THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 GIFT OF 
 
 COMMODORE BYRON MCCANDLESS
 
 
 pj 
 
 ?. vTS V
 
 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE.
 
 STORIES OF 
 American History, 
 
 JAMES OTIS. 
 
 Under the Liberty Tree : A Story of the 
 
 Boston Massacre. 
 The Boys of 1745 at the Capture of Louis- 
 
 bourg. 
 
 An Island Refuge: Casco Bay in 1676. 
 Neal the Miller: A Son of Liberty. 
 Ezra Jordan's Escape from the Massacre at 
 
 Fort Loyall. 
 
 Each volume cloth, small 12 mo, neatly 
 bound, 75 cents. 
 
 ESTES & LAURIAT, 
 
 PUBLISHERS.
 
 a >""
 
 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE 
 
 A STORY OF 
 
 THE "BOSTON MASSACRE" 
 
 JAMES OTIS 
 
 AUTHOR OF "JENNY WREN'S BOARDING-HOUSE," "JERRY'S FAMILY' 
 "THE BOYS' REVOLT," "THE BOYS OF 1745," ETC. 
 
 Ellustrateti 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 ESTES AND LAURIAT 
 1896
 
 . Copyright, 1896, 
 
 BY ESTES AND LAURIAT 
 
 All rights reserved 
 
 Colonial 
 
 C. H. Simonds & Co., Boston, Mass., U.S.A. 
 Electrotyped by Geo. C. Scott & Sons
 
 n 
 
 7 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 I. THE LIBERTY TREE . . . . . . .11 
 
 II. P^IRST FRUITS . . . , . 29 
 
 III. LIBERTY HALL ........ 49 
 
 IV. A DISCOMFITED CREDITOR 67 
 
 V. A NIGHT OF TERROR 81 
 
 VI. AFTER THE MASSACRE . . 101
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 THE SOLDIERS FIRE ...... Frontispiece 
 
 " HOW LONG IS IT SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN HOBNOBBING 
 
 IN THAT QUARTER?" . . . . . . 13 
 
 "THEY ARE INDULGING IN TREASONABLE PRACTICES" . 19 
 ATTACHING THE WARNING . . . . . . .27 
 
 "WILL YOU GIVE ME THE MONEY NOW?" . . . -35 
 
 " YOU ARE A COWARD ! " 40 
 
 " RAISING HIS MUSKET QUICKLY, AND WITHOUT TAKING 
 
 AIM, HE FIRED "........ 45 
 
 PAUL REVERE AND AMOS 50 
 
 THE CROWD UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE . . . 6 1 
 
 "THE SENTRY KNOCKED HIM DOWN" 71 
 
 " ONE OF THE FRAGMENTS STRUCK MRS. RICHARDSON " . 74 
 " MEN AND BOYS RUSHED FROM THEIR HOMES " . . .85 
 
 ATTUCKS 89 
 
 " TO THE MAIN GUARD " 95 
 
 "POOR SAM!" 102 
 
 "BOTH REGIMENTS OR NONE!" 107
 
 " YOUR LORDSHIP must know that Liberty Tree is a large, 
 old Elm in the High Street, upon which the effigies were hung 
 in the time of the Stamp Act, and from whence the mobs at 
 that time made their parades. It has since been adorned with 
 an inscription, and has obtained the name of Liberty Tree, as 
 the ground under it has that of Liberty Hall. In August last, 
 just before the commencement of the present troubles, they 
 erected a flagstaff, which went through the tree, and a good 
 deal above the top of the tree. Upon this they hoist a flag 
 as a signal for the Sons of Liberty, as they are called." 
 
 Extract from a letter written by Governor Bernard to Lord Hillsborough 
 under date of June /<?, 7765. 
 
 "The world should never forget the spot where once stood 
 Liberty Tree, so famous in your annals." 
 
 The Marquis de Lafayette, in a speech delivered in Boston during his 
 last visit to America.
 
 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE 
 
 A Story of the "Boston Massacre 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 IT was on the evening of February 21, 1/70, in the city 
 of Boston, that a party of boys, ranging in age from ten 
 to eighteen years, were assembled at what was known as 
 " Liberty Hall," which was not a building, but simply the 
 open space sheltered by the wide-spreading branches of 
 the " Liberty Tree." 
 
 Although General Gage's troops occupied the city, and 
 patrols of the "bloody backs," as the red-coated soldiers 
 had been called in derision, paced to and fro at regular 
 intervals along the streets, these boys spoke openly of 
 their desire, and even of their intention, to avenge the 
 wrongs under which the colonists were suffering, believing 
 from past experience that the troops would not dare pro- 
 ceed to extremities with the citizens, more especially since
 
 12 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson "doubted his authority 
 to order the soldiers to fire upon the populace." * 
 
 These boys had shown several times in the vicinity of 
 this same so-called Liberty Hall of what acts they were 
 capable, and there was not one of them but that looked 
 forward to the time when it should be possible to do some- 
 thing more than simply vent his displeasure in words. 
 
