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diff --git a/old/67004-0.txt b/old/67004-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4a396fb..0000000 --- a/old/67004-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7843 +0,0 @@ -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 *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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