n quickened his pace.

"Possibly, Mr. Walden, you do not understand the ringing of the bells
in succession. The gentleman is one of the Tory councilors recently
appointed by Governor Gage. He has accepted the appointment and the
citizens are worrying the life out of him. Each shopman has a bell
which he jingles the moment he spies a councilor, giving notice to the
other shopmen." Mr. Knox looked up at the clock. "It is about time for
the council to assemble in the Town House; quite likely you will hear
the bells tinkle again. More than half of those appointed by General
Gage have already resigned, and I do not doubt others will ere long
throw up their commissions. Not much honor is to be gained by holding
an office against public opinion."

"It is not a pleasing sight--the presence of so many troops," Robert
remarked.

"Nominally, we are under civil law; but in reality our civil rights
are gone, and we are under military government," Mr. Knox replied.

Two officers entered the store and were courteously received by the
bookseller, who showed them the latest books received from London. He
informed Robert, in a whisper, that they were Major John Small and
Ensign De Berniere. Another gentleman entered, a citizen, whose coat
was covered with dust, as if he had been long on the road. He was
heartily welcomed by Mr. Knox, who introduced him to Robert as Colonel
Israel Putnam of Connecticut.

"I think I have heard my father speak of you; he was a lieutenant
under Captain Stark at Ticonderoga. Perhaps you remember him," Robert
said.

"Indeed I do remember Joshua Walden, and a braver man never wore a
uniform in the Rifle Rangers than he."

The major of the king's troops laid down his book and approached with
outstretched hand.

"Well, I declare! If here isn't my old friend Putnam," he said.

There was mutual hand-shaking between Major Small and Colonel Putnam,
who had fought side by side under the walls of Ticonderoga and at Fort
Edward.

"And so you are here to enforce the Regulation Act," said Putnam.

"It is because you are rebellious," Small replied.

"You are attempting to subvert our liberties by enforcing unrighteous
laws. The Colonies exhibited their loyalty to the king when we stood
side by side to drive out the French. We taxed ourselves to the
utmost. England has repaid but a very small proportion of the cost. We
were loyal then, and we are loyal now; but we never will submit to
tyranny," continued Put