 They had been among the throng who, in open defiance 
 of the law, had made prisoner of Giles Hendricks ; tarred 
 and feathered, and then carried, him in a cart through the 
 principal streets of the city to the Liberty Tree, because 
 he had given evidence regarding the smuggling of wine 
 from Rhode Island. Here under the old elm he had been 
 forced to swear he would never be guilty of a like crime 
 in the future, and only then was allowed to go free, wear- 
 ing his closely fitting and decidedly uncomfortable garment 
 of tar. 
 
 The gathering on this particular night at Liberty Hall 
 was, in the opinion of those participating, of great impor- 
 tance. 
 
 Several shopkeepers had failed to keep the promise not 
 to import British goods, made in January, and on the 
 afternoon of this day, Hardy Baker, who was apprenticed 
 to Master Piemont, the barber, had learned that Theophi- 
 lus Lillie, whose shop was on Hanover Street, near the 
 New Brick Church, had not only broken his agreement, 
 but openly declared it was his intention to sell whatsoever 
 he pleased. 
 
 * Oilman's " Story of Boston."
 
 THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " He boasts he will sell even tea, if it so be his custo- 
 mers wish to buy," Master Baker said, in concluding his 
 story of the shopkeeper's iniquities. 
 
 " How did you learn this ? " Amos Richardson asked, 
 quite sharply, for the barber's apprentice was noted rather 
 for his imaginative powers than 
 a strict adherence to 
 the truth. 
 
 " I heard it 
 when I went to the 
 Custom House this morning." 
 " But what were you doing there ? How long is it 
 since you have been hobnobbing in that quarter?" 
 
 "Am I accused of being friendly with the 'bloody 
 backs ' ? " Hardy asked, indignantly. " Can't I go any- 
 where in the town but that suspicions are aroused ? "
 
 14 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " It will be well for you to show anger only after you 
 have explained why you were at the Custom House." 
 
 " There is no reason why I should be forced to do so. 
 The part I took in bringing Hendricks to the Liberty 
 Tree is enough to show that the ' bloody backs ' can expect 
 no favour from me." 
 
 " Yet your master has among his customers many who 
 wear coats of red, and you shave some of them." 
 
 " True ; but it is not every one over whose face my 
 razor passes, that I call a friend. Since you are so sus- 
 picious, Amos Richardson, I will explain my going to the 
 Custom House," Hardy added, only after noting the fact 
 that several of those standing nearest were gazing at him 
 sternly. " You must know that many of the Britishers 
 who come to Master Piemont's shop to be served pay for 
 the work at the end of every three months, instead of 
 doing so each day or week. Now, among these red- 
 coats who hold on to their money as long as possible, 
 is one Lieutenant Draper, whom I attend. When it was 
 learned that he intended to let his account run until 
 three months had passed, Master Piemont told me the 
 bill should be mine in consideration of my strict atten- 
 tion to duty. Master Piemont knows a good workman 
 when he sees one, and I have been in his shop a long 
 while." 
 
 " But you are not a workman yet," a member of the 
 party shouted. " You are only an apprentice, Hardy." 
 
 "Well, and if I am ? I may be as good as a journey- 
 man for all that. If I was n't, it is hardly lik. V Master
 
 THE LIBERTY TREE 15 
 
 Piemont would have made me so generous an offer, and of 
 his own free will." 
 
 " Perhaps he thought it was the only way by which he 
 could induce you to attend to your work," some one 
 shouted, laughingly, and Amos said, sharply : 
 
 "We have not come here to make sport. Let him 
 explain, without interruption, why he was at the Custom 
 House this morning, and then we will decide how we can 
 best bring Master Lillie to realise that he must keep the 
 agreement made with the other shopkeepers. What has 
 Lieutenant Draper and his account to do with your visit, 
 Hardy?" 
 
 " It has everything to do, since I was there attending 
 to my own business. The officer's quarterly bill should 
 have been paid last Thursday, and, knowing he was on 
 duty at the place, I went there in the hope of getting my 
 money. Does that seem reasonable?" 
 
 Amos looked around inquiringly at his companions, and 
 Chris Snyder, a German lad only eleven years of age, 
 but who was allowed a voice in the meetings beneath the 
 Liberty Tree because of his staunch loyalty and unfailing 
 good nature, cried, impatiently : 
 
 " Let him tell his story. I am certain he has spoken 
 nothing but the truth, for he said to me last night that 
 he had twice asked for the money, and was going this 
 morning for the third time." 
 
 " Did you get it, Hardy ? " some one asked, and Master 
 Baker replied, angrily : 
 
 " I did n^t ; but the next time I demand it he will pay,
 
 1 6 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 for I shall treat him with no more ceremony than I would 
 one of the pirates." 
 
 " Be careful you don't feel the flat of his sword across 
 your back, my old barber." 
 
 " He dares not strike me, for he knows how much 
 influence I have in this town." 
 
