+
+Royce began speaking once more; but they were too distant now for Nat
+to make out his words; and the indistinct grumble died as the men
+slowly paced away.
+
+“Prentiss!” muttered Nat, still sternly holding back the idea that
+tried to possess him. “It’s an odd kind of a coincidence, but that’s
+all it is. It can’t be Ben’s friend! Why, of course it can’t,” with a
+relieved laugh as another thought came to him. “This Prentiss of whom
+these two were speaking is eager to bring ill-fortune upon Mr. Adams,
+while the one I’ve heard so much of since I came to Germantown is his
+friend.”
+
+But in spite of the laugh and in spite of the reasoning, the similarity
+in the names troubled the young mountaineer. And when Royce and his
+companion drew near once more, he listened eagerly.
+
+The stoop-shouldered man was speaking and considerable impatience had
+crept into his voice.
+
+“It is unreasonable and ungenerous,” declared he, “to blame the boy for
+something that is perhaps entirely out of his control.”
+
+“Didn’t he say he was sure this was the night?--didn’t he ask you to
+call us together?” demanded Royce.
+
+“He told me plainly that he was not sure; he merely said that this
+would perhaps be the night, and that it would be as well to have
+everybody ready. You are angry because we missed the opportunity to
+take Adams; don’t lay everything to the lad’s discredit.”
+
+“I will admit,” said Royce, “that there is something in what you say.
+Of course he doesn’t know just when the members from Virginia are
+to cross the ferry, and he can only notify us when he receives the
+information. But I can’t get it out of my head that he could have used
+more expedition in the Adams matter.”
+
+“You are a natural born grumbler,” said the lean man. “I don’t
+think it would be possible to please you, no matter what was done.
+Young Prentiss did his best to get here in advance of the men from
+Massachusetts; and he did arrive in advance, as you know.”
+
+“But not far enough to be of any service, Mr. Dimisdale, as you know,”
+insisted Royce, stubbornly.
+
+The two men had paused and leaned their elbows upon the wall at no
+greater distance than two yards from the spot where Nat was crouched.
+
+“I know the general estimate placed upon the importance of these two
+Adams’,” said Dimisdale.
+
+“They are dangerous to the best interests of the crown,” declared
+Royce. “They are of the type of men who lead the people astray by false
+doctrines. The country will never be at peace while they are at large.
+Did not the eldest of them--the one named Samuel--have the effrontery
+to shake his fist in the face of an English governor and warn him that
+British redcoats--our safeguards--must be removed from Boston. And all
+because a few rebellious rascals had been shot in the streets for an
+open defiance of the law!”
+
+The indignation of the burly Tory as he conjured up this scene almost
+made Nat laugh outright, but he stifled the impulse as Dimisdale began
+to speak.
+
+“Please allow me to finish,” said that gentleman. “When you interrupted
+me I was about to show you that these two brothers are not the only
+persons of consequence in this movement.”
+
+“Go on,” said Royce, sullenly.
+
+“The prospects of our intercepting the men from Virginia are good,”
+said Dimisdale. “If we succeed, we will, beyond a doubt, have made as
+important a capture, if not one of more importance, than the one you so
+regret missing.”
+
+“It will require a great deal to convince me of that,” remarked Royce,
+with doubt plain in his voice.
+
+“First,” said Dimisdale, impressively, “there will be Edward Pendleton,
+one of the Virginia aristocrats, a man of fine distinction and
+attainments, of many friendships and vast influence in his own colony
+and far beyond to the southward.”
+
+“I know that,” said the big man.
+
+“Then there will be Patrick Henry, whose name has already gone across
+the sea and whose tongue is as a flame in arousing rebellion among
+the discontented. And last--but in my private opinion--standing head
+and shoulders above them all--is one whom I consider to be the most
+dangerous man of the period. His very silence up to this time makes him
+all the more to be feared. His resolution is like granite, his talent
+beyond dispute. I mean Colonel Washington, of Mount Vernon.”
+
+What Royce thought of this estimate Nat never knew; for at that moment
+there came the ring of hoofs in the darkness. Then a horseman dashed up
+to the Chew House and threw himself from the saddle.
+
+“Young Prentiss at last!” cried Royce.
+
+“And come with news of importance, I’ll be bound,” echoed Dimisdale.
+
+The two hurried away toward the spot where an eager group had gathered
+about the newcomer; and Nat was left to his thoughts and the darkness.
+
+“An attempt to capture the Virginia members of Congress,” breathed the
+boy, his blood thrilling at the idea; “and to-night!”
+
+He stared at the dim cluster of Tories who stood in the path before the
+house listening to something that was being swiftly imparted to them by
+the night rider.
+
+“And it may succeed,” he said. “It is a thing so unsuspected that it
+may succeed!”
+
+As he watched he saw the group scatter. Horses were heard trampling
+and jingling their equipment; then came the noise of men mounting and
+calling to each other triumphantly. Finally the entire party rode down
+the path and into the public road; some of them bore lanterns to light
+their way, and in the dancing rays Nat saw eager, laughing faces, and
+also the glint of steel. In the midst of them rode a boyish figure; it
+was the bearer of the news, but Nat could not see his face, as it was
+turned away, the boy being engaged in earnest talk with Dimisdale, who
+rode beside him.
+
+“Keep to the roads on the outskirts,” ordered Royce, who seemed to
+command the cavalcade. “We might attract attention if we rode through
+the city; and we can reach the lower ferry just as well.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+HOW NAT BREWSTER MET THE PORCUPINE
+
+
+Bewildered, and a trifle frightened by the nature of the proceedings,
+Nat Brewster stood by the low wall and listened to the hoof beats as
+they died away in a muffled rumble. But when the silence of the August
+night closed in upon him--when he noted the many lights of Chew House
+being extinguished one by one, and heard the doors and windows closing
+sharply, he suddenly came out of his trance, and his naturally alert
+brain began to work once more.
+
+“Something must be done,” he said, aloud. “And so it seems to have been
+left for me to do, I suppose I must do it.”
+
+Almost in an instant a plan of action was drawn up.
+
+“I must reach the lower ferry at the foot of Gray’s Road before the
+Tories,” he told himself, still speaking aloud. “But to do it I must
+have a swift horse and one that can stand a long run without breaking
+down.”
+
+That there was none such in the stable at Coopers’ he well knew; and
+instantly his mind went to that of the Chews’.
+
+“They are wealthy people and ride to the hounds in season,” reasoned
+Nat, calling to mind some gossip of Ben’s. “And so, naturally, they
+have some good mounts in their barn.”
+
+He faced toward the great stone house as he spoke, and in the darkness
+a smile came upon his face.
+
+“I don’t suppose they’d be willing to lend if I went there and candidly
+explained what I meant to do,” he proceeded. “So the best thing I can
+do is to borrow first and take the risk of explaining afterward--that
+is, if I can find the barn in the dark.”
+
+He sprang upon the wall and then down on the other side. As he made his
+way cautiously around the house he saw that all the lights, save one at
+the front, were out.
+
+“There’s not much chance of my being seen--by humans, anyway,” he
+muttered. “But if they have any dogs about, they’ll be more likely to
+scent me than not.”
+
+The words had scarcely left his lips when there came a tremendous
+barking and the swift rush of a heavy body toward him. Luckily the
+brute was of a light color and the boy caught a vague glimpse of it as
+it bounded at him. Swinging the cudgel over his head, he brought it
+down with a free, double-handed sweep; there was a moaning yelp and the
+dog lay motionless at his feet.
+
+“A lucky blow,” said the young mountaineer, as he jeered down at the
+stricken beast. “But unlucky for you, old fellow,” with a sudden qualm,
+“for I suppose you were only doing what it was your nature to do, after
+all.”
+
+But he had little time for remorse. The great door of Cliveden opened;
+a servant appeared upon the threshold holding a light above his head; a
+tall, aristocratic man stood beside him.
+
+“Are you quite sure it was the dog, Henry?” asked the latter.
+
+“Quite,” replied the servant.
+
+There was a pause; then both bent their heads as though listening: then
+the first speaker remarked:
+
+“It was some passing noise, I fancy. He seems quiet enough now.”
+
+“Yes, sir,” said the servant, who was a stout, resolute looking fellow.
+“But had I not better take a look about?”
+
+“There is no need,” said the master carelessly.
+
+“Very well, sir.”
+
+Both withdrew, the servant casting suspicious glances into the deep
+shadows about the house. Nat drew a breath of relief.
+
+“That was rather a narrow escape,” he murmured. “From the way that
+fellow looked, I felt sure he’d be out here poking around with his
+light whether or no.”
+
+Once more he cautiously made his way around the mansion. Some little
+distance away he caught the dense bulk of the barn; and the same
+instant he noted that a dim light was filtering through a small window
+at one side.
+
+“A watchman, perhaps,” thought the boy, in keen disappointment. “If it
+is, that’s the end of my plan.”
+
+However, he carefully advanced and peered through the window. A lantern
+hung upon a wooden peg; there were some half dozen horses in the
+stalls, but, as far as he could see, no humans.
+
+“In the loft, I suppose,” muttered Nat. “More than likely a stable
+hand, sent to look after the stock.”
+
+He waited and watched for some time; once the sound of a door opening
+caught his ear; he turned and saw a barb of light flash along the
+ground; then the door closed and the light vanished.
+
+“The servant, I suppose,” smiled Nat. “He was not satisfied and took
+another short look to assure himself.”
+
+He waited for some time after this again, but as there was no sound
+within the barn save for the occasional stamp of the horses, he finally
+walked quietly around to the door and entered. A swift glance showed
+him some horse equipment hanging at one side. He took down a bridle and
+gave an appraising look at the mounts.
+
+“This one looks the best,” said he, softly; and with that he slipped
+into the stall of a powerful looking gray and bitted him with calm
+expertness. He had backed the animal out and was adjusting a saddle,
+when a queer, squeaking voice, from directly over his head, sounded in
+his ears.
+
+“I thought you’d get the right one, master! He’s a rare goer, he is!”
+
+Nat started. His eyes went swiftly in the direction of the voice. First
+he caught sight of a comical little pair of legs astride one of the
+rafters, then of a huge head, topped with a shock of stiff, upstanding
+hair.
+
+“There ain’t a nag in these parts that’ll get you to the lower ferry
+quicker than that one will,” continued the queer voice, assuringly.
+“Always trust a flea-bitten gray to have courage and bottom.”
+
+Nat continued to hold the horse by the bridle with one hand; with the
+other he shaded his eyes from the light and examined the speaker with
+interest. He saw a big, moon-like face--a large mouth that grinned down
+at him good-naturedly, showing two rows of strong, white teeth. The
+creature’s head was that of a man, but the body was no larger than that
+of a ten-year-old boy.
+
+The sudden discovery of this unusual creature was in itself enough to
+startle a person with weak nerves. But Nat Brewster was not troubled
+with anything of the sort. It was the words alone that troubled him;
+the odd-looking imp on the rafter seemed able to read his secret
+purpose.
+
+“Who are you?” inquired the mountain boy, quietly, after a pause.
+
+The dwarf grinned more widely than ever.
+
+“Don’t you know?” asked he. “Have you been at the Cooper place for two
+weeks and not heard of me?”
+
+Nat shook his head. The dwarf blinked his small round eyes as though
+marveling at this lack of information. With one hand he smoothed back
+his upstanding shock of hair; but it sprang stiffly erect once more.
+
+“I’m the Porcupine,” announced he. “Everybody knows me. I live in the
+woods when I want to; but I mostly like barns and such like, after the
+hay is in.”
+
+Nat regarded him closely.
+
+“What made you think I was going to the lower ferry?” demanded he.
+
+The Porcupine grinned; his large teeth gleamed like polished ivory in
+the lantern light.
+
+“Folks don’t calculate I know much,” said he. “But sometimes I fool
+’em. You didn’t see me down there by the wall, did you? Well, I
+was there, not more than a couple of yards from you all the time.”
+The squeaky voice pitched higher, as the dwarf shook with gleeful
+recollection. “And I heard what Master Dimisdale said to Master Royce;
+also I heard what Master Royce said to Master Dimisdale.” He leaned
+down from his perch upon the rafter and shook his huge head with
+increased enjoyment. “And right away I knew what you were going to do.”
+
+“How?” asked Nat, in wonder.
+
+“When the party rode away and you stood watching them, I heard what you
+said,” replied the Porcupine. “That’s why I came here. I wanted to see
+that you got a good horse. And now that you have,” pointing to a rangy
+looking chestnut that stood in a stall almost beneath, “I want you to
+put a saddle and bridle on that one for me.”
+
+“For you!” said the astonished Nat.
+
+“Of course, for me,” replied the dwarf, coolly. “You’re a stranger
+here. How’ll you find the lower ferry unless I show you?”
+
+At this Nat burst into a laugh.
+
+“Right!” said he, cheerily. “How would I, to be sure? So get down and
+hold the gray and I’ll saddle the chestnut for you in a moment.”
+
+The Porcupine slid himself along the rafter dexterously until he
+reached the wall where there was a ladder leading to the loft. Down
+this he swung easily; and Nat watching him for the first time noted the
+great length of his arms and the size of his hands.
+
+In a space the chestnut was beside the other horse, champing its bit
+in a dissatisfied sort of way. The dwarf, who scarcely came to the
+shoulder of the tall gray, held it by the rein and watched Nat’s
+accustomed fingers approvingly as they flew from buckle to buckle.
+
+“So,” said the young mountaineer, as he worked, “you are for Congress
+and against the king, are you?”
+
+“No,” replied the Porcupine, “I’m only against Neighbor Dimisdale.”
+
+“And why against him?” asked Nat.
+
+“Once there was a great robbing of hen-roosts; they could not find
+out who was doing it, so Master Dimisdale settled upon me and wanted
+me sent to the workhouse. He said I was a vagrant and a danger to the
+town.”
+
+“You don’t look very dangerous,” spoke Nat.
+
+The dwarf grinned impishly.
+
+“You don’t know me yet,” he replied. “But,” returning to his grievance,
+“Master Dimisdale is a hard man. Even after I had caught the real
+thief, he did his best against me.”
+
+“And who was the real thief?” asked Nat, surprisedly.
+
+“A clever old mink,” grinned the Porcupine. “I told them so from the
+first--but no one would listen to me but Ben Collins. He loaned me a
+trap and gave me a chance to prove what I said.”
+
+Nat put his hand upon the dwarf’s shoulder and looked thoughtfully down
+into his face.
+
+“Do you understand the nature of the errand upon which those men rode
+away a while ago?” asked he.
+
+The big head nodded; a shrewd look came into the small, round eyes.
+
+“Yes,” said the Porcupine.
+
+“And you will help me prevent their carrying it out?”
+
+“I’m against anything that Neighbor Dimisdale is for,” answered the
+Porcupine promptly.
+
+Without another word Nat led the two horses out of the barn.
+
+“Quick, now!” he said, in a low voice.
+
+With a single heave he tossed the small body lightly into the saddle.
+
+The Porcupine clutched the chestnut with his short legs and grasped the
+reins with a practiced hand.
+
+“Good,” said Nat, to himself. “He knows what he’s about at all events.”
+
+His own foot was in the stirrup when a light suddenly flared in his
+face.
+
+“Now then, my friend,” said a cold voice, “give an account of yourself.”
+
+For a moment Nat’s eyes were dazzled; then he made out the countenance
+of the speaker and that of the person who had so suddenly unmasked the
+lantern. They were the two who had come to the door of Chew House but
+a short time before, attracted by the barking of the dog. There was a
+superior smile on the face of the master and a derisive grin upon that
+of the man, as they noted the boy’s astonishment.
+
+“Your suspicions were correct, Henry,” said the former, and Nat saw
+that he held a large pistol ready in his hand. “And I thank you for
+insisting, so to speak, upon a search.”
+
+Nat recalled the sound of the door opening and closing while he gazed
+through the window of the barn, and realized that it was then that they
+had emerged. Seeing that he was caught he resolved to put a bold face
+upon the matter and watch for any opportunity that might present itself.
+
+“I’m sincerely sorry to have disturbed you, sir,” said he, politely.
+
+“I can see that,” returned the other. “And you were so anxious not to
+do so that you were upon the point of borrowing my horses to carry you
+out of ear-shot.”
+
+Nat smiled at the quiet mockery of this. He was about to speak, but the
+man servant was before him.
+
+“The lower ferry would be well out of ear-shot,” remarked he with a
+laugh.
+
+“Hold your lantern up, Henry,” commanded the master; the man complied
+and the rays fell upon Nat’s face once more. “You hold your countenance
+well, my lad,” continued the speaker, after a pause. “But it will not
+serve you. We overheard your conversation with this little villain,”
+nodding smilingly toward the Porcupine, who had during all this time
+remained silently perched upon his tall steed. “And I think I’m safe in
+saying that you’ll carry no warning to the rebels to-night.”
+
+Nat made no reply. Through his mind ran thoughts of a dark, lonely
+road, of a quiet party riding forward toward the city, of a swift rush
+and capture, of a staggering blow dealt the cause of the protesting
+colonies.
+
+For a moment the man with the pistol watched Nat’s face, then he turned
+with a careless laugh.
+
+“Now the rope, Henry,” said he. “I’ll hold the light while you truss
+them up comfortably.”
+
+But that moment of carelessness cost him the success of his plan. The
+instant he turned, Nat sprang upon him, wrested the pistol from his
+clutch and felled him with its heavy butt. With a squeal of excitement
+the Porcupine drove his heels into the chestnut and rode down the man
+servant, the lantern being extinguished in his fall. Like a flash Nat
+was upon the back of the gray, which was snorting with fright, then
+with the dwarf at his side he went leaping away into the darkness, the
+horses’ heads pointed toward the dim glow that overhung the city.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER AND THE PORCUPINE RODE THROUGH THE NIGHT
+
+
+“This way,” cried the Porcupine, after a little. “Keep to the left;
+there’s a gap in the fence at the far side of this field that will let
+us out upon the main road.”
+
+Nat followed the instructions of the dwarf, whose knowledge of the
+ground about the Chew House seemed perfect and whose sight was
+unusually keen in the dark. The break in the fence was located without
+any great trouble, and a moment later found them with the hard public
+road under them. Here Nat drew rein; turning his head he gazed back
+toward the mansion.
+
+“It appears that we have created some little stir,” remarked he to the
+Porcupine, who had drawn up beside him. The dwarf uttered his peculiar,
+squealing laugh.
+
+“Look at the lights,” said he. “They pop up at window after window,
+just like fireflies.”
+
+There was also the dim hubbub of far-away voices; it was as though
+excited men were calling loudly to each other, and that their
+excitement grew greater with each passing moment.
+
+“In a little while they may recover their senses sufficiently to take
+horse in pursuit,” spoke Nat. “So I think we’d better make the best of
+our time.”
+
+“We’d better make it anyhow,” suggested the Porcupine. “We’ve a long
+ride ahead of us and Master Royce’s party have had a good half hour’s
+start.”
+
+So together they gave their mounts the rein and went galloping down
+the road. Steadily the pace was kept up until the horses began to
+show signs of distress. Then they were allowed to walk until they
+had recovered, when they were urged into a faster pace once more. It
+was not a great while before they rode into a more thickly built up
+section; people were now frequently met with carrying lanterns and
+proceeding about their business.
+
+“And here is the city itself,” at last cried the dwarf. “See the
+lamps,” pointing to the scattering of oil lamps which, owing to the
+efforts of Benjamin Franklin, had been lately placed in the streets.
+“They say there is no town in all the colonies that has so many.”
+
+The light thrown was dim and uncertain enough; but Nat Brewster was
+struck with admiration and looked wonderingly down each street as they
+passed. He had been in Philadelphia several times since his arrival,
+but never before at night.
+
+“Do you know the town very well?” he asked the dwarf, as they rode
+along.
+
+“I was born in it,” replied that personage, proudly. “And it is the
+largest city in America. There are thirty thousand people living here,”
+in a tone of almost incredulity, “and there is a fast coach that makes
+the journey to New York in two days.”
+
+They turned at a smart pace through some open ground into High Street,
+then across a field and to the eastward of the State House whose tower
+pointed darkly into the sky.
+
+“Below here we shall soon come to Gray’s Road, which leads direct to
+the ferry,” said the dwarf. They rode on in silence for some time after
+this. But the Porcupine’s manner showed that he had something on his
+mind; finally he twisted himself about in his saddle and asked:
+
+“What’s your name?”
+
+“Nat Brewster,” was the reply.
+
+“Nat Brewster,” repeated the other, slowly, and with much the manner of
+a person who is tasting something. “I kind of like the sound of that;
+and,” suddenly, “I kind of like you. But tell me this, Nat Brewster,”
+tapping the young mountaineer upon the elbow with one finger-tip; “when
+you come up with Master Royce and his men, what do you intend to do?”
+
+For a moment Nat was startled. He drew hard upon the rein and the big
+gray came to a stand.
+
+“You are right,” said he. “I’ve been in such haste that the thing
+entirely escaped me.”
+
+“You can’t fight ’em alone,” spoke the Porcupine wisely. “Of course,”
+with a grin, “you won’t be exactly alone, but you might as well be. I’m
+not much good in a fight. I’m not big enough.”
+
+Nat silently sat upon his horse and pondered. Royce’s men were heavily
+armed; he knew that, for he had caught the glimmer of steel in the
+lights of Chew House. And that they were determined to carry out their
+project in spite of all opposition, he felt sure.
+
+“If I faced them,” the lad muttered, “they’d laugh at me and cut me
+down.”
+
+But he must have aid! He would turn about and ride to the City Tavern
+where those members of Congress, who had already arrived, were staying.
+The idea was seized upon eagerly; then almost immediately it was
+discarded.
+
+“It will take too much time,” thought the young mountaineer. “And,
+another thing: Would they believe the story I’d have to tell?”
+
+He was forced to admit that he did not think so. The thing was
+improbable and would be difficult to credit; valuable time would be
+consumed, and in the end he’d probably be forced to ride away as he
+came, and proceed upon his mission alone.
+
+“And with not so many chances of success,” said Nat. “For while I’d be
+seeking to convince strangers that I was telling the truth, the Tories
+would have more than likely accomplished what they set out to do.”
+
+A watchman’s lantern sparkled ahead as the man raised it and tried to
+make out the details of the two horsemen who stood so silently in the
+middle of the street. A bell struck midnight in a solemn, sonorous sort
+of way; the watchman lifted his voice and chanted:
+
+“Twelve o’clock--a cloudy night--and all’s well!”
+
+“The time’s drawing on,” remarked the dwarf. “Have you made up your
+mind?”
+
+For answer Nat shook the rein and the gray sprang forward; after a few
+bounds the chestnut was alongside once more, and the dwarfs peculiar,
+squealing laugh sounded in the silence.
+
+“That’s what I thought you’d do,” declared he. “I can always tell what
+people will do by their faces.”
+
+“Well,” replied Nat, good humoredly, “if you can see my face in this
+light, I must say that Porcupines have remarkably sharp eyes.”
+
+“I can’t see it now,” said the dwarf, composedly. “But I could the
+other day when you were breaking the colt for Farmer Campbell in the
+back lot. There’d been a dozen tried to ride that young beast before
+you came to Germantown, and it threw them all. I heard tell that it
+almost killed Peter Corbin.”
+
+“It was somewhat self-willed,” said Nat, recalling the desperate battle
+he’d had with the creature before it was subdued. “But you can expect
+that of colts, as a rule.”
+
+“Yes, but they’re not all as wicked as that one,” and the Porcupine’s
+voice had a tone of great positiveness. “I’ve seen lots of them broken,
+but that colt fought harder than all of them put together. But you
+didn’t ask any one to help you when it threw itself down and tried to
+roll on you, or when it tried to crush your leg against the fence. You
+just stuck to it and won. I knowed then, by your face, that you’d do
+it; and I know now, even when I can’t see it.”
+
+“You have confidence, at any rate,” laughed Nat. “And so,” rather
+grimly, “I’ll try and live up to your judgment of me.”
+
+Some distance to the southwest they came to Gray’s Road, and dashed
+along toward the river.
+
+As it drew on past midnight, it grew darker, the sheen disappeared from
+the sky, a fact which told them that the clouds were growing thicker
+and that heavy rain might soon be expected. The Porcupine sniffed as
+they sped along.
+
+“I can smell it,” said he confidently. “It’s going to come from the
+direction in which we are going.”
+
+Just then Nat, whose eyes were fixed steadily ahead, uttered an
+exclamation and pulled up shortly. The dwarf instantly did likewise.
+Both horses were thrown back upon their haunches by the suddenness of
+the stop and snorted with fright. Nat bent his head forward, staring
+straight between the gray’s ears and called sharply:
+
+“Who’s there?”
+
+In the silence that followed, the gurgle of water lapping a bank was
+plainly heard. Nat drew from the breast of his hunting-shirt the heavy
+pistol which he had wrung from the master of Cliveden; its clumsy
+mechanism clicked loudly as he drew back the hammer.
+
+“Who’s there?” demanded he, sternly. “Answer, or I’ll fire.”
+
+This time a low laugh followed the words.
+
+“I suppose we’d better do as he asks,” spoke a voice. “He said that as
+though he meant it.”
+
+The Porcupine leaned his big head toward Nat.
+
+“Master Dimisdale,” breathed he. “I’d know his voice among a thousand.”
+
+“We are peaceable citizens, sir traveler,” said the voice. “And we
+trust that we have not made ourselves offensive to you.”
+
+Again came the low laugh; this time it was slightly mocking and Nat’s
+anger began to rise.
+
+“You will kindly stand out of the road,” said he, sharply. “I am not
+here to hold conversation with you, whoever you are; my business is
+more urgent.”
+
+“And just what may your business be?” inquired a boyish voice, which
+Nat at once recognized as belonging to the person who had laughed. “We
+have some small interest in various matters to-night and who knows but
+what yours might be one of them?”
+
+“You can have no interest in me,” replied Nat, evenly. “You know
+nothing of the business that I ride upon.”
+
+“Let us debate the question,” replied the boyish voice. “Who knows but
+what our knowledge is greater by far than you’d suppose. It is a fact,
+and I’ll leave it to my friends here to substantiate me in the saying,
+that we have considerable interest in those who use this road to-night.”
+
+There was a chorus of laughter, low pitched and cautious, at this. The
+shadowy persons, who were stretched across the way, seemed greatly
+diverted. Then Dimisdale spoke once more.
+
+“However,” said he, “we must remember that these gentlemen are riding
+in the wrong direction for us.”
+
+Again came the laughter; above the others, Nat could plainly hear that
+of the boy. And somehow the sound greatly irritated him. As a rule,
+Nat was not the lad for strangers to make game of, and least of all
+was this the case now. The cool, masterful tones of the young stranger
+ruffled his temper in a way that he could not have accounted for even
+if he had tried. But when he spoke, no trace of his anger crept into
+his voice; this was just as even as before.
+
+“You are disposed to entertain yourselves at our expense, I see,” he
+said. “And, candidly, I dislike it. So I ask you once more to kindly
+stand aside that we may go on.”
+
+“Go on!” came the boy’s voice. “Why man alive, you should be thankful,
+indeed, that we are here to prevent you from going on. A dozen steps
+more and you’d be swimming for your life in the Schuylkill.”
+
+The sound of lapping water a few momenta before had given Nat a hint as
+to this.
+
+“It’s the ferry landing,” he told himself.
+
+Almost at the same moment he heard the Porcupine whisper in his ear:
+
+“They are waiting here for the gentlemen from Virginia to cross the
+river.”
+
+“Hush!” breathed Nat, fearing that the words would be overheard. Then
+aloud he said, addressing the invisible people before him:
+
+“I suppose you have taken up your present position through motives of
+kindness entirely. The fear that some heedless wayfarer might ride
+into the river has kept you all out of your beds, no doubt.”
+
+Again came the laugh from the party blocking the road.
+
+“Our traveler has wit!” mocked the unseen boy. “I’ll even venture that
+he’s as clever a debater as either of the Adamses, or Patrick Henry
+himself.” He paused a moment and then addressed Nat once more: “Perhaps
+it’s your intention to cross the river?” said he.
+
+“Perhaps,” replied Nat.
+
+“I’m very sorry, in that event,” returned the other in his cool,
+exasperating way. “But the ferry has just this moment----”
+
+He had gotten this far when there came a sudden movement; it was as
+though a hand had been quickly clapped over his mouth. Then Dimisdale
+was heard to say, quietly:
+
+“A still tongue makes a wise head, Master Prentiss. It is not always
+well to tell everything you know.”
+
+But he might just as well have allowed him to continue, for even as
+it was, Nat Brewster’s quick mind had grasped the situation. He had
+wondered from the beginning why he had not heard the voice of Royce;
+for that gentleman was scarcely one to be present and not be heard. But
+the heedless words of the youthful Tory brought the truth to him in a
+flash.
+
+“Royce is not here,” reasoned Nat, to himself. “He has taken part of
+the band and crossed the river on the ferry. They have made up their
+minds that it is best to attack on the far side.”
+
+The idea was startling; but he kept himself well in hand. Dimisdale had
+begun to speak again, and he listened eagerly.
+
+“In times like these,” said Dimisdale, “one should consider everything
+one says. There is no telling what small matter inconsiderately dropped
+might lead to some larger circumstance entirely unforeseen.”
+
+“You talk like a sage, Master Dimisdale,” laughed the stranger youth,
+lightly. “But there is a great deal of truth in what you say, and I’ll
+try to be guided by it.”
+
+While he was speaking, Nat bent toward the Porcupine.
+
+“Is there a ford anywhere at hand?” he whispered.
+
+“Some distance above,” answered the dwarf in the same low tone.
+
+“Do you think you can find it?”
+
+“I’m sure I can.”
+
+“Then hold yourself ready to run for it.”
+
+The young Tory had continued speaking; and now he lifted his voice for
+Nat’s benefit, still, however, addressing Dimisdale:
+
+“However, at the worst there is no great harm done. These two
+gentlemen, whoever they are, are going to remain our guests for an hour
+or two.”
+
+“Don’t be quite so sure of that,” cried Nat, through his tight shut
+teeth. Then with a quick word to the Porcupine they wheeled their nags
+and went tearing up the road in the direction of the city. Behind them
+came a confused hubbub; then the voice of Dimisdale rang out clearly:
+
+“Halt!”
+
+But they paid no attention; bending low in their saddles, they urged
+the galloping horses to a greater speed. Then a pistol shot sounded,
+followed by another and still another. The heavy bullets flew wide, and
+Nat laughed as he heard them “zip-zipping” among the trees.
+
+“It takes a sharp eye to sight a pistol in the darkness,” said he.
+
+“And it’ll take just as sharp a one to find the road that’ll take us to
+the ford,” declared the Porcupine, as he strained his eyes ahead. “But
+I rather think I’m going to do it, for all.”
+
+“Do your best,” said Nat. “A great deal depends upon the next half
+hour--perhaps the very lives of Mr. Henry and his friends.”
+
+In a little while the sounds in the rear died away. The Tories upon the
+river bank had been dismounted; and apparently they did not think it
+wise, in any event, to give chase.
+
+A full hour was consumed in finding the ford in the dark, and crossing
+the river; but upon the far side they picked up the ferry road once
+more and turned south. Nat rode with his hand upon the butt of the
+pistol; the Tories were somewhere ahead and almost any moment might
+bring another surprise. Suddenly the Porcupine spoke.
+
+“Why,” inquired he, “do this Mr. Henry and his friends travel at night?”
+
+This very question had been intruding itself upon Nat in a hazy sort of
+way for some time, but now he saw its point for the first time.
+
+“Is there any good reason for their doing it?” persisted the dwarf.
+
+“None that I know of,” replied Nat.
+
+“Then I don’t believe they are doing it,” said the Porcupine,
+positively. “I don’t know much about things, and the Tories at Master
+Chew’s seemed to think they would cross the lower ferry to-night. But
+if it were left for me to give an opinion, I’d say that they were
+comfortably sleeping at Chester, if they are anywhere near the city at
+all.”
+
+Nat was silent. The suggestion opened up a new view of the night’s
+latter developments, and he examined them carefully.
+
+“You may be right,” he said at length. “Perhaps the Tories had some one
+on the watch; and when they reached the river they may have been told
+that there would be no crossing attempted until morning.”
+
+“That’s it,” said the dwarf, shrewdly. “And then some of them went over
+in the boat, while the others were left behind to make sure.”
+
+“What purpose did they have in crossing?” asked Nat. A thought had
+sprung, full armed, into his mind, and he breathlessly awaited the
+Porcupine’s reply.
+
+“They have found out where the gentlemen are to spend the night,” came
+the dwarf’s answer. “And they are going there after them.”
+
+For a moment Nat Brewster was too absorbed to speak. The Porcupine’s
+reply agreed so exactly with his thought that the odd creature might
+well have read his mind. At length, however, he asked:
+
+“Is this the southern road?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“The one the travelers would be likely to take?”
+
+“It is.”
+
+Nat stared straight ahead into the darkness. A few heavy drops of rain
+were falling and the wind had begun to blow in warm gusts.
+
+“We’d better go as we are,” he said, after a pause. “And,” with a laugh
+that was full of expectation, “I rather think that we’ll meet with some
+further experiences on the road before we are an hour older.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER MET WITH MR. WASHINGTON
+
+
+The two had ridden no great distance from the river when, close to the
+roadside, they came upon a small wooden house, from a window of which
+a light was streaming. This in itself was rather unusual in such a
+place at such an hour; but, more surprising still, they saw, through
+the window, a man sitting upon a low bench hammering merrily away at a
+piece of leather.
+
+“A cobbler,” said Nat, surprised, “and at work so late in the night.”
+
+“His customers must be in great haste,” laughed the Porcupine. “They
+don’t give the poor man time enough to get his natural sleep.”
+
+“I think,” answered Nat, who had brought the gray to a stand in the
+road opposite the window, “that it might mean more than that. At any
+rate, it will do no harm to exchange a word with this hard-pressed
+mechanic.”
+
+They rode close up under the cobbler’s window; he, roused by the
+trampling hoofs, paused in his hammering and lifted his head.
+
+“You work late, shoemaker,” saluted Nat, genially. “Business must be
+over good.”
+
+“You ride late, young sir,” replied the cobbler, shrewdly. “And how is
+business with you?”
+
+Nat laughed. The night was warm, and the small-paned sash was pushed up
+as far as it would go, making easy conversation.
+
+“My present business is a great deal of a puzzle,” replied the boy.
+“And I think I had better see the end of it before I pass any sort of
+judgment.”
+
+The cobbler was a small, dried-out looking man of middle age. He had a
+weazened face and cunning eyes; and yet there was something engaging
+about him. He beat at the thick piece of leather upon his lap-stone for
+a moment, then laid down the hammer and said:
+
+“There is no one on this side of the Schuylkill that can outdo me in
+puzzles this night, young man. And whatever your matter is, I’m quite
+sure that it can’t compare with the situation that I find myself in.”
+
+“Why,” said Nat, and the watchful Porcupine saw an eager look come into
+his face, “I had not thought the making of boots so exciting a trade.”
+
+“It has nothing to do with the making of boots,” replied the mechanic.
+“If it had, I could understand it readily enough. It is something else,
+and something most peculiar when a man comes to examine it from its
+different sides.”
+
+Nat said nothing to this. He saw that the cobbler had something upon
+his mind and that he was most anxious to unburden himself of it, even
+to a stranger who appeared at his window in the night.
+
+“It’s best to let him take his own time,” reasoned the lad. “If I begin
+to ask questions, he might take the notion not to speak--and somehow I
+fancy that I should greatly benefit by what he has to say.”
+
+The little shoemaker rubbed his stained and calloused hands together
+reflectively; the thick candle that burned in a sconce over his head
+threw a bright light about his work-room, with its array of farmers’
+thick boots awaiting repair, and its clutter of leather and tools.
+Finally he spoke, and with the air of a man who was asking advice.
+
+“What would you think,” he inquired, bending forward, “if you were
+sitting here upon this bench, pegging away at a sole and wondering what
+sort of fall and winter we have coming upon us, when a very young chap
+rode up, much like you have done, only it was by daylight, and says to
+you:
+
+“‘Is this Neighbor Parslow?’
+
+“‘It is,’ says you.
+
+“He tries to look careless like, but you see at once that he’s keen for
+something; so you go on pegging and pegging and let him take his own
+time about his own business. So after a while he says to you:
+
+“‘As I was riding along the river I saw a rather smart looking barge.’
+
+“‘Did you?’ says you.
+
+“‘Yes,’ says he, ‘and as I was told it was your property, I’ve come to
+see you about it.’
+
+“‘It’s not for sale,’ says you.
+
+“‘Oh, I don’t want to buy it,’ he says, quick enough. ‘I just want to
+engage it.’
+
+“‘Very well,’ says you. ‘That’s what I keep it for; my charge is four
+shillings for the day.’
+
+“‘And how much for the night?’ asks he. And with that you see he’s a
+merry chap and has an honest face.
+
+“‘It’s seldom or never,’ says you, ‘that any one hires the barge for
+after dark, so I don’t know about that.’
+
+“‘Have your boat ready at ten to-night,’ says he briskly, ‘and you’ll
+earn a handful of Spanish dollars.’
+
+“So at that you’re a little taken by surprise.
+
+“‘Do you want it for a pleasure party?’ you ask him, and he laughs
+again in a way that makes you like him more.
+
+“‘I don’t know but what you might call it that,’ says he. ‘I and my
+friends will take great pleasure in it; but I have a suspicion that
+there are some others who will not like it so well.’
+
+“He looks at you closely,” continued the cobbler to Nat, who was
+listening with great attention, “and he sees that you’re not taking to
+the idea very keenly. So with that he whips out a leathern purse and
+counts out a sum of money upon the window sill such as you have not
+seen in months.
+
+“‘There,’ he says, ‘is your pay in advance. Have the barge at the ferry
+landing across the river and await me and those who shall bear me
+company.’”
+
+The cobbler arose and came closer to the window, brushing the scraps of
+leather from his apron. He peered up at Nat with his small eyes.
+
+“Somehow,” he proceeded, “for all the lad has an honest look and a
+merry laugh, you don’t care to do what he asks. There seems something
+secret about it. But at the same time there is the money--all Spanish
+gold--on the window sill, staring you out of countenance.” The speaker
+paused a moment, then asked earnestly: “Now, if all these things
+happened to you--and remember you are a poor man--what would you do?”
+
+“I think,” replied Nat, “I would try to earn the money.”
+
+The shoemaker nodded and seemed much relieved.
+
+“There are some lads,” remarked he, “who have more wisdom than their
+years give them. I think you are one of that stamp. That is the very
+thing I did. Promptly at ten, for it was a still night and I could hear
+the town bells strike the hour, I was at the landing upon the other
+side.”
+
+“Yes,” said Nat, so eagerly that the watching dwarf gave him a warning
+prod with his knuckles. “And what then?”
+
+“No one was there,” replied the cobbler. “And I wailed until eleven
+struck; then until almost twelve. At length a great party of riders
+came down the road. When a light was struck I could see that they were
+all armed and wore looks that boded no good to somebody. This troubled
+me more than ever; but I had scarcely a glimpse of them when the youth
+who had engaged me told me to recross the river, tie the barge up and
+hold myself in readiness here until they wanted me.”
+
+“Is that the last you saw of them?”
+
+“No; the entire party--or so it seemed to me, at any rate--crossed the
+ferry and rode by here less than two hours ago.”
+
+“I suppose,” said Nat, carelessly, “you had no idea as to where they
+were heading?”
+
+“Not the least,” replied the worried cobbler; then as a sort of
+afterthought: “Have you?”
+
+“How far is it to the nearest inn--on this road--riding as we are?” Nat
+ignored the question, as he had no desire to confide his suspicions to
+the talkative mechanic.
+
+“A matter of some six miles. Perhaps a little more.”
+
+“Perhaps your friends have stopped there; if so we might get a glimpse
+of them.”
+
+“And if you do and should see anything that would make you think
+they’re trying to entangle me with the king’s laws, it would be a
+friendly act for you to ride back and give me warning.”
+
+“Take warning now,” said the dwarf, speaking for the first time. His
+odd squeak startled the shoemaker, who had apparently not noticed him
+before, and the man stood staring at the great head and small body in
+something like wonder.
+
+“If you want to avoid entanglements of every kind,” proceeded the
+Porcupine, smoothing his stiff crest, “take warning now by what I’m
+going to tell you. Go quickly now and hide your barge somewhere along
+the bank; then return, close up your house, put out your light and go
+quietly to bed. In that way you’ll be sure to do no wrong.”
+
+The man seemed greatly struck by this advice and nodded his head as
+though it pleased him. Nat gathered up his reins and was about to give
+the word when a thought struck him.
+
+“Did you by any chance,” asked he of the mechanic, “hear the name of
+the boy who engaged your boat?”
+
+“I did,” was the answer. “A large man was speaking in a loud tone of
+voice as they rode up to the ferry landing and he called him Prentiss.”
+
+“Thank you,” said Nat, and without further words the pair turned and
+put their mounts at a hard gallop down the road.
+
+“I think I could name what use is to be made of the barge,” said the
+dwarf after a long pause.
+
+“And I,” replied Nat. “If the Virginian members of Congress are taken,
+they will be put into it, sculled down the river and placed upon the
+British vessel which is, no doubt, at anchor there for the purpose.”
+
+“And I hardly think she’d wait to take on any further cargo,” remarked
+the Porcupine, wisely. “They’d up sail, and away for England, a quick
+trial, a tall scaffold and a short rope.”
+
+“You are pretty near the truth,” replied the young mountaineer, grimly.
+“I’m afraid the British ministers would not give the prisoners much of
+a chance for their lives.”
+
+The gusts of warm wind had been growing heavier. And now the rain began
+to fall in torrents. The two riders bent their heads, doggedly and in
+silence. Before the storm began objects had been made out with the
+utmost difficulty; now the darkness grew all but impenetrable; lakes
+and rivulets formed in the road; the horses were given their heads, as
+being the safer way, and stumbling, snorting and shaking the streaming
+rain from their manes, they pressed onward.
+
+Nat never knew how much time had elapsed or how far they had gone, when
+suddenly he felt his companion tugging at his sleeve. Lifting his head,
+he became conscious of a warm, yellow glow. Turning, he saw the bright
+front of an inn, set back a little from the roadside.
+
+“And look!” said the Porcupine, forced to lift his voice, that he might
+be heard above the roar of the rain. As he spoke, he pointed to a long
+open shed where a couple of wind-mad lights were dancing. Nat saw a
+full dozen horses, saddled and bridled and looking as though they had
+but lately been hard ridden.
+
+The young mountaineer’s face expressed the satisfaction that filled him.
+
+“The inn of which the cobbler spoke,” said he, “and Royce and his
+companions are inside.”
+
+In a few moments the gray and the chestnut were also beneath the shed;
+a couple of stable hands took them in charge and began rubbing the rain
+from their streaming coats.
+
+“And now,” spoke Nat, when he saw that they were being well taken care
+of, “let us go inside; there is sure to be a good fire in the kitchen
+where we can dry our clothes.”
+
+But the dwarf shook his big head.
+
+“Go in yourself,” said he. “You may be needed. But I’ll stay here.”
+
+“But you are wet to the skin,” protested Nat.
+
+“I’m used to that, and it will do me no harm.” Nat was about to say
+something more, but the Porcupine interrupted him. “There may be some
+of Master Royce’s people who know me,” said he. “And that would bring
+suspicion, or at least direct attention, upon you. So you see, it is
+best for me to be outdoors. Another thing,” and a cunning look came
+into the odd, round face of the speaker, “I’m used to prowling around.
+I may be of more service out here than you think.”
+
+Seeing that his new friend was determined to have his way in the
+matter, Nat said nothing more upon the subject.
+
+“But,” he cautioned, “keep your eyes and ears open.”
+
+“Trust me for that,” grinned the Porcupine.
+
+Nat pushed open the heavy door and found himself in a large, square,
+low-ceilinged room with rafters and sanded floor. There were heavy
+settees and chairs and tables standing about and many rain-soaked
+coats hanging upon the wall. The rain and wind together had turned the
+night rather chill; a good-sized fire was burning in a wide-mouthed
+fireplace, and a number of men were standing about it, their bands
+behind them and their backs to the blaze.
+
+As the boy opened the door, the landlord, a small, meek-looking man in
+a white apron, was speaking.
+
+“But, gentlemen,” he said, “you are well acquainted with what is
+required of an innkeeper. It is quite impossible for me to do what you
+ask.”
+
+The burly Tory, Royce, to whom these words were apparently addressed,
+slashed his tall boots with his riding-whip and stalked up and down
+angrily. His heavy tread sounded noisily upon the sanded floor; his
+big, coarse-featured face was flushed.
+
+“Now listen to me with attention, my good fellow,” spoke he,
+wrathfully, and he pointed the heavy whip at the landlord
+threateningly. “We know little of what you call the duties of an
+innkeeper and care a great deal less. As for it being impossible for
+you to do what ask--well, we’ll request you to reconsider that.”
+
+“The gentlemen when they came begged the use of the room,” said the
+other. “It was to be strictly private. And I could not now intrude
+others upon them.”
+
+The angry, flushed face of Royce now became fairly purple.
+
+“Intrude!” stormed he. “Intrude! Do you call our presence in your
+beggarly inn an intrusion?”
+
+“No, sir, surely not,” the meek little innkeeper hastened to say,
+lifting both his hands in a gesture of protest. “I am quite overjoyed
+to have you, sir; and also your friends,” with a frightened little bow
+to the others, who stood scowling at him menacingly.
+
+Royce was about to reply to this when he for the first time noted
+Nat, who still stood near the door listening to the conversation with
+attention. For a moment the Tory scanned the boy; then he inquired
+sharply:
+
+“Well, sirrah, what do you want?”
+
+Nat shook the rain from his hunting-shirt; then he removed his cap and
+tossed the clinging drops with a flirt out upon the floor.
+
+“I don’t think,” replied he, after a pause of some length, during which
+he smilingly studied the growing fury in the big man’s face, “that is
+any affair of yours.”
+
+For a moment it seemed as though the Tory would leap upon him and
+strike him down. But perhaps it was the stalwart, strongly-made figure
+with its wide shoulders and arching chest that gave him second thought.
+At any rate, he stood and glared; and Nat, as though he had not noticed
+his anger, advanced quietly toward him.
+
+“Gentlemen,” spoke he, courteously, to the men about the fireplace, “if
+you could make room for me, I’d be extremely obliged to you.”
+
+Whether it was the calm, indifferent manner of the lad, or something
+that they expected of Royce that made them act as they did, it would
+be difficult to say; at any rate, they drew silently away toward the
+settees and chairs at the side, leaving the fireplace to Nat, while
+Royce stood inspecting him, enraged, but mute.
+
+Finally the man found his tongue once more; but instead of bursting
+out in a blaze of wrath, as all no doubt expected him to do, he spoke
+quietly enough.
+
+“It seems to me,” he said, “that you are rather forward and plain
+spoken for one of your age.”
+
+There was a sneer in his voice and a look in his eye that were
+infinitely more dangerous than his vented fury could be. Nevertheless,
+Nat spread the dripping fringe of his hunting-shirt to the blaze and
+answered him, smilingly:
+
+“In my part of the country we grow rather quickly, as I suppose people
+do in most wild places. So if you find me rather beyond my years, I beg
+of you, sir, to lay it to that.”
+
+In spite of Nat’s seeming carelessness, he was keenly watching all that
+went on about him. For the first time he noticed the air and dress of
+those who made up the Tory party; and for all the slim acquaintance
+with the section, he knew at once that the men did not belong in or
+about Philadelphia. Another thing: The queer face of the Porcupine was
+pressed inquiringly against the streaming panes of a side window; and
+beside and above it were those of a number of stable hands, who were
+frowning belligerently at the unconscious loyalists. At the sight a
+quick understanding of the situation came to Nat and he smiled once
+more.
+
+“I see,” thought he, “that the Porcupine was quite right when he said
+that he was used to prowling about and might be of service outdoors.
+Those fellows look hardy and courageous; and I’ll need them before
+long, if I’m not mistaken in my reading of the face of Master Royce.”
+
+“And where,” inquired the latter, who had been studying the young
+mountaineer in silence after his last reply, “where might that
+wonderful region be?”
+
+“In the north,” answered Nat. And as he spoke the words, the saying
+of old Stephen Comegies came to him like a flash. “In the north,” he
+repeated, “where I think,” waving his hands toward the others, “most of
+your friends are from.”
+
+Watching, he saw Royce suddenly catch his breath; also there was a
+quick stir among the other Tories; some of them even came to their feet.
+
+“You are a lad of remarkable observation,” spoke Royce, after an
+amazed pause. “But don’t you think it as well not to see too much?” a
+different note creeping into his voice--a note that at once challenged
+Nat’s attention.
+
+“I don’t know,” replied the boy, with the same undisturbed air as
+before. “A good outlook is not a bad thing to have; indeed, I’ve found
+it of distinct advantage more than once.”
+
+“Unless I am greatly mistaken,” said Royce, “this will not be one
+of the times.” He advanced until he was within arm’s length of Nat,
+then resumed: “I asked you, when you first came into this place, what
+you wanted. The inquiry was made simply because your presence was
+undesirable.”
+
+“I think I understand,” replied the boy, easily enough. “Persons who
+have particular and urgent business don’t like to be intruded upon.”
+
+“I’m going to ask the same question now,” continued Royce, his jaw set
+in a grim way, “and this time I want a plain, straightforward answer.”
+
+“The night is wet,” said Nat. “I have ridden quite some distance. And
+the lights of an inn are always particularly attractive at such a
+time.”
+
+With a snarling sound the man made a clutch at the boy’s throat; but
+Nat, with a light, quick movement, evaded him. Then he in turn shot
+out his hand and gripped the Tory by the wrist. Though not much over
+seventeen, Nat was as large as most men and stronger than a great many,
+as Royce at once discovered. The clutch upon the wrist was like iron,
+and with a quick whirl, the young mountaineer spun the man around.
+
+“It would be as well, sir,” said he, “not to lose your temper. It will
+hardly do you any good, and may result in doing you considerable harm.”
+
+In weight the Tory was greatly the young mountaineer’s superior. But
+his bulk was soft, flabby, untrained and his breath scant. On the other
+hand, Nat was hard, supple and swift, with wind and endurance that
+would carry him far.
+
+What a struggle between them would have resulted in was still to remain
+in doubt; for a quick, forward movement of the followers of Royce
+caused Nat to let go and step back, his hand going to the butt of Mr.
+Chew’s pistol. However, there was no need of immediate alarm, for the
+men, while their attitudes toward him lacked nothing in hostility,
+seemed to have something else in mind. They whispered and argued with
+Royce, holding his arms. He began by struggling and storming at them
+and demanding that they set him free that he might chastise Nat for his
+impudence in resisting. But in a few moments he calmed wonderfully.
+
+“You are right,” said he, quietly enough. “We have more important
+matters to carry out. Gentlemen, I beg your pardon. I’m afraid I have
+not kept my temper very well, and have risked compromising our errand.”
+He shook himself like a great dog; turning once more to Nat, he said:
+
+“I’ll see to you in a few moments, my lad, if you’ve the courage to
+remain.”
+
+“I shall be at your service whenever you are disposed to take the
+matter up,” replied the youth from the Wyoming.
+
+Royce addressed the little innkeeper, who had remained a silent
+spectator of all that had passed.
+
+“Now,” said he, coldly, “let us have that door open,” indicating a door
+that apparently led into another of the inn’s public rooms. “And let
+there be no further delay about it.”
+
+“But, my good sir,” protested the frightened little man, “this is a
+much more comfortable room. It’s larger and more airy.”
+
+Without more ado, Royce threw him aside, for the man stood between him
+and the door.
+
+“Stand out of the way,” growled he. “I’ll save you the trouble by
+opening it myself.”
+
+His hand was upon the knob and he was about to throw the door open,
+when a clear voice cried:
+
+“Wait!”
+
+Royce and the others turned their heads, startled by the suddenness and
+sharpness of the command. Nat Brewster stood upon the hearth facing
+them, and plain in view of all was a long-barreled, shining pistol.
+
+“Before you intrude yourselves upon those people within here,” said the
+lad, firmly, “let us have another word together, Mr. Royce.”
+
+At the sound of his name the man started, and he and his followers
+exchanged looks of wonder.
+
+“Yes,” went on Nat, “I know your name; and more than that, I know
+why you are here to-night. Also, if it’s any pleasure for you to be
+acquainted with the fact, I know why Mr. Dimisdale and some others hold
+the ferry landing across the river; why a certain cobbler awaited you
+in a barge and why a British ship is anchored near the mouth of the
+Schuylkill.”
+
+Open-eyed, the Tories gazed at the daring boy; while Nat laid the long
+barrel of the heavy pistol in the hollow of his left arm and regarded
+their amazement amusedly.
+
+“And you’ve come here alone to tell us that?” asked Royce grimly.
+
+“Not altogether,” replied Nat. “I have this,” and he held up his
+weapon. “You may depend upon its being a serviceable arm, for it is
+the property of Mr. Chew. Also,” with a laugh, “I have some small
+reinforcement without.”
+
+Almost as he spoke, the main door swung open and across the threshold,
+bearing uncouth but effective looking weapons, trooped a half score of
+stablemen and farm laborers. With them was the Porcupine, rain-soaked
+and with his stiff crest bristling with excitement.
+
+[Illustration: “_I ASK YOUR PARDON, MR. WASHINGTON_”]
+
+“There they are!” squeaked the dwarf. “Stand to them, men!” And
+pointing to the innkeeper, who was just rising from the floor, he
+added, “Shall they do as they like? See how they have misused the
+landlord.”
+
+The newcomers gripped their blunderbusses, scythes and bludgeons
+tightly and were preparing for a rush upon the Tories, when the door
+which Royce had been about to open was thrown back and a tall, superbly
+made man stepped into the room. For an instant his steady eyes swept
+the apartment; the sight of drawn weapons seemed to occasion him no
+surprise; he merely turned to the trembling landlord and said:
+
+“Sir, you said your inn was a quiet one, and that we would not be
+disturbed.”
+
+“I ask your pardon, Mr. Washington,” said the frightened host. “Nothing
+like this has ever taken place in my house before. I regret it
+exceedingly, sir, indeed I do.”
+
+As Mr. Washington once more directed his steady gaze at the Tories and
+stablemen, Nat addressed him quietly.
+
+“I think, sir,” said he, “that the disturbance is about over. This
+gentleman,” and he bowed to Royce, who stood, a picture of baffled
+fury, at one side, “has about discovered that he’s made a mistake.
+At any rate, he and his friends will intrude no longer, as I think
+the landlord objects to their presence.” He paused and waved his hand
+toward the door leading to the road in a gesture that was both an
+invitation and a command. “The rain, I see, has somewhat slackened, Mr.
+Royce,” he proceeded, “and you will no doubt find your horses rested
+and ready.”
+
+There was a short silence. Then Royce, who had evidently no desire for
+a struggle with the hardy workmen who faced him, made a sign to his
+followers, and with never a word they strode out into the night, the
+inn people close at their heels.
+
+And while the sounds of mounting and the jeers of the onlookers came
+from without, Nat Brewster stood upon the hearthstone before the
+log fire and explained the situation to the grave, attentive Mr.
+Washington.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+TELLS HOW THINGS BEGAN TO LOOK BAD FOR EZRA PRENTISS
+
+
+It was almost afternoon on the following day when Nat Brewster and the
+Porcupine reached Germantown once more.
+
+“And now,” said Nat, with a grimace, “what are we going to do with the
+horses?”
+
+“We can dismount just above here,” answered the ready Porcupine. “I’ll
+lead them down the lane to a field that belongs to Mr. Chew, take down
+the bars and drive them in.”
+
+“Excellent,” said Nat. “It couldn’t be better.”
+
+Accordingly they dismounted when they came to the lane; the dwarf took
+the bridles and prepared to carry out his plan; but before starting he
+turned his head and said:
+
+“I suppose I’ll see you again some time, eh?”
+
+Nat went to him, took him by the shoulders and looked down into his
+queer, round face.
+
+“You’re not very big,” said he, “but you’ve got courage and brains. And
+I thank you for what you’ve done.”
+
+“Oh, never mind that,” grinned the Porcupine. “I was thanked enough
+last night. The hostlers thanked me for telling them about how Master
+Royce and his friends were bullying the landlord; and the landlord
+thanked me for bringing the hostlers in. And then the gentlemen from
+Virginia thanked me for the other thing.” He paused and looked up at
+Nat with shrewd inquiry. “And so Mr. Washington won’t want us to tell
+any one about the real reason for the Tories being at the inn?”
+
+“No,” replied Nat. “He thinks that it would arouse indignation, and
+maybe bring on some sort of an attack by the Congress party. He says it
+is best to have nothing of the sort now, for they have not yet given up
+hope of bringing all Americans together in their protests to the king.”
+
+When Nat reached the Cooper place he found that his absence had
+occasioned considerable alarm. But he led his uncle and Ben quietly
+aside and explained the business that took him away. To say that they
+were surprised would be putting it mildly.
+
+“It was a clever and a dangerous plan,” said Mr. Cooper, gravely. “It
+would seem that men were brought from some point to the north so that
+they would not be known in this neighborhood. But,” with a laugh,
+“there were by far too many in the secret. It is not safe to tell
+anything of importance to such rabid partisans as Stephen Comegies; for
+the moment they lose their tempers, the truth comes out.”
+
+“There’s one thing,” said Ben, “that pleases me most of all--of course,
+after seeing the members from Virginia safe,” hastily. “And that is
+that some one else has seen the good qualities of that little imp, the
+Porcupine. I’ve always contended that he was a faithful and an honest
+boy; but I could get few to believe me.”
+
+A little later the two lads were alone pacing up and down the lawn
+discussing the features of Nat’s adventure. All the time--though
+he said nothing of it--one thought filled the mind of the boy from
+Wyoming, and that was as to Ben’s friend, Ezra Prentiss. In relating
+his experiences he had not mentioned this name, for he had not seen a
+way to bring it naturally about.
+
+“I must not hurt Ben by letting him see that I am suspicious,” he
+thought. “The suspicions are foolish and absurd, of course. It could
+not have been the same person, for while I was talking to one Prentiss
+at the lower ferry, Ben was no doubt talking to the other at the City
+Tavern.”
+
+“I tell you, it’s all very wonderful here,” said Ben, “and if I’d
+thought there was going to be any such work, I’d never have ridden to
+the city as I did.”
+
+Nat laughed.
+
+“I saw only three members of the Congress,” said he, “while at the City
+Tavern I suppose you saw a great many.”
+
+But Ben grumbled.
+
+“Oh, yes, I saw quite a few,” said he. “But I didn’t see Ezra.”
+
+Nat darted a quick look at his friend.
+
+“You didn’t see him?”
+
+“No. They told me he’d been away all day. And though I waited for him
+until quite late in the night, he did not return.”
+
+As he said this Ben chanced to look up and caught the look that flashed
+into his cousin’s face.
+
+“What is it?” he asked wonderingly.
+
+“Oh, nothing,” replied Nat, quickly recovering from the shock which
+Ben’s news had given him. “I was thinking it rather strange, that’s
+all.”
+
+“I suppose he must have had some urgent business,” Ben hastened to say
+in defence of his friend. “Though it must have been a private affair,”
+he added; “for I made bold to stop Mr. John Adams and make inquiries.
+Mr. Adams was much put out about Ezra’s absence, for it seems that he
+had gone off without warning. And, apparently, it had not been the
+first time. It seems that Ezra had left them much the same way on the
+road between Bristol and the city.”
+
+Once more a quick shock ran through Nat, for he distinctly recalled the
+words of Dimisdale and Royce. But this time he hid his feelings and
+after a little thought asked:
+
+“When will you be riding into town again?”
+
+“Perhaps to-morrow.”
+
+“Then I’ll bear you company,” said Nat, quietly.
+
+Nat spent the greater part of what remained of the day in sleep; when
+he awoke, evening was settling down once more; and as he dressed he
+thought of the events of the preceding night.
+
+“It was all queer enough and unexpected enough,” thought he. “But there
+is no part of it that has the same surprising qualities as the part
+played by this boy Prentiss.”
+
+He stood for some time at the window thoughtfully, looking across the
+fields and woods toward Cliveden. In his mind he drew up a résumé of
+the entire matter where it concerned Ben’s New England friend.
+
+“First Ben tells me that he has such a friend,” thought Nat. “Then
+I learn he’s strong for the rights of the colonies and against the
+king’s ministers. Third, we find that he’s unexpectedly arrived at
+Philadelphia with Samuel and John Adams.” There was a break in the
+marshaling of the facts at this point. “All these I hear through Ben,”
+proceeded Nat. “But now let me come to the things that I got from other
+sources. First, I heard Royce and Dimisdale say that the idea of the
+proposed kidnapping had been given them by a youth named Prentiss,
+and I was struck by the similarity of the names. However, that was
+slight cause for suspicion, for there must be many persons of that
+name. Then I hear the same men say that the youth is from New England,
+and that he has ridden on ahead of the gentlemen who were coming to
+attend the Congress, that he might have them taken. Third, I hear of
+the plot against the Virginians, and see the youth himself, though in
+the shadow. Then I meet him at the ferry landing in the night; and
+afterward the cobbler tells me that he’s engaged a barge which I knew
+was to carry the prisoners to some English ship.”
+
+Again and again the lad went over this ground; but the result was
+always the same.
+
+“It looks like positive evidence against him,” he thought. “But it all
+could be cleared up at one stroke if he had met Ben in the city last
+night. His failure to do that, and the fact that he had been gone all
+day, seems to clinch the matter, so far as I can see. Also, there is
+the circumstance of his mysteriously leaving his employers upon the
+road to Philadelphia. It seems to me that no amount of reasoning can
+get beyond that.”
+
+After making up his mind to this, Nat Brewster descended to the floor.
+
+He ate his supper in silence. At different times his uncle or Ben
+addressed remarks to him, but his answers were brief. Even his aunt
+noticed it.
+
+“Are you not well?” she asked, solicitously, of him.
+
+“Oh, yes,” said Nat; “there is nothing wrong with me, aunt, thank you.”
+
+“The dampness of the night air is apt to be bad for growing boys,” said
+the good lady, wisely; and her husband laughed.
+
+“If Nat is still growing,” said he, surveying his nephew’s breadth of
+shoulder, “I don’t know what he’ll look like by the time he’s done.
+We’ll have a giant on our hands, perhaps.”
+
+During the evening Nat continued thoughtful. A dozen times he was
+tempted to speak to Ben regarding his suspicions, but each time he
+checked himself.
+
+“It is just possible that it was not the same boy,” thought he. “And
+though I don’t expect to find it so, still I’d better wait; something
+may turn up that will convince me beyond a doubt, one way or another.”
+
+And so, directly after breakfast on the following day, they saddled
+their horses to go into town. Molly was in great spirits, champing
+her bit and pawing at the stones in the yard. Nat’s steed was a tall,
+raw-boned black with a hard mouth and an uncertain temper; but the
+young mountaineer was accustomed to such, and got the beast ready,
+never giving a thought to his evil qualities. A brisk gallop through
+the sunlit morning brought them to the nearer suburbs; then at an
+easier pace they entered the city itself.
+
+Philadelphia at that time was the largest and most important city
+of the colonies. Its population was timid in regards to throwing a
+challenge into the teeth of the British ministry, and were for a
+continuance of the petitioning that had been going on for so long. The
+fierce resentment of the people of Massachusetts excited alarm in the
+City of Brotherly Love; it, too, desired to be free, but it wanted to
+go about the work in a more Quaker-like fashion.
+
+However, in spite of this decided feeling of conservatism, the
+gathering of the first Congress had stirred up considerable spirit in
+the town, and as the two lads rode through the streets they noted a
+movement and a pent-up excitement that were unusual.
+
+This was especially the case at the hostelry called the “City Tavern.”
+Here men crowded the entrances engaged in excited discussion; others
+sat upon the heavy benches outside the door and talked heatedly upon
+the great event that was in a few days to befall the colonies. As the
+boys got down and gave their horses into the care of a stableman, they
+caught some fragments of one of these debates and stopped to listen.
+
+A red-faced personage with a wart upon his nose and holding a huge
+knotted stick, which he pounded upon the pavement when he desired to
+emphasize his remarks, was talking to a mild-looking man whose peaked
+features gave him a solemn look.
+
+“How,” demanded the red-faced man, “can the protests of the colonies be
+heard if the people don’t unite their voices as they propose to do in
+this Congress?”
+
+“But,” replied the peaked man, “the king is short of temper: he may
+resent such a step.”
+
+The red-faced man grew redder still.
+
+“Let him,” said he, heatedly. “And much good it will do him. The people
+are aroused; they have stood as much of this kind of thing as they are
+going to. It must stop, sir! It must stop!”
+
+“But,” protested the mild-looking man, “suppose it does not stop?”
+
+“In that event, sir, we will carry it further. These colonies wore
+not settled for the purpose of bringing gain to British merchants and
+revenue to the treasury at London. No, sir! They were settled that the
+settlers might be free to conduct their own affairs as they saw best.”
+
+“But the king, the parliament, the ministry----” began the peaked man,
+but the other stopped him with a snort.
+
+“The king,” said the red-faced man, “is a stubborn, ignorant old
+meddler; the parliament, with the exception of Pitt and a few others,
+are a parcel of incompetents, and the ministry might well change places
+with the clerks to the advantage of the empire!”
+
+Warming up to his subject, and keeping his stick beating a tattoo upon
+the red brick pavement, the speaker went on:
+
+“Look at the governors they send us, sir! What imbeciles! They’ve
+tried to take away the charters of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and
+my own colony of Connecticut. They talk of establishing a peerage in
+America with lords and earls and dukes, as grand as you please. Our
+officers and men wrested the country from the French, but they are held
+in contempt by the British. An English captain outranks an American
+colonel. Our workmen are forbidden to make the nails that go into
+the shoes of their horses; iron manufacturing is declared a common
+nuisance; a hatter in one colony is forbidden to sell his hats in
+another, and is permitted to have only two apprentices.”
+
+“It is a difficult thing to bear these restrictions upon the country’s
+natural trade,” said the mild-looking man, his long face growing
+more solemn. “But if the matter were placed properly before the king,
+perhaps he would see things in a different light.”
+
+“He will never see them in any light but the one in which he now sees
+them,” declared the red-faced man, positively. “The British tradesmen
+have the government under their thumbs; they fear the competition of
+America and seek to make it dependent upon them for everything. Did
+they not drive Pitt out of office because he was disposed to do us
+something like justice?
+
+“Then there were their writs of assistance, as they called them,”
+proceeded the speaker, seeing that the peaked man was not disposed to
+answer. “Any ruffian in the British service could break into a man’s
+house and ransack it from roof to cellar; and we were not supposed to
+object. And even this was not enough. They must needs saddle us with
+the Stamp Act. No deed of sale or any other legal paper could be made
+out unless drawn upon stamped paper that cost anywhere from threepence
+to six pounds. Then they clapped the tea tax upon us and sent an army
+into Boston because it was resisted.”
+
+“There was a great waste of a very profitable article when they threw
+those cargoes of tea into Massachusetts Bay,” said the mild man,
+regretfully. “I have often thought that they could have put their
+objection into another form.”
+
+“Be that as it may,” and the other smiled grimly, “it’s closed the
+port of Boston as tight as wax, ruined its merchants and placed its
+population upon the verge of starvation.”
+
+At this point in the discussion the two boys moved away toward the door
+of the inn.
+
+“I noticed when I was here the other day that the New Englanders were
+the most determined and outspoken in this matter,” said Ben Cooper.
+
+“That’s because the greater part of the oppression has so far fallen
+upon them,” replied Nat, wisely. “I think you’ll find that the other
+colonies will be in no way backward when the time comes to act.”
+
+Once within the inn, Ben inquired for Ezra Prentiss.
+
+“He’s in the coffee-room, I think,” answered the person asked. “Just
+walk in.”
+
+There was quite a crush of men at the coffee-room door; and as the two
+friends were slowly making their way through it, a ringing, pleasant
+laugh fell upon their ears. Nat started at the sound and caught his
+breath. Like a flash, the laugh brought back the experience at the
+ferry landing; in every quality and every tone it was similar to that
+of the boy who had spoken to him from the darkness.
+
+“Did you hear that?” asked Ben, and his cousin saw that he was smiling.
+“That’s Ezra Prentiss as sure as you live!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+NAT BREWSTER FINDS MORE PROOF
+
+
+The coffee-room was thronged; men sat and stood about as they did in
+the other rooms; here and there at tables parties were at breakfast;
+there was also a great comparing of papers and much secret conversing
+in out-of-the-way corners.
+
+No sooner had Ben and Nat entered than a merry voice called:
+
+“Ben Cooper!”
+
+Then a hand struck the owner of that name a most tremendous whack
+upon the back; and turning, Ben found himself face to face with his
+schoolmate from New England.
+
+While the two were shaking hands in great delight, and laughing and
+greeting each other, Nat Brewster’s keen eyes were traveling over
+Ezra Prentiss for any distinctive qualities that would confirm his
+suspicions.
+
+“The height is about the same,” he told himself, “as near as I can
+judge. However, the one was sitting a horse and this one is standing
+upon his legs. The general build is also, I think, the same, though of
+course I saw one in the shadow, or at best, the dim light of a candle,
+and now see the other in the full flood of the morning. There is a good
+chance that I may be mistaken in both these things. But in the laugh,”
+and Nat’s eyes showed how sure he was, “I cannot be mistaken. It’s the
+same. I could tell it anywhere and any time I heard it.”
+
+The boy from the mountains was still deep in his reflections when Ben
+turned to him quickly, saying:
+
+“Pardon me, Nat, for forgetting you. But I don’t see old friends like
+Ezra every day, you see.” Then addressing the latter he said: “This is
+my cousin, Nat Brewster--Nat, this is the friend of whom you’ve heard
+me talk so much about--Ezra Prentiss.”
+
+Ezra’s eyes ran over Nat’s stalwart figure in great admiration as they
+shook hands.
+
+“I say,” said he to Ben, “here’s the chap we should have had at the
+Academy. He could have put Bully Harvey’s shoulders upon the floor if
+any one could.”
+
+They sat down at a window opening upon the tavern yard. The two school
+friends soon fell to rattling away about old experiences and friends;
+Nat listened and studied the newcomer closely.
+
+“The cobbler near the river said that the boy who engaged his boat had
+an honest look and a merry laugh. So has this one,” as Ezra Prentiss’
+laugh once more filled the coffee-room and an expression of boyish glee
+crossed his face at something Ben was saying. “I never saw any one look
+more honest or more worthy of confidence. And yet----”
+
+Nat, try as he would, could not get beyond the facts as he saw them.
+There was great cause to suspect the young New Englander; but, still,
+there was also something about him that made such thoughts of him seem
+unjust and ridiculous.
+
+Frankness itself was in his eyes, and his face was thoughtful looking
+even with its merry expression. He was rather taller than Ben Cooper
+and a trifle slimmer; but his frame was well knit and strong. He
+talked rapidly and with great spirit; his hands constantly gestured to
+point his remarks, and his white teeth shone in an ever ready smile.
+
+Nat joined in the talk readily enough when it touched upon subjects of
+which he had any acquaintance.
+
+“But,” said Ezra, at length, “it’s rather close here--don’t you think
+so? Let’s go outside. There’ll not only be more air, but more to
+interest us.”
+
+With that they arose and made their way to the street.
+
+“I never saw such throngs before,” said Ben, his wondering eyes taking
+in the loitering people. “It must be that the entire town is out to
+greet the strangers.”
+
+“It’s the first time, I suppose, that so many have visited a colonial
+city at one time,” said Ezra. “And the fact that they are from twelve
+different provinces makes the occasion all the more remarkable.”
+
+Just then two horsemen rode out of the inn yard; Ezra grasped Nat’s arm
+eagerly.
+
+“Look,” said he, pointing to the riders. “There is Patrick Henry, who
+made that great speech before the Virginia Assembly, and Colonel
+Washington, who saved Braddock’s army from destruction in the
+wilderness.”
