oston,
and other steps, have brought larger bodies of the king's troops among
us, than have been usual. Boston, as you probably know, has had a
strong garrison, now, for some months. About six weeks since, the
commander-in-chief sent a detachment out as far as Concord, in New
Hampshire, to destroy certain stores. This detachment had a meeting
with the minute-men, and blood was drawn. A running fight ensued, in
which several hundreds have been killed and wounded; and I think I know
both sides sufficiently well, to predict that a long and bloody civil
war is begun. These are facts you should know, and accordingly I tell
them to you."

This simple, but explicit, account was received very differently, by
the different listeners. Joel Strides leaned forward, with intense
interest, so as not to lose a syllable. Most of the New Englanders, or
Yankees, paid great attention, and exchanged meaning glances with each
other, when the captain had got through. As for Mike, he grasped a
shillelah that he habitually carried, when not at work, looking round,
as if waiting for orders from the captain, on whom to begin. Jamie was
thoughtful and grave, and, once or twice, as the captain proceeded, he
scratched his head in doubt. The Dutch seemed curious, but bewildered,
gaping at each other like men who might make up their minds, if you
would give them time, but who certainly had not yet. As for the blacks,
their eyes began to open like saucers, when they heard of the quarrel;
when it got to the blows, their mouths were all grinning with the
delight of a thing so exciting. At the mention of the number of the
dead, however, something like awe passed over them, and changed their
countenances to dismay. Nick alone was indifferent. By the cold apathy
of his manner, the captain saw at once that the battle of Lexington had
not been a secret to the Tuscarora, when he commenced his own account.
As the captain always encouraged a proper familiarity in his
dependants, he now told them he was ready to answer any questions they
might think expedient to put to him, in gratification of their natural
curiosity.

"I s'pose this news comes by the major?" asked Joel.

"You may well suppose that, Strides. My son is here, and we have no
other means of getting it."

"Will yer honour be wishful that we shoulther our fire-arms, and go out
and fight one of them sides, or t'other?" demanded Mike.

"I wish nothing of the sort, O'Hearn. It will be time enough f