ring all the time I knew him, seemed ever to be in possession
of such information as a curiously inclined person might pick up. I
believe of a verity he spent all his spare moments gathering that which
seemed at the time useless knowledge, for, leave him four and twenty
hours in town or camp, and he had become acquainted with all the minor
personages and details of the place.

In answer to my question he motioned for me to follow, and so I did with
such good avail that within a quarter-hour I was in my father's arms, he
pressing me to his heart as if I had just come out from some terrible
danger.

It goes without saying that I soon made him acquainted with all which
had taken place from the time Hiram Griffin entered our home, and when I
spoke of the possibility that we Minute Boys might succeed in releasing
Archie from his imprisonment, he said emphatically, as if the matter
admitted of no argument:

"You must not for a moment think of any such desperate venture. Even if
the lad was not guarded as he surely is, what could any number of you
boys do toward releasing him? It would be opposing yourselves to all the
king's forces that are at present in Boston, and that is the same as if
I had said you would come to certain death."

Then, as if to dismiss the matter without question, he began to speak
with me of what the Committee of Safety believed our Minute Boys might
be able to do in aid of the Cause, and explained where we could lay our
hands on at least three skiffs which he knew had been secreted by those
who loved the colonies.

"You will be told, before leaving here, how to get possession of the
boats; but as to disposing of them in such places as may best suit your
conveniences and opportunity in leaving the town, I can offer no advice.
That is a matter which you lads must settle among yourselves later."

"Do you believe we will be aiding the Cause?" I asked, still doubtful as
to whether these true men here in Cambridge were minded to lean upon us
Minute Boys to any great degree.

"If you are prudent, close-mouthed, and energetic, there is no question
but that you may serve the army which is to be raised, by bringing
information of what goes on in Boston, better than could an equal number
of men."

Then my father gave me much advice regarding the future, urging, which
was unnecessary, that I should ever hold the good of the Cause above
discomfort, above suffering, above even my own life. It mattered
littl