+
+Ben Cooper gazed at those two famous colonists with the utmost
+interest. In Mr. Henry he saw a tall man with bent shoulders and a
+strong face; in Washington, the athletic figure and calm, powerful
+personality that impressed every one who saw him. As the two rode by
+the place where the boys were standing they noted Mr. Washington say
+something to his companion in a quick undertone. The latter turned his
+head with a look of interest and then both saluted Nat Brewster gravely.
+
+As the statesmen proceeded down the street, Ezra Prentiss looked at the
+young mountaineer in surprise.
+
+“Why, they seem to know you,” exclaimed he.
+
+Ben laughed at this; he was about to speak, when he felt Nat secretly
+tug at the skirt of his coat. Discreetly he kept silent.
+
+“Yes,” replied Nat quietly to Ezra. “I have a slight acquaintance with
+the gentlemen.”
+
+Ezra smiled at the tone used by his new acquaintance.
+
+“I thought I was going to have the pleasure of pointing out all the
+notables,” said he. “But I’m afraid now that I’m not.” Then with a
+quick glance of interest, he added, “Do you know any of the other
+members of the Congress?”
+
+“Mr. Pendleton only,” replied Nat.
+
+At this he saw Ezra start; he also caught a distinct change of
+expression. But a moment later it was gone, and the youth from
+Massachusetts Bay laughed gaily.
+
+“Good,” said he, “I’m not to be denied my right after all. See there
+at the window,” pointing to a small, earnest group. “They are the two
+Rutledges and Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina.”
+
+A venerable man, with snowy hair, and a tall, grave-faced gentleman
+stood near the front door.
+
+“The eldest is Mr. Hopkins of Rhode Island, and the other is Roger
+Sherman of Connecticut. And that man farther on, with the fine
+high-bred face, is John Jay of New York; with him are my two patrons,
+the brothers Adams.”
+
+“Which is which?” asked Ben, eagerly, for the fame of the great
+Bostonians made them persons to be asked after.
+
+“Can you not tell that by simply looking at them?” asked Ezra with a
+laugh. “John is the shorter and the plumper of the two. He’s the great
+debater and brilliant lawyer. But Samuel is the grimmest fighter; look
+at his stern, deeply-lined face and sombre manner. He has not the ready
+flood of eloquence of John, though he can speak straight to the point
+when need be. But it is his nature to be of the silent and relentless
+kind--and I think in the long run he’s the most to be dreaded by the
+British ministers.”
+
+They talked for some time about the eminent persons who were gathered
+around the inn in small parties, preparing for the event which was to
+prove so important for the nation. At length Ezra, who had every now
+and then stolen an odd, questioning look at Nat Brewster, said to him:
+
+“Have you known the members from Virginia for any length of time?”
+
+“No,” replied Nat, briefly.
+
+Ben was too much interested in looking about him to pay any attention
+to what his companions were saying. There was a short pause, and Ezra,
+with an assumption of carelessness that did not escape Nat, said:
+
+“You’ve been something of a traveler then?”
+
+But Nat shook his head.
+
+“Except for one journey into York State, I’ve kept pretty close to the
+Wyoming valley all my life,” he replied.
+
+Ezra looked puzzled. That he would like to have asked a great many
+questions was plain; but that there was something that kept him from
+doing so, was equally evident.
+
+“It seems to me,” and the boy from New England smiled as he said
+it, “that your acquaintance with Mr. Washington and his comrades is
+somewhat mysterious.”
+
+“Oh, no,” replied Nat. “It happened that I was able to be of service to
+them a night or two ago. That is how I came to make their acquaintance.”
+
+For a moment Ezra gazed steadily into the speaker’s face.
+
+“A few nights ago,” said he, an odd note in his voice.
+
+“Yes,” returned Nat, calmly. “It was rather an urgently needed service;
+and it just happened that I was at hand to render it.”
+
+There was another pause, and then Ezra spoke again, this time very
+quietly.
+
+“Such things are sometimes long remembered,” said he.
+
+Nat nodded.
+
+“And some people,” went on Ezra Prentiss, in the same quiet way,
+“remember them to advantage.” Seeing Nat’s questioning look he added:
+“I mean that there are certain dispositions that take great pleasure in
+rewarding a good deed--and others that take equal pleasure in repaying
+an evil one.”
+
+“I suppose there are,” replied Nat, his eyes never leaving the face of
+the other. “But,” with a laugh, “the doer of good deeds can rest in
+peace; and the other--well, he can only be watchful.”
+
+As these last words were being spoken Ben Cooper turned. And now he
+broke in upon them with a grin.
+
+“I say,” spoke he, “what are you two mumbling away about? And you’re
+staring at each other like a couple of owls.”
+
+In an instant Ezra’s face took on its usual expression of good humor.
+
+“Don’t criticise us,” said he laughingly. “You should see yourself.
+Your eyes have grown so goggled through looking at so many great men
+that it’s a wonder they don’t pop out on the ground.”
+
+All through the day Nat Brewster watched Ezra Prentiss when he got the
+opportunity; and deeper and deeper grew his impression that beneath the
+merry laugh and ready good humor there was a hidden something that must
+not see the light.
+
+“It’s a fear,” thought the young mountaineer, as he and Ben mounted
+their horses late in the afternoon and waved their hands to Ezra. “It’s
+a fear. And, perhaps, a fear that he may be shown to be a traitor to
+the cause of the colonies!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+WHAT THE PORCUPINE SAW AT CHEW HOUSE
+
+
+During the days that followed, Nat Brewster saw a great deal of Ezra
+Prentiss. One day the latter would ride to Germantown. On the next,
+perhaps, the cousins would go into the city.
+
+On September 5th, the Congress met for the first time, at Carpenter’s
+Hall, with Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, as its president and with
+representatives present from every colony except Georgia.
+
+On the very next day, the famous Suffolk resolves were passed at
+Milton, Massachusetts; on the 17th a rider arrived in Philadelphia
+bearing a copy of this document to the Congress, and when a hint of the
+radical nature of the resolutions became known, the city was in a state
+of feverish suspense.
+
+It happened that Ezra Prentiss had spent the preceding night at the
+Cooper place; and that day Ben and Nat rode in company with him into
+the city. As they dismounted in the yard of the City Tavern, Ezra
+noticed a well-made, good-natured looking man of middle age rubbing
+away at a powerful bay horse.
+
+“What!” exclaimed the young New Englander. “Is it possible that it is
+Mr. Revere?”
+
+The man paused in his rubbing and looked up. As he caught sight of
+Ezra, a cheery smile overspread his face.
+
+“Why bless my heart and body!” cried he, “it’s young Ezra Prentiss, as
+large as life!”
+
+Ezra hastened forward to shake hands with the speaker. A hostler who
+took Nat’s mount said in a low tone, in which there was considerable
+respect:
+
+“It’s the rider of the Suffolk Convention. He’s made the trip from
+Boston in six days.”
+
+“I don’t wonder at it,” put in another one of the inn’s people who
+stood idly by, chewing at a long straw. “That’s a remarkable animal
+he’s got there.”
+
+“And he’s sure that it will get proper attention,” grinned the first
+speaker, “for he won’t let any one put a hand upon it but himself.”
+
+Here Ezra called to his companions and introduced them to the despatch
+bearer.
+
+“I’m glad to make your acquaintance, young gentlemen,” said he in a
+bluff, sincere way. “If you’re friends of Ezra, I know you’re friends
+of the colonies; and I want all such to be friends of mine.” He paused
+a moment and surveyed them carefully. “Are you Sons of Liberty?” he
+inquired.
+
+“I am,” replied Ben promptly, “and so is my father.”
+
+“The society has not yet reached the back settlements,” smiled Nat. “So
+I am not yet a member. But I hope to be before long.”
+
+“Good,” said Paul Revere, clapping him upon the back. “Every true
+American should be one of us. We are united in hating tyranny and
+defying our oppressors.”
+
+After the speaker had seen his steed properly cared for and given
+particular instructions as to how he should be fed, he went with the
+boys into the inn.
+
+“I gave my papers to Samuel Adams,” said he to Ezra; “and even now
+the Congress is reading them. And when their contents get out,”
+rubbing his strong hands together and laughing gleefully, “there will
+be some excitement, I can tell you, young gentlemen; for Dr. Warren,
+who offered the resolves to the Suffolk delegates, does not mince his
+words.”
+
+They sat in the coffee-room talking to Revere while he awaited the
+return of Samuel Adams from Carpenter’s Hall. He seemed deep in the
+movement that was then convulsing the colonies; every turn was familiar
+to him; every New Englander who figured conspicuously he could call
+readily by name.
+
+“But,” said he at length, “let me show you some little things that have
+been thought to hit off the situation.”
+
+He produced as he spoke a number of prints from his saddle-bag, which
+he had carried into the coffee-room, and with honest pride, began to
+point out their qualities.
+
+“There is nothing like putting a thing before the people in a way
+they’ll understand,” said he. “And that is the intention of all my
+work.”
+
+“You are an artist then, Mr. Revere?” said Nat, inquiringly.
+
+The man smiled and waved his hand.
+
+“Not much of a one, as the pictures themselves will tell you,” answered
+he. “I’m merely an engraver of copper plates. This one,” indicating
+a particular print, “shows the bloody massacre which took place in
+King Street, Boston, four years ago. You’ve heard how a party of the
+Twenty-ninth Regiment shot down a number of honest people, I feel sure.
+This one,” showing still another print, “of the Dragon, met with quite
+a little success at Boston and other cities.”
+
+One by one he displayed the quaint pictures and proudly read the
+pompous verses which were printed on the margin of each.
+
+“The poems I wrote myself,” stated he, “and while they may not be of
+the best, still I take credit for them because I am no great scholar.
+I had to give up school over soon to go into my father’s shop to learn
+the trade of gold and silversmith.”
+
+“Then you were not brought up an engraver,” said Ben.
+
+“No. But, though I do say it myself, I soon showed some art in
+fashioning ewers, tankards, brasiers and mugs; and it is no great step
+from that to the copper plate. However,” and Revere smiled, “I have
+not kept myself altogether to such work. When trade was dull I took up
+other matters that would be of service to the public, and incidentally,
+to myself.”
+
+“I’ve heard tell that you once were a dentist,” spoke Ezra.
+
+“A sort of one,” replied the man. “At least as much as John Baker, the
+surgeon dentist, could make of me in a short time. When I had my shop
+at the head of Dr. Clark’s wharf,” to the other two, “I made very good
+teeth for those persons who were so unfortunate as to lose their own.
+Sometimes the best in the city resorted to me. Once I set a molar for
+Dr. Warren himself, and he has ever since declared it even better than
+the natural one.”
+
+They were still engaged with this versatile craftsman when a porter
+came into the coffee-room and approached them. Addressing Revere, he
+said:
+
+“Mr. Adams has returned and is inquiring for you, sir.”
+
+Revere arose with alacrity.
+
+“Where is he?” asked he.
+
+But at that moment Samuel Adams, an exultant light in his stern eyes,
+entered the apartment.
+
+“Ah, Revere,” said he, “I was this moment seeking you.”
+
+“Something has been done!” cried Revere. “I can see it in your face.”
+
+“The resolutions of the citizens of the county of Suffolk have been
+read to Congress,” replied Mr. Adams, “and have been received with the
+utmost approval. Even now an answering paper is being drawn up and will
+be passed upon at our earliest opportunity.”
+
+“And you will commission me to carry it back to Boston!” cried Revere,
+eagerly.
+
+“To be sure. There is no one I would trust farther--unless, indeed, it
+were Ezra,” and he laid his hand upon the lad’s shoulder.
+
+“Well,” laughed Revere, “I’ll not be jealous of him, for I know that
+he’s served both the cause and yourself well. He’s only a lad, but
+many men might well be proud of the work he’s done for the colonies!”
+
+“I think,” here spoke Ezra, “that you are both inclined to overestimate
+anything that I have done. Every one has his opportunities, and it is
+only his duty that he should accept them as they come to him.”
+
+They were still talking in this strain, and Nat Brewster was listening
+wonderingly, when the porter, who was lingering in the room, touched
+him upon the arm.
+
+“Are you Mr. Brewster?” he asked.
+
+“Yes,” replied Nat.
+
+“There is a boy been asking for you--rather an odd sort. He’s outside.
+Shall I call him in?”
+
+The porter’s words at once suggested the Porcupine to Nat.
+
+“But what in the world is he doing here?” he thought. Then to the man
+he said: “I’ll go out to him.”
+
+As he turned away from the group in the coffee-room he noted that
+the hand of Samuel Adams still rested upon Ezra Prentiss’ shoulder.
+The whole attitude of the statesman and that of Paul Revere were of
+perfect trust and confidence in the boy; apparently they would not
+hesitate to place their most cherished projects in his keeping.
+
+“I can’t understand it,” thought Nat. “I can’t, no matter how I try.
+Samuel Adams is not a trustful man; he is more apt to suspect than not.
+And Mr. Revere is not without shrewdness. Both have known Ezra for a
+long time, so it seems. They speak of him as having rendered great
+services to the cause. And, surely, they must know! It is not possible
+that he can have hoodwinked them and the many others in Boston who must
+have watched his actions.” He paused in the middle of the outer room,
+his mind filled with these reflections. “I have known him but a short
+time,” he went on, “and yet I have convinced myself that he is----”
+But here he paused and shook his head. “No,” he said aloud, “I’m not
+convinced. If I were I would not be arguing with myself in this way.”
+
+When he reached the door of the inn he found that the person inquiring
+for him was the Porcupine, as he had fancied. The dwarf was seated upon
+one of the heavy benches, whittling a stick and whistling. At sight of
+Nat he grinned widely and nodded his huge head.
+
+“What brings you here?” asked the young mountaineer, as he shook him
+warmly by the hand.
+
+He had seen the boy once or twice since their joint adventure, and had
+praised him so highly to the family that in recognition of his bravery
+Mr. Cooper had offered to employ him upon the place. But the dwarf had
+shaken his head.
+
+“I don’t want to work for nobody--steady,” he had replied. “I’d rather
+live around--just as the squirrels do.”
+
+Now he looked up at Nat and rubbed his knife blade on the palm of his
+hand.
+
+“I came to see you,” he said. “Went over to Coopers’ this morning and
+asked for you. But they said you’d come into town. And as my business
+is important,” with a renewal of the grin, “I started in after you.”
+
+“You didn’t walk!” exclaimed Nat.
+
+“Not on legs as short as these,” returned the dwarf. “It would take too
+long. I caught the carrier as he came by, and as he’s a decent fellow,
+he let me ride on top of the load.”
+
+Nat sat down beside him on the bench.
+
+“Well,” inquired he, “why did you wish to see me?”
+
+At once the face of the Porcupine lost its grin. He resumed his
+whittling of the stick and was silent for some little time. At length
+he spoke.
+
+“You’ve only known me for a little while,” he said. “Haven’t you?”
+
+“Not very long,” admitted Nat.
+
+“And of course when people don’t know other people for any length of
+time--well, they don’t put overmuch faith in them.”
+
+Nat looked at him inquiringly. But the dwarf kept his eyes upon the
+stick and trimmed it delicately with his knife point.
+
+“Go on,” said Nat.
+
+“It’s not very easy to go on,” said the Porcupine. “Sometimes there are
+things that are hard to say.”
+
+There was another pause. Nat felt that it was best to make no remarks.
+Apparently the lad had something to tell him--something that he
+thought would stretch his hearer’s credulity--and he was diffident in
+beginning.
+
+“But,” proceeded the Porcupine, at length, “it’s got to be said and I’m
+going to say it. Only, I want you to promise to believe me.”
+
+“Is it going to be as hard as all that?” said Nat, smiling.
+
+“Maybe it will be the hardest you ever heard. I wouldn’t have believed
+it myself if anybody had just told me. But I saw it. And when you see a
+thing, you must believe it.”
+
+“Yes, I suppose so,” said Nat.
+
+The dwarf here threw down the stick and placed his knife carefully
+in his pocket. Then he drew his short legs under him much after the
+posture of a Turk seated upon a rug.
+
+“It was four nights ago,” he said, “that this thing happened.”
+
+“What thing?” asked the other.
+
+“I’ll come to that in a minute,” answered the Porcupine quietly. “You
+see I’d been in to town here because I wanted to see the people that
+were being so talked about; and when I got back to Germantown it was
+late and seemed about to come on rain. There ain’t a great many places
+where I’m allowed to sleep now, but I felt sure that Mr. Cooper
+wouldn’t take it ill if I crowded into the hay-mow in his barn for the
+night.”
+
+“Why didn’t you come to the house?” said Nat. “You know they’d have
+found a bed for you.”
+
+“Oh, I don’t like to be a trouble to people. And, then, as I said, it
+was late. But anyway,” proceeded the dwarf, “I was on the main road
+near Mr. Cooper’s; so I just crawled through the fence, walked across
+the back lot, and there I was behind the barn. There’s always places
+where you can get into barns, if you know how,” grinned the boy, “and
+I was just hunting around for a door or window that had been left open
+when I heard a dog bark.
+
+“There are very few dogs ’round about Germantown that ain’t acquainted
+with me, and there’s no occasion for me to be afraid of any of them,
+for dogs never make any mistakes. But, anyhow, I stopped and listened
+because I thought there might be some one stirring.”
+
+“And there was?”
+
+“Yes, and in a very little while I knew that he was coming in my
+direction.”
+
+“Go on,” said Nat.
+
+“I couldn’t see who it was,” continued the Porcupine, “but I knew it
+was only one person by the footsteps. I heard him stop at the barn door
+and fumble with the catch for a moment. Then I heard him say:
+
+“‘Locked!’
+
+“Now this was kind of curious, so I crept quietly around the building
+on my toes. Just as I reached the corner and peeked I heard a
+tinder-box snapping, then there was a light flared up, and I saw that
+the person at the barn door was the boy who has been visiting at
+Coopers’ of late.”
+
+“Ezra Prentiss!” almost cried Nat, with a start.
+
+“Yes, that’s his name,” said the dwarf. “The hired man told it to me
+the first day I saw him around the place; and I’ve remembered it,
+because it’s not a name,” meaningly, “that I’m likely to forget.”
+
+“I see,” said Nat. Then he added quickly, “But you haven’t spoken to
+any one about his name being the same as that other?”
+
+“No,” replied the other, promptly. “I never do things like that until
+I’m sure of them.”
+
+“That’s right!” approved the young mountaineer. “And now, go on.”
+
+“The light only lasted a moment,” said the Porcupine, proceeding with
+his story. “And as it went out, I heard him say:
+
+“‘Well, I can’t open that. So I suppose I’ll have to walk.’ He was
+still for a little and then he went on: ‘But it’s not very far off. I
+can cut across the fields, and it will take me no time, if I don’t lose
+my way in the dark.’
+
+“And with that he started off,” said the Porcupine, “and, because of
+the sameness of his name with that other one, I followed him.”
+
+Nat had a feeling that somehow this was not altogether right. He
+detested spying and anything like it; but for all that, his interest
+was stimulated, as the story seemed to bear directly along the line of
+his own suspicions.
+
+“Well,” said he, trying to keep the eagerness out of his voice and only
+succeeding indifferently well, “where did he go?”
+
+“Across the fields to Cliveden!”
+
+Nat felt something like a shiver run through him. His feelings were
+that no other proof of Ezra Prentiss’ guilt was wanting. But his reason
+and sense of justice told him that he must not condemn, even yet.
+
+“As I said,” proceeded the dwarf, “I followed him. But in the trees
+upon this side of Master Chew’s house I lost him.”
+
+Nat drew something like a breath of relief.
+
+“And that is all?” he asked.
+
+“No.” The dwarf drew his little legs under him more tightly and laid
+his large strong-fingered hands upon his knees. “You know after you
+lose a thing, you sometimes find it again. So thinking of that I
+waited around in the dark, near the stone wall where you heard Master
+Dimisdale and Master Royce talk on the night that we rode below the
+ferry. But the boy didn’t show himself, and as there was a lighted
+window at one side of the house--the side where I knew Master Chew’s
+office to be, I worked my way over to it without any noise. The window
+was pretty high for me, but there was a rain barrel almost under it,
+and I climbed up that until I stood upon the chime.”
+
+“But,” questioned Nat, “what did you expect to see?”
+
+“I don’t know,” said the Porcupine. “The light was in the window, and
+it was late at night. That wasn’t usual, so I thought I’d better not
+miss anything.”
+
+“Well,” said Nat, and once more the cold feeling of dread crept over
+him, “what did you see?”
+
+“I saw,” replied the Porcupine, calmly, “Master Chew, with the bandage
+about his head which he’s been wearing since the night you struck him
+with the butt of his own pistol. I also saw Master Dimisdale, a pair
+of glasses perched upon his nose, going over some papers. Both sat at
+one side of the big table in the center of the office. And across from
+them, as cool as you please, and chatting bravely away with Master
+Chew, was the lad I’d been following!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER SPOKE TO HIS UNCLE AND WHAT THEIR RESOLUTIONS
+WERE
+
+
+As Nat Brewster heard the Porcupine’s statement, he was surprised and
+astonished to find that quick words of denial sprang to his lips. The
+truth was that the merry laugh and honest face of Ezra Prentiss, which
+had impressed the cobbler of the ferry road, had also impressed Nat.
+And, not only that, Nat had seen Ezra’s eyes, full of frankness and
+friendliness, something that the worthy mechanic had missed; and in
+spite of his suspicions the young mountaineer felt drawn toward the boy
+from New England.
+
+“It’s impossible!” were his first words. “It simply can’t be! You were
+mistaken!”
+
+“Don’t forget what I told you at the beginning,” said the dwarf. “I
+said it would be hard to believe; I even said I wouldn’t believe it
+myself just on somebody’s say-so.”
+
+Nat gazed at the speaker in silence. That the misshapen boy was sincere
+he had never a doubt. But the sudden confirmation of his own suspicions
+had startled him; he had spent some days with Ezra, had come to like
+him and so feared to follow where the facts led.
+
+“If I were convinced,” his inward thoughts were, “I might act upon my
+conviction. I might point this boy out as a traitor. And, in the end,
+in spite of everything I’ve seen and heard, he might still be innocent.”
+
+The Porcupine here resumed.
+
+“Also, I told you at the beginning that the thing had to be said; and
+that’s why I said it. But I wouldn’t have told any one but you, for you
+and I are the only ones that know about him being in the plot to take
+Mr. Washington and the others--unless,” and there was inquiry in the
+speaker’s little eyes--“you’ve mentioned it to some others.”
+
+“No,” replied Nat, hastily. “I’ve told Mr. Cooper and Ben about our
+adventure, as you know; but this fact of the name I’ve kept clear of.
+You see, Ezra is a warm friend of Ben’s, and I didn’t care to----”
+
+“I understand,” said the other, as Nat hesitated.
+
+“Even in the face of what you’ve told me,” resumed Nat, “I hesitate to
+say anything.”
+
+“Then you believe what I’ve told you?” eagerly.
+
+“Of course I believe you--everything happened as you’ve told
+it--everything! Ezra Prentiss arose in the night while we were all in
+bed, stole out of the house, made his way to Cliveden and was seen
+by you in conversation, in Mr. Chew’s office, with Mr. Dimisdale and
+Mr. Chew himself--both of whom are noted as friends of the British
+government. Now,” continued Nat, “we know all this; but are we quite
+sure that we know what it means?”
+
+“I’m quite sure that I do,” spoke the dwarf, sturdily.
+
+“Well, I am not,” said Nat.
+
+And even while he spoke the words he knew that he did not mean them--he
+knew that he was equally sure. But there was a something--an instinct,
+perhaps--that made him fight the feeling back.
+
+“It looks bad,” said he continuing, “in fact, I am willing to admit
+that it looks as though you were right. But let us wait. It can do no
+harm, and it may do good.”
+
+At this moment, Samuel Adams came out of the inn accompanied by Ezra,
+to whom he was speaking in low, confidential tones. As they went on
+down the street, side by side, the Porcupine puckered his eyelids and
+gazed after them keenly.
+
+“You say that waiting can do no harm,” said he, “but I’m not so sure
+about that. I know who that is,” nodding toward Mr. Adams. “He was
+pointed out to me the other day. And,” looking at Nat steadily, “such
+men, when they are engaged in such work as is going on at Carpenter’s
+Hall, have many things of importance to say that they would not say to
+every one; but they’d be likely to speak to some one who is in their
+confidence. Don’t you think so?”
+
+A troubled look came into Nat’s face.
+
+“I’ve thought of that,” said he. “And it’s a real danger. But we’ll
+have to risk it--at least for a little longer.”
+
+That afternoon as Nat and Ben took the road once more for
+Germantown--Nat with the Porcupine perched before him in the
+saddle--Ben said:
+
+“I hardly think we’ll have Ezra with us much longer.”
+
+Nat looked inquiringly at his cousin; the dwarf twisted his big head
+about and waited for what was coming.
+
+“Mr. Revere is going to ride back with Congress’ answer to those
+Suffolk resolves,” proceeded Ben. “And Ezra will more than likely go
+with him.”
+
+“Why?” asked Nat. “I understood that he was here as clerk to the
+Adamses.”
+
+“So he is. And it’s in Samuel Adams’ service he’ll go north, if he goes
+at all.”
+
+Nat’s jaw set at this, and his brows came together. At the same moment
+he felt the Porcupine squirm; and he knew that the same thought had
+come to them both.
+
+“Anything of importance?” inquired Nat, after they had ridden a little
+further.
+
+“I don’t know,” answered Ben. “But I suppose so. It’s a private
+message, I think, and to Dr. Warren; so I’d judge that it would be of
+some consequence.”
+
+Nat made no reply to this. Indeed, he spoke but seldom all the way
+home. Ben noticed it, but made no comment. However, he thought it a
+little odd.
+
+“But then,” he told himself, “Nat’s been keeping to himself for a week
+back. Sometimes he goes moping around thinking and thinking like all
+possessed; and I’ve really begun to wonder if he isn’t homesick for
+those mountains of his, or something like that.”
+
+After supper that evening Mr. Cooper, as was his custom, took a book
+and began pacing up and down the paths at the front of the house. He
+was generally left to himself on these occasions, as it was what he
+called his “study hour”; and so, when Nat came out and quietly fell
+into pace beside him, he was a little surprised.
+
+“I hope I’m not disturbing you, sir,” said the lad.
+
+Mr. Cooper placed his book under his arm, his hands behind him and
+smiled.
+
+“Not at all,” said he.
+
+The boy’s mother had been his only sister, and a favorite with him.
+Nat resembled her and this had, at first, greatly recommended him to
+his uncle. But the quiet, strong character of the boy had quickly made
+itself felt, and Mr. Cooper, even in the short time his nephew had been
+with him, had come to value him highly.
+
+And so when Nat intruded upon his study hour he felt that there was
+reason for it; and in this he was not mistaken.
+
+“I wanted to speak with you alone, sir, upon a matter of much
+importance,” said the boy. “And I thought that this would be the best
+time, if you don’t mind.”
+
+“If it’s about the office,” said Mr. Cooper, “don’t worry yourself. You
+will get down to work in good time, never fear. We shall probably be
+ready for you in a fortnight.”
+
+“It’s not that,” answered Nat, “though I had expected to speak to you
+upon the subject at some time. This affair,” and his uncle noticed his
+face grow grave, “is much more urgent. I had thought at first to say
+nothing, fancying it would untangle itself; but as the reverse now
+promises to be the case, I want your advice.”
+
+“Very well,” said Mr. Cooper quietly and attentively. He knew that the
+matter must be of some moment, otherwise Nat would not speak in such a
+fashion.
+
+So with that, Nat began at the beginning and once more told his uncle
+the story of his experiences upon the night that he and the Porcupine
+had ridden to the rescue of the unsuspecting Virginians. But this time
+there were no reservations of any kind. When the name of Prentiss came
+into the narrative, Mr. Cooper raised his brows, but said nothing;
+however, Nat noticed that his attention grew more marked from that
+moment.
+
+Then came the meeting of Nat with Ezra at the City Tavern. The
+similarity of the voices impressed Mr. Cooper greatly; but when
+Nat repeated Ezra’s odd words, spoken after he learned of Nat’s
+acquaintance with Mr. Washington, he uttered an exclamation.
+
+“That was strangely like a veiled threat,” said he. “And coming
+directly on top of what looks like an appearance, at least, of
+knowledge of the Tory plot, it sounds suspicious. Go over that again,
+if you please.”
+
+“He said,” obeyed Nat: “‘There are certain dispositions that take
+pleasure in rewarding a good deed--and others that take equal pleasure
+in repaying an evil one.’”
+
+“If that speech were made to me,” said Mr. Cooper, emphatically, “and
+under like circumstances, I would consider that the person making it
+were warning me that he’d be revenged.”
+
+“I thought the same,” replied Nat, “but I could scarcely bring myself
+to it.”
+
+“I understand. The boy is as honest looking and as truthful appearing
+as any I ever saw. But it is facts that count, and not appearances.”
+
+Then Nat proceeded with Samuel Adams’ estimate of Ezra, and that of the
+Suffolk Convention’s rider, Revere. As he expected, Mr. Cooper looked
+puzzled. But upon hearing the story that the Porcupine had related to
+Nat, his face grew dark with anger.
+
+“The young scoundrel!” he cried. “I’ll see Mr. Adams to-morrow and----”
+
+But Nat placed his hand upon his shoulder and stopped him.
+
+“First, let us be very--very sure,” said the boy. “Let us make no
+mistake that we shall be sorry for in the future. The whole matter
+looks bad--I confess that I don’t see a shadow of doubt that would make
+me think him other than what you consider him. But for all that, we had
+better be sure.”
+
+Mr. Cooper looked at his nephew a moment.
+
+“Nat,” he said, “you have a wise head. You are right. As you say, let
+us be very, very sure. In spite of everything he may be innocent, and,
+in that case, if we charged him with this shameful thing, we should
+indeed have occasion for regrets. But he must be watched--constantly
+watched.”
+
+“But if he goes back to Boston upon this mission of Mr. Adams?”
+
+“I had forgotten that,” and Mr. Cooper grew thoughtful. “In that case
+he must still be watched; but how, is a thing that will require some
+turning over.”
+
+Next day Ben rode into town alone. Early in the afternoon he returned,
+and his face was alight with excitement.
+
+“Father!” he cried, for Mr. Cooper was standing in the doorway. “Ezra
+Prentiss is to ride to Boston--starts to-morrow morning with Mr.
+Revere, whom you’ve heard tell of. And,” throwing himself from his
+mare’s back, recklessly, “he wants me to go with him.”
+
+Nat sat upon the stone step; at these words he turned his head and
+glanced up at his uncle. Like a flash the thought traveled from one to
+the other; there could be no mistake about what was in the boy’s eyes,
+and Mr. Cooper said to Ben:
+
+“Very well; you may go, but not alone. Nat must go with you.”
+
+Ben shrieked with delight.
+
+“Why,” cried he, “Nat’s been asked. Ezra told me particularly to get
+him if I could. So you see, you’re not saddling a caretaker on me,
+after all.”
+
+And as he rushed away to the barn, the well-trained little mare at his
+heels, Mr. Cooper said to Nat:
+
+“Asked him particularly to get you, if he could. What does that mean, I
+wonder?”
+
+“I don’t know,” replied Nat, slowly, “and I’m not going to think
+about it. In the frame of mind I’m in now, I’m likely to see evil in
+everything that has to do with Ezra Prentiss. But I’m going back to
+Boston with him, no matter what it means. And the future will tell what
+it will tell!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+WHAT HAPPENED ON THE NORTH ROAD
+
+
+It was high noon next day when Ezra Prentiss slipped Mr. Adams’ private
+despatch to Dr. Warren into his saddle-bag. Mr. Revere already had the
+resolutions passed by Congress, and the two, together with Nat Brewster
+and Ben Cooper, climbed into their saddles. Then they waved their hands
+to those gathered in front of the City Tavern to see them off.
+
+“Remember what I’ve told you about my letter and make all speed,” said
+Mr. Adams, as a last word. “It is to be given to Dr. Warren alone, as
+it is of great importance.”
+
+This was said in a low tone as the statesman stood at Ezra’s stirrup;
+but Nat Brewster, who sat his horse next to Ezra’s, caught the words;
+and likewise he heard the boy’s reply.
+
+“I understand its urgency and its importance as well,” said Ezra,
+gravely. “There shall be no delay on the way north, and Dr. Warren
+alone shall receive the message.”
+
+They took their way northward at a fairly easy pace, as Paul Revere
+cautioned them not to press their horses too hard.
+
+“Since I’ve taken to riding from city to city for the various
+committees,” said that gentleman, “I’ve had much experience. And it has
+shown me that a soft pace in a long journey is the swiftest in the end.
+Also, it is the least laborious and anxious, for you haven’t a broken
+nag to help along toward the finish.”
+
+The sun shone wonderfully and the breeze blew in their faces with
+delightful freshness. Ben Cooper longed to put Molly at her best, for
+her dancing along the road showed that her spirit was as high as his
+own.
+
+“Where do we make the first stop?” inquired Nat, of Revere.
+
+“We should reach Bristol at sundown or a little before,” replied the
+man.
+
+“Bristol!” cried Ben. “Why, we could make----”
+
+But Revere interrupted him.
+
+“I know,” said he. “So we could. And we could make some other place,
+equally far off, to-morrow. Then we could sit for a couple of days at
+an inn and twiddle our thumbs while the saddle-galls were healing or
+the nag’s swollen legs going down.”
+
+Ben felt properly rebuked; but he laughed good humoredly.
+
+“I guess you’re right,” said he. “So you’ll have to content yourself as
+you are, Molly,” to the frisky mare. “You’ve never been on so long a
+journey as this; and maybe at the end you’ll be sedate enough.”
+
+As they struck into the long, dusty wagon roads some distance north of
+Philadelphia, Revere and Ezra rode on ahead. After a time, the watchful
+Nat noted a marked peculiarity in the manner of Ezra. The latter had
+been very quiet and thoughtful since leaving the city; and now there
+was an anxiety in his whole attitude that could not be mistaken. Even
+the unsuspecting Ben noticed it.
+
+“Wonder what’s wrong with Ezra,” he said, with a laugh. “He keeps
+turning his head from one side to the other as though it had been
+shaken loose.”
+
+“He is entrusted with a document of some importance,” said Nat quietly.
+“Perhaps he is a little anxious for its safety.”
+
+Ben laughed once more.
+
+“Why, to hear you talk,” said he, “one would think we were actually
+at war. Why should he feel anxious for the safety of the message? Who
+knows anything of it but us? And then,” gaily, “if he thought this was
+a bad way to come, why did he argue with Mr. Revere, who wanted to come
+by another way?”
+
+“Ah,” said Nat, thoughtfully, “did he do that?”
+
+“For half an hour. And do you know, he grew actually warm about it,
+just as though it greatly mattered.”
+
+There was silence for a little while, and then Ben suddenly exclaimed:
+
+“Hello! What’s that for?”
+
+Nat had unbuckled the flap of a holster and loosened the heavy pistol
+which had been so lately the property of Mr. Chew.
+
+“It’s my backwoods nature, I suppose,” said Nat, carelessly. “Up in
+Wyoming the wild things and the Indians never allow us to travel
+without firearms ready to hand, and I don’t feel quite comfortable
+otherwise.”
+
+“I should think that long rifle would be enough to take with you
+through a settled country,” said Ben, nodding toward the weapon which
+his cousin carried slung across his shoulders.
+
+“It would be ordinarily. But it is not quite handy enough on horseback.”
+
+Ben looked at the speaker with his usual good-natured grin.
+
+“Well, all I can say,” remarked he, “is that it must be in the air. If
+Mr. Revere begins to take notions about things also, why, I’ll have to
+take general charge of the party, that’s all.”
+
+When the shadows began to lengthen by the roadside and thicken among
+the clumps of trees and tall brush, they were still some miles south of
+Bristol. The Delaware rippled smoothly on the right, and here and there
+the filled sail of a sloop could be seen as it made its way up river
+with wind and tide.
+
+“What building is that ahead?” asked Nat, after a time.
+
+They had rounded a bend in the road, and a stone structure,
+smoke-begrimed and forlorn looking, showed itself blackly against the
+sky-line.
+
+“I don’t know,” replied Ben. “I’ve never traveled this route before.
+But it looks like a burned mill or something of the sort.”
+
+There are things and there are persons whom one naturally suspects;
+there may be no reason for it that one can see, but still the suspicion
+grows stronger and stronger; and often it turns out that there is cause
+for it. When they came in sight of the ruined mill, frowning gloomily
+out upon the road, Nat Brewster felt just such a suspicion growing
+in his mind. More than once, among his native hills in the north, he
+had run upon an ambuscade--a crouching panther perhaps; and once a
+murderous red man. And so it was a kind of second nature to him to
+regard suspicious places with caution and to advance upon them with his
+eyes wide open.
+
+Accordingly, as they rode toward the burned building, he eyed it
+narrowly; when they were within fifty yards of it his vigilance was
+rewarded, for he caught sight of a man’s head cautiously lifted above
+the edge of one of the openings that were once windows.
+
+Instantly the boy struck his spurs into the tall black; the animal,
+startled, fought for its head, and finding that the strong hand upon
+the rein did not give an inch, it raced forward. A score of bounds
+brought it alongside of Ezra and Mr. Revere, and they, surprised at the
+sudden burst of speed, were turning their heads, when:
+
+“Halt!” said Nat, sharply.
+
+With astonishment written large upon his face, Revere obeyed, and Ezra
+did the same.
+
+“What is it?” asked the rider from Boston. “Has anything gone wrong?”
+
+Nat drew his pistol from the holster and coolly examined the priming.
+
+“I don’t know,” replied he. “But it’s rather likely. Just ahead there
+is a person--perhaps several of them--who seems interested in us, in a
+cautious sort of way.”
+
+As he spoke his keen eyes went to the face of Ezra; he saw it pale and
+the mouth twitch.
+
+“It would be best,” proceeded Nat, evenly, “for you all to remain as
+you are. I’ll ride forward and look into matters a trifle.”
+
+He was about to do so, but upon second thought checked his horse.
+
+“Are you armed, Mr. Revere?” he inquired.
+
+“I am,” answered the rider, promptly, and out came a squat, serviceable
+looking pistol.
+
+“Good,” said Nat. Then he took the rifle from about his shoulders
+and threw it to Ben, who had ridden up and sat listening in silent
+amazement. “It’s loaded and ready,” proceeded the young mountaineer,
+“and it shoots straight, as you know. Cover my advance.”
+
+With that he spoke to the black; the animal trotted forward; and when
+it reached the ruin, Nat drew it in and turned, facing the structure
+from the middle of the road.
+
+“Hello!” cried the boy. “Hello, inside there!”
+
+He waited, but there was no answer.
+
+Then he tried again.
+
+“Hello! Don’t think that your keeping silent will deceive me. I know
+you’re there.”
+
+Still there was no answer. Down the road, Nat saw his three companions,
+their horses abreast, anxiously watching him. He smiled when he saw the
+alert posture of Ben, the long rifle in his hands, for Nat knew that
+his cousin shot with unerring skill, and that he could rest safe under
+the protection thus afforded. Once more he turned his gaze upon the
+ruin.
+
+“I’ll give you a minute,” continued he. “If you’re not out in that
+time, I’m coming in.”
+
+This had immediate results. In the broken doorway of the burned mill
+appeared a half dozen men; and behind them Nat made out a burly figure
+which he at once recognized as that of Royce.
+
+“Well,” inquired one of the men, sullenly, “what do you want?”
+
+“I want to have nothing to say to you, sir, at all events,” replied
+Nat, readily. Then lifting his voice a trifle, he continued: “Stand
+forward, Mr. Royce. Don’t be backward.”
+
+The man at once pushed his way to the front. His coarse, large-featured
+face was inflamed and angry looking.
+
+“So it’s you, is it?” growled he, his fierce eyes glowering wickedly.
+“I thought I recognized your voice.”
+
+Nat laughed.
+
+“And I rather thought I recognized your face as you took that little
+observation from the window a few moments ago.”
+
+“Well, what do you want?” asked Royce. “We can’t be detained here all
+day by a whipper-snapper like you.”
+
+“I wouldn’t think of detaining you,” replied Nat. “I merely desired to
+make sure that I and my friends met with no reception that we were not
+prepared for.”
+
+As he spoke he lifted his hand and beckoned his comrades forward. As
+they came up at a trot, Revere and Ben holding their weapons ready, Nat
+said to them:
+
+“I think you’d better ride on while I stay for a little further talk
+with these gentlemen. Ben, you may halt fifty yards away.”
+
+There was that in the speaker’s manner that showed Revere that he was
+perfectly competent to carry out any plan that he had made. And so the
+convention’s messenger nodded his head and rode along up the road with
+the two boys.
+
+Nat Brewster would have given a great deal to have seen Ezra Prentiss’
+face at that moment. But he dared not take his eyes from the sullen,
+muttering group in the doorway of the mill. He smiled as he heard the
+hoofs of his companions’ horses rattling away. To Royce he said:
+
+“It seems, Mr. Royce, that our arrangements clash now and then.”
+
+“Yes,” replied the man, loweringly, “and take care that it does not
+happen once too often.”
+
+“I think the care should be upon your part, if you value yourself at
+all,” said Nat. “If I had spread the news abroad of your attempt of a
+week ago, the people of Philadelphia would have torn you apart.”
+
+“If they had caught me,” sneered the man.
+
+“At least they would have caught Mr. Dimisdale and a few others. And I
+have no doubt that you, also, could have been taken, had enough people
+been so minded. There is too much bitterness in the public mind to
+tolerate such plots as you are engaged in.”
+
+“You seem to know a great deal,” said Royce.
+
+“Much more, perhaps, than you even think,” returned Nat. “But I’ll not
+put you to the trouble of listening to it all: I’ll just say that any
+message intended for a good patriot is going to reach him. Make no
+mistake about that.”
+
+Then, as the rage of Royce grew greater and a look of astonishment went
+around the others, Nat continued:
+
+“Now I’ll bid you good-evening. But first I’ll ask you,” and he never
+took his eyes from them, “to look up the road. There, I have no doubt,
+you will see a lad with a rifle.”
+
+The followers of Royce and Royce himself gazed up the road as directed;
+and from their expressions Nat gathered that Ben was waiting there with
+the long weapon ready.
+
+“He,” continued the young mountaineer, “is going, so to speak, to cover
+my retreat. And as I’ve never known him to miss a shot, I warn you to
+be very careful what you do.”
+
+And with that he turned his back fearlessly upon them, gave rein to
+his horse and rode toward Ben, who was dismounted and planted in the
+roadway, the rifle at his shoulder.
+
+When his cousin came up, young Cooper said:
+
+“I say, now, what is all this about?”
+
+“You’ll know in good time,” replied Nat. Molly stood grazing at the
+roadside; he took her rein and continued: “I’ll take the mare with me.
+You come along with your face to them until we get out of pistol shot.
+They haven’t any heavier arms that I could see.”
+
+Ben followed these orders carefully. When they had moved out of range
+of any stray shot, he remounted and slung the rifle before him, a
+complaint plain upon his face.
+
+“I’ll know in good time, will I?” said he, in an injured tone. “Now,
+I want you to understand, Nat Brewster, that I’m not to be treated as
+a child. If I’m old enough to keep these men from shooting you in the
+back, I’m also old enough to be told who they are and what they were
+after.”
+
+Nat laughed.
+
+“Why,” said he, “that sounds like good sense. And I suppose I’ll have
+to tell you. But, remember,” warningly, “it goes no farther.”
+
+“All right,” spoke Ben, “I promise.”
+
+“They are the same men that I met at the inn on the ferry road,” Nat
+told him. “And, while I’m not sure, I think they were waiting for Ezra.”
+
+“For Ezra!” Ben stared, open-eyed.
+
+“To relieve him of the message he’s carrying to Dr. Warren.”
+
+“I see,” said Ben, soberly. Then they rode forward in silence until
+they overtook their companions.
+
+“The ruffians,” exclaimed Revere, warmly. “I had not thought that
+thieves were so bold in these parts.”
+
+“Common thieves are not, I suppose,” said Nat, quietly.
+
+Revere continued to fume and mutter as they rode along toward Bristol,
+the housetops of which were gradually coming into view. Ben was now
+riding with him and Ezra had fallen back until his mount was abreast of
+Nat’s.
+
+“You think, then,” said Ezra, and his tone was low, “that those men
+were not common thieves.”
+
+“I do,” replied Nat. “A man’s purse would be safe with them, I feel
+sure. Something of greater value was in their minds, I feel sure.”
+
+“So do I,” replied Ezra. He looked at Nat steadily for a moment and
+then said with a faint smile, “You’ve met those men before?”
+
+“Yes,” quietly.
+
+“I felt sure that you had. And do you recall some words which I spoke
+after you told me of that meeting?”
+
+The words that had struck both himself and his uncle as veiling a
+threat at once recurred to him.
+
+“You mean,” said Nat, “those regarding the disposition of some to
+reward a good service, and of others to repay an evil?”
+
+“I see you remember it,” said Ezra, and he smiled into Nat’s face. “So
+I need not repeat it now.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+SHOWS HOW NAT MET ONE STRANGER AND HOW THE PORCUPINE MET ANOTHER
+
+
+Bristol was a fair-sized village upon the west bank of the Delaware,
+and one very well known to persons upon their way to and from New York.
+Consequently there was a good inn and our wayfarers at once sought it
+out.
+
+“When I stopped here on my way south,” said Revere, seriously, to a
+hostler who came forward to receive their mounts, “you did not give my
+horse proper attention as I desired. It will not do to rub him down
+with a wisp of straw and rush him in, still wet, to a sloppy supper of
+bran mash.”
+
+The hostler protested, but Revere waved his hand for silence.
+
+“I want him brushed and combed, and rubbed with a cloth,” proceeded he,
+severely. “And these others,” pointing to the steeds of the boys, “are
+to be used likewise. Then they are to be blanketed until they are dry
+and cool, when they should be fed--not with mash, but with grain.”
+
+The groom promised faithfully to do as he was bidden; but it was not
+until he had carefully repeated his instructions several times more
+that Revere was satisfied and consented to enter the inn.
+
+“The beasts can’t speak for themselves, or do for themselves,” said he.
+“So it is our duty to see that right is done by them.”
+
+The inn was a cheerful place, with many brass candlesticks and painted
+china plates; and the landlady was a good-natured, rosy dame, who
+bustled about making them comfortable.
+
+“I shall get you a good supper,” she told them, “for I’m quite sure
+that you’ll need it after being so many hours upon the road. And
+there’s warm water and basins and towels and soap in the little room
+close by the kitchen. So you can make yourselves clean and fresh while
+you are waiting to be served.”
+
+They thanked her for this and made good use of the articles named. Nat
+was the first to finish, and as he stepped back into the inn parlor
+he noticed that a newcomer had taken possession of a big chair at the
+window overlooking the road, and was calmly reciting his desires to the
+obliging hostess.
+
+“I shall want some boiled mutton,” said he, “with a savory sauce. And
+pay heed to the sauce, madam; let it not be the flavorless thing one
+gets at so many inns. The meat served may be ever so good, but if the
+sauce has a breath too much garlic it is all ruined.”
+
+“Yes, sir; it shall be just as you like it, I assure you,” said the
+landlady, dropping the stranger a curtsey. “And will there be anything
+else, sir?”
+
+“Some potatoes--baked in their jackets--a small loaf and some mead--if
+you have any that’s fit for a gentleman to drink.”
+
+“There’s none better, sir, in this section,” said the good dame, rather
+nettled. “And I might even say that you’d hardly find better in your
+own country.”
+
+“My own country!” repeated the stranger, and he looked at her keenly.
+
+“Yes, sir,--England. For you are an Englishman, unless your tongue
+belies you.”
+
+The man laughed and waved his hand.
+
+“That will be all, I think,” said he. “So make haste and don’t stand
+making hazards at the private affairs of your guests.”
+
+Indignantly the hostess turned away.
+
+“Such high and mighty ways,” she muttered to Nat. “It’ll be a blessing
+if he has enough money in his purse to settle his score in the morning.”
+
+And with this she went angrily into her kitchen, slamming the door,
+leaving Nat to seat himself upon a settle along the wall and amuse
+himself by studying the stranger.
+
+The latter was a tall man with a high, prominent nose and a wide,
+thin-lipped mouth. His hair was very long and worn in a queue, and
+his black-stockinged legs were thrown carelessly over the arm of his
+chair in an unsightly, lounging way that gave him the appearance of
+great awkwardness. There was still considerable daylight, and he read
+a newspaper which he took from his pocket as soon as the landlady had
+departed.
+
+“And the newspaper has something in it which amuses him greatly,”
+thought Nat, as he watched the humorous twitching of the thin-lipped
+mouth.
+
+Wider and wider grew the smile and at last the man threw the news sheet
+from him with a roar of glee.
+
+“Now out upon them for a parcel of raving maniacs,” said he. “Did ever
+any one hear of such folly before since the world began?”
+
+As he laughed his eyes rested upon Nat, and, apparently for the first
+time, he became aware of the boy’s presence. The eyes were light
+colored, cold and keen, as the lad saw when they became steadfastly
+fixed upon him; and that they were also cruel, he was firmly convinced.
+
+“Young gentleman,” said the man, growing sober enough, “good-evening.”
+
+“Good-evening, sir,” returned Nat, politely.
+
+There was a long row of brass buttons down the front of the man’s
+coat; he took the one at the top between a thumb and forefinger in a
+speculative sort of way; then the touch dropped to the second button
+and so on down the row until he reached the bottom. And all the time
+the cold, light-colored eyes were fixed upon the lad from the north
+country; and they were studying and weighing and estimating him
+steadily. Finally, so it seemed, the stranger made up his mind. He
+removed his legs from the chair arm and stretched them out before him;
+the waning sunlight played upon the big brass buckles upon his shoes as
+he turned his feet first one way and then the other, inspecting them
+thoughtfully.
+
+“It will be a fine evening,” ventured he, at last.
+
+“So I’ve thought myself,” returned Nat.
+
+“And following a fine day,” said the man.
+
+Nat nodded. He was disappointed. Evidently the stranger was not nearly
+so interesting as he looked.
+
+“Travel far?” asked the man, after another pause, but not so long as
+the first.
+
+“Not a great way.”
+
+The stranger pursed up his thin lips and looked at the boy carefully.
+Seemingly he made up his mind that he might venture the question, for
+he asked:
+
+“From the city?”
+
+“Yes,” was the brief answer.
+
+That there might be no mistake the man persisted:
+
+“Philadelphia?”
+
+Nat nodded. Clearly the stranger was nothing short of a bore.
+
+“I’ve just ridden from there myself,” said the lean stranger. “There is
+much excitement there, eh?”
+
+Nat nodded.
+
+“I’ve seen places where there was a great deal more demonstration, so
+to speak,” went on the man, “but for genuine interest, felt of the
+heart, that city is ahead of them all.”
+
+“I’ve thought that it seemed impressed with the importance of the
+occasion,” said Nat. “But that is scarcely to be wondered at.”
+
+“It is not, indeed,” agreed the man, readily. “It would, in fact, be
+cause for great wonder if the town and its people were not impressed.”
+He leaned toward the boy in a grave sort of way and continued: “Modern
+history does not show anything that can compare with the events which
+have happened of late in these colonies; and those which are on their
+way to happen will be greater still. We shall show a stubborn and
+narrow ministry that we are determined to be justly dealt by.”
+
+Nat looked at the speaker with attention.
+
+“Do you know,” said he, “I’m just a little surprised to hear you speak
+after this fashion?”
+
+“Why?” asked the stranger, and the cold, light-colored eyes peered
+through their wrinkled lids.
+
+“Because, as our landlady said a short while since, you are an
+Englishman, or your accent greatly misrepresents you.”
+
+A shade of annoyance crossed the stranger’s face; Nat, ever watchful,
+saw his hands clinch upon the arm’s of his chair. But this only lasted
+for a moment; the lean countenance cleared up, the hands relaxed their
+grip and the man lay back in his chair, smiling amusedly.
+
+“It is an odd thing,” spoke he, “that the fact of my being English has
+been so noted of late. No sooner do I open my mouth than I am looked
+at askance; if I utter a sentiment in favor of liberty, I am stared at
+in amaze; if I condemn tyranny, as every honest man should, my hearers
+regard me with wonder.”
+
+He paused and watched Nat, the smile of amusement still wrinkling the
+corners of his mouth. Then he leaned forward, as before, proceeding:
+
+“But I can tell you the reason of this. It is because the country is
+young. It is inexperienced. It is not yet mature enough to know that
+a man may be a friend to freedom no matter where he was born. Don’t
+forget, young gentleman, that true liberty began in England, and that
+it still has its lovers and upholders there.”
+
+“Why,” said Nat, “I have no doubt but that there is a great deal of
+truth in what you say.”
+
+“It is all truth,” stated the stranger positively. “The fact is
+recognized by the leading spirits in this movement, at least. And if
+the time ever comes, and I sincerely hope it shall not, that blows be
+struck in this land, there shall be no lack of men of English birth in
+the colonial army.”
+
+The man then proceeded to enlarge upon his theme and to point out to
+Nat that the great mass of the British population sympathized with the
+colonists, that it was only certain merchants and ministers who, it
+seemed, had combined to oppress them. He was still so engaged when the
+landlady appeared in the kitchen door.
+
+“Sir,” she announced, addressing the Englishman, “I would be much
+beholden to you if you would step in here and look to your dishes
+before they are made ready. I am not honored by so particular a person
+every day, and would wish to be sure that my poor skill as a cook has
+not led me wrong.”
+
+With a laugh the stranger arose, and Nat saw that he was of remarkable
+height and had wide, strong shoulders. And, while the young mountaineer
+had had little opportunity to observe the habits of military men, he at
+once put him down as a soldier.
+
+“He has the bearing that I would think a trained officer would have,”
+was the lad’s instant thought.
+
+“You’ll pardon me, I know,” said the stranger. “The art of dining well
+is a very important one, as you’ll learn by the time you reach my age:
+so I must not miss this opportunity.”
+
+After the speaker had followed the hostess into the kitchen, Nat sat
+upon the bench and cogitated.
+
+“There is something queer about him, for all he’s so well spoken,” was
+the lad’s judgment. “I hardly think I should like to have much dealing
+with him.”
+
+He patiently awaited his three companions; but as they seemed in no
+hurry to join him he bent over and picked up the newspaper which the
+Englishman had so contemptuously thrown aside.
+
+As it happened, it was folded just as the man had been reading it, and
+Nat saw at once that it was a detailed account of the proceedings of
+Congress that must have excited the reader’s derision. Nat put down the
+sheet, and an expression of understanding crossed his face.
+
+“Lucky I saw that,” said he. “The man’s quality is plain enough now,
+and I’ll know how to use him from now on.”
+
+A little later at the sound of high voices he went to a window
+overlooking the inn yard. Paul Revere was there, as was also Ezra and
+Ben, and the former was lecturing the grooms for some shortcoming in
+their care of the horses. Nat looked and listened, greatly amused
+at the earnestness of the man from Boston, and as he did so, he
+indistinctly saw, out of the tail of his eye, a small figure under the
+brick arch that opened into the yard. Swiftly turning his head in that
+direction he was surprised and astonished to recognize the form of the
+Porcupine.
+
+That the dwarf saw Nat at the window was at once evident; for he lifted
+one hand in a quick beckoning movement and gave a flirt of his hand
+toward the front of the inn. Nat nodded; he turned, walked to the main
+door and out upon the porch. Across the road was a tall elm tree; the
+Porcupine now stood near this, but in such a position as not to be
+readily seen by any one looking from the windows of the inn.
+
+Nat crossed to the elm in a state of amazement.
+
+“Porcupine,” began he at once, “you are the most astonishing little
+animal I ever saw. How did you ever get so far from home?”
+
+The dwarf grinned.
+
+“Oh, this isn’t so far,” replied he. “I’ve often been here with Simon
+Nichols, the kitchen gardener. You see, he has a sloop and takes it
+to the city every second day, in the season, with fresh green things.
+When I heard that you were going off to Boston, I knew you’d stop here
+overnight; so I boarded Simon’s sloop yesterday in Dock Creek and got
+here about noon to-day. He’s always glad to have me because I can help
+work ship and do lots of things when he’s short handed, as he ’most
+always is.”
+
+Nat laughed heartily; and yet he was touched.
+
+“And you put yourself to all this bother just to see me off, did you?”
+he asked; and the other nodded. “Well, you’re a queer little fellow,
+aren’t you?”
+
+“So I’ve been told before,” grinned the Porcupine. “But,” more soberly,
+“there are some just as queer, and at no great distance from here,
+either.”
+
+The tone in which these words were spoken attracted Nat’s attention
+at once. He had known the dwarf but a short time, but he had come to
+understand that when he spoke in a certain way he was very much in
+earnest.
+
+“Has anything happened?” asked the lad from the north.
+
+The other shook his head dubiously.
+
+“I don’t know,” answered he. “But I should say something is going to,
+unless the signs are all wrong.”
+
+Nat looked at the speaker attentively; but as usual he did not try to
+hurry him.
+
+“As this is the inn where I felt sure you’d stay for the night,”
+proceeded the Porcupine, “I came here as soon as Simon had tied up the
+sloop at his place about a mile above. The landlady is a good sort, for
+when she saw me standing about the door, she gave me some bread and
+cheese, and I came over here in the shade to eat it. And while I sat
+here, a man came up--a strange-appearing man with gold rings in his
+ears and the look of a gypsy.
+
+“‘Good afternoon,’ he says as he gets sight of me.
+
+“I, politely enough, bid him the time of day and fell to studying him
+as he stood there looking up at the inn. He carried a heavy staff and
+pack upon his back. As he came along, I had noticed that he limped
+like one footsore from a long journey; but for all, he seemed cool and
+clean. There was but little dust upon his shoes and none at all upon
+his stockings.”
+
+[Illustration: _“THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG, THEN”_]
+
+“You have excellent observation, Porcupine,” praised Nat.
+
+“It does not do to keep one’s eyes shut in such times as these,”
+answered the dwarf, wisely. “And, again, I shouldn’t get any credit for
+it, because I was just idling away the time until you rode up and had
+no notion of anything being wrong.”
+
+“Ah,” said Nat, with increased interest, “there is something wrong
+then?”
+
+“Again I must say that I don’t know,” and the speaker shook his head.
+“It only seemed queer to me; and what followed looked a great deal more
+so. But sit down here,” added the dwarf, indicating a place where some
+bushes would screen Nat from the inn windows. “It would be just as
+well, maybe, if you were not seen talking to me.”
+
+Nat did as directed; then the speaker once more took up his story:
+
+“After a few moments the gypsy-looking man walked over, threw off his
+pack, sat down and began to fan himself with his hat. Then I saw that
+he was tattooed upon the back of his hands, and looking carefully I saw
+that on one was a ship and on the other the Union Jack.
+
+“‘Do you belong hereabouts?’ says he.
+
+“‘Not very far away,’ I answers him.
+
+“‘I’ve come a long distance,’ says he, ‘to meet some friends. Has any
+one gone into the inn lately?’
+
+“‘The landlady,’ I told him.
+
+“And with that,” continued the Porcupine, “I could see that he began to
+think me a great deal of a fool. He was not so careful thereafter.
+
+“‘If you’ll go into the inn yard and see what horses are there, freshly
+come in, I’ll give you a shilling,’ he says.
+
+“‘Very well,’ says I; and I was about to start across the road; but he
+stopped me.
+
+“‘Especially mark,’ says he, ‘if there is a fine looking bay horse, a
+small mare, a wicked looking raw-boned black and a buckskin stallion.’”
+
+“Our horses!” ejaculated Nat, “and described as well as I could
+describe them myself.”
+
+“I found that out afterward,” said the Porcupine, “though if I’d
+thought, I’d have recognized your nag and Ben Cooper’s, even then. But
+anyhow, I went into the yard and looked about, also into the barn; but
+there was none but old work horses, and so I told the man with the
+rings in his ears when I came out. He didn’t appear to relish it very
+well and muttered and went on at a great rate. Then something seemed to
+strike him.
+
+“‘Is there another inn in Bristol?’ asked he.
+
+“‘There is,’ I told him. And I was just giving him the directions when
+we heard the clatter of hoofs, and along you came with your friends.
+I stopped until you had all gone into the yard; and when I turned my
+head once more, the man was running down the road in the direction from
+which he had come.”
+
+“But,” questioned Nat, “why did you not come in and tell me all this at
+once?”
+
+“Because I felt sure there was to be more come of it. And I was right.
+The foreign-looking man had gone no great distance when a second one
+rode into the path and stopped him short. They talked together for a
+little while and then the first man disappeared in a thicket, while the
+second came on quietly enough and entered the inn.”
+
+Nat nodded.
+
+“He was a tall man, lean and with a large, thin nose, was he not?” came
+the question.
+
+“I looked through the window and saw you talking to him a while ago,”
+answered the dwarf. “I suppose, though,” with a grin, “he didn’t tell
+you what he wanted.”
+
+“Hardly,” said Nat, “for from what you have seen, it would scarcely
+bear telling.”
+
+They were silent for a moment, and then the boy from Wyoming resumed:
+
+“The day has not been without its interest; and from the look of
+things, the night is promising to keep pace with it.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE NIGHT PROMISES WELL
+
+
+Nat Brewster left the Porcupine under the big elm across from the
+Bristol inn.
+
+“Say nothing to any one,” he warned him. “I’ll have the landlady get
+you a supper and make you up a bed somewhere where you’ll not be
+noticed. Remember, I don’t even want Ben to see you.”
+
+He crossed the road and entered the inn in deep thought. The mission of
+the two strangers greatly troubled him.
+
+“Of course,” he told himself, “it’s connected with the message that
+Ezra carries to Dr. Warren. But who are these men? They do not belong
+to the party we encountered at the burned mill, I feel sure; for they
+go about their work in a more crafty and experienced manner.”
+
+Of course, under the circumstances, to show Ezra that he knew anything
+about them was out of the question.
+
+“And I can’t tell Mr. Revere or Ben anything either,” he reasoned,
+“for as soon as I had done so they would let it all out to Ezra. And,
+if there is any truth in my suspicions that the strangers are friends
+of his, he’d warn them at once, a thing that I most particularly don’t
+want done.”
+
+In a very little while the candles were lighted and the tables spread
+with smoking dishes. In the meantime Nat had spoken quietly to the
+landlady, and the good soul had at once fallen in with his plans of
+feeding and housing the dwarf.
+
+“But I quite agree with what you say, young gentleman, in regard to not
+allowing my other guests to know of his presence. They might object to
+having such an unfortunate in the house. Travelers, you know, are most
+peculiar.”
+
+And so Nat had the satisfaction, when he sat down to his supper, of
+knowing that his little friend was also well taken care of, and in a
+position, perhaps, to render a prompt service, if such a thing should
+be necessary.
+
+Revere, Ezra, Ben Cooper and Nat were gathered about a large table; a
+smaller one was laid for the tall Englishman, and he smiled contentedly
+as he tucked the generous napkin under his chin.
+
+“Madam,” said he, to the landlady, “I take this occasion to ask your
+pardon. I did you the discredit of questioning your skill in cookery;
+but in the presence of these gentlemen I take it back unreservedly.”
+
+“But you have not tasted the dishes as yet,” protested the landlady,
+assuming to be short and vexed. But in reality she was much mollified.
+
+“I don’t need to taste them to be assured of their excellence,” spoke
+the stranger with a wave of the hand. “The aroma that arises as I lift
+each separate cover is enough for me. You are not a cook, madam; you
+are an artist.”
+
+And so with great good humor he fell to and proved to be a worthy
+trencherman. Revere, eating generously of his own supper, watched their
+neighbor in high admiration. At length he said:
+
+“It is not at every inn one finds such excellent fare, sir.”
+
+“Right!” and the stranger saluted him with his knife. “Right, sir.
+And that is why I was suspicious at the off-start. But,” and he bowed
+to the now gratified hostess with great politeness, “I shall always
+remember the town of Bristol. I shall write the name large in the
+records of my experiences, because it is a place that possesses an inn
+where a gentleman can dine.”
+
+As he was speaking the door opened and a newcomer made his appearance.
+At sight of the small gold rings in his ears, the pack upon his back
+and the heavy oaken staff in his hand, Nat Brewster recognized him as
+the stranger to whom the Porcupine had talked on the road. He was a
+swarthy looking fellow and decidedly like a gypsy, as the dwarf had
+said; but there was a roll to his gait and an air about him that would
+have told an experienced observer that he was no stranger to the sea.
+
+“I would like accommodations, madam,” said he to the landlady, and
+there was a foreign blur of some sort that spoiled the distinctness of
+his speech.
+
+“Supper, a bed and breakfast, I suppose,” said the woman, very brisk
+and businesslike. Foot travelers were never very profitable as a rule,
+and she did not waste much time upon them.
+
+“If you please,” said the dark man. He threw down his knapsack and
+stood the staff in a corner. “And as I am hungry I should like my
+supper as soon as you can give it to me.”
+
+“I shall have to lay another cloth,” said the landlady, with the air
+of one who does not altogether like a task. “I would that you had come
+sooner, sir.”
+
+“I am sorry to be troublesome,” said the other, civilly enough; but for
+all, Nat saw a look in his piercing black eyes that gave the lie to his
+words.
+
+The tall stranger had been quietly listening to this dialogue with a
+careless air. But now he arose.
+
+“Madam,” said he, politely, to the hostess, “to save you trouble and
+offer the hand of good fellowship to a stranger and a wayfarer,” bowing
+to the swarthy man, “let me say that the other side of my table is at
+the gentleman’s service.”
+
+“Why,” said the pleased landlady, “that is very kind of you.”
+
+The sailor-like man looked properly grateful.
+
+“I thank you, sir,” said he. “I did not expect such civil treatment
+from one whom I never saw before.”
+
+As the newcomer settled himself into a chair facing the other, Ben, who
+sat beside Nat, whispered to him, lowly:
+
+“I wouldn’t have expected it of him at any rate. But he must be a far
+better natured man than I’d put him down to be.”
+
+However, Nat only smiled. The play between the two men, who were
+greeting each other as strangers, interested and amused him.
+
+“And they do it very well, too,” he thought, sadly neglecting his food
+that he might miss nothing of what was going forward. “If I did not
+know what the Porcupine told me I’d be deceived as well as the most
+innocent of them.”
+
+“It is a wearying and sultry time of the year to tramp the roads,” said
+the tall man to the newcomer, sympathizingly. “I hope you have not far
+to go.”
+
+“To Trenton,” responded the swarthy man. “And it’s a long journey
+enough when you consider that I’ve come from New Castle in Delaware.”
+
+“Is it so, indeed? And bearing that pack upon your shoulders, too.”
+
+“It’s not so comfortable as it might be,” laughed the other shortly;
+“and not so lightly carried as your saddle-bags, which I see hanging
+upon the wall.”
+
+The tall man turned and looked where the other pointed.
+
+“It just happens that I’m not sure that those are mine,” said he. Then
+running his eye over the array of hats, saddle-bags and riding-whips
+which hung upon the wooden pegs, he remarked, addressing those at the
+other table: “Did it ever occur to you, gentlemen, how alike all such
+things are? For the life of me I can’t see why we are not continually
+mistaking each other’s property.”
+
+“Now that I think of it,” spoke Mr. Revere, “I must say that I agree
+with you.”
+
+“I knew you would,” said the tall man. Then with a laugh he added,
+lightly: “But let us put it to the test.” He looked at the things upon
+the wall as though reckoning them up. “There are four--yes, five pairs
+of saddle pouches. Come, now,” and he ran his eyes over his neighbors
+until they rested upon Ben, still laughingly, “let us see if you can
+tell which is your own and which are your friends’.”
+
+Nat, with a start, grasped the man’s idea instantly.
+
+“Ezra placed the message to Dr. Warren in his saddle pocket,” he said
+to himself. “This man in some way knows of it, and is taking this means
+of making sure which are Ezra’s.”
+
+It was plain that Ben Cooper did not altogether relish being selected
+to make what the stranger called the test. While the boy never dreamed
+of the real truth, as it flashed into Nat’s brain, still there was
+something in the man’s manner that did not please him--a cunning and a
+mockery, well hidden, but present nevertheless. However, he did not see
+how he could well refuse, so he set about the task without further ado.
+
+“The pair at the end I do not know, so I suppose they must be yours,
+sir,” said he. “Next are Mr. Revere’s, because they are of polished
+leather, and next are Ezra’s because they are of pigskin and almost
+new----”
+
+“Wait, wait!” interrupted the smiling stranger. “Which of your friends
+is Ezra?”
+
+“That is my name, sir,” answered young Prentiss steadily enough.
+
+“Ah!” said the other, and he looked at him searchingly. “Thank you.”
+And as Ben told off the other two pairs of saddle-bags the speaker
+added: “Well, well, you have sharp eyes, young gentleman. I did not
+think it could be done so easily.”
+
+During the above, Nat had not devoted all his attention to the
+stranger. Ezra had come in for his share of observation, and the boy
+from the mountains saw the various changes of expression that had
+flashed over his face. At the first reference to the saddle-bags by the
+tall man, Ezra had glanced at him quickly--and there was something in
+the glance that was puzzled and hesitating. But as the other proceeded
+the boy grew slightly pale and Nat saw his lips come together in a
+tight line.
+
+And as the others talked and laughed, Nat pondered the subject in his
+own mind carefully.
+
+“It is plain to me,” he told himself, “that these men are met here for
+the purpose of possessing themselves of Mr. Adams’ letter. But why has
+it been necessary for them to go to all this trouble if Ezra is in
+league with them? Why could he not have arranged to meet one of them
+quietly and hand over the document without further bother? It would
+have been much simpler, much easier and much safer.”
+
+This point puzzled him for a space; then the possible reason for all
+the plotting came to him like an inspiration.
+
+“I have it,” he thought. “If the message were delivered to these people
+secretly, Ezra would be held accountable--he would be suspected. If
+some show is made of taking it from him against his will, with all of
+us as witnesses, he can easily convince his employers that he did all
+he could to safeguard it.”
+
+This idea grew and took shape in Nat’s mind. And he began to suspect
+that the tall man’s attempt to pass himself off as a sympathizer with
+the colonies had not been so clumsy after all. It was possible that he
+might have thrown himself open to suspicion intentionally, so that
+in the end, if he succeeded in securing the paper, it could be shown
+that there had been a systematic plan laid and carried through for its
+possession.
+
+“If this is so, it is very ingeniously and carefully laid,” thought the
+boy. “And I must keep my eyes wide open.”
+
+After supper they remained in the inn parlor talking with the two
+strangers for a time; at length Revere, looking at a massive silver
+watch that he carried, said:
+
+“It’s coming nine o’clock, lads. Let’s to bed. We’ll needs be up in the
+morning early to get a good start.”
+
+Willingly enough the three boys arose and began gathering up their
+belongings. Nat saw the hungry eyes of the two men upon the pigskin
+saddle-bags, which now hung from Ezra’s arm, and he smiled grimly.
+
+“It’s one thing to want a thing and another thing to get it,” he
+muttered. “You may get Mr. Adams’ message in the end, my friend, but if
+you do, you’ll have harder work of it than you think.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+HOW THE PROMISE WAS KEPT
+
+
+But that Nat Brewster was not the only one who had noticed something
+odd in the evening’s proceedings was made evident as they all four
+ascended the wide stairs of the inn. Lowering his voice to a husky
+whisper, Paul Revere said:
+
+“On the road it’s best, my lads, to pin your confidence upon no
+one--unless you are sure who he is.”
+
+“Hello,” said Ben Cooper, “what’s brought that out?”
+
+Revere held up his flaring candle, for the landlady had provided each
+of them with one; the light danced in their faces and up and down upon
+the walls and ceilings, throwing their distorted, gigantic shadows
+along the staircase.
+
+“Nothing,” answered the horseman of the Suffolk Convention, “but the
+caution of an old traveler. I say nothing against any one, mind you;
+but it is well to be careful. The sweetest spoken person is not always
+the one most to be trusted.”
+
+“I think I get your meaning,” spoke Ezra Prentiss. “You are of the
+opinion that the man below is not altogether to be trusted.”