 " And how much have you ? When did you become 
 of great public importance?" 
 
 " When I showed what should be done to reformers 
 like Hendricks." 
 
 " And are you the one who is responsible for that 
 lesson ? " 
 
 " But for me it might never have been given, for I 
 pointed out the man when it was not believed he was in 
 the city." 
 
 "We are wasting our time," Amos cried, impatiently, 
 raising his voice above the uproar, for now many had 
 begun to deride Hardy's pretensions. " Let him explain 
 how he knows that Master Theophilus Lillie has declared 
 he will sell British goods." 
 
 The barber's apprentice was prompt to make reply, for 
 the taunts of his comrades were not at all to his liking. 
 
 " While waiting in the guard-room at the Custom House, 
 I heard the 'bloody backs' talking among themselves 
 about the spirit which Theophilus was showing in declar- 
 ing he would conduct his business to please himself. 
 There was among the soldiers one who had heard him 
 announce his decision to no less a person than Master 
 Samuel Adams ; but in order to make more certain of
 
 THE LIBERTY TREE. I 7 
 
 the truth, I went to the shop as if I had been sent by 
 Master Piemont, and asked for tea. It was Theophilus 
 Lillie himself who told me he had it. Do you want 
 stronger proof than that ? " 
 
 Although Hardy Baker was not noted for strict loyalty 
 to the truth, there was no one among the party who 
 doubted his statement, and immediately the question arose 
 as to what should be done to bring the offending shop- 
 keeper to a full realisation of the enormity of his offence. 
 
 While the bolder spirits were discussing among them- 
 selves as to whether the general public would look with 
 favour upon their treating the merchant as they had the 
 informer, and the more timid ones were arguing that their 
 elders might not countenance an act of violence against a 
 merchant occupying such a prominent position in the 
 mercantile world as did Master Theophilus Lillie, James 
 Gray, a lad small of stature but fertile in expedients, as 
 had been shown many times under similar circumstances, 
 made a suggestion which met with the unqualified 
 approval of all. 
 
 " I have at home the figurehead of the old sloop FaitJi 
 and Prudence. It is the image of a man, with a nose not 
 unlike the one Master Lillie carries on his face. Let us 
 saw the head off, nail it to a pole, and set it up in front of 
 his shop with a notice attached warning all honest citizens 
 against trading with him." 
 
 " Hurrah for Jim Gray's plan ! " a member of the party 
 cried, and heartily the others responded, causing one of 
 two old gentlemen, who chanced to be passing at that
 
 1 8 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 moment, to say, with many an ominous shake of his 
 white head : 
 
 "If the children are allowed to display signs of dis- 
 loyalty thus publicly, it is not difficult to say how treason- 
 able must be their parents. Governor Hutchinson shows 
 far too mild a spirit, or some of these young sparks would 
 be adorning the pillory. It was not so when I was a boy." 
 
 "But it may be they are bent only on some youthful 
 frolic, Friend Johnson, and we gray - heads must make 
 allowance for young blood." 
 
 " The only allowance they should have is a dozen 
 strokes of the whip. They are indulging in treasonable 
 practices, otherwise the meeting-place would not be under 
 what is already known throughout the colony as the 
 Liberty Tree. I shall speak with Governor Hutchinson 
 to-morrow, and if he still insists upon faint-hearted meas- 
 ures, word must be sent to his majesty. Unless this 
 lawless spirit is speedily checked, trouble will follow. 
 The fathers of these young scoundrels may prudently 
 contrive to keep themselves from publicly committing 
 any overt act against the laws ; but they can be taught 
 a lesson through their sons." 
 
 Before the old gentlemen were beyond sight of the 
 Tree, the meeting had noisily adjourned to Jim Gray's 
 home on Cross Street, the entire party marching with 
 something approaching military precision through the 
 streets, as if fancying this semblance of order was 
 necessary to give proper dignity to what they knew 
 would be a riotous act.
 
 THE LIBERTY TREE. 21 
 
 The figurehead of the sloop had been long exposed to 
 the weather in the rear of the house, and perhaps no one 
 save Jim and his assistants could have traced a resem- 
 blance in the roughly-hewn contour of the face to that of 
 the prosperous merchant. They, however, were well sat- 
 isfied with the instrument which might bring Master Lillie 
 to a realisation of his offence, and Hardy Baker was posi- 
 tive no citizen of Boston could look upon the wooden face 
 without seeing in it a strong resemblance to the trader 
 who had broken his agreement. 
 
 The head was severed from the trunk and affixed to the 
 mast of Amos Richardson's sailboat, which spar was will- 
 ingly sacrificed for that purpose by its owner. 
 
 The majority of the party appeared to think that the 
 head in itself would serve as a menace to Master Lillie ; 
 but Jim Gray was not satisfied with so mild a warning, 
 and proceeded, after his own fashion, to add to its sup- 
 posed terrors. 
 
