napkin, and a glass of Perry, and thrice during the narration of the
adventures, pressed him with additional draughts.

But after his second glass, Israel declined to drink more, mild as the
beverage was. For he noticed, that not only did the three gentlemen
listen with the utmost interest to his story, but likewise
interrupted him with questions and cross-questions in the most
pertinacious manner. So this led him to be on his guard, not being
absolutely certain yet, as to who they might really be, or what was
their real design. But as it turned out, Squire Woodcock and his friends
only sought to satisfy themselves thoroughly, before making their final
disclosures, that the exile was one in whom implicit confidence might be
placed.

And to this desirable conclusion they eventually came, for upon the
ending of Israel's story, after expressing their sympathies for his
hardships, and applauding his generous patriotism in so patiently
enduring adversity, as well as singing the praises of his gallant
fellow-soldiers of Bunker Hill, they openly revealed their scheme. They
wished to know whether Israel would undertake a trip to Paris, to carry
an important message--shortly to be received for transmission through
them--to Doctor Franklin, then in that capital.

"All your expenses shall be paid, not to speak of a compensation
besides," said the Squire; "will you go?"

"I must think of it," said Israel, not yet wholly confirmed in his mind.
But once more he cast his glance on Horne Tooke, and his irresolution
was gone.

The Squire now informed Israel that, to avoid suspicions, it would be
necessary for him to remove to another place until the hour at which he
should start for Paris. They enjoined upon him the profoundest secresy,
gave him a guinea, with a letter for a gentleman in White Waltham, a
town some miles from Brentford, which point they begged him to reach
as soon as possible, there to tarry for further instructions.

Having informed him of thus much, Squire Woodcock asked him to hold out
his right foot.

"What for?" said Israel.

"Why, would you not like to have a pair of new boots against your
return?" smiled Home Tooke.

"Oh, yes; no objection at all," said, Israel.

"Well, then, let the bootmaker measure you," smiled Horne Tooke.

"Do _you_ do it, Mr. Tooke," said the Squire; "you measure men's parts
better than I."

"Hold out your foot, my good friend," said Horne Tooke--"there--now
let's measure you