+
+They had reached the landing upon the second floor; the rooms which
+they were to occupy were just at hand. Revere made a gesture with the
+lighted candle that caused the shadows to crouch and then spring madly
+apart.
+
+“I repeat,” said he, “that I say nothing against any one. However, it
+would be just as well to keep your eye upon this.”
+
+As he uttered the last word he struck the pigskin saddle-bags smartly
+with his hand and nodded his head wisely.
+
+“I think it’s very good advice,” said Ben Cooper, thoughtfully.
+
+“And I,” remarked Ezra. “Good-night, Mr. Revere, and thanks.
+Good-night, Nat.”
+
+Good-nights were said and they entered their rooms. Ezra and Ben were
+to occupy a large room in which were a pair of huge four-poster beds.
+Nat and Revere had separate rooms, but as it happened, there was a
+communicating door between.
+
+The man placed his candlestick upon the top of a chest of drawers.
+
+“I never saw a finer or more careful lad than Ezra,” he remarked, “but
+I’d as leave Mr. Adams had given me his errand to do.”
+
+“Why?” and Nat Brewster turned his head, looking at the speaker with
+interest.
+
+“Only that a person of years is naturally more cautious,” returned
+Revere. “Now take for example the fact that Ezra hung his saddle
+pouches upon the wall. Was that not very like carelessness?”
+
+“But he had them before his eyes all the time,” said Nat.
+
+Revere waved his hand.
+
+“I grant you that. But it was no way to do. A person upon an important
+mission cannot be too sure.”
+
+There was a short pause, then Nat said:
+
+“You did not mistrust the man below at first, I think.”
+
+“No; I thought him a hearty fellow enough. It was when the other
+arrived that I noticed something that rang false. He received the dark
+man as though he were a stranger. But I’ll hazard a guess that they
+knew one another well enough.”
+
+“I see,” said Nat; and after that he had a greatly increased respect
+for the observation of Mr. Paul Revere.
+
+As it happened, Revere chose the inner room, the windows of which
+opened upon the courtyard. Nat’s apartment overlooked the road and lay
+next the hall. In a very little while the boy heard the dismal creaking
+of Revere’s bed as the man climbed into it. Then, after a great number
+of yawns, there came the deep breathing of a person fast asleep.
+
+But Nat had no desire to follow his example. He knew that he ought to
+be rested for the long journey of the morrow; but his brain was full of
+thoughts, his eyes unwinking; he had never felt so wide awake in his
+life.
+
+There was a high sky that night and the stars gleamed clearly; but
+there was no moon and things were apt to be more vague and melt more
+swiftly into the blackness that lurked under the fences, trees and at
+the sides of buildings. Nat stood at his window looking out upon the
+darkness and waiting for the sounds that would tell him the strangers
+were taking themselves to bed. But as they seemed in no hurry to do
+this, the boy soon fell under the spell of the September night. Every
+rustle in the elm across the road was plain to him; and the rasp of
+insects, deep in the grass, came clearly to his ears.
+
+“I like the nights in this flat country,” he said softly to himself.
+“Things seem more distant. They don’t come crowding upon you like they
+do among the hills.”
+
+Just then the rattle of halyards and spars sounded from the river, the
+gleam of a starboard light came winking over the water in a long, thin
+trail and the huge loom of a sail showed ghostlike against the stars.
+The romance of this dim vessel appealed to the boy. What was she--where
+was she bound and what strange adventures would she bring her crew
+before her prow parted the waters of the Delaware again?
+
+Half dreaming, Nat Brewster continued to watch; then he was quickly
+called back to the present by the sound of footsteps on the inn stairs.
+He turned from the window and listened. Lightly, swiftly the steps
+ascended; a dim glimmer of light from a bedroom candle was thrown along
+the hall and entered Nat’s room at the transom. But in an instant it
+had vanished and the footsteps grew fainter and finally died away.
+
+“He’s gone the other way,” Nat said to himself. “His room is probably
+at the rear of the building.”
+
+As they had stood upon the landing listening to Revere Nat had noticed
+that the staircase was in the center of that wing of the building and
+that the hallway ran in either direction from it.
+
+“Whichever of them it is,” muttered the boy, “he’ll be well out of the
+way, at any rate.”
+
+For a long time he stood and listened for the other man. But there were
+no further footsteps or sounds of any sort.
+
+“Strange!” thought the listener. “Is it possible that two really came
+up that time? I felt sure that it was only----”
+
+He had gone so far when he suddenly shrank back from the window. Across
+the road he had seen a moving shadow, unquestionably the dim figure of
+a man.
+
+“I have it,” breathed Nat. “The second man is to remain on watch
+outside. And,” with a grim setting of his jaws, “that proves to me that
+there is going to be something attempted, as I thought.”
+
+He had laid the long pistol upon a chair shortly after he had entered
+the room. Now he took it up, raised the hammer and renewed the priming.
+
+“There is nothing like being sure,” he thought. “And unless I’m
+entirely wrong, a pistol that’s ready to fire will be a useful thing to
+have at hand before very long.”
+
+Again he fell to waiting. A clock from some distant part of the
+hostelry struck eleven and then midnight. It was some time after
+that--how much, Nat did not know--for he had gradually become
+drowsy--when a faint creaking noise suddenly came from the hall. With
+the step of a cat he crept to his room door and laid his ear against
+its edge to listen.
+
+He was not mistaken; there was a soft scuffling sound, much like that
+which would be made by a person advancing slowly and with much caution.
+
+Outside his door the sound ceased, and a long silence followed.
+At first Nat was convinced that the prowler intended to enter his
+apartment; but a moment’s thought showed him that the man could hardly
+be working by chance.
+
+“The door of the room occupied by Ben and Ezra directly faces mine,”
+was Nat’s conclusion. “It is there he has stopped and it is there he is
+going to enter.”
+
+A faint click--so faint as to be scarcely discernible--came from the
+other side of the door. The prowler had lifted the catch and was
+probably at that moment standing with his eyes peering through the
+darkness into the opposite room. Nat gave him a moment to get well
+within the room; then he grasped the handle of his own door, slowly and
+noiselessly swinging it open.
+
+The hall was dark save for the starlight that sifted through the window
+at the front. But just then there came the crackle of a tinder-box in
+the room opposite, as it caught the spark from a steel. Nat saw a form
+crouching close to the floor. Then there was a swift glance--a swifter
+movement and the pigskin saddle-bags were in the hands of the unknown.
+
+So, pistol in hand, Nat stepped into the doorway.
+
+“Now then, whoever you are,” he said in a loud tone, “stand steady, or
+it will be the worse for you.”
+
+Instantly the light was extinguished. He heard the four-posters creak
+as the sleepers awoke and sat up; and he was just about to cry a
+warning to them when a strong hand hurled him aside and a dark figure
+leaped down the hall toward the window. Nat had a confused sense of
+hearing startled voices calling out; but he did not pause to learn what
+they were crying.
+
+“Stop!” he shouted. “Stop, or I’ll fire!”
+
+But the unknown paid no heed. Under the hall window was a porch roof.
+Leaping through the one he gained the other; as he did so the pistol
+exploded with a terrific report and the heavy ball flew by his head.
+He was balancing himself upon the edge of the roof for a leap when Nat
+sprang out and upon him. Clutched in each other’s arms they swung
+backward and forward for a moment and then fell into the road.
+
+The shock broke their holds. Bruised and bleeding Nat Brewster
+staggered to his feet. Lights were beginning to flash at the inn
+windows and eager faces to peer out. The stranger was also rising; the
+saddle-bags were in his hands, and Nat sprang forward to grasp them,
+when he received a terrific blow from behind and fell forward upon his
+face in the dust of the road.
+
+Ben Cooper, staring from his bedroom window, candle in hand, saw the
+person who struck the blow raise his bludgeon as though to deliver a
+second.
+
+“It’s the stranger with the earrings,” cried the boy.
+
+Lights were now shining from various windows and the roadway before the
+inn was dimly illuminated; the man was clearly the same, and there was
+a fierce look upon his face as he steadied himself for the finishing
+stroke. But just then came a most tremendous barking and growling;
+petrified with astonishment, Ben saw a great dog rushing furiously
+forward from the inn yard--and held in leash by the Porcupine.
+
+The monstrous beast sprang upon the swarthy man and crushed him to the
+ground; dragging the dwarf after it like a feather, it rushed upon the
+tall man, who had risen and was gazing around in a most bewildered
+manner.
+
+Then Ben, followed by Ezra, leaped out upon the porch and thence to the
+ground; and though they arrived upon the scene of action but a moment
+or two later, it was to find the two strangers gone, and the Porcupine
+and dog masters of the situation.
+
+With the help of Revere they carried Nat into the inn parlor; the
+landlady, who was now up, as were indeed all the people of the
+hostelry, began staunching the flow of blood from a wicked cut in his
+scalp, all the time lamenting that such a thing should have occurred at
+her house.
+
+“The villains!” she said. “The ungrateful wretches! I hope they get
+their deserts! To strike a poor lad like this--to attempt a robbery
+here--to run off without settling their score.”
+
+“Now,” demanded Ben Cooper of the Porcupine, who was perched upon the
+arm of the settle where Nat lay, “how on earth did you come here?”
+
+“I came to see him,” answered the misshapen boy, a catch in his voice.
+
+The landlady gave the speaker a look that was full of wonder and
+contained just a little fear.
+
+“How he ever came to make up with that wicked beast, Hector, is more
+than I can understand,” she said to the others. “I have had that dog
+chained in the yard these three years, and only one or two of us dare
+go near him.”
+
+“I can always make friends with dogs,” said the dwarf. “All I need is a
+chance to talk to them. And when you put me in the loft over the stable
+to sleep my window was just above him; so I had no trouble at all. When
+the noise began I knew what it was right away, and so I made good use
+of Hector.”
+
+Here Nat opened his eyes and began to stare bewildered about him.
+Revere, Ben and the landlady bent over him, but Ezra looked keenly at
+the dwarf.
+
+“When the noise began you knew what it was,” repeated he. “How was
+that?”
+
+“Never mind,” replied the dwarf, coolly. “I knew; so let that be
+enough.”
+
+Nat’s wits came slowly back to him during this time, and he painfully
+grasped each fact as it presented itself to him. The struggle with the
+stranger came first--then, finally, the object of the man’s visit.
+
+“The saddle-bags!” he cried, starting to his feet.
+
+“Are gone,” replied Ben Cooper in a startled tone, for in his anxiety
+for Nat this important fact had been forgotten.
+
+Nat’s eyes went accusingly toward Ezra; he had not fully recovered from
+the shock of the blow and the boy’s figure was seen through a sort of
+haze.
+
+“And the message?” spoke Nat, in an unsteady voice.
+
+“It is safe,” replied Ezra Prentiss, quietly. “I have it here in my
+pocket.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE TALL MAN BRINGS A FRIEND
+
+
+At the announcement of Ezra, his companions gazed at him in surprise.
+
+“What Mr. Revere said upon the stairs as we were going to bed,” said
+the young New Englander, “made quite an impression upon me. So I had
+not been buried in the four-poster long before I found that I could not
+sleep so long as the message was where it was. So I got up, removed it
+from the bag and put it under my mattress.”
+
+Revere was much gratified at this.
+
+“Now,” said he, “that was wisdom. And I am glad that any words of mine
+saved you from such a loss. Always be as careful--you will find that it
+adds to your peace of mind.”
+
+But Nat Brewster was puzzled, and the look which he directed at the
+dwarf showed that that personage was in the same state of mind.
+However, he was in no condition to grapple with perplexities, so he put
+the thing from him for the time. His head was bandaged and before long
+they got back to bed once more.
+
+Next morning the wounded boy had a severe headache; but toward noon it
+wore away and he thought himself fit to travel.
+
+“But,” said he, decidedly, to Revere, when announcing his intentions,
+“we’re going to be a party of five from now on.”
+
+“I expected that,” said the other. “Ben’s been telling me about that
+little imp that he calls the Porcupine, and how he rendered you
+services of some sort upon other occasions beside that of last night.”
+Then after a pause: “So you think of taking him along?”
+
+“Yes,” replied Nat. “If I can get him a horse it would be much better;
+but if not, I’ll carry him on mine, as he’s no great weight.”
+
+“I’ll see what can be done,” said Revere. “Horse flesh ought to be
+plenty in these parts; and that means that it should be cheap.”
+
+The result was that Nat paid out about all the money he had for an
+angular, swift little bay horse, along with which came a worn saddle
+and bridle. The Porcupine received these evidences of favor with great
+delight.
+
+“Maybe,” said he to Nat, “I’ll be a lot of trouble on the road, but
+I’ll try not to be. And then,” with his usual grin, “I may be useful
+again in some way; for as you know I’m a pretty handy sort to have
+around on the outside.”
+
+They reached Trenton after dark that night and by the next were well
+into the north Jerseys. They slept one night in New York, then crossed
+the little colonies of Rhode Island and Connecticut into Massachusetts;
+and at the end of eight days, were arrived safe at Boston.
+
+“And now,” said Revere, as they paused in Marlborough Street, near the
+Old South Meeting House, “I must leave you for a time. Before I sleep
+this night the members of the convention must be notified that the
+Continental Congress has acted, so that they may assemble to-morrow to
+receive its formal resolutions.” He shook hands with Nat, Ben and the
+Porcupine. “I shall see you again before you leave the city, no doubt;
+if not, good-bye.”
+
+As Revere left them, Ezra said:
+
+“It would be as well that I should deliver my letter to Dr. Warren,
+also. Misadventures on the road have taught me that a messenger is
+never safe until his errand is done.”
+
+They turned their horses’ heads in the direction of Hanover Street,
+where the great patriot lived; and in a little while, leaving their
+horses in care of the Porcupine, they were shown into the library,
+where Dr. Warren received them. That he was all eagerness to read the
+communication from Mr. Adams was evident, but first he greeted Ben and
+Nat, bidding them welcome and directing a servant to prepare supper for
+them at once. When he had seen them comfortable and inquired eagerly
+after the cause in Philadelphia, he said:
+
+“And now you’ll pardon me, I know. Mr. Adams is sure to have matters of
+moment to write of.”
+
+And so, while the lads watched him, he broke the seals and carefully
+read the message. By the way his face lit up they knew that the news
+was good, and that the future had a brighter prospect than the present.
+When he had finished, he carefully tore the paper into fragments.
+
+“You see,” said he to the boys, laughing, “it is not well for a marked
+man, such as I, to have papers about him that will tell so much. Almost
+at any time Gage is likely to take courage and swoop down upon me with
+a file of men.”
+
+“And how are things in Boston, sir?” asked Ezra.
+
+An anxious look came into the doctor’s fine, worn face. But, for all,
+there was hope in it also.
+
+“Bad enough,” he answered. “But the people hold out wonderfully. The
+Port Bill has them upon the verge of starvation; those of us who were
+rich are now poor--those who were poor are now beggars.”
+
+“Then the law is enforced strictly?” said Nat Brewster.
+
+The doctor laughed bitterly.
+
+“Strictly enough,” said he. “The harbor is covered with British ships
+of war. And not only is the city’s foreign commerce cut off, but its
+domestic as well. Let a scow bring lumber or iron, or a lighter attempt
+to land hay from the islands and they are stopped. If a farmer attempts
+to ferry over his marketings or float his sheep into the city, the
+fleet is ever ready to capture or destroy them.”
+
+“It is, indeed, a condition of affairs not to be tolerated,” remarked
+Ezra, warmly. “But how has Gage treated the people lately?”
+
+“Oh, fairly enough. But he dare not do otherwise. The new laws are
+observed only in Boston; the whole outlying colony is in revolt against
+them, and I think he’s in fear that there may be an outbreak before
+he’s ready for it.”
+
+“What do you suppose will be the end of it, sir?”
+
+“We must fight!” answered the doctor, gravely; “and to win, we must
+make preparations.”
+
+“Good!” cried Ezra, and the light in his eyes was that of one who feels
+deeply. “And as for the preparation, I suppose that is still going
+forward.”
+
+Dr. Warren nodded.
+
+“We have magazines of stores at Concord and Worcester which are
+constantly being added to. Cannon, powder and musket-balls are being
+gathered from every possible source. The organizations of militia are
+being drilled daily; the minutemen, as we have called them, stand ready
+to answer the call of the Committee of Safety, day or night.”
+
+For a long time the patriot talked to the boys with simple,
+unsuspicious directness. And Nat noticed that he, like Revere and Mr.
+Adams, seemed to have perfect trust in Ezra Prentiss.
+
+That night the boys spent at the “Green Dragon,” an inn much frequented
+by the patriotic townspeople. Next day Ezra made ready to ride to his
+home, which had been in Cambridge for the past year or two.
+
+“Of course,” he said to Nat, “what time you stay about Boston, you will
+spend as my guest. So get ready and go out with me now.”
+
+But Nat shook his head. It was an awkward situation, and the young
+mountaineer felt it deeply. Suspecting Ezra as he did, he could not
+accept his hospitality.
+
+“You will be a great deal more comfortable at Cambridge than in the
+city as it now is,” urged Ezra.
+
+“I have no doubt of that,” returned Nat. “But there are reasons why I
+should not go. However, I thank you for your kindness.”
+
+The two boys were standing apart upon the pavement of the Green Dragon;
+and as Nat made this answer, Ezra regarded him steadily with his frank,
+honest eyes.
+
+“For the first time in my life I know what it is to be held at arm’s
+length,” said he. “And not only now, but since I first met you.”
+
+Nat did not reply; and the other resumed:
+
+“I don’t know when I’ve met any one whom I’ve more earnestly desired to
+make my friend than you. Sometimes I’ve thought it would come about;
+but more often I’ve thought it otherwise.” Nat saw his mouth twitch as
+he turned away, adding: “There may be a reason for it all; if there
+is,” meaningly, “don’t forget that it was no fault of mine.”
+
+Of course Ben accompanied his friend to Cambridge. He was vastly
+surprised when he learned that Nat was not to bear them company; but
+after one or two questions he subsided; for he had come to understand
+that Nat only told those things which he desired to tell.
+
+And as the two rode away down the street, the lad from Wyoming turned
+to the Porcupine who sat upon a bench before the “Dragon” and said:
+
+“Well, midget, what do you think?”
+
+The little eyes of the dwarf seemed to read what was in his tall
+friend’s mind. He nodded toward the riders who were now some distance
+away.
+
+“About him?” he asked.
+
+“Well--yes.”
+
+“I like him,” said the Porcupine. “I like him same as you do, and same
+as every one does. But he’s got a good many things to explain before
+I’d trust him.”
+
+“I think,” remarked Nat, soberly, “that’s about what I think too.”
+
+That afternoon the two paid a visit to Paul Revere at his shop in
+North Square; and Nat had a long talk with the engraver as he worked
+industriously at a plate.
+
+“I can lose no time,” said the man at the beginning, by way of apology.
+“I’m taken away from my work so often now that I must improve each
+moment I can snatch.”
+
+But he talked incessantly just the same; and Nat learned much of the
+condition of Boston, its conflict with king and parliament, of its
+patriotic population, and the vigorous, if secret, measures taken to
+oppose the army of Gage.
+
+“And now,” said Revere, at last, pausing in his work, and surveying Nat
+with questioning eyes, “how would you like to stay on in a town in such
+a plight?”
+
+Nat was rather puzzled as to just how to take this; but before he could
+speak, Revere went on:
+
+“I had some talk about you with your cousin as we journeyed along, and
+he told me just how it is with you. As far as I can see, though of
+course my information is limited, there is no great call for you to go
+back to Philadelphia, just yet.”
+
+“No,” Nat replied. “There is not.”
+
+“Good!” exclaimed Revere. He leaned against his bench and scratched
+his chin. “There are many brawny, ready young men of excellent courage
+in the city, I have no doubt,” he continued; “but one must see them in
+action before making sure. Such a one is wanted. Dr. Warren has asked
+me to recommend him a youth of quality for work that will need to be
+done in Boston during the winter.”
+
+“And you think I would answer?” inquired Nat.
+
+“I am sure you would!” cried Revere, in high admiration. “Have I not
+seen you in stress of danger? You were like a rock for steadiness, and
+you planned like an old campaigner.”
+
+“Just what is the work?” asked Nat.
+
+“I’ll tell you another time,” said Mr. Revere, and Nat noticed him cast
+a look in the direction of the Porcupine, who sat in a high-backed
+chair drinking in the conversation.
+
+“Don’t be afraid to trust him,” said Nat, warmly. “I never had a more
+faithful friend than he has proven himself.”
+
+“I’ll speak to Dr. Warren,” said Revere, evasively. “It may be that the
+need he spoke of has passed. Come to-morrow at this time and I’ll let
+you know.”
+
+Nat spent the remainder of the day and part of the next wandering
+about the city, looking curiously upon the closed stores, the military
+encampments, the trim looking warships and transports that rode at
+anchor in the river. But more than anything else he was interested
+in the people, the quiet, watchful people, so careful that no one
+should do anything that could be in any way considered an offence to
+the military. Boston knew that the day of blood was coming; but when
+it came she wanted to be able to say that she did not strike the first
+blow.
+
+At about noon on the day following the departure of Ezra and Ben, Nat
+paused before a likely looking coffee-house in Orange Street not far
+from Allen’s Lane.
+
+“Shall we go on to the ‘Dragon’ or shall we have something here?” asked
+he of the Porcupine.
+
+“I do feel rather peckish,” returned the dwarf, “and the ‘Dragon’ is a
+long way off.”
+
+So without more ado, Nat made his way into the place, followed by his
+odd-looking ally. There were oaken tables and chairs about the main
+room, and at the side were others screened by curtains of baize.
+
+“It’ll be more comfortable here, I think,” said Nat, selecting one of
+these; and so they seated themselves and made known their wants to
+an attentive waiter. As they ate their thick barley soup with big
+pewter spoons and nibbled at bits broken from a crusty loaf, their eyes
+wandered about the great square room and through the door at the people
+who passed so quietly, up and down.
+
+There were some prints upon the wall that after a little attracted
+Nat’s attention; and it was while examining these that he heard a
+sputtering cry from the Porcupine. Turning his head he found that the
+latter was apparently choking upon a morsel of bread and a mouthful of
+soup; but at the same time he was almost frantically pointing through
+the open door with his spoon.
+
+Nat turned his gaze in that direction and his excitement almost equaled
+that of his companion when he saw, standing upon the pavement before
+the coffee-house, the tall stranger whom they had encountered at the
+Bristol inn.
+
+But instantly Nat’s excitement left him. Surprise seldom mastered him;
+in moments of danger he usually was at his coolest.
+
+“Just give that curtain a twitch,” he said to the dwarf, who was
+nearest the hanging folds of baize. “I think the gentleman is coming
+in.”
+
+[Illustration: _HE SAW THE TALL STRANGER_]
+
+The Porcupine did as directed; and it was none too soon, for the tall
+man, who had apparently paused outside to greet an acquaintance, strode
+into the coffee-house, laughing and slapping his boot leg with a thick,
+silver-knobbed cane.
+
+“And look who is with him,” whispered the Porcupine, clutching his
+friend’s arm, almost fiercely.
+
+“Ezra Prentiss!” breathed Nat, and sank back into his chair, his face
+stern and set.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+WHAT NAT HEARD AT THE COFFEE-HOUSE IN ORANGE STREET
+
+
+As Nat Brewster and the dwarf breathlessly watched, the newcomers
+at the coffee-house in Orange Street were taken in hand by the same
+attentive servant who had waited upon the boys; and he pulled back
+chairs for them at a table only a few feet distant. They briefly made
+known what they desired and when the waiter had taken himself off, the
+tall man, after surveying his companion, said:
+
+“Well, I suppose you are glad to get back to Boston?”
+
+“Can you doubt it?” laughed the boy, his elbows upon the table, his
+chin in his palms. “It seems that this is the only place in which I can
+accomplish anything.”
+
+The tall man nodded as though he agreed perfectly with this saying.
+
+“It seems so indeed,” replied he. “You had the long journey to
+Philadelphia practically for nothing.”
+
+“And I don’t know when I worked harder,” said the other. “But
+everything seemed against my success--especially this Nat Brewster.”
+
+A sour, vindictive look came into the man’s face; his curved nose
+seemed more hawk-like than ever and his thin lips were set in a
+straight line.
+
+“As far as I have been able to judge,” went on the boy, “young Brewster
+is quite a person.”
+
+The dwarf jogged Nat’s elbow and grinned up at him, but the young
+mountaineer shook his head warningly.
+
+“Well, he was person enough to give me a nasty fall from the top of
+that porch,” said the tall man, morosely.
+
+The lad across the table laughed amusedly.
+
+“Never mind, Chesbrook,” said he. “Your hurts will heal. And then you
+got them in a good cause. It’s not for a lieutenant in the royal navy
+to make faces about a few bruises.”
+
+“Perhaps,” remarked Lieutenant Chesbrook, “if it were you that had the
+same hurts, you wouldn’t be so apt to laugh about them.”
+
+“Maybe not,” returned the lad. “But Brewster did not get off unmarked.”
+
+This time the man laughed.
+
+“That Neapolitan strikes a hard blow,” said he.
+
+“Friend Nat is going about with a bandage around his head, at any rate.
+But he is toughly made, and I think would stand a great deal of rough
+usage.”
+
+“I may put him to the test if he remains in Boston long,” said
+Chesbrook, grimly. “And as for that imp who came down upon us with the
+dog, I’ll be the death of him. The bites which the beast gave me before
+I could get out of its reach are worse than the other injuries by far.”
+
+“Well, he’s a brisk little villain, that dwarf, for all,” laughed the
+boy. “I wish he were as fast a friend to me as he is to Nat Brewster. I
+could make use of him.”
+
+“But what I complain of worse than anything else,” continued the
+lieutenant, “is the fact that all my hurts are for nothing.”
+
+“But you got a pair of very excellent saddle-bags,” laughingly.
+
+“If you had not valued those boys so lightly,” complained the
+lieutenant, “it would not have been necessary to resort to this last
+plan of yours.”
+
+The other nodded. The laughter quickly vanished from his face and an
+expression of vexation took its place.
+
+“You are right,” he said. “And as it was, to have broken into the inn
+at Bristol and taken the message by force would have been the proper
+way of going about it.”
+
+“Don’t forget that our friend Royce tried something of the sort only an
+hour or so south of the town. His success was no greater than mine.”
+
+“He did not count upon resistance. If he had, there would probably be a
+different story to tell.”
+
+“Not count upon resistance!” The lieutenant laughed heartily. “Well,
+that’s an odd sort of way of setting out upon a venture. He and his men
+were armed, were they not? Then they must have thought of a possible
+resistance. But,” sneeringly, “when the time came, they were afraid to
+fire.”
+
+There was a short silence, during which time their food was served
+them. When the waiter had once more departed, the man proceeded:
+
+“When I got the news of Royce’s failure in the matter of the men from
+Virginia, I lost faith in him. He allowed himself to be beaten by a boy
+and a few grooms.”
+
+“I don’t think his courage can be doubted.”
+
+“Perhaps not. But his qualities as a leader can. If a competent man
+had been on hand to carry out that enterprise we would have broken the
+heart of this growing rebellion at one blow.”
+
+“So I think, too. But,” and a deep shade of anxiety came into the
+speaker’s face, “as matters stand now, it looks very bad, eh?”
+
+“General Gage thinks so, at any rate. You know when he first arrived to
+take the governorship of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, he had a very
+poor opinion of Americans. Indeed, he still pretends to think the same.
+His letters to the king’s ministers, so I hear, still maintain that the
+colonists are cowards, that they will not fight, that they will not
+hold together long enough to make this movement serious, that they are
+mere blusterers who think to bully the king into doing what they ask.
+But it’s common talk aboard ship, at least, that he’s grown anxious.
+When he sends troops beyond the limits of the city, though they go
+bravely enough, with flying colors and to the music of their bands, he
+does not know if they will return alive, or no.”
+
+“Yes, I’ve heard that the towns all about are very determined.”
+
+“And they show their determination in a practical way by taking all the
+ammunition from the public magazines and hiding it away for their own
+use. All the cannon they can lay hold of are used the same way; those
+guns which they have not succeeded in carrying off, they’ve spiked
+or thrown into streams. And, I may add, that the spirit which sets
+mothers, wives and daughters to moulding musket-balls for a defence of
+what they call their country’s rights, is one hard to put down.”
+
+“But why does not General Gage make an effort to stop all this?”
+
+“How can he? Massachusetts must first be overawed by a huge army--which
+Gage has not at command--before any sort of successful measures can
+be taken. To attempt it now might cost a thousand lives. And I know,”
+added the man, with a grim smile, “that you wouldn’t care to see that.”
+
+“No, no,” replied the boy, his face going pale. “I think that above all
+else open war must be prevented.”
+
+“Gage is willing enough to let matters stand as they are. He thinks
+that in the end the people will become more divided and the whole
+matter settle itself. But the Tories are at him constantly to take
+measures. Nothing will do them but that their Whig neighbors shall be
+hanged or punished in some equally vigorous way; and they also demand
+that expeditions be sent to suppress the outlying towns. Up to this
+time, the governor has resisted them; but I hardly think he is man
+enough to continue to do so.”
+
+Then for a long time the two ate their food in silence. Then the man
+asked:
+
+“You are living at Cambridge, I suppose.”
+
+“Yes,” replied the other.
+
+“And still hold yourself in readiness to answer our call.”
+
+“You know that I do.”
+
+“Good! If all in Massachusetts were half so ready to prevent an
+outbreak as you, we’d need to have no fear of the result.”
+
+Finally they arose and paid their score. While awaiting change for
+the gold piece which Lieutenant Chesbrook had given the waiter, that
+officer asked:
+
+“But you intend to return to Philadelphia, do you not?”
+
+“If there is a message from the Adamses, I will,” replied the boy.
+
+And with that their change came; then the two walked out of the place,
+while Nat and the Porcupine sat staring at each other across their
+table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+IN WHICH DR. WARREN AND PAUL REVERE LISTEN INTENTLY
+
+
+It was some little time before either Nat or the dwarf spoke; then the
+latter said slowly:
+
+“Well, I suppose you have no more doubts now. I guess you’ll think with
+me that he’d only one reason for going to Master Chew’s house on the
+night that I saw him there.”
+
+Nat’s face was sternly set and there was a look in his eyes that was
+unmistakable.
+
+“No,” replied he, “I have no more doubts now. Ezra Prentiss is all that
+I have suspected him to be. But in this he has reached the end of his
+rope. I shall keep silent no longer.”
+
+“Good!” exclaimed the Porcupine, his stiff crest of hair seeming to
+grow more erect with excitement. “But,” lowering his tone, his manner
+changing quickly, “even now there is something queer about it all.”
+
+Nat looked mutely at the lad for an explanation; the dwarf went on:
+
+“There was a plan laid between Ezra and this naval officer to steal the
+message of Mr. Adams, was there not?”
+
+“Their talk would make it seem so, at all events,” replied Nat.
+
+“Then why was the plan not carried out? The matter lay in their own
+hands. If Ezra Prentiss wanted the message taken, why did he remove it
+from the saddle-bags?”
+
+“That is more than I can say,” answered Nat, in a low, brooding voice.
+“It has a very unusual look. Something happened, perhaps, to show the
+thing not to be desirable at the time. Otherwise I cannot account for
+it.”
+
+They sat in the Orange Street coffee-house for some time talking over
+the matter. Nat had often before noticed the good sense of the dwarf
+and the intelligent expression of his opinions. But to-day both were so
+noticeable that in sheer surprise the young mountaineer finally said:
+
+“Porcupine, how old are you?”
+
+“Sixteen,” replied the dwarf.
+
+“You must have had pretty good schooling.”
+
+“Five years. A Quaker gentleman sent me to Master File’s Academy. But
+he died and I had no money to continue any longer, so back I went to
+sleeping in doorways, while I staid in the city, and in barns when I
+took to the country.”
+
+A little later, Nat, looking at the tall clock which stood in a corner,
+said:
+
+“I think I’d better make my way to North Square, and see Mr. Revere;
+and as he seems disinclined to talk before a third person, you had
+better wait for me at the ‘Dragon.’”
+
+After leaving the Porcupine to make his way to the inn, Nat Brewster
+set into a brisk pace and in a short time found himself once more at
+the house of Paul Revere.
+
+“Ah,” said that worthy, heartily gripping him by the hand, “I was just
+this moment thinking of you.”
+
+Nat sat down upon an oaken bench; the engraver went on with his work,
+every now and then looking up to nod at his caller; but all the time he
+talked steadily.
+
+“Last night,” he said, “I saw Dr. Warren and Dr. Benjamin Church, and I
+talked with them about you.”
+
+“Who is Dr. Church?” asked Nat, who had never heard of that gentleman
+before.
+
+Revere’s face became clouded; a little frown wrinkled itself across the
+top of his nose.
+
+“Dr. Church,” said he, “is a well-known gentleman who has mixed himself
+much in the movement. He is a frequenter of my shop; he has written
+verses that have appeared upon some of my prints.”
+
+“Ah,” said Nat, “a patriot.”
+
+But Paul Revere shook his head. Lowering his voice cautiously, he made
+answer:
+
+“I’m not so sure of that. He is a member of the Committee of Safety,
+and, with the exception of Dr. Warren, is the only person who is told
+of the secret doings of the Sons of Liberty. Yet I don’t trust him
+overmuch. He’s too friendly with the Tories and, I have heard, is upon
+terms with Gage himself.”
+
+An anxious look crept into Nat’s face.
+
+“Why, the struggle for liberty is like to be honeycombed with treachery
+before it has fairly begun to live.”
+
+He was about, there and then, to bring up the matter of Ezra Prentiss,
+deeming it a fitting time; but Revere’s thoughts drifted back to what
+he had upon his tongue in the first place.
+
+“Dr. Warren was most pleased with what he heard about you,” said the
+engraver. “More than ever he desires some one in whom he can trust
+to be at hand when wanted. Ordinarily he would call upon me, but
+I’m ofttimes taken up with my own affairs and cannot attend to the
+committee’s business as I’d like. He said,” continued Revere, “that
+he’d be pleased to have a talk with you to-night.”
+
+It was arranged after some further conversation that Revere was to call
+for Nat at the “Dragon” about eight in the evening and then they were
+to go together to the doctor’s house in Hanover Street.
+
+This program was carried out, and they found the great patriot still at
+his supper.
+
+“I had been called out, and am but now returned,” he said. “But I am
+delighted to see you both.”
+
+Nothing would do but that they should draw up their chairs and join him.
+
+“Here is an excellent joint,” smiled he, “and a capon pie that
+will please you if you admire cookery. And then we can talk more
+comfortably, you see.”
+
+And though they had just supped, they again sat down with the doctor.
+After some little gossip of a general nature, Revere said:
+
+“I have been talking to Master Brewster, doctor, as you suggested. And
+as he seems anxious to help in the work, I brought him to see you.”
+
+The doctor looked at Nat good-naturedly.
+
+“Mr. Revere is an ardent admirer of yours,” said he, “and has been
+telling me some of the misadventures of your journey north. And I may
+say that your own part in them has taken my fancy.”
+
+“Travelers,” replied Nat, “come upon unexpected things, and must
+somehow overcome them. That’s all I tried to do.”
+
+“All!” cried Revere. “All! Well, perhaps so; but it was enough to
+save all our lives from the hulking thieves gathered in that ruin.
+And again, it required courage to do what you did to save Mr. Adams’
+letter, even though you failed.”
+
+“You see,” said Dr. Warren, laughing; “Revere will make you out a hero
+whether you will or no. But,” and his face grew graver, “I think you
+would be of good service here in Boston if you could but stay.”
+
+“If there is need of me,” said Nat, “I can stay.”
+
+The doctor’s eyes shone with pleasure.
+
+“Excellent!” ejaculated he. “There is a promptness and decision about
+that which I like. And,” he proceeded, bending toward Nat, “there
+is much need of you. We have things to do which require courage and
+adaptability--qualities which I’m inclined to think you possess.”
+
+“I am ready to undertake anything that you think I can do,” said the
+lad.
+
+“Gage and his officers are to be watched. The British must make no move
+that shall not at once be reported to us. Revere has organized a body
+of mechanics to patrol the streets night and day; but we must have some
+one for a venturesome task--to learn what the governor’s intentions are
+before he gives the command.”
+
+“How is that to be done?” asked Nat, puzzled.
+
+“I will explain some ways in which I think it might be done, later,”
+said Dr. Warren. “Ezra Prentiss was to have taken up this task; but his
+being selected by the Adamses to help in their work at Philadelphia
+prevented it. I know that he would have been successful; and I feel
+sure that you will.”
+
+Nat had, after careful deliberation, made up his mind that before this
+meeting with Warren came to an end, he would unburden himself of all
+his knowledge of Ezra and lay his suspicions and the cause of them out
+for the judgment of that calm-minded patriot.
+
+As he could imagine no better opportunity for doing this than the one
+which now presented itself, he addressed his host nervously, across the
+table.
+
+“Dr. Warren,” he inquired, “how long have you known Ezra Prentiss?”
+
+The patriot hesitated, then turned to Revere.
+
+“How long has it been since you first brought him here?”
+
+“Some two years, I should say,” returned Revere. “He’d but lately
+joined the Sons of Liberty, and seemed so warm for the work that I
+thought we could find things out of the ordinary for him to do.”
+
+“And some of the tasks we set him to perform were very much out of
+the ordinary,” praised Dr. Warren, warmly. “And I never expect to see
+anything more enthusiastically done.”
+
+“But,” insisted Nat, “do you know nothing more of him than this?”
+
+There was something in the boy’s voice that made the two men look at
+him questioningly.
+
+“I know,” answered Revere, “that he is a native of Boston; but that’s
+all. However, we don’t ask for pedigrees in these days. For proof of
+that witness your own case. Deeds are what count with us and nothing
+else.”
+
+There was a pause. Dr. Warren laid his knife and fork crosswise upon
+his plate, sat well back in his chair and looked at Nat intently.
+
+“I think,” said he, at last, “there is something back of what you’ve
+said.”
+
+“I’m going to tell you something,” said Nat, with a grave air.
+“Something that will try your credulity, perhaps, but that is
+nevertheless true for all that. I ask your attention and I promise to
+venture no opinion. I am going to tell you nothing except what has
+happened and will leave it for you to pass judgment.”
+
+“Go on,” said Dr. Warren.
+
+Thereupon Nat began his tale and related it much after the fashion
+in which he had told it to his uncle. But of course there were the
+additional things--the happenings since they had left Philadelphia and,
+most damaging of all, the scene in the coffee-house only a few hours
+before.
+
+Both Warren and Revere listened with the utmost attention; not once
+did they interrupt the boy as briefly and lucidly he sketched the
+happenings that had given him so much anxiety.
+
+“And now,” he concluded, “I felt that I could not withhold this any
+longer--that it was my duty to place the facts before you. And, as I
+said at the beginning, I venture no opinion. I leave it to you to say
+what it all means.”
+
+“What you have told us is most astounding,” said Warren, “and yet there
+is that in it which carries conviction. What is your opinion, Revere?”
+
+The engraver shook his head.
+
+“I don’t know what to say,” he replied. “Ezra has always, as far as I
+could see, been worthy of trust. But in the face of all that I have
+just now heard----” and he gestured helplessly, as though unable to
+finish the sentence.
+
+Then the two plunged deeply into the matter and discussed its every
+side. Every now and then they appealed to Nat for the verification of
+some fact; and the boy was greatly relieved to find that not once did
+they doubt any feature of his story. At length Dr. Warren said:
+
+“To spread this tale abroad would do little good. In fact, it might do
+considerable harm; for the people, you know, are easily struck with
+panic. The knowledge that there are traitors within the lines would
+have a bad effect upon many.”
+
+“But,” said Nat, “will it not be much more harmful to allow this boy to
+continue as he is doing? He occupies a position which endangers----”
+
+But Dr. Warren interrupted him.
+
+“He will not occupy it for long,” said he, quietly. “I will despatch
+word to Samuel Adams to-morrow detailing everything and asking him
+to act upon the matter as he thinks best. And that will mean only one
+thing--that Ezra Prentiss will be entrusted with no more important
+work.”
+
+It was late at night when Revere and Nat Brewster left Dr. Warren’s
+house and proceeded along Hanover Street.
+
+“I never expected to hear anything like this,” said the engraver, as he
+shook his head sadly. “I’d have trusted that boy with my life if need
+be.”
+
+“I can understand that,” replied Nat. “And that is the feeling that
+made me hold my tongue till now.”
+
+“However,” spoke the man, “we have other matters to think about. It’s
+a sore thing to lose a friend, but we’ve no time for grieving. Work is
+ahead for all of us--work that will mean much for the colonies if we
+can perform it properly.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+IN WHICH A WINTER PASSES, BRINGING MANY THINGS
+
+
+The very next night, Nat Brewster was admitted with all due formality
+to membership of that devoted band of patriots known as the “Sons of
+Liberty,” of which Paul Revere was a leading spirit. This organization
+met in one of the upper rooms of the “Green Dragon,” and the young
+mountaineer was astonished to find how complete were their plans of
+resistance should the time come when it should be necessary to take up
+arms.
+
+Immediately, after another consultation with Dr. Warren, the boy took
+up the work that had been assigned to him.
+
+“One of the most pressing needs of the British army now encamped in
+Boston,” said the doctor, “is for barracks to shelter them during the
+coming winter. The artisans of Boston have refused to undertake the
+building, and so bricklayers, masons, plasterers and carpenters are
+largely in demand. If you were one of these now”--and he looked at
+Nat speculatively, “you’d be able to get inside the lines and perhaps
+gather information of great value to us.”
+
+“I have done a great deal of rough carpentry,” said Nat. “And though I
+am no great mechanic, still, I may do, if they are badly pressed for
+men.”
+
+“Excellent!” said Dr. Warren, greatly pleased. “Lose no time in
+applying to the officer in charge.”
+
+This Nat did, later in the same day; and his services were snapped up
+eagerly at much higher wages than usual.
+
+“Those villains of Whigs will not take honest work in the king’s
+service,” complained the red-faced captain in charge of the work.
+“They’d rather stand about the streets meditating treason and throwing
+black looks at decent persons who uphold the laws.”
+
+So during the days that followed Nat sawed, planed and nailed in the
+midst of the British with great energy. And all the time he watched
+keenly and listened for any news that might be of importance. At night
+he patroled the streets with Revere and his thirty mechanics; and there
+was little that escaped their sharp eyes and alert minds, for they
+scattered into every part of the town where they thought there might be
+a movement of the king’s troops.
+
+Nat saw very little of Ben Cooper, and nothing at all of Ezra for some
+days; finally one evening as he sat at supper at the “Dragon” Ben burst
+in upon him.
+
+“Ezra has been recalled to Philadelphia,” he stated. “He starts in the
+morning, so be ready and you can pick us up on the way.”
+
+“I’m going to remain in Boston,” said Nat, calmly.
+
+“Going to remain in Boston!” Ben almost gasped these words, so great
+was his astonishment. “Why, what for?”
+
+“I have urgent reasons,” replied Nat. Then seeing his cousin’s
+reproachful look, he added, laughingly, “Well, I suppose I’ll have to
+tell you about it; but you will have to promise not to say anything to
+any one--not even Ezra.”
+
+Ben looked at Nat challengingly.
+
+“I say,” said he, “what’s the matter with Ezra? Somehow or other you
+don’t take to him very well.”
+
+“He’s said something to you, has he?” said Nat.
+
+“He’s said nothing,” replied Ben warmly. “But I’ve got eyes and I can
+see as well as the next.”
+
+Nat was silent for a moment. He could tell Ben nothing of that
+particular affair because Dr. Warren had asked both himself and Revere
+to keep silent.
+
+“I’ll say nothing about your ideas regarding Ezra and me,” said he,
+at last. “But I will say, under promise that you tell no one, that I
+remain in Boston to carry out some work required of me by Dr. Warren.”
+
+Now there was no more ardent patriot among them all than good-natured
+Ben Cooper. So upon hearing his cousin’s words he at once gave up all
+expectation of his accompanying them south.
+
+“Very well,” said he. “If that’s the case, I suppose I’ll have to leave
+you here. But the Porcupine will go back with me, of course.”
+
+“No,” said Nat. “I rather think he wants to remain. But,” turning to
+the dwarf who sat near him, “speak for yourself.”
+
+“I’ll stay with you if you’ll let me,” came the answer promptly.
+
+“So you see,” smiled Nat to Ben, “you will have the trip all to
+yourselves. But,” with a sudden recollection of what was due to his
+uncle, “I must get you to take a letter to your father.”
+
+So while Ben waited, he got a bottle of ink, a quill and a sheet
+of thick paper, with which he set about composing a long letter to
+Mr. Cooper. When he finally finished and sealed it up, he had told
+everything of importance there was to tell. Ben remained for some time
+talking and then got upon his horse for the ride to Cambridge.
+
+“Do you know,” said he, as he mounted and sat looking down at his
+cousin, “that I rather envy you.”
+
+“Why?”
+
+“Because there is something in the air of this town that tells me that
+it’s here or hereabouts that the explosion is going to take place.”
+
+“You are always finding things in the air,” laughed Nat.
+
+“Well, if I do, I am generally right,” argued Ben. “Just you wait and
+see.”
+
+Then they shook hands and said good-bye; Ben waved his hand and nodded
+smilingly to the Porcupine, who replied with a grin; then the rein was
+given the little roan, and she scampered away down the dimly lit street.
+
+During the whole of the long, gloomy winter that followed, Nat Brewster
+saw no more of his cousin; once there came a letter from Mr. Cooper in
+which Ben enclosed a page of greetings, but that was all.
+
+But Nat had little time to think of these things. As the winter
+advanced the situation became more and more tense. The arming of the
+people went steadily on, as did the collecting of the military stores.
+Nat, in one capacity or another, served Dr. Warren and the Committee
+of Public Safety continuously; he kept as close as possible to the
+British sources of information and more than once was lucky enough to
+secure news that was of great help to the cause. But the Porcupine
+was invaluable; he developed a musical talent, which Nat had not
+suspected, and upon a strange looking string instrument of his own
+manufacture he played and sang Tory ballads at inns and places where
+the royalists resorted. In this way he made himself popular with
+them and so gained admittance to places which would otherwise have
+been denied him; the result was that there was scarcely a thing of
+consequence talked of among the Tories that escaped him, or failed to
+reach the ears of the committee in due course.
+
+In this way it became known to Warren and the rest of the patriot
+committee that Gage had about despaired of his policy of inaction; he
+had made up his mind to disarm the people and seize their leaders.
+
+“He has been desirous of having an army of twenty thousand men before
+resorting to this,” Nat told Dr. Warren in repeating what he had heard.
+“But he has made up his mind that these will never be sent him, so he
+is going to make the attempt with his present force.”
+
+“Which is about thirty-five hundred,” said Dr. Warren. “But how is he
+to proceed, or haven’t you heard?”
+
+“The Porcupine, as it happens, heard that very subject talked of last
+night at the ‘George and Griffin.’ Ruggles, the loyalist leader, has
+asked General Gage to send troops to Marshfield to protect the Tories
+from violence.”
+
+“No violence is meditated against them,” said Warren, sternly. “That is
+but a subterfuge to test the willingness of the people to permit troops
+to march into the outlying sections.”
+
+On January 23d, General Gage sent one hundred men and three hundred
+stand of arms to Marshfield. All Boston, it seemed, was on the streets
+to watch the tiny column move out of the city; and as Nat stood gazing
+with interest upon the scene, he was surprised to see Ezra Prentiss
+upon the edge of the crowd at the opposite side of the street. They
+exchanged formal salutes, but neither made any attempt to cross to the
+other. Nat knew that the brothers Adams had left Philadelphia at the
+adjournment of Congress, but he had heard nothing of Ezra; and, indeed,
+had given him but little thought.
+
+“That means that we must both be more careful,” said the Porcupine,
+when Nat told him of the meeting. “If he sees you among the British
+and me among the Tories, he’ll be sure to whisper something in their
+ears that will put us in danger.”
+
+In sending the troops to Marshfield, Gage feared an outbreak; but when
+the colonists merely looked sullenly on and no hand was raised against
+the soldiers, the governor grew elated.
+
+“They dare not really oppose the king’s troops,” he is reported as
+saying. “And when the spring opens, I’ll prove it to even themselves.”
+
+A few brass cannon and gun carriages had been deposited by the patriots
+at Salem, and about a month later Nat, by the merest chance, learned
+that Colonel Leslie and a detachment were to be sent to seize them. At
+Warren’s command the young mountaineer sped to Salem as fast as the
+hard-mouthed black would take him.
+
+It was Sunday morning and the Puritan town was still and covered with
+snow. But within an hour the streets were alive with citizens, all
+ready to defend the guns. As the latter were upon the upper side of
+North Bridge, the draw was raised, and when the British arrived they
+could not cross the river. Several large gondolas lay upon the south
+bank. Colonel Leslie at once gave orders that his men cross in these;
+as the soldiers moved toward the boats Nat saw a youth, followed by
+several older persons, rush forward, push the craft into the water and
+proceed to scuttle them.
+
+The redcoats waded into the stream and with their bayonets tried to
+stop this. The boy leader lifted an oar with which to defend himself
+and then, for the first time, Nat recognized him.
+
+“Ben Cooper,” he cried in amazement.
+
+A moment later the boats sank, and their occupants struck out for the
+north side, swimming lustily and uttering derisive cries.
+
+Flushed and angry, Colonel Leslie stood at the open draw and shouted
+across at the townspeople:
+
+“Lower the draw in the name of the king.”
+
+The Rev. Mr. Bernard, a clergyman of Salem, stepped forward.
+
+“Colonel,” said he, “I take you for a just and reasonable man, and
+one who would not wish to stain the Sabbath day with blood. This is
+a private way; you have no right to cross if the owners see fit to
+object. So go your way in peace.”
+
+Leslie had been especially warned by Gage not to persist if there was
+danger of bloodshed; and now the news reached him that the minutemen
+from all the country round had been sent for, and indeed, that the
+company from Danvers had just arrived. But he was a determined officer,
+and as he had set out to cross the bridge he made up his mind to do so.
+
+“I am going to march my men across,” declared he. “If you will
+peaceably lower the draw, I’ll agree to proceed no more than thirty
+rods beyond it. But if you refuse--well, you must accept the
+consequences.”
+
+Thereupon the draw was lowered; the British had the empty triumph of
+crossing; but the brass guns were safe, and the incoming militia drew
+up in line and watched the redcoats depart, their fifes squeaking
+dismally, their drums beating a hollow tattoo.
+
+When all danger was past, Nat began a search for Ben Cooper. But the
+swimmers had landed some distance below the bridge; he located a few
+of them, but Ben was nowhere to be found.
+
+“The boy who first started for the boats was a stranger to us,” the men
+told Nat. “We never saw him before. But he’s a plucky one, whoever he
+is.”
+
+All the way back to Boston Nat wondered over this strange incident.
+
+“Why, I had not thought Ben within hundreds of miles of Boston,” he
+said. “And here he pops up in the midst of a thing like that just
+passed. However, I suppose he’ll hunt me up before long and give an
+account of himself.”
+
+But this Ben did not do; weeks passed and Nat still heard nothing of
+him. At last the latter made up his mind that he had been mistaken.
+
+“It couldn’t have been Ben, or he’d have looked me up,” he reasoned.
+“It was the excitement of the moment that led me astray; one is apt to
+imagine all sorts of things at such times.”
+
+However, as has been noted before, he had not much leisure to think
+over his own affairs. With Revere and the thirty faithful mechanics,
+who continued to patrol the bleak streets each night, ever watchful and
+alert, he gave all his waking time to the Committee of Safety. And in
+pursuance of the change of policy on the part of their commander, the
+British grew aggressively offensive. Once they tarred and feathered a
+citizen whom they claimed had tempted a soldier to desert, and drew him
+about the streets upon a dray guarded by soldiers, their band playing
+“Yankee Doodle” in derision.
+
+They attended public meetings at the Old South Church and hissed the
+speakers. On the day in March set aside by the Provincial Congress for
+fasting and prayer, they pitched tents near to the meeting-houses and
+the services were constantly interrupted by the sound of drum and fife.
+The very next day Mr. Hancock’s house was assaulted and damaged.
+
+“All this is to provoke the people to strike the first blow,” said
+Warren.
+
+And thereupon the precautions taken by their leaders to prevent their
+doing so were redoubled.
+
+Some fourteen thousand musket cartridges were seized by the British
+guard as the patriots endeavored to get them across Boston neck, and
+the driver of the wagon was severely handled. This was on March 18th;
+and the same evening a party of officers attacked the Providence coach.
+
+It was about this time that Nat Brewster became aware that an
+enterprise of some moment was soon to be undertaken by Gage. There
+was nothing said openly, no one put it into words; but there was much
+whispering and signaling among the younger officers; and Nat, whose
+days were almost all employed at the barracks or officers’ quarters,
+listened with all his ears.
+
+At length, as March neared its end, the rumor became more definite; and
+then it was given a name. The stores at Concord were to be destroyed!
+
+When Nat excitedly bore this intelligence to Warren, a guard was at
+once placed over the magazines; teams were held in readiness to carry
+them away at the first sign of a British advance. Riders were also
+despatched to carry the alarm to all the towns and have them hold their
+companies of militia to answer any call that might be made upon them.
+
+Gage now sent out engineer officers to inspect the state of the towns,
+to make sketches and maps of the roads and all possible places of
+defence. Bodies of troops were frequently sent out. On the 30th of
+March, the first brigade, numbering some eleven hundred men, took
+its way toward Jamaica Plain, and on their march did much damage by
+throwing down stone walls and otherwise misconducting themselves. Armed
+to the teeth, they swaggered through the near-by towns like ruffians.
+Little did they dream what danger they were in. All about them the
+country slowly arose; bands of armed minutemen appeared like magic,
+and, unseen, awaited the word. Dr. Warren, watching the truculent
+brigade of British from a neighboring hill, smiled grimly to Paul
+Revere, who sat his horse beside him.
+
+“Let them advance a few miles further, attempt to destroy a magazine or
+in any way abuse our people, and not a man of them will ever see Boston
+again.”
+
+But the time was not yet. In the city, the bearing of the king’s
+soldiers became more and more proud; the population, unable to stand
+their insults, was slowly drifting into the country. It became quite
+dangerous for a patriot of mark to remain, and, indeed, most of them
+had taken their leave of the town long before. But the gallant Dr.
+Warren remained.
+
+“Some one must take the risk,” said he, simply. “And why not I?”
+
+Gage made every effort to purchase supplies for camp service; but
+the people were before him everywhere; they cut him off both in
+Massachusetts and New York. About the middle of April a reinforcement
+came, and the very day of its coming, Nat overheard a conversation
+between an ensign and a lieutenant at a mess table which immediately
+set his expectations upon edge. The boy from Wyoming was fitting a
+window-sash which had been much complained of; and as the two officers
+were but a half dozen feet from him, he lost not a word.
+
+“This is all the general’s been waiting for,” declared the ensign, a
+youthful, strapping fellow. “Now mark my words, he’ll slip a second
+expedition out upon the Yankees and capture all the nest-eggs they’ve
+been hoarding so carefully at Concord.”
+
+The lieutenant shook his head.
+
+“Of course it’s for General Gage to do as he thinks best,” said he.
+“But if I were asked what I thought about it--which I’m not likely to
+be--I’d tell him to go slow.”
+
+“Oh, he’s been going slow since he’s been here,” exclaimed the ensign,
+“and what has it done for him? Not a thing. Here is an assembly of
+men, styled the Provincial Congress, and which is totally unknown to
+the constitution, collecting the public moneys. That alone is enough
+to arouse him to action; but when he sees the same moneys invested in
+warlike stores to be used against him, he grows angry. It’s his duty to
+stop this and prevent the calamity of a civil war.”
+
+The lieutenant nodded.
+
+“You are right,” said he, “so it is; but I don’t like the way he’s
+going about preventing it.” He lowered his voice after a glance at Nat,
+and continued: “Have you heard that the grenadiers and light infantry
+have been relieved from duty?”
+
+“Yes,” returned the other, with a laugh. “The excuse is that they are
+to learn some sort of a new exercise. It’s a rare good dodge, for of
+course they’re being got ready for a march.”
+
+“I fancy you are right,” nodded the lieutenant. “And those boats of the
+transports, which were hauled up for repairs, have been launched again
+and are now under the sterns of the men-of-war, ready for service.”
+
+Late that night, for he always visited Dr. Warren’s house at hours when
+he’d be little likely to be seen, Nat Brewster hastened to Hanover
+Street. Revere was with the doctor at the time and they received the
+news which he had to tell with set faces.
+
+“Mr. Hancock and Samuel Adams are at the house of the Rev. Jonas Clark
+at Lexington,” said Dr. Warren to Revere. “I shall wish you to bear a
+letter to them at daybreak to-morrow.”
+
+“I will be ready,” said Revere.
+
+Nat bore the courier company on the following morning.
+
+“The time,” said Revere, soberly, as they jogged along, “is not now far
+off.”
+
+“I fear not,” replied Nat. “If Gage strikes, we must strike back. And
+that will mean a relentless war.”
+
+“I had some faint foreknowledge of what you told us last night,” said
+Revere. “The whisper came to me that Gage intended to seize Mr. Hancock
+and Mr. Adams, but just how or when I did not know until you came.”
+
+“If they were taken it would be a worse blow than the loss of the
+stores could well be,” said Nat, seriously. “Such an event will, of
+course, be especially guarded against.”
+
+“Right,” returned the man in the same tone. “You may be sure that it
+will be, if I have any voice in the matter.”
+
+The house of the Rev. Mr. Clark was a wooden one upon a shady street;
+as it happened both Mr. Adams and Mr. Hancock were at home, and they
+received the news calmly.
+
+“We have arranged for just this emergency,” said Mr. Hancock. “There
+are safe places at Sudbury and Groton for the stores; within an hour
+they shall be on their way.”
+
+“And no British column, no matter how strong, will be able to get that
+far in search of them,” added Mr. Adams, grimly.
+
+Revere and Nat rode back by way of Charlestown, and here they met
+Colonel Conant of the militia, and some other gentlemen warm in the
+cause.
+
+“It puzzles me,” said Revere, after some talk, “how we shall get word
+across the river when the troops are about to start.”
+
+“I had thought of that,” answered Conant. “From where we stand, the
+tower of Old North Church is plain to be seen in day-time. When the
+troops start, climb to the windows in the steeple and signal us by
+flashes of light--one if they are going by land, two if by water.”
+
+“Good,” praised Revere, “a fortunate idea, colonel. We will act upon
+it. Don’t forget,” as they were going, “two flashes of a lantern if
+they go by water--one, if by land.”
+
+When they reported to Dr. Warren he breathed a sigh of relief.
+
+“It now only remains for us to keep a strict patrol,” he said, “and
+give the signals promptly. Do you,” to Nat, “watch like a hawk. And
+you,” to Revere, “see to it that your men do the same.”
+
+Monday passed, and Nat, still employed at the officers’ quarters, noted
+many things that gave him alarm. Late in the afternoon he saw a dozen
+horses brought out and a group of laughing, chatting officers all ready
+to mount.
+
+“I think,” said the strapping ensign whom Nat had heard talk a few days
+before, and who now made one of this party, “that there will be little
+need for us to watch the roads. The Yankees know nothing, and therefore
+can send no warning to the peasants in the out-sections.”
+
+Nat did not desire to hear more. In a sheltered spot he scribbled a few
+words upon the face of a smooth pine block with the point of a nail;
+hiding this beneath his coat, he made his way to a point beyond the
+barracks.
+
+“It’s lucky that I thought to tell the Porcupine to hold himself ready
+to carry a message,” he said as he hurried along.
+
+Rounding the far end of the barracks, he heard a door close, then he
+caught a quick, sure tread upon some wooden steps; turning his head the
+least bit, he got a glimpse of the newcomer out of the tail of his eye.
+
+[Illustration: _HE GOT A GLIMPSE OF THE NEWCOMER_]
+
+“Ezra!” almost cried Nat, in dismay. But he choked back the
+exclamation, lowered his head and walked steadily on. Even though his
+back was now squarely toward the other, Nat knew that the boy had
+halted and was watching him. But it was only for a moment, then the
+same light footstep resumed, now upon the plank walk; and Nat, with
+a keen, quick glance over his shoulder, saw him hurrying away toward
+the group of officers who were still gathered, awaiting the command to
+mount.
+
+As luck would have it, there was a sharp turn around some buildings for
+Nat to make in order to reach the place where he had told the dwarf to
+await him. As he rounded this he was screened from view and broke into
+a run.
+
+With set face he sped forward, not knowing what another moment would
+develop. And, as it happened, the very moment that he caught sight of
+the grinning face of the Porcupine, he also heard the roar of hoofs
+upon the planks of the barracks road. In a flash he tossed the dwarf
+the pine block.
+
+“To Dr. Warren--and get out of sight quickly!” he said, hastily.
+
+The keen perceptions of the dwarf grasped the situation instantly.
+Clutching the block, he vanished between two buildings; and Nat, his
+head bent, as though totally unconscious of everything but his own
+private affairs, continued on up the street. Nearer and nearer sounded
+the hoof beats; then two horsemen drew up beside him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+NAT BREWSTER IS TAKEN BY FOES AND PAUL REVERE BEGINS HIS MIDNIGHT RIDE
+
+
+Nat gazed up in assumed astonishment at the two excited faces that bent
+over him. He knew that the dwarf was safely away, and all his native
+coolness returned to him.
+
+“What now, my lad?” demanded one of the horsemen, a puffy faced captain
+of light infantry. “Where are you going?”
+
+“I’m on my way home,” answered Nat, innocently enough.
+
+“I think,” said the puffy faced captain, “you’d better delay that for
+awhile and come back to the barracks. A few words with you may do no
+harm.”
+
+“Very well,” agreed Nat, promptly.
+
+And with that he turned and started back over the road he’d just
+traveled. His willingness to do what was demanded of him seemed to take
+the two officers by surprise; the second of them, a lank youth with
+vacant eyes, drawled:
+
+“Why, this fellow is too wooden-headed to be dangerous, captain. That
+lad must have been hoaxing us.”
+
+“It’s not for us to judge of that,” replied the puffy faced man, who
+seemed a competent officer. “Major Pitcairn told us to bring him back,
+and that’s what we are going to do.”
+
+“Oh, of course,” the lank youth hastened to say. “We’ll do that surely.”
+
+So Nat was marched back within the British lines. Where but ten minutes
+before there had been laxity and careless superiority, all was now
+tense excitement and bustle. The group of officers were in the saddle;
+guards were being placed at many points where it had never been deemed
+worth while to have them before. Scowling looks met the boy as he
+trudged calmly along before the two riders.
+
+At Gage’s headquarters they drew up; dismounting, the officer led Nat
+past the sentries into a long room where sat the governor, a stout,
+bluff Englishman in undress uniform.
+
+“Is this the fellow, Pitcairn?” demanded Gage of an immaculately
+dressed officer across the table from him.
+
+Major Pitcairn surveyed Nat carefully.
+
+“I’ve seen him among the workmen for some months past,” said he. “But
+I’m not sure of anything else.”
+
+“Ask Lieutenant Chesbrook to step in,” said General Gage to an orderly
+who stood at the door. “And tell him to bring his friend.”
+
+In a moment the tall naval lieutenant stalked into the apartment, and
+following him was young Prentiss. Nat met the latter’s eye with a
+steady, accusing gaze. But the Boston boy did not flinch. He merely
+gazed back with inquiring interest, nodded and smiled genially.
+
+“Yes,” replied the hawk-nosed lieutenant, glancing at Nat and replying
+to a question of Major Pitcairn’s. “That is the person.”
+
+“You are quite sure, lieutenant, that he is in sympathy with the
+rebels?” asked Gage.
+
+“I am positive,” answered Chesbrook.
+
+“And you?” turning to the other.
+
+“It is the same boy,” replied young Prentiss.
+
+There was a moment’s silence, broken by the rattle of hoofs. At the
+sound, Gage glanced at Pitcairn and the major nodded.
+
+“They are off,” said he, briefly.
+
+“Tell Smith to get his men ready with all despatch,” commanded Gage.
+
+Pitcairn arose and left the room; then the governor turned his bluff
+countenance upon Nat once more.
+
+“So, young man, you’ve been spying upon us,” said he, sternly.
+
+Nat saw that there was no use denying anything that was charged against
+him. The best way, so he concluded, was to put a bold face upon the
+matter, for it would be as likely to carry him through as anything else.
+
+“Yes,” he answered, “and have also been doing some rather competent
+work as a carpenter. If one is to count against me, I trust you will
+not fail to credit me with the other.”
+
+A smile stole over the British general’s face.
+
+“You do not lack coolness,” said he. “But that alone will do little for
+you. You admit that you are a spy. Do you know the fate of such?”
+
+This last was asked in a sharp, stern way. Instantly young Prentiss
+took a quick step forward as though to protest, but the hand of
+Chesbrook closed upon his arm and drew him back. A moment later the lad
+left the room. Nat looked steadily into the British general’s face,
+paying no attention to this by-play.
+
+“You mean that spies are shot?”
+
+“Or hanged,” added Gage, grimly.
+
+“In time of war--yes,” said Nat. “But not at such a time as this.
+Another thing. I am not a spy in a strictly military sense. Such a
+person would be an enemy to the king--which I am not.”
+
+“No?” and the governor looked at him with interest.
+
+“I came here for the same reason that you did,” declared Nat, boldly.
+“And that is to prevent war.”
+
+“Your argument is ingenious enough,” said General Gage, “but it
+scarcely meets the facts solidly. However, I have no time now to
+examine you. I’ll have you put under a guard for a few days until I get
+some important matters off my mind.”
+
+“If the taking of the colonial stores at Concord is one of them,” said
+Nat, coolly, “you may as well rid yourself of it now.”
+
+General Gage’s face was naturally red, but at this it grew much more so.
+
+“It seems to me,” remarked he, with a nod of the head, “that your time
+here has not been wasted.”
+
+At this moment Major Pitcairn reëntered and the governor turned to him.
+
+“Pitcairn, see to it that parties are set to guard all the roads. No
+one is to leave the city.”
+
+“Have you learned anything?” asked the major, with a quick look at Nat.
+
+“No. But our young rebel here has set me thinking that our plan may not
+be so secret as we think.”
+
+Once more Pitcairn disappeared. As he did so, Lieutenant Chesbrook
+stepped forward and saluted.
+
+“General,” said he, “if I may be permitted to do so, I’d like to offer
+a suggestion.”
+
+Gage glanced at him inquiringly. There was something in the set of the
+thin lips and the expression in the cold, light-colored eyes that gave
+the impression that Chesbrook’s suggestion might have value.
+
+“I shall be happy to listen to you,” answered the soldier readily.
+
+Lieutenant Chesbrook bowed his thanks. With his finger-tips on the edge
+of the table he said:
+
+“Some time ago I was detailed by the admiral for shore duty--of a
+certain kind.”
+
+Gage nodded.
+
+“Yes; the admiral spoke to me of it at the time. He said that you had
+peculiar persuasive powers,” with a laugh. “Indeed it was his opinion
+that no one could resist you if you chose to set yourself to convince
+him.”
+
+“The admiral is most flattering,” spoke Lieutenant Chesbrook. “But
+then, I’ve given him proof upon more than one occasion, so he speaks
+from personal knowledge. But what I was about to say was this: I intend
+riding with Lieutenant-Colonel Smith’s column to-night; and I think if
+this boy,” indicating Nat, “were permitted to accompany me, he would be
+of considerable service.”
+
+“In what way?”
+
+“In several--but more especially in recognizing and pointing out
+persons whom it would be worth while taking into custody.”
+
+Gage’s eyes snapped.
+
+“Bravo!” exclaimed he. “That is a most excellent idea. It never
+occurred to me. Take him, by all means.”
+
+“Thank you,” said Chesbrook, and his cold eyes had an odd expression as
+they measured Nat from head to foot.
+
+But in reply to the look, Nat merely laughed.
+
+“You surely do not think,” said he, “that I will recognize and point
+out people, as you put it, or, betray my friends, as I would put it,
+just at your request.”
+
+“I don’t think when a little matter like this presents itself. I act,
+as you will learn at no distant time,” replied Chesbrook. “Recollect,
+my lad, I have no great love for you.”
+
+“A small thing like a fall from a porch roof should not be permitted
+to sour your temper so,” said Nat, evenly. “I would have thought that
+Lieutenant Chesbrook of His Majesty’s navy was beyond that.”
+
+But Chesbrook made no reply to this. The puffy faced captain called a
+file of men and the boy was seized.
+
+“Be careful of him,” warned Major Pitcairn, who had reëntered in the
+meantime and to whom the arrangement had been explained. “Lock him up
+securely and keep a guard over him--a strong guard.”
+
+The captain and his men saluted. The boy from Wyoming was placed in the
+midst of them and led away.
+
+He was placed in a room in a small stone building not far from the
+barracks. This was generally used for refractory troopers and contained
+a chair, a table, and a heavy chain fastened to the wall, on the end of
+which was an iron band which was now locked about Nat’s waist.
+
+Hour after hour went by; the footsteps of the double guard outside his
+prison door went steadily up and down; now and then as the men passed
+one another their voices were heard murmuring. Through a small window,
+barred and high up in the wall, Nat got a glimpse of the sky; it was
+black and a few pale stars burned against it waveringly.
+
+The boy sat with his head drooped forward upon the heavy table and the
+thoughts that filled his mind were gloomy enough.
+
+“Suppose,” reflected he, “my message did not reach Dr. Warren; suppose
+he does not send Mr. Revere to warn Mr. Hancock and Mr. Adams and
+rouse the minutemen in defence of Concord. If General Gage can deal
+them this blow, the cause of the colonies may be wrecked.”
+
+He pictured to himself the dark, midnight roads; the armed British
+troopers that guarded them. All along the route to Lexington, so ran
+his vision, the houses of the colonists were without lights; the
+inmates were wrapped in slumber. He imagined the party of officers
+riding far ahead with ready swords and pistols; then came the column of
+troops, solid, compact, dark, winding slowly along the highway like a
+huge serpent. And nowhere was there any one to oppose their progress;
+nowhere was there a voice raised to warn the sleeping ones of the
+danger that was approaching, slowly, deliberately, like Fate.
+
+It was Nat’s helpless situation, chained, locked in a strong room,
+guarded by watchful soldiers, that so tinged his thoughts. The truth
+was that matters were not nearly so hopeless as he pictured them.
+
+The Porcupine, breathless, pale of face, had reached Dr. Warren’s door.
+Scarcely could he reach the knocker, even by standing upon his toes;
+but when he did reach it, its “rat-tat-tat” awoke the echoes in Hanover
+Street. It was the doctor himself, anxious, expectant, who came to the
+door and received the queer message. As he read it his mouth tightened.
+
+“And where is Nat?” inquired he.
+
+“I think they’ve got him,” said the Porcupine. “They were after him
+when he passed me this and told me to run.”
+
+Warren said nothing to this. Bidding the dwarf sit down, he scratched
+off a note and sealed it.
+
+“You’ll take my horse and ride to North Square,” he said quietly. “Mr.
+Revere will still be at home,” with a glance at the clock. “You’ll give
+him this note. Don’t fail. A great deal depends upon it.”
+
+In an incredibly short time the dwarf pulled up at Revere’s house, and
+walking in presented the note, which that gentleman immediately read.
+It was past dark by this time and some candles burned in the room.
+Revere twisted the note into a spill, touched it to a flame and watched
+it turn black and crumble away on the floor.
+
+“I’ll go with you at once,” he said quietly.
+
+So he pulled on his heavy boots, buttoned his surtout, took up his
+three-cornered hat and started back to Hanover Street with the dwarf.
+Once there, Warren received them with great eagerness.
+
+“I have just sent off William Dawes by the long way ’round the neck,”
+said he.
+
+“It would be as well,” spoke Revere, after some discussion, “for me to
+make a personal examination of things and be sure that the expedition
+is really about to start.”
