but
burst forth with an impetuosity and indignation which had but seldom
been observed in him. He asked if it was possible that Mackenzie could
be serious in unfolding so foolhardy a design. "This," said he, "is
treason; and if you think to entrap me into any such mad scheme, you
will find I am not your man!" He declared that if another word were said
on the subject he would forthwith leave the room. The others present
also repudiated the proposal with more or less of vehemence, but they
all regarded it as a mad freak of Mackenzie's, and hardly worth grave
consideration. Mackenzie found that nothing was to be done, and a few
minutes later the little conclave broke up.

On the following day Mackenzie called upon Dr. Rolph, who had meanwhile
heard from Dr. Morrison of the proposal of the previous evening. Dr.
Rolph questioned Mackenzie strictly respecting the accuracy of his
details as to the number of men who could be depended upon as adherents
in the event of a revolution. Mackenzie repeated his assertion that
about four thousand could easily be got together, every one of whom was
ripe and ready for taking up arms. He produced certain documentary
evidence which went to confirm the truth of his statements, and
vehemently declared that a successful revolution was not only feasible,
but inevitable. He proposed not to wait for the proposed convention, but
to speedily assemble all the men who could be got together at some
point within a few miles of the city. This he proposed to effect as
secretly as possible. The men could then advance upon the city and
proceed in a body to the City Hall, where they could possess themselves
of arms and ammunition. They would then be masters of the situation, and
could set up a Provisional Government on such terms as might be agreed
upon. Dr. Rolph was so far impressed by the documentary and other
evidence placed before him that he consented to give the matter his
consideration, and to discuss it with some of his friends.

After turning the subject over in his mind, Dr. Rolph appears to have
arrived at the conclusion that the subversion of the Government was
perfectly feasible. The capital of the Province was defenceless. The
Lieutenant-Governor had not only sent away the troops, but had
persistently refused to take any steps for the organization of the
militia. If several thousands of the people were really disposed to
assert themselves, there was nothing to prevent them from carrying out