his mind, and he understood better now than before
the encounter at Liberty Hall, that there were many who would not
hesitate to remind him of the fact that it was his uncle who had
deprived little Chris Snyder of life--his uncle, the informer, who
had been the first to resist, with deadly weapons, the citizens in a
demand for justice.

Amos was not a quarrelsome lad; although the acknowledged leader in
his particular circle of friends, he had never been a bully, neither
had he submitted tamely to an imposition.

He was fully determined to give Hardy Baker such a lesson on the evils
of using his tongue ill-advisedly and without precaution, as he would
not soon forget, although he did not intend to seek an interview with
the apprentice, who fancied himself rapidly becoming a leader of men;
but proposed to wait until he met the barber by chance rather than
intention, and then he was resolved that Hardy should receive a very
clear idea as to the necessity of curbing his speech.

The forenoon was well advanced when Jim Gray entered the house with an
exclamation of surprise and satisfaction.

"I never counted on finding you at home on this day of all others; but
just dropped in on the chance you might be here, since I have looked
everywhere else. Why are you keeping so snug when there is so much
going on?"

"What is being done? I heard no noise, and thought everything was
quiet."

"It is not what is being done, as what may happen at any time," Jim
replied, thoughtfully. "There is mischief in the air, and Liberty Hall
is packed as full as it was last night."

"Surely the people will do nothing to-day, for it was understood
yesterday that no demonstration was to be made until Monday."

"According to my way of thinking only a word is necessary to bring
about considerable trouble. It is said that the citizens have demanded
the removal of the troops, but Master Hutchinson will not listen to
their complaints."

"And if he does not, how can anything be effected? Surely the people
of Boston will not try conclusions against a regiment of soldiers."

"Some of the crowd are in the humour for anything desperate, and they
are the ones with whom Hardy Baker has made friends. He is talking
very fiercely now, and showing his blackened eye freely as a reason
why there should be no delay in forcing the soldiers to leave the city."

"A blackened eye? Has he been fighting already?"

"I don't think he had much chance to do anythi