+
+This was agreed to, and off the engraver started, the dwarf still with
+him and riding Warren’s horse. They had reached the Common when they
+noted considerable movement; rows of boats were drawn up at the water’s
+edge at the bottom of the Common, each bearing a light in its bow.
+Approaching these were a body of troops armed and equipped as for a
+march.
+
+“That means two flashes of the lantern in the North Tower,” said Paul
+Revere, with a suppressed laugh. Then as though a thought had just come
+to him, he added, in a changed tone, “But suppose by some accident
+they do not see the signal?”
+
+The idea apparently troubled him; for a moment he stood still; then he
+turned suddenly to the Porcupine.
+
+“You know the sexton of North Church, do you not?”
+
+“Yes,” came the reply.
+
+“Ride there at once,” directed Revere, with the manner of one who has
+made up his mind, “ask him to give you the lantern which he has ready,
+and do you give the signal.”
+
+Without a word the Porcupine turned the horse and galloped off over the
+soft sod toward the north. Revere hastened toward the river; at the end
+of a deserted wharf he uttered a whistle and two men came forward from
+some unseen hiding-place. Without any explanation being necessary, they
+drew a dory from behind some piles; all three got into it and pulled
+sturdily across the river.
+
+Upon the farther side they found Colonel Conant and a group of others
+upon the bank, and the militia officer greeted Revere hurriedly.
+
+“We just now received the signal,” said he, “and had secured a horse
+from Deacon Larkin upon which to send a courier with the news.”
+
+“I’ll go myself,” said Revere, promptly, and he vaulted into the saddle
+of a strong looking horse which a lad was holding by the bridle. “Tell
+the deacon that I’ll ride his beast as carefully as I can, but not to
+expect too much, for speed is the thing that will count to-night.”
+
+And then, with a wave of the hand, along the midnight road, bearing the
+alarm that was to awake the whole world to liberty, sped Paul Revere.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+NAT BREWSTER MARCHES WITH PITCAIRN TO LEXINGTON
+
+
+It was about the time that Revere and the Porcupine first sighted the
+troops on the Common that Nat Brewster heard a rattling at his prison
+door; lifting his head he saw it open and admit the guards, bearing
+lighted candles.
+
+“We’ll take that little girdle off you, my lad,” said a grizzled
+sergeant of infantry who seemed to be in command. “I suppose you’ll not
+make any objection to that.”
+
+“I’m to be removed from here, then,” spoke Nat, as the soldiers began
+unlocking the steel band that encircled him.
+
+“Yes,” replied the sergeant with a laugh. “We thought you’d need a
+trifle of fresh air.”
+
+“Where am I to be taken?” asked the boy.
+
+But the sergeant shook his head at this.
+
+“Ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies,” answered he. “But,”
+with a renewal of his laugh, “you might ask that navy lieutenant;
+perhaps he’d be pleased to say.”
+
+The lock of the steel girdle seemed to work stiffly and the soldiers
+grumbled and strove at it angrily.
+
+“I’d not like to have that same lieutenant in charge of me,” said a
+youthful, flaxen-haired corporal who made one of the party. “He’s a bad
+one, I can tell you.”
+
+The grizzled sergeant nodded, watching the efforts at the lock and
+frowning at the delay.
+
+“I think,” continued the flaxen-haired corporal, “that he knows more
+ways of getting a groan out of a man than the Grand Inquisitor himself.”
+
+“Ah! I think I understand,” said Nat, and his mouth tightened.
+
+“If he’s got anything ag’in you and there’s anything he wants to make
+you tell, you’ll understand right enough,” said the old sergeant,
+grimly.
+
+“I’ve seen a good bit of punishment since I joined His Majesty’s army,”
+said the corporal, who seemed of a talkative disposition, “but that
+naval chap do beat all. Mind how he took it out of that private of the
+forty-seventh the other day?” to the sergeant.
+
+“Torture?” asked Nat.
+
+“You may well say so,” returned the flaxen-haired one. “And when he’d
+made the private confess, he took the man charged with trying to get
+him to desert and manhandled him in a way I never heard of before. Did
+you see the little parade of tar and feathers through the streets?”
+
+“Yes,” replied Nat.
+
+“That was an idea of Chesbrook’s; sort of a finishing off, you might
+call it.”
+
+Here the band and chain clashed to the stone floor; with muskets at
+their shoulders, the guard fell in line, Nat in their midst.
+
+“As a last word, lad,” said the grizzled sergeant, not unkindly, “let
+me say you’d better do anything that shipman tells you. It’ll save you
+a lot, perhaps.”
+
+“Thank you,” said Nat.
+
+At a sharp word from the sergeant the guard marched out of the room and
+into the open air. There were very few lights; but the bustle told Nat,
+at once, that there was something under way; and then as he saw line
+after line of fully equipped soldiers pass by, he understood.
+
+“It’s the column being sent to Concord!” he breathed. There was a queer
+tightening at his heart and throat as he watched the trained redcoats
+trudge stolidly toward the river. Their compact organization was plain;
+like a machine they moved at the command of watchful officers. Behind
+them were centuries of discipline and British prestige, proven upon
+countless battle-fields. And, at the very best, there would be to
+oppose them a but few bands of roughly organized farmers and workmen,
+called hastily from their occupations to take up arms.
+
+“What chance have they?” thought Nat, gloomily, still burdened with his
+captivity. “Even if they have been armed, what chance have they?”
+
+But he had no great time to think over this or anything else; being
+led to the line of boats he was forced into one of them; and in a few
+moments was in midstream. The lights of the “Somerset” man-of-war,
+which lay near at hand, burned clearly, and the tide was at young
+flood. Overhead the moon was like a silver disc; and the sprinkling
+stars wavered and sparkled like myriads of eyes, gazing down at the
+darkness of the world.
+
+The troops were ferried across the river with a despatch that spoke
+well for Gage’s preparations. Immediately they were formed in column
+and the eighteen-mile march to Concord began.
+
+Nat now found himself well in the rear under a close guard; near him
+rode Major Pitcairn, the commander of the column, Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith and Chesbrook, all of whom seemed engaged in earnest
+conversation. No one spoke to Nat, save now and then the grizzled
+infantry sergeant; but at length a horseman dropped back from the
+front, dismounted, gave his steed in care of a soldier and approached
+him.
+
+But the young mountaineer’s head was bent and he did not notice the
+newcomer until he spoke. Then the head went up swiftly; the darkness
+hid the scorn in Nat’s eyes, but nothing could deny that which was in
+his voice.
+
+“Oh, it’s you, Prentiss, is it?”
+
+The other laughed frankly, honestly. It was the same laugh that had
+caught the fancy of the cobbler at the ferry road.
+
+“You don’t make me very welcome,” said the New England boy.
+
+“If there is any reason why I should,” spoke Nat, “just give it a name.”
+
+“Why,” said the other, “I can think of none. From your point of view I
+suppose I am a very great rascal, indeed.”
+
+“There can be no greater crime,” said Nat, “than to turn traitor to
+one’s country and friends.”
+
+“I agree with you in that,” said the other, gravely. “But,” and there
+was a new note in his voice, “of what does treachery consist?”
+
+He did not give Nat an opportunity to reply, but at once proceeded.
+
+“Two people may love their country; they may desire with all their
+hearts to serve it--but each may have a different idea as to how it
+should best be done. You, for example, think that to defy the king and
+parliament, to follow the leadership of Messrs. Adams, Hancock, Warren
+and their like, to take up arms against the lawful governor, is to
+serve the colonies. But I think the reverse.”
+
+“There can be no doubt of that,” replied Nat, drily.
+
+But the other paid no heed to the sarcasm.
+
+“I, too, desire to see the colonies dealt justly by,” he went on. “I
+also can see very plainly the wrongs that have been done them. But I
+do not believe in seeking to right them by any method that will end
+in bloodshed. An appeal to the liberal minded English nation will set
+everything right.”
+
+“Has that not been tried?”
+
+“In a way--yes. But not in the right way. The British mean kindly by
+us; and if the Whigs would cease threatening, we’d quickly get our
+rights.”
+
+“It is not we who threaten,” said Nat; “it is they. You say you do not
+believe in methods that might end in bloodshed--then what do you think
+of this present expedition?”
+
+“It is a peaceable one--a demonstration only.”
+
+The boy said this eagerly, with the manner of one who is anxious to
+defend a thing which he strongly desires to be true--but of which he is
+not altogether convinced.
+
+“Peaceable!” Nat laughed, mockingly. “Why, there are above a thousand
+men in this column, each with musket and bayonet, powder and ball.”
+
+“Nevertheless, their errand is peaceful,” argued the New England lad.
+“We but seek to take the leaders of this sedition that they may not
+tempt the people; we mean to seize the magazines that no madness may be
+committed that would bring on a war.”
+
+“I begin to see your position,” said Nat. “And so,” sternly, “you think
+that to bring these things about, any deceit may be practiced, and
+treachery resorted to.”
+
+“Those are hard words,” said the other, quietly.
+
+“But they are true ones. Was it not treachery to plan the capture of
+your kind friends Mr. Adams and his brother by the Tories? Was it
+not deceit that you practiced upon Mr. Cooper and Ben, who trusted
+you--upon Dr. Warren, upon Paul Revere?”
+
+Near at hand a smoking lantern, borne upon a pole, threw off a red
+flare of light; in this the face of the New England lad took on a
+sudden troubled look. He laid his hand upon Nat’s arm and was about to
+speak; but at that moment the grizzled sergeant broke in upon them.
+
+“Sorry to interrupt, my lads,” said he, in his gruff way. Then
+addressing himself to Nat, he continued: “You’re wanted back here a
+piece by Lieutenant Chesbrook. And,” lowering his voice so that no one
+else might hear, “now is the time to remember what I told you in the
+guard-house awhile ago. I think you are going to have use for it.”
+
+The British column had advanced steadily along the old Charlestown and
+West Cambridge road until it had now reached Menotomy. Lights could be
+seen flickering at windows; and as the head of the brigade came on,
+dark forms went flitting and vanishing into the night.
+
+But Nat saw none of this; he was hurried toward the group composed
+of Lieutenant-Colonel Smith and his aides, which had drawn up before
+Newell’s tavern. The hoofs of the horses rang loudly as they stamped
+upon the stones; their bridle chains jingled and they snorted
+impatiently at the delay. A party under several officers had just been
+sent to enter the inn.
+
+“My information is positive,” Nat heard Lieutenant Chesbrook say to
+Major Pitcairn, as he came up. “The rebel Committee of Safety met here
+to-day; and I have not much doubt but that some of them are passing the
+night under the same roof.”
+
+“We’ll root them out, if they are,” returned the immaculate major. “I
+suppose you’ll know them, if taken?”
+
+“No, but our young friend here will, I think,” and Chesbrook waved his
+hand toward Nat Brewster.
+
+Just then there came the sound of loud voices at the inn and the sound
+of splintering woodwork as the doors were forced.
+
+“You give me credit for more knowledge than I possess,” said Nat,
+coolly. “The Committee of Safety is largely composed of gentlemen who
+are strangers to me.”
+
+Lieutenant Chesbrook touched his horse with the spur; in a moment he
+was at the boy’s side and saying in a smooth, persuasive voice:
+
+“It would be altogether better for you if you would not assume that
+attitude. You possess information which I want and which I mean to
+have. So you will profit a great deal by falling in with my desires.”
+
+But Nat looked up at him and replied, calmly:
+
+“I am the person to judge of what is best for me, Lieutenant Chesbrook.”
+
+“I think not,” said the naval officer. “You see, you don’t know just
+what it will mean to refuse. I have with me some few ingenious little
+contrivances which are much used upon shipboard in compelling our men
+to do that which they are disinclined to do. So don’t compel me to
+bring them out; you’ll be sorry for it if you do.”
+
+There was a stir among a group of officers; a boyish figure darted
+through them and stood beside Nat.
+
+“Lieutenant!” cried this person in a warning voice; and instantly
+Chesbrook wheeled in his saddle.
+
+“Well?” demanded he, harshly.
+
+“It was understood between us----” the boy got this far when the man
+interrupted him.
+
+“Have the goodness not to interfere with my work, Prentiss,” said he,
+sourly. “This is no time for boyish notions.”
+
+“But you promised that no one was to be injured!” There was a note of
+pleading in the lad’s voice; he clutched the stirrup of the officer and
+held tightly to it.
+
+Chesbrook laughed.
+
+“If you were fool enough to think that matters of this kind,” with a
+wave of the hand at the marching column, “could be carried through like
+a tea-party, it is no fault of mine.”
+
+Nat saw the boy stare up at the speaker, his face suddenly drawn.
+
+“Then,” said he, slowly, making almost the same gesture as the other,
+“this means war?”
+
+“Of course it does!” rapped out Major Pitcairn. “The king’s troops
+exist for the purpose of making war.”
+
+Before the boy could make reply, an officer came hastily from the inn.
+
+“No one there but the servants and such,” complained he.
+
+“Bring them out,” directed Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, angrily. “And
+bring all of them.”
+
+In a few moments a little line of half-dressed folk blinked
+bewilderedly in the light of the flaring torches as the British
+officers narrowly examined them. But they were so unmistakably what
+they claimed to be that they were quickly dismissed.
+
+“Get back with you!” cried Lieutenant-Colonel Smith in a fury. “And if
+I ever hear one word against you regarding harboring rebels it will be
+the sorriest day for you that ever dawned.”
+
+So with that the officers pressed after the column; and Nat was once
+more placed in the midst of his guard, which went trudging sullenly
+forward. And as the “tramp-tramp” grew fainter, the inn people began
+to laugh. For safe in an adjoining field were Messrs. Gerry, Lee and
+Orne, of the patriot committee. They had been roused by messengers as
+the head of the column passed beneath their bedroom windows, and had
+slipped out by a back door as the British broke their way in by the
+front.
+
+As the brigade advanced, guns began to boom in the distance and bells
+clanged a sonorous warning to the countryside.
+
+“The entire section is up,” growled the commander. “Some warning must
+have been sent after all.”
+
+After a very few miles, Major Pitcairn was ordered forward with a body
+of light infantry.
+
+“Pick up any one you find on the road and secure the two bridges at
+Concord,” directed the lieutenant-colonel, curtly.
+
+“It has a bad look,” said Pitcairn, as he sat his horse, awaiting the
+formation of the six companies which were to make up his command. The
+clangor, dim but continuous, crept toward them across the level fields;
+and for the first time a serious look had settled upon the faces of the
+king’s officers.
+
+“I fancy,” said the commander, “that a reinforcement would do no
+harm; indeed, judging by all the commotion ahead, it might be of good
+service.”
+
+So a rider was despatched instantly to Boston for additional troops;
+and as he dashed eastward, the light infantry battalion under Pitcairn
+took its way to the west. Chesbrook accompanied this advance force, and
+Nat, his captors having their original plan, apparently, still in mind,
+was ordered with them also.
+
+“But I recognize no man that is captured on the way,” vowed the boy,
+his jaw set. “Let them do as they will, I’ll stick to that.”
+
+Dawn was beginning to streak the east with lines of gray when Nat made
+out young Prentiss forcing his way afoot through the compact mass of
+the battalion.
+
+“It will soon be daylight,” said he, when he had approached near enough
+to speak.
+
+Nat gave a look at the sky.
+
+“Within an hour,” returned he briefly.
+
+Somehow his resentment against the New England boy was not at all
+as strong as he thought it should be. Treachery, all forms of
+unfaithfulness and deceit had long been Nat’s pet aversions, but for
+all that he could not lift himself to the pitch of anger that he felt
+the other’s acts deserved.
+
+The rhythmic tramp of the troops continued and the rattle of equipment
+was sharp and distinct in the dawn. Now and then the low command of a
+sergeant was heard, but all other voices were silent.
+
+“Another hour till daylight,” said Nat, after a pause, “and then, I
+fancy, we shall see desperate work!”
+
+“Do you really believe that?” asked the other boy, and his tones were
+anxious and eager.
+
+“I do,” replied Nat; “the minutemen are up. Surely you heard the guns
+and alarm bells awhile ago.”
+
+“Yes, I know. I understand. But,” hurriedly, “the British officers will
+not fire upon them--they will not permit their men to do so.”
+
+Nat turned his face toward the speaker curiously.
+
+“You seem to be very anxious to make yourself believe that,” he said.
+
+“If I did not believe it,” replied the other boy, “I should not be
+here.”
+
+A thought came to Nat like an inspiration. Lowering his voice to almost
+a whisper, he said:
+
+“I think I understand. You mean that if you thought they would fire
+upon the colonists, you would not be upon the British side.”
+
+“Yes,” returned the other.
+
+“And that can only mean that you would be----” Nat paused without
+completing the sentence.
+
+[Illustration: _THEY CAME WITHIN SIGHT OF LEXINGTON_]
+
+“Upon the side of the Provincial Congress,” returned the other without
+the slightest hesitation.
+
+As they marched along the wheel-cut road toward Lexington, Nat now and
+then stole a look at the boy at his side. The pale dawn made things
+visible in a dim sort of way, and the young mountaineer noted that the
+other’s head was bent and that he seemed deep in bitter reflection.
+There was something in his manner that drew Nat powerfully; but in
+spite of this, he did not believe in him.
+
+“He deceived me before,” thought Nat; “and he deceived others to whom
+he owed every allegiance. How am I to know but that this is another
+attempt to do the same thing.”
+
+But he had not a great deal of time to revolve the situation, for,
+still in the gray dawn, they came within sight of the town of Lexington.
+
+Directly ahead was the village green, with the town meeting-house
+facing it. Two thin lines of men, with rifles in their hands, were
+gathered here, and as the British came in sight, a drum rolled
+warningly from their midst. This sound Pitcairn instantly accepted as
+a challenge; and at once the battalion halted.
+
+“Load with ball--prime--fix bayonets!” came the curt commands. Then
+forward went the six companies at double quick.
+
+Nat saw Captain Parker of the militia, whom he knew by sight, and also
+Sergeant William Monroe, walking up and down before the two lines of
+minutemen; and from their gestures he knew that they were speaking
+encouragingly.
+
+Then, unconsciously, his eyes traveled beyond the militia; three
+figures stole from the shadow cast by an inn near the meeting-house;
+two of them bore a square, heavy looking box between them, and Nat gave
+a start of wonder as he recognized them.
+
+“Mr. Revere!” he cried, “and Ben Cooper!”
+
+At the same moment he felt a hand touch his elbow and heard the boy at
+his side say, quietly:
+
+“But the third one--look at him.”
+
+The last of the three was a boy; he held a rifle in his hand and
+seemed to be guarding the two with the box. The face was turned with
+eagerness toward the British, and as Nat’s eyes fell upon it, he
+stopped, rooted to the spot with bewilderment.
+
+For the boy was Ezra Prentiss!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+TELLS HOW A MYSTERY WAS SOLVED AND HOW VICTORY CAME TO THE COLONIES
+
+
+For an instant only did Nat Brewster stand still; the British
+battalion, pushing forward, forced him on. But as the boy still
+remained at his side, Nat clutched him by the arm and demanded:
+
+“If that is Ezra Prentiss, who are you?”
+
+The other looked at him squarely; even through the trouble that was
+plain in his face, a flicker of amusement showed at Nat’s amazement.
+
+“I am his twin brother, George,” he answered, quietly.
+
+At this Nat was almost overwhelmed once more. Then his mind began
+to work like lightning. He had been mistaken all along. It was this
+brother--this twin, who looked so astonishingly like Ezra--who had
+figured in all the incidents which he had accepted as proof of
+treachery. One by one he began to go over them; but just then he was
+aroused by Major Pitcairn calling sternly and at the top of his voice:
+
+“Disperse, ye rebels! Lay down your arms!”
+
+All else was instantly forgotten; the drama being enacted before his
+eyes was more compelling than even his exciting thoughts. Once more the
+command rang out:
+
+“Why don’t ye lay down your arms, ye villains! Disperse, I tell you.”
+
+But the two thin lines of alarm men held their ground. Then came the
+report of a musket; Nat saw a British infantryman, his piece at his
+shoulder, the smoke curling from its muzzle. Another and another shot
+rang out from the battalion. Pitcairn, frantic with passion, turned
+upon his men and shouted for them to cease firing. But it was too late.
+
+A scattered volley came from the rifles of the minutemen; Pitcairn’s
+horse went down with a crash, and the bullets drove above the massed
+infantry, doing no other harm. Then the British began platoon firing,
+in regular order, calm, methodical and effective. The patriots
+responded from behind stone walls and other sheltered places which
+they had now broken for; and as the leaden messengers began to whistle
+about his ears, Nat heard a voice say:
+
+“I think we had better get out of this. It is getting a little too warm
+for comfort.”
+
+It was Ezra’s brother who spoke; and as he saw Nat dart a quick glance
+about at the soldiery, he added:
+
+“They are too much engaged now to pay any attention to us. But we must
+be quick.”
+
+So with that the two darted out of the road and behind some buildings.
+Like deer they raced along the streets, now filled with terrified women
+and weeping children.
+
+The firing abruptly ceased; and in another moment they noted a little
+body of minutemen in retreat across a swamp to the north of the Common.
+Upon a piece of rising ground the boys halted; they saw a full score
+of dead and wounded lying upon the village green and the huzzas of the
+British came faintly to their ears.
+
+“You see,” said Nat. “I was right.”
+
+“And I was wrong,” answered the other. “I was wrong from the beginning.
+But,” with a sudden lift of the head, “they have not yet reached the
+end. Chesbrook and some others deceived me shamefully up to this. But
+at Concord I’ll try to prove to them that they can do so no longer.”
+
+“Come, then,” said Nat, briefly. “Here is the road. In a little while
+the British will be once more on the march.”
+
+The two lads faced the way to Concord and went off at a long, swinging
+lope. The pace was not a hard one, but it took them swiftly over the
+ground. They had covered some two of the six miles when figures were
+seen ahead in the uncertain early light of the April morning.
+
+“Halt!” rang out a sharp voice. They saw the long barrel of a rifle
+poked out from behind a tree at the wayside and cover them. But only
+for a moment. Then there was a sharp exclamation, the muzzle was
+lowered and a form leaped into the road.
+
+“George!” cried a voice.
+
+“Ezra!” replied Nat’s companion; and the next instant the two brothers
+stood with clasped hands, looking into each other’s eyes. But after a
+moment Ezra turned to Nat.
+
+“Now,” said he, gravely. “You understand?”
+
+Nat held out his hand.
+
+“I beg your pardon,” said he, simply, as they shook hands. “But,” as
+the thought came to him, “why did you not explain it all when you saw
+that I suspected you?”
+
+“If I had,” spoke Ezra, “is it a thing you would have believed?”
+
+Nat reflected and then shook his head.
+
+“It is more than likely not,” he replied.
+
+As the brothers turned to each other once more and began to speak
+low and earnestly together, Nat looked expectantly along the road to
+where he had seen the figures ahead. They were now coming anxiously
+toward him, and with delight he recognized Paul Revere and Ben Cooper.
+Advancing to meet them, he gripped their hands warmly.
+
+“Hot work back there,” said Revere, nodding his head in the direction
+of Lexington.
+
+“You succeeded in arousing the towns, I see,” spoke Nat.
+
+“Thanks to your message to Dr. Warren--yes. But I almost made a failure
+of it at the very start; for I had not gone far on the road through
+Charlestown, when two British officers, who seemed to be patroling the
+road, popped out upon me. But Deacon Larkin’s horse was a good one, and
+I escaped, going through Medford and alarming almost every house on the
+way to Lexington. At Clark’s, where you and I went together a few days
+ago, I roused Mr. Hancock and Mr. Adams; and while they were getting
+ready to leave, William Dawes, who was also sent out to spread the
+alarm, arrived. He and I set off to Concord to continue our work, and
+on the road met a young man named Prescott who agreed to give us his
+help.
+
+“A little farther along here,” and Revere pointed up the road, “the
+other two stopped at a house to awake a man; but I rode on, and I had
+scarcely gone two hundred yards when I ran suddenly into a nest of
+British officers who clapped pistols to my head and bid me stop.”
+
+“And you did?” laughed Ben Cooper.
+
+“Can you doubt it?” asked Revere. “But let me go on. They took down
+some bars and led me into a pasture; there they threatened me with
+pistols once more and demanded to know who I was and upon what errand
+I was riding.”
+
+“But you did not tell them,” said Nat.
+
+“I did,” declared Revere, proudly; “and in return I suffered great
+abuse. But one of the officers seemed much of a gentleman, for he said
+to me that none should do me harm. What I told them seemed to startle
+them much; they started toward Lexington with me in the midst of them,
+my horse being led and a man with a drawn pistol on each side of me. We
+were nearing a meeting-house when we heard a gun fired and a bell begin
+to ring.
+
+“Then they took my horse and dashed away toward Cambridge, leaving me
+standing in the road. I returned at once to Clark’s. Mr. Hancock and
+Mr. Adams had not yet gone, and I warned them of what had occurred.
+They departed at once from the house, I going with them several miles
+on the way. Mr. Hancock then told me of a trunk filled with papers
+which he had left at the village inn and asked me if I’d return for it.
+After I had rested a bit, I did so and Ezra and Ben bore me company.”
+
+“And where did you come upon them?” asked Nat.
+
+“They were at Mr. Clark’s when I returned there, and were urging Mr.
+Adams and his friend to flee.”
+
+Nat turned to Ben, a question in his eye. But Ben laughed.
+
+“I know what you’re going to ask me,” he said. “But I’ll not answer,
+for I think,” with a nod of the head toward the Prentiss brothers,
+who stood some little distance off, “there is a great deal for you to
+hear, and as my little story is mixed up with it, you’d better hear all
+together.”
+
+Nat noticed that while Revere and Ben both kept casting marveling
+glances at the twins, neither of them seemed greatly astonished.
+
+“Is it possible that you have known of this twin brother all along?” he
+demanded.
+
+“Not I,” and Revere shook his head. “I heard of him for the first time
+last night.”
+
+“And I,” said Ben Cooper, “never knew of his existence until after I
+left Boston last fall.”
+
+They were all three looking attentively at the brothers when the
+latter turned. Nat Brewster never saw a more delighted look upon the
+face of any one than was upon that of Ezra Prentiss at that moment.
+
+“He looks,” whispered the young mountaineer to Ben, “as though the most
+pleasant thing in the world had happened to him.”
+
+“You have no trouble telling one from the other, then,” smiled Ben.
+
+“Not now. Together I can see a difference. But,” hesitatingly, “if they
+were separated I might be puzzled once more.”
+
+“That’s usually the case in the matter of twins,” said Ben.
+
+“Ben,” said Ezra, as they came up, “this is my brother George--George,
+this is Ben Cooper, and Mr. Revere.”
+
+The three named shook hands; then Ezra continued, addressing Nat and
+Revere:
+
+“There is a great deal to explain to you and to others of my friends,
+who have seen and heard things that--that they have not understood.
+Ben has known something of it, but as you two have not, I’ll begin at
+the beginning; and if there are any places where the light does not
+strike, don’t hesitate to speak of it.”
+
+“Excuse me,” interrupted Paul Revere. “But there is a chest of
+important papers in the bushes some little distance up the road, that
+needs careful carrying to Concord. And as the British may happen along
+at any time now we’d better be off with it.”
+
+“You are right,” said Ezra, “and the story will keep until we get under
+way.”
+
+The five hastened forward; the chest was dragged from its hiding-place;
+Nat and Revere each seized a handle and off they set, trudging
+manfully. They had gone but a little distance when Nat said to Ezra:
+
+“Now for it; I’m so full of curiosity that I can wait no longer.”
+
+“You see,” began Ezra, “George has been brought up by our grandfather,
+who is a Tory. All his friends have been king’s men and he has been
+taught to believe in British rule. As for myself, I have always been a
+strong Whig like my father--so strong a one,” and he colored a little,
+“that I never spoke of my brother, fearing that some one would learn of
+his way of thought.”
+
+“I was always as strong an American as you, Ezra,” said George,
+smiling. “Our methods were different, that’s all.”
+
+“Perhaps so,” answered Ezra. “But, you know, it is how we apply our
+beliefs that counts.” Addressing himself to the others, he went on:
+“When the trouble commenced, George began acting with our enemies. I
+pleaded with him, but he would not listen. He said I had been led away
+by demagogues--for such he had been taught to believe Mr. Adams and Dr.
+Warren. When I set out for Philadelphia I learned that he had formed
+the plan to take John and Samuel Adams on the road and that he was
+ahead of me.”
+
+“And you left your party as it neared the city,” said Nat,
+understanding, “that you might overtake him.”
+
+“Exactly,” said Ezra, eagerly.
+
+And then he went on to account for his absence from the City Tavern at
+Philadelphia on the night that Ben first called to see him, in the same
+way. George had laughingly told him that Washington and Henry would
+soon be prisoners, and not daring to inform any one of the facts for
+fear and shame of what might befall his brother, Ezra had set about to
+follow him and thwart the plan alone.
+
+Nat laughed when Ezra came to their conversation upon the pavement
+before the City Tavern, in Philadelphia.
+
+“And to think that you were only trying to tell me that Washington
+and his friends would probably remember my work to my advantage and
+that the Tories would do the reverse,” said he. “I understood it as a
+threat. When you referred to it afterward on the road to Bristol you
+meant, I see now, to show that you were grateful to me. But do you
+know, I was convinced just the other way about.”
+
+The boy that the Porcupine had seen leave the Cooper place in the night
+and make his way toward Cliveden had, of course, been Ezra, still
+in search of his brother; but the one whom he saw in consultation
+with Mr. Chew and Mr. Dimisdale had been George. The nervousness of
+Ezra upon the road to Bristol was because he feared just what Nat’s
+keen eyes showed to exist--an ambush. He had begged Revere to take
+an unfrequented road, thinking to escape one; but the Tories had
+out-thought him.
+
+“I knew from your cold manner,” said Ezra to Nat, “that you believed
+me guilty of treachery; but I could not explain it to you, as you can
+now see. But Mr. Adams knew all, for I had told him everything; and
+when Dr. Warren’s letter reached Philadelphia he was, of course, not
+surprised. However, we thought it best to keep the matter strictly to
+ourselves. I told Ben a part, as I have said, that he might be enabled
+to work with me intelligently when we returned to Boston the second
+time.”
+
+“We had formed a compact,” said Ben, laughing and turning to George,
+who had been listening soberly, only now and then adding a few words
+to the story, “to save you from the British. And we’ve been quietly on
+your trail ever since we came north.”
+
+“I felt that some one was,” returned George. Then he reached out and
+put his hand upon Ezra’s shoulder. “So all the things that I have done
+have fallen upon you!” he said with feeling. “Forgive me, Ezra, if you
+can; and believe me that the possibility of such a thing never entered
+my mind until this morning.”
+
+For answer, Ezra patted him upon the back encouragingly.
+
+“Never mind that,” said he. “It’s all over now.”
+
+“Yes,” returned George, firmly; “it’s all over; and anything I do
+in the future, Ezra, even so warm a patriot as yourself will not be
+ashamed of.”
+
+Now and then they were overtaken by horsemen, or wagons containing
+people, heading for Concord; and Nat smiled to see that all bore rifles
+and that their faces wore looks of determination.
+
+“There were only a few of us at Lexington,” cried a young farmer as he
+tore by upon a plough horse, “but there will be a different story to
+tell farther on.”
+
+Now and then the strong box changed hands; but the five never stopped
+for anything else, tramping steadily on until they sighted the town.
+
+Concord at that time was a fair-sized place and contained a church, a
+jail and a court-house. There were two spans across the river, one
+called the Old South and the other the Old North Bridge. The parade
+ground was near the meeting-house, and upon it were companies of
+minutemen, their ranks constantly swelling, and even now being put
+through their routine by careful officers. Anxious inquiry on the part
+of Revere told them that the last of the stores had been carted away to
+safe hiding-places hours before; and also that the militia at Lincoln
+was already upon the ground.
+
+“Now,” said Nat to Ben Cooper, after Mr. Hancock’s property had been
+placed in security, “let us stand close together in whatever befalls.
+Because if you get away from me again, of course you’ll not take the
+trouble to hunt me up.”
+
+The latter part of this speech was uttered in a jesting tone, but for
+all that Ben saw that his cousin more than half meant it.
+
+“You know, Nat,” said Ben, “it was not altogether my fault that I did
+not find you at once upon my return to these parts. But you had left
+the ‘Dragon’ and I did not care to make inquiries of Dr. Warren or Mr.
+Revere because--well, because I knew that Ezra would rather I should
+not.”
+
+At Revere’s solicitation, rifles were given to Ben, George, Nat and
+himself, also powder and ball; then they hurried out to join the
+patriot band upon the square. A party of the Lincoln minutemen had gone
+forward on the Lexington road to meet the British, but they now came
+pouring back into the town.
+
+“The ministerial troops are only about two miles away,” announced the
+Lincoln captain, William Smith, “and they are more than treble the
+number of all that we can muster!”
+
+With that the entire American force fell back to an eminence behind the
+town and formed in two battalions. Colonel Barrett, who had worked all
+the night superintending the removal of the stores, joined them here
+and at once placed himself in touch with the situation.
+
+“I am none too soon,” remarked this officer, pointing with his hanger
+down the Lexington road. “Here they are, and marching as though they
+meant to finish us without delay.”
+
+Sure enough the British had come in sight. The early sunshine struck
+their burnished arms and they glittered bravely in response; the red
+coats, white cross belts and high head pieces added to the gallant
+appearance of the compact column. Hotheads among the Americans were for
+at once offering battle. But the wise Colonel Barrett shook his head.
+
+“Just now,” said he, “they are too strong for us. Men are flocking in
+from all points of the compass; in a short time we’ll be able to make a
+stand, but not yet.”
+
+So he ordered a retreat across the North Bridge to another eminence
+which was about a mile from the center of the town.
+
+The British advanced into Concord, and at once the North Bridge was
+secured by two hundred men. Six companies were sent to destroy the
+magazines of stores, but, for the most part, found them empty. In
+the center of the town they seized and broke open some threescore of
+barrels of flour, knocked off the trunnions of three cannons, burnt
+some wheels, newly made for gun carriages, and also a few barrels of
+wooden trenchers and spoons.
+
+While this was going forward, the British all the while conducting
+themselves after the fashion of people highly amused, the alarm men
+were flocking to the hill outside. They came from Carlisle, from
+Chelmsford, from Westford, Littleton and Acton. They were lined up in
+rough order to the number of almost five hundred when several pillars
+of black smoke began to mount from Concord, and a cry of rage at once
+arose from the colonial force.
+
+“They are burning the town!” was the cry.
+
+Colonel Barrett, who had been calmly studying the situation, now
+decided to act.
+
+“The guard at the North Bridge must be dislodged,” said he curtly. “Who
+will volunteer?”
+
+A mighty shout went up. With a face shining with pleasure, the leader
+at once told off the companies he desired for the service. Major
+John Buttrick was placed in command, and to the number of some three
+hundred, the party started down the hill in double file and with
+trailed arms.
+
+“You are required to cross the North Bridge,” were the commander’s last
+words to Major Buttrick; “but do not fire upon the king’s troops unless
+they fire upon you.”
+
+Nat, Ben Cooper, Ezra and his brother were all with the party. Nat and
+Ezra marched shoulder to shoulder and as they neared the river, the
+latter said in a low tone:
+
+“I suppose this is a more or less dangerous undertaking, but do you
+know, I have never been so glad to do anything in my life.”
+
+“We are all glad to get a chance to back up our words, I suppose,”
+answered Nat.
+
+“It’s not that altogether,” said Ezra.
+
+And Nat saw the look which the speaker gave the unconscious George, who
+was trudging determinedly forward, his cartridge box pulled round ready
+to his hand.
+
+“He’s going to get a chance to prove that he is a patriot at heart like
+the rest of us,” said Ezra. “And,” contentedly, “I have no fear but
+that he will.”
+
+“Nor I,” said Nat, assuringly.
+
+The two hundred British were upon the west side of the river; but upon
+seeing the provincials approach, they retired to the east side and
+formed for a fight; also a detachment was sent to tear up the planks of
+the bridge.
+
+Seeing that this must be prevented, Major Buttrick called upon them to
+stop, but as they paid no heed, he said sharply to his command:
+
+“Forward, lads, at the quick!”
+
+The colonists increased their pace. Instantly a rattle of musketry came
+from the king’s men. A fifer in the Acton company dropped with a bullet
+through him; almost immediately Captain Davis and a private of the
+same company were killed. Seeing the deadly effect of the volley, the
+American leader cried:
+
+“Fire, fellow soldiers, fire!”
+
+The American riflemen at once obeyed; as the leaden couriers began to
+whistle about them the British fell into great confusion and retreated
+back upon their main body. With defiant shouts, part of the colonists
+crossed the bridge and took up a position on a hill commanding the main
+road; the others, bearing their dead, returned to their starting point,
+and all rested upon their arms watching the redcoats like hawks.
+
+By this time it was well upon noon, and while Concord was holding the
+column in check, the news of the hostile march of the king’s troops
+was spreading rapidly through all sections round about, and hundreds of
+men were hastening toward the scene of action. All the roads that led
+to Concord were thick with them; they carried the firelock that perhaps
+had fought the Indian and the drum that beat defiance to the French at
+Louisburg. And they were led by men who had served with Wolfe at Quebec
+and suffered the rigors of the seven years’ war.
+
+At noon, Lieutenant-Colonel Smith concluded that nothing further was to
+be gained by an advance; so he gave the word that the column fall back
+toward Lexington and Boston. His left was covered by a strong flank
+guard that kept the height that borders the Lexington road; his right
+was protected by a stream of water. They had not gone very far when
+they began to understand how thoroughly the country had been aroused.
+It seemed as though men dropped from the very clouds. From behind every
+tree, every stump, every rock, a rifle spat its anger at them.
+
+Near Hardy’s Hill, the Sudbury company attacked the British flank
+guard; there was a fierce fight on the old road north of the
+schoolhouse. Here the way was lined with woods upon both sides and the
+minutemen swarmed upon them from this shelter like gnats. A guard on
+the left flank was ordered out in desperation; but it proved only a
+fairer mark to shoot at, and was instantly ordered back.
+
+This woody defile stretched away for three or four miles, and while in
+it the British suffered terribly.
+
+“From their look,” said Nat Brewster, reloading his piece and wiping
+the sweat from his face, “they have ceased to regard their expedition
+as a sort of excursion.”
+
+Ezra Prentiss, to whom these words were addressed, raised his rifle to
+his shoulder and its report was added to the din.
+
+“And, I think,” said he coolly, as he thrust his hand into his pocket
+for another cartridge, “that they will never start upon such another
+one again.”
+
+It was at this point that Woburn added one hundred and eighty men to
+the little provincial army; at Lincoln, the Lexington company again
+appeared upon the field.
+
+The British carried the greater part of their wounded, but the dead
+were left in the road behind them. At Lexington, Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith was shot in the leg. Here, also, the British found that their
+ammunition was fast failing; the men were growing so fatigued as to be
+almost unfit for service; confusion began to grow among them and their
+officers were compelled at times to threaten them with drawn pistols,
+to keep them in order.
+
+Under the murderous fire sustained by the Americans the column was at
+last halted and formed into a hollow square to await the reinforcement
+which Colonel Smith had sent for at daylight. It was here that Lord
+Percy, at the head of three regiments of infantry, two divisions of
+marines and carrying two field-pieces came upon them, harassed, worn
+and almost upon the point of surrender. Percy himself had had no
+easy time in advancing to the rescue. He had found the planks of the
+Cambridge bridge taken up to delay his crossing the river; then the
+patriots had cut off his provision train and left his men to the hunger
+of the march.
+
+At once the field-pieces began to play upon the colonists; houses and
+other buildings were fired wantonly in Lexington, others upon the route
+of the retreat, now resumed, were broken into and plundered.
+
+Dr. Warren had joined the patriots just before the arrival of Percy;
+and in the midst of the party that came with him the boys were
+delighted to find the Porcupine, perched upon a tall horse and with a
+huge pistol in his belt. At sight of them he grinned and smoothed back
+his stiff crest of hair.
+
+“Had quite a time getting here,” said he, “but it’s worth all the
+trouble. I’ve always wished I’d have a chance to get in the first
+fight, and I hope it’s come true!”
+
+“You’re here in time,” said Nat, with a laugh. “The troops that have
+just come up look fresh and full of spirit, so it is not all over yet.”
+
+But though Lord Percy had almost two thousand men in all, he showed no
+disposition to do anything but get safely back to Boston. Dr. Warren
+rallied the patriots, who had been shaken by the cannon, and they
+pressed relentlessly after the invaders.
+
+“Keep up a brave heart,” said Warren to the riflemen. “They began it;
+but see to it, lads, that we end it.”
+
+Through West Cambridge they fought. Again the British ammunition ran
+short, and the field-pieces became silent. At Charlestown the main body
+of the patriots hung upon their rear and another force was marching
+upon them from Roxbury, Dorchester and Milton.
+
+It was sundown when the harassed column staggered down the old
+Cambridge road to Charlestown Neck, fighting every step of the way,
+but glad to find protection at last under the guns of their ships of
+war. Out of gunshot, the provincials halted; but there they hung like
+a cloud, ominous and dark in the twilight. Next day the shattered
+battalions crossed into the city; and at once the Americans tightened
+their line; at once the work began of making the militia and the
+minutemen a compact fighting machine of the sort whose operations would
+spell victory.
+
+It was the next morning that the five boys stood upon the hill and
+watched the sun come up over the city.
+
+“Well,” said Nat, “we’ve got them walled up in Boston.”
+
+“Yes,” replied Ezra Prentiss, as his sober gaze dwelt upon the still
+slumbering town. “And it will not be a great while before we drive them
+ever from there.”
+
+And the events of the days to follow proved him to be a true prophet.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:
+
+
+  Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.
+
+  Superscripted letters are preceded by a carat character: M^cIntyre.
+
+  Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
+
+  Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.
+
+  Archaic or alternate spelling has been retained from the original.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT
+LEXINGTON ***
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+<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Young Continentals at Lexington, by John T. McIntyre</div>
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+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
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+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
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+<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Young Continentals at Lexington</p>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: John T. McIntyre</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: Ralph L. Boyer</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: December 24, 2021 [eBook #67004]</div>
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+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div>
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+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div>
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+<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: D A Alexander, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net</div>
+
+<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT LEXINGTON ***</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" width="40%" alt="" /></div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_0"></span>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_frontispiece.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="drop-cap"><i>A BROAD-SHOULDERED YOUTH
+OF SEVENTEEN</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+<div class="chapter">
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_title.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="titlepage">
+<h1>The Young<br />
+Continentals<br />
+at Lexington</h1>
+
+<p><i>by</i><br />
+<span class="xlarge">John T. M<span class="ls"><sup>c<sub>.</sub></sup></span>&nbsp;Intyre</span><br />
+<i>Author of</i><br />
+&#8220;With John Paul Jones&#8221;<br />
+&#8220;The Boy Tars of 1812&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_titlelogo.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p><span class="large">Illustrated by Ralph L. Boyer.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="large"><i>The Penn Publishing<br />
+Company Philadelphia</i><br />
+<i>MCMIX</i></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="center">COPYRIGHT<br />
+1909 BY<br />
+THE PENN<br />
+PUBLISHING<br />
+COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_logo.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">Introduction</h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>&#8220;<span class="smcap">The Young Continentals at Lexington</span>&#8221;
+begins with that vital period of our country&#8217;s
+history when the great forces that made the
+Revolution were slowly coming together.</p>
+
+<p>The port of Boston was closed; an army
+under Gage occupied the city; Massachusetts
+Bay was thronged with troop-ships and
+frigates, and the colonies were writhing under
+a series of unjust and oppressive laws.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this time that the four boys who
+play the leading parts in the story began their
+experiences. Historical events that led up to
+the war for independence are met with in
+every chapter; the great personages of the
+time figure upon almost every page. From
+the meeting of the first Congress at Carpenter&#8217;s
+Hall to the stand of the minutemen at Lexington
+and Concord Bridge, every important
+step in the movement for national life is
+touched on.</p>
+
+<p>The second book of the series, &#8220;The Young<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span>
+Continentals at Bunker Hill,&#8221; takes up the
+thread of history where this book leaves it.
+It will show the siege of Boston, and the
+glorious defeat on the Hill. It will tell how
+Washington was given command of the army;
+how he sent word to Ethan Allen; how the
+heavy guns he captured at Ticonderoga were
+hauled through the winter wilderness upon
+sledges to Boston; also how Washington
+mounted them upon Dorchester Heights and
+finally drove the army of Gage from the city.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">Contents</h2>
+</div>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" summary="table">
+
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">I.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Shows How Ben Cooper Saw the War
+a Long Way Off</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_9">      9</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">II.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Tells Why Nat Brewster Walked
+Toward Cliveden in the Dark</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_20">      20</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">III.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Shows How Nat Met &#8220;Grumpy Comegies&#8221;
+and What Came of It</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">      31</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">IV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Shows How Startling News Was
+Nat&#8217;s Reward at Chew House</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_38">      38</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">V.</td><td> <span class="smcap">How Nat Brewster Met the Porcupine</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_50">      50</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">VI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Shows How Nat Brewster and the
+Porcupine Rode Through the
+Night</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_64">      64</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">VII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Shows How Nat Brewster Met With
+Mr. Washington</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_81">      81</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">VIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Tells How Things Began to Look
+Bad for Ezra Prentiss</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_105">      105</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">IX.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Nat Brewster Finds More Proof</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_120">      120</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">X.</td><td> <span class="smcap">What the Porcupine Saw at Chew
+House</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_130">      130</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Shows How Nat Brewster Spoke to
+His Uncle and What Their Resolutions
+Were &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_147">      147</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">What Happened on the North Road</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_159">      159</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Shows How Nat Met One Stranger
+and How the Porcupine Met Another</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_174">      174</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XIV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Night Promises Well</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_192">      192</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">How the Promise Was Kept</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_203">      203</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XVI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Tall Man Brings a Friend</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_216">      216</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XVII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">What Nat Heard at the Coffee-House
+in Orange Street</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_230">      230</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XVIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">In Which Dr. Warren and Paul
+Revere Listen Intently</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_238">      238</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XIX.</td><td> <span class="smcap">In Which a Winter Passes, Bringing
+Many Things</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_250">      250</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XX.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Nat Brewster is Taken by Foes and
+Paul Revere Begins His Midnight
+Ride</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_273">      273</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XXI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Nat Brewster Marches With Pitcairn
+to Lexington</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_287">      287</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td class="tdr" valign="top">XXII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Tells How a Mystery Was Solved
+and How Victory Came to the
+Colonies</span></td><td class="tdr" valign="bottom"><a href="#Page_306">      306</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">Illustrations</h2>
+</div>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" summary="table">
+
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="tdr"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">A Broad-shouldered Youth of Seventeen &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_0">      <i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">&#8220;Who Are You?&#8221; He Demanded</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">      34</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#8220;<span class="smcap">I Ask Your Pardon, Mr. Washington</span>&#8221;</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">      103</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#8220;<span class="smcap">There is Something Wrong, Then</span>&#8221; </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_188">     188</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">He Saw the Tall Stranger</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_228">      228</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">He Got a Glimpse of the Newcomer</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_270">      270</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">They Came Within Sight of Lexington</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_303">      303</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span></p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">The Young Continentals<br />
+at Lexington</h2>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I<br />
+
+
+<small>SHOWS HOW BEN COOPER SAW THE WAR<br />
+A LONG WAY OFF</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> smart little roan mare drew up at the
+gate of the Cooper place, and Ben Cooper
+leaned over and lifted the latch with the loop
+of his riding-whip. The gate was still creaking
+open when the lad noticed old Stephen
+Comegies stumping along the road on his
+gouty legs, and leaning heavily upon a stout
+oaken staff.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-morning, Mr. Comegies,&#8221; saluted
+Ben, cheerily.</p>
+
+<p>But old Stephen seemed not to hear; his
+eyes were fixed upon the road, and his lips
+were muttering; from the way his gnarled
+hand clutched the staff, it would have fared
+badly with those who had excited his anger
+had they been in reach of its iron-shod foot.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span>&#8220;A fine morning, Mr. Comegies,&#8221; said Ben
+Cooper.</p>
+
+<p>This time he was heard. The old man
+paused&mdash;leaned upon the staff and regarded
+the boy from under his shaggy gray brows.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A fine morning,&#8221; repeated he. &#8220;No!
+That it is not. I see nothing fine in it.
+But,&#8221; and his voice rose a pitch higher, &#8220;I
+see a great deal of bad in it. I see a great
+store of ill being laid up, for future days to
+take care of.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A slow smile stole over Ben Cooper&#8217;s round,
+good-natured face. The whole of Germantown
+called old Stephen &#8220;Grumpy Comegies&#8221;
+and Ben had listened to him frequently before.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s fine weather anyway,&#8221; insisted Ben.
+&#8220;The harvests are almost ready; the shooting
+is going to be good; the rabbits and birds are
+growing fat and plenty. What more can
+any one want?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If they had any understanding,&#8221; replied
+old Stephen, &#8220;they might feel sorry that
+these colonies are being swept by a flood of ingratitude
+to an honest king.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben&#8217;s mouth puckered into a whistle of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span>
+surprise; for Stephen Comegies was a man of
+authority and weight in the community, and
+it seemed odd that he should begin a political
+discussion with a boy of sixteen years upon
+the open road. However, the matter was
+explained the next moment, when Ben heard
+his father&#8217;s voice and saw him rise up from a
+bench inside the gate where he had been
+sitting with a book.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know, Mr. Comegies,&#8221; said Robert
+Cooper, &#8220;that your words are pointed at myself
+and not at the boy; so I will take them up.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He leaned upon the fence as he spoke,
+fluttering the leaves of the book with his
+fingers. He was a tall, spare man with a pale,
+studious face; but there was something about
+him that was forceful and ready; an opponent
+would never find him at a loss for either
+words or actions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you deny that a spirit of unrest is
+abroad?&#8221; demanded old Stephen, planting the
+iron-tipped staff in the road. &#8220;Can you
+deny that a rebellion is being fostered against
+a generous prince? Can you deny that the
+irresponsible firebrands in New England are
+arming against their lawful rulers?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span>&#8220;I shall not deny anything that you
+charge,&#8221; replied Mr. Cooper sternly, &#8220;I shall
+only say that it is all true, and further add
+that I am greatly pleased to be able to
+say it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Take care,&#8221; cried the old man, his gaunt,
+once powerful frame quivering with resentment.
+&#8220;Take care, Robert Cooper. You
+and your like are sowing seeds of sedition
+that can be reaped only by the bayonets of
+the king&#8217;s regiments. You can flaunt your
+scandalous theories of liberty in the faces of
+your neighbors, but when the time for reckoning
+comes you may not seem so ready.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; replied Mr. Cooper, calmly,
+&#8220;that when it does come, the reckoning will
+find me ready enough.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Old Stephen lifted his staff and shook it
+tremulously to the southward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The broth that those vipers brew in Philadelphia,&#8221;
+declared he, &#8220;will be the death of
+them!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Those sent by the different colonies to
+this Congress that is to meet,&#8221; said Robert
+Cooper, &#8220;are honest American gentlemen.
+They have wrongs that require redressing and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span>
+they chose this means, as the best they know,
+of procuring the remedy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a threat,&#8221; maintained the old man.
+&#8220;They are shaking a sword in King George&#8217;s
+face. Why do they not beg redress of wrongs
+like dutiful subjects, and not come together
+like a lot of skulking rascals?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The time for begging has gone by,&#8221; said
+Mr. Cooper. &#8220;From now on the colonies
+will demand&mdash;and in a voice not to be mistaken.
+We have submitted too long; the king
+is an ignorant old man surrounded by incompetents.
+There have been no more faithful
+subjects than those of America; but they
+will not permit themselves to be plundered.
+If we are to be taxed we desire a voice in the
+government that fixes those taxes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Stephen Comegies gazed at the speaker in
+horror. That a man should cherish such
+sentiments and still be permitted at large
+filled him with wondering alarm. For a moment
+he was unable to speak; then, recovering,
+he burst out:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is not the first time I have heard
+treason from you, Robert Cooper; and the day
+is fast coming when you shall rue having<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span>
+spoken it.&#8221; There was a pause, then he resumed
+with a harsh laugh, &#8220;They will demand,
+will they? And in a voice that will
+not be mistaken, eh? Well, take care! It
+is easy to send out a summons to draw a
+rebel pack together, but it is not always so
+easy to actually assemble them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Cooper gazed steadfastly into the deeply-lined
+face of the old Tory; there was something
+in the countenance threatening and
+sombre, and somehow it gave out an impression
+of hidden joy at some grim joke.
+Mr. Cooper was about to reply, but old Stephen
+gripped his staff firmly and moved a step or
+two on his way. Then he paused and turned
+his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t forget what I have said,&#8221; added he,
+with another cackle of laughter, &#8220;and don&#8217;t
+say you were taken unawares.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then he stumped away upon his gouty legs,
+the iron-shod staff ringing upon the hard
+road, his big gray head bent and his lips
+muttering their hatred of all the king&#8217;s enemies.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He seems to be in a high temper this
+morning,&#8221; laughed Ben, who had listened<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span>
+with amusement to the Tory&#8217;s words. &#8220;But
+he&#8217;s always crying out against something.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Cooper shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid,&#8221; said he, &#8220;that the coming
+struggle will see the Tories one of our greatest
+sources of vexation.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben looked at his father in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The coming struggle,&#8221; repeated he. &#8220;Do
+you actually believe that it will come to that,
+father?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Cooper resumed his seat upon the bench
+and opened the book once more. It was easy
+to see that his fears were of the worst, but that
+he had no desire to impart them to his son.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All this controversy is a struggle,&#8221; he said.
+&#8220;And as time draws on, it will grow more
+bitter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; queried Ben, his face alight with
+anticipation, &#8220;do you think it will end in
+blows being struck?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But his father was bent over the book. All
+he would say was:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No one can predict the outcome of such a
+thing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben waited for a moment, thinking he
+would speak further; but as he did not, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span>
+lad shook the reins and Molly loped gaily up
+the path and off toward the barn.</p>
+
+<p>In the shadow of the coach house a broad-shouldered
+youth of seventeen was engaged in
+cleaning a long, shining rifle. He looked up
+as Ben dismounted and turned the mare over
+to a hired man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good morning for a ride,&#8221; commented he,
+as he rubbed industriously at the brass butt
+of the weapon. &#8220;Wanted to go over my traps,
+or I&#8217;d have joined you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You missed something,&#8221; replied Ben, as
+he sat upon a sawbuck near the other. &#8220;The
+air is fine upon the road.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know,&#8221; smiled the other, &#8220;full of sunshine
+and some other things which you can&#8217;t
+see, but which make you feel like a giant.
+It&#8217;s that way among the hills, up in the
+Wyoming valley.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben kicked at some chips with the toe of
+his riding-boot and looked thoughtful.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You <i>are</i> right,&#8221; he said, after a short pause;
+&#8220;there are things in the air this morning&mdash;things
+that maybe you don&#8217;t mean. And the
+nearer I rode to the city, the stronger I felt
+them.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span>The broad-shouldered youth laughed and
+his gray eyes twinkled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Maybe,&#8221; said he, &#8220;they were bits of Mr.
+Franklin&#8217;s electricity.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It might seem odd to you, Nat,&#8221; proceeded
+Ben, without noticing the other&#8217;s light words,
+&#8220;but I fancied that the roadside looked different.
+Everything seemed closer together and
+secretive, somehow. When the trees rustled
+in the wind and nodded toward each other, it
+seemed as though they were whispering mysteriously.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again Nat Brewster laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ben,&#8221; said he, &#8220;I think you&#8217;ve passed the
+glen where Mother Babette lives, and that
+she&#8217;s put a spell upon you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Ben paid no attention to the raillery;
+his round, good-natured face was serious and
+he went on soberly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course, I don&#8217;t think any of these
+things are so. They are merely impressions
+caused by something I did not notice at the
+time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat looked at him with more interest.
+The long rifle lay across his knee, and the
+burnishing ceased.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span>&#8220;That&#8217;s so,&#8221; said he. &#8220;I&#8217;ve often felt like
+that myself. Sometimes when I&#8217;ve tramped
+alone among the mountains I&#8217;ve felt worried
+about things that I couldn&#8217;t give a name.
+And always something of importance turned
+up afterward. It was just as though I felt it
+coming a long way off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben nodded his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s it,&#8221; said he. &#8220;That&#8217;s it, exactly.&#8221;
+He paused a moment, then continued, &#8220;All
+along the road the people seemed quiet. Men
+burning brush in the fields looked strangely
+at me through the smoke. People in carts
+who&#8217;d usually have something to say just
+nodded their heads, and seemed to look after
+me, watchfully. I passed the schoolhouse
+there at the crossroads and the long drone
+that always comes from it, of the scholars
+chanting their lessons, was queer and hushed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was a strange sort of ride,&#8221; commented
+Nat. &#8220;I wish I&#8217;d gone with you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I went as far as the &#8216;Bull and Badger.&#8217;
+Some farmers were gathered in front of it and
+some travelers were upon the porch. It was
+the same with them as with the others. The
+very inn seemed to be trying to contain some<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span>
+weighty secret; and I turned and rode away
+without even getting down.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben leaned over and his forefinger tapped
+his cousin upon the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was at the gate of this place before I
+found out what caused it all,&#8221; said he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What was it?&#8221; asked Nat, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re going to have a war with England,&#8221;
+replied Ben. &#8220;It means nothing else.&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II<br />
+
+
+<small>TELLS WHY NAT BREWSTER WALKED TOWARD<br />
+CLIVEDEN IN THE DARK</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Nat Brewster</span> settled his stalwart frame
+back against the coach house wall and, wrinkling
+his brows, regarded his cousin attentively.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s very likely you&#8217;re right,&#8221; said he at
+length. &#8220;The expectation of such a thing
+would act just about that way upon every one&mdash;even
+to children and others who did not
+understand.&#8221; Then he stretched out his long
+legs and snapped the lock of his rifle with his
+strong brown fingers. &#8220;If war does come,&#8221;
+he went on, &#8220;I hope it comes quickly, while
+the colonies are aroused to answer the call.
+The whole of the north country is ready; and
+from reports, the south and coast colonies are
+also.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a silence for a moment; then
+Ben asked:</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span>&#8220;Do you think, if it came to blows, the
+colonies would dare defy the king?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They&#8217;ve done it before now,&#8221; replied Nat.
+&#8220;Charles II tried oppression and his commissioners
+were soundly beaten and shipped back
+to England to him. James II patterned by
+his brother in this, and his governor was first
+imprisoned and then banished. If the colonies
+were bold enough to do these things
+when they were weak, they&#8217;ll do others like
+them, now that they&#8217;re stronger.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As Nat finished speaking there came a
+clattering of hoofs and the rumble of wheels
+upon a side road. Then a strong voice called:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who-o-e-e!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked in the direction of the
+sound and saw a light spring cart drawn by
+four wiry little horses. A pockmarked man
+with fiery red hair sat upon the seat; and in
+his hands he held a sealed letter.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hello,&#8221; called he, in his loud voice.
+&#8220;Come get this, some one. I can&#8217;t leave these
+critters. If I did, they&#8217;d try to climb over
+the barn.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben arose and hurried to the fence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Something for us, Tom?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span>&#8220;Something for you,&#8221; replied the pockmarked
+man. &#8220;Was given to me at the City
+Tavern last night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke the carter tossed the letter to
+Ben, who deftly caught it; then he went on:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I stopped there to get some things which
+came in on the Baltimore coach for Mr.
+Pendergast, above here. There&#8217;s a lot of
+Massachusetts Bay people stopping there; and
+one young fellow comes up to me:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;I hear you carry goods up Germantown
+way,&#8217; says he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;I do,&#8217; says I.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Do you know the Cooper place?&#8217; says he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;As well as I do my own,&#8217; I says.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Here&#8217;s a letter then,&#8217; he says. &#8216;And I&#8217;d
+like it delivered with despatch.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And with that he gives me a half crown
+and the message, and tells me to keep the one
+and give you the other.&#8221; The carter grinned
+across at Ben good humoredly and added:
+&#8220;Anything you want carried toward Whitemarsh?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think not, Tom,&#8221; replied Ben.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-day to you,&#8221; said the man. He
+tightened the reins; the wiry little horses<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span>
+sprang forward against their collars and the
+cart went whirling away in a cloud of dust.</p>
+
+<p>All the time the man was speaking Ben
+Cooper&#8217;s face wore an expression of astonished
+impatience. The astonishment was caused by
+a glance at the handwriting upon the letter,
+the impatience by the carter&#8217;s monologue.
+But now that the man had gone, the lad
+broke the seal and his eyes ran over the few
+lines of writing which the sheet contained.
+Then he turned and dashed back toward the
+spot where he had left Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll never guess what it is,&#8221; cried he,
+breathlessly. Then, without pausing for a
+reply, he added, &#8220;Ezra Prentiss, of whom
+I&#8217;ve told you so much, is in Philadelphia.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In Philadelphia?&#8221; echoed Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Listen to what he says.&#8221; Unfolding the
+letter, Ben read:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right">&#8220;<i>City Tavern, Aug. 23.</i></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<span class="smcap">My dear Ben</span>:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know this will astonish you. I&#8217;ve
+come south with Mr. Samuel Adams and his
+brother John, of both of whom you&#8217;ve no
+doubt heard. They are here to attend the
+Congress which is soon to meet at the Carpenter&#8217;s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span>
+Hall. As you might guess, they were in
+a great hurry as they came into the town and
+I had no chance to call upon you. We will
+be staying in the City Tavern; come in if you
+can. In any event I will come to Germantown
+in a few days.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="indentright">&#8220;Sincerely, your friend,</span><br />
+
+&#8220;<span class="smcap">Ezra Prentiss</span>.&#8221;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. John and Samuel Adams!&#8221; said Nat
+when his cousin had finished. &#8220;They are
+the brothers who have spoken so boldly and
+openly against the king. It seems to me,
+Ben, that your friend keeps very famous company.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s a great patriot, you see,&#8221; explained
+Ben. &#8220;Even while he was at school here
+several years ago, he used to tell us of the
+happenings at Boston and how the citizens
+defied the government.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But I think you said his father was an
+Englishman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;His grandfather. His father is dead.
+He never seemed to care to go deeply into his
+family history; but he told me this: Some
+years before his father&#8217;s death, there was some
+sort of an outbreak&mdash;against the Stamp Act, I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span>
+think. Ezra&#8217;s father sided with the townspeople.
+But the grandfather was a Tory.
+A bitter quarrel was the result and they afterward
+no longer saw or spoke to each other.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose there is a great deal of that,&#8221;
+said Nat. &#8220;And if it comes to war, it will be
+worse.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They had now risen and walked toward
+the house. Down the path along which Ben
+had ridden in entering they saw Mr. Cooper
+pacing to and fro, with bent head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That talk he had with old Stephen Comegies
+has upset his nerves,&#8221; said Ben. &#8220;Politics
+always has that effect upon him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As they walked up the step and into the
+wide hall he related to his cousin what had
+happened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see,&#8221; said Nat, thoughtfully. &#8220;That is
+what has fixed your impression of war.&#8221; He
+looked at Ben steadfastly for a moment.
+&#8220;Tell me again: What was it he said before
+he left?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As near as I can remember,&#8221; said Ben,
+&#8220;he said: &#8216;It&#8217;s easy to <i>call</i> a pack of rebels
+together, but not always so easy to actually
+<i>get</i> them together.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span>&#8220;And you say he seemed to have a sort of&mdash;well&mdash;a
+look, while he said it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was a satisfaction to him. I could see
+that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And then he bid your father not to say he
+was taken unawares, eh?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just as he was going,&#8221; said Ben. He
+looked into Nat&#8217;s bronzed, thoughtful face
+and was surprised at its expression. &#8220;Why,
+you don&#8217;t think he really meant anything, do
+you?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Nat shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know. Sometimes crabbed old
+men delight in making meaningless threats.
+This may be one of them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He hung up his rifle upon a rack in the
+hall and sat down in a broad seat at the door.
+The beautiful suburb with its broad fields,
+white roads and stately houses was stretched
+out before him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are there many Tories hereabouts?&#8221; he
+asked, after a space.</p>
+
+<p>Ben nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; he replied, &#8220;a great many. And it&#8217;s
+the same way in the city. With a very few
+exceptions, it is only those who actually suffer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span>
+by the heavy taxes who are aroused and speak
+against the government.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The people of consequence, as you might
+call them, are then mostly Tories?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again Ben nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And they are proud of it,&#8221; said he.
+&#8220;Though I must say I can&#8217;t understand what
+they have to pride themselves on.&#8221; He
+pointed across some prosperous grain fields;
+behind a clump of heavy, thick-growing trees
+could be seen the outlines of a rather fine
+looking house. &#8220;That&#8217;s Cliveden, where the
+Chews live,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;The Tories
+meet there now and then and protest about
+the growing disloyalty to the king.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For a long time Nat Brewster sat gazing
+straight ahead and pondering. Ben watched
+him curiously for awhile, then as his cousin
+said nothing more, remarked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think after Molly&#8217;s rested I&#8217;ll ride into
+town and see Ezra. He must be a regular
+mail-bag for news. Will you come along,
+Nat?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think not,&#8221; replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve often spoken to him about you,&#8221; persisted
+Ben. &#8220;He&#8217;ll be glad to see you.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span>&#8220;Another time will do just as well. I
+hardly feel like going in to town to-day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well,&#8221; and Ben turned away.
+&#8220;Some other time then. But you must
+know Ezra before he leaves. You&#8217;ll like
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After Ben had gone, Nat clasped his hands
+about his knees and continued to gaze across
+the fields toward Cliveden. The August
+sun was warm and the insects buzzed lazily
+about in it, their wings a-glitter. The level,
+fertile country was new to Nat; up north in the
+Wyoming valley the rugged hills crowded
+one upon the other; the grim, defiant forests
+circled the settlements; the stony earth
+fought stubbornly against the plow.</p>
+
+<p>His mother had been Mr. Cooper&#8217;s sister;
+she had met and married Nat&#8217;s father and
+had gone with him into the wilderness to
+make a home. But both were now dead.
+Nat, whose mother had carefully taught him,
+had served two terms as master in a log
+schoolhouse. But the work did not altogether
+please him; and when his uncle
+sent for him to take him into his office, he
+had gladly grasped the opportunity.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span>Even in the far Wyoming valley, the
+growing discontent was felt; but the boy had
+no notion that matters were so grave until he
+arrived at Philadelphia and found neighbors
+arrayed against each other and representatives
+of the colonies scheduled to meet and pass
+solemn resolutions protesting against England&#8217;s
+unfair laws.</p>
+
+<p>He ran over all his old impressions and his
+new ones as well, as he sat in the wide doorway
+of the Cooper house. And through all
+his thoughts the saying of old Stephen
+Comegies kept recurring.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;It&#8217;s easy to call rebels together,&#8217;&#8221; he repeated,
+following Ben&#8217;s version of the saying
+as well as he could. &#8220;&#8216;But it&#8217;s not always so
+easy to get them together.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The boy&#8217;s thick black brows came together
+in a frown and his locked fingers gripped his
+knees closely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t like that,&#8221; he murmured. &#8220;It
+has a bad sound. It may have been the
+angry, empty words of a partisan&mdash;and then
+again, it may not. It would be a good thing
+to have it looked into, I think, if it were possible.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span>And so this is why Nat Brewster waited
+and lounged about for hours after his cousin
+had ridden gaily away into the city; and it is
+also why, just as the evening shadows were
+deepening into darkness, he started across the
+fields toward Chew House.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III<br />
+
+
+<small>SHOWS HOW NAT MET &#8220;GRUMPY COMEGIES&#8221; AND<br />
+WHAT CAME OF IT</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Nat had arrived at Germantown,
+some weeks earlier, his place at the office was
+not yet ready. In order not to be idle he had
+gone to work in the fields with the hired
+bands, and so still wore his backwoods
+costume. A hunting-shirt, low about the
+throat and coming almost to his knees, served
+the place of a coat, while his leggings of
+tanned deerskin and moccasins gave him the
+air of one fresh from the wilderness, which he
+was. But for all this homely dress he was a
+fine, upstanding youth, broad-shouldered and
+tall; his movements were as free and supple
+as those of a savage, and his face wore the
+look of habitual resolution that comes to
+those who live in dangerous corners of the
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s queer,&#8221; he said to himself as he strode
+along, &#8220;that I can&#8217;t get out of the idea that I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span>
+should take my rifle everywhere I go, as I did
+at home. Somehow I don&#8217;t know what to do
+with my hands when I haven&#8217;t it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>To supply the place of the missing rifle he
+stopped a little later and cut a good-sized
+cudgel from a scrub oak; then once more he
+started forward, whistling softly.</p>
+
+<p>Further on, he found it necessary to vault
+a fence into a narrow, tree-lined lane. Darkness
+had now about set in; the lane, because
+of its border of trees, was especially shadowy,
+and some little distance away Nat caught the
+yellow glow of a lantern as it came halting
+and dancing along toward him. Leaning
+back against the fence, he waited silently for
+the person carrying it to advance.</p>
+
+<p>Forward it came, hesitatingly, timidly, it
+seemed. Nat at length made out the figure
+of a man and that of a girl, and in a short
+time they were close enough for him to catch
+the sound of their voices.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But, grandfather,&#8221; said the girl, and Nat
+saw her look intently ahead in the lamp-light,
+&#8220;I feel quite sure that I heard some
+one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pish!&#8221; answered the man, impatiently.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span>&#8220;What if you did? The roads are free to
+every one, are they not?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But just now,&#8221; persisted the girl, &#8220;it is
+dangerous, is it not, with all this coming and
+going of strange men? Indeed,&#8221; with great
+candor, &#8220;I don&#8217;t like their looks any too
+well.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hold your tongue,&#8221; cried the man, angrily.
+&#8220;It&#8217;s not for you to question the appearance
+of loyal subjects of the king.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And do you think,&#8221; said the girl, &#8220;they
+are really willing to&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hush, I tell you!&#8221; The voice of the man
+rose sharply and broke with the quaver of age.
+&#8220;What talk is that to have in a public place?
+For all you know, there may be a score about
+to hear you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>During the above, the pair continued
+advancing along the lane in Nat&#8217;s direction;
+and all the time the girl gazed ahead, trying
+to pierce the darkness beyond the circle of
+light. A ray from the lantern fell upon Nat&#8217;s
+face as the old man spoke the last words, and
+the girl halted with a sharp exclamation,
+grasping his arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it?&#8221; asked her companion.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span>&#8220;A stranger!&#8221; breathed the girl. &#8220;There
+near the fence.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The old man flashed the lantern in the direction
+indicated; and Nat&#8217;s lounging figure
+was bathed in its rays.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What now, sir?&#8221; demanded the girl&#8217;s
+companion, sternly. &#8220;What do you mean by
+prowling around and startling decent people
+in this way?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I beg your pardon,&#8221; said Nat, politely,
+taking off his cap. &#8220;I just happened to be
+passing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The old man peered into his face. He was
+old, but his eyes were keen and bright; and
+he studied Nat closely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who are you?&#8221; he demanded. &#8220;I don&#8217;t
+think I have seen you in this neighborhood
+before.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Possibly not,&#8221; replied the boy. &#8220;I have
+not been here a great while.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>An inquiring look came swiftly into the
+deeply-lined face of the man with the lantern.
+He bent forward eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps,&#8221; said he, &#8220;you are from the north.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Nat, calmly. &#8220;I am from
+the north.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_34.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="drop-cap"><i>&#8220;WHO ARE YOU?&#8221; HE DEMANDED</i></p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span>&#8220;And you are going&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To Chew House,&#8221; with great frankness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good!&#8221; The old man burst into a cackle
+of laughter, reached out and patted the boy&#8217;s
+shoulder approvingly. &#8220;Excellent! But,&#8221;
+with an admonitory air, &#8220;it would be as well
+to mention no names.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat had no reply for this, and so remained
+silent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am Stephen Comegies,&#8221; continued the
+old man. &#8220;Perhaps,&#8221; with a great deal of
+pride, &#8220;you have heard of me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have,&#8221; replied the lad.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There are a few who have not,&#8221; chuckled
+&#8220;Grumpy Comegies.&#8221; &#8220;The king has some
+friends who do not fear to speak their minds
+to the rabble. And I would not let it end
+with speaking,&#8221; he went on, with increased
+spirit, &#8220;if I were twenty years younger.