 He found in the wood-house a piece of planed board, 
 three feet long and fifteen or sixteen inches in width, on 
 which he inscribed, after much labour, with paint composed 
 of lampblack and fish-oil, the name of each of the mer- 
 chants who had been guilty of breaking their agreement 
 regarding the sale of British goods. 
 
 This he nailed on the spar within a few feet of the head, 
 affixing it so firmly that it could not readily be wrenched 
 off, and the instrument of warning was held erect a few 
 moments that the young conspirators might observe the 
 general effect.
 
 22 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " Master Lillie will quake in his boots when he sees 
 that," Hardy Baker said, in a tone of conviction. " Noth- 
 ing could be better, unless we had his name with the 
 others." 
 
 " But the head is there," Jim replied, "and even Master 
 Lillie himself must see that the face is like to his." 
 
 " Unless he is over-fond of looking in a mirror, he may 
 make a mistake," Hardy persisted. " Can't you put his 
 name on the board with the others ? " 
 
 Jim was not disposed to add to what he considered 
 almost a work of art, lest he should detract from its merits 
 in some degree, and after a brief pause he said, as a happy 
 thought occurred to him : 
 
 " This will look better, and there can be no mistake if 
 the spar is put up with the board set in the proper direc- 
 tion." 
 
 As he spoke he painted a rude hand with the dexter 
 ringer pointing. 
 
 " Now we have only to place it so that this shows the 
 way into the shop, and if Master Lillie makes any mistake 
 in regard to its being intended for him, he has a thicker 
 skull than his neighbors credit him with." 
 
 It appeared to the party assembled as if nothing was 
 wanting to make this symbol of warning full of meaning 
 and menace, and it only remained to place it in position. 
 
 Hardy Baker proposed to set out at once to complete 
 the work, regardless of the fact that the citizens were yet 
 astir, and that the moon illumined the streets almost bril- 
 liantly, thereby preventing secrecy of movement.
 
 THE LIBERTY TREE, 2$ 
 
 Amos Richardson insisted that it might be fatal to the 
 success of the scheme if they were discovered by Master 
 Lillie before the pole had been set in place, and suggested 
 that a certain number be selected to perform the work at 
 an hour when all good people were supposed to be asleep. 
 
 The only difficulty in acting upon this suggestion was 
 that every member of the party was desirous of doing a 
 portion of the work ; but Amos held firm to the idea that 
 they might defeat their purpose by allowing too large a 
 body of workmen to take part, and that the smallest num- 
 ber needed to perform the task would have greater chance 
 of success. 
 
 Therefore it was that Jim, who was entitled to a place 
 on the " committee " because of having designed the sym- 
 bol ; Amos, owing to the fact that he was looked upon by 
 his comrades as their leader ; Hardy Baker, because he 
 had a personal grievance against the British and, conse- 
 quently, against British goods, through his unsatisfied 
 claim against the lieutenant, and little Chris Snyder were 
 finally selected as the boys to perform the more delicate 
 portion of the task. 
 
 Very reluctantly the others took their departure, leaving 
 the four to complete the work after their own fashion, and 
 promising to be in front of Master Lillie's shop at an early 
 hour next morning. 
 
 Being thus left to their own devices, the " committee " 
 took refuge in the wood-shed, for the night seemed uncom- 
 fortably cold, save when a fellow was indulging in plenty 
 of exercise, and there they remained, looking out of the
 
 24 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 open door at the result of Jim's handiwork ten minutes or 
 more without speaking, when Chris Snyder broke the 
 silence by asking, in his thin, piping voice : 
 
 " What are you fellows waiting here for ? Why don't 
 we carry the thing up to Master Lillie's shop at once ? It 
 won't be a hard job for four of us, and I must be getting 
 home. Mother says a boy of my age ought not to be out- 
 of-doors after nine o'clock." 
 
 "And that 's where your mother is right, Chris," Amos 
 replied, with a laugh. "We shall all get the reputation of 
 being very dissolute lads if the meetings at the Liberty 
 Tree are continued many weeks longer. As a matter of 
 fact, I think you had best go home now." 
 
 " Why ? I am one who was chosen to help place this 
 warning in front of Master Lillie's shop." 
 
 " You was n't selected with the idea that you would be 
 of very much assistance, Chris. I think the other fellows 
 wanted to confer an honour upon you, even though you 
 are the youngest of the party. That's what comes of 
 always being good-natured, and ready to do a comrade a 
 friendly turn. We shall get this pole into position with- 
 out your help, and you might find yourself in trouble at 
 home by remaining out-of-doors as long as I think it will 
 be necessary for us to stay." 
 
 " Are n't you going to work at once ? " 
 
 " I don't think it will be safe until one o'clock," Amos 
 replied, decidedly, and Hardy Baker exclaimed, petu- 
 lantly : 
 
 " That 's foolishness ! It is after ten now, and we
 
 THE LIBERTY TREE. 25 
 
 sha' n't see a dozen people between here and Hanover 
 Street. Are you afraid, Amos ? " 
 
 " Do you think it ? " 
 
 " I asked the question, that 's all." 
 
