earance,
for however true or however false he might be, we were dependent upon
him, or would be, after having explained the purpose of our coming.

Master Lord held up the unscreened lantern that he might scrutinize each
in turn, and this he did in silence, devoting to it no little time,
after which he commanded us to follow him as he led the way through a
trap-door into the cellar.

I was considerably surprised at finding this place more comfortably
furnished than the room above. There were two couches made of saplings
and covered with beds of straw; a table, and a fire-place, behind which
hung all the implements for cooking. Suspended from the beams were two
large lanterns. One of these Master Lord lighted, carrying back the
smaller lantern to the room above, and, rejoining us, took his seat on a
stool at the table, asking sharply with much the air of a judge:

"What brings you lads into Boston at this time?"

"It is an overly long story," Hiram replied, drawing up to the table a
stool for himself and sitting down as if to begin the tale; but before
he could say more Master Lord interrupted him by demanding of Archie:

"Is not your father that John Hemming who is known as a Son of Liberty?"

"Aye, sir, that he is."

"Then you four must have been in the party that set off from Barton's
point not long since, and were afterward heard of at Hog island?"

"That we were, sir," Archie replied.

"And it may be you know somewhat concerning the doings at Breed's hill?"

"These lads should be well acquainted with what took place there, since
they acted a manly part," Hiram cried before anyone else could speak.
"There was no man in the ranks who behaved in better fashion than they."

"And having kept clear of the Britishers that day, you are come to give
them another chance at you?" Master Lord inquired, still looking at
Archie, and again Hiram took it upon himself to make reply:

"You had best hear the story as to why these lads have come," he said,
fearing, as I believed, lest Master Lord insist that we take advantage
of the darkness to retrace our steps.

Then, without waiting for permission, Hiram told all that we had learned
concerning Silas; explained why we left the encampment, and gave the
details of our stay at the battery near Nook's hill, adding in
conclusion:

"When the Britishers come to know that Silas Brownrigg was of that same
party which carried away the provisions from Hog island, and begin to
su