+There is not a lad of you all that would take
+horse in the government&#8217;s service quicker
+than I.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Here Nat noticed the girl plucking the old
+man&#8217;s sleeve. He bent impatiently down and
+she whispered some quick words in his ear.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span>
+But he shook his big gray head at her evident
+attempt to check his garrulousness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Child,&#8221; said he, &#8220;leave men&#8217;s work to
+men. I am old enough to know a friend from
+a foe. And I will not hesitate to speak a
+word of encouragement to one when I meet
+him prepared to do dangerous work for his
+master.&#8221; He turned to Nat and held out his
+hand. &#8220;Your hand, lad.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat extended his hand; the old man grasped
+it in a way that showed that all his strength
+had not departed from him, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you and your comrades succeed in what
+you are about to undertake, you will scatter
+this rebellion like chaff. Have no fear; sweep
+upon them and crush them out.&#8221; He turned
+to the girl once more. &#8220;Come, child,&#8221; he
+said. And as he started off he continued over
+his shoulder, to Nat, &#8220;Good-evening, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They had gone barely a dozen yards when
+Nat, who stood looking after them, saw the
+girl leave old Stephen&#8217;s side and dart back
+toward him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not know who you are,&#8221; she said,
+&#8220;but you have an honest face.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you,&#8221; replied the youth, smiling.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span>&#8220;My grandfather is a very old man,&#8221; she
+continued in a breathless, hurried sort of way,
+for old Comegies had begun to call rather
+angrily to her, &#8220;and like most very old men,
+he&mdash;he says a great many things that perhaps
+he should not say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat bowed silently, in the shadows.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am glad you understand me,&#8221; continued
+the girl, who perceived this despite the
+thickening darkness. She drew closer to him
+and lowered her voice. &#8220;If you are not what
+he has taken you to be, I beg of you to be
+generous and hold none of it to his injury.
+Remember, he is, as I have said, an old man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it will ease your mind, mistress,&#8221; said
+Nat gravely, &#8220;I promise to forget him in
+the matter entirely.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you,&#8221; said the girl, gratefully.
+&#8220;Thank you. You are kind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And with that she darted away toward old
+Stephen, who was holding up the lantern and
+calling to her in his high-pitched, quavering
+voice.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IV<br />
+
+
+<small>SHOWS HOW STARTLING NEWS WAS NAT&#8217;S REWARD<br />
+AT CHEW HOUSE</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Nat Brewster</span> continued to watch the
+lantern and the two whose way it lighted,
+until the flame grew faint and flickering;
+finally a bend in the road hid it altogether.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So that is old Stephen Comegies,&#8221; he said.
+&#8220;Well, I never thought I&#8217;d be pleased to see a
+Tory, but I&#8217;m glad to meet this one; for
+I think he&#8217;s clinched my belief that there is
+some sort of a plot on foot against Congress.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Through the trees he saw the winking windows
+of Cliveden, and he regarded them
+soberly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some people from the north are expected,&#8221;
+he continued, &#8220;and they are going there.&#8221;
+He stood for a moment in silence; then suddenly
+he threw back his head and laughed.
+&#8220;I&#8217;m from the north, just as I told the old
+man,&#8221; he said, &#8220;and,&#8221; clutching the oaken
+cudgel firmly, &#8220;I&#8217;m going to Chew House,
+also as I told him.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span>He clambered over the fence at the opposite
+side of the road and started across the fields
+once more. The dense growth of trees between
+him and the mansion loomed blackly
+before his face. There was a breeze stirring
+and the boughs set up a warning whispering.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no doubt of it,&#8221; said Nat, and he
+laughed at the conceit; &#8220;the trees are on the
+side of the colonies. This morning they told
+Ben of coming war; and now they are doing
+their best to make me keep my distance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>However this might be, the young mountaineer
+did not heed the warning, but went
+steadily on. When once among the trees his
+pace became slower; but finally he struck a
+broad road, where the dim sheen of the sky
+was visible through the branches.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This evidently leads up to the house,&#8221;
+muttered the lad. &#8220;It has the well-kept feel
+of a private way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In this he was correct. It was not more
+than a few minutes when the lights of the
+house came into view; the broad windows
+were like great yellow eyes and winked
+genially out upon a wide lawn where flitting,
+shadowy people came and went.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span>&#8220;Men,&#8221; said Nat, to himself, &#8220;and quite a
+number of them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Cautiously he drew nearer; at length he
+came to a low stone wall at the edge of the
+road, and taking his place behind this, he
+set himself to learn what was going forward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ben said there were Tory meetings held
+here,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;And I shouldn&#8217;t
+wonder if this were one of them. And, perhaps,&#8221;
+his grip tightening upon the club
+which he still retained, &#8220;a very important
+one, considering what Stephen Comegies
+hinted at.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After a little his eyes grew accustomed to
+the wide beams of light with the shadows
+thickening at their edges; then he began to
+make out the figures upon the lawn as those
+of men pacing backward and forward in
+twos and threes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And very impatiently, I should say,&#8221; Nat
+told himself shrewdly, as he watched the men.
+&#8220;They act like persons delayed in something
+which they are anxious to accomplish.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The wall was at the far side of the lawn;
+at first none approached it; but finally Nat<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span>
+noticed a pair, who seemed even more impatient
+than the rest, gradually coming nearer
+and nearer as they unconsciously lengthened
+their course at each turn in their walk. One
+was a lean, stoop-shouldered man; the other
+was tall and burly; their arms were locked,
+their heads were close together and they
+seemed to be discussing some exasperating
+situation that had arisen.</p>
+
+<p>Nat watched this twain expectantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At the next turn they&#8217;ll get near enough
+for me to hear what they are saying,&#8221; he calculated.
+&#8220;Then, maybe, I&#8217;ll learn something
+worth while.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Sure enough, the next turn brought the
+two within ear-shot. The first words that Nat
+caught were from the burly personage, and
+they made him catch his breath and shrink
+closer to the wall.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would have been much better if we
+had thought of this in time to intercept that
+parcel of rascals from Massachusetts Bay,&#8221;
+the big man said in a harsh voice that was
+much like the grumbling of a dissatisfied
+animal. &#8220;The ring-leaders of the entire
+movement were in that party and with them<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span>
+safely aboard a British ship, we&#8217;d soon have
+them in England for trial and execution.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he slashed at his high boots
+with a riding-whip and gave every evidence
+of being in a towering rage. But the lean man
+with the stooped shoulders spoke soothingly,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t let your feelings get the better of
+you, my dear Royce,&#8221; said he. &#8220;We must
+have a beginning somewhere, and the Massachusetts
+members of the rebel Congress were
+already safely in the city when young Prentiss
+suggested this idea to us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Prentiss! Nat Brewster heard the name
+with a shock of recollection. But at the instant
+the recollection was only as to having
+heard it before. He mentally groped about
+seeking to place it; then suddenly the facts
+came to him like a flash.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the name of Ben&#8217;s school friend,&#8221; he
+thought. &#8220;Is it possible that&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; but he
+drove the thought from him. &#8220;No, it can&#8217;t
+be the same. There are many others of that
+name, of course.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The two men turned slowly and began to
+retrace their steps.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He should have communicated with us<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span>
+sooner,&#8221; maintained Royce in his disagreeable
+grumble.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You may depend upon it that he made
+all the speed he could,&#8221; replied the other.
+&#8220;I never saw a lad more anxious about anything
+than he was regarding the taking of
+that firebrand Samuel Adams.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Royce began speaking once more; but they
+were too distant now for Nat to make out his
+words; and the indistinct grumble died as the
+men slowly paced away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Prentiss!&#8221; muttered Nat, still sternly
+holding back the idea that tried to possess
+him. &#8220;It&#8217;s an odd kind of a coincidence,
+but that&#8217;s all it is. It can&#8217;t be Ben&#8217;s friend!
+Why, of course it can&#8217;t,&#8221; with a relieved laugh
+as another thought came to him. &#8220;This
+Prentiss of whom these two were speaking is
+eager to bring ill-fortune upon Mr. Adams,
+while the one I&#8217;ve heard so much of since I
+came to Germantown is his friend.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But in spite of the laugh and in spite of
+the reasoning, the similarity in the names
+troubled the young mountaineer. And when
+Royce and his companion drew near once
+more, he listened eagerly.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span>The stoop-shouldered man was speaking and
+considerable impatience had crept into his
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is unreasonable and ungenerous,&#8221; declared
+he, &#8220;to blame the boy for something
+that is perhaps entirely out of his control.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Didn&#8217;t he say he was sure this was the
+night?&mdash;didn&#8217;t he ask you to call us together?&#8221;
+demanded Royce.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He told me plainly that he was not sure;
+he merely said that this would perhaps be the
+night, and that it would be as well to have
+everybody ready. You are angry because we
+missed the opportunity to take Adams;
+don&#8217;t lay everything to the lad&#8217;s discredit.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will admit,&#8221; said Royce, &#8220;that there is
+something in what you say. Of course he
+doesn&#8217;t know just when the members from
+Virginia are to cross the ferry, and he can
+only notify us when he receives the information.
+But I can&#8217;t get it out of my head that
+he could have used more expedition in the
+Adams matter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a natural born grumbler,&#8221; said<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span>
+the lean man. &#8220;I don&#8217;t think it would
+be possible to please you, no matter what
+was done. Young Prentiss did his best to
+get here in advance of the men from Massachusetts;
+and he did arrive in advance, as you
+know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But not far enough to be of any service,
+Mr. Dimisdale, as you know,&#8221; insisted Royce,
+stubbornly.</p>
+
+<p>The two men had paused and leaned their
+elbows upon the wall at no greater distance
+than two yards from the spot where Nat was
+crouched.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know the general estimate placed upon
+the importance of these two Adams&#8217;,&#8221; said
+Dimisdale.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are dangerous to the best interests
+of the crown,&#8221; declared Royce. &#8220;They are of
+the type of men who lead the people astray by
+false doctrines. The country will never be at
+peace while they are at large. Did not the
+eldest of them&mdash;the one named Samuel&mdash;have
+the effrontery to shake his fist in the
+face of an English governor and warn him that
+British redcoats&mdash;our safeguards&mdash;must be removed
+from Boston. And all because a few<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span>
+rebellious rascals had been shot in the streets
+for an open defiance of the law!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The indignation of the burly Tory as he
+conjured up this scene almost made Nat
+laugh outright, but he stifled the impulse as
+Dimisdale began to speak.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Please allow me to finish,&#8221; said that
+gentleman. &#8220;When you interrupted me I
+was about to show you that these two brothers
+are not the only persons of consequence in
+this movement.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go on,&#8221; said Royce, sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The prospects of our intercepting the men
+from Virginia are good,&#8221; said Dimisdale. &#8220;If
+we succeed, we will, beyond a doubt, have made
+as important a capture, if not one of more importance,
+than the one you so regret missing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will require a great deal to convince
+me of that,&#8221; remarked Royce, with doubt
+plain in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;First,&#8221; said Dimisdale, impressively,
+&#8220;there will be Edward Pendleton, one of the
+Virginia aristocrats, a man of fine distinction
+and attainments, of many friendships and vast
+influence in his own colony and far beyond to
+the southward.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span>&#8220;I know that,&#8221; said the big man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then there will be Patrick Henry, whose
+name has already gone across the sea and
+whose tongue is as a flame in arousing rebellion
+among the discontented. And last&mdash;but
+in my private opinion&mdash;standing head
+and shoulders above them all&mdash;is one whom I
+consider to be the most dangerous man
+of the period. His very silence up to this
+time makes him all the more to be feared.
+His resolution is like granite, his talent beyond
+dispute. I mean Colonel Washington,
+of Mount Vernon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>What Royce thought of this estimate
+Nat never knew; for at that moment
+there came the ring of hoofs in the darkness.
+Then a horseman dashed up to the
+Chew House and threw himself from the
+saddle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Young Prentiss at last!&#8221; cried Royce.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And come with news of importance, I&#8217;ll
+be bound,&#8221; echoed Dimisdale.</p>
+
+<p>The two hurried away toward the spot
+where an eager group had gathered about the
+newcomer; and Nat was left to his thoughts
+and the darkness.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span>&#8220;An attempt to capture the Virginia
+members of Congress,&#8221; breathed the boy,
+his blood thrilling at the idea; &#8220;and to-night!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He stared at the dim cluster of Tories who
+stood in the path before the house listening
+to something that was being swiftly imparted
+to them by the night rider.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And it may succeed,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It
+is a thing so unsuspected that it may succeed!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he watched he saw the group scatter.
+Horses were heard trampling and jingling
+their equipment; then came the noise of
+men mounting and calling to each other
+triumphantly. Finally the entire party rode
+down the path and into the public road; some
+of them bore lanterns to light their way, and
+in the dancing rays Nat saw eager, laughing
+faces, and also the glint of steel. In the
+midst of them rode a boyish figure; it was
+the bearer of the news, but Nat could not see
+his face, as it was turned away, the boy being
+engaged in earnest talk with Dimisdale, who
+rode beside him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Keep to the roads on the outskirts,&#8221;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span>
+ordered Royce, who seemed to command the
+cavalcade. &#8220;We might attract attention if we
+rode through the city; and we can reach the
+lower ferry just as well.&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER V<br />
+
+
+<small>HOW NAT BREWSTER MET THE PORCUPINE</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Bewildered</span>, and a trifle frightened by the
+nature of the proceedings, Nat Brewster stood
+by the low wall and listened to the hoof
+beats as they died away in a muffled rumble.
+But when the silence of the August night
+closed in upon him&mdash;when he noted the
+many lights of Chew House being extinguished
+one by one, and heard the doors
+and windows closing sharply, he suddenly
+came out of his trance, and his naturally alert
+brain began to work once more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Something must be done,&#8221; he said, aloud.
+&#8220;And so it seems to have been left for me to
+do, I suppose I must do it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Almost in an instant a plan of action was
+drawn up.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must reach the lower ferry at the foot
+of Gray&#8217;s Road before the Tories,&#8221; he told
+himself, still speaking aloud. &#8220;But to do it
+I must have a swift horse and one that can
+stand a long run without breaking down.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span>That there was none such in the stable at
+Coopers&#8217; he well knew; and instantly his
+mind went to that of the Chews&#8217;.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are wealthy people and ride to the
+hounds in season,&#8221; reasoned Nat, calling to
+mind some gossip of Ben&#8217;s. &#8220;And so,
+naturally, they have some good mounts in
+their barn.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He faced toward the great stone house as he
+spoke, and in the darkness a smile came upon
+his face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t suppose they&#8217;d be willing to lend
+if I went there and candidly explained what
+I meant to do,&#8221; he proceeded. &#8220;So the best
+thing I can do is to borrow first and take the
+risk of explaining afterward&mdash;that is, if I can
+find the barn in the dark.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He sprang upon the wall and then down on
+the other side. As he made his way
+cautiously around the house he saw that
+all the lights, save one at the front, were
+out.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s not much chance of my being seen&mdash;by
+humans, anyway,&#8221; he muttered. &#8220;But
+if they have any dogs about, they&#8217;ll be more
+likely to scent me than not.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span>The words had scarcely left his lips when
+there came a tremendous barking and the
+swift rush of a heavy body toward him.
+Luckily the brute was of a light color and the
+boy caught a vague glimpse of it as it bounded
+at him. Swinging the cudgel over his head,
+he brought it down with a free, double-handed
+sweep; there was a moaning yelp and the dog
+lay motionless at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A lucky blow,&#8221; said the young mountaineer,
+as he jeered down at the stricken
+beast. &#8220;But unlucky for you, old fellow,&#8221;
+with a sudden qualm, &#8220;for I suppose you
+were only doing what it was your nature to
+do, after all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But he had little time for remorse. The
+great door of Cliveden opened; a servant appeared
+upon the threshold holding a light
+above his head; a tall, aristocratic man stood
+beside him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you quite sure it was the dog,
+Henry?&#8221; asked the latter.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Quite,&#8221; replied the servant.</p>
+
+<p>There was a pause; then both bent their
+heads as though listening: then the first
+speaker remarked:</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span>&#8220;It was some passing noise, I fancy. He
+seems quiet enough now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir,&#8221; said the servant, who was a
+stout, resolute looking fellow. &#8220;But had I
+not better take a look about?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no need,&#8221; said the master carelessly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Both withdrew, the servant casting suspicious
+glances into the deep shadows about the
+house. Nat drew a breath of relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That was rather a narrow escape,&#8221; he
+murmured. &#8220;From the way that fellow
+looked, I felt sure he&#8217;d be out here poking
+around with his light whether or no.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Once more he cautiously made his way
+around the mansion. Some little distance
+away he caught the dense bulk of the barn;
+and the same instant he noted that a dim
+light was filtering through a small window at
+one side.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A watchman, perhaps,&#8221; thought the boy,
+in keen disappointment. &#8220;If it is, that&#8217;s the
+end of my plan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>However, he carefully advanced and peered
+through the window. A lantern hung upon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span>
+a wooden peg; there were some half dozen
+horses in the stalls, but, as far as he could see,
+no humans.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In the loft, I suppose,&#8221; muttered Nat.
+&#8220;More than likely a stable hand, sent to look
+after the stock.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He waited and watched for some time; once
+the sound of a door opening caught his ear;
+he turned and saw a barb of light flash along
+the ground; then the door closed and the
+light vanished.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The servant, I suppose,&#8221; smiled Nat.
+&#8220;He was not satisfied and took another short
+look to assure himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He waited for some time after this again,
+but as there was no sound within the barn
+save for the occasional stamp of the horses,
+he finally walked quietly around to the door
+and entered. A swift glance showed him
+some horse equipment hanging at one side.
+He took down a bridle and gave an appraising
+look at the mounts.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This one looks the best,&#8221; said he, softly;
+and with that he slipped into the stall of a
+powerful looking gray and bitted him with
+calm expertness. He had backed the animal<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span>
+out and was adjusting a saddle, when a queer,
+squeaking voice, from directly over his head,
+sounded in his ears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I thought you&#8217;d get the right one, master!
+He&#8217;s a rare goer, he is!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat started. His eyes went swiftly in the
+direction of the voice. First he caught sight
+of a comical little pair of legs astride one of
+the rafters, then of a huge head, topped with
+a shock of stiff, upstanding hair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There ain&#8217;t a nag in these parts that&#8217;ll get
+you to the lower ferry quicker than that one
+will,&#8221; continued the queer voice, assuringly.
+&#8220;Always trust a flea-bitten gray to have courage
+and bottom.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat continued to hold the horse by the
+bridle with one hand; with the other he
+shaded his eyes from the light and examined
+the speaker with interest. He saw a big,
+moon-like face&mdash;a large mouth that grinned
+down at him good-naturedly, showing two
+rows of strong, white teeth. The creature&#8217;s
+head was that of a man, but the body was no
+larger than that of a ten-year-old boy.</p>
+
+<p>The sudden discovery of this unusual
+creature was in itself enough to startle a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span>
+person with weak nerves. But Nat Brewster
+was not troubled with anything of the sort.
+It was the words alone that troubled him; the
+odd-looking imp on the rafter seemed able to
+read his secret purpose.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who are you?&#8221; inquired the mountain
+boy, quietly, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf grinned more widely than ever.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you know?&#8221; asked he. &#8220;Have
+you been at the Cooper place for two weeks
+and not heard of me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat shook his head. The dwarf blinked
+his small round eyes as though marveling at
+this lack of information. With one hand he
+smoothed back his upstanding shock of hair;
+but it sprang stiffly erect once more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m the Porcupine,&#8221; announced he.
+&#8220;Everybody knows me. I live in the woods
+when I want to; but I mostly like barns and
+such like, after the hay is in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat regarded him closely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What made you think I was going to
+the lower ferry?&#8221; demanded he.</p>
+
+<p>The Porcupine grinned; his large teeth
+gleamed like polished ivory in the lantern
+light.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span>&#8220;Folks don&#8217;t calculate I know much,&#8221; said
+he. &#8220;But sometimes I fool &#8217;em. You didn&#8217;t
+see me down there by the wall, did you?
+Well, I was there, not more than a couple of
+yards from you all the time.&#8221; The squeaky
+voice pitched higher, as the dwarf shook with
+gleeful recollection. &#8220;And I heard what
+Master Dimisdale said to Master Royce; also
+I heard what Master Royce said to Master
+Dimisdale.&#8221; He leaned down from his perch
+upon the rafter and shook his huge head with
+increased enjoyment. &#8220;And right away I
+knew what you were going to do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How?&#8221; asked Nat, in wonder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When the party rode away and you stood
+watching them, I heard what you said,&#8221; replied
+the Porcupine. &#8220;That&#8217;s why I came
+here. I wanted to see that you got a good
+horse. And now that you have,&#8221; pointing to
+a rangy looking chestnut that stood in a stall
+almost beneath, &#8220;I want you to put a saddle
+and bridle on that one for me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For you!&#8221; said the astonished Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course, for me,&#8221; replied the dwarf,
+coolly. &#8220;You&#8217;re a stranger here. How&#8217;ll
+you find the lower ferry unless I show you?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span>At this Nat burst into a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Right!&#8221; said he, cheerily. &#8220;How would
+I, to be sure? So get down and hold the gray
+and I&#8217;ll saddle the chestnut for you in a
+moment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Porcupine slid himself along the rafter
+dexterously until he reached the wall where
+there was a ladder leading to the loft. Down
+this he swung easily; and Nat watching him
+for the first time noted the great length of his
+arms and the size of his hands.</p>
+
+<p>In a space the chestnut was beside the
+other horse, champing its bit in a dissatisfied
+sort of way. The dwarf, who scarcely came
+to the shoulder of the tall gray, held it by
+the rein and watched Nat&#8217;s accustomed
+fingers approvingly as they flew from buckle
+to buckle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So,&#8221; said the young mountaineer, as he
+worked, &#8220;you are for Congress and against
+the king, are you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied the Porcupine, &#8220;I&#8217;m only
+against Neighbor Dimisdale.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And why against him?&#8221; asked Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Once there was a great robbing of hen-roosts;
+they could not find out who was doing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span>
+it, so Master Dimisdale settled upon me and
+wanted me sent to the workhouse. He said I
+was a vagrant and a danger to the town.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t look very dangerous,&#8221; spoke
+Nat.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf grinned impishly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t know me yet,&#8221; he replied.
+&#8220;But,&#8221; returning to his grievance, &#8220;Master
+Dimisdale is a hard man. Even after I had
+caught the real thief, he did his best against
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And who was the real thief?&#8221; asked Nat,
+surprisedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A clever old mink,&#8221; grinned the Porcupine.
+&#8220;I told them so from the first&mdash;but no
+one would listen to me but Ben Collins. He
+loaned me a trap and gave me a chance to
+prove what I said.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat put his hand upon the dwarf&#8217;s shoulder
+and looked thoughtfully down into his face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you understand the nature of the
+errand upon which those men rode away a
+while ago?&#8221; asked he.</p>
+
+<p>The big head nodded; a shrewd look came
+into the small, round eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said the Porcupine.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span>&#8220;And you will help me prevent their carrying
+it out?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m against anything that Neighbor
+Dimisdale is for,&#8221; answered the Porcupine
+promptly.</p>
+
+<p>Without another word Nat led the two
+horses out of the barn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Quick, now!&#8221; he said, in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>With a single heave he tossed the small
+body lightly into the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>The Porcupine clutched the chestnut with
+his short legs and grasped the reins with a
+practiced hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; said Nat, to himself. &#8220;He knows
+what he&#8217;s about at all events.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His own foot was in the stirrup when a
+light suddenly flared in his face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now then, my friend,&#8221; said a cold voice,
+&#8220;give an account of yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Nat&#8217;s eyes were dazzled;
+then he made out the countenance of the
+speaker and that of the person who had so
+suddenly unmasked the lantern. They were
+the two who had come to the door of Chew
+House but a short time before, attracted by the
+barking of the dog. There was a superior<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span>
+smile on the face of the master and a derisive
+grin upon that of the man, as they noted the
+boy&#8217;s astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your suspicions were correct, Henry,&#8221;
+said the former, and Nat saw that he held a
+large pistol ready in his hand. &#8220;And I thank
+you for insisting, so to speak, upon a search.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat recalled the sound of the door opening
+and closing while he gazed through the
+window of the barn, and realized that it was
+then that they had emerged. Seeing that he
+was caught he resolved to put a bold face upon
+the matter and watch for any opportunity
+that might present itself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sincerely sorry to have disturbed you,
+sir,&#8221; said he, politely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can see that,&#8221; returned the other. &#8220;And
+you were so anxious not to do so that you
+were upon the point of borrowing my horses
+to carry you out of ear-shot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat smiled at the quiet mockery of this.
+He was about to speak, but the man servant
+was before him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The lower ferry would be well out of ear-shot,&#8221;
+remarked he with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hold your lantern up, Henry,&#8221; commanded<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span>
+the master; the man complied and
+the rays fell upon Nat&#8217;s face once more.
+&#8220;You hold your countenance well, my lad,&#8221;
+continued the speaker, after a pause. &#8220;But
+it will not serve you. We overheard your
+conversation with this little villain,&#8221; nodding
+smilingly toward the Porcupine, who had
+during all this time remained silently perched
+upon his tall steed. &#8220;And I think I&#8217;m safe in
+saying that you&#8217;ll carry no warning to the
+rebels to-night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat made no reply. Through his mind
+ran thoughts of a dark, lonely road, of a quiet
+party riding forward toward the city, of a
+swift rush and capture, of a staggering blow
+dealt the cause of the protesting colonies.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment the man with the pistol
+watched Nat&#8217;s face, then he turned with a
+careless laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now the rope, Henry,&#8221; said he. &#8220;I&#8217;ll
+hold the light while you truss them up comfortably.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But that moment of carelessness cost him
+the success of his plan. The instant he
+turned, Nat sprang upon him, wrested the
+pistol from his clutch and felled him with its<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span>
+heavy butt. With a squeal of excitement the
+Porcupine drove his heels into the chestnut
+and rode down the man servant, the lantern
+being extinguished in his fall. Like a flash
+Nat was upon the back of the gray, which was
+snorting with fright, then with the dwarf at
+his side he went leaping away into the darkness,
+the horses&#8217; heads pointed toward the dim
+glow that overhung the city.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VI<br />
+
+
+<small>SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER AND THE PORCUPINE<br />
+RODE THROUGH THE NIGHT</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8220;<span class="smcap">This</span> way,&#8221; cried the Porcupine, after a
+little. &#8220;Keep to the left; there&#8217;s a gap in the
+fence at the far side of this field that will let
+us out upon the main road.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat followed the instructions of the dwarf,
+whose knowledge of the ground about the
+Chew House seemed perfect and whose sight
+was unusually keen in the dark. The break
+in the fence was located without any great
+trouble, and a moment later found them with
+the hard public road under them. Here
+Nat drew rein; turning his head he gazed
+back toward the mansion.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It appears that we have created some little
+stir,&#8221; remarked he to the Porcupine, who had
+drawn up beside him. The dwarf uttered his
+peculiar, squealing laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look at the lights,&#8221; said he. &#8220;They pop
+up at window after window, just like fireflies.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span>There was also the dim hubbub of far-away
+voices; it was as though excited men were
+calling loudly to each other, and that their
+excitement grew greater with each passing
+moment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In a little while they may recover their
+senses sufficiently to take horse in pursuit,&#8221;
+spoke Nat. &#8220;So I think we&#8217;d better make
+the best of our time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;d better make it anyhow,&#8221; suggested
+the Porcupine. &#8220;We&#8217;ve a long ride ahead of
+us and Master Royce&#8217;s party have had a good
+half hour&#8217;s start.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So together they gave their mounts the rein
+and went galloping down the road. Steadily
+the pace was kept up until the horses began
+to show signs of distress. Then they were
+allowed to walk until they had recovered,
+when they were urged into a faster pace once
+more. It was not a great while before they
+rode into a more thickly built up section;
+people were now frequently met with carrying
+lanterns and proceeding about their business.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And here is the city itself,&#8221; at last cried
+the dwarf. &#8220;See the lamps,&#8221; pointing to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span>
+scattering of oil lamps which, owing to the
+efforts of Benjamin Franklin, had been lately
+placed in the streets. &#8220;They say there is no
+town in all the colonies that has so many.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The light thrown was dim and uncertain
+enough; but Nat Brewster was struck with
+admiration and looked wonderingly down
+each street as they passed. He had been in
+Philadelphia several times since his arrival,
+but never before at night.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know the town very well?&#8221; he
+asked the dwarf, as they rode along.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was born in it,&#8221; replied that personage,
+proudly. &#8220;And it is the largest city in
+America. There are thirty thousand people
+living here,&#8221; in a tone of almost incredulity,
+&#8220;and there is a fast coach that makes the
+journey to New York in two days.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They turned at a smart pace through some
+open ground into High Street, then across a
+field and to the eastward of the State House
+whose tower pointed darkly into the sky.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Below here we shall soon come to Gray&#8217;s
+Road, which leads direct to the ferry,&#8221; said
+the dwarf. They rode on in silence for some
+time after this. But the Porcupine&#8217;s manner<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span>
+showed that he had something on his mind;
+finally he twisted himself about in his saddle
+and asked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s your name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nat Brewster,&#8221; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nat Brewster,&#8221; repeated the other, slowly,
+and with much the manner of a person who
+is tasting something. &#8220;I kind of like the
+sound of that; and,&#8221; suddenly, &#8220;I kind of
+like you. But tell me this, Nat Brewster,&#8221;
+tapping the young mountaineer upon the elbow
+with one finger-tip; &#8220;when you come up with
+Master Royce and his men, what do you intend
+to do?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Nat was startled. He drew
+hard upon the rein and the big gray came to
+a stand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right,&#8221; said he. &#8220;I&#8217;ve been in
+such haste that the thing entirely escaped
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You can&#8217;t fight &#8217;em alone,&#8221; spoke the
+Porcupine wisely. &#8220;Of course,&#8221; with a grin,
+&#8220;you won&#8217;t be exactly alone, but you might
+as well be. I&#8217;m not much good in a fight.
+I&#8217;m not big enough.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat silently sat upon his horse and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span>
+pondered. Royce&#8217;s men were heavily armed;
+he knew that, for he had caught the glimmer
+of steel in the lights of Chew House. And
+that they were determined to carry out their
+project in spite of all opposition, he felt sure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I faced them,&#8221; the lad muttered,
+&#8220;they&#8217;d laugh at me and cut me down.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But he must have aid! He would turn
+about and ride to the City Tavern where
+those members of Congress, who had already
+arrived, were staying. The idea was seized
+upon eagerly; then almost immediately it
+was discarded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will take too much time,&#8221; thought the
+young mountaineer. &#8220;And, another thing:
+Would they believe the story I&#8217;d have to
+tell?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He was forced to admit that he did not
+think so. The thing was improbable and
+would be difficult to credit; valuable time
+would be consumed, and in the end he&#8217;d
+probably be forced to ride away as he came,
+and proceed upon his mission alone.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And with not so many chances of success,&#8221;
+said Nat. &#8220;For while I&#8217;d be seeking
+to convince strangers that I was telling<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span>
+the truth, the Tories would have more than
+likely accomplished what they set out to
+do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A watchman&#8217;s lantern sparkled ahead as
+the man raised it and tried to make out the
+details of the two horsemen who stood so
+silently in the middle of the street. A bell
+struck midnight in a solemn, sonorous sort
+of way; the watchman lifted his voice and
+chanted:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Twelve o&#8217;clock&mdash;a cloudy night&mdash;and all&#8217;s
+well!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The time&#8217;s drawing on,&#8221; remarked the
+dwarf. &#8220;Have you made up your mind?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For answer Nat shook the rein and the
+gray sprang forward; after a few bounds the
+chestnut was alongside once more, and the
+dwarfs peculiar, squealing laugh sounded in
+the silence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s what I thought you&#8217;d do,&#8221; declared
+he. &#8220;I can always tell what people will do
+by their faces.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; replied Nat, good humoredly,
+&#8220;if you can see my face in this light, I must
+say that Porcupines have remarkably sharp
+eyes.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span>&#8220;I can&#8217;t see it now,&#8221; said the dwarf, composedly.
+&#8220;But I could the other day when
+you were breaking the colt for Farmer Campbell
+in the back lot. There&#8217;d been a dozen
+tried to ride that young beast before you came
+to Germantown, and it threw them all. I
+heard tell that it almost killed Peter Corbin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was somewhat self-willed,&#8221; said Nat,
+recalling the desperate battle he&#8217;d had with
+the creature before it was subdued. &#8220;But
+you can expect that of colts, as a rule.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, but they&#8217;re not all as wicked as that
+one,&#8221; and the Porcupine&#8217;s voice had a tone of
+great positiveness. &#8220;I&#8217;ve seen lots of them
+broken, but that colt fought harder than all of
+them put together. But you didn&#8217;t ask any
+one to help you when it threw itself down and
+tried to roll on you, or when it tried to crush
+your leg against the fence. You just stuck to
+it and won. I knowed then, by your face,
+that you&#8217;d do it; and I know now, even when
+I can&#8217;t see it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have confidence, at any rate,&#8221; laughed
+Nat. &#8220;And so,&#8221; rather grimly, &#8220;I&#8217;ll try and
+live up to your judgment of me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Some distance to the southwest they came<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span>
+to Gray&#8217;s Road, and dashed along toward the
+river.</p>
+
+<p>As it drew on past midnight, it grew darker,
+the sheen disappeared from the sky, a fact
+which told them that the clouds were growing
+thicker and that heavy rain might soon be
+expected. The Porcupine sniffed as they
+sped along.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can smell it,&#8221; said he confidently. &#8220;It&#8217;s
+going to come from the direction in which we
+are going.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Just then Nat, whose eyes were fixed
+steadily ahead, uttered an exclamation and
+pulled up shortly. The dwarf instantly did
+likewise. Both horses were thrown back upon
+their haunches by the suddenness of the stop
+and snorted with fright. Nat bent his head
+forward, staring straight between the gray&#8217;s
+ears and called sharply:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who&#8217;s there?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In the silence that followed, the gurgle of
+water lapping a bank was plainly heard.
+Nat drew from the breast of his hunting-shirt
+the heavy pistol which he had wrung from
+the master of Cliveden; its clumsy mechanism
+clicked loudly as he drew back the hammer.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span>&#8220;Who&#8217;s there?&#8221; demanded he, sternly.
+&#8220;Answer, or I&#8217;ll fire.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This time a low laugh followed the words.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose we&#8217;d better do as he asks,&#8221; spoke
+a voice. &#8220;He said that as though he meant
+it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Porcupine leaned his big head toward
+Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Master Dimisdale,&#8221; breathed he. &#8220;I&#8217;d
+know his voice among a thousand.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are peaceable citizens, sir traveler,&#8221;
+said the voice. &#8220;And we trust that we have
+not made ourselves offensive to you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again came the low laugh; this time it was
+slightly mocking and Nat&#8217;s anger began to
+rise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will kindly stand out of the road,&#8221;
+said he, sharply. &#8220;I am not here to hold
+conversation with you, whoever you are; my
+business is more urgent.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And just what may your business be?&#8221;
+inquired a boyish voice, which Nat at once
+recognized as belonging to the person who had
+laughed. &#8220;We have some small interest in
+various matters to-night and who knows but
+what yours might be one of them?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span>&#8220;You can have no interest in me,&#8221; replied
+Nat, evenly. &#8220;You know nothing of the
+business that I ride upon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us debate the question,&#8221; replied the
+boyish voice. &#8220;Who knows but what our
+knowledge is greater by far than you&#8217;d suppose.
+It is a fact, and I&#8217;ll leave it to my
+friends here to substantiate me in the saying,
+that we have considerable interest in those
+who use this road to-night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a chorus of laughter, low pitched
+and cautious, at this. The shadowy persons,
+who were stretched across the way, seemed
+greatly diverted. Then Dimisdale spoke once
+more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;However,&#8221; said he, &#8220;we must remember
+that these gentlemen are riding in the wrong
+direction for us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again came the laughter; above the others,
+Nat could plainly hear that of the boy. And
+somehow the sound greatly irritated him. As
+a rule, Nat was not the lad for strangers to
+make game of, and least of all was this the
+case now. The cool, masterful tones of the
+young stranger ruffled his temper in a way
+that he could not have accounted for even if<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span>
+he had tried. But when he spoke, no trace
+of his anger crept into his voice; this was just
+as even as before.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are disposed to entertain yourselves
+at our expense, I see,&#8221; he said. &#8220;And, candidly,
+I dislike it. So I ask you once more to
+kindly stand aside that we may go on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go on!&#8221; came the boy&#8217;s voice. &#8220;Why
+man alive, you should be thankful, indeed,
+that we are here to prevent you from going
+on. A dozen steps more and you&#8217;d be
+swimming for your life in the Schuylkill.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The sound of lapping water a few momenta
+before had given Nat a hint as to this.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the ferry landing,&#8221; he told himself.</p>
+
+<p>Almost at the same moment he heard the
+Porcupine whisper in his ear:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are waiting here for the gentlemen
+from Virginia to cross the river.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hush!&#8221; breathed Nat, fearing that the
+words would be overheard. Then aloud he
+said, addressing the invisible people before
+him:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose you have taken up your present
+position through motives of kindness entirely.
+The fear that some heedless wayfarer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span>
+might ride into the river has kept you all out
+of your beds, no doubt.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again came the laugh from the party blocking
+the road.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Our traveler has wit!&#8221; mocked the unseen
+boy. &#8220;I&#8217;ll even venture that he&#8217;s as
+clever a debater as either of the Adamses, or
+Patrick Henry himself.&#8221; He paused a moment
+and then addressed Nat once more:
+&#8220;Perhaps it&#8217;s your intention to cross the
+river?&#8221; said he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps,&#8221; replied Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m very sorry, in that event,&#8221; returned
+the other in his cool, exasperating way.
+&#8220;But the ferry has just this moment&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He had gotten this far when there came a
+sudden movement; it was as though a hand
+had been quickly clapped over his mouth.
+Then Dimisdale was heard to say, quietly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A still tongue makes a wise head, Master
+Prentiss. It is not always well to tell everything
+you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But he might just as well have allowed him
+to continue, for even as it was, Nat Brewster&#8217;s
+quick mind had grasped the situation. He
+had wondered from the beginning why he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span>
+had not heard the voice of Royce; for that
+gentleman was scarcely one to be present and
+not be heard. But the heedless words of the
+youthful Tory brought the truth to him in a
+flash.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Royce is not here,&#8221; reasoned Nat, to himself.
+&#8220;He has taken part of the band and
+crossed the river on the ferry. They have
+made up their minds that it is best to attack
+on the far side.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The idea was startling; but he kept himself
+well in hand. Dimisdale had begun to
+speak again, and he listened eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In times like these,&#8221; said Dimisdale, &#8220;one
+should consider everything one says. There
+is no telling what small matter inconsiderately
+dropped might lead to some larger circumstance
+entirely unforeseen.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You talk like a sage, Master Dimisdale,&#8221;
+laughed the stranger youth, lightly. &#8220;But
+there is a great deal of truth in what you say,
+and I&#8217;ll try to be guided by it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>While he was speaking, Nat bent toward
+the Porcupine.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is there a ford anywhere at hand?&#8221; he
+whispered.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span>&#8220;Some distance above,&#8221; answered the dwarf
+in the same low tone.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you think you can find it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sure I can.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then hold yourself ready to run for it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The young Tory had continued speaking;
+and now he lifted his voice for Nat&#8217;s benefit,
+still, however, addressing Dimisdale:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;However, at the worst there is no great
+harm done. These two gentlemen, whoever
+they are, are going to remain our guests for
+an hour or two.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t be quite so sure of that,&#8221; cried Nat,
+through his tight shut teeth. Then with a
+quick word to the Porcupine they wheeled
+their nags and went tearing up the road in
+the direction of the city. Behind them came
+a confused hubbub; then the voice of Dimisdale
+rang out clearly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Halt!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But they paid no attention; bending low
+in their saddles, they urged the galloping
+horses to a greater speed. Then a pistol shot
+sounded, followed by another and still another.
+The heavy bullets flew wide, and Nat laughed as
+he heard them &#8220;zip-zipping&#8221; among the trees.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span>&#8220;It takes a sharp eye to sight a pistol in
+the darkness,&#8221; said he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And it&#8217;ll take just as sharp a one to find
+the road that&#8217;ll take us to the ford,&#8221; declared
+the Porcupine, as he strained his eyes ahead.
+&#8220;But I rather think I&#8217;m going to do it, for
+all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do your best,&#8221; said Nat. &#8220;A great deal
+depends upon the next half hour&mdash;perhaps
+the very lives of Mr. Henry and his friends.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In a little while the sounds in the rear died
+away. The Tories upon the river bank had
+been dismounted; and apparently they did
+not think it wise, in any event, to give chase.</p>
+
+<p>A full hour was consumed in finding the
+ford in the dark, and crossing the river;
+but upon the far side they picked up the
+ferry road once more and turned south. Nat
+rode with his hand upon the butt of the
+pistol; the Tories were somewhere ahead and
+almost any moment might bring another surprise.
+Suddenly the Porcupine spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; inquired he, &#8220;do this Mr. Henry
+and his friends travel at night?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This very question had been intruding
+itself upon Nat in a hazy sort of way for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span>
+some time, but now he saw its point for the
+first time.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is there any good reason for their doing
+it?&#8221; persisted the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;None that I know of,&#8221; replied Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then I don&#8217;t believe they are doing it,&#8221;
+said the Porcupine, positively. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know
+much about things, and the Tories at Master
+Chew&#8217;s seemed to think they would cross the
+lower ferry to-night. But if it were left for
+me to give an opinion, I&#8217;d say that they were
+comfortably sleeping at Chester, if they are
+anywhere near the city at all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat was silent. The suggestion opened up
+a new view of the night&#8217;s latter developments,
+and he examined them carefully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You may be right,&#8221; he said at length.
+&#8220;Perhaps the Tories had some one on the
+watch; and when they reached the river they
+may have been told that there would be no
+crossing attempted until morning.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s it,&#8221; said the dwarf, shrewdly.
+&#8220;And then some of them went over in the
+boat, while the others were left behind to
+make sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What purpose did they have in crossing?&#8221;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span>
+asked Nat. A thought had sprung,
+full armed, into his mind, and he breathlessly
+awaited the Porcupine&#8217;s reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They have found out where the gentlemen
+are to spend the night,&#8221; came the dwarf&#8217;s
+answer. &#8220;And they are going there after
+them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Nat Brewster was too
+absorbed to speak. The Porcupine&#8217;s reply
+agreed so exactly with his thought that the
+odd creature might well have read his mind.
+At length, however, he asked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is this the southern road?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The one the travelers would be likely to
+take?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat stared straight ahead into the darkness.
+A few heavy drops of rain were falling and
+the wind had begun to blow in warm gusts.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;d better go as we are,&#8221; he said, after a
+pause. &#8220;And,&#8221; with a laugh that was full of
+expectation, &#8220;I rather think that we&#8217;ll meet
+with some further experiences on the road before
+we are an hour older.&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VII<br />
+
+
+<small>SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER MET WITH MR.<br />
+WASHINGTON</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> two had ridden no great distance from
+the river when, close to the roadside, they
+came upon a small wooden house, from a
+window of which a light was streaming.
+This in itself was rather unusual in such a
+place at such an hour; but, more surprising
+still, they saw, through the window, a man
+sitting upon a low bench hammering merrily
+away at a piece of leather.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A cobbler,&#8221; said Nat, surprised, &#8220;and at
+work so late in the night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;His customers must be in great haste,&#8221;
+laughed the Porcupine. &#8220;They don&#8217;t give
+the poor man time enough to get his natural
+sleep.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; answered Nat, who had brought
+the gray to a stand in the road opposite the
+window, &#8220;that it might mean more than
+that. At any rate, it will do no harm to exchange<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span>
+a word with this hard-pressed mechanic.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They rode close up under the cobbler&#8217;s
+window; he, roused by the trampling hoofs,
+paused in his hammering and lifted his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You work late, shoemaker,&#8221; saluted Nat,
+genially. &#8220;Business must be over good.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You ride late, young sir,&#8221; replied the
+cobbler, shrewdly. &#8220;And how is business
+with you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat laughed. The night was warm, and
+the small-paned sash was pushed up as far as
+it would go, making easy conversation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My present business is a great deal of a
+puzzle,&#8221; replied the boy. &#8220;And I think I
+had better see the end of it before I pass any
+sort of judgment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The cobbler was a small, dried-out looking
+man of middle age. He had a weazened face
+and cunning eyes; and yet there was something
+engaging about him. He beat at the
+thick piece of leather upon his lap-stone for a
+moment, then laid down the hammer and said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no one on this side of the Schuylkill
+that can outdo me in puzzles this night,
+young man. And whatever your matter is,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span>
+I&#8217;m quite sure that it can&#8217;t compare with the
+situation that I find myself in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; said Nat, and the watchful Porcupine
+saw an eager look come into his face,
+&#8220;I had not thought the making of boots so
+exciting a trade.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It has nothing to do with the making of
+boots,&#8221; replied the mechanic. &#8220;If it had, I
+could understand it readily enough. It is
+something else, and something most peculiar
+when a man comes to examine it from its
+different sides.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat said nothing to this. He saw that the
+cobbler had something upon his mind and
+that he was most anxious to unburden himself
+of it, even to a stranger who appeared at his
+window in the night.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s best to let him take his own time,&#8221;
+reasoned the lad. &#8220;If I begin to ask questions,
+he might take the notion not to
+speak&mdash;and somehow I fancy that I should
+greatly benefit by what he has to say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The little shoemaker rubbed his stained and
+calloused hands together reflectively; the thick
+candle that burned in a sconce over his head
+threw a bright light about his work-room, with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span>
+its array of farmers&#8217; thick boots awaiting repair,
+and its clutter of leather and tools.
+Finally he spoke, and with the air of a man
+who was asking advice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What would you think,&#8221; he inquired,
+bending forward, &#8220;if you were sitting here
+upon this bench, pegging away at a sole and
+wondering what sort of fall and winter we
+have coming upon us, when a very young chap
+rode up, much like you have done, only it was
+by daylight, and says to you:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Is this Neighbor Parslow?&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;It is,&#8217; says you.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He tries to look careless like, but you see
+at once that he&#8217;s keen for something; so you
+go on pegging and pegging and let him take
+his own time about his own business. So
+after a while he says to you:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;As I was riding along the river I saw a
+rather smart looking barge.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Did you?&#8217; says you.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Yes,&#8217; says he, &#8216;and as I was told it was
+your property, I&#8217;ve come to see you about it.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;It&#8217;s not for sale,&#8217; says you.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Oh, I don&#8217;t want to buy it,&#8217; he says,
+quick enough. &#8216;I just want to engage it.&#8217;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span>&#8220;&#8216;Very well,&#8217; says you. &#8216;That&#8217;s what I keep
+it for; my charge is four shillings for the day.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;And how much for the night?&#8217; asks he.
+And with that you see he&#8217;s a merry chap and
+has an honest face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;It&#8217;s seldom or never,&#8217; says you, &#8216;that
+any one hires the barge for after dark, so I
+don&#8217;t know about that.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Have your boat ready at ten to-night,&#8217;
+says he briskly, &#8216;and you&#8217;ll earn a handful of
+Spanish dollars.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So at that you&#8217;re a little taken by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Do you want it for a pleasure party?&#8217;
+you ask him, and he laughs again in a way
+that makes you like him more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;I don&#8217;t know but what you might call it
+that,&#8217; says he. &#8216;I and my friends will take
+great pleasure in it; but I have a suspicion
+that there are some others who will not like
+it so well.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He looks at you closely,&#8221; continued the
+cobbler to Nat, who was listening with great
+attention, &#8220;and he sees that you&#8217;re not taking
+to the idea very keenly. So with that he
+whips out a leathern purse and counts out a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span>
+sum of money upon the window sill such as
+you have not seen in months.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;There,&#8217; he says, &#8216;is your pay in advance.
+Have the barge at the ferry landing across the
+river and await me and those who shall bear
+me company.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The cobbler arose and came closer to the
+window, brushing the scraps of leather from
+his apron. He peered up at Nat with his
+small eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Somehow,&#8221; he proceeded, &#8220;for all the lad
+has an honest look and a merry laugh, you
+don&#8217;t care to do what he asks. There seems
+something secret about it. But at the same
+time there is the money&mdash;all Spanish gold&mdash;on
+the window sill, staring you out of countenance.&#8221;
+The speaker paused a moment,
+then asked earnestly: &#8220;Now, if all these
+things happened to you&mdash;and remember you
+are a poor man&mdash;what would you do?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; replied Nat, &#8220;I would try to
+earn the money.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The shoemaker nodded and seemed much
+relieved.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There are some lads,&#8221; remarked he, &#8220;who
+have more wisdom than their years give them.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span>
+I think you are one of that stamp. That
+is the very thing I did. Promptly at ten, for
+it was a still night and I could hear the town
+bells strike the hour, I was at the landing
+upon the other side.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said Nat, so eagerly that the watching
+dwarf gave him a warning prod with his
+knuckles. &#8220;And what then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No one was there,&#8221; replied the cobbler.
+&#8220;And I wailed until eleven struck; then until
+almost twelve. At length a great party of
+riders came down the road. When a light
+was struck I could see that they were all
+armed and wore looks that boded no good to
+somebody. This troubled me more than
+ever; but I had scarcely a glimpse of them
+when the youth who had engaged me told me
+to recross the river, tie the barge up and hold
+myself in readiness here until they wanted
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is that the last you saw of them?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No; the entire party&mdash;or so it seemed to
+me, at any rate&mdash;crossed the ferry and rode by
+here less than two hours ago.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose,&#8221; said Nat, carelessly, &#8220;you had
+no idea as to where they were heading?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span>&#8220;Not the least,&#8221; replied the worried
+cobbler; then as a sort of afterthought:
+&#8220;Have you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How far is it to the nearest inn&mdash;on this
+road&mdash;riding as we are?&#8221; Nat ignored the
+question, as he had no desire to confide his
+suspicions to the talkative mechanic.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A matter of some six miles. Perhaps a
+little more.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps your friends have stopped there;
+if so we might get a glimpse of them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And if you do and should see anything
+that would make you think they&#8217;re trying to
+entangle me with the king&#8217;s laws, it would be
+a friendly act for you to ride back and give
+me warning.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Take warning now,&#8221; said the dwarf,
+speaking for the first time. His odd squeak
+startled the shoemaker, who had apparently
+not noticed him before, and the man stood
+staring at the great head and small body in
+something like wonder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you want to avoid entanglements of
+every kind,&#8221; proceeded the Porcupine,
+smoothing his stiff crest, &#8220;take warning now
+by what I&#8217;m going to tell you. Go quickly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span>
+now and hide your barge somewhere along
+the bank; then return, close up your house,
+put out your light and go quietly to bed. In
+that way you&#8217;ll be sure to do no wrong.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The man seemed greatly struck by this advice
+and nodded his head as though it pleased
+him. Nat gathered up his reins and was about
+to give the word when a thought struck him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Did you by any chance,&#8221; asked he of the
+mechanic, &#8220;hear the name of the boy who
+engaged your boat?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I did,&#8221; was the answer. &#8220;A large man
+was speaking in a loud tone of voice as they
+rode up to the ferry landing and he called
+him Prentiss.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you,&#8221; said Nat, and without
+further words the pair turned and put their
+mounts at a hard gallop down the road.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I could name what use is to be
+made of the barge,&#8221; said the dwarf after a
+long pause.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I,&#8221; replied Nat. &#8220;If the Virginian
+members of Congress are taken, they will be
+put into it, sculled down the river and placed
+upon the British vessel which is, no doubt, at
+anchor there for the purpose.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span>&#8220;And I hardly think she&#8217;d wait to take on
+any further cargo,&#8221; remarked the Porcupine,
+wisely. &#8220;They&#8217;d up sail, and away for England,
+a quick trial, a tall scaffold and a short
+rope.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are pretty near the truth,&#8221; replied
+the young mountaineer, grimly. &#8220;I&#8217;m afraid
+the British ministers would not give the
+prisoners much of a chance for their
+lives.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The gusts of warm wind had been growing
+heavier. And now the rain began to fall in
+torrents. The two riders bent their heads,
+doggedly and in silence. Before the storm
+began objects had been made out with the
+utmost difficulty; now the darkness grew all
+but impenetrable; lakes and rivulets formed
+in the road; the horses were given their
+heads, as being the safer way, and stumbling,
+snorting and shaking the streaming rain from
+their manes, they pressed onward.</p>
+
+<p>Nat never knew how much time had
+elapsed or how far they had gone, when suddenly
+he felt his companion tugging at his
+sleeve. Lifting his head, he became conscious
+of a warm, yellow glow. Turning, he saw<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span>
+the bright front of an inn, set back a little
+from the roadside.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And look!&#8221; said the Porcupine, forced to
+lift his voice, that he might be heard above
+the roar of the rain. As he spoke, he pointed
+to a long open shed where a couple of wind-mad
+lights were dancing. Nat saw a full
+dozen horses, saddled and bridled and looking
+as though they had but lately been hard
+ridden.</p>
+
+<p>The young mountaineer&#8217;s face expressed
+the satisfaction that filled him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The inn of which the cobbler spoke,&#8221; said
+he, &#8220;and Royce and his companions are inside.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments the gray and the chestnut
+were also beneath the shed; a couple of
+stable hands took them in charge and began
+rubbing the rain from their streaming coats.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; spoke Nat, when he saw that
+they were being well taken care of, &#8220;let us
+go inside; there is sure to be a good fire in
+the kitchen where we can dry our clothes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But the dwarf shook his big head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go in yourself,&#8221; said he. &#8220;You may be
+needed. But I&#8217;ll stay here.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span>&#8220;But you are wet to the skin,&#8221; protested
+Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m used to that, and it will do me no
+harm.&#8221; Nat was about to say something more,
+but the Porcupine interrupted him. &#8220;There
+may be some of Master Royce&#8217;s people who
+know me,&#8221; said he. &#8220;And that would bring
+suspicion, or at least direct attention, upon
+you. So you see, it is best for me to be outdoors.
+Another thing,&#8221; and a cunning look
+came into the odd, round face of the speaker,
+&#8220;I&#8217;m used to prowling around. I may be of
+more service out here than you think.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that his new friend was determined
+to have his way in the matter, Nat said nothing
+more upon the subject.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; he cautioned, &#8220;keep your eyes
+and ears open.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Trust me for that,&#8221; grinned the Porcupine.</p>
+
+<p>Nat pushed open the heavy door and found
+himself in a large, square, low-ceilinged room
+with rafters and sanded floor. There were
+heavy settees and chairs and tables standing
+about and many rain-soaked coats hanging
+upon the wall. The rain and wind together
+had turned the night rather chill; a good-sized<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span>
+fire was burning in a wide-mouthed fireplace,
+and a number of men were standing about it,
+their bands behind them and their backs to
+the blaze.</p>
+
+<p>As the boy opened the door, the landlord,
+a small, meek-looking man in a white apron,
+was speaking.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But, gentlemen,&#8221; he said, &#8220;you are well
+acquainted with what is required of an innkeeper.
+It is quite impossible for me to do
+what you ask.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The burly Tory, Royce, to whom these
+words were apparently addressed, slashed his
+tall boots with his riding-whip and stalked
+up and down angrily. His heavy tread
+sounded noisily upon the sanded floor; his big,
+coarse-featured face was flushed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now listen to me with attention, my good
+fellow,&#8221; spoke he, wrathfully, and he pointed
+the heavy whip at the landlord threateningly.
+&#8220;We know little of what you call the duties
+of an innkeeper and care a great deal less.
+As for it being impossible for you to do what
+ask&mdash;well, we&#8217;ll request you to reconsider
+that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The gentlemen when they came begged<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span>
+the use of the room,&#8221; said the other. &#8220;It was
+to be strictly private. And I could not now
+intrude others upon them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The angry, flushed face of Royce now became
+fairly purple.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Intrude!&#8221; stormed he. &#8220;Intrude! Do
+you call our presence in your beggarly inn
+an intrusion?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, sir, surely not,&#8221; the meek little innkeeper
+hastened to say, lifting both his hands
+in a gesture of protest. &#8220;I am quite overjoyed
+to have you, sir; and also your friends,&#8221; with
+a frightened little bow to the others, who stood
+scowling at him menacingly.</p>
+
+<p>Royce was about to reply to this when he
+for the first time noted Nat, who still stood
+near the door listening to the conversation
+with attention. For a moment the Tory
+scanned the boy; then he inquired sharply:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, sirrah, what do you want?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat shook the rain from his hunting-shirt;
+then he removed his cap and tossed
+the clinging drops with a flirt out upon the
+floor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think,&#8221; replied he, after a pause
+of some length, during which he smilingly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span>
+studied the growing fury in the big man&#8217;s
+face, &#8220;that is any affair of yours.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For a moment it seemed as though the Tory
+would leap upon him and strike him down.
+But perhaps it was the stalwart, strongly-made
+figure with its wide shoulders and arching
+chest that gave him second thought. At any
+rate, he stood and glared; and Nat, as though
+he had not noticed his anger, advanced quietly
+toward him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gentlemen,&#8221; spoke he, courteously, to the
+men about the fireplace, &#8220;if you could make
+room for me, I&#8217;d be extremely obliged to
+you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Whether it was the calm, indifferent manner
+of the lad, or something that they expected
+of Royce that made them act as they did, it
+would be difficult to say; at any rate, they
+drew silently away toward the settees and
+chairs at the side, leaving the fireplace to Nat,
+while Royce stood inspecting him, enraged,
+but mute.</p>
+
+<p>Finally the man found his tongue once
+more; but instead of bursting out in a blaze
+of wrath, as all no doubt expected him to do,
+he spoke quietly enough.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span>&#8220;It seems to me,&#8221; he said, &#8220;that you are
+rather forward and plain spoken for one of
+your age.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a sneer in his voice and a look
+in his eye that were infinitely more dangerous
+than his vented fury could be. Nevertheless,
+Nat spread the dripping fringe of his hunting-shirt
+to the blaze and answered him, smilingly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In my part of the country we grow rather
+quickly, as I suppose people do in most wild
+places. So if you find me rather beyond my
+years, I beg of you, sir, to lay it to that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In spite of Nat&#8217;s seeming carelessness, he
+was keenly watching all that went on about
+him. For the first time he noticed the air
+and dress of those who made up the Tory
+party; and for all the slim acquaintance with
+the section, he knew at once that the men
+did not belong in or about Philadelphia.
+Another thing: The queer face of the Porcupine
+was pressed inquiringly against the
+streaming panes of a side window; and beside
+and above it were those of a number of
+stable hands, who were frowning belligerently
+at the unconscious loyalists. At the sight a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span>
+quick understanding of the situation came to
+Nat and he smiled once more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see,&#8221; thought he, &#8220;that the Porcupine
+was quite right when he said that he was
+used to prowling about and might be of
+service outdoors. Those fellows look hardy
+and courageous; and I&#8217;ll need them before
+long, if I&#8217;m not mistaken in my reading of the
+face of Master Royce.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And where,&#8221; inquired the latter, who had
+been studying the young mountaineer in
+silence after his last reply, &#8220;where might
+that wonderful region be?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In the north,&#8221; answered Nat. And as he
+spoke the words, the saying of old Stephen
+Comegies came to him like a flash. &#8220;In the
+north,&#8221; he repeated, &#8220;where I think,&#8221; waving
+his hands toward the others, &#8220;most of
+your friends are from.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Watching, he saw Royce suddenly catch
+his breath; also there was a quick stir among
+the other Tories; some of them even came to
+their feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a lad of remarkable observation,&#8221;
+spoke Royce, after an amazed pause. &#8220;But
+don&#8217;t you think it as well not to see too<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span>
+much?&#8221; a different note creeping into his
+voice&mdash;a note that at once challenged Nat&#8217;s
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; replied the boy, with the
+same undisturbed air as before. &#8220;A good
+outlook is not a bad thing to have; indeed, I&#8217;ve
+found it of distinct advantage more than once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Unless I am greatly mistaken,&#8221; said
+Royce, &#8220;this will not be one of the times.&#8221;
+He advanced until he was within arm&#8217;s
+length of Nat, then resumed: &#8220;I asked you,
+when you first came into this place, what you
+wanted. The inquiry was made simply because
+your presence was undesirable.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I understand,&#8221; replied the boy,
+easily enough. &#8220;Persons who have particular
+and urgent business don&#8217;t like to be intruded
+upon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m going to ask the same question now,&#8221;
+continued Royce, his jaw set in a grim way,
+&#8220;and this time I want a plain, straightforward
+answer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The night is wet,&#8221; said Nat. &#8220;I have
+ridden quite some distance. And the lights
+of an inn are always particularly attractive at
+such a time.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span>With a snarling sound the man made a
+clutch at the boy&#8217;s throat; but Nat, with a
+light, quick movement, evaded him. Then
+he in turn shot out his hand and gripped the
+Tory by the wrist. Though not much over
+seventeen, Nat was as large as most men and
+stronger than a great many, as Royce at once
+discovered. The clutch upon the wrist was
+like iron, and with a quick whirl, the young
+mountaineer spun the man around.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be as well, sir,&#8221; said he, &#8220;not to
+lose your temper. It will hardly do you any
+good, and may result in doing you considerable
+harm.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In weight the Tory was greatly the young
+mountaineer&#8217;s superior. But his bulk was
+soft, flabby, untrained and his breath scant.
+On the other hand, Nat was hard, supple and
+swift, with wind and endurance that would
+carry him far.</p>
+
+<p>What a struggle between them would have
+resulted in was still to remain in doubt; for a
+quick, forward movement of the followers of
+Royce caused Nat to let go and step back, his
+hand going to the butt of Mr. Chew&#8217;s pistol.
+However, there was no need of immediate<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span>
+alarm, for the men, while their attitudes toward
+him lacked nothing in hostility, seemed
+to have something else in mind. They
+whispered and argued with Royce, holding his
+arms. He began by struggling and storming
+at them and demanding that they set him free
+that he might chastise Nat for his impudence
+in resisting. But in a few moments he
+calmed wonderfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right,&#8221; said he, quietly enough.
+&#8220;We have more important matters to carry
+out. Gentlemen, I beg your pardon. I&#8217;m
+afraid I have not kept my temper very well,
+and have risked compromising our errand.&#8221;
+He shook himself like a great dog; turning
+once more to Nat, he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll see to you in a few moments, my lad,
+if you&#8217;ve the courage to remain.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall be at your service whenever you
+are disposed to take the matter up,&#8221; replied
+the youth from the Wyoming.</p>
+
+<p>Royce addressed the little innkeeper, who
+had remained a silent spectator of all that had
+passed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now,&#8221; said he, coldly, &#8220;let us have that
+door open,&#8221; indicating a door that apparently<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span>
+led into another of the inn&#8217;s public rooms.
+&#8220;And let there be no further delay about it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But, my good sir,&#8221; protested the frightened
+little man, &#8220;this is a much more comfortable
+room. It&#8217;s larger and more airy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Without more ado, Royce threw him aside,
+for the man stood between him and the door.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stand out of the way,&#8221; growled he. &#8220;I&#8217;ll
+save you the trouble by opening it myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His hand was upon the knob and he was
+about to throw the door open, when a clear
+voice cried:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wait!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Royce and the others turned their heads,
+startled by the suddenness and sharpness of
+the command. Nat Brewster stood upon the
+hearth facing them, and plain in view of all
+was a long-barreled, shining pistol.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Before you intrude yourselves upon those
+people within here,&#8221; said the lad, firmly, &#8220;let
+us have another word together, Mr. Royce.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At the sound of his name the man started,
+and he and his followers exchanged looks of
+wonder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; went on Nat, &#8220;I know your name;
+and more than that, I know why you are here<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span>
+to-night. Also, if it&#8217;s any pleasure for you to
+be acquainted with the fact, I know why Mr.
+Dimisdale and some others hold the ferry
+landing across the river; why a certain cobbler
+awaited you in a barge and why a
+British ship is anchored near the mouth of the
+Schuylkill.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Open-eyed, the Tories gazed at the daring
+boy; while Nat laid the long barrel of the
+heavy pistol in the hollow of his left arm and
+regarded their amazement amusedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you&#8217;ve come here alone to tell us
+that?&#8221; asked Royce grimly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not altogether,&#8221; replied Nat. &#8220;I have
+this,&#8221; and he held up his weapon. &#8220;You
+may depend upon its being a serviceable arm,
+for it is the property of Mr. Chew. Also,&#8221;
+with a laugh, &#8220;I have some small reinforcement
+without.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Almost as he spoke, the main door swung
+open and across the threshold, bearing uncouth
+but effective looking weapons, trooped
+a half score of stablemen and farm laborers.
+With them was the Porcupine, rain-soaked
+and with his stiff crest bristling with excitement.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span>&#8220;There they are!&#8221; squeaked the dwarf.
+&#8220;Stand to them, men!&#8221; And pointing to
+the innkeeper, who was just rising from the
+floor, he added, &#8220;Shall they do as they like?
+See how they have misused the landlord.&#8221;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_103.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="drop-cap"><i>&#8220;I &nbsp;ASK YOUR PARDON, MR. WASHINGTON&#8221;</i></p>
+
+<p>The newcomers gripped their blunderbusses,
+scythes and bludgeons tightly and were preparing
+for a rush upon the Tories, when the
+door which Royce had been about to open
+was thrown back and a tall, superbly made
+man stepped into the room. For an instant
+his steady eyes swept the apartment; the sight
+of drawn weapons seemed to occasion him no
+surprise; he merely turned to the trembling
+landlord and said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sir, you said your inn was a quiet one,
+and that we would not be disturbed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I ask your pardon, Mr. Washington,&#8221; said
+the frightened host. &#8220;Nothing like this has
+ever taken place in my house before. I regret
+it exceedingly, sir, indeed I do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As Mr. Washington once more directed his
+steady gaze at the Tories and stablemen, Nat
+addressed him quietly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think, sir,&#8221; said he, &#8220;that the disturbance
+is about over. This gentleman,&#8221; and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span>
+he bowed to Royce, who stood, a picture of
+baffled fury, at one side, &#8220;has about discovered
+that he&#8217;s made a mistake. At any rate,
+he and his friends will intrude no longer, as I
+think the landlord objects to their presence.&#8221;
+He paused and waved his hand toward the
+door leading to the road in a gesture that was
+both an invitation and a command. &#8220;The
+rain, I see, has somewhat slackened, Mr.
+Royce,&#8221; he proceeded, &#8220;and you will no
+doubt find your horses rested and ready.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a short silence. Then Royce,
+who had evidently no desire for a struggle
+with the hardy workmen who faced him,
+made a sign to his followers, and with never
+a word they strode out into the night, the
+inn people close at their heels.</p>
+
+<p>And while the sounds of mounting and the
+jeers of the onlookers came from without,
+Nat Brewster stood upon the hearthstone before
+the log fire and explained the situation
+to the grave, attentive Mr. Washington.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VIII<br />
+
+
+<small>TELLS HOW THINGS BEGAN TO LOOK BAD FOR<br />
+EZRA PRENTISS</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was almost afternoon on the following
+day when Nat Brewster and the Porcupine
+reached Germantown once more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; said Nat, with a grimace,
+&#8220;what are we going to do with the horses?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We can dismount just above here,&#8221;
+answered the ready Porcupine. &#8220;I&#8217;ll lead
+them down the lane to a field that belongs to
+Mr. Chew, take down the bars and drive
+them in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Excellent,&#8221; said Nat. &#8220;It couldn&#8217;t be
+better.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly they dismounted when they
+came to the lane; the dwarf took the bridles
+and prepared to carry out his plan; but before
+starting he turned his head and said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose I&#8217;ll see you again some time,
+eh?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat went to him, took him by the shoulders<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span>
+and looked down into his queer, round
+face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re not very big,&#8221; said he, &#8220;but
+you&#8217;ve got courage and brains. And I thank
+you for what you&#8217;ve done.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, never mind that,&#8221; grinned the Porcupine.
+&#8220;I was thanked enough last night.
+The hostlers thanked me for telling them
+about how Master Royce and his friends were
+bullying the landlord; and the landlord
+thanked me for bringing the hostlers in.
+And then the gentlemen from Virginia
+thanked me for the other thing.&#8221; He paused
+and looked up at Nat with shrewd inquiry.
+&#8220;And so Mr. Washington won&#8217;t want us to
+tell any one about the real reason for the
+Tories being at the inn?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied Nat. &#8220;He thinks that it
+would arouse indignation, and maybe bring
+on some sort of an attack by the Congress
+party. He says it is best to have nothing
+of the sort now, for they have not yet given
+up hope of bringing all Americans together
+in their protests to the king.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>When Nat reached the Cooper place he
+found that his absence had occasioned<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span>
+considerable alarm. But he led his uncle
+and Ben quietly aside and explained the
+business that took him away. To say that
+they were surprised would be putting it
+mildly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was a clever and a dangerous plan,&#8221; said
+Mr. Cooper, gravely. &#8220;It would seem that
+men were brought from some point to the
+north so that they would not be known in this
+neighborhood. But,&#8221; with a laugh, &#8220;there
+were by far too many in the secret. It is not
+safe to tell anything of importance to such
+rabid partisans as Stephen Comegies; for the
+moment they lose their tempers, the truth
+comes out.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s one thing,&#8221; said Ben, &#8220;that
+pleases me most of all&mdash;of course, after seeing
+the members from Virginia safe,&#8221; hastily.
+&#8220;And that is that some one else has seen the
+good qualities of that little imp, the Porcupine.
+I&#8217;ve always contended that he was a
+faithful and an honest boy; but I could get
+few to believe me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A little later the two lads were alone pacing
+up and down the lawn discussing the features
+of Nat&#8217;s adventure. All the time&mdash;though<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span>
+he said nothing of it&mdash;one thought filled the
+mind of the boy from Wyoming, and that
+was as to Ben&#8217;s friend, Ezra Prentiss. In relating
+his experiences he had not mentioned
+this name, for he had not seen a way to bring
+it naturally about.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must not hurt Ben by letting him see
+that I am suspicious,&#8221; he thought. &#8220;The
+suspicions are foolish and absurd, of course.
+It could not have been the same person, for
+while I was talking to one Prentiss at the
+lower ferry, Ben was no doubt talking to the
+other at the City Tavern.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I tell you, it&#8217;s all very wonderful here,&#8221;
+said Ben, &#8220;and if I&#8217;d thought there was going
+to be any such work, I&#8217;d never have ridden to
+the city as I did.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I saw only three members of the Congress,&#8221;
+said he, &#8220;while at the City Tavern I
+suppose you saw a great many.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Ben grumbled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, I saw quite a few,&#8221; said he.
+&#8220;But I didn&#8217;t see Ezra.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat darted a quick look at his friend.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You didn&#8217;t see him?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span>&#8220;No. They told me he&#8217;d been away all
+day. And though I waited for him until
+quite late in the night, he did not return.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he said this Ben chanced to look up and
+caught the look that flashed into his cousin&#8217;s
+face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it?&#8221; he asked wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, nothing,&#8221; replied Nat, quickly recovering
+from the shock which Ben&#8217;s news
+had given him. &#8220;I was thinking it rather
+strange, that&#8217;s all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose he must have had some urgent
+business,&#8221; Ben hastened to say in defence of
+his friend. &#8220;Though it must have been a
+private affair,&#8221; he added; &#8220;for I made bold
+to stop Mr. John Adams and make inquiries.