 " If I thought you really meant it I should have a 
 little task to perform now, before we set about Master 
 Lillie's business, in giving you a warning against letting 
 your tongue run away with your wits." 
 
 " I was only in sport, Amos," Hardy hastened to say, 
 as he understood that his friend was angry. " Of course 
 I did n't suppose for a moment you were afraid ; but it 
 seems to me as if we might get through with the work at 
 once, rather than wait around here all night. The ' bloody 
 backs ' won't dare touch us so long as we are simply walk- 
 ing through the streets, even though we are carrying a 
 pole." 
 
 Jim Gray appeared to be of the same opinion, and 
 Amos, understanding that his companions did not recog- 
 nise the necessity for so much prudence, gave way. 
 
 " If we wait till past midnight there will be no mistake 
 about doing as we wish, while to set out now may bring 
 us into trouble," he said, thoughtfully. " However, if 
 you are of the mind that we should go on with the work 
 at this hour, taking all the chances of failure, I am ready." 
 
 " Come on, then ! " Jim shouted, as he seized one end 
 of the pole. " I want to do my share of the work, and 
 at the same time, slip into bed before daylight." 
 
 " How are we to fasten it when we get there ? " Chris 
 asked.
 
 26 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " The best way will be to dig a hole, and set it down 
 so far that it cannot be pulled over without considerable 
 labor," Hardy suggested, and Jim added : 
 
 "There's a spade in the woodhouse. Let Chris bring 
 that along, and the rest of us will carry the pole." 
 
 " Something more than that will be necessary, because 
 the ground is frozen. Look around for an axe ; we shall 
 be obliged to work our way through the frost," Amos 
 cried. 
 
 Chris found the necessary implements without difficulty, 
 and, desirous of having the spar affixed so firmly there 
 could be no question of overturning it readily, Hardy 
 thrust into his pocket a piece of stout Manilla rope. 
 
 Thus equipped, the party set out. 
 
 Contrary to Amos's anticipations, they met no person 
 during the walk from Cross Street to Hanover, near the 
 New Brick Church, where was situated Master Theophilus 
 Lillie's shop. 
 
 This quarter of the city appeared to be deserted, and 
 the boys, working noiselessly but rapidly, soon had such 
 an excavation, despite the frozen ground, as permitted of 
 setting the spar at least two feet below the surface, and 
 within a couple of yards of the shopkeeper's door. Then, 
 by packing the clods of frosty earth around it, the sym- 
 bol of warning was soon as firm as could have been 
 desired. 
 
 " Now help me to climb up there," Hardy whispered to 
 Amos, as he took the rope from his pocket and pointed 
 to the top of the spar.
 
 THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " What are you going to do ? " 
 
 " Tie the pole to a limb of that tree, and then Master 
 Lillie may dig around the bottom as much as he pleases, 
 for he will not be able to dislodge it unless he does as I 
 am about to do." 
 
 Amos realised the wisdom of 
 Hardy's plan, and, giving him the 
 required "leg up," the warning 
 was speedily attached to a limb 
 of the tree in such a manner 
 that considerable labour 
 would be necessary in order 
 to overthrow it. 
 
 Then the boys walked 
 to the opposite side of 
 the street and surveyed 
 the result of their toil, 
 
 f TiV ^ J!SP!i% W" 1 ! 1 "''L J after which Amos said, in a 
 1W -hisper: 
 
 Now then, lads, we must 
 
 get under cover. I don't 
 fancy Master Lillie would at- 
 tempt to make any serious trouble, 
 
 even if he knew who put the ornament into position ; but 
 it is just as well that he and every one else is kept in 
 ignorance of our share in the work. I shall be here as 
 soon after daylight as possible, and reckon by that time 
 there will be a bigger crowd around the shop than has 
 been seen for many a day."
 
 28 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 Then the conspirators separated, each going to his own 
 home, and there was not in the minds of a single member 
 of the party the slightest forebodings of the terrible 
 tragedy which was to follow their attempt to teach Master 
 Theophilus Lillie his duty.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 FIRST FRUITS. 
 
 the morning following the assembly at Liberty 
 Hall, which resulted in the warning given to Master 
 Theophilus Lillie, Hardy Baker, regardless of the fact that 
 Lieutenant Draper's account had been given him in con- 
 sideration of strict attention to duty, went from his home 
 directly to Hanover Street, instead of to the hair-dressing 
 establishment of Master Piemont, as he should have done. 
 
 Once on Hanover Street, all thought of duty was for- 
 gotten as he viewed, with no slight degree of pride, that 
 scene of excitement, in the cause of which he had assisted. 
 
 The pole, surmounted by the mutilated figurehead of 
 the sloop and decorated with the names of the merchants 
 who had been faithless to their agreement, was yet in 
 position, as he and his companions had left it a short time 
 previous, and, although the new day was but half an hour 
 old, the throng in front of Master Lillie's shop was so 
 great as to entirely block the street. 
 
