f them," Mr.
Shrimpton replied.

"We are not allowed to select jurors. The law takes away our right to
assemble in town meeting, except by permission, and then we can only
elect selectmen to look after town affairs," said Tom.

"The people have shown they are not fit to govern themselves," said
Mr. Shrimpton. "They allow the mob to run riot. It was a mob that
smashed Chief Justice Hutchinson's windows. Your gatherings under the
Liberty Tree are in reality nothing but mobs; you have no legal
authority for assembling. It was a mob that assaulted the king's
troops on the 5th of March; a mob threw the tea into the harbor, and
I strongly suspect that Tom Brandon had a hand in that iniquity. The
king stands for law and order. The troops are here in the interest of
good government, by constituted authority, to enforce the law and put
down riots."

"Just who had a hand in throwing the tea overboard no one can find
out, but I am glad it was done," said Tom.

"So you uphold lawlessness, Mr. Brandon?"

"I stand against the unrighteous acts of Parliament. We will not be
slaves; we will not be deprived of our liberties. If King George and
Lord North think they can starve the people of this town into
submission, they will find themselves mistaken," said Tom.

"I hope he will compel every one of you to obey the laws, and that
whoever had a hand in destroying the tea will suffer for it," Mr.
Shrimpton replied.

Tom saw the smile fade from the countenance of Mary as she listened to
the conversation. Her quick insight, and acquaintance with her
father's surly temper, enabled her to see what was withholden from
Tom's slower perception.

"Mary," said Mr. Shrimpton, after Tom took his departure, "I want you
to stop having anything to do with Tom."

"Why, father?"

"Because I don't like him."

"But I do like him."

"No matter. He's an enemy to the king. I have good reason to believe
he had a hand in throwing the tea overboard. If he did, he is no
better than a thief. He willfully, wantonly, and with malice
aforethought stole the property of others from the holds of the ships,
and destroyed it. It was burglary--breaking and entering. It was a
malicious destruction of property of the East India Company. It was a
heinous affair--not mere larceny to be punished by standing in the
pillory, or sitting in the stocks, or tied up to the whipping-post and
flogged, but an offense which, if it could be proved, would send every
one of t