+Mr. Adams was much put out about Ezra&#8217;s
+absence, for it seems that he had gone off
+without warning. And, apparently, it had
+not been the first time. It seems that Ezra
+had left them much the same way on the
+road between Bristol and the city.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Once more a quick shock ran through Nat,
+for he distinctly recalled the words of Dimisdale
+and Royce. But this time he hid his
+feelings and after a little thought asked:</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span>&#8220;When will you be riding into town
+again?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps to-morrow.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then I&#8217;ll bear you company,&#8221; said Nat,
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>Nat spent the greater part of what remained
+of the day in sleep; when he awoke, evening
+was settling down once more; and as he
+dressed he thought of the events of the preceding
+night.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was all queer enough and unexpected
+enough,&#8221; thought he. &#8220;But there is no part
+of it that has the same surprising qualities as
+the part played by this boy Prentiss.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He stood for some time at the window
+thoughtfully, looking across the fields and
+woods toward Cliveden. In his mind he drew
+up a r&eacute;sum&eacute; of the entire matter where it concerned
+Ben&#8217;s New England friend.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;First Ben tells me that he has such a
+friend,&#8221; thought Nat. &#8220;Then I learn he&#8217;s
+strong for the rights of the colonies and
+against the king&#8217;s ministers. Third, we find
+that he&#8217;s unexpectedly arrived at Philadelphia
+with Samuel and John Adams.&#8221; There was
+a break in the marshaling of the facts at this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span>
+point. &#8220;All these I hear through Ben,&#8221; proceeded
+Nat. &#8220;But now let me come to the
+things that I got from other sources. First, I
+heard Royce and Dimisdale say that the idea
+of the proposed kidnapping had been given
+them by a youth named Prentiss, and I was
+struck by the similarity of the names. However,
+that was slight cause for suspicion, for
+there must be many persons of that name.
+Then I hear the same men say that the youth
+is from New England, and that he has ridden
+on ahead of the gentlemen who were coming
+to attend the Congress, that he might have
+them taken. Third, I hear of the plot against
+the Virginians, and see the youth himself,
+though in the shadow. Then I meet him at
+the ferry landing in the night; and afterward
+the cobbler tells me that he&#8217;s engaged a barge
+which I knew was to carry the prisoners to
+some English ship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again and again the lad went over this
+ground; but the result was always the same.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It looks like positive evidence against
+him,&#8221; he thought. &#8220;But it all could be
+cleared up at one stroke if he had met Ben in
+the city last night. His failure to do that,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span>
+and the fact that he had been gone all day,
+seems to clinch the matter, so far as I can see.
+Also, there is the circumstance of his mysteriously
+leaving his employers upon the road to
+Philadelphia. It seems to me that no amount
+of reasoning can get beyond that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After making up his mind to this, Nat
+Brewster descended to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>He ate his supper in silence. At different
+times his uncle or Ben addressed remarks to
+him, but his answers were brief. Even his
+aunt noticed it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you not well?&#8221; she asked, solicitously,
+of him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes,&#8221; said Nat; &#8220;there is nothing
+wrong with me, aunt, thank you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The dampness of the night air is apt to be
+bad for growing boys,&#8221; said the good lady,
+wisely; and her husband laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If Nat is still growing,&#8221; said he, surveying
+his nephew&#8217;s breadth of shoulder, &#8220;I
+don&#8217;t know what he&#8217;ll look like by the time
+he&#8217;s done. We&#8217;ll have a giant on our hands,
+perhaps.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>During the evening Nat continued thoughtful.
+A dozen times he was tempted to speak<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span>
+to Ben regarding his suspicions, but each time
+he checked himself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is just possible that it was not the same
+boy,&#8221; thought he. &#8220;And though I don&#8217;t expect
+to find it so, still I&#8217;d better wait; something
+may turn up that will convince me beyond
+a doubt, one way or another.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And so, directly after breakfast on the
+following day, they saddled their horses to go
+into town. Molly was in great spirits, champing
+her bit and pawing at the stones in the
+yard. Nat&#8217;s steed was a tall, raw-boned black
+with a hard mouth and an uncertain temper;
+but the young mountaineer was accustomed
+to such, and got the beast ready, never giving
+a thought to his evil qualities. A brisk
+gallop through the sunlit morning brought
+them to the nearer suburbs; then at an easier
+pace they entered the city itself.</p>
+
+<p>Philadelphia at that time was the largest
+and most important city of the colonies. Its
+population was timid in regards to throwing
+a challenge into the teeth of the British
+ministry, and were for a continuance of the
+petitioning that had been going on for so
+long. The fierce resentment of the people<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span>
+of Massachusetts excited alarm in the City
+of Brotherly Love; it, too, desired to be free,
+but it wanted to go about the work in a more
+Quaker-like fashion.</p>
+
+<p>However, in spite of this decided feeling
+of conservatism, the gathering of the first
+Congress had stirred up considerable spirit in
+the town, and as the two lads rode through
+the streets they noted a movement and a pent-up
+excitement that were unusual.</p>
+
+<p>This was especially the case at the hostelry
+called the &#8220;City Tavern.&#8221; Here men crowded
+the entrances engaged in excited discussion;
+others sat upon the heavy benches outside
+the door and talked heatedly upon the great
+event that was in a few days to befall the
+colonies. As the boys got down and gave
+their horses into the care of a stableman, they
+caught some fragments of one of these debates
+and stopped to listen.</p>
+
+<p>A red-faced personage with a wart upon his
+nose and holding a huge knotted stick, which
+he pounded upon the pavement when he desired
+to emphasize his remarks, was talking
+to a mild-looking man whose peaked features
+gave him a solemn look.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span>&#8220;How,&#8221; demanded the red-faced man, &#8220;can
+the protests of the colonies be heard if the
+people don&#8217;t unite their voices as they propose
+to do in this Congress?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; replied the peaked man, &#8220;the king
+is short of temper: he may resent such a
+step.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The red-faced man grew redder still.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let him,&#8221; said he, heatedly. &#8220;And much
+good it will do him. The people are aroused;
+they have stood as much of this kind of
+thing as they are going to. It must stop, sir!
+It must stop!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; protested the mild-looking man,
+&#8220;suppose it does not stop?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that event, sir, we will carry it further.
+These colonies wore not settled for the purpose
+of bringing gain to British merchants
+and revenue to the treasury at London. No,
+sir! They were settled that the settlers might
+be free to conduct their own affairs as they
+saw best.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But the king, the parliament, the ministry&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; began
+the peaked man, but the
+other stopped him with a snort.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The king,&#8221; said the red-faced man, &#8220;is a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span>
+stubborn, ignorant old meddler; the parliament,
+with the exception of Pitt and a few
+others, are a parcel of incompetents, and the
+ministry might well change places with the
+clerks to the advantage of the empire!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Warming up to his subject, and keeping his
+stick beating a tattoo upon the red brick
+pavement, the speaker went on:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look at the governors they send us, sir!
+What imbeciles! They&#8217;ve tried to take away
+the charters of Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
+and my own colony of Connecticut. They
+talk of establishing a peerage in America with
+lords and earls and dukes, as grand as you
+please. Our officers and men wrested the
+country from the French, but they are held
+in contempt by the British. An English
+captain outranks an American colonel. Our
+workmen are forbidden to make the nails that
+go into the shoes of their horses; iron manufacturing
+is declared a common nuisance; a
+hatter in one colony is forbidden to sell his
+hats in another, and is permitted to have only
+two apprentices.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a difficult thing to bear these restrictions
+upon the country&#8217;s natural trade,&#8221;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span>
+said the mild-looking man, his long face
+growing more solemn. &#8220;But if the matter
+were placed properly before the king, perhaps
+he would see things in a different
+light.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He will never see them in any light but
+the one in which he now sees them,&#8221; declared
+the red-faced man, positively. &#8220;The
+British tradesmen have the government
+under their thumbs; they fear the competition
+of America and seek to make it dependent
+upon them for everything. Did they not
+drive Pitt out of office because he was disposed
+to do us something like justice?</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then there were their writs of assistance,
+as they called them,&#8221; proceeded the speaker,
+seeing that the peaked man was not disposed
+to answer. &#8220;Any ruffian in the British service
+could break into a man&#8217;s house and ransack
+it from roof to cellar; and we were not
+supposed to object. And even this was not
+enough. They must needs saddle us with the
+Stamp Act. No deed of sale or any other
+legal paper could be made out unless drawn
+upon stamped paper that cost anywhere from
+threepence to six pounds. Then they clapped<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span>
+the tea tax upon us and sent an army into
+Boston because it was resisted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There was a great waste of a very
+profitable article when they threw those
+cargoes of tea into Massachusetts Bay,&#8221; said
+the mild man, regretfully. &#8220;I have often
+thought that they could have put their objection
+into another form.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Be that as it may,&#8221; and the other smiled
+grimly, &#8220;it&#8217;s closed the port of Boston as
+tight as wax, ruined its merchants and placed
+its population upon the verge of starvation.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At this point in the discussion the two boys
+moved away toward the door of the inn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I noticed when I was here the other day
+that the New Englanders were the most
+determined and outspoken in this matter,&#8221;
+said Ben Cooper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s because the greater part of the oppression
+has so far fallen upon them,&#8221; replied
+Nat, wisely. &#8220;I think you&#8217;ll find that the
+other colonies will be in no way backward
+when the time comes to act.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Once within the inn, Ben inquired for Ezra
+Prentiss.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span>&#8220;He&#8217;s in the coffee-room, I think,&#8221;
+answered the person asked. &#8220;Just walk in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was quite a crush of men at the coffee-room
+door; and as the two friends were
+slowly making their way through it, a ringing,
+pleasant laugh fell upon their ears. Nat
+started at the sound and caught his breath.
+Like a flash, the laugh brought back the experience
+at the ferry landing; in every
+quality and every tone it was similar to that
+of the boy who had spoken to him from the
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Did you hear that?&#8221; asked Ben, and his
+cousin saw that he was smiling. &#8220;That&#8217;s
+Ezra Prentiss as sure as you live!&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IX<br />
+
+
+<small>NAT BREWSTER FINDS MORE PROOF</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> coffee-room was thronged; men sat
+and stood about as they did in the other
+rooms; here and there at tables parties were
+at breakfast; there was also a great comparing
+of papers and much secret conversing in out-of-the-way
+corners.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had Ben and Nat entered than a
+merry voice called:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ben Cooper!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then a hand struck the owner of that
+name a most tremendous whack upon the
+back; and turning, Ben found himself face
+to face with his schoolmate from New England.</p>
+
+<p>While the two were shaking hands in great
+delight, and laughing and greeting each other,
+Nat Brewster&#8217;s keen eyes were traveling over
+Ezra Prentiss for any distinctive qualities
+that would confirm his suspicions.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span>&#8220;The height is about the same,&#8221; he told
+himself, &#8220;as near as I can judge. However,
+the one was sitting a horse and this one is
+standing upon his legs. The general build is
+also, I think, the same, though of course I
+saw one in the shadow, or at best, the dim
+light of a candle, and now see the other in
+the full flood of the morning. There is a
+good chance that I may be mistaken in both
+these things. But in the laugh,&#8221; and Nat&#8217;s
+eyes showed how sure he was, &#8220;I cannot be
+mistaken. It&#8217;s the same. I could tell it anywhere
+and any time I heard it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The boy from the mountains was still deep
+in his reflections when Ben turned to him
+quickly, saying:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pardon me, Nat, for forgetting you. But
+I don&#8217;t see old friends like Ezra every day,
+you see.&#8221; Then addressing the latter he
+said: &#8220;This is my cousin, Nat Brewster&mdash;Nat,
+this is the friend of whom you&#8217;ve heard
+me talk so much about&mdash;Ezra Prentiss.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ezra&#8217;s eyes ran over Nat&#8217;s stalwart figure
+in great admiration as they shook hands.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I say,&#8221; said he to Ben, &#8220;here&#8217;s the chap
+we should have had at the Academy. He<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span>
+could have put Bully Harvey&#8217;s shoulders
+upon the floor if any one could.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They sat down at a window opening upon
+the tavern yard. The two school friends soon
+fell to rattling away about old experiences
+and friends; Nat listened and studied the
+newcomer closely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The cobbler near the river said that the
+boy who engaged his boat had an honest look
+and a merry laugh. So has this one,&#8221; as Ezra
+Prentiss&#8217; laugh once more filled the coffee-room
+and an expression of boyish glee crossed
+his face at something Ben was saying. &#8220;I
+never saw any one look more honest or more
+worthy of confidence. And yet&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat, try as he would, could not get beyond
+the facts as he saw them. There was great
+cause to suspect the young New Englander;
+but, still, there was also something about him
+that made such thoughts of him seem unjust
+and ridiculous.</p>
+
+<p>Frankness itself was in his eyes, and his
+face was thoughtful looking even with its
+merry expression. He was rather taller than
+Ben Cooper and a trifle slimmer; but his
+frame was well knit and strong. He talked<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span>
+rapidly and with great spirit; his hands constantly
+gestured to point his remarks, and his
+white teeth shone in an ever ready smile.</p>
+
+<p>Nat joined in the talk readily enough
+when it touched upon subjects of which he
+had any acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; said Ezra, at length, &#8220;it&#8217;s rather
+close here&mdash;don&#8217;t you think so? Let&#8217;s go
+outside. There&#8217;ll not only be more air, but
+more to interest us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With that they arose and made their way
+to the street.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never saw such throngs before,&#8221; said
+Ben, his wondering eyes taking in the loitering people.
+&#8220;It must be that the entire town
+is out to greet the strangers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the first time, I suppose, that so many
+have visited a colonial city at one time,&#8221; said
+Ezra. &#8220;And the fact that they are from
+twelve different provinces makes the occasion
+all the more remarkable.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Just then two horsemen rode out of the inn
+yard; Ezra grasped Nat&#8217;s arm eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look,&#8221; said he, pointing to the riders.
+&#8220;There is Patrick Henry, who made that
+great speech before the Virginia Assembly,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span>
+and Colonel Washington, who saved Braddock&#8217;s
+army from destruction in the wilderness.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben Cooper gazed at those two famous
+colonists with the utmost interest. In Mr.
+Henry he saw a tall man with bent shoulders
+and a strong face; in Washington, the athletic
+figure and calm, powerful personality that
+impressed every one who saw him. As the
+two rode by the place where the boys were
+standing they noted Mr. Washington say
+something to his companion in a quick undertone.
+The latter turned his head with a
+look of interest and then both saluted Nat
+Brewster gravely.</p>
+
+<p>As the statesmen proceeded down the street,
+Ezra Prentiss looked at the young mountaineer
+in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, they seem to know you,&#8221; exclaimed
+he.</p>
+
+<p>Ben laughed at this; he was about to
+speak, when he felt Nat secretly tug at the
+skirt of his coat. Discreetly he kept silent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Nat quietly to Ezra. &#8220;I
+have a slight acquaintance with the gentlemen.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span>Ezra smiled at the tone used by his new
+acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I thought I was going to have the pleasure
+of pointing out all the notables,&#8221; said he.
+&#8220;But I&#8217;m afraid now that I&#8217;m not.&#8221; Then
+with a quick glance of interest, he added,
+&#8220;Do you know any of the other members of
+the Congress?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Pendleton only,&#8221; replied Nat.</p>
+
+<p>At this he saw Ezra start; he also
+caught a distinct change of expression.
+But a moment later it was gone, and
+the youth from Massachusetts Bay laughed
+gaily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; said he, &#8220;I&#8217;m not to be denied my
+right after all. See there at the window,&#8221;
+pointing to a small, earnest group. &#8220;They
+are the two Rutledges and Christopher
+Gadsden of South Carolina.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A venerable man, with snowy hair, and a
+tall, grave-faced gentleman stood near the
+front door.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The eldest is Mr. Hopkins of Rhode
+Island, and the other is Roger Sherman of
+Connecticut. And that man farther on, with
+the fine high-bred face, is John Jay of New<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span>
+York; with him are my two patrons, the
+brothers Adams.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Which is which?&#8221; asked Ben, eagerly,
+for the fame of the great Bostonians made
+them persons to be asked after.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you not tell that by simply looking
+at them?&#8221; asked Ezra with a laugh. &#8220;John
+is the shorter and the plumper of the two.
+He&#8217;s the great debater and brilliant lawyer.
+But Samuel is the grimmest fighter; look
+at his stern, deeply-lined face and sombre
+manner. He has not the ready flood of
+eloquence of John, though he can speak
+straight to the point when need be. But it
+is his nature to be of the silent and relentless
+kind&mdash;and I think in the long run he&#8217;s the
+most to be dreaded by the British ministers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They talked for some time about the eminent
+persons who were gathered around the
+inn in small parties, preparing for the event
+which was to prove so important for the nation.
+At length Ezra, who had every now
+and then stolen an odd, questioning look at
+Nat Brewster, said to him:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you known the members from
+Virginia for any length of time?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied Nat, briefly.</p>
+
+<p>Ben was too much interested in looking
+about him to pay any attention to what his
+companions were saying. There was a short
+pause, and Ezra, with an assumption of carelessness
+that did not escape Nat, said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ve been something of a traveler
+then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Nat shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Except for one journey into York State,
+I&#8217;ve kept pretty close to the Wyoming valley
+all my life,&#8221; he replied.</p>
+
+<p>Ezra looked puzzled. That he would like
+to have asked a great many questions was
+plain; but that there was something that kept
+him from doing so, was equally evident.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It seems to me,&#8221; and the boy from New
+England smiled as he said it, &#8220;that your
+acquaintance with Mr. Washington and his
+comrades is somewhat mysterious.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, no,&#8221; replied Nat. &#8220;It happened that
+I was able to be of service to them a night or
+two ago. That is how I came to make their
+acquaintance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Ezra gazed steadily into the
+speaker&#8217;s face.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span>&#8220;A few nights ago,&#8221; said he, an odd note
+in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; returned Nat, calmly. &#8220;It was
+rather an urgently needed service; and it just
+happened that I was at hand to render it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was another pause, and then Ezra
+spoke again, this time very quietly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Such things are sometimes long remembered,&#8221;
+said he.</p>
+
+<p>Nat nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And some people,&#8221; went on Ezra Prentiss,
+in the same quiet way, &#8220;remember them to
+advantage.&#8221; Seeing Nat&#8217;s questioning look
+he added: &#8220;I mean that there are certain
+dispositions that take great pleasure in rewarding
+a good deed&mdash;and others that take
+equal pleasure in repaying an evil one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose there are,&#8221; replied Nat, his eyes
+never leaving the face of the other. &#8220;But,&#8221;
+with a laugh, &#8220;the doer of good deeds can
+rest in peace; and the other&mdash;well, he can
+only be watchful.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As these last words were being spoken Ben
+Cooper turned. And now he broke in upon
+them with a grin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I say,&#8221; spoke he, &#8220;what are you two<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span>
+mumbling away about? And you&#8217;re staring
+at each other like a couple of owls.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In an instant Ezra&#8217;s face took on its usual
+expression of good humor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t criticise us,&#8221; said he laughingly.
+&#8220;You should see yourself. Your eyes have
+grown so goggled through looking at so many
+great men that it&#8217;s a wonder they don&#8217;t pop
+out on the ground.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>All through the day Nat Brewster watched
+Ezra Prentiss when he got the opportunity;
+and deeper and deeper grew his impression
+that beneath the merry laugh and ready good
+humor there was a hidden something that
+must not see the light.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a fear,&#8221; thought the young mountaineer,
+as he and Ben mounted their horses
+late in the afternoon and waved their hands
+to Ezra. &#8220;It&#8217;s a fear. And, perhaps, a fear
+that he may be shown to be a traitor to the
+cause of the colonies!&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER X<br />
+
+
+<small>WHAT THE PORCUPINE SAW AT CHEW HOUSE</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">During</span> the days that followed, Nat Brewster
+saw a great deal of Ezra Prentiss. One
+day the latter would ride to Germantown.
+On the next, perhaps, the cousins would go
+into the city.</p>
+
+<p>On September 5th, the Congress met for the
+first time, at Carpenter&#8217;s Hall, with Peyton
+Randolph, of Virginia, as its president and
+with representatives present from every
+colony except Georgia.</p>
+
+<p>On the very next day, the famous Suffolk
+resolves were passed at Milton, Massachusetts;
+on the 17th a rider arrived in Philadelphia
+bearing a copy of this document to the Congress,
+and when a hint of the radical nature of the
+resolutions became known, the city was in a
+state of feverish suspense.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that Ezra Prentiss had spent
+the preceding night at the Cooper place; and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span>
+that day Ben and Nat rode in company with
+him into the city. As they dismounted in
+the yard of the City Tavern, Ezra noticed a
+well-made, good-natured looking man of
+middle age rubbing away at a powerful bay
+horse.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; exclaimed the young New Englander.
+&#8220;Is it possible that it is Mr.
+Revere?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The man paused in his rubbing and looked
+up. As he caught sight of Ezra, a cheery
+smile overspread his face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why bless my heart and body!&#8221; cried he,
+&#8220;it&#8217;s young Ezra Prentiss, as large as life!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ezra hastened forward to shake hands with
+the speaker. A hostler who took Nat&#8217;s
+mount said in a low tone, in which there was
+considerable respect:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the rider of the Suffolk Convention.
+He&#8217;s made the trip from Boston in six days.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t wonder at it,&#8221; put in another one
+of the inn&#8217;s people who stood idly by, chewing
+at a long straw. &#8220;That&#8217;s a remarkable
+animal he&#8217;s got there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And he&#8217;s sure that it will get proper attention,&#8221;
+grinned the first speaker, &#8220;for he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span>
+won&#8217;t let any one put a hand upon it but
+himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Here Ezra called to his companions and
+introduced them to the despatch bearer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m glad to make your acquaintance,
+young gentlemen,&#8221; said he in a bluff, sincere
+way. &#8220;If you&#8217;re friends of Ezra, I know
+you&#8217;re friends of the colonies; and I want all
+such to be friends of mine.&#8221; He paused a
+moment and surveyed them carefully. &#8220;Are
+you Sons of Liberty?&#8221; he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am,&#8221; replied Ben promptly, &#8220;and so is
+my father.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The society has not yet reached the
+back settlements,&#8221; smiled Nat. &#8220;So I am
+not yet a member. But I hope to be before
+long.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; said Paul Revere, clapping him
+upon the back. &#8220;Every true American
+should be one of us. We are united in
+hating tyranny and defying our oppressors.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After the speaker had seen his steed
+properly cared for and given particular
+instructions as to how he should be fed,
+he went with the boys into the inn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I gave my papers to Samuel Adams,&#8221; said<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span>
+he to Ezra; &#8220;and even now the Congress is reading
+them. And when their contents get out,&#8221;
+rubbing his strong hands together and laughing
+gleefully, &#8220;there will be some excitement,
+I can tell you, young gentlemen; for Dr.
+Warren, who offered the resolves to the
+Suffolk delegates, does not mince his words.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They sat in the coffee-room talking to
+Revere while he awaited the return of Samuel
+Adams from Carpenter&#8217;s Hall. He seemed
+deep in the movement that was then convulsing
+the colonies; every turn was familiar
+to him; every New Englander who figured
+conspicuously he could call readily by
+name.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; said he at length, &#8220;let me show you
+some little things that have been thought to
+hit off the situation.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He produced as he spoke a number of
+prints from his saddle-bag, which he had
+carried into the coffee-room, and with honest
+pride, began to point out their qualities.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is nothing like putting a thing before
+the people in a way they&#8217;ll understand,&#8221;
+said he. &#8220;And that is the intention of all
+my work.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[134]</span>&#8220;You are an artist then, Mr. Revere?&#8221;
+said Nat, inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>The man smiled and waved his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not much of a one, as the pictures themselves
+will tell you,&#8221; answered he. &#8220;I&#8217;m
+merely an engraver of copper plates. This
+one,&#8221; indicating a particular print, &#8220;shows the
+bloody massacre which took place in King
+Street, Boston, four years ago. You&#8217;ve heard
+how a party of the Twenty-ninth Regiment
+shot down a number of honest people, I feel
+sure. This one,&#8221; showing still another print,
+&#8220;of the Dragon, met with quite a little
+success at Boston and other cities.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>One by one he displayed the quaint
+pictures and proudly read the pompous
+verses which were printed on the margin of
+each.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The poems I wrote myself,&#8221; stated he,
+&#8220;and while they may not be of the best, still
+I take credit for them because I am no great
+scholar. I had to give up school over soon to
+go into my father&#8217;s shop to learn the trade of
+gold and silversmith.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you were not brought up an engraver,&#8221;
+said Ben.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[135]</span>&#8220;No. But, though I do say it myself, I
+soon showed some art in fashioning ewers,
+tankards, brasiers and mugs; and it is no
+great step from that to the copper plate.
+However,&#8221; and Revere smiled, &#8220;I have not
+kept myself altogether to such work. When
+trade was dull I took up other matters that
+would be of service to the public, and incidentally,
+to myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve heard tell that you once were a
+dentist,&#8221; spoke Ezra.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A sort of one,&#8221; replied the man. &#8220;At
+least as much as John Baker, the surgeon
+dentist, could make of me in a short time.
+When I had my shop at the head of Dr.
+Clark&#8217;s wharf,&#8221; to the other two, &#8220;I made
+very good teeth for those persons who were so
+unfortunate as to lose their own. Sometimes
+the best in the city resorted to me. Once I
+set a molar for Dr. Warren himself, and he
+has ever since declared it even better than the
+natural one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They were still engaged with this versatile
+craftsman when a porter came into the coffee-room
+and approached them. Addressing
+Revere, he said:</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[136]</span>&#8220;Mr. Adams has returned and is inquiring
+for you, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Revere arose with alacrity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where is he?&#8221; asked he.</p>
+
+<p>But at that moment Samuel Adams, an exultant
+light in his stern eyes, entered the
+apartment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, Revere,&#8221; said he, &#8220;I was this moment
+seeking you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Something has been done!&#8221; cried Revere.
+&#8220;I can see it in your face.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The resolutions of the citizens of the
+county of Suffolk have been read to Congress,&#8221;
+replied Mr. Adams, &#8220;and have been
+received with the utmost approval. Even
+now an answering paper is being drawn up
+and will be passed upon at our earliest opportunity.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you will commission me to carry it
+back to Boston!&#8221; cried Revere, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To be sure. There is no one I would
+trust farther&mdash;unless, indeed, it were Ezra,&#8221;
+and he laid his hand upon the lad&#8217;s shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; laughed Revere, &#8220;I&#8217;ll not be
+jealous of him, for I know that he&#8217;s served
+both the cause and yourself well. He&#8217;s only<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[137]</span>
+a lad, but many men might well be proud of
+the work he&#8217;s done for the colonies!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; here spoke Ezra, &#8220;that you are
+both inclined to overestimate anything that I
+have done. Every one has his opportunities,
+and it is only his duty that he should accept
+them as they come to him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They were still talking in this strain, and
+Nat Brewster was listening wonderingly, when
+the porter, who was lingering in the room,
+touched him upon the arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you Mr. Brewster?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is a boy been asking for you&mdash;rather
+an odd sort. He&#8217;s outside. Shall I
+call him in?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The porter&#8217;s words at once suggested the
+Porcupine to Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what in the world is he doing here?&#8221;
+he thought. Then to the man he said: &#8220;I&#8217;ll
+go out to him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he turned away from the group in the
+coffee-room he noted that the hand of Samuel
+Adams still rested upon Ezra Prentiss&#8217;
+shoulder. The whole attitude of the statesman
+and that of Paul Revere were of perfect<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[138]</span>
+trust and confidence in the boy; apparently
+they would not hesitate to place their most
+cherished projects in his keeping.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t understand it,&#8221; thought Nat. &#8220;I
+can&#8217;t, no matter how I try. Samuel Adams is
+not a trustful man; he is more apt to suspect
+than not. And Mr. Revere is not without
+shrewdness. Both have known Ezra for a
+long time, so it seems. They speak of him as
+having rendered great services to the cause.
+And, surely, they must know! It is not possible
+that he can have hoodwinked them and
+the many others in Boston who must have
+watched his actions.&#8221; He paused in the
+middle of the outer room, his mind filled with
+these reflections. &#8220;I have known him but a
+short time,&#8221; he went on, &#8220;and yet I have convinced
+myself that he is&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; But here he
+paused and shook his head. &#8220;No,&#8221; he said
+aloud, &#8220;I&#8217;m not convinced. If I were I
+would not be arguing with myself in this
+way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>When he reached the door of the inn he
+found that the person inquiring for him was
+the Porcupine, as he had fancied. The dwarf
+was seated upon one of the heavy benches,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[139]</span>
+whittling a stick and whistling. At sight of
+Nat he grinned widely and nodded his huge
+head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What brings you here?&#8221; asked the young
+mountaineer, as he shook him warmly by the
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>He had seen the boy once or twice since
+their joint adventure, and had praised him so
+highly to the family that in recognition of his
+bravery Mr. Cooper had offered to employ
+him upon the place. But the dwarf had
+shaken his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t want to work for nobody&mdash;steady,&#8221;
+he had replied. &#8220;I&#8217;d rather live around&mdash;just
+as the squirrels do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now he looked up at Nat and rubbed his
+knife blade on the palm of his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I came to see you,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Went
+over to Coopers&#8217; this morning and asked
+for you. But they said you&#8217;d come into
+town. And as my business is important,&#8221;
+with a renewal of the grin, &#8220;I started in after
+you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You didn&#8217;t walk!&#8221; exclaimed Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not on legs as short as these,&#8221; returned
+the dwarf. &#8220;It would take too long. I caught<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[140]</span>
+the carrier as he came by, and as he&#8217;s a decent
+fellow, he let me ride on top of the load.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat sat down beside him on the bench.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; inquired he, &#8220;why did you wish
+to see me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At once the face of the Porcupine lost its
+grin. He resumed his whittling of the stick
+and was silent for some little time. At length
+he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ve only known me for a little while,&#8221;
+he said. &#8220;Haven&#8217;t you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not very long,&#8221; admitted Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And of course when people don&#8217;t know
+other people for any length of time&mdash;well, they
+don&#8217;t put overmuch faith in them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat looked at him inquiringly. But the
+dwarf kept his eyes upon the stick and
+trimmed it delicately with his knife point.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go on,&#8221; said Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not very easy to go on,&#8221; said the Porcupine.
+&#8220;Sometimes there are things that are
+hard to say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was another pause. Nat felt that it
+was best to make no remarks. Apparently the
+lad had something to tell him&mdash;something
+that he thought would stretch his hearer&#8217;s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[141]</span>
+credulity&mdash;and he was diffident in beginning.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; proceeded the Porcupine, at length,
+&#8220;it&#8217;s got to be said and I&#8217;m going to say it.
+Only, I want you to promise to believe me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it going to be as hard as all that?&#8221; said
+Nat, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Maybe it will be the hardest you ever
+heard. I wouldn&#8217;t have believed it myself if
+anybody had just told me. But I saw it. And
+when you see a thing, you must believe it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I suppose so,&#8221; said Nat.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf here threw down the stick and
+placed his knife carefully in his pocket.
+Then he drew his short legs under him much
+after the posture of a Turk seated upon a rug.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was four nights ago,&#8221; he said, &#8220;that this
+thing happened.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What thing?&#8221; asked the other.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll come to that in a minute,&#8221; answered
+the Porcupine quietly. &#8220;You see I&#8217;d been in
+to town here because I wanted to see the
+people that were being so talked about; and
+when I got back to Germantown it was late
+and seemed about to come on rain. There
+ain&#8217;t a great many places where I&#8217;m allowed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[142]</span>
+to sleep now, but I felt sure that Mr. Cooper
+wouldn&#8217;t take it ill if I crowded into the hay-mow
+in his barn for the night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why didn&#8217;t you come to the house?&#8221; said
+Nat. &#8220;You know they&#8217;d have found a bed
+for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I don&#8217;t like to be a trouble to people.
+And, then, as I said, it was late. But anyway,&#8221;
+proceeded the dwarf, &#8220;I was on the
+main road near Mr. Cooper&#8217;s; so I just crawled
+through the fence, walked across the back lot,
+and there I was behind the barn. There&#8217;s
+always places where you can get into barns, if
+you know how,&#8221; grinned the boy, &#8220;and I was
+just hunting around for a door or window that
+had been left open when I heard a dog bark.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There are very few dogs &#8217;round about
+Germantown that ain&#8217;t acquainted with me,
+and there&#8217;s no occasion for me to be afraid
+of any of them, for dogs never make any mistakes.
+But, anyhow, I stopped and listened
+because I thought there might be some one
+stirring.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And there was?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, and in a very little while I knew
+that he was coming in my direction.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[143]</span>&#8220;Go on,&#8221; said Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I couldn&#8217;t see who it was,&#8221; continued the
+Porcupine, &#8220;but I knew it was only one
+person by the footsteps. I heard him stop at
+the barn door and fumble with the catch for
+a moment. Then I heard him say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Locked!&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now this was kind of curious, so I crept
+quietly around the building on my toes. Just
+as I reached the corner and peeked I heard a
+tinder-box snapping, then there was a light
+flared up, and I saw that the person at the
+barn door was the boy who has been visiting
+at Coopers&#8217; of late.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ezra Prentiss!&#8221; almost cried Nat, with a
+start.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, that&#8217;s his name,&#8221; said the dwarf.
+&#8220;The hired man told it to me the first day I
+saw him around the place; and I&#8217;ve remembered
+it, because it&#8217;s not a name,&#8221; meaningly,
+&#8220;that I&#8217;m likely to forget.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see,&#8221; said Nat. Then he added
+quickly, &#8220;But you haven&#8217;t spoken to any
+one about his name being the same as that
+other?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied the other, promptly. &#8220;I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[144]</span>
+never do things like that until I&#8217;m sure of
+them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s right!&#8221; approved the young mountaineer.
+&#8220;And now, go on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The light only lasted a moment,&#8221; said the
+Porcupine, proceeding with his story. &#8220;And
+as it went out, I heard him say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Well, I can&#8217;t open that. So I suppose
+I&#8217;ll have to walk.&#8217; He was still for a little
+and then he went on: &#8216;But it&#8217;s not very far
+off. I can cut across the fields, and it will take
+me no time, if I don&#8217;t lose my way in the
+dark.&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And with that he started off,&#8221; said the
+Porcupine, &#8220;and, because of the sameness of
+his name with that other one, I followed
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat had a feeling that somehow this was
+not altogether right. He detested spying and
+anything like it; but for all that, his interest
+was stimulated, as the story seemed to bear
+directly along the line of his own suspicions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said he, trying to keep the eagerness
+out of his voice and only succeeding indifferently
+well, &#8220;where did he go?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Across the fields to Cliveden!&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[145]</span>Nat felt something like a shiver run
+through him. His feelings were that no
+other proof of Ezra Prentiss&#8217; guilt was wanting.
+But his reason and sense of justice told
+him that he must not condemn, even yet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As I said,&#8221; proceeded the dwarf, &#8220;I followed
+him. But in the trees upon this side
+of Master Chew&#8217;s house I lost him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat drew something like a breath of relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And that is all?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No.&#8221; The dwarf drew his little legs under
+him more tightly and laid his large strong-fingered
+hands upon his knees. &#8220;You know
+after you lose a thing, you sometimes find it
+again. So thinking of that I waited around
+in the dark, near the stone wall where you
+heard Master Dimisdale and Master Royce
+talk on the night that we rode below the
+ferry. But the boy didn&#8217;t show himself, and
+as there was a lighted window at one side of
+the house&mdash;the side where I knew Master
+Chew&#8217;s office to be, I worked my way over to
+it without any noise. The window was pretty
+high for me, but there was a rain barrel almost
+under it, and I climbed up that until I
+stood upon the chime.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[146]</span>&#8220;But,&#8221; questioned Nat, &#8220;what did you expect
+to see?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; said the Porcupine. &#8220;The
+light was in the window, and it was late at
+night. That wasn&#8217;t usual, so I thought I&#8217;d
+better not miss anything.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Nat, and once more the cold
+feeling of dread crept over him, &#8220;what did
+you see?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I saw,&#8221; replied the Porcupine, calmly,
+&#8220;Master Chew, with the bandage about his
+head which he&#8217;s been wearing since the night
+you struck him with the butt of his own
+pistol. I also saw Master Dimisdale, a pair of
+glasses perched upon his nose, going over
+some papers. Both sat at one side of the big
+table in the center of the office. And across
+from them, as cool as you please, and chatting
+bravely away with Master Chew, was the lad
+I&#8217;d been following!&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[147]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XI<br />
+
+
+<small>SHOWS HOW NAT BREWSTER SPOKE TO HIS UNCLE<br />
+AND WHAT THEIR RESOLUTIONS WERE</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">As</span> Nat Brewster heard the Porcupine&#8217;s
+statement, he was surprised and astonished to
+find that quick words of denial sprang to his
+lips. The truth was that the merry laugh
+and honest face of Ezra Prentiss, which had
+impressed the cobbler of the ferry road, had
+also impressed Nat. And, not only that, Nat
+had seen Ezra&#8217;s eyes, full of frankness and
+friendliness, something that the worthy mechanic
+had missed; and in spite of his
+suspicions the young mountaineer felt drawn
+toward the boy from New England.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s impossible!&#8221; were his first words.
+&#8220;It simply can&#8217;t be! You were mistaken!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t forget what I told you at the beginning,&#8221;
+said the dwarf. &#8220;I said it would be
+hard to believe; I even said I wouldn&#8217;t believe
+it myself just on somebody&#8217;s say-so.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[148]</span>Nat gazed at the speaker in silence. That
+the misshapen boy was sincere he had never
+a doubt. But the sudden confirmation of his
+own suspicions had startled him; he had
+spent some days with Ezra, had come to like
+him and so feared to follow where the facts
+led.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I were convinced,&#8221; his inward thoughts
+were, &#8220;I might act upon my conviction. I
+might point this boy out as a traitor. And,
+in the end, in spite of everything I&#8217;ve seen
+and heard, he might still be innocent.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Porcupine here resumed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Also, I told you at the beginning that
+the thing had to be said; and that&#8217;s why I
+said it. But I wouldn&#8217;t have told any one but
+you, for you and I are the only ones that
+know about him being in the plot to take
+Mr. Washington and the others&mdash;unless,&#8221; and
+there was inquiry in the speaker&#8217;s little
+eyes&mdash;&#8220;you&#8217;ve mentioned it to some others.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied Nat, hastily. &#8220;I&#8217;ve told Mr.
+Cooper and Ben about our adventure, as you
+know; but this fact of the name I&#8217;ve kept
+clear of. You see, Ezra is a warm friend of
+Ben&#8217;s, and I didn&#8217;t care to&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[149]</span>&#8220;I understand,&#8221; said the other, as Nat hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Even in the face of what you&#8217;ve told me,&#8221;
+resumed Nat, &#8220;I hesitate to say anything.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you believe what I&#8217;ve told you?&#8221;
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course I believe you&mdash;everything happened
+as you&#8217;ve told it&mdash;everything! Ezra
+Prentiss arose in the night while we were all
+in bed, stole out of the house, made his way
+to Cliveden and was seen by you in conversation,
+in Mr. Chew&#8217;s office, with Mr. Dimisdale
+and Mr. Chew himself&mdash;both of whom are
+noted as friends of the British government.
+Now,&#8221; continued Nat, &#8220;we know all this; but
+are we quite sure that we know what it
+means?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m quite sure that I do,&#8221; spoke the
+dwarf, sturdily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I am not,&#8221; said Nat.</p>
+
+<p>And even while he spoke the words he
+knew that he did not mean them&mdash;he knew
+that he was equally sure. But there was a
+something&mdash;an instinct, perhaps&mdash;that made
+him fight the feeling back.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It looks bad,&#8221; said he continuing, &#8220;in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[150]</span>
+fact, I am willing to admit that it looks as
+though you were right. But let us wait. It
+can do no harm, and it may do good.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Samuel Adams came out
+of the inn accompanied by Ezra, to whom he
+was speaking in low, confidential tones. As
+they went on down the street, side by side,
+the Porcupine puckered his eyelids and gazed
+after them keenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You say that waiting can do no harm,&#8221;
+said he, &#8220;but I&#8217;m not so sure about that. I
+know who that is,&#8221; nodding toward Mr.
+Adams. &#8220;He was pointed out to me the
+other day. And,&#8221; looking at Nat steadily,
+&#8220;such men, when they are engaged in such
+work as is going on at Carpenter&#8217;s Hall, have
+many things of importance to say that they
+would not say to every one; but they&#8217;d be
+likely to speak to some one who is in their
+confidence. Don&#8217;t you think so?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A troubled look came into Nat&#8217;s face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve thought of that,&#8221; said he. &#8220;And it&#8217;s
+a real danger. But we&#8217;ll have to risk it&mdash;at
+least for a little longer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon as Nat and Ben took the
+road once more for Germantown&mdash;Nat with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[151]</span>
+the Porcupine perched before him in the
+saddle&mdash;Ben said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hardly think we&#8217;ll have Ezra with us
+much longer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat looked inquiringly at his cousin; the
+dwarf twisted his big head about and waited
+for what was coming.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Revere is going to ride back with
+Congress&#8217; answer to those Suffolk resolves,&#8221;
+proceeded Ben. &#8220;And Ezra will more than
+likely go with him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why?&#8221; asked Nat. &#8220;I understood that
+he was here as clerk to the Adamses.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So he is. And it&#8217;s in Samuel Adams&#8217;
+service he&#8217;ll go north, if he goes at all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat&#8217;s jaw set at this, and his brows came
+together. At the same moment he felt the
+Porcupine squirm; and he knew that the
+same thought had come to them both.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Anything of importance?&#8221; inquired Nat,
+after they had ridden a little further.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; answered Ben. &#8220;But I
+suppose so. It&#8217;s a private message, I think,
+and to Dr. Warren; so I&#8217;d judge that it would
+be of some consequence.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat made no reply to this. Indeed, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[152]</span>
+spoke but seldom all the way home. Ben
+noticed it, but made no comment. However,
+he thought it a little odd.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But then,&#8221; he told himself, &#8220;Nat&#8217;s been
+keeping to himself for a week back. Sometimes
+he goes moping around thinking and
+thinking like all possessed; and I&#8217;ve really
+begun to wonder if he isn&#8217;t homesick for
+those mountains of his, or something like
+that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After supper that evening Mr. Cooper, as
+was his custom, took a book and began pacing
+up and down the paths at the front of the
+house. He was generally left to himself on
+these occasions, as it was what he called his
+&#8220;study hour&#8221;; and so, when Nat came out
+and quietly fell into pace beside him, he was
+a little surprised.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope I&#8217;m not disturbing you, sir,&#8221; said
+the lad.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Cooper placed his book under his arm,
+his hands behind him and smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not at all,&#8221; said he.</p>
+
+<p>The boy&#8217;s mother had been his only sister,
+and a favorite with him. Nat resembled her
+and this had, at first, greatly recommended<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[153]</span>
+him to his uncle. But the quiet, strong character
+of the boy had quickly made itself felt,
+and Mr. Cooper, even in the short time his
+nephew had been with him, had come to
+value him highly.</p>
+
+<p>And so when Nat intruded upon his study
+hour he felt that there was reason for it; and
+in this he was not mistaken.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wanted to speak with you alone, sir,
+upon a matter of much importance,&#8221; said the
+boy. &#8220;And I thought that this would be the
+best time, if you don&#8217;t mind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it&#8217;s about the office,&#8221; said Mr. Cooper,
+&#8220;don&#8217;t worry yourself. You will get down to
+work in good time, never fear. We shall
+probably be ready for you in a fortnight.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not that,&#8221; answered Nat, &#8220;though I
+had expected to speak to you upon the subject
+at some time. This affair,&#8221; and his uncle
+noticed his face grow grave, &#8220;is much more
+urgent. I had thought at first to say nothing,
+fancying it would untangle itself; but as the
+reverse now promises to be the case, I want
+your advice.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well,&#8221; said Mr. Cooper quietly and
+attentively. He knew that the matter must<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[154]</span>
+be of some moment, otherwise Nat would not
+speak in such a fashion.</p>
+
+<p>So with that, Nat began at the beginning
+and once more told his uncle the story of his
+experiences upon the night that he and the
+Porcupine had ridden to the rescue of the
+unsuspecting Virginians. But this time there
+were no reservations of any kind. When the
+name of Prentiss came into the narrative, Mr.
+Cooper raised his brows, but said nothing;
+however, Nat noticed that his attention grew
+more marked from that moment.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the meeting of Nat with Ezra
+at the City Tavern. The similarity of the
+voices impressed Mr. Cooper greatly; but
+when Nat repeated Ezra&#8217;s odd words, spoken
+after he learned of Nat&#8217;s acquaintance with
+Mr. Washington, he uttered an exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That was strangely like a veiled threat,&#8221;
+said he. &#8220;And coming directly on top of
+what looks like an appearance, at least, of
+knowledge of the Tory plot, it sounds suspicious.
+Go over that again, if you please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He said,&#8221; obeyed Nat: &#8220;&#8216;There are certain
+dispositions that take pleasure in rewarding<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[155]</span>
+a good deed&mdash;and others that take equal
+pleasure in repaying an evil one.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If that speech were made to me,&#8221; said Mr.
+Cooper, emphatically, &#8220;and under like circumstances,
+I would consider that the person
+making it were warning me that he&#8217;d be revenged.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I thought the same,&#8221; replied Nat, &#8220;but I
+could scarcely bring myself to it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I understand. The boy is as honest looking
+and as truthful appearing as any I ever
+saw. But it is facts that count, and not appearances.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then Nat proceeded with Samuel Adams&#8217;
+estimate of Ezra, and that of the Suffolk Convention&#8217;s
+rider, Revere. As he expected, Mr.
+Cooper looked puzzled. But upon hearing
+the story that the Porcupine had related to
+Nat, his face grew dark with anger.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The young scoundrel!&#8221; he cried. &#8220;I&#8217;ll
+see Mr. Adams to-morrow and&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Nat placed his hand upon his shoulder
+and stopped him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;First, let us be very&mdash;very sure,&#8221; said the
+boy. &#8220;Let us make no mistake that we shall
+be sorry for in the future. The whole matter<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[156]</span>
+looks bad&mdash;I confess that I don&#8217;t see a shadow
+of doubt that would make me think him other
+than what you consider him. But for all that,
+we had better be sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Cooper looked at his nephew a moment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nat,&#8221; he said, &#8220;you have a wise head.
+You are right. As you say, let us be very,
+very sure. In spite of everything he may be
+innocent, and, in that case, if we charged him
+with this shameful thing, we should indeed
+have occasion for regrets. But he must be
+watched&mdash;constantly watched.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But if he goes back to Boston upon this
+mission of Mr. Adams?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had forgotten that,&#8221; and Mr. Cooper grew
+thoughtful. &#8220;In that case he must still be
+watched; but how, is a thing that will require
+some turning over.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Next day Ben rode into town alone. Early
+in the afternoon he returned, and his face was
+alight with excitement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Father!&#8221; he cried, for Mr. Cooper was
+standing in the doorway. &#8220;Ezra Prentiss is
+to ride to Boston&mdash;starts to-morrow morning
+with Mr. Revere, whom you&#8217;ve heard tell of.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[157]</span>
+And,&#8221; throwing himself from his mare&#8217;s
+back, recklessly, &#8220;he wants me to go with
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat sat upon the stone step; at these words
+he turned his head and glanced up at his
+uncle. Like a flash the thought traveled from
+one to the other; there could be no mistake
+about what was in the boy&#8217;s eyes, and Mr.
+Cooper said to Ben:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well; you may go, but not alone.
+Nat must go with you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben shrieked with delight.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; cried he, &#8220;Nat&#8217;s been asked. Ezra
+told me particularly to get him if I could. So
+you see, you&#8217;re not saddling a caretaker on
+me, after all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And as he rushed away to the barn, the
+well-trained little mare at his heels, Mr.
+Cooper said to Nat:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Asked him particularly to get you, if
+he could. What does that mean, I wonder?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; replied Nat, slowly,
+&#8220;and I&#8217;m not going to think about it. In
+the frame of mind I&#8217;m in now, I&#8217;m likely
+to see evil in everything that has to do<span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[158]</span>
+with Ezra Prentiss. But I&#8217;m going back
+to Boston with him, no matter what it
+means. And the future will tell what it will
+tell!&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[159]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XII<br />
+
+
+<small>WHAT HAPPENED ON THE NORTH ROAD</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was high noon next day when Ezra
+Prentiss slipped Mr. Adams&#8217; private despatch
+to Dr. Warren into his saddle-bag. Mr. Revere
+already had the resolutions passed by Congress,
+and the two, together with Nat Brewster and
+Ben Cooper, climbed into their saddles. Then
+they waved their hands to those gathered in
+front of the City Tavern to see them off.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Remember what I&#8217;ve told you about my
+letter and make all speed,&#8221; said Mr. Adams,
+as a last word. &#8220;It is to be given to Dr.
+Warren alone, as it is of great importance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was said in a low tone as the statesman
+stood at Ezra&#8217;s stirrup; but Nat Brewster, who
+sat his horse next to Ezra&#8217;s, caught the words;
+and likewise he heard the boy&#8217;s reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I understand its urgency and its importance
+as well,&#8221; said Ezra, gravely. &#8220;There<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[160]</span>
+shall be no delay on the way north, and Dr.
+Warren alone shall receive the message.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They took their way northward at a fairly
+easy pace, as Paul Revere cautioned them not
+to press their horses too hard.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Since I&#8217;ve taken to riding from city to
+city for the various committees,&#8221; said that
+gentleman, &#8220;I&#8217;ve had much experience. And
+it has shown me that a soft pace in a long
+journey is the swiftest in the end. Also, it
+is the least laborious and anxious, for you
+haven&#8217;t a broken nag to help along toward
+the finish.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The sun shone wonderfully and the breeze
+blew in their faces with delightful freshness.
+Ben Cooper longed to put Molly at her best,
+for her dancing along the road showed that
+her spirit was as high as his own.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where do we make the first stop?&#8221; inquired
+Nat, of Revere.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We should reach Bristol at sundown or
+a little before,&#8221; replied the man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bristol!&#8221; cried Ben. &#8220;Why, we could
+make&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Revere interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know,&#8221; said he. &#8220;So we could. And<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[161]</span>
+we could make some other place, equally far
+off, to-morrow. Then we could sit for a couple
+of days at an inn and twiddle our thumbs
+while the saddle-galls were healing or the
+nag&#8217;s swollen legs going down.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben felt properly rebuked; but he laughed
+good humoredly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess you&#8217;re right,&#8221; said he. &#8220;So
+you&#8217;ll have to content yourself as you are,
+Molly,&#8221; to the frisky mare. &#8220;You&#8217;ve never
+been on so long a journey as this; and maybe
+at the end you&#8217;ll be sedate enough.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As they struck into the long, dusty wagon
+roads some distance north of Philadelphia,
+Revere and Ezra rode on ahead. After a
+time, the watchful Nat noted a marked
+peculiarity in the manner of Ezra. The latter
+had been very quiet and thoughtful since
+leaving the city; and now there was an
+anxiety in his whole attitude that could not
+be mistaken. Even the unsuspecting Ben
+noticed it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wonder what&#8217;s wrong with Ezra,&#8221; he said,
+with a laugh. &#8220;He keeps turning his head
+from one side to the other as though it had
+been shaken loose.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[162]</span>&#8220;He is entrusted with a document of some
+importance,&#8221; said Nat quietly. &#8220;Perhaps he
+is a little anxious for its safety.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben laughed once more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, to hear you talk,&#8221; said he, &#8220;one
+would think we were actually at war. Why
+should he feel anxious for the safety of the
+message? Who knows anything of it but us?
+And then,&#8221; gaily, &#8220;if he thought this was a
+bad way to come, why did he argue with Mr.
+Revere, who wanted to come by another
+way?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah,&#8221; said Nat, thoughtfully, &#8220;did he do
+that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For half an hour. And do you know, he
+grew actually warm about it, just as though it
+greatly mattered.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was silence for a little while, and
+then Ben suddenly exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hello! What&#8217;s that for?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat had unbuckled the flap of a holster
+and loosened the heavy pistol which had been
+so lately the property of Mr. Chew.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s my backwoods nature, I suppose,&#8221;
+said Nat, carelessly. &#8220;Up in Wyoming the
+wild things and the Indians never allow us to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[163]</span>
+travel without firearms ready to hand, and I
+don&#8217;t feel quite comfortable otherwise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should think that long rifle would be
+enough to take with you through a settled
+country,&#8221; said Ben, nodding toward the
+weapon which his cousin carried slung across
+his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be ordinarily. But it is not
+quite handy enough on horseback.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben looked at the speaker with his usual
+good-natured grin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, all I can say,&#8221; remarked he, &#8220;is
+that it must be in the air. If Mr. Revere begins
+to take notions about things also, why,
+I&#8217;ll have to take general charge of the party,
+that&#8217;s all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>When the shadows began to lengthen by
+the roadside and thicken among the clumps
+of trees and tall brush, they were still some
+miles south of Bristol. The Delaware rippled
+smoothly on the right, and here and there the
+filled sail of a sloop could be seen as it made
+its way up river with wind and tide.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What building is that ahead?&#8221; asked Nat,
+after a time.</p>
+
+<p>They had rounded a bend in the road, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[164]</span>
+a stone structure, smoke-begrimed and forlorn
+looking, showed itself blackly against the
+sky-line.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; replied Ben. &#8220;I&#8217;ve never
+traveled this route before. But it looks like
+a burned mill or something of the sort.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There are things and there are persons
+whom one naturally suspects; there may be
+no reason for it that one can see, but still the
+suspicion grows stronger and stronger; and
+often it turns out that there is cause for it.
+When they came in sight of the ruined mill,
+frowning gloomily out upon the road, Nat
+Brewster felt just such a suspicion growing in
+his mind. More than once, among his native
+hills in the north, he had run upon an ambuscade&mdash;a
+crouching panther perhaps; and once
+a murderous red man. And so it was a kind
+of second nature to him to regard suspicious
+places with caution and to advance upon them
+with his eyes wide open.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, as they rode toward the
+burned building, he eyed it narrowly; when
+they were within fifty yards of it his vigilance
+was rewarded, for he caught sight of a man&#8217;s
+head cautiously lifted above the edge of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[165]</span>
+one of the openings that were once windows.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the boy struck his spurs into the
+tall black; the animal, startled, fought for its
+head, and finding that the strong hand upon
+the rein did not give an inch, it raced forward.
+A score of bounds brought it alongside
+of Ezra and Mr. Revere, and they, surprised
+at the sudden burst of speed, were turning
+their heads, when:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Halt!&#8221; said Nat, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>With astonishment written large upon his
+face, Revere obeyed, and Ezra did the same.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it?&#8221; asked the rider from Boston.
+&#8220;Has anything gone wrong?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat drew his pistol from the holster and
+coolly examined the priming.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; replied he. &#8220;But it&#8217;s
+rather likely. Just ahead there is a person&mdash;perhaps
+several of them&mdash;who seems interested
+in us, in a cautious sort of way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke his keen eyes went to the face
+of Ezra; he saw it pale and the mouth twitch.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be best,&#8221; proceeded Nat, evenly,
+&#8220;for you all to remain as you are. I&#8217;ll ride
+forward and look into matters a trifle.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[166]</span>He was about to do so, but upon second
+thought checked his horse.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you armed, Mr. Revere?&#8221; he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am,&#8221; answered the rider, promptly, and
+out came a squat, serviceable looking pistol.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; said Nat. Then he took the rifle
+from about his shoulders and threw it to Ben,
+who had ridden up and sat listening in silent
+amazement. &#8220;It&#8217;s loaded and ready,&#8221; proceeded
+the young mountaineer, &#8220;and it shoots
+straight, as you know. Cover my advance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With that he spoke to the black; the
+animal trotted forward; and when it reached
+the ruin, Nat drew it in and turned, facing
+the structure from the middle of the road.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hello!&#8221; cried the boy. &#8220;Hello, inside
+there!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He waited, but there was no answer.</p>
+
+<p>Then he tried again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hello! Don&#8217;t think that your keeping
+silent will deceive me. I know you&#8217;re there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Still there was no answer. Down the road,
+Nat saw his three companions, their horses
+abreast, anxiously watching him. He smiled
+when he saw the alert posture of Ben, the
+long rifle in his hands, for Nat knew that his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[167]</span>
+cousin shot with unerring skill, and that he
+could rest safe under the protection thus afforded.
+Once more he turned his gaze upon
+the ruin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll give you a minute,&#8221; continued he.
+&#8220;If you&#8217;re not out in that time, I&#8217;m coming
+in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This had immediate results. In the broken
+doorway of the burned mill appeared a half
+dozen men; and behind them Nat made out
+a burly figure which he at once recognized as
+that of Royce.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; inquired one of the men, sullenly,
+&#8220;what do you want?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I want to have nothing to say to you, sir,
+at all events,&#8221; replied Nat, readily. Then lifting
+his voice a trifle, he continued: &#8220;Stand
+forward, Mr. Royce. Don&#8217;t be backward.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The man at once pushed his way to the
+front. His coarse, large-featured face was inflamed
+and angry looking.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So it&#8217;s you, is it?&#8221; growled he, his fierce
+eyes glowering wickedly. &#8220;I thought I recognized
+your voice.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I rather thought I recognized your<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[168]</span>
+face as you took that little observation from
+the window a few moments ago.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what do you want?&#8221; asked Royce.
+&#8220;We can&#8217;t be detained here all day by a whipper-snapper
+like you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t think of detaining you,&#8221; replied
+Nat. &#8220;I merely desired to make sure
+that I and my friends met with no reception
+that we were not prepared for.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he lifted his hand and beckoned
+his comrades forward. As they came
+up at a trot, Revere and Ben holding their
+weapons ready, Nat said to them:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think you&#8217;d better ride on while I stay
+for a little further talk with these gentlemen.
+Ben, you may halt fifty yards away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was that in the speaker&#8217;s manner
+that showed Revere that he was perfectly
+competent to carry out any plan that he had
+made. And so the convention&#8217;s messenger
+nodded his head and rode along up the road
+with the two boys.</p>
+
+<p>Nat Brewster would have given a great deal
+to have seen Ezra Prentiss&#8217; face at that moment.
+But he dared not take his eyes from
+the sullen, muttering group in the doorway of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[169]</span>
+the mill. He smiled as he heard the hoofs of
+his companions&#8217; horses rattling away. To
+Royce he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It seems, Mr. Royce, that our arrangements
+clash now and then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied the man, loweringly, &#8220;and
+take care that it does not happen once too
+often.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think the care should be upon your
+part, if you value yourself at all,&#8221; said Nat.
+&#8220;If I had spread the news abroad of your attempt
+of a week ago, the people of Philadelphia
+would have torn you apart.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If they had caught me,&#8221; sneered the man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At least they would have caught Mr.
+Dimisdale and a few others. And I have no
+doubt that you, also, could have been taken,
+had enough people been so minded. There is
+too much bitterness in the public mind to
+tolerate such plots as you are engaged in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You seem to know a great deal,&#8221; said
+Royce.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Much more, perhaps, than you even
+think,&#8221; returned Nat. &#8220;But I&#8217;ll not put you
+to the trouble of listening to it all: I&#8217;ll just
+say that any message intended for a good<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[170]</span>
+patriot is going to reach him. Make no mistake
+about that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then, as the rage of Royce grew greater
+and a look of astonishment went around the
+others, Nat continued:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now I&#8217;ll bid you good-evening. But first
+I&#8217;ll ask you,&#8221; and he never took his eyes from
+them, &#8220;to look up the road. There, I have
+no doubt, you will see a lad with a rifle.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The followers of Royce and Royce himself
+gazed up the road as directed; and from their
+expressions Nat gathered that Ben was waiting
+there with the long weapon ready.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He,&#8221; continued the young mountaineer,
+&#8220;is going, so to speak, to cover my retreat.
+And as I&#8217;ve never known him to miss a shot,
+I warn you to be very careful what you do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And with that he turned his back fearlessly
+upon them, gave rein to his horse and rode
+toward Ben, who was dismounted and planted
+in the roadway, the rifle at his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>When his cousin came up, young Cooper
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I say, now, what is all this about?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll know in good time,&#8221; replied Nat.
+Molly stood grazing at the roadside; he took<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[171]</span>
+her rein and continued: &#8220;I&#8217;ll take the mare
+with me. You come along with your face to
+them until we get out of pistol shot. They
+haven&#8217;t any heavier arms that I could see.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben followed these orders carefully. When
+they had moved out of range of any stray
+shot, he remounted and slung the rifle before
+him, a complaint plain upon his face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll know in good time, will I?&#8221; said he,
+in an injured tone. &#8220;Now, I want you to
+understand, Nat Brewster, that I&#8217;m not to be
+treated as a child. If I&#8217;m old enough to keep
+these men from shooting you in the back, I&#8217;m
+also old enough to be told who they are and
+what they were after.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; said he, &#8220;that sounds like good
+sense. And I suppose I&#8217;ll have to tell you.
+But, remember,&#8221; warningly, &#8220;it goes no
+farther.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; spoke Ben, &#8220;I promise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are the same men that I met at the
+inn on the ferry road,&#8221; Nat told him. &#8220;And,
+while I&#8217;m not sure, I think they were waiting
+for Ezra.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For Ezra!&#8221; Ben stared, open-eyed.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[172]</span>&#8220;To relieve him of the message he&#8217;s carrying
+to Dr. Warren.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see,&#8221; said Ben, soberly. Then they rode
+forward in silence until they overtook their
+companions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The ruffians,&#8221; exclaimed Revere, warmly.
+&#8220;I had not thought that thieves were so bold
+in these parts.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Common thieves are not, I suppose,&#8221; said
+Nat, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>Revere continued to fume and mutter as they
+rode along toward Bristol, the housetops of
+which were gradually coming into view.
+Ben was now riding with him and Ezra had
+fallen back until his mount was abreast of
+Nat&#8217;s.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You think, then,&#8221; said Ezra, and his tone
+was low, &#8220;that those men were not common
+thieves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do,&#8221; replied Nat. &#8220;A man&#8217;s purse
+would be safe with them, I feel sure. Something
+of greater value was in their minds, I
+feel sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So do I,&#8221; replied Ezra. He looked at Nat
+steadily for a moment and then said with a
+faint smile, &#8220;You&#8217;ve met those men before?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[173]</span>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; quietly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I felt sure that you had. And do you recall
+some words which I spoke after you told
+me of that meeting?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The words that had struck both himself
+and his uncle as veiling a threat at once recurred
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mean,&#8221; said Nat, &#8220;those regarding
+the disposition of some to reward a good service,
+and of others to repay an evil?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see you remember it,&#8221; said Ezra, and he
+smiled into Nat&#8217;s face. &#8220;So I need not repeat
+it now.&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[174]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIII<br />
+
+
+<small>SHOWS HOW NAT MET ONE STRANGER AND HOW<br />
+THE PORCUPINE MET ANOTHER</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Bristol</span> was a fair-sized village upon the
+west bank of the Delaware, and one very
+well known to persons upon their way to and
+from New York. Consequently there was a
+good inn and our wayfarers at once sought
+it out.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When I stopped here on my way south,&#8221;
+said Revere, seriously, to a hostler who came
+forward to receive their mounts, &#8220;you did
+not give my horse proper attention as I desired.
+It will not do to rub him down with a
+wisp of straw and rush him in, still wet, to
+a sloppy supper of bran mash.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The hostler protested, but Revere waved his
+hand for silence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I want him brushed and combed, and
+rubbed with a cloth,&#8221; proceeded he, severely.
+&#8220;And these others,&#8221; pointing to the steeds of
+the boys, &#8220;are to be used likewise. Then<span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[175]</span>
+they are to be blanketed until they are dry
+and cool, when they should be fed&mdash;not with
+mash, but with grain.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The groom promised faithfully to do as he
+was bidden; but it was not until he had carefully
+repeated his instructions several times
+more that Revere was satisfied and consented
+to enter the inn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The beasts can&#8217;t speak for themselves, or
+do for themselves,&#8221; said he. &#8220;So it is our duty
+to see that right is done by them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The inn was a cheerful place, with many
+brass candlesticks and painted china plates;
+and the landlady was a good-natured, rosy
+dame, who bustled about making them comfortable.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall get you a good supper,&#8221; she told
+them, &#8220;for I&#8217;m quite sure that you&#8217;ll need it
+after being so many hours upon the road.
+And there&#8217;s warm water and basins and
+towels and soap in the little room close by
+the kitchen. So you can make yourselves
+clean and fresh while you are waiting to be
+served.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They thanked her for this and made good
+use of the articles named. Nat was the first<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[176]</span>
+to finish, and as he stepped back into the inn
+parlor he noticed that a newcomer had taken
+possession of a big chair at the window overlooking
+the road, and was calmly reciting his
+desires to the obliging hostess.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall want some boiled mutton,&#8221; said
+he, &#8220;with a savory sauce. And pay heed to
+the sauce, madam; let it not be the flavorless
+thing one gets at so many inns. The meat
+served may be ever so good, but if the sauce
+has a breath too much garlic it is all ruined.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir; it shall be just as you like it, I
+assure you,&#8221; said the landlady, dropping the
+stranger a curtsey. &#8220;And will there be anything
+else, sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some potatoes&mdash;baked in their jackets&mdash;a
+small loaf and some mead&mdash;if you have any
+that&#8217;s fit for a gentleman to drink.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s none better, sir, in this section,&#8221;
+said the good dame, rather nettled. &#8220;And I
+might even say that you&#8217;d hardly find better
+in your own country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My own country!&#8221; repeated the stranger,
+and he looked at her keenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir,&mdash;England. For you are an
+Englishman, unless your tongue belies you.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[177]</span>The man laughed and waved his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will be all, I think,&#8221; said he. &#8220;So
+make haste and don&#8217;t stand making hazards
+at the private affairs of your guests.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Indignantly the hostess turned away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Such high and mighty ways,&#8221; she muttered
+to Nat. &#8220;It&#8217;ll be a blessing if he has
+enough money in his purse to settle his score
+in the morning.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And with this she went angrily into her
+kitchen, slamming the door, leaving Nat
+to seat himself upon a settle along the
+wall and amuse himself by studying the
+stranger.</p>
+
+<p>The latter was a tall man with a high,
+prominent nose and a wide, thin-lipped
+mouth. His hair was very long and worn in
+a queue, and his black-stockinged legs were
+thrown carelessly over the arm of his chair in
+an unsightly, lounging way that gave him
+the appearance of great awkwardness. There
+was still considerable daylight, and he read a
+newspaper which he took from his pocket as
+soon as the landlady had departed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And the newspaper has something in it
+which amuses him greatly,&#8221; thought Nat, as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[178]</span>
+he watched the humorous twitching of the
+thin-lipped mouth.</p>
+
+<p>Wider and wider grew the smile and at last
+the man threw the news sheet from him with
+a roar of glee.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now out upon them for a parcel of raving
+maniacs,&#8221; said he. &#8220;Did ever any one hear
+of such folly before since the world began?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he laughed his eyes rested upon Nat,
+and, apparently for the first time, he became
+aware of the boy&#8217;s presence. The eyes were
+light colored, cold and keen, as the lad saw
+when they became steadfastly fixed upon him;
+and that they were also cruel, he was firmly
+convinced.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Young gentleman,&#8221; said the man, growing
+sober enough, &#8220;good-evening.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-evening, sir,&#8221; returned Nat, politely.</p>
+
+<p>There was a long row of brass buttons down
+the front of the man&#8217;s coat; he took the one
+at the top between a thumb and forefinger in
+a speculative sort of way; then the touch
+dropped to the second button and so on down
+the row until he reached the bottom. And
+all the time the cold, light-colored eyes were
+fixed upon the lad from the north country;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[179]</span>
+and they were studying and weighing and
+estimating him steadily. Finally, so it
+seemed, the stranger made up his mind. He
+removed his legs from the chair arm and
+stretched them out before him; the waning
+sunlight played upon the big brass buckles
+upon his shoes as he turned his feet first one
+way and then the other, inspecting them
+thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will be a fine evening,&#8221; ventured he, at
+last.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So I&#8217;ve thought myself,&#8221; returned Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And following a fine day,&#8221; said the
+man.</p>
+
+<p>Nat nodded. He was disappointed. Evidently
+the stranger was not nearly so interesting
+as he looked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Travel far?&#8221; asked the man, after another
+pause, but not so long as the first.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not a great way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The stranger pursed up his thin lips and
+looked at the boy carefully. Seemingly he
+made up his mind that he might venture the
+question, for he asked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;From the city?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; was the brief answer.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[180]</span>That there might be no mistake the man
+persisted:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Philadelphia?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat nodded. Clearly the stranger was
+nothing short of a bore.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve just ridden from there myself,&#8221; said
+the lean stranger. &#8220;There is much excitement
+there, eh?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve seen places where there was a great
+deal more demonstration, so to speak,&#8221;
+went on the man, &#8220;but for genuine interest,
+felt of the heart, that city is ahead of them
+all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve thought that it seemed impressed
+with the importance of the occasion,&#8221; said
+Nat. &#8220;But that is scarcely to be wondered
+at.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is not, indeed,&#8221; agreed the man, readily.
+&#8220;It would, in fact, be cause for great wonder
+if the town and its people were not impressed.&#8221;
+He leaned toward the boy in a grave sort of
+way and continued: &#8220;Modern history does
+not show anything that can compare with the
+events which have happened of late in these
+colonies; and those which are on their way to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[181]</span>
+happen will be greater still. We shall show
+a stubborn and narrow ministry that we are
+determined to be justly dealt by.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat looked at the speaker with attention.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know,&#8221; said he, &#8220;I&#8217;m just a little
+surprised to hear you speak after this fashion?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why?&#8221; asked the stranger, and the cold,
+light-colored eyes peered through their wrinkled
+lids.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Because, as our landlady said a short
+while since, you are an Englishman, or your
+accent greatly misrepresents you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A shade of annoyance crossed the stranger&#8217;s
+face; Nat, ever watchful, saw his hands clinch
+upon the arm&#8217;s of his chair. But this only
+lasted for a moment; the lean countenance
+cleared up, the hands relaxed their grip and
+the man lay back in his chair, smiling
+amusedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is an odd thing,&#8221; spoke he, &#8220;that the
+fact of my being English has been so noted of
+late. No sooner do I open my mouth than I
+am looked at askance; if I utter a sentiment
+in favor of liberty, I am stared at in amaze;
+if I condemn tyranny, as every honest man
+should, my hearers regard me with wonder.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[182]</span>He paused and watched Nat, the smile of
+amusement still wrinkling the corners of his
+mouth. Then he leaned forward, as before,
+proceeding:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But I can tell you the reason of this. It
+is because the country is young. It is inexperienced.
+It is not yet mature enough to
+know that a man may be a friend to freedom
+no matter where he was born. Don&#8217;t forget,
+young gentleman, that true liberty began in
+England, and that it still has its lovers and
+upholders there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; said Nat, &#8220;I have no doubt but
+that there is a great deal of truth in what you
+say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is all truth,&#8221; stated the stranger positively.
+&#8220;The fact is recognized by the leading
+spirits in this movement, at least. And if
+the time ever comes, and I sincerely hope it
+shall not, that blows be struck in this land,
+there shall be no lack of men of English birth
+in the colonial army.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The man then proceeded to enlarge upon
+his theme and to point out to Nat that the
+great mass of the British population sympathized
+with the colonists, that it was only certain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[183]</span>
+merchants and ministers who, it seemed,
+had combined to oppress them. He was still
+so engaged when the landlady appeared in
+the kitchen door.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sir,&#8221; she announced, addressing the Englishman,
+&#8220;I would be much beholden to you
+if you would step in here and look to your
+dishes before they are made ready. I am not
+honored by so particular a person every day,
+and would wish to be sure that my poor skill
+as a cook has not led me wrong.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With a laugh the stranger arose, and Nat
+saw that he was of remarkable height and
+had wide, strong shoulders. And, while the
+young mountaineer had had little opportunity
+to observe the habits of military men,
+he at once put him down as a soldier.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He has the bearing that I would think a
+trained officer would have,&#8221; was the lad&#8217;s instant
+thought.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll pardon me, I know,&#8221; said the
+stranger. &#8220;The art of dining well is a very
+important one, as you&#8217;ll learn by the time you
+reach my age: so I must not miss this opportunity.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After the speaker had followed the hostess<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[184]</span>
+into the kitchen, Nat sat upon the bench and
+cogitated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is something queer about him, for
+all he&#8217;s so well spoken,&#8221; was the lad&#8217;s judgment.