 The first passerby, after the darkness of night was so 
 far dissipated that the object could be readily distinguished, 
 had stopped several moments to read the inscription a 
 difficult task, owing to the faint light. While deciphering, 
 with no slight amount of labour, the result of Jim Gray's
 
 30 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 work as a painter, the man had been joined by one and 
 another, until the walk directly in front of the shop was 
 crowded to overflowing with the curious, the throng swell- 
 ing far out into the street, and added to each moment, 
 until, when Hardy Baker arrived, it had become a mob 
 a good-natured, careless gathering, but yet a mob, which 
 needed but slight provocation to render it unmanageable 
 and dangerous. 
 
 It filled Hardy Baker's sensation-loving heart with joy 
 to see the result of the labour in which he had assisted. 
 
 For the moment he forgot that the idea of this symbol 
 of warning was Jim Gray's, and took upon himself all the 
 credit of having thus aroused the populace. 
 
 "Could Lieutenant Draper know I have been able to do 
 so much he would be more ready to settle his account, I 
 fancy," Hardy muttered. " If he thinks a barber's ap- 
 prentice has no influence, he should look at this scene. 
 There are nearly as many people here as saw the informer 
 tarred and feathered, and I have had considerably more 
 than a finger in both pies. This should show the good 
 people of Boston what I can do. Hello, Chris ! Both 
 Christophers, eh ? " 
 
 This salutation was addressed to little Chris Snyder, 
 who was early abroad according to the agreement made on 
 the night previous, and his companion, Christopher Gore,* 
 a lad whom Master Snyder had brought to the scene under 
 promise of showing him something rare. 
 
 * In 1809 tn is same Christopher Gore became Governor of the Common- 
 wealth of Massachusetts.
 
 FfJfST FRUITS. 31 
 
 " Has Master Lillie seen that yet ? " Snyder asked, glee- 
 fully, as he motioned with his thumb toward the pole. 
 
 " I can 't say. I have been here only a few moments, 
 and when I came the throng was as great as you see it 
 now." 
 
 " It is n't reasonable to suppose the shopkeeper does n't 
 know what has caused so great a gathering," Chris Gore 
 said, placidly, and added, with a meaning look at Hardy, 
 " If I had taken any part in raising that warning I should 
 be careful to keep the fact a secret." 
 
 " Why ? " Hardy asked, quickly, and looking just a trifle 
 disturbed. 
 
 " Because more may come of it than in the case of the 
 informer. Master Theophilus Lillie, although he may not 
 be loved by some of us, is patronised by Governor Hutch- 
 inson." 
 
 " Well, and what then ? He made an agreement, only 
 to break it before the words were cold, and should suffer 
 for it," Hardy replied, defiantly. 
 
 " I am not defending him, but simply gave words to my 
 thoughts." 
 
 " And you believe trouble will come to those who put 
 that up?" 
 
 " I said not so, yet I believe it will be well if those who 
 have thus advised Master Lillie keep the fact that they 
 were concerned in the work a secret. Who is that now 
 coming from the house ? " 
 
 " Ebenezer Richardson, the informer, and Amos's uncle. 
 Surely you should know him."
 
 32 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 11 1 never saw him before, but have heard much of his 
 doings." 
 
 "And so have others," Hardy replied, in a significant 
 tone. " If he is wise he will stay in the house this day, 
 for there yet remains in the city of Boston plenty of tar 
 and feathers." 
 
 " And you think he may get a new coat ? " 
 
 " It won't be long coming," the barber's apprentice 
 replied, in a meaning tone, as if his especial mission in life 
 was to correct the shortcomings of others. " Now that 
 this work has been begun by the boys of Boston, it will be 
 continued by them." 
 
 "You said that this Richardson is a relative of our 
 friend Amos ? " 
 
 "An uncle, but Amos has cast him off long since," and 
 Hardy's assumption of importance was almost comical. 
 " He is reading the names now ; perhaps thinks he is 
 called upon to protect Master Lillie. As I said before, 
 he had best remain hidden from view. How Amos would 
 rage if he could see his uncle at this moment ! " 
 
 " Then he has no love for him ? " 
 
 " As much as a frog has for a red rag." 
 
 The mob, who had been in the best possible humour, 
 now began to show signs of anger as the informer made 
 himself conspicuous, and half-muttered words soon became 
 loudly-spoken threats. 
 
 "The informer himself should hang from that pole ! " 
 
 " Where are the feathers ? He needs a new coat ! " 
 
 "Down with the informer ! "
 
 FIRST FRUITS. 33 
 
 Richardson turned toward the mob an instant, as if to 
 defy it, and then, as the threats grew louder, entered the 
 house. 
 
