gfisher drop down below the Castle
and anchor in the channel; also the Active. He understood the meaning
of the movement--that the governor did not intend the ships should
depart with the tea on board. He knew things would soon come to a
head, for under the law, unless a vessel discharged its cargo within
twenty days after arriving in port, the ship and cargo would be
confiscated. Once more the people assembled, electing Thomas Savage
moderator, and passing a vote directing Mr. Rotch to ask the collector
to clear the Dartmouth for London.

Rain was falling, and the wind east, rolling the waves into the
harbor, on the morning of December 16. Unmindful of the storm, people
from Boston and all the surrounding towns were gathering in the Old
South Meetinghouse. Little did the farthest sighted among them
comprehend that the fullness of time had come for the opening of a
mighty drama; that the bell up in the tower was heralding the
beginning of a new era in human government.

Tom and Abraham found seats in the gallery. After prayer, Samuel Adams
said the committee appointed at a previous meeting had called upon the
collector, with Mr. Rotch, asking him to clear the Dartmouth, but the
request was not granted.

"We all know," he continued, "that the twenty days will expire at
twelve o'clock to-night. After that hour the Dartmouth will be moored
under the guns of Admiral Montague's warships, and will be taken
possession of by a party of marines. I therefore move that Mr. Rotch
be directed to enter his protest at the Custom House, and that he be
further directed by this meeting to apply to Governor Hutchinson for a
permit that shall allow the Dartmouth to pass the Castle and sail for
London."

"All in favor of that motion will say aye," said the moderator.

"Aye!" thundered the floor, galleries, aisles, and pulpit stairs.

"All opposed will say no."

The silence was so profound that Tom could hear his heart beat.

"This meeting stands adjourned to three o'clock," said the moderator,
and the great crowd thereupon surged into the streets. Some went to
the Cromwell's Head; others to the Bunch of Grapes, White Lamb, Tun
and Bacchus, drank mugs of flip, and warmed themselves by the bright
wood-fires blazing on the hearths. The meeting had adjourned to give
Mr. Rotch time to jump into his chaise and ride out to Milton to see
Governor Hutchinson.

Tom and Abraham walked towards the Cromwell's Head. They were
surprised and de