+&#8220;I hardly think I should like to
+have much dealing with him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He patiently awaited his three companions;
+but as they seemed in no hurry to join him he
+bent over and picked up the newspaper which
+the Englishman had so contemptuously
+thrown aside.</p>
+
+<p>As it happened, it was folded just as the
+man had been reading it, and Nat saw at once
+that it was a detailed account of the proceedings
+of Congress that must have excited the
+reader&#8217;s derision. Nat put down the sheet,
+and an expression of understanding crossed
+his face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lucky I saw that,&#8221; said he. &#8220;The
+man&#8217;s quality is plain enough now, and I&#8217;ll
+know how to use him from now on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A little later at the sound of high voices
+he went to a window overlooking the inn
+yard. Paul Revere was there, as was also
+Ezra and Ben, and the former was lecturing
+the grooms for some shortcoming in their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[185]</span>
+care of the horses. Nat looked and listened,
+greatly amused at the earnestness of the man
+from Boston, and as he did so, he indistinctly
+saw, out of the tail of his eye, a small figure
+under the brick arch that opened into the
+yard. Swiftly turning his head in that
+direction he was surprised and astonished to
+recognize the form of the Porcupine.</p>
+
+<p>That the dwarf saw Nat at the window was
+at once evident; for he lifted one hand in a
+quick beckoning movement and gave a flirt
+of his hand toward the front of the inn. Nat
+nodded; he turned, walked to the main door
+and out upon the porch. Across the road
+was a tall elm tree; the Porcupine now stood
+near this, but in such a position as not to be
+readily seen by any one looking from the
+windows of the inn.</p>
+
+<p>Nat crossed to the elm in a state of amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Porcupine,&#8221; began he at once, &#8220;you are
+the most astonishing little animal I ever saw.
+How did you ever get so far from home?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf grinned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, this isn&#8217;t so far,&#8221; replied he. &#8220;I&#8217;ve
+often been here with Simon Nichols, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[186]</span>
+kitchen gardener. You see, he has a sloop
+and takes it to the city every second day, in
+the season, with fresh green things. When I
+heard that you were going off to Boston, I
+knew you&#8217;d stop here overnight; so I
+boarded Simon&#8217;s sloop yesterday in Dock
+Creek and got here about noon to-day. He&#8217;s
+always glad to have me because I can help
+work ship and do lots of things when he&#8217;s
+short handed, as he &#8217;most always is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat laughed heartily; and yet he was
+touched.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you put yourself to all this bother
+just to see me off, did you?&#8221; he asked; and
+the other nodded. &#8220;Well, you&#8217;re a queer
+little fellow, aren&#8217;t you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So I&#8217;ve been told before,&#8221; grinned the
+Porcupine. &#8220;But,&#8221; more soberly, &#8220;there are
+some just as queer, and at no great distance
+from here, either.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The tone in which these words were spoken
+attracted Nat&#8217;s attention at once. He had
+known the dwarf but a short time, but he
+had come to understand that when he
+spoke in a certain way he was very much in
+earnest.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[187]</span>&#8220;Has anything happened?&#8221; asked the lad
+from the north.</p>
+
+<p>The other shook his head dubiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; answered he. &#8220;But I
+should say something is going to, unless the
+signs are all wrong.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat looked at the speaker attentively; but
+as usual he did not try to hurry him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As this is the inn where I felt sure you&#8217;d
+stay for the night,&#8221; proceeded the Porcupine,
+&#8220;I came here as soon as Simon had tied up
+the sloop at his place about a mile above.
+The landlady is a good sort, for when she saw
+me standing about the door, she gave me
+some bread and cheese, and I came over here
+in the shade to eat it. And while I sat here,
+a man came up&mdash;a strange-appearing man
+with gold rings in his ears and the look of a
+gypsy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Good afternoon,&#8217; he says as he gets sight
+of me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[188]</span>&#8220;I, politely enough, bid him the time of
+day and fell to studying him as he stood
+there looking up at the inn. He carried a
+heavy staff and pack upon his back. As he
+came along, I had noticed that he limped like
+one footsore from a long journey; but for all,
+he seemed cool and clean. There was but
+little dust upon his shoes and none at all
+upon his stockings.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_188.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="drop-cap"><i>&#8220;THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG,
+THEN&#8221;</i></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have excellent observation, Porcupine,&#8221;
+praised Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It does not do to keep one&#8217;s eyes shut in
+such times as these,&#8221; answered the dwarf,
+wisely. &#8220;And, again, I shouldn&#8217;t get any
+credit for it, because I was just idling away
+the time until you rode up and had no notion
+of anything being wrong.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah,&#8221; said Nat, with increased interest,
+&#8220;there is something wrong then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Again I must say that I don&#8217;t know,&#8221;
+and the speaker shook his head. &#8220;It only
+seemed queer to me; and what followed
+looked a great deal more so. But sit down
+here,&#8221; added the dwarf, indicating a place
+where some bushes would screen Nat from
+the inn windows. &#8220;It would be just as well,
+maybe, if you were not seen talking to me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat did as directed; then the speaker once
+more took up his story:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;After a few moments the gypsy-looking
+man walked over, threw off his pack, sat<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[189]</span>
+down and began to fan himself with his hat.
+Then I saw that he was tattooed upon the
+back of his hands, and looking carefully I saw
+that on one was a ship and on the other the
+Union Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Do you belong hereabouts?&#8217; says he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Not very far away,&#8217; I answers him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;I&#8217;ve come a long distance,&#8217; says he, &#8216;to
+meet some friends. Has any one gone into
+the inn lately?&#8217;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;The landlady,&#8217; I told him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And with that,&#8221; continued the Porcupine,
+&#8220;I could see that he began to think me a
+great deal of a fool. He was not so careful
+thereafter.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;If you&#8217;ll go into the inn yard and see
+what horses are there, freshly come in, I&#8217;ll
+give you a shilling,&#8217; he says.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Very well,&#8217; says I; and I was about to
+start across the road; but he stopped me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Especially mark,&#8217; says he, &#8216;if there is a
+fine looking bay horse, a small mare, a wicked
+looking raw-boned black and a buckskin stallion.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Our horses!&#8221; ejaculated Nat, &#8220;and described
+as well as I could describe them myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[190]</span>&#8220;I found that out afterward,&#8221; said the
+Porcupine, &#8220;though if I&#8217;d thought, I&#8217;d have
+recognized your nag and Ben Cooper&#8217;s, even
+then. But anyhow, I went into the yard and
+looked about, also into the barn; but there
+was none but old work horses, and so I told
+the man with the rings in his ears when I
+came out. He didn&#8217;t appear to relish it very
+well and muttered and went on at a great
+rate. Then something seemed to strike him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Is there another inn in Bristol?&#8217; asked
+he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;There is,&#8217; I told him. And I was just
+giving him the directions when we heard the
+clatter of hoofs, and along you came with
+your friends. I stopped until you had all
+gone into the yard; and when I turned my
+head once more, the man was running down
+the road in the direction from which he had
+come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; questioned Nat, &#8220;why did you not
+come in and tell me all this at once?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Because I felt sure there was to be more
+come of it. And I was right. The foreign-looking
+man had gone no great distance when
+a second one rode into the path and stopped<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[191]</span>
+him short. They talked together for a little
+while and then the first man disappeared in
+a thicket, while the second came on quietly
+enough and entered the inn.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He was a tall man, lean and with a large,
+thin nose, was he not?&#8221; came the question.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I looked through the window and saw
+you talking to him a while ago,&#8221; answered
+the dwarf. &#8220;I suppose, though,&#8221; with a grin,
+&#8220;he didn&#8217;t tell you what he wanted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hardly,&#8221; said Nat, &#8220;for from what you
+have seen, it would scarcely bear telling.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They were silent for a moment, and then
+the boy from Wyoming resumed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The day has not been without its interest;
+and from the look of things, the night is promising
+to keep pace with it.&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[192]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIV<br />
+
+
+<small>THE NIGHT PROMISES WELL</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Nat Brewster</span> left the Porcupine under the
+big elm across from the Bristol inn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Say nothing to any one,&#8221; he warned him.
+&#8220;I&#8217;ll have the landlady get you a supper and
+make you up a bed somewhere where you&#8217;ll
+not be noticed. Remember, I don&#8217;t even
+want Ben to see you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He crossed the road and entered the inn in
+deep thought. The mission of the two
+strangers greatly troubled him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course,&#8221; he told himself, &#8220;it&#8217;s connected
+with the message that Ezra carries to
+Dr. Warren. But who are these men? They
+do not belong to the party we encountered at
+the burned mill, I feel sure; for they go about
+their work in a more crafty and experienced
+manner.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Of course, under the circumstances, to show
+Ezra that he knew anything about them was
+out of the question.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[193]</span>&#8220;And I can&#8217;t tell Mr. Revere or Ben anything
+either,&#8221; he reasoned, &#8220;for as soon
+as I had done so they would let it all out to
+Ezra. And, if there is any truth in my
+suspicions that the strangers are friends of his,
+he&#8217;d warn them at once, a thing that I most
+particularly don&#8217;t want done.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In a very little while the candles were
+lighted and the tables spread with smoking
+dishes. In the meantime Nat had spoken
+quietly to the landlady, and the good soul had
+at once fallen in with his plans of feeding and
+housing the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But I quite agree with what you say,
+young gentleman, in regard to not allowing
+my other guests to know of his presence.
+They might object to having such an unfortunate
+in the house. Travelers, you know,
+are most peculiar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And so Nat had the satisfaction, when he
+sat down to his supper, of knowing that his
+little friend was also well taken care of,
+and in a position, perhaps, to render a
+prompt service, if such a thing should be
+necessary.</p>
+
+<p>Revere, Ezra, Ben Cooper and Nat were gathered<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[194]</span>
+about a large table; a smaller one was
+laid for the tall Englishman, and he smiled
+contentedly as he tucked the generous napkin
+under his chin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Madam,&#8221; said he, to the landlady, &#8220;I
+take this occasion to ask your pardon. I did
+you the discredit of questioning your skill in
+cookery; but in the presence of these gentlemen
+I take it back unreservedly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you have not tasted the dishes as
+yet,&#8221; protested the landlady, assuming to be
+short and vexed. But in reality she was
+much mollified.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t need to taste them to be assured of
+their excellence,&#8221; spoke the stranger with a
+wave of the hand. &#8220;The aroma that arises
+as I lift each separate cover is enough for me.
+You are not a cook, madam; you are an
+artist.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And so with great good humor he fell to
+and proved to be a worthy trencherman.
+Revere, eating generously of his own supper,
+watched their neighbor in high admiration.
+At length he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is not at every inn one finds such excellent
+fare, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[195]</span>&#8220;Right!&#8221; and the stranger saluted him
+with his knife. &#8220;Right, sir. And that is
+why I was suspicious at the off-start. But,&#8221;
+and he bowed to the now gratified hostess
+with great politeness, &#8220;I shall always remember
+the town of Bristol. I shall write the
+name large in the records of my experiences,
+because it is a place that possesses an inn
+where a gentleman can dine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he was speaking the door opened and a
+newcomer made his appearance. At sight
+of the small gold rings in his ears, the pack
+upon his back and the heavy oaken staff in
+his hand, Nat Brewster recognized him as the
+stranger to whom the Porcupine had talked
+on the road. He was a swarthy looking fellow
+and decidedly like a gypsy, as the dwarf
+had said; but there was a roll to his gait and
+an air about him that would have told an experienced
+observer that he was no stranger to
+the sea.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I would like accommodations, madam,&#8221;
+said he to the landlady, and there was a foreign
+blur of some sort that spoiled the distinctness
+of his speech.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Supper, a bed and breakfast, I suppose,&#8221;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[196]</span>
+said the woman, very brisk and businesslike.
+Foot travelers were never very profitable as a
+rule, and she did not waste much time upon
+them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you please,&#8221; said the dark man. He
+threw down his knapsack and stood the staff
+in a corner. &#8220;And as I am hungry I should
+like my supper as soon as you can give it to
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall have to lay another cloth,&#8221; said
+the landlady, with the air of one who does
+not altogether like a task. &#8220;I would that
+you had come sooner, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am sorry to be troublesome,&#8221; said the
+other, civilly enough; but for all, Nat saw a
+look in his piercing black eyes that gave the
+lie to his words.</p>
+
+<p>The tall stranger had been quietly listening
+to this dialogue with a careless air. But now
+he arose.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Madam,&#8221; said he, politely, to the hostess,
+&#8220;to save you trouble and offer the hand of
+good fellowship to a stranger and a wayfarer,&#8221;
+bowing to the swarthy man, &#8220;let me say that
+the other side of my table is at the gentleman&#8217;s
+service.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[197]</span>&#8220;Why,&#8221; said the pleased landlady, &#8220;that is
+very kind of you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The sailor-like man looked properly grateful.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I thank you, sir,&#8221; said he. &#8220;I did not expect
+such civil treatment from one whom I
+never saw before.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As the newcomer settled himself into a
+chair facing the other, Ben, who sat beside
+Nat, whispered to him, lowly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t have expected it of him at any
+rate. But he must be a far better natured
+man than I&#8217;d put him down to be.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>However, Nat only smiled. The play between
+the two men, who were greeting each
+other as strangers, interested and amused him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And they do it very well, too,&#8221; he thought,
+sadly neglecting his food that he might miss
+nothing of what was going forward. &#8220;If I
+did not know what the Porcupine told me I&#8217;d
+be deceived as well as the most innocent of
+them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a wearying and sultry time of the
+year to tramp the roads,&#8221; said the tall man to
+the newcomer, sympathizingly. &#8220;I hope you
+have not far to go.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[198]</span>&#8220;To Trenton,&#8221; responded the swarthy man.
+&#8220;And it&#8217;s a long journey enough when you
+consider that I&#8217;ve come from New Castle in
+Delaware.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it so, indeed? And bearing that pack
+upon your shoulders, too.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not so comfortable as it might be,&#8221;
+laughed the other shortly; &#8220;and not so lightly
+carried as your saddle-bags, which I see hanging
+upon the wall.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The tall man turned and looked where the
+other pointed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It just happens that I&#8217;m not sure that those
+are mine,&#8221; said he. Then running his eye
+over the array of hats, saddle-bags and riding-whips
+which hung upon the wooden pegs, he
+remarked, addressing those at the other table:
+&#8220;Did it ever occur to you, gentlemen, how
+alike all such things are? For the life of me
+I can&#8217;t see why we are not continually mistaking
+each other&#8217;s property.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now that I think of it,&#8221; spoke Mr. Revere,
+&#8220;I must say that I agree with you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I knew you would,&#8221; said the tall man.
+Then with a laugh he added, lightly: &#8220;But
+let us put it to the test.&#8221; He looked at the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[199]</span>
+things upon the wall as though reckoning
+them up. &#8220;There are four&mdash;yes, five pairs of
+saddle pouches. Come, now,&#8221; and he ran his
+eyes over his neighbors until they rested upon
+Ben, still laughingly, &#8220;let us see if you can
+tell which is your own and which are your
+friends&#8217;.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat, with a start, grasped the man&#8217;s idea
+instantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ezra placed the message to Dr. Warren in
+his saddle pocket,&#8221; he said to himself. &#8220;This
+man in some way knows of it, and is taking
+this means of making sure which are Ezra&#8217;s.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was plain that Ben Cooper did not altogether
+relish being selected to make what
+the stranger called the test. While the boy
+never dreamed of the real truth, as it flashed
+into Nat&#8217;s brain, still there was something in
+the man&#8217;s manner that did not please him&mdash;a
+cunning and a mockery, well hidden, but
+present nevertheless. However, he did not
+see how he could well refuse, so he set about
+the task without further ado.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The pair at the end I do not know, so I
+suppose they must be yours, sir,&#8221; said he.
+&#8220;Next are Mr. Revere&#8217;s, because they are of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[200]</span>
+polished leather, and next are Ezra&#8217;s because
+they are of pigskin and almost new&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wait, wait!&#8221; interrupted the smiling
+stranger. &#8220;Which of your friends is Ezra?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is my name, sir,&#8221; answered young
+Prentiss steadily enough.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&#8221; said the other, and he looked at
+him searchingly. &#8220;Thank you.&#8221; And as
+Ben told off the other two pairs of saddle-bags
+the speaker added: &#8220;Well, well, you have
+sharp eyes, young gentleman. I did not think
+it could be done so easily.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>During the above, Nat had not devoted all
+his attention to the stranger. Ezra had come
+in for his share of observation, and the boy
+from the mountains saw the various changes
+of expression that had flashed over his face.
+At the first reference to the saddle-bags by the
+tall man, Ezra had glanced at him quickly&mdash;and
+there was something in the glance that
+was puzzled and hesitating. But as the other
+proceeded the boy grew slightly pale and Nat
+saw his lips come together in a tight line.</p>
+
+<p>And as the others talked and laughed, Nat
+pondered the subject in his own mind carefully.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[201]</span>&#8220;It is plain to me,&#8221; he told himself, &#8220;that
+these men are met here for the purpose of
+possessing themselves of Mr. Adams&#8217; letter.
+But why has it been necessary for them to go
+to all this trouble if Ezra is in league with
+them? Why could he not have arranged to
+meet one of them quietly and hand over the
+document without further bother? It would
+have been much simpler, much easier and
+much safer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This point puzzled him for a space; then
+the possible reason for all the plotting came to
+him like an inspiration.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have it,&#8221; he thought. &#8220;If the message
+were delivered to these people secretly, Ezra
+would be held accountable&mdash;he would be suspected.
+If some show is made of taking it
+from him against his will, with all of us as
+witnesses, he can easily convince his employers
+that he did all he could to safeguard it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This idea grew and took shape in Nat&#8217;s
+mind. And he began to suspect that the tall
+man&#8217;s attempt to pass himself off as a sympathizer
+with the colonies had not been so clumsy
+after all. It was possible that he might have
+thrown himself open to suspicion intentionally,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[202]</span>
+so that in the end, if he succeeded
+in securing the paper, it could be shown that
+there had been a systematic plan laid and
+carried through for its possession.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If this is so, it is very ingeniously and
+carefully laid,&#8221; thought the boy. &#8220;And I
+must keep my eyes wide open.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After supper they remained in the inn parlor
+talking with the two strangers for a time; at
+length Revere, looking at a massive silver
+watch that he carried, said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s coming nine o&#8217;clock, lads. Let&#8217;s to
+bed. We&#8217;ll needs be up in the morning early
+to get a good start.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Willingly enough the three boys arose and
+began gathering up their belongings. Nat
+saw the hungry eyes of the two men upon the
+pigskin saddle-bags, which now hung from
+Ezra&#8217;s arm, and he smiled grimly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s one thing to want a thing and
+another thing to get it,&#8221; he muttered. &#8220;You
+may get Mr. Adams&#8217; message in the end, my
+friend, but if you do, you&#8217;ll have harder work
+of it than you think.&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[203]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XV<br />
+
+
+<small>HOW THE PROMISE WAS KEPT</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">But</span> that Nat Brewster was not the only
+one who had noticed something odd in the
+evening&#8217;s proceedings was made evident as
+they all four ascended the wide stairs of the
+inn. Lowering his voice to a husky whisper,
+Paul Revere said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On the road it&#8217;s best, my lads, to pin
+your confidence upon no one&mdash;unless you are
+sure who he is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hello,&#8221; said Ben Cooper, &#8220;what&#8217;s brought
+that out?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Revere held up his flaring candle, for the
+landlady had provided each of them with
+one; the light danced in their faces and up
+and down upon the walls and ceilings, throwing
+their distorted, gigantic shadows along the
+staircase.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nothing,&#8221; answered the horseman of the
+Suffolk Convention, &#8220;but the caution of an
+old traveler. I say nothing against any one,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[204]</span>
+mind you; but it is well to be careful. The
+sweetest spoken person is not always the one
+most to be trusted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I get your meaning,&#8221; spoke Ezra
+Prentiss. &#8220;You are of the opinion that the
+man below is not altogether to be trusted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They had reached the landing upon the
+second floor; the rooms which they were to
+occupy were just at hand. Revere made a
+gesture with the lighted candle that caused
+the shadows to crouch and then spring madly
+apart.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I repeat,&#8221; said he, &#8220;that I say nothing
+against any one. However, it would be just
+as well to keep your eye upon this.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As he uttered the last word he struck the
+pigskin saddle-bags smartly with his hand
+and nodded his head wisely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think it&#8217;s very good advice,&#8221; said Ben
+Cooper, thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I,&#8221; remarked Ezra. &#8220;Good-night,
+Mr. Revere, and thanks. Good-night, Nat.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Good-nights were said and they entered
+their rooms. Ezra and Ben were to occupy a
+large room in which were a pair of huge
+four-poster beds. Nat and Revere had separate<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[205]</span>
+rooms, but as it happened, there was a communicating
+door between.</p>
+
+<p>The man placed his candlestick upon the
+top of a chest of drawers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never saw a finer or more careful lad
+than Ezra,&#8221; he remarked, &#8220;but I&#8217;d as leave
+Mr. Adams had given me his errand to do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why?&#8221; and Nat Brewster turned his
+head, looking at the speaker with interest.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Only that a person of years is naturally
+more cautious,&#8221; returned Revere. &#8220;Now
+take for example the fact that Ezra hung his
+saddle pouches upon the wall. Was that not
+very like carelessness?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But he had them before his eyes all the
+time,&#8221; said Nat.</p>
+
+<p>Revere waved his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I grant you that. But it was no way to
+do. A person upon an important mission
+cannot be too sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a short pause, then Nat said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You did not mistrust the man below at
+first, I think.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No; I thought him a hearty fellow
+enough. It was when the other arrived that
+I noticed something that rang false. He received<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[206]</span>
+the dark man as though he were a
+stranger. But I&#8217;ll hazard a guess that they
+knew one another well enough.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see,&#8221; said Nat; and after that he had a
+greatly increased respect for the observation
+of Mr. Paul Revere.</p>
+
+<p>As it happened, Revere chose the inner
+room, the windows of which opened upon the
+courtyard. Nat&#8217;s apartment overlooked the
+road and lay next the hall. In a very little
+while the boy heard the dismal creaking of
+Revere&#8217;s bed as the man climbed into it.
+Then, after a great number of yawns, there
+came the deep breathing of a person fast
+asleep.</p>
+
+<p>But Nat had no desire to follow his example.
+He knew that he ought to be rested
+for the long journey of the morrow; but his
+brain was full of thoughts, his eyes unwinking;
+he had never felt so wide awake in his life.</p>
+
+<p>There was a high sky that night and the
+stars gleamed clearly; but there was no moon
+and things were apt to be more vague and
+melt more swiftly into the blackness that
+lurked under the fences, trees and at the sides
+of buildings. Nat stood at his window looking<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[207]</span>
+out upon the darkness and waiting for
+the sounds that would tell him the strangers
+were taking themselves to bed. But as they
+seemed in no hurry to do this, the boy soon
+fell under the spell of the September night.
+Every rustle in the elm across the road was
+plain to him; and the rasp of insects, deep in
+the grass, came clearly to his ears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I like the nights in this flat country,&#8221; he
+said softly to himself. &#8220;Things seem more
+distant. They don&#8217;t come crowding upon
+you like they do among the hills.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Just then the rattle of halyards and spars
+sounded from the river, the gleam of a starboard
+light came winking over the water in a
+long, thin trail and the huge loom of a sail
+showed ghostlike against the stars. The romance
+of this dim vessel appealed to the boy.
+What was she&mdash;where was she bound and
+what strange adventures would she bring her
+crew before her prow parted the waters of the
+Delaware again?</p>
+
+<p>Half dreaming, Nat Brewster continued to
+watch; then he was quickly called back to
+the present by the sound of footsteps on the
+inn stairs. He turned from the window and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[208]</span>
+listened. Lightly, swiftly the steps ascended;
+a dim glimmer of light from a bedroom candle
+was thrown along the hall and entered Nat&#8217;s
+room at the transom. But in an instant it
+had vanished and the footsteps grew fainter
+and finally died away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s gone the other way,&#8221; Nat said to
+himself. &#8220;His room is probably at the rear
+of the building.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As they had stood upon the landing listening
+to Revere Nat had noticed that the staircase
+was in the center of that wing of the
+building and that the hallway ran in either
+direction from it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whichever of them it is,&#8221; muttered the
+boy, &#8220;he&#8217;ll be well out of the way, at any rate.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For a long time he stood and listened for
+the other man. But there were no further
+footsteps or sounds of any sort.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Strange!&#8221; thought the listener. &#8220;Is it
+possible that two really came up that time?
+I felt sure that it was only&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He had gone so far when he suddenly
+shrank back from the window. Across the
+road he had seen a moving shadow, unquestionably
+the dim figure of a man.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[209]</span>&#8220;I have it,&#8221; breathed Nat. &#8220;The second
+man is to remain on watch outside. And,&#8221;
+with a grim setting of his jaws, &#8220;that proves
+to me that there is going to be something attempted,
+as I thought.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He had laid the long pistol upon a chair
+shortly after he had entered the room. Now
+he took it up, raised the hammer and renewed
+the priming.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is nothing like being sure,&#8221; he
+thought. &#8220;And unless I&#8217;m entirely wrong, a
+pistol that&#8217;s ready to fire will be a useful
+thing to have at hand before very long.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again he fell to waiting. A clock from
+some distant part of the hostelry struck eleven
+and then midnight. It was some time after
+that&mdash;how much, Nat did not know&mdash;for he
+had gradually become drowsy&mdash;when a faint
+creaking noise suddenly came from the hall.
+With the step of a cat he crept to his room
+door and laid his ear against its edge to
+listen.</p>
+
+<p>He was not mistaken; there was a soft
+scuffling sound, much like that which would
+be made by a person advancing slowly and
+with much caution.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[210]</span>Outside his door the sound ceased, and a
+long silence followed. At first Nat was convinced
+that the prowler intended to enter his
+apartment; but a moment&#8217;s thought showed
+him that the man could hardly be working
+by chance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The door of the room occupied by Ben
+and Ezra directly faces mine,&#8221; was Nat&#8217;s conclusion.
+&#8220;It is there he has stopped and it
+is there he is going to enter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A faint click&mdash;so faint as to be scarcely discernible&mdash;came
+from the other side of the
+door. The prowler had lifted the catch and
+was probably at that moment standing with
+his eyes peering through the darkness into
+the opposite room. Nat gave him a moment
+to get well within the room; then he grasped
+the handle of his own door, slowly and noiselessly
+swinging it open.</p>
+
+<p>The hall was dark save for the starlight
+that sifted through the window at the front.
+But just then there came the crackle of a
+tinder-box in the room opposite, as it caught
+the spark from a steel. Nat saw a form
+crouching close to the floor. Then there was
+a swift glance&mdash;a swifter movement and the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[211]</span>
+pigskin saddle-bags were in the hands of the
+unknown.</p>
+
+<p>So, pistol in hand, Nat stepped into the
+doorway.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now then, whoever you are,&#8221; he said in a
+loud tone, &#8220;stand steady, or it will be the
+worse for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the light was extinguished. He
+heard the four-posters creak as the sleepers
+awoke and sat up; and he was just about to
+cry a warning to them when a strong hand
+hurled him aside and a dark figure leaped
+down the hall toward the window. Nat had
+a confused sense of hearing startled voices
+calling out; but he did not pause to learn
+what they were crying.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop!&#8221; he shouted. &#8220;Stop, or I&#8217;ll
+fire!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But the unknown paid no heed. Under
+the hall window was a porch roof. Leaping
+through the one he gained the other; as he
+did so the pistol exploded with a terrific
+report and the heavy ball flew by his head.
+He was balancing himself upon the edge of
+the roof for a leap when Nat sprang out and
+upon him. Clutched in each other&#8217;s arms they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[212]</span>
+swung backward and forward for a moment
+and then fell into the road.</p>
+
+<p>The shock broke their holds. Bruised and
+bleeding Nat Brewster staggered to his feet.
+Lights were beginning to flash at the inn
+windows and eager faces to peer out. The
+stranger was also rising; the saddle-bags were
+in his hands, and Nat sprang forward to grasp
+them, when he received a terrific blow from
+behind and fell forward upon his face in the
+dust of the road.</p>
+
+<p>Ben Cooper, staring from his bedroom
+window, candle in hand, saw the person who
+struck the blow raise his bludgeon as though
+to deliver a second.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the stranger with the earrings,&#8221; cried
+the boy.</p>
+
+<p>Lights were now shining from various windows
+and the roadway before the inn was
+dimly illuminated; the man was clearly the
+same, and there was a fierce look upon his
+face as he steadied himself for the finishing
+stroke. But just then came a most tremendous
+barking and growling; petrified
+with astonishment, Ben saw a great dog
+rushing furiously forward from the inn<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[213]</span>
+yard&mdash;and held in leash by the Porcupine.</p>
+
+<p>The monstrous beast sprang upon the
+swarthy man and crushed him to the ground;
+dragging the dwarf after it like a feather,
+it rushed upon the tall man, who had risen
+and was gazing around in a most bewildered
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>Then Ben, followed by Ezra, leaped out
+upon the porch and thence to the ground; and
+though they arrived upon the scene of action
+but a moment or two later, it was to find the
+two strangers gone, and the Porcupine and
+dog masters of the situation.</p>
+
+<p>With the help of Revere they carried Nat
+into the inn parlor; the landlady, who was
+now up, as were indeed all the people of the
+hostelry, began staunching the flow of blood
+from a wicked cut in his scalp, all the time
+lamenting that such a thing should have occurred
+at her house.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The villains!&#8221; she said. &#8220;The ungrateful
+wretches! I hope they get their deserts!
+To strike a poor lad like this&mdash;to attempt a
+robbery here&mdash;to run off without settling
+their score.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[214]</span>&#8220;Now,&#8221; demanded Ben Cooper of the Porcupine,
+who was perched upon the arm of the
+settle where Nat lay, &#8220;how on earth did you
+come here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I came to see him,&#8221; answered the misshapen boy,
+a catch in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>The landlady gave the speaker a look that
+was full of wonder and contained just a little
+fear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How he ever came to make up with that
+wicked beast, Hector, is more than I can understand,&#8221;
+she said to the others. &#8220;I have
+had that dog chained in the yard these three
+years, and only one or two of us dare go near
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can always make friends with dogs,&#8221;
+said the dwarf. &#8220;All I need is a chance to
+talk to them. And when you put me in the
+loft over the stable to sleep my window was
+just above him; so I had no trouble at all.
+When the noise began I knew what it was
+right away, and so I made good use of Hector.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Here Nat opened his eyes and began to
+stare bewildered about him. Revere, Ben
+and the landlady bent over him, but Ezra
+looked keenly at the dwarf.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[215]</span>&#8220;When the noise began you knew what it
+was,&#8221; repeated he. &#8220;How was that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never mind,&#8221; replied the dwarf, coolly.
+&#8220;I knew; so let that be enough.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat&#8217;s wits came slowly back to him during
+this time, and he painfully grasped each fact
+as it presented itself to him. The struggle
+with the stranger came first&mdash;then, finally,
+the object of the man&#8217;s visit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The saddle-bags!&#8221; he cried, starting to his
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are gone,&#8221; replied Ben Cooper in a
+startled tone, for in his anxiety for Nat this
+important fact had been forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Nat&#8217;s eyes went accusingly toward Ezra; he
+had not fully recovered from the shock of the
+blow and the boy&#8217;s figure was seen through a
+sort of haze.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And the message?&#8221; spoke Nat, in an unsteady
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is safe,&#8221; replied Ezra Prentiss, quietly.
+&#8220;I have it here in my pocket.&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[216]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVI<br />
+
+
+<small>THE TALL MAN BRINGS A FRIEND</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">At</span> the announcement of Ezra, his companions
+gazed at him in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What Mr. Revere said upon the stairs as
+we were going to bed,&#8221; said the young New
+Englander, &#8220;made quite an impression upon
+me. So I had not been buried in the four-poster
+long before I found that I could not
+sleep so long as the message was where it was.
+So I got up, removed it from the bag and put
+it under my mattress.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Revere was much gratified at this.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now,&#8221; said he, &#8220;that was wisdom. And
+I am glad that any words of mine saved you
+from such a loss. Always be as careful&mdash;you
+will find that it adds to your peace of mind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Nat Brewster was puzzled, and the look
+which he directed at the dwarf showed that
+that personage was in the same state of mind.
+However, he was in no condition to grapple
+with perplexities, so he put the thing from him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[217]</span>
+for the time. His head was bandaged and
+before long they got back to bed once more.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning the wounded boy had a severe
+headache; but toward noon it wore away and
+he thought himself fit to travel.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; said he, decidedly, to Revere, when
+announcing his intentions, &#8220;we&#8217;re going to
+be a party of five from now on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expected that,&#8221; said the other. &#8220;Ben&#8217;s
+been telling me about that little imp that he
+calls the Porcupine, and how he rendered you
+services of some sort upon other occasions beside
+that of last night.&#8221; Then after a pause:
+&#8220;So you think of taking him along?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Nat. &#8220;If I can get him a
+horse it would be much better; but if not, I&#8217;ll
+carry him on mine, as he&#8217;s no great weight.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll see what can be done,&#8221; said Revere.
+&#8220;Horse flesh ought to be plenty in these parts;
+and that means that it should be cheap.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The result was that Nat paid out about all
+the money he had for an angular, swift little
+bay horse, along with which came a worn
+saddle and bridle. The Porcupine received
+these evidences of favor with great delight.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Maybe,&#8221; said he to Nat, &#8220;I&#8217;ll be a lot of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[218]</span>
+trouble on the road, but I&#8217;ll try not to be.
+And then,&#8221; with his usual grin, &#8220;I may be
+useful again in some way; for as you know
+I&#8217;m a pretty handy sort to have around on the
+outside.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They reached Trenton after dark that night
+and by the next were well into the north
+Jerseys. They slept one night in New York,
+then crossed the little colonies of Rhode Island
+and Connecticut into Massachusetts; and at
+the end of eight days, were arrived safe at
+Boston.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; said Revere, as they paused in
+Marlborough Street, near the Old South Meeting
+House, &#8220;I must leave you for a time.
+Before I sleep this night the members of the
+convention must be notified that the Continental
+Congress has acted, so that they may
+assemble to-morrow to receive its formal
+resolutions.&#8221; He shook hands with Nat, Ben
+and the Porcupine. &#8220;I shall see you again
+before you leave the city, no doubt; if not,
+good-bye.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As Revere left them, Ezra said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be as well that I should deliver
+my letter to Dr. Warren, also. Misadventures<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[219]</span>
+on the road have taught me that a
+messenger is never safe until his errand is
+done.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They turned their horses&#8217; heads in the
+direction of Hanover Street, where the great
+patriot lived; and in a little while, leaving
+their horses in care of the Porcupine, they
+were shown into the library, where Dr. Warren
+received them. That he was all eagerness
+to read the communication from Mr. Adams
+was evident, but first he greeted Ben and Nat,
+bidding them welcome and directing a
+servant to prepare supper for them at once.
+When he had seen them comfortable and inquired
+eagerly after the cause in Philadelphia,
+he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now you&#8217;ll pardon me, I know.
+Mr. Adams is sure to have matters of moment
+to write of.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And so, while the lads watched him, he
+broke the seals and carefully read the message.
+By the way his face lit up they knew that the
+news was good, and that the future had a
+brighter prospect than the present. When he
+had finished, he carefully tore the paper into
+fragments.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[220]</span>&#8220;You see,&#8221; said he to the boys, laughing,
+&#8220;it is not well for a marked man, such as I,
+to have papers about him that will tell so
+much. Almost at any time Gage is likely to
+take courage and swoop down upon me with
+a file of men.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And how are things in Boston, sir?&#8221;
+asked Ezra.</p>
+
+<p>An anxious look came into the doctor&#8217;s
+fine, worn face. But, for all, there was hope
+in it also.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bad enough,&#8221; he answered. &#8220;But the
+people hold out wonderfully. The Port Bill
+has them upon the verge of starvation; those
+of us who were rich are now poor&mdash;those
+who were poor are now beggars.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then the law is enforced strictly?&#8221; said
+Nat Brewster.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor laughed bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Strictly enough,&#8221; said he. &#8220;The harbor
+is covered with British ships of war. And
+not only is the city&#8217;s foreign commerce cut
+off, but its domestic as well. Let a scow
+bring lumber or iron, or a lighter attempt to
+land hay from the islands and they are
+stopped. If a farmer attempts to ferry over<span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[221]</span>
+his marketings or float his sheep into the
+city, the fleet is ever ready to capture or destroy
+them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is, indeed, a condition of affairs not to
+be tolerated,&#8221; remarked Ezra, warmly. &#8220;But
+how has Gage treated the people lately?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, fairly enough. But he dare not do
+otherwise. The new laws are observed only
+in Boston; the whole outlying colony is in
+revolt against them, and I think he&#8217;s in fear
+that there may be an outbreak before he&#8217;s
+ready for it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you suppose will be the end of it,
+sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We must fight!&#8221; answered the doctor,
+gravely; &#8220;and to win, we must make preparations.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good!&#8221; cried Ezra, and the light in his
+eyes was that of one who feels deeply. &#8220;And
+as for the preparation, I suppose that is still
+going forward.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Warren nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We have magazines of stores at Concord
+and Worcester which are constantly being
+added to. Cannon, powder and musket-balls
+are being gathered from every possible source.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[222]</span>
+The organizations of militia are being
+drilled daily; the minutemen, as we have
+called them, stand ready to answer the call of
+the Committee of Safety, day or night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For a long time the patriot talked to the
+boys with simple, unsuspicious directness.
+And Nat noticed that he, like Revere and
+Mr. Adams, seemed to have perfect trust in
+Ezra Prentiss.</p>
+
+<p>That night the boys spent at the &#8220;Green
+Dragon,&#8221; an inn much frequented by the
+patriotic townspeople. Next day Ezra made
+ready to ride to his home, which had been in
+Cambridge for the past year or two.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course,&#8221; he said to Nat, &#8220;what time
+you stay about Boston, you will spend as my
+guest. So get ready and go out with me
+now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Nat shook his head. It was an awkward
+situation, and the young mountaineer
+felt it deeply. Suspecting Ezra as he did, he
+could not accept his hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will be a great deal more comfortable
+at Cambridge than in the city as it now is,&#8221;
+urged Ezra.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have no doubt of that,&#8221; returned Nat.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[223]</span>
+&#8220;But there are reasons why I should not go.
+However, I thank you for your kindness.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The two boys were standing apart upon the
+pavement of the Green Dragon; and as Nat
+made this answer, Ezra regarded him steadily
+with his frank, honest eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For the first time in my life I know what
+it is to be held at arm&#8217;s length,&#8221; said he.
+&#8220;And not only now, but since I first met you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat did not reply; and the other resumed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know when I&#8217;ve met any one whom
+I&#8217;ve more earnestly desired to make my friend
+than you. Sometimes I&#8217;ve thought it would
+come about; but more often I&#8217;ve thought it
+otherwise.&#8221; Nat saw his mouth twitch as he
+turned away, adding: &#8220;There may be a reason
+for it all; if there is,&#8221; meaningly, &#8220;don&#8217;t forget
+that it was no fault of mine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Of course Ben accompanied his friend to
+Cambridge. He was vastly surprised when
+he learned that Nat was not to bear them
+company; but after one or two questions he
+subsided; for he had come to understand that
+Nat only told those things which he desired
+to tell.</p>
+
+<p>And as the two rode away down the street,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[224]</span>
+the lad from Wyoming turned to the Porcupine
+who sat upon a bench before the
+&#8220;Dragon&#8221; and said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, midget, what do you think?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The little eyes of the dwarf seemed to read
+what was in his tall friend&#8217;s mind. He
+nodded toward the riders who were now some
+distance away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;About him?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well&mdash;yes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I like him,&#8221; said the Porcupine. &#8220;I like
+him same as you do, and same as every one
+does. But he&#8217;s got a good many things to explain
+before I&#8217;d trust him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; remarked Nat, soberly, &#8220;that&#8217;s
+about what I think too.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon the two paid a visit to Paul
+Revere at his shop in North Square; and Nat
+had a long talk with the engraver as he
+worked industriously at a plate.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can lose no time,&#8221; said the man at the
+beginning, by way of apology. &#8220;I&#8217;m taken
+away from my work so often now that I must
+improve each moment I can snatch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But he talked incessantly just the same;
+and Nat learned much of the condition of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[225]</span>
+Boston, its conflict with king and parliament,
+of its patriotic population, and the vigorous,
+if secret, measures taken to oppose the army of
+Gage.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; said Revere, at last, pausing
+in his work, and surveying Nat with questioning
+eyes, &#8220;how would you like to stay on in
+a town in such a plight?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat was rather puzzled as to just how to
+take this; but before he could speak, Revere
+went on:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had some talk about you with your
+cousin as we journeyed along, and he told me
+just how it is with you. As far as I can see,
+though of course my information is limited,
+there is no great call for you to go back to
+Philadelphia, just yet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; Nat replied. &#8220;There is not.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good!&#8221; exclaimed Revere. He leaned
+against his bench and scratched his chin.
+&#8220;There are many brawny, ready young men
+of excellent courage in the city, I have no
+doubt,&#8221; he continued; &#8220;but one must see
+them in action before making sure. Such
+a one is wanted. Dr. Warren has asked
+me to recommend him a youth of quality<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[226]</span>
+for work that will need to be done in Boston
+during the winter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you think I would answer?&#8221; inquired
+Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am sure you would!&#8221; cried Revere, in
+high admiration. &#8220;Have I not seen you in
+stress of danger? You were like a rock for
+steadiness, and you planned like an old campaigner.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just what is the work?&#8221; asked Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll tell you another time,&#8221; said Mr. Revere,
+and Nat noticed him cast a look in the direction
+of the Porcupine, who sat in a high-backed
+chair drinking in the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t be afraid to trust him,&#8221; said Nat,
+warmly. &#8220;I never had a more faithful friend
+than he has proven himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll speak to Dr. Warren,&#8221; said Revere,
+evasively. &#8220;It may be that the need he spoke
+of has passed. Come to-morrow at this time
+and I&#8217;ll let you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat spent the remainder of the day and
+part of the next wandering about the city,
+looking curiously upon the closed stores, the
+military encampments, the trim looking warships
+and transports that rode at anchor in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[227]</span>
+river. But more than anything else he was
+interested in the people, the quiet, watchful
+people, so careful that no one should do anything
+that could be in any way considered an
+offence to the military. Boston knew that
+the day of blood was coming; but when it
+came she wanted to be able to say that she
+did not strike the first blow.</p>
+
+<p>At about noon on the day following the
+departure of Ezra and Ben, Nat paused before
+a likely looking coffee-house in Orange Street
+not far from Allen&#8217;s Lane.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shall we go on to the &#8216;Dragon&#8217; or shall
+we have something here?&#8221; asked he of the
+Porcupine.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do feel rather peckish,&#8221; returned the
+dwarf, &#8220;and the &#8216;Dragon&#8217; is a long way off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So without more ado, Nat made his way
+into the place, followed by his odd-looking
+ally. There were oaken tables and chairs
+about the main room, and at the side were
+others screened by curtains of baize.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;ll be more comfortable here, I think,&#8221;
+said Nat, selecting one of these; and so they
+seated themselves and made known their wants
+to an attentive waiter. As they ate their thick<span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[228]</span>
+barley soup with big pewter spoons and
+nibbled at bits broken from a crusty loaf, their
+eyes wandered about the great square room
+and through the door at the people who passed
+so quietly, up and down.</p>
+
+<p>There were some prints upon the wall that
+after a little attracted Nat&#8217;s attention; and it
+was while examining these that he heard a
+sputtering cry from the Porcupine. Turning
+his head he found that the latter was
+apparently choking upon a morsel of bread and
+a mouthful of soup; but at the same time he
+was almost frantically pointing through the
+open door with his spoon.</p>
+
+<p>Nat turned his gaze in that direction and
+his excitement almost equaled that of his
+companion when he saw, standing upon the
+pavement before the coffee-house, the tall
+stranger whom they had encountered at the
+Bristol inn.</p>
+
+<p>But instantly Nat&#8217;s excitement left him.
+Surprise seldom mastered him; in moments of
+danger he usually was at his coolest.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just give that curtain a twitch,&#8221; he said to
+the dwarf, who was nearest the hanging folds of
+baize. &#8220;I think the gentleman is coming in.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_228.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="drop-cap"><i>HE SAW THE TALL STRANGER</i></p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[229]</span>The Porcupine did as directed; and it was
+none too soon, for the tall man, who had apparently
+paused outside to greet an acquaintance,
+strode into the coffee-house, laughing
+and slapping his boot leg with a thick, silver-knobbed
+cane.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And look who is with him,&#8221; whispered
+the Porcupine, clutching his friend&#8217;s arm,
+almost fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ezra Prentiss!&#8221; breathed Nat, and sank
+back into his chair, his face stern and set.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[230]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVII<br />
+
+
+<small>WHAT NAT HEARD AT THE COFFEE-HOUSE IN<br />
+ORANGE STREET</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">As</span> Nat Brewster and the dwarf breathlessly
+watched, the newcomers at the coffee-house
+in Orange Street were taken in hand by
+the same attentive servant who had waited
+upon the boys; and he pulled back chairs for
+them at a table only a few feet distant. They
+briefly made known what they desired and
+when the waiter had taken himself off, the
+tall man, after surveying his companion, said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I suppose you are glad to get back
+to Boston?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you doubt it?&#8221; laughed the boy, his
+elbows upon the table, his chin in his palms.
+&#8220;It seems that this is the only place in which
+I can accomplish anything.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The tall man nodded as though he agreed
+perfectly with this saying.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It seems so indeed,&#8221; replied he. &#8220;You<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[231]</span>
+had the long journey to Philadelphia practically
+for nothing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I don&#8217;t know when I worked harder,&#8221;
+said the other. &#8220;But everything seemed
+against my success&mdash;especially this Nat Brewster.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A sour, vindictive look came into the man&#8217;s
+face; his curved nose seemed more hawk-like
+than ever and his thin lips were set in a straight
+line.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As far as I have been able to judge,&#8221; went
+on the boy, &#8220;young Brewster is quite a
+person.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf jogged Nat&#8217;s elbow and grinned
+up at him, but the young mountaineer shook
+his head warningly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, he was person enough to give me a
+nasty fall from the top of that porch,&#8221; said the
+tall man, morosely.</p>
+
+<p>The lad across the table laughed amusedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never mind, Chesbrook,&#8221; said he. &#8220;Your
+hurts will heal. And then you got them in a
+good cause. It&#8217;s not for a lieutenant in
+the royal navy to make faces about a few
+bruises.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps,&#8221; remarked Lieutenant Chesbrook,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[232]</span>
+&#8220;if it were you that had the same
+hurts, you wouldn&#8217;t be so apt to laugh about
+them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Maybe not,&#8221; returned the lad. &#8220;But
+Brewster did not get off unmarked.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This time the man laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That Neapolitan strikes a hard blow,&#8221;
+said he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Friend Nat is going about with a bandage
+around his head, at any rate. But he is
+toughly made, and I think would stand a
+great deal of rough usage.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I may put him to the test if he remains in
+Boston long,&#8221; said Chesbrook, grimly. &#8220;And
+as for that imp who came down upon us with
+the dog, I&#8217;ll be the death of him. The bites
+which the beast gave me before I could get
+out of its reach are worse than the other
+injuries by far.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, he&#8217;s a brisk little villain, that dwarf,
+for all,&#8221; laughed the boy. &#8220;I wish he were
+as fast a friend to me as he is to Nat Brewster.
+I could make use of him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what I complain of worse than anything
+else,&#8221; continued the lieutenant, &#8220;is the
+fact that all my hurts are for nothing.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[233]</span>&#8220;But you got a pair of very excellent
+saddle-bags,&#8221; laughingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you had not valued those boys so
+lightly,&#8221; complained the lieutenant, &#8220;it would
+not have been necessary to resort to this last
+plan of yours.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The other nodded. The laughter quickly
+vanished from his face and an expression of
+vexation took its place.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right,&#8221; he said. &#8220;And as it was,
+to have broken into the inn at Bristol and
+taken the message by force would have been
+the proper way of going about it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t forget that our friend Royce tried
+something of the sort only an hour or so
+south of the town. His success was no greater
+than mine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He did not count upon resistance. If he
+had, there would probably be a different story
+to tell.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not count upon resistance!&#8221; The lieutenant
+laughed heartily. &#8220;Well, that&#8217;s an
+odd sort of way of setting out upon a venture.
+He and his men were armed, were
+they not? Then they must have thought of
+a possible resistance. But,&#8221; sneeringly,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[234]</span>
+&#8220;when the time came, they were afraid to
+fire.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a short silence, during which
+time their food was served them. When the
+waiter had once more departed, the man proceeded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When I got the news of Royce&#8217;s failure in
+the matter of the men from Virginia, I lost
+faith in him. He allowed himself to be beaten
+by a boy and a few grooms.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think his courage can be doubted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps not. But his qualities as a leader
+can. If a competent man had been on hand
+to carry out that enterprise we would have
+broken the heart of this growing rebellion at
+one blow.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So I think, too. But,&#8221; and a deep shade
+of anxiety came into the speaker&#8217;s face, &#8220;as
+matters stand now, it looks very bad, eh?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;General Gage thinks so, at any rate. You
+know when he first arrived to take the governorship
+of the colony of Massachusetts Bay,
+he had a very poor opinion of Americans. Indeed,
+he still pretends to think the same. His
+letters to the king&#8217;s ministers, so I hear, still
+maintain that the colonists are cowards, that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[235]</span>
+they will not fight, that they will not hold
+together long enough to make this movement
+serious, that they are mere blusterers who
+think to bully the king into doing what they
+ask. But it&#8217;s common talk aboard ship, at
+least, that he&#8217;s grown anxious. When he
+sends troops beyond the limits of the city,
+though they go bravely enough, with flying
+colors and to the music of their bands, he
+does not know if they will return alive, or no.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I&#8217;ve heard that the towns all about
+are very determined.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And they show their determination in a
+practical way by taking all the ammunition
+from the public magazines and hiding it
+away for their own use. All the cannon they
+can lay hold of are used the same way; those
+guns which they have not succeeded in carrying
+off, they&#8217;ve spiked or thrown into streams.
+And, I may add, that the spirit which sets
+mothers, wives and daughters to moulding
+musket-balls for a defence of what they call
+their country&#8217;s rights, is one hard to put
+down.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But why does not General Gage make an
+effort to stop all this?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[236]</span>&#8220;How can he? Massachusetts must first
+be overawed by a huge army&mdash;which Gage
+has not at command&mdash;before any sort of successful
+measures can be taken. To attempt it
+now might cost a thousand lives. And I
+know,&#8221; added the man, with a grim smile,
+&#8220;that you wouldn&#8217;t care to see that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no,&#8221; replied the boy, his face going
+pale. &#8220;I think that above all else open war
+must be prevented.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gage is willing enough to let matters
+stand as they are. He thinks that in the end
+the people will become more divided and the
+whole matter settle itself. But the Tories
+are at him constantly to take measures.
+Nothing will do them but that their Whig
+neighbors shall be hanged or punished in
+some equally vigorous way; and they also demand
+that expeditions be sent to suppress the
+outlying towns. Up to this time, the governor
+has resisted them; but I hardly think he
+is man enough to continue to do so.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then for a long time the two ate their food
+in silence. Then the man asked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are living at Cambridge, I suppose.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied the other.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[237]</span>&#8220;And still hold yourself in readiness to
+answer our call.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know that I do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good! If all in Massachusetts were half
+so ready to prevent an outbreak as you, we&#8217;d
+need to have no fear of the result.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Finally they arose and paid their score.
+While awaiting change for the gold piece
+which Lieutenant Chesbrook had given the
+waiter, that officer asked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you intend to return to Philadelphia,
+do you not?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If there is a message from the Adamses, I
+will,&#8221; replied the boy.</p>
+
+<p>And with that their change came; then the
+two walked out of the place, while Nat and
+the Porcupine sat staring at each other across
+their table.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[238]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVIII<br />
+
+
+<small>IN WHICH DR. WARREN AND PAUL REVERE<br />
+LISTEN INTENTLY</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was some little time before either Nat
+or the dwarf spoke; then the latter said
+slowly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I suppose you have no more doubts
+now. I guess you&#8217;ll think with me that he&#8217;d
+only one reason for going to Master Chew&#8217;s
+house on the night that I saw him there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat&#8217;s face was sternly set and there was a
+look in his eyes that was unmistakable.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied he, &#8220;I have no more doubts
+now. Ezra Prentiss is all that I have suspected
+him to be. But in this he has reached
+the end of his rope. I shall keep silent no
+longer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good!&#8221; exclaimed the Porcupine, his stiff
+crest of hair seeming to grow more erect with
+excitement. &#8220;But,&#8221; lowering his tone, his
+manner changing quickly, &#8220;even now there
+is something queer about it all.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[239]</span>Nat looked mutely at the lad for an explanation;
+the dwarf went on:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There was a plan laid between Ezra and
+this naval officer to steal the message of Mr.
+Adams, was there not?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Their talk would make it seem so, at all
+events,&#8221; replied Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then why was the plan not carried out?
+The matter lay in their own hands. If Ezra
+Prentiss wanted the message taken, why did
+he remove it from the saddle-bags?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is more than I can say,&#8221; answered
+Nat, in a low, brooding voice. &#8220;It has a
+very unusual look. Something happened, perhaps,
+to show the thing not to be desirable at
+the time. Otherwise I cannot account for it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They sat in the Orange Street coffee-house
+for some time talking over the matter. Nat
+had often before noticed the good sense of the
+dwarf and the intelligent expression of his
+opinions. But to-day both were so noticeable
+that in sheer surprise the young mountaineer
+finally said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Porcupine, how old are you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sixteen,&#8221; replied the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must have had pretty good schooling.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[240]</span>&#8220;Five years. A Quaker gentleman sent
+me to Master File&#8217;s Academy. But he died
+and I had no money to continue any longer,
+so back I went to sleeping in doorways, while
+I staid in the city, and in barns when I took
+to the country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A little later, Nat, looking at the tall clock
+which stood in a corner, said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I&#8217;d better make my way to North
+Square, and see Mr. Revere; and as he seems
+disinclined to talk before a third person, you
+had better wait for me at the &#8216;Dragon.&#8217;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After leaving the Porcupine to make his
+way to the inn, Nat Brewster set into a brisk
+pace and in a short time found himself once
+more at the house of Paul Revere.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah,&#8221; said that worthy, heartily gripping
+him by the hand, &#8220;I was just this moment
+thinking of you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat sat down upon an oaken bench; the
+engraver went on with his work, every now
+and then looking up to nod at his caller; but
+all the time he talked steadily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Last night,&#8221; he said, &#8220;I saw Dr. Warren
+and Dr. Benjamin Church, and I talked with
+them about you.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[241]</span>&#8220;Who is Dr. Church?&#8221; asked Nat, who
+had never heard of that gentleman before.</p>
+
+<p>Revere&#8217;s face became clouded; a little frown
+wrinkled itself across the top of his nose.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dr. Church,&#8221; said he, &#8220;is a well-known
+gentleman who has mixed himself much in
+the movement. He is a frequenter of my
+shop; he has written verses that have appeared
+upon some of my prints.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah,&#8221; said Nat, &#8220;a patriot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Paul Revere shook his head. Lowering
+his voice cautiously, he made answer:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not so sure of that. He is a member
+of the Committee of Safety, and, with the exception
+of Dr. Warren, is the only person who
+is told of the secret doings of the Sons of
+Liberty. Yet I don&#8217;t trust him overmuch.
+He&#8217;s too friendly with the Tories and, I have
+heard, is upon terms with Gage himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>An anxious look crept into Nat&#8217;s face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, the struggle for liberty is like to be
+honeycombed with treachery before it has
+fairly begun to live.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He was about, there and then, to bring up
+the matter of Ezra Prentiss, deeming it a fitting
+time; but Revere&#8217;s thoughts drifted back<span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[242]</span>
+to what he had upon his tongue in the first
+place.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dr. Warren was most pleased with what
+he heard about you,&#8221; said the engraver.
+&#8220;More than ever he desires some one in
+whom he can trust to be at hand when
+wanted. Ordinarily he would call upon me,
+but I&#8217;m ofttimes taken up with my own
+affairs and cannot attend to the committee&#8217;s
+business as I&#8217;d like. He said,&#8221; continued
+Revere, &#8220;that he&#8217;d be pleased to have a talk
+with you to-night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was arranged after some further conversation
+that Revere was to call for Nat at the
+&#8220;Dragon&#8221; about eight in the evening and
+then they were to go together to the doctor&#8217;s
+house in Hanover Street.</p>
+
+<p>This program was carried out, and they
+found the great patriot still at his supper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had been called out, and am but now returned,&#8221;
+he said. &#8220;But I am delighted to see
+you both.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nothing would do but that they should
+draw up their chairs and join him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here is an excellent joint,&#8221; smiled he,
+&#8220;and a capon pie that will please you if you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[243]</span>
+admire cookery. And then we can talk more
+comfortably, you see.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And though they had just supped, they
+again sat down with the doctor. After some
+little gossip of a general nature, Revere said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have been talking to Master Brewster,
+doctor, as you suggested. And as he seems
+anxious to help in the work, I brought him
+to see you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The doctor looked at Nat good-naturedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Revere is an ardent admirer of yours,&#8221;
+said he, &#8220;and has been telling me some of the
+misadventures of your journey north. And
+I may say that your own part in them has
+taken my fancy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Travelers,&#8221; replied Nat, &#8220;come upon unexpected
+things, and must somehow overcome
+them. That&#8217;s all I tried to do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All!&#8221; cried Revere. &#8220;All! Well, perhaps
+so; but it was enough to save all our
+lives from the hulking thieves gathered in
+that ruin. And again, it required courage to
+do what you did to save Mr. Adams&#8217; letter,
+even though you failed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You see,&#8221; said Dr. Warren, laughing;
+&#8220;Revere will make you out a hero whether<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[244]</span>
+you will or no. But,&#8221; and his face grew
+graver, &#8220;I think you would be of good service
+here in Boston if you could but stay.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If there is need of me,&#8221; said Nat, &#8220;I can
+stay.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The doctor&#8217;s eyes shone with pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Excellent!&#8221; ejaculated he. &#8220;There is a
+promptness and decision about that which I
+like. And,&#8221; he proceeded, bending toward
+Nat, &#8220;there is much need of you. We have
+things to do which require courage and adaptability&mdash;qualities
+which I&#8217;m inclined to think
+you possess.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am ready to undertake anything that
+you think I can do,&#8221; said the lad.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gage and his officers are to be watched.
+The British must make no move that shall
+not at once be reported to us. Revere has organized
+a body of mechanics to patrol the
+streets night and day; but we must have some
+one for a venturesome task&mdash;to learn what the
+governor&#8217;s intentions are before he gives the
+command.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How is that to be done?&#8221; asked Nat, puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will explain some ways in which I think<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[245]</span>
+it might be done, later,&#8221; said Dr. Warren.
+&#8220;Ezra Prentiss was to have taken up this
+task; but his being selected by the Adamses
+to help in their work at Philadelphia prevented
+it. I know that he would have been
+successful; and I feel sure that you will.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat had, after careful deliberation, made up
+his mind that before this meeting with Warren
+came to an end, he would unburden himself
+of all his knowledge of Ezra and lay his
+suspicions and the cause of them out for the
+judgment of that calm-minded patriot.</p>
+
+<p>As he could imagine no better opportunity
+for doing this than the one which now presented
+itself, he addressed his host nervously,
+across the table.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dr. Warren,&#8221; he inquired, &#8220;how long
+have you known Ezra Prentiss?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The patriot hesitated, then turned to Revere.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How long has it been since you first
+brought him here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some two years, I should say,&#8221; returned
+Revere. &#8220;He&#8217;d but lately joined the Sons of
+Liberty, and seemed so warm for the work
+that I thought we could find things out of the
+ordinary for him to do.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[246]</span>&#8220;And some of the tasks we set him to perform
+were very much out of the ordinary,&#8221;
+praised Dr. Warren, warmly. &#8220;And I never
+expect to see anything more enthusiastically
+done.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; insisted Nat, &#8220;do you know nothing
+more of him than this?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was something in the boy&#8217;s voice that
+made the two men look at him questioningly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know,&#8221; answered Revere, &#8220;that he is a
+native of Boston; but that&#8217;s all. However,
+we don&#8217;t ask for pedigrees in these days. For
+proof of that witness your own case. Deeds
+are what count with us and nothing else.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a pause. Dr. Warren laid his
+knife and fork crosswise upon his plate, sat
+well back in his chair and looked at Nat intently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; said he, at last, &#8220;there is something
+back of what you&#8217;ve said.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m going to tell you something,&#8221; said
+Nat, with a grave air. &#8220;Something that will
+try your credulity, perhaps, but that is nevertheless
+true for all that. I ask your attention
+and I promise to venture no opinion. I am
+going to tell you nothing except what has<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[247]</span>
+happened and will leave it for you to pass
+judgment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go on,&#8221; said Dr. Warren.</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon Nat began his tale and related it
+much after the fashion in which he had told
+it to his uncle. But of course there were the
+additional things&mdash;the happenings since they
+had left Philadelphia and, most damaging of
+all, the scene in the coffee-house only a few
+hours before.</p>
+
+<p>Both Warren and Revere listened with the
+utmost attention; not once did they interrupt
+the boy as briefly and lucidly he sketched the
+happenings that had given him so much anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; he concluded, &#8220;I felt that I
+could not withhold this any longer&mdash;that it
+was my duty to place the facts before you.
+And, as I said at the beginning, I venture no
+opinion. I leave it to you to say what it all
+means.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What you have told us is most astounding,&#8221;
+said Warren, &#8220;and yet there is that in
+it which carries conviction. What is your
+opinion, Revere?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The engraver shook his head.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[248]</span>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know what to say,&#8221; he replied.
+&#8220;Ezra has always, as far as I could see, been
+worthy of trust. But in the face of all that I
+have just now heard&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; and he gestured
+helplessly, as though unable to finish the
+sentence.</p>
+
+<p>Then the two plunged deeply into the
+matter and discussed its every side. Every
+now and then they appealed to Nat for the
+verification of some fact; and the boy was
+greatly relieved to find that not once did they
+doubt any feature of his story. At length
+Dr. Warren said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To spread this tale abroad would do little
+good. In fact, it might do considerable harm;
+for the people, you know, are easily struck
+with panic. The knowledge that there are
+traitors within the lines would have a bad
+effect upon many.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; said Nat, &#8220;will it not be much
+more harmful to allow this boy to continue
+as he is doing? He occupies a position which
+endangers&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Dr. Warren interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He will not occupy it for long,&#8221; said he,
+quietly. &#8220;I will despatch word to Samuel<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[249]</span>
+Adams to-morrow detailing everything and
+asking him to act upon the matter as he
+thinks best. And that will mean only one
+thing&mdash;that Ezra Prentiss will be entrusted
+with no more important work.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was late at night when Revere and Nat
+Brewster left Dr. Warren&#8217;s house and proceeded
+along Hanover Street.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never expected to hear anything like
+this,&#8221; said the engraver, as he shook his head
+sadly. &#8220;I&#8217;d have trusted that boy with my
+life if need be.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can understand that,&#8221; replied Nat. &#8220;And
+that is the feeling that made me hold my
+tongue till now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;However,&#8221; spoke the man, &#8220;we have other
+matters to think about. It&#8217;s a sore thing to
+lose a friend, but we&#8217;ve no time for grieving.
+Work is ahead for all of us&mdash;work that
+will mean much for the colonies if we can
+perform it properly.&#8221;</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[250]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIX<br />
+
+
+<small>IN WHICH A WINTER PASSES, BRINGING MANY<br />
+THINGS</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> very next night, Nat Brewster was admitted
+with all due formality to membership
+of that devoted band of patriots known as the
+&#8220;Sons of Liberty,&#8221; of which Paul Revere
+was a leading spirit. This organization met
+in one of the upper rooms of the &#8220;Green
+Dragon,&#8221; and the young mountaineer was
+astonished to find how complete were their
+plans of resistance should the time come when
+it should be necessary to take up arms.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately, after another consultation
+with Dr. Warren, the boy took up the work
+that had been assigned to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One of the most pressing needs of the
+British army now encamped in Boston,&#8221; said
+the doctor, &#8220;is for barracks to shelter them
+during the coming winter. The artisans of
+Boston have refused to undertake the building,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[251]</span>
+and so bricklayers, masons, plasterers and
+carpenters are largely in demand. If you were
+one of these now&#8221;&mdash;and he looked at Nat
+speculatively, &#8220;you&#8217;d be able to get inside
+the lines and perhaps gather information of
+great value to us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have done a great deal of rough carpentry,&#8221;
+said Nat. &#8220;And though I am no
+great mechanic, still, I may do, if they are
+badly pressed for men.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Excellent!&#8221; said Dr. Warren, greatly
+pleased. &#8220;Lose no time in applying to the
+officer in charge.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This Nat did, later in the same day; and
+his services were snapped up eagerly at much
+higher wages than usual.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Those villains of Whigs will not take
+honest work in the king&#8217;s service,&#8221; complained
+the red-faced captain in charge of the
+work. &#8220;They&#8217;d rather stand about the streets
+meditating treason and throwing black looks
+at decent persons who uphold the laws.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So during the days that followed Nat sawed,
+planed and nailed in the midst of the British
+with great energy. And all the time he
+watched keenly and listened for any news<span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[252]</span>
+that might be of importance. At night he
+patroled the streets with Revere and his
+thirty mechanics; and there was little that
+escaped their sharp eyes and alert minds, for
+they scattered into every part of the town
+where they thought there might be a movement
+of the king&#8217;s troops.</p>
+
+<p>Nat saw very little of Ben Cooper, and
+nothing at all of Ezra for some days; finally
+one evening as he sat at supper at the
+&#8220;Dragon&#8221; Ben burst in upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ezra has been recalled to Philadelphia,&#8221;
+he stated. &#8220;He starts in the morning, so be
+ready and you can pick us up on the way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m going to remain in Boston,&#8221; said Nat,
+calmly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Going to remain in Boston!&#8221; Ben almost
+gasped these words, so great was his astonishment.
+&#8220;Why, what for?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have urgent reasons,&#8221; replied Nat.
+Then seeing his cousin&#8217;s reproachful look, he
+added, laughingly, &#8220;Well, I suppose I&#8217;ll
+have to tell you about it; but you will have
+to promise not to say anything to any one&mdash;not
+even Ezra.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ben looked at Nat challengingly.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[253]</span>&#8220;I say,&#8221; said he, &#8220;what&#8217;s the matter with
+Ezra? Somehow or other you don&#8217;t take to
+him very well.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s said something to you, has he?&#8221;
+said Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s said nothing,&#8221; replied Ben warmly.
+&#8220;But I&#8217;ve got eyes and I can see as well as
+the next.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat was silent for a moment. He could
+tell Ben nothing of that particular affair because
+Dr. Warren had asked both himself and
+Revere to keep silent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll say nothing about your ideas regarding
+Ezra and me,&#8221; said he, at last. &#8220;But I
+will say, under promise that you tell no one,
+that I remain in Boston to carry out some
+work required of me by Dr. Warren.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now there was no more ardent patriot
+among them all than good-natured Ben
+Cooper. So upon hearing his cousin&#8217;s words
+he at once gave up all expectation of his accompanying
+them south.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well,&#8221; said he. &#8220;If that&#8217;s the case,
+I suppose I&#8217;ll have to leave you here. But
+the Porcupine will go back with me, of
+course.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[254]</span>&#8220;No,&#8221; said Nat. &#8220;I rather think he wants
+to remain. But,&#8221; turning to the dwarf who
+sat near him, &#8220;speak for yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll stay with you if you&#8217;ll let me,&#8221; came
+the answer promptly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you see,&#8221; smiled Nat to Ben, &#8220;you
+will have the trip all to yourselves. But,&#8221;
+with a sudden recollection of what was due to
+his uncle, &#8220;I must get you to take a letter
+to your father.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So while Ben waited, he got a bottle of ink,
+a quill and a sheet of thick paper, with which
+he set about composing a long letter to Mr.
+Cooper. When he finally finished and sealed
+it up, he had told everything of importance
+there was to tell. Ben remained for some
+time talking and then got upon his horse for
+the ride to Cambridge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know,&#8221; said he, as he mounted
+and sat looking down at his cousin, &#8220;that I
+rather envy you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Because there is something in the air of
+this town that tells me that it&#8217;s here or hereabouts
+that the explosion is going to take
+place.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[255]</span>&#8220;You are always finding things in the air,&#8221;
+laughed Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, if I do, I am generally right,&#8221;
+argued Ben. &#8220;Just you wait and see.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then they shook hands and said good-bye;
+Ben waved his hand and nodded smilingly to
+the Porcupine, who replied with a grin; then
+the rein was given the little roan, and she
+scampered away down the dimly lit street.</p>
+
+<p>During the whole of the long, gloomy
+winter that followed, Nat Brewster saw no
+more of his cousin; once there came a letter
+from Mr. Cooper in which Ben enclosed a
+page of greetings, but that was all.</p>
+
+<p>But Nat had little time to think of these
+things. As the winter advanced the situation
+became more and more tense. The arming of
+the people went steadily on, as did the collecting
+of the military stores. Nat, in one capacity
+or another, served Dr. Warren and the
+Committee of Public Safety continuously; he
+kept as close as possible to the British sources
+of information and more than once was lucky
+enough to secure news that was of great help
+to the cause. But the Porcupine was invaluable;
+he developed a musical talent, which<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[256]</span>
+Nat had not suspected, and upon a strange looking
+string instrument of his own manufacture
+he played and sang Tory ballads at inns and
+places where the royalists resorted. In this
+way he made himself popular with them and
+so gained admittance to places which would
+otherwise have been denied him; the result was
+that there was scarcely a thing of consequence
+talked of among the Tories that escaped him,
+or failed to reach the ears of the committee in
+due course.</p>
+
+<p>In this way it became known to Warren
+and the rest of the patriot committee that
+Gage had about despaired of his policy of inaction;
+he had made up his mind to disarm
+the people and seize their leaders.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He has been desirous of having an army
+of twenty thousand men before resorting to
+this,&#8221; Nat told Dr. Warren in repeating what
+he had heard. &#8220;But he has made up his
+mind that these will never be sent him, so he
+is going to make the attempt with his present
+force.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Which is about thirty-five hundred,&#8221; said
+Dr. Warren. &#8220;But how is he to proceed, or
+haven&#8217;t you heard?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[257]</span>&#8220;The Porcupine, as it happens, heard that
+very subject talked of last night at the &#8216;George
+and Griffin.&#8217; Ruggles, the loyalist leader,
+has asked General Gage to send troops to
+Marshfield to protect the Tories from violence.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No violence is meditated against them,&#8221;
+said Warren, sternly. &#8220;That is but a subterfuge
+to test the willingness of the people to
+permit troops to march into the outlying sections.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>On January 23d, General Gage sent one hundred
+men and three hundred stand of arms to
+Marshfield. All Boston, it seemed, was on
+the streets to watch the tiny column move
+out of the city; and as Nat stood gazing with
+interest upon the scene, he was surprised to
+see Ezra Prentiss upon the edge of the crowd
+at the opposite side of the street. They exchanged
+formal salutes, but neither made any
+attempt to cross to the other. Nat knew that
+the brothers Adams had left Philadelphia at
+the adjournment of Congress, but he had
+heard nothing of Ezra; and, indeed, had given
+him but little thought.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That means that we must both be more
+careful,&#8221; said the Porcupine, when Nat told<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[258]</span>
+him of the meeting. &#8220;If he sees you among
+the British and me among the Tories, he&#8217;ll be
+sure to whisper something in their ears that
+will put us in danger.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In sending the troops to Marshfield, Gage
+feared an outbreak; but when the colonists
+merely looked sullenly on and no hand was
+raised against the soldiers, the governor grew
+elated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They dare not really oppose the king&#8217;s
+troops,&#8221; he is reported as saying. &#8220;And when
+the spring opens, I&#8217;ll prove it to even themselves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A few brass cannon and gun carriages had
+been deposited by the patriots at Salem, and
+about a month later Nat, by the merest chance,
+learned that Colonel Leslie and a detachment
+were to be sent to seize them. At Warren&#8217;s
+command the young mountaineer sped to Salem
+as fast as the hard-mouthed black would
+take him.</p>
+
+<p>It was Sunday morning and the Puritan
+town was still and covered with snow. But
+within an hour the streets were alive with
+citizens, all ready to defend the guns. As the
+latter were upon the upper side of North<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[259]</span>
+Bridge, the draw was raised, and when the
+British arrived they could not cross the river.