 " Whoever did that bit of work should be well paid 
 for it," some one in the crowd said, sufficiently loud for 
 Hardy to hear, and the latter looked triumphantly toward 
 Chris Snyder. " 1 : 11 wager it came from under the 
 Liberty Tree." 
 
 " You 're right, my friend," the barber's apprentice 
 said, in a loud tone, and in another moment he would 
 have revealed that which should be kept a secret, had not 
 the arrival of several British officers given him, in his 
 opinion, an opportunity of yet further distinguishing 
 himself. 
 
 " There is Lieutenant Draper," he said, sufficiently 
 loud for all in the immediate vicinity to hear, " and this 
 time he shall listen to what I have to say, unless he is 
 willing to settle his account." 
 
 " Are you going to speak to that officer ? " Chris Gore 
 asked, as he detained Hardy for an instant by stepping in 
 front of him. 
 
 " Why not ? He should pay that which he owes." 
 
 " But this is not the proper time to speak of business 
 affairs. No man would listen to a barber's apprentice in 
 public, like this." 
 
 " He shall listen to me," Master Piemont's assistant 
 replied, loftily. " It is to me he owes the money, and I 
 do not intend to be defrauded." 
 
 Before his companion could check him, the valiant
 
 34 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 Hardy stepped quickly up to Lieutenant Draper, who was 
 in company with two brother officers, and said, in an 
 offensive tone : 
 
 " I was at the Custom House yesterday to see you, 
 sir." 
 
 "And pray, why did you take it upon yourself to go 
 there?" the lieutenant asked. 
 
 " Because I wanted the money you owe Master Pie- 
 mont for dressing your hair, and I went where I was 
 most likely to find you." 
 
 The lieutenant's face grew pale with anger, and he 
 made a motion as if to strike the impudent boy, but one 
 of his companions said, in a warning whisper : 
 
 " Be careful what you do, Draper. An injudicious 
 word or act now might arouse this apparently peaceable 
 assemblage into an unruly mob ! " 
 
 Glancing around him, the officer realised the truth of 
 the remark, and would have turned away but that Hardy 
 stepped yet nearer, and, in a louder voice, cried : 
 
 " Will you give me the money now, or shall I visit the 
 Custom House again ? " 
 
 " Hark you, lad," Lieutenant Draper said, angrily, but 
 speaking so low that only those in the immediate vicinity 
 could hear the words, " if you dare present your barber's 
 account to me in public, I '11 have you punished for an 
 insolent cur. When I am ready to pay your master, I 
 will call at his shop." 
 
 " The account belongs to me. It has been turned over 
 by Master Piemont, and the money must be paid."
 
 FIRST FRUITS. 37 
 
 " Be careful of your words, my fine fellow, or they will 
 lead you into trouble ! " 
 
 The lieutenant was now almost beside himself with 
 anger, and, understanding that he might do something 
 rash, his brother officers literally forced him to accom- 
 pany them up the street, while the barber's apprentice, 
 not wishing to leave the scene of what he considered his 
 triumph, hurled insolent epithets after the soldiers. 
 
 "What are you doing, Hardy Baker? Do you want 
 to bring about a riot ? " 
 
 Turning quickly, Master Piemont's assistant saw his 
 friend Amos, who had just come up, and he retorted : 
 
 " I am attending to my own affairs." 
 
 " It is better you should do that in private. You have 
 no right to brawl in the streets, even though your debtor 
 be an enemy." 
 
 " I have the right to do that which I please, and it will 
 become you better to turn your attention to the informer, 
 who is at the same time your relative." 
 
 "What do you mean by that?" and now Amos began 
 to display signs of losing his temper, for the part in pub- 
 lic affairs which Ebenezer Richardson had been playing 
 latterly was a sore subject to him. "What has he been 
 doing ? " 
 
 " Nothing, as yet. It is what he may do that I 
 speak of." 
 
 "But he is not here." 
 
 " He came out of Master Lillie's a few moments ago, 
 and would have torn down the pole but for the crowd
 
 38 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 which threatened him. There he is now, and while you 
 are watching your precious uncle, I '11 continue to demand 
 my money from that red-coated lieutenant, if it so pleases 
 me ! " 
 
 " Do as you choose," Amos cried, in a rage, "and some 
 day you will realise what a fool's back deserves." 
 
 Then, understanding that no credit could be gained by 
 bandying words with one like the barber's apprentice, he 
 stepped nearer the two Christophers, as the mob, agitated 
 by the sight of the informer, watched eagerly his every 
 movement. 
 
 A wagon was coming down the street, and it appeared 
 to Amos as if his uncle must have seen the team ap- 
 proaching and hurried out of the building to speak with 
 the driver, for he made his way around the throng, as he 
 beckoned vigourously to the newcomer. 
 
 The vehicle was a roughly -made cart for hauling coun- 
 try produce, drawn by two horses, and partially loaded 
 with potatoes and corn. 
 
 The driver reined in his steeds as the informer advanced, 
 and those nearest heard Richardson say : 
 
 " Look here, Stephen, I want you to pull your team so 
 far in toward Master Lillie's shop that you '11 run against 
 that pole and overturn it." 
 
