ehicle was a roughly-made cart for hauling country produce, drawn
by two horses, and partially loaded with potatoes and corn.

The driver reined in his steeds as the informer advanced, and those
nearest heard Richardson say:

"Look here, Stephen, I want you to pull your team so far in toward
Master Lillie's shop that you'll run against that pole and overturn it."

"To what purpose?" the countryman asked, in surprise.

"It is intended as an insult to Master Lillie, and you, as one of his
friends, should be willing to do so slight a favour."

"I am a friend of Theophilus Lillie in matters of business, Ebenezer
Richardson; but, when it comes to opinions, such as some of us hold
and others don't, I am not favourably disposed toward the worthy
merchant, as he himself well knows. What is this insult?"

The farmer descended from the wagon, and that portion of the throng
which had heard his reply readily gave way before him as he advanced,
until he could read the names painted on the board.

"What does it all mean?" he asked of the man standing nearest him.

"Master Lillie is one of those who agreed not to sell British goods,
and has not only broken that agreement, but declares that no one shall
prevent him from dealing in such wares as he thinks fit."

"But the names painted there?"

"Are those of the other merchants who believe as does Master Lillie."

"Who raised this pole?"

"That is what no one can say; but it is safe to guess it came from
under the Liberty Tree."

The farmer returned to his team, and Richardson asked, eagerly:

"Now will you run it down?"

"No, Ebenezer. It was put there by Master Lillie's townsmen, and I
have no right to interfere, even though I had the inclination, which I
haven't. A man who gives his word of his own free will should hold to
it or take the consequences. As I said before, Master Lillie's
opinions, outside of business affairs, are not my opinions."

"You are a coward!"

"I live in Massachusetts Colony, and am not willing to pay taxes for
the privilege of buying goods from Britishers."

Then the farmer mounted his cart, and the crowd, wild with enthusiasm,
cheered lustily his sentiments, opening a passage for him as he urged
his horses forward.

[Illustration]

"You are cowards, all of you!" Richardson cried, as if beside himself
with rage. "A mob of a thousand men stand by and see an old man
insulted like this!"

"Your old man has laid himself open to the insult,