+Several large gondolas lay upon the south
+bank. Colonel Leslie at once gave orders that
+his men cross in these; as the soldiers moved
+toward the boats Nat saw a youth, followed
+by several older persons, rush forward, push
+the craft into the water and proceed to scuttle
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The redcoats waded into the stream and
+with their bayonets tried to stop this. The
+boy leader lifted an oar with which to defend
+himself and then, for the first time, Nat recognized
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ben Cooper,&#8221; he cried in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later the boats sank, and their
+occupants struck out for the north side, swimming
+lustily and uttering derisive cries.</p>
+
+<p>Flushed and angry, Colonel Leslie stood at
+the open draw and shouted across at the townspeople:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lower the draw in the name of the king.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Rev. Mr. Bernard, a clergyman of
+Salem, stepped forward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Colonel,&#8221; said he, &#8220;I take you for a just
+and reasonable man, and one who would not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[260]</span>
+wish to stain the Sabbath day with blood.
+This is a private way; you have no right to
+cross if the owners see fit to object. So go
+your way in peace.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Leslie had been especially warned by Gage
+not to persist if there was danger of bloodshed;
+and now the news reached him that
+the minutemen from all the country round
+had been sent for, and indeed, that the company
+from Danvers had just arrived. But he
+was a determined officer, and as he had set
+out to cross the bridge he made up his mind
+to do so.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am going to march my men across,&#8221;
+declared he. &#8220;If you will peaceably lower
+the draw, I&#8217;ll agree to proceed no more than
+thirty rods beyond it. But if you refuse&mdash;well,
+you must accept the consequences.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon the draw was lowered; the British
+had the empty triumph of crossing; but the
+brass guns were safe, and the incoming militia
+drew up in line and watched the redcoats
+depart, their fifes squeaking dismally, their
+drums beating a hollow tattoo.</p>
+
+<p>When all danger was past, Nat began a
+search for Ben Cooper. But the swimmers<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[261]</span>
+had landed some distance below the bridge;
+he located a few of them, but Ben was nowhere
+to be found.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The boy who first started for the boats
+was a stranger to us,&#8221; the men told Nat.
+&#8220;We never saw him before. But he&#8217;s a
+plucky one, whoever he is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>All the way back to Boston Nat wondered
+over this strange incident.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, I had not thought Ben within hundreds
+of miles of Boston,&#8221; he said. &#8220;And
+here he pops up in the midst of a thing like
+that just passed. However, I suppose he&#8217;ll
+hunt me up before long and give an account
+of himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But this Ben did not do; weeks passed and
+Nat still heard nothing of him. At last the
+latter made up his mind that he had been
+mistaken.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It couldn&#8217;t have been Ben, or he&#8217;d have
+looked me up,&#8221; he reasoned. &#8220;It was the
+excitement of the moment that led me astray;
+one is apt to imagine all sorts of things at
+such times.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>However, as has been noted before, he had
+not much leisure to think over his own affairs.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[262]</span>
+With Revere and the thirty faithful mechanics,
+who continued to patrol the bleak streets each
+night, ever watchful and alert, he gave all his
+waking time to the Committee of Safety. And
+in pursuance of the change of policy on the
+part of their commander, the British grew
+aggressively offensive. Once they tarred and
+feathered a citizen whom they claimed had
+tempted a soldier to desert, and drew him
+about the streets upon a dray guarded by
+soldiers, their band playing &#8220;Yankee Doodle&#8221;
+in derision.</p>
+
+<p>They attended public meetings at the Old
+South Church and hissed the speakers. On
+the day in March set aside by the Provincial
+Congress for fasting and prayer, they pitched
+tents near to the meeting-houses and the services
+were constantly interrupted by the sound
+of drum and fife. The very next day Mr.
+Hancock&#8217;s house was assaulted and damaged.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All this is to provoke the people to strike
+the first blow,&#8221; said Warren.</p>
+
+<p>And thereupon the precautions taken by
+their leaders to prevent their doing so were
+redoubled.</p>
+
+<p>Some fourteen thousand musket cartridges<span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[263]</span>
+were seized by the British guard as the patriots
+endeavored to get them across Boston
+neck, and the driver of the wagon was severely
+handled. This was on March 18th;
+and the same evening a party of officers
+attacked the Providence coach.</p>
+
+<p>It was about this time that Nat Brewster
+became aware that an enterprise of some moment
+was soon to be undertaken by Gage.
+There was nothing said openly, no one put it
+into words; but there was much whispering
+and signaling among the younger officers;
+and Nat, whose days were almost all employed
+at the barracks or officers&#8217; quarters,
+listened with all his ears.</p>
+
+<p>At length, as March neared its end, the
+rumor became more definite; and then it was
+given a name. The stores at Concord were to
+be destroyed!</p>
+
+<p>When Nat excitedly bore this intelligence
+to Warren, a guard was at once placed over
+the magazines; teams were held in readiness
+to carry them away at the first sign of a
+British advance. Riders were also despatched
+to carry the alarm to all the towns and have
+them hold their companies of militia to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[264]</span>
+answer any call that might be made upon
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Gage now sent out engineer officers to inspect
+the state of the towns, to make sketches
+and maps of the roads and all possible places
+of defence. Bodies of troops were frequently
+sent out. On the 30th of March, the first
+brigade, numbering some eleven hundred
+men, took its way toward Jamaica Plain,
+and on their march did much damage by
+throwing down stone walls and otherwise
+misconducting themselves. Armed to the
+teeth, they swaggered through the near-by
+towns like ruffians. Little did they dream
+what danger they were in. All about them
+the country slowly arose; bands of armed
+minutemen appeared like magic, and, unseen,
+awaited the word. Dr. Warren, watching the
+truculent brigade of British from a neighboring
+hill, smiled grimly to Paul Revere, who
+sat his horse beside him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let them advance a few miles further, attempt
+to destroy a magazine or in any way
+abuse our people, and not a man of them will
+ever see Boston again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But the time was not yet. In the city, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[265]</span>
+bearing of the king&#8217;s soldiers became more
+and more proud; the population, unable to
+stand their insults, was slowly drifting into
+the country. It became quite dangerous for a
+patriot of mark to remain, and, indeed, most
+of them had taken their leave of the town
+long before. But the gallant Dr. Warren remained.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some one must take the risk,&#8221; said he,
+simply. &#8220;And why not I?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Gage made every effort to purchase supplies
+for camp service; but the people were before
+him everywhere; they cut him off both in
+Massachusetts and New York. About the
+middle of April a reinforcement came, and
+the very day of its coming, Nat overheard a
+conversation between an ensign and a lieutenant
+at a mess table which immediately set
+his expectations upon edge. The boy from
+Wyoming was fitting a window-sash which
+had been much complained of; and as the
+two officers were but a half dozen feet from
+him, he lost not a word.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is all the general&#8217;s been waiting for,&#8221;
+declared the ensign, a youthful, strapping fellow.
+&#8220;Now mark my words, he&#8217;ll slip a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[266]</span>
+second expedition out upon the Yankees and
+capture all the nest-eggs they&#8217;ve been hoarding
+so carefully at Concord.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course it&#8217;s for General Gage to do as
+he thinks best,&#8221; said he. &#8220;But if I were
+asked what I thought about it&mdash;which I&#8217;m
+not likely to be&mdash;I&#8217;d tell him to go slow.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, he&#8217;s been going slow since he&#8217;s been
+here,&#8221; exclaimed the ensign, &#8220;and what has
+it done for him? Not a thing. Here is an
+assembly of men, styled the Provincial Congress,
+and which is totally unknown to the
+constitution, collecting the public moneys.
+That alone is enough to arouse him to action;
+but when he sees the same moneys invested
+in warlike stores to be used against him, he
+grows angry. It&#8217;s his duty to stop this and
+prevent the calamity of a civil war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right,&#8221; said he, &#8220;so it is; but I
+don&#8217;t like the way he&#8217;s going about preventing
+it.&#8221; He lowered his voice after a glance
+at Nat, and continued: &#8220;Have you heard
+that the grenadiers and light infantry have
+been relieved from duty?&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[267]</span>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; returned the other, with a laugh.
+&#8220;The excuse is that they are to learn some
+sort of a new exercise. It&#8217;s a rare good dodge,
+for of course they&#8217;re being got ready for a
+march.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I fancy you are right,&#8221; nodded the lieutenant.
+&#8220;And those boats of the transports,
+which were hauled up for repairs, have been
+launched again and are now under the sterns
+of the men-of-war, ready for service.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Late that night, for he always visited Dr.
+Warren&#8217;s house at hours when he&#8217;d be little
+likely to be seen, Nat Brewster hastened to
+Hanover Street. Revere was with the doctor
+at the time and they received the news which
+he had to tell with set faces.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Hancock and Samuel Adams are at
+the house of the Rev. Jonas Clark at Lexington,&#8221;
+said Dr. Warren to Revere. &#8220;I shall
+wish you to bear a letter to them at daybreak
+to-morrow.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will be ready,&#8221; said Revere.</p>
+
+<p>Nat bore the courier company on the following
+morning.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The time,&#8221; said Revere, soberly, as they
+jogged along, &#8220;is not now far off.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[268]</span>&#8220;I fear not,&#8221; replied Nat. &#8220;If Gage strikes,
+we must strike back. And that will mean a
+relentless war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had some faint foreknowledge of what
+you told us last night,&#8221; said Revere. &#8220;The
+whisper came to me that Gage intended to
+seize Mr. Hancock and Mr. Adams, but just
+how or when I did not know until you
+came.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If they were taken it would be a worse
+blow than the loss of the stores could well
+be,&#8221; said Nat, seriously. &#8220;Such an event
+will, of course, be especially guarded against.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Right,&#8221; returned the man in the same
+tone. &#8220;You may be sure that it will be, if I
+have any voice in the matter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The house of the Rev. Mr. Clark was
+a wooden one upon a shady street; as it happened
+both Mr. Adams and Mr. Hancock
+were at home, and they received the news
+calmly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We have arranged for just this emergency,&#8221;
+said Mr. Hancock. &#8220;There are safe
+places at Sudbury and Groton for the stores;
+within an hour they shall be on their way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And no British column, no matter how<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[269]</span>
+strong, will be able to get that far in search of
+them,&#8221; added Mr. Adams, grimly.</p>
+
+<p>Revere and Nat rode back by way of Charlestown,
+and here they met Colonel Conant of
+the militia, and some other gentlemen warm in
+the cause.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It puzzles me,&#8221; said Revere, after some
+talk, &#8220;how we shall get word across the river
+when the troops are about to start.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had thought of that,&#8221; answered Conant.
+&#8220;From where we stand, the tower of Old North
+Church is plain to be seen in day-time. When
+the troops start, climb to the windows in the
+steeple and signal us by flashes of light&mdash;one
+if they are going by land, two if by water.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; praised Revere, &#8220;a fortunate idea,
+colonel. We will act upon it. Don&#8217;t forget,&#8221;
+as they were going, &#8220;two flashes of a lantern
+if they go by water&mdash;one, if by land.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>When they reported to Dr. Warren he
+breathed a sigh of relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It now only remains for us to keep a strict
+patrol,&#8221; he said, &#8220;and give the signals
+promptly. Do you,&#8221; to Nat, &#8220;watch like a
+hawk. And you,&#8221; to Revere, &#8220;see to it that
+your men do the same.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[270]</span>Monday passed, and Nat, still employed at
+the officers&#8217; quarters, noted many things that
+gave him alarm. Late in the afternoon he
+saw a dozen horses brought out and a group
+of laughing, chatting officers all ready to
+mount.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; said the strapping ensign whom
+Nat had heard talk a few days before, and who
+now made one of this party, &#8220;that there will
+be little need for us to watch the roads. The
+Yankees know nothing, and therefore can send
+no warning to the peasants in the out-sections.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat did not desire to hear more. In a
+sheltered spot he scribbled a few words upon
+the face of a smooth pine block with the point
+of a nail; hiding this beneath his coat, he
+made his way to a point beyond the barracks.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s lucky that I thought to tell the Porcupine
+to hold himself ready to carry a message,&#8221;
+he said as he hurried along.</p>
+
+<p>Rounding the far end of the barracks, he
+heard a door close, then he caught a quick,
+sure tread upon some wooden steps; turning
+his head the least bit, he got a glimpse of the
+newcomer out of the tail of his eye.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_270.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="drop-cap"><i>HE GOT A GLIMPSE OF THE
+NEWCOMER</i></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ezra!&#8221; almost cried Nat, in dismay. But<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[271]</span>
+he choked back the exclamation, lowered his
+head and walked steadily on. Even though
+his back was now squarely toward the other,
+Nat knew that the boy had halted and
+was watching him. But it was only for a
+moment, then the same light footstep resumed,
+now upon the plank walk; and Nat,
+with a keen, quick glance over his shoulder,
+saw him hurrying away toward the group of
+officers who were still gathered, awaiting the
+command to mount.</p>
+
+<p>As luck would have it, there was a sharp
+turn around some buildings for Nat to make
+in order to reach the place where he had told
+the dwarf to await him. As he rounded this
+he was screened from view and broke into a
+run.</p>
+
+<p>With set face he sped forward, not knowing
+what another moment would develop. And,
+as it happened, the very moment that he
+caught sight of the grinning face of the Porcupine,
+he also heard the roar of hoofs upon
+the planks of the barracks road. In a flash
+he tossed the dwarf the pine block.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To Dr. Warren&mdash;and get out of sight
+quickly!&#8221; he said, hastily.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[272]</span>The keen perceptions of the dwarf grasped
+the situation instantly. Clutching the block,
+he vanished between two buildings; and Nat,
+his head bent, as though totally unconscious
+of everything but his own private affairs, continued
+on up the street. Nearer and nearer
+sounded the hoof beats; then two horsemen
+drew up beside him.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[273]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XX<br />
+
+
+<small>NAT BREWSTER IS TAKEN BY FOES AND PAUL<br />
+REVERE BEGINS HIS MIDNIGHT RIDE</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Nat</span> gazed up in assumed astonishment at
+the two excited faces that bent over him. He
+knew that the dwarf was safely away, and all
+his native coolness returned to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What now, my lad?&#8221; demanded one of
+the horsemen, a puffy faced captain of light
+infantry. &#8220;Where are you going?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m on my way home,&#8221; answered Nat, innocently
+enough.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; said the puffy faced captain,
+&#8220;you&#8217;d better delay that for awhile and come
+back to the barracks. A few words with you
+may do no harm.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well,&#8221; agreed Nat, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>And with that he turned and started back
+over the road he&#8217;d just traveled. His willingness
+to do what was demanded of him seemed
+to take the two officers by surprise; the second<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[274]</span>
+of them, a lank youth with vacant eyes,
+drawled:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, this fellow is too wooden-headed to
+be dangerous, captain. That lad must have
+been hoaxing us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not for us to judge of that,&#8221; replied the
+puffy faced man, who seemed a competent officer.
+&#8220;Major Pitcairn told us to bring him
+back, and that&#8217;s what we are going to do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, of course,&#8221; the lank youth hastened to
+say. &#8220;We&#8217;ll do that surely.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So Nat was marched back within the British
+lines. Where but ten minutes before there
+had been laxity and careless superiority, all
+was now tense excitement and bustle. The
+group of officers were in the saddle; guards
+were being placed at many points where it
+had never been deemed worth while to have
+them before. Scowling looks met the boy
+as he trudged calmly along before the two
+riders.</p>
+
+<p>At Gage&#8217;s headquarters they drew up; dismounting,
+the officer led Nat past the sentries
+into a long room where sat the governor, a
+stout, bluff Englishman in undress uniform.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is this the fellow, Pitcairn?&#8221; demanded<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[275]</span>
+Gage of an immaculately dressed officer across
+the table from him.</p>
+
+<p>Major Pitcairn surveyed Nat carefully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve seen him among the workmen for
+some months past,&#8221; said he. &#8220;But I&#8217;m not
+sure of anything else.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask Lieutenant Chesbrook to step in,&#8221;
+said General Gage to an orderly who stood at
+the door. &#8220;And tell him to bring his friend.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In a moment the tall naval lieutenant
+stalked into the apartment, and following him
+was young Prentiss. Nat met the latter&#8217;s eye
+with a steady, accusing gaze. But the Boston
+boy did not flinch. He merely gazed back
+with inquiring interest, nodded and smiled
+genially.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied the hawk-nosed lieutenant,
+glancing at Nat and replying to a question of
+Major Pitcairn&#8217;s. &#8220;That is the person.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are quite sure, lieutenant, that he is
+in sympathy with the rebels?&#8221; asked Gage.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am positive,&#8221; answered Chesbrook.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you?&#8221; turning to the other.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is the same boy,&#8221; replied young Prentiss.</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment&#8217;s silence, broken by<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[276]</span>
+the rattle of hoofs. At the sound, Gage glanced
+at Pitcairn and the major nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are off,&#8221; said he, briefly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell Smith to get his men ready with all
+despatch,&#8221; commanded Gage.</p>
+
+<p>Pitcairn arose and left the room; then the
+governor turned his bluff countenance upon
+Nat once more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So, young man, you&#8217;ve been spying upon
+us,&#8221; said he, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>Nat saw that there was no use denying anything
+that was charged against him. The
+best way, so he concluded, was to put a bold
+face upon the matter, for it would be as likely
+to carry him through as anything else.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; he answered, &#8220;and have also been
+doing some rather competent work as a carpenter.
+If one is to count against me, I trust
+you will not fail to credit me with the other.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A smile stole over the British general&#8217;s face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You do not lack coolness,&#8221; said he.
+&#8220;But that alone will do little for you. You
+admit that you are a spy. Do you know the
+fate of such?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This last was asked in a sharp, stern way.
+Instantly young Prentiss took a quick step<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[277]</span>
+forward as though to protest, but the hand of
+Chesbrook closed upon his arm and drew him
+back. A moment later the lad left the room.
+Nat looked steadily into the British general&#8217;s
+face, paying no attention to this by-play.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mean that spies are shot?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Or hanged,&#8221; added Gage, grimly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In time of war&mdash;yes,&#8221; said Nat. &#8220;But
+not at such a time as this. Another thing.
+I am not a spy in a strictly military sense.
+Such a person would be an enemy to the king&mdash;which
+I am not.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No?&#8221; and the governor looked at him
+with interest.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I came here for the same reason that you
+did,&#8221; declared Nat, boldly. &#8220;And that is to
+prevent war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your argument is ingenious enough,&#8221; said
+General Gage, &#8220;but it scarcely meets the facts
+solidly. However, I have no time now to examine
+you. I&#8217;ll have you put under a guard
+for a few days until I get some important matters
+off my mind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If the taking of the colonial stores at Concord
+is one of them,&#8221; said Nat, coolly, &#8220;you
+may as well rid yourself of it now.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[278]</span>General Gage&#8217;s face was naturally red, but
+at this it grew much more so.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It seems to me,&#8221; remarked he, with a nod
+of the head, &#8220;that your time here has not
+been wasted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Major Pitcairn re&euml;ntered
+and the governor turned to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pitcairn, see to it that parties are set to
+guard all the roads. No one is to leave the city.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you learned anything?&#8221; asked the
+major, with a quick look at Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. But our young rebel here has set me
+thinking that our plan may not be so secret
+as we think.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Once more Pitcairn disappeared. As he
+did so, Lieutenant Chesbrook stepped forward
+and saluted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;General,&#8221; said he, &#8220;if I may be permitted
+to do so, I&#8217;d like to offer a suggestion.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Gage glanced at him inquiringly. There
+was something in the set of the thin lips and
+the expression in the cold, light-colored eyes
+that gave the impression that Chesbrook&#8217;s
+suggestion might have value.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall be happy to listen to you,&#8221; answered
+the soldier readily.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[279]</span>Lieutenant Chesbrook bowed his thanks.
+With his finger-tips on the edge of the table
+he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some time ago I was detailed by the admiral
+for shore duty&mdash;of a certain kind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Gage nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes; the admiral spoke to me of it at the
+time. He said that you had peculiar persuasive
+powers,&#8221; with a laugh. &#8220;Indeed it was
+his opinion that no one could resist you if
+you chose to set yourself to convince him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The admiral is most flattering,&#8221; spoke
+Lieutenant Chesbrook. &#8220;But then, I&#8217;ve given
+him proof upon more than one occasion, so he
+speaks from personal knowledge. But what
+I was about to say was this: I intend riding
+with Lieutenant-Colonel Smith&#8217;s column to-night;
+and I think if this boy,&#8221; indicating
+Nat, &#8220;were permitted to accompany me, he
+would be of considerable service.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In what way?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In several&mdash;but more especially in recognizing
+and pointing out persons whom it
+would be worth while taking into custody.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Gage&#8217;s eyes snapped.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bravo!&#8221; exclaimed he. &#8220;That is a most<span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[280]</span>
+excellent idea. It never occurred to me.
+Take him, by all means.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you,&#8221; said Chesbrook, and his
+cold eyes had an odd expression as they
+measured Nat from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>But in reply to the look, Nat merely
+laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You surely do not think,&#8221; said he, &#8220;that
+I will recognize and point out people, as
+you put it, or, betray my friends, as I would
+put it, just at your request.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t think when a little matter like
+this presents itself. I act, as you will learn at
+no distant time,&#8221; replied Chesbrook. &#8220;Recollect,
+my lad, I have no great love for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A small thing like a fall from a porch
+roof should not be permitted to sour your
+temper so,&#8221; said Nat, evenly. &#8220;I would have
+thought that Lieutenant Chesbrook of His
+Majesty&#8217;s navy was beyond that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Chesbrook made no reply to this. The
+puffy faced captain called a file of men and
+the boy was seized.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Be careful of him,&#8221; warned Major Pitcairn,
+who had re&euml;ntered in the meantime and to
+whom the arrangement had been explained.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[281]</span>
+&#8220;Lock him up securely and keep a guard
+over him&mdash;a strong guard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The captain and his men saluted. The boy
+from Wyoming was placed in the midst of
+them and led away.</p>
+
+<p>He was placed in a room in a small stone
+building not far from the barracks. This was
+generally used for refractory troopers and contained
+a chair, a table, and a heavy chain fastened
+to the wall, on the end of which was an
+iron band which was now locked about Nat&#8217;s
+waist.</p>
+
+<p>Hour after hour went by; the footsteps of
+the double guard outside his prison door went
+steadily up and down; now and then as the
+men passed one another their voices were
+heard murmuring. Through a small window,
+barred and high up in the wall, Nat got
+a glimpse of the sky; it was black and a few
+pale stars burned against it waveringly.</p>
+
+<p>The boy sat with his head drooped forward
+upon the heavy table and the thoughts that
+filled his mind were gloomy enough.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Suppose,&#8221; reflected he, &#8220;my message did
+not reach Dr. Warren; suppose he does not
+send Mr. Revere to warn Mr. Hancock and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[282]</span>
+Mr. Adams and rouse the minutemen in defence
+of Concord. If General Gage can deal
+them this blow, the cause of the colonies may
+be wrecked.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He pictured to himself the dark, midnight
+roads; the armed British troopers that
+guarded them. All along the route to Lexington,
+so ran his vision, the houses of the
+colonists were without lights; the inmates
+were wrapped in slumber. He imagined the
+party of officers riding far ahead with ready
+swords and pistols; then came the column of
+troops, solid, compact, dark, winding slowly
+along the highway like a huge serpent. And
+nowhere was there any one to oppose their
+progress; nowhere was there a voice raised to
+warn the sleeping ones of the danger that was
+approaching, slowly, deliberately, like Fate.</p>
+
+<p>It was Nat&#8217;s helpless situation, chained,
+locked in a strong room, guarded by watchful
+soldiers, that so tinged his thoughts. The
+truth was that matters were not nearly so
+hopeless as he pictured them.</p>
+
+<p>The Porcupine, breathless, pale of face, had
+reached Dr. Warren&#8217;s door. Scarcely could
+he reach the knocker, even by standing upon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[283]</span>
+his toes; but when he did reach it, its
+&#8220;rat-tat-tat&#8221; awoke the echoes in Hanover
+Street. It was the doctor himself, anxious,
+expectant, who came to the door and received
+the queer message. As he read it his mouth
+tightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And where is Nat?&#8221; inquired he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think they&#8217;ve got him,&#8221; said the Porcupine.
+&#8220;They were after him when he passed
+me this and told me to run.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Warren said nothing to this. Bidding the
+dwarf sit down, he scratched off a note and
+sealed it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll take my horse and ride to North
+Square,&#8221; he said quietly. &#8220;Mr. Revere will
+still be at home,&#8221; with a glance at the clock.
+&#8220;You&#8217;ll give him this note. Don&#8217;t fail. A
+great deal depends upon it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In an incredibly short time the dwarf
+pulled up at Revere&#8217;s house, and walking in
+presented the note, which that gentleman
+immediately read. It was past dark by this
+time and some candles burned in the room.
+Revere twisted the note into a spill, touched
+it to a flame and watched it turn black and
+crumble away on the floor.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[284]</span>&#8220;I&#8217;ll go with you at once,&#8221; he said
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>So he pulled on his heavy boots, buttoned
+his surtout, took up his three-cornered hat
+and started back to Hanover Street with the
+dwarf. Once there, Warren received them
+with great eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have just sent off William Dawes by the
+long way &#8217;round the neck,&#8221; said he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be as well,&#8221; spoke Revere, after
+some discussion, &#8220;for me to make a personal
+examination of things and be sure that the
+expedition is really about to start.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was agreed to, and off the engraver
+started, the dwarf still with him and riding
+Warren&#8217;s horse. They had reached the Common
+when they noted considerable movement;
+rows of boats were drawn up at the water&#8217;s
+edge at the bottom of the Common, each bearing
+a light in its bow. Approaching these
+were a body of troops armed and equipped as
+for a march.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That means two flashes of the lantern in
+the North Tower,&#8221; said Paul Revere, with a
+suppressed laugh. Then as though a thought
+had just come to him, he added, in a changed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[285]</span>
+tone, &#8220;But suppose by some accident they
+do not see the signal?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The idea apparently troubled him; for a
+moment he stood still; then he turned suddenly
+to the Porcupine.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know the sexton of North Church,
+do you not?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; came the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ride there at once,&#8221; directed Revere, with
+the manner of one who has made up his mind,
+&#8220;ask him to give you the lantern which he
+has ready, and do you give the signal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Without a word the Porcupine turned the
+horse and galloped off over the soft sod toward
+the north. Revere hastened toward the
+river; at the end of a deserted wharf he uttered
+a whistle and two men came forward
+from some unseen hiding-place. Without any
+explanation being necessary, they drew a dory
+from behind some piles; all three got into it
+and pulled sturdily across the river.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the farther side they found Colonel
+Conant and a group of others upon the bank,
+and the militia officer greeted Revere hurriedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We just now received the signal,&#8221; said he,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[286]</span>
+&#8220;and had secured a horse from Deacon Larkin
+upon which to send a courier with the news.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll go myself,&#8221; said Revere, promptly,
+and he vaulted into the saddle of a strong
+looking horse which a lad was holding by the
+bridle. &#8220;Tell the deacon that I&#8217;ll ride his
+beast as carefully as I can, but not to expect
+too much, for speed is the thing that will
+count to-night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And then, with a wave of the hand, along
+the midnight road, bearing the alarm that was
+to awake the whole world to liberty, sped Paul
+Revere.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[287]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXI<br />
+
+
+<small>NAT BREWSTER MARCHES WITH PITCAIRN TO
+LEXINGTON</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was about the time that Revere and the
+Porcupine first sighted the troops on the Common
+that Nat Brewster heard a rattling at
+his prison door; lifting his head he saw it
+open and admit the guards, bearing lighted
+candles.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll take that little girdle off you, my
+lad,&#8221; said a grizzled sergeant of infantry who
+seemed to be in command. &#8220;I suppose you&#8217;ll
+not make any objection to that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m to be removed from here, then,&#8221; spoke
+Nat, as the soldiers began unlocking the steel
+band that encircled him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied the sergeant with a laugh.
+&#8220;We thought you&#8217;d need a trifle of fresh air.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where am I to be taken?&#8221; asked the boy.</p>
+
+<p>But the sergeant shook his head at this.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask me no questions and I&#8217;ll tell you no<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[288]</span>
+lies,&#8221; answered he. &#8220;But,&#8221; with a renewal of
+his laugh, &#8220;you might ask that navy lieutenant;
+perhaps he&#8217;d be pleased to say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lock of the steel girdle seemed to work
+stiffly and the soldiers grumbled and strove at
+it angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;d not like to have that same lieutenant
+in charge of me,&#8221; said a youthful, flaxen-haired
+corporal who made one of the party.
+&#8220;He&#8217;s a bad one, I can tell you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The grizzled sergeant nodded, watching the
+efforts at the lock and frowning at the delay.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think,&#8221; continued the flaxen-haired
+corporal, &#8220;that he knows more ways of getting
+a groan out of a man than the Grand
+Inquisitor himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! I think I understand,&#8221; said Nat,
+and his mouth tightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If he&#8217;s got anything ag&#8217;in you and there&#8217;s
+anything he wants to make you tell, you&#8217;ll
+understand right enough,&#8221; said the old sergeant,
+grimly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve seen a good bit of punishment since I
+joined His Majesty&#8217;s army,&#8221; said the corporal,
+who seemed of a talkative disposition, &#8220;but
+that naval chap do beat all. Mind how he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[289]</span>
+took it out of that private of the forty-seventh
+the other day?&#8221; to the sergeant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Torture?&#8221; asked Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You may well say so,&#8221; returned the flaxen-haired
+one. &#8220;And when he&#8217;d made the private
+confess, he took the man charged with
+trying to get him to desert and manhandled
+him in a way I never heard of before. Did
+you see the little parade of tar and feathers
+through the streets?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That was an idea of Chesbrook&#8217;s; sort of a
+finishing off, you might call it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Here the band and chain clashed to the
+stone floor; with muskets at their shoulders,
+the guard fell in line, Nat in their midst.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As a last word, lad,&#8221; said the grizzled
+sergeant, not unkindly, &#8220;let me say you&#8217;d
+better do anything that shipman tells you.
+It&#8217;ll save you a lot, perhaps.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you,&#8221; said Nat.</p>
+
+<p>At a sharp word from the sergeant the guard
+marched out of the room and into the open
+air. There were very few lights; but the
+bustle told Nat, at once, that there was something
+under way; and then as he saw line<span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[290]</span>
+after line of fully equipped soldiers pass by,
+he understood.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the column being sent to Concord!&#8221;
+he breathed. There was a queer tightening
+at his heart and throat as he watched the
+trained redcoats trudge stolidly toward the
+river. Their compact organization was plain;
+like a machine they moved at the command of
+watchful officers. Behind them were centuries
+of discipline and British prestige, proven upon
+countless battle-fields. And, at the very best,
+there would be to oppose them a but few bands
+of roughly organized farmers and workmen,
+called hastily from their occupations to take
+up arms.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What chance have they?&#8221; thought Nat,
+gloomily, still burdened with his captivity.
+&#8220;Even if they have been armed, what chance
+have they?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But he had no great time to think over this
+or anything else; being led to the line of boats
+he was forced into one of them; and in a few
+moments was in midstream. The lights of
+the &#8220;Somerset&#8221; man-of-war, which lay near
+at hand, burned clearly, and the tide was at
+young flood. Overhead the moon was like a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[291]</span>
+silver disc; and the sprinkling stars wavered
+and sparkled like myriads of eyes, gazing
+down at the darkness of the world.</p>
+
+<p>The troops were ferried across the river with
+a despatch that spoke well for Gage&#8217;s preparations.
+Immediately they were formed in
+column and the eighteen-mile march to Concord
+began.</p>
+
+<p>Nat now found himself well in the rear
+under a close guard; near him rode Major
+Pitcairn, the commander of the column, Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith and Chesbrook, all of
+whom seemed engaged in earnest conversation.
+No one spoke to Nat, save now and then the
+grizzled infantry sergeant; but at length a
+horseman dropped back from the front, dismounted,
+gave his steed in care of a soldier
+and approached him.</p>
+
+<p>But the young mountaineer&#8217;s head was bent
+and he did not notice the newcomer until he
+spoke. Then the head went up swiftly; the
+darkness hid the scorn in Nat&#8217;s eyes, but
+nothing could deny that which was in his
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, it&#8217;s you, Prentiss, is it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The other laughed frankly, honestly. It<span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[292]</span>
+was the same laugh that had caught the fancy
+of the cobbler at the ferry road.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t make me very welcome,&#8221; said
+the New England boy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If there is any reason why I should,&#8221;
+spoke Nat, &#8220;just give it a name.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; said the other, &#8220;I can think of
+none. From your point of view I suppose I
+am a very great rascal, indeed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There can be no greater crime,&#8221; said Nat,
+&#8220;than to turn traitor to one&#8217;s country and
+friends.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I agree with you in that,&#8221; said the other,
+gravely. &#8220;But,&#8221; and there was a new note
+in his voice, &#8220;of what does treachery consist?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He did not give Nat an opportunity to
+reply, but at once proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Two people may love their country; they
+may desire with all their hearts to serve it&mdash;but
+each may have a different idea as to how
+it should best be done. You, for example,
+think that to defy the king and parliament, to
+follow the leadership of Messrs. Adams, Hancock,
+Warren and their like, to take up arms
+against the lawful governor, is to serve the
+colonies. But I think the reverse.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[293]</span>&#8220;There can be no doubt of that,&#8221; replied
+Nat, drily.</p>
+
+<p>But the other paid no heed to the sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I, too, desire to see the colonies dealt
+justly by,&#8221; he went on. &#8220;I also can see very
+plainly the wrongs that have been done
+them. But I do not believe in seeking to
+right them by any method that will end in
+bloodshed. An appeal to the liberal minded
+English nation will set everything right.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Has that not been tried?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In a way&mdash;yes. But not in the right
+way. The British mean kindly by us; and if
+the Whigs would cease threatening, we&#8217;d
+quickly get our rights.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is not we who threaten,&#8221; said Nat; &#8220;it
+is they. You say you do not believe in
+methods that might end in bloodshed&mdash;then
+what do you think of this present expedition?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a peaceable one&mdash;a demonstration
+only.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The boy said this eagerly, with the manner
+of one who is anxious to defend a thing which
+he strongly desires to be true&mdash;but of which
+he is not altogether convinced.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[294]</span>&#8220;Peaceable!&#8221; Nat laughed, mockingly.
+&#8220;Why, there are above a thousand men in
+this column, each with musket and bayonet,
+powder and ball.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nevertheless, their errand is peaceful,&#8221;
+argued the New England lad. &#8220;We but seek
+to take the leaders of this sedition that they
+may not tempt the people; we mean to
+seize the magazines that no madness may be
+committed that would bring on a war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I begin to see your position,&#8221; said Nat.
+&#8220;And so,&#8221; sternly, &#8220;you think that to bring
+these things about, any deceit may be practiced,
+and treachery resorted to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Those are hard words,&#8221; said the other,
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But they are true ones. Was it not
+treachery to plan the capture of your kind
+friends Mr. Adams and his brother by the
+Tories? Was it not deceit that you practiced
+upon Mr. Cooper and Ben, who trusted you&mdash;upon
+Dr. Warren, upon Paul Revere?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Near at hand a smoking lantern, borne
+upon a pole, threw off a red flare of light; in
+this the face of the New England lad took on
+a sudden troubled look. He laid his hand<span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[295]</span>
+upon Nat&#8217;s arm and was about to speak; but
+at that moment the grizzled sergeant broke in
+upon them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sorry to interrupt, my lads,&#8221; said he, in
+his gruff way. Then addressing himself to
+Nat, he continued: &#8220;You&#8217;re wanted back
+here a piece by Lieutenant Chesbrook. And,&#8221;
+lowering his voice so that no one else might
+hear, &#8220;now is the time to remember what I
+told you in the guard-house awhile ago. I
+think you are going to have use for it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The British column had advanced steadily
+along the old Charlestown and West Cambridge
+road until it had now reached Menotomy.
+Lights could be seen flickering at windows; and
+as the head of the brigade came on, dark forms
+went flitting and vanishing into the night.</p>
+
+<p>But Nat saw none of this; he was hurried
+toward the group composed of Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith and his aides, which had
+drawn up before Newell&#8217;s tavern. The hoofs
+of the horses rang loudly as they stamped
+upon the stones; their bridle chains jingled
+and they snorted impatiently at the delay.
+A party under several officers had just been
+sent to enter the inn.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[296]</span>&#8220;My information is positive,&#8221; Nat heard
+Lieutenant Chesbrook say to Major Pitcairn,
+as he came up. &#8220;The rebel Committee of
+Safety met here to-day; and I have not
+much doubt but that some of them are
+passing the night under the same roof.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll root them out, if they are,&#8221; returned
+the immaculate major. &#8220;I suppose you&#8217;ll
+know them, if taken?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, but our young friend here will, I
+think,&#8221; and Chesbrook waved his hand toward
+Nat Brewster.</p>
+
+<p>Just then there came the sound of loud
+voices at the inn and the sound of splintering
+woodwork as the doors were forced.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You give me credit for more knowledge
+than I possess,&#8221; said Nat, coolly. &#8220;The
+Committee of Safety is largely composed of
+gentlemen who are strangers to me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Chesbrook touched his horse
+with the spur; in a moment he was at the
+boy&#8217;s side and saying in a smooth, persuasive
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be altogether better for you if
+you would not assume that attitude. You
+possess information which I want and which<span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[297]</span>
+I mean to have. So you will profit a great
+deal by falling in with my desires.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But Nat looked up at him and replied,
+calmly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am the person to judge of what is best
+for me, Lieutenant Chesbrook.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think not,&#8221; said the naval officer.
+&#8220;You see, you don&#8217;t know just what it will
+mean to refuse. I have with me some few
+ingenious little contrivances which are much
+used upon shipboard in compelling our men
+to do that which they are disinclined to do.
+So don&#8217;t compel me to bring them out; you&#8217;ll
+be sorry for it if you do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a stir among a group of officers;
+a boyish figure darted through them and
+stood beside Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lieutenant!&#8221; cried this person in a warning
+voice; and instantly Chesbrook wheeled
+in his saddle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221; demanded he, harshly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was understood between us&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; the boy
+got this far when the man interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have the goodness not to interfere with
+my work, Prentiss,&#8221; said he, sourly. &#8220;This
+is no time for boyish notions.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[298]</span>&#8220;But you promised that no one was to be
+injured!&#8221; There was a note of pleading in
+the lad&#8217;s voice; he clutched the stirrup of the
+officer and held tightly to it.</p>
+
+<p>Chesbrook laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you were fool enough to think that
+matters of this kind,&#8221; with a wave of the
+hand at the marching column, &#8220;could be carried
+through like a tea-party, it is no fault of
+mine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat saw the boy stare up at the speaker,
+his face suddenly drawn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then,&#8221; said he, slowly, making almost
+the same gesture as the other, &#8220;this means
+war?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course it does!&#8221; rapped out Major Pitcairn.
+&#8220;The king&#8217;s troops exist for the purpose
+of making war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Before the boy could make reply, an officer
+came hastily from the inn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No one there but the servants and such,&#8221;
+complained he.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bring them out,&#8221; directed Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith, angrily. &#8220;And bring all of
+them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments a little line of half-dressed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[299]</span>
+folk blinked bewilderedly in the
+light of the flaring torches as the British officers
+narrowly examined them. But they
+were so unmistakably what they claimed to
+be that they were quickly dismissed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Get back with you!&#8221; cried Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith in a fury. &#8220;And if I ever
+hear one word against you regarding harboring
+rebels it will be the sorriest day for you
+that ever dawned.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So with that the officers pressed after the
+column; and Nat was once more placed in
+the midst of his guard, which went trudging
+sullenly forward. And as the &#8220;tramp-tramp&#8221;
+grew fainter, the inn people began to laugh.
+For safe in an adjoining field were Messrs.
+Gerry, Lee and Orne, of the patriot committee.
+They had been roused by messengers as the
+head of the column passed beneath their bedroom
+windows, and had slipped out by a back
+door as the British broke their way in by the
+front.</p>
+
+<p>As the brigade advanced, guns began to
+boom in the distance and bells clanged a
+sonorous warning to the countryside.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The entire section is up,&#8221; growled the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[300]</span>
+commander. &#8220;Some warning must have been
+sent after all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After a very few miles, Major Pitcairn was
+ordered forward with a body of light infantry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pick up any one you find on the road and
+secure the two bridges at Concord,&#8221; directed
+the lieutenant-colonel, curtly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It has a bad look,&#8221; said Pitcairn, as he
+sat his horse, awaiting the formation of the
+six companies which were to make up his
+command. The clangor, dim but continuous,
+crept toward them across the level fields; and
+for the first time a serious look had settled
+upon the faces of the king&#8217;s officers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I fancy,&#8221; said the commander, &#8220;that a
+reinforcement would do no harm; indeed,
+judging by all the commotion ahead, it might
+be of good service.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So a rider was despatched instantly to
+Boston for additional troops; and as he
+dashed eastward, the light infantry battalion
+under Pitcairn took its way to the west.
+Chesbrook accompanied this advance force,
+and Nat, his captors having their original
+plan, apparently, still in mind, was ordered
+with them also.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">[301]</span>&#8220;But I recognize no man that is captured
+on the way,&#8221; vowed the boy, his jaw set.
+&#8220;Let them do as they will, I&#8217;ll stick to that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Dawn was beginning to streak the east
+with lines of gray when Nat made out young
+Prentiss forcing his way afoot through the
+compact mass of the battalion.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will soon be daylight,&#8221; said he, when
+he had approached near enough to speak.</p>
+
+<p>Nat gave a look at the sky.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Within an hour,&#8221; returned he briefly.</p>
+
+<p>Somehow his resentment against the New
+England boy was not at all as strong as he
+thought it should be. Treachery, all forms of
+unfaithfulness and deceit had long been Nat&#8217;s
+pet aversions, but for all that he could not
+lift himself to the pitch of anger that he felt
+the other&#8217;s acts deserved.</p>
+
+<p>The rhythmic tramp of the troops continued
+and the rattle of equipment was sharp and
+distinct in the dawn. Now and then the low
+command of a sergeant was heard, but all
+other voices were silent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Another hour till daylight,&#8221; said Nat,
+after a pause, &#8220;and then, I fancy, we shall see
+desperate work!&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">[302]</span>&#8220;Do you really believe that?&#8221; asked the
+other boy, and his tones were anxious and
+eager.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do,&#8221; replied Nat; &#8220;the minutemen are
+up. Surely you heard the guns and alarm
+bells awhile ago.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I know. I understand. But,&#8221; hurriedly,
+&#8220;the British officers will not fire upon
+them&mdash;they will not permit their men to do
+so.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat turned his face toward the speaker
+curiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You seem to be very anxious to make
+yourself believe that,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I did not believe it,&#8221; replied the other
+boy, &#8220;I should not be here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A thought came to Nat like an inspiration.
+Lowering his voice to almost a whisper, he
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I understand. You mean that if
+you thought they would fire upon the colonists,
+you would not be upon the British side.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; returned the other.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And that can only mean that you would
+be&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; Nat paused without completing the
+sentence.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">[303]</span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_303.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="drop-cap"><i>THEY CAME WITHIN SIGHT OF
+LEXINGTON</i></p>
+
+
+
+<p>&#8220;Upon the side of the Provincial Congress,&#8221;
+returned the other without the slightest hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>As they marched along the wheel-cut road
+toward Lexington, Nat now and then stole a
+look at the boy at his side. The pale dawn
+made things visible in a dim sort of way, and
+the young mountaineer noted that the other&#8217;s
+head was bent and that he seemed deep in bitter reflection.
+There was something in his manner
+that drew Nat powerfully; but in spite of
+this, he did not believe in him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He deceived me before,&#8221; thought Nat;
+&#8220;and he deceived others to whom he owed
+every allegiance. How am I to know but
+that this is another attempt to do the same
+thing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But he had not a great deal of time to revolve
+the situation, for, still in the gray
+dawn, they came within sight of the town of
+Lexington.</p>
+
+<p>Directly ahead was the village green, with
+the town meeting-house facing it. Two thin
+lines of men, with rifles in their hands, were
+gathered here, and as the British came in
+sight, a drum rolled warningly from their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">[304]</span>
+midst. This sound Pitcairn instantly accepted
+as a challenge; and at once the battalion
+halted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Load with ball&mdash;prime&mdash;fix bayonets!&#8221;
+came the curt commands. Then forward
+went the six companies at double quick.</p>
+
+<p>Nat saw Captain Parker of the militia,
+whom he knew by sight, and also Sergeant
+William Monroe, walking up and down before
+the two lines of minutemen; and from
+their gestures he knew that they were speaking
+encouragingly.</p>
+
+<p>Then, unconsciously, his eyes traveled beyond
+the militia; three figures stole from the
+shadow cast by an inn near the meeting-house;
+two of them bore a square, heavy
+looking box between them, and Nat gave a
+start of wonder as he recognized them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Revere!&#8221; he cried, &#8220;and Ben
+Cooper!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment he felt a hand touch
+his elbow and heard the boy at his side say,
+quietly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But the third one&mdash;look at him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The last of the three was a boy; he held a
+rifle in his hand and seemed to be guarding<span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">[305]</span>
+the two with the box. The face was turned
+with eagerness toward the British, and as
+Nat&#8217;s eyes fell upon it, he stopped, rooted to
+the spot with bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p>For the boy was Ezra Prentiss!</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">[306]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXII<br />
+
+
+<small>TELLS HOW A MYSTERY WAS SOLVED AND HOW<br />
+VICTORY CAME TO THE COLONIES</small></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">For</span> an instant only did Nat Brewster stand
+still; the British battalion, pushing forward,
+forced him on. But as the boy still remained
+at his side, Nat clutched him by the arm and
+demanded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If that is Ezra Prentiss, who are you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The other looked at him squarely; even
+through the trouble that was plain in his face,
+a flicker of amusement showed at Nat&#8217;s amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am his twin brother, George,&#8221; he answered,
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>At this Nat was almost overwhelmed once
+more. Then his mind began to work like
+lightning. He had been mistaken all along.
+It was this brother&mdash;this twin, who looked so
+astonishingly like Ezra&mdash;who had figured in
+all the incidents which he had accepted as
+proof of treachery. One by one he began to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">[307]</span>
+go over them; but just then he was aroused by
+Major Pitcairn calling sternly and at the top
+of his voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Disperse, ye rebels! Lay down your
+arms!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>All else was instantly forgotten; the drama
+being enacted before his eyes was more compelling
+than even his exciting thoughts.
+Once more the command rang out:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why don&#8217;t ye lay down your arms, ye
+villains! Disperse, I tell you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But the two thin lines of alarm men held
+their ground. Then came the report of a
+musket; Nat saw a British infantryman, his
+piece at his shoulder, the smoke curling from
+its muzzle. Another and another shot rang
+out from the battalion. Pitcairn, frantic with
+passion, turned upon his men and shouted for
+them to cease firing. But it was too late.</p>
+
+<p>A scattered volley came from the rifles of
+the minutemen; Pitcairn&#8217;s horse went down
+with a crash, and the bullets drove above the
+massed infantry, doing no other harm. Then
+the British began platoon firing, in regular
+order, calm, methodical and effective. The
+patriots responded from behind stone walls<span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">[308]</span>
+and other sheltered places which they had
+now broken for; and as the leaden messengers
+began to whistle about his ears, Nat heard a
+voice say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think we had better get out of this. It
+is getting a little too warm for comfort.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was Ezra&#8217;s brother who spoke; and as
+he saw Nat dart a quick glance about at the
+soldiery, he added:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are too much engaged now to pay
+any attention to us. But we must be quick.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So with that the two darted out of the road
+and behind some buildings. Like deer they
+raced along the streets, now filled with terrified
+women and weeping children.</p>
+
+<p>The firing abruptly ceased; and in another
+moment they noted a little body of minutemen
+in retreat across a swamp to the north of
+the Common. Upon a piece of rising ground
+the boys halted; they saw a full score of dead
+and wounded lying upon the village green
+and the huzzas of the British came faintly to
+their ears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You see,&#8221; said Nat. &#8220;I was right.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I was wrong,&#8221; answered the other.
+&#8220;I was wrong from the beginning. But,&#8221;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_309">[309]</span>
+with a sudden lift of the head, &#8220;they have not
+yet reached the end. Chesbrook and some
+others deceived me shamefully up to this.
+But at Concord I&#8217;ll try to prove to them that
+they can do so no longer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come, then,&#8221; said Nat, briefly. &#8220;Here is
+the road. In a little while the British will be
+once more on the march.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The two lads faced the way to Concord and
+went off at a long, swinging lope. The pace
+was not a hard one, but it took them swiftly
+over the ground. They had covered some two
+of the six miles when figures were seen ahead
+in the uncertain early light of the April
+morning.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Halt!&#8221; rang out a sharp voice. They saw
+the long barrel of a rifle poked out from
+behind a tree at the wayside and cover them.
+But only for a moment. Then there was a
+sharp exclamation, the muzzle was lowered
+and a form leaped into the road.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;George!&#8221; cried a voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ezra!&#8221; replied Nat&#8217;s companion; and the
+next instant the two brothers stood with
+clasped hands, looking into each other&#8217;s eyes.
+But after a moment Ezra turned to Nat.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_310">[310]</span>&#8220;Now,&#8221; said he, gravely. &#8220;You understand?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat held out his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I beg your pardon,&#8221; said he, simply, as
+they shook hands. &#8220;But,&#8221; as the thought
+came to him, &#8220;why did you not explain it all
+when you saw that I suspected you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I had,&#8221; spoke Ezra, &#8220;is it a thing you
+would have believed?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat reflected and then shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is more than likely not,&#8221; he replied.</p>
+
+<p>As the brothers turned to each other once
+more and began to speak low and earnestly
+together, Nat looked expectantly along the
+road to where he had seen the figures ahead.
+They were now coming anxiously toward
+him, and with delight he recognized Paul
+Revere and Ben Cooper. Advancing to meet
+them, he gripped their hands warmly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hot work back there,&#8221; said Revere, nodding
+his head in the direction of Lexington.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You succeeded in arousing the towns, I
+see,&#8221; spoke Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thanks to your message to Dr. Warren&mdash;yes.
+But I almost made a failure of it at the
+very start; for I had not gone far on the road<span class="pagenum" id="Page_311">[311]</span>
+through Charlestown, when two British
+officers, who seemed to be patroling the road,
+popped out upon me. But Deacon Larkin&#8217;s
+horse was a good one, and I escaped, going
+through Medford and alarming almost every
+house on the way to Lexington. At Clark&#8217;s,
+where you and I went together a few days
+ago, I roused Mr. Hancock and Mr. Adams;
+and while they were getting ready to leave,
+William Dawes, who was also sent out to
+spread the alarm, arrived. He and I set off
+to Concord to continue our work, and on the
+road met a young man named Prescott who
+agreed to give us his help.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A little farther along here,&#8221; and Revere
+pointed up the road, &#8220;the other two stopped
+at a house to awake a man; but I rode on,
+and I had scarcely gone two hundred yards
+when I ran suddenly into a nest of British
+officers who clapped pistols to my head and
+bid me stop.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you did?&#8221; laughed Ben Cooper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you doubt it?&#8221; asked Revere. &#8220;But
+let me go on. They took down some bars and
+led me into a pasture; there they threatened
+me with pistols once more and demanded to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_312">[312]</span>
+know who I was and upon what errand I was
+riding.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you did not tell them,&#8221; said Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I did,&#8221; declared Revere, proudly; &#8220;and
+in return I suffered great abuse. But one of
+the officers seemed much of a gentleman, for
+he said to me that none should do me harm.
+What I told them seemed to startle them
+much; they started toward Lexington with
+me in the midst of them, my horse being led
+and a man with a drawn pistol on each side
+of me. We were nearing a meeting-house
+when we heard a gun fired and a bell begin to
+ring.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then they took my horse and dashed
+away toward Cambridge, leaving me standing
+in the road. I returned at once to Clark&#8217;s.
+Mr. Hancock and Mr. Adams had not yet
+gone, and I warned them of what had occurred.
+They departed at once from the
+house, I going with them several miles on the
+way. Mr. Hancock then told me of a trunk
+filled with papers which he had left at the
+village inn and asked me if I&#8217;d return for it.
+After I had rested a bit, I did so and Ezra
+and Ben bore me company.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_313">[313]</span>&#8220;And where did you come upon them?&#8221;
+asked Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They were at Mr. Clark&#8217;s when I returned
+there, and were urging Mr. Adams and his
+friend to flee.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat turned to Ben, a question in his eye.
+But Ben laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know what you&#8217;re going to ask me,&#8221; he
+said. &#8220;But I&#8217;ll not answer, for I think,&#8221;
+with a nod of the head toward the Prentiss
+brothers, who stood some little distance off,
+&#8220;there is a great deal for you to hear, and as
+my little story is mixed up with it, you&#8217;d better
+hear all together.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nat noticed that while Revere and Ben
+both kept casting marveling glances at the
+twins, neither of them seemed greatly astonished.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it possible that you have known of this
+twin brother all along?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not I,&#8221; and Revere shook his head. &#8220;I
+heard of him for the first time last night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I,&#8221; said Ben Cooper, &#8220;never knew of
+his existence until after I left Boston last
+fall.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They were all three looking attentively at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_314">[314]</span>
+the brothers when the latter turned. Nat
+Brewster never saw a more delighted look
+upon the face of any one than was upon that
+of Ezra Prentiss at that moment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He looks,&#8221; whispered the young mountaineer
+to Ben, &#8220;as though the most pleasant
+thing in the world had happened to
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have no trouble telling one from the
+other, then,&#8221; smiled Ben.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not now. Together I can see a difference.
+But,&#8221; hesitatingly, &#8220;if they were separated I
+might be puzzled once more.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s usually the case in the matter of
+twins,&#8221; said Ben.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ben,&#8221; said Ezra, as they came up, &#8220;this is
+my brother George&mdash;George, this is Ben
+Cooper, and Mr. Revere.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The three named shook hands; then Ezra
+continued, addressing Nat and Revere:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is a great deal to explain to you and
+to others of my friends, who have seen and
+heard things that&mdash;that they have not understood.
+Ben has known something of it, but
+as you two have not, I&#8217;ll begin at the beginning;
+and if there are any places where the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_315">[315]</span>
+light does not strike, don&#8217;t hesitate to speak
+of it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Excuse me,&#8221; interrupted Paul Revere.
+&#8220;But there is a chest of important papers in
+the bushes some little distance up the road,
+that needs careful carrying to Concord. And
+as the British may happen along at any time
+now we&#8217;d better be off with it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right,&#8221; said Ezra, &#8220;and the story
+will keep until we get under way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The five hastened forward; the chest was
+dragged from its hiding-place; Nat and
+Revere each seized a handle and off they set,
+trudging manfully. They had gone but a little
+distance when Nat said to Ezra:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now for it; I&#8217;m so full of curiosity that I
+can wait no longer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You see,&#8221; began Ezra, &#8220;George has been
+brought up by our grandfather, who is a
+Tory. All his friends have been king&#8217;s men
+and he has been taught to believe in British
+rule. As for myself, I have always been a
+strong Whig like my father&mdash;so strong a
+one,&#8221; and he colored a little, &#8220;that I never
+spoke of my brother, fearing that some one
+would learn of his way of thought.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_316">[316]</span>&#8220;I was always as strong an American as
+you, Ezra,&#8221; said George, smiling. &#8220;Our
+methods were different, that&#8217;s all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps so,&#8221; answered Ezra. &#8220;But, you
+know, it is how we apply our beliefs that
+counts.&#8221; Addressing himself to the others,
+he went on: &#8220;When the trouble commenced,
+George began acting with our enemies. I
+pleaded with him, but he would not listen.
+He said I had been led away by demagogues&mdash;for
+such he had been taught to believe Mr.
+Adams and Dr. Warren. When I set out for
+Philadelphia I learned that he had formed
+the plan to take John and Samuel Adams on
+the road and that he was ahead of me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you left your party as it neared the
+city,&#8221; said Nat, understanding, &#8220;that you
+might overtake him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly,&#8221; said Ezra, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>And then he went on to account for his
+absence from the City Tavern at Philadelphia
+on the night that Ben first called to see him,
+in the same way. George had laughingly
+told him that Washington and Henry would
+soon be prisoners, and not daring to inform
+any one of the facts for fear and shame of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_317">[317]</span>
+what might befall his brother, Ezra had set
+about to follow him and thwart the plan
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>Nat laughed when Ezra came to their conversation
+upon the pavement before the City
+Tavern, in Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And to think that you were only trying
+to tell me that Washington and his friends
+would probably remember my work to my
+advantage and that the Tories would do the
+reverse,&#8221; said he. &#8220;I understood it as a
+threat. When you referred to it afterward
+on the road to Bristol you meant, I see now,
+to show that you were grateful to me. But
+do you know, I was convinced just the other
+way about.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The boy that the Porcupine had seen leave
+the Cooper place in the night and make his
+way toward Cliveden had, of course, been
+Ezra, still in search of his brother; but the
+one whom he saw in consultation with Mr.
+Chew and Mr. Dimisdale had been George.
+The nervousness of Ezra upon the road to
+Bristol was because he feared just what Nat&#8217;s
+keen eyes showed to exist&mdash;an ambush. He
+had begged Revere to take an unfrequented<span class="pagenum" id="Page_318">[318]</span>
+road, thinking to escape one; but the Tories
+had out-thought him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I knew from your cold manner,&#8221; said
+Ezra to Nat, &#8220;that you believed me guilty of
+treachery; but I could not explain it to you,
+as you can now see. But Mr. Adams knew
+all, for I had told him everything; and when
+Dr. Warren&#8217;s letter reached Philadelphia he
+was, of course, not surprised. However, we
+thought it best to keep the matter strictly to
+ourselves. I told Ben a part, as I have said,
+that he might be enabled to work with me
+intelligently when we returned to Boston the
+second time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We had formed a compact,&#8221; said Ben,
+laughing and turning to George, who had been
+listening soberly, only now and then adding
+a few words to the story, &#8220;to save you from
+the British. And we&#8217;ve been quietly on your
+trail ever since we came north.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I felt that some one was,&#8221; returned George.
+Then he reached out and put his hand upon
+Ezra&#8217;s shoulder. &#8220;So all the things that I
+have done have fallen upon you!&#8221; he said
+with feeling. &#8220;Forgive me, Ezra, if you can;
+and believe me that the possibility of such a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_319">[319]</span>
+thing never entered my mind until this
+morning.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For answer, Ezra patted him upon the back
+encouragingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never mind that,&#8221; said he. &#8220;It&#8217;s all
+over now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; returned George, firmly; &#8220;it&#8217;s all
+over; and anything I do in the future, Ezra,
+even so warm a patriot as yourself will not be
+ashamed of.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now and then they were overtaken by
+horsemen, or wagons containing people, heading
+for Concord; and Nat smiled to see that all
+bore rifles and that their faces wore looks of
+determination.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There were only a few of us at Lexington,&#8221;
+cried a young farmer as he tore by upon a
+plough horse, &#8220;but there will be a different
+story to tell farther on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now and then the strong box changed
+hands; but the five never stopped for anything
+else, tramping steadily on until they
+sighted the town.</p>
+
+<p>Concord at that time was a fair-sized place
+and contained a church, a jail and a court-house.
+There were two spans across the river,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_320">[320]</span>
+one called the Old South and the other
+the Old North Bridge. The parade ground
+was near the meeting-house, and upon
+it were companies of minutemen, their
+ranks constantly swelling, and even now
+being put through their routine by
+careful officers. Anxious inquiry on the
+part of Revere told them that the last
+of the stores had been carted away to safe
+hiding-places hours before; and also that
+the militia at Lincoln was already upon the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now,&#8221; said Nat to Ben Cooper, after Mr.
+Hancock&#8217;s property had been placed in security,
+&#8220;let us stand close together in whatever
+befalls. Because if you get away from me
+again, of course you&#8217;ll not take the trouble to
+hunt me up.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The latter part of this speech was uttered
+in a jesting tone, but for all that Ben saw that
+his cousin more than half meant it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know, Nat,&#8221; said Ben, &#8220;it was not
+altogether my fault that I did not find you at
+once upon my return to these parts. But you
+had left the &#8216;Dragon&#8217; and I did not care to
+make inquiries of Dr. Warren or Mr. Revere<span class="pagenum" id="Page_321">[321]</span>
+because&mdash;well, because I knew that Ezra
+would rather I should not.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At Revere&#8217;s solicitation, rifles were given to
+Ben, George, Nat and himself, also powder
+and ball; then they hurried out to join the
+patriot band upon the square. A party of the
+Lincoln minutemen had gone forward on the
+Lexington road to meet the British, but they
+now came pouring back into the town.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The ministerial troops are only about two
+miles away,&#8221; announced the Lincoln captain,
+William Smith, &#8220;and they are more than
+treble the number of all that we can muster!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With that the entire American force fell
+back to an eminence behind the town and
+formed in two battalions. Colonel Barrett,
+who had worked all the night superintending
+the removal of the stores, joined them here
+and at once placed himself in touch with the
+situation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am none too soon,&#8221; remarked this officer,
+pointing with his hanger down the Lexington
+road. &#8220;Here they are, and marching as
+though they meant to finish us without delay.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Sure enough the British had come in sight.
+The early sunshine struck their burnished<span class="pagenum" id="Page_322">[322]</span>
+arms and they glittered bravely in response;
+the red coats, white cross belts and high head
+pieces added to the gallant appearance of
+the compact column. Hotheads among the
+Americans were for at once offering battle.
+But the wise Colonel Barrett shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just now,&#8221; said he, &#8220;they are too strong
+for us. Men are flocking in from all points
+of the compass; in a short time we&#8217;ll be able
+to make a stand, but not yet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So he ordered a retreat across the North
+Bridge to another eminence which was about
+a mile from the center of the town.</p>
+
+<p>The British advanced into Concord, and at
+once the North Bridge was secured by two
+hundred men. Six companies were sent to
+destroy the magazines of stores, but, for the
+most part, found them empty. In the center
+of the town they seized and broke open some
+threescore of barrels of flour, knocked off the
+trunnions of three cannons, burnt some
+wheels, newly made for gun carriages, and
+also a few barrels of wooden trenchers and
+spoons.</p>
+
+<p>While this was going forward, the British
+all the while conducting themselves after the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_323">[323]</span>
+fashion of people highly amused, the alarm
+men were flocking to the hill outside. They
+came from Carlisle, from Chelmsford, from
+Westford, Littleton and Acton. They were
+lined up in rough order to the number of almost
+five hundred when several pillars of black
+smoke began to mount from Concord, and a
+cry of rage at once arose from the colonial
+force.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are burning the town!&#8221; was the cry.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Barrett, who had been calmly
+studying the situation, now decided to act.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The guard at the North Bridge must be
+dislodged,&#8221; said he curtly. &#8220;Who will volunteer?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A mighty shout went up. With a face
+shining with pleasure, the leader at once told
+off the companies he desired for the service.
+Major John Buttrick was placed in command,
+and to the number of some three hundred,
+the party started down the hill in double file
+and with trailed arms.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are required to cross the North
+Bridge,&#8221; were the commander&#8217;s last words to
+Major Buttrick; &#8220;but do not fire upon the
+king&#8217;s troops unless they fire upon you.&#8221;</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_324">[324]</span>Nat, Ben Cooper, Ezra and his brother were
+all with the party. Nat and Ezra marched
+shoulder to shoulder and as they neared the
+river, the latter said in a low tone:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose this is a more or less dangerous
+undertaking, but do you know, I have never
+been so glad to do anything in my life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are all glad to get a chance to back
+up our words, I suppose,&#8221; answered Nat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not that altogether,&#8221; said Ezra.</p>
+
+<p>And Nat saw the look which the speaker
+gave the unconscious George, who was trudging
+determinedly forward, his cartridge box
+pulled round ready to his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;s going to get a chance to prove that
+he is a patriot at heart like the rest of us,&#8221;
+said Ezra. &#8220;And,&#8221; contentedly, &#8220;I have no
+fear but that he will.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nor I,&#8221; said Nat, assuringly.</p>
+
+<p>The two hundred British were upon the
+west side of the river; but upon seeing the
+provincials approach, they retired to the east
+side and formed for a fight; also a detachment
+was sent to tear up the planks of the
+bridge.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that this must be prevented, Major<span class="pagenum" id="Page_325">[325]</span>
+Buttrick called upon them to stop, but as they
+paid no heed, he said sharply to his command:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Forward, lads, at the quick!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The colonists increased their pace. Instantly
+a rattle of musketry came from the
+king&#8217;s men. A fifer in the Acton company
+dropped with a bullet through him; almost
+immediately Captain Davis and a private of
+the same company were killed. Seeing the
+deadly effect of the volley, the American
+leader cried:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fire, fellow soldiers, fire!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The American riflemen at once obeyed; as
+the leaden couriers began to whistle about
+them the British fell into great confusion and
+retreated back upon their main body. With
+defiant shouts, part of the colonists crossed
+the bridge and took up a position on a hill
+commanding the main road; the others, bearing
+their dead, returned to their starting point,
+and all rested upon their arms watching the
+redcoats like hawks.</p>
+
+<p>By this time it was well upon noon, and while
+Concord was holding the column in check,
+the news of the hostile march of the king&#8217;s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_326">[326]</span>
+troops was spreading rapidly through all sections
+round about, and hundreds of men were
+hastening toward the scene of action. All
+the roads that led to Concord were thick
+with them; they carried the firelock that perhaps
+had fought the Indian and the drum
+that beat defiance to the French at Louisburg.
+And they were led by men who had served
+with Wolfe at Quebec and suffered the rigors
+of the seven years&#8217; war.</p>
+
+<p>At noon, Lieutenant-Colonel Smith concluded
+that nothing further was to be gained
+by an advance; so he gave the word that the
+column fall back toward Lexington and
+Boston. His left was covered by a strong
+flank guard that kept the height that borders
+the Lexington road; his right was protected
+by a stream of water. They had not gone
+very far when they began to understand how
+thoroughly the country had been aroused.
+It seemed as though men dropped from the
+very clouds. From behind every tree, every
+stump, every rock, a rifle spat its anger at
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Near Hardy&#8217;s Hill, the Sudbury company
+attacked the British flank guard; there was a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_327">[327]</span>
+fierce fight on the old road north of the schoolhouse.
+Here the way was lined with woods
+upon both sides and the minutemen swarmed
+upon them from this shelter like gnats. A
+guard on the left flank was ordered out in
+desperation; but it proved only a fairer mark
+to shoot at, and was instantly ordered back.</p>
+
+<p>This woody defile stretched away for three
+or four miles, and while in it the British suffered
+terribly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;From their look,&#8221; said Nat Brewster, reloading
+his piece and wiping the sweat from
+his face, &#8220;they have ceased to regard their
+expedition as a sort of excursion.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Ezra Prentiss, to whom these words were
+addressed, raised his rifle to his shoulder and
+its report was added to the din.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And, I think,&#8221; said he coolly, as he thrust
+his hand into his pocket for another cartridge,
+&#8220;that they will never start upon such another
+one again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was at this point that Woburn added one
+hundred and eighty men to the little provincial
+army; at Lincoln, the Lexington company
+again appeared upon the field.</p>
+
+<p>The British carried the greater part of their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_328">[328]</span>
+wounded, but the dead were left in the road
+behind them. At Lexington, Lieutenant-Colonel
+Smith was shot in the leg. Here,
+also, the British found that their ammunition
+was fast failing; the men were growing so
+fatigued as to be almost unfit for service;
+confusion began to grow among them and
+their officers were compelled at times to
+threaten them with drawn pistols, to keep
+them in order.</p>
+
+<p>Under the murderous fire sustained by the
+Americans the column was at last halted and
+formed into a hollow square to await the reinforcement
+which Colonel Smith had sent
+for at daylight. It was here that Lord Percy,
+at the head of three regiments of infantry,
+two divisions of marines and carrying two
+field-pieces came upon them, harassed, worn
+and almost upon the point of surrender.
+Percy himself had had no easy time in advancing
+to the rescue. He had found the
+planks of the Cambridge bridge taken up to
+delay his crossing the river; then the patriots
+had cut off his provision train and left his
+men to the hunger of the march.</p>
+
+<p>At once the field-pieces began to play upon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_329">[329]</span>
+the colonists; houses and other buildings
+were fired wantonly in Lexington, others
+upon the route of the retreat, now resumed,
+were broken into and plundered.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Warren had joined the patriots just
+before the arrival of Percy; and in the midst
+of the party that came with him the boys
+were delighted to find the Porcupine, perched
+upon a tall horse and with a huge pistol in
+his belt. At sight of them he grinned and
+smoothed back his stiff crest of hair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Had quite a time getting here,&#8221; said he,
+&#8220;but it&#8217;s worth all the trouble. I&#8217;ve always
+wished I&#8217;d have a chance to get in the first
+fight, and I hope it&#8217;s come true!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re here in time,&#8221; said Nat, with a
+laugh. &#8220;The troops that have just come up
+look fresh and full of spirit, so it is not all
+over yet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But though Lord Percy had almost two
+thousand men in all, he showed no disposition
+to do anything but get safely back to
+Boston. Dr. Warren rallied the patriots, who
+had been shaken by the cannon, and they
+pressed relentlessly after the invaders.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Keep up a brave heart,&#8221; said Warren to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_330">[330]</span>
+the riflemen. &#8220;They began it; but see to it,
+lads, that we end it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Through West Cambridge they fought.
+Again the British ammunition ran short, and
+the field-pieces became silent. At Charlestown
+the main body of the patriots hung
+upon their rear and another force was marching
+upon them from Roxbury, Dorchester and
+Milton.</p>
+
+<p>It was sundown when the harassed column
+staggered down the old Cambridge road to
+Charlestown Neck, fighting every step of the
+way, but glad to find protection at last under
+the guns of their ships of war. Out of gunshot,
+the provincials halted; but there they
+hung like a cloud, ominous and dark in the
+twilight. Next day the shattered battalions
+crossed into the city; and at once the Americans
+tightened their line; at once the work
+began of making the militia and the minutemen
+a compact fighting machine of
+the sort whose operations would spell
+victory.</p>
+
+<p>It was the next morning that the five
+boys stood upon the hill and watched the sun
+come up over the city.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_331">[331]</span>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Nat, &#8220;we&#8217;ve got them walled
+up in Boston.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Ezra Prentiss, as his sober
+gaze dwelt upon the still slumbering town.
+&#8220;And it will not be a great while before we
+drive them ever from there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And the events of the days to follow proved
+him to be a true prophet.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">THE END</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<div class="transnote">
+<p class="ph1">TRANSCRIBER&#8217;S NOTES:</p>
+
+
+<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p>
+
+<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.</p>
+
+<p>Archaic or alternate spelling has been retained from the original.</p>
+</div></div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG CONTINENTALS AT LEXINGTON ***</div>
+<div style='text-align:left'>
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author	nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org>	2025-01-22 09:15:45 -0800
committer	nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org>	2025-01-22 09:15:45 -0800
commit	8910867b0dcb8e86276b26d13a702cab98e90bdb (patch)
tree	1d9226c55ec100eac29ac0a7c30d812237086c4d