 " To what purpose ? " the countryman asked, in surprise. 
 
 " It is intended as an insult to Master Lillie, and you, 
 as one of his friends, should be willing to do so slight a 
 favour." 
 
 " I am a friend of Theophilus Lillie in matters of busi-
 
 F7KST FRUITS. 39 
 
 ness, Ebenezer Richardson ; but, when it comes to opinions, 
 such as some of us hold and others don't, I am not favour- 
 ably disposed toward the worthy merchant, as he himself 
 well knows. What is this insult ? " 
 
 The farmer descended from the wagon, and that portion 
 of the throng which had heard his reply readily gave way 
 before him as he advanced, until he could read the names 
 painted on the board. 
 
 " What does it all mean ? " he asked of the man stand- 
 ing nearest him. 
 
 " Master Lillie is one of those who agreed not to sell 
 British goods, and has not only broken that agreement, 
 but declares that no one shall prevent him from dealing in 
 such wares as he thinks fit." 
 
 " But the names painted there ? " 
 
 " Are those of the other merchants who believe as does 
 Master Lillie." 
 
 " Who raised this pole ? " 
 
 " That is what no one can say ; but it is safe to guess 
 it came from under the Liberty Tree." 
 
 The farmer returned to his team, and Richardson asked, 
 eagerly : 
 
 "Now will you run it down ? " 
 
 "No, Ebenezer. It was put there by Master Lillie's 
 townsmen, and I have no right to interfere, even though I 
 had the inclination, which I have n't. A man who gives 
 his word of his own free will should hold to it or take the 
 consequences. As I said before, Master Lillie' s opinions, 
 outside of business affairs, are not my opinions."
 
 4 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " You are a coward ! " 
 
 I live in Massachusetts Colony, and am not willing 
 to pay taxes for the privilege of buying goods from Brit- 
 ishers." 
 
 Then the farmer mounted his cart, and the crowd, wild 
 with enthusiasm, cheered lustily his sentiments, opening a 
 passage for him as he urged his horses forward. 
 
 " You are cowards, all of you ! " Richardson cried, as if 
 beside himself with rage. " A mob of a thousand men 
 stand by and see an old man insulted like this ! " 
 
 " Your old man has laid himself open to the insult, and 
 deserves it," some one cried. 
 
 " He shall not be forced to endure it," and the informer 
 seized the pole as if to pull it from the ground, regarding
 
 FIRST FRUITS. 41 
 
 not the shouts and threats which assailed his ears from 
 every direction. 
 
 Now it was that Hardy Baker saw an opportunity to 
 distinguish himself, as he thought, and, gathering a hand- 
 ful of pebbles from the street, he threw them viciously at 
 Richardson. 
 
 The mob needed only an example, and, before one could 
 have counted ten, young men and boys were pelting the 
 informer with such missiles as came nearest to hand. 
 
 Stones, bits of earth, sticks and icicles were hurled at 
 him with no slight accuracy of aim, and, under such a 
 shower, the informer could do no less than beat a retreat, 
 for to have held his ground longer would have been dan- 
 gerous. 
 
 Already his face and hands were cut and bleeding, and 
 more than once had a rock, sufficiently large to have 
 knocked him senseless, whistled within a few inches of his 
 head. 
 
 As he disappeared within the shop some of the younger 
 members of the mob, chief among whom was Hardy 
 Baker, continued to shower missiles, until they rattled 
 against the building like hailstones ; but this method of 
 showing displeasure at the merchant's course of action was 
 frowned down by the wiser portion of the gathering, and 
 the boys were soon forced to desist. 
 
 " It was well enough to prevent him from taking down 
 the pole," some one cried ; " but, when it comes to destroy- 
 ing property, we're going beyond our rights." 
 
 " He will soon destroy that which cost so much labour to
 
 42 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 put up ! " Hardy Baker shouted. " He has only to wait 
 until we are obliged to go away," 
 
 "That may be a longer time than he thinks for," 
 Attucks, a mulatto who was well known to all, replied. 
 " When it comes to such work as this we can afford to let 
 everything else go. That pole will stand where it is a 
 spell longer, my boy." 
 
 " But not all are of your way of thinking. It cost much 
 labour to place it there, and it should remain until Master 
 Lillie understands he cannot play fast and loose with the 
 people," and now Hardy, having forced his way into the 
 centre of the throng, was almost bursting with the desire 
 to explain that he had assisted in this good work. 
 
 He was ready at the first opportunity to take upon him- 
 self all the credit of having devised the symbol and erected 
 it ; but there were none near who cared particularly to 
 listen to the barber's apprentice, whose love for notoriety 
 was his ruling passion. 
 
 Besides, even though they had been desirous of hearing 
 what he was so eager to say, no heed would have been 
 given his words just then, for at that moment the door of 
 the shop was opened again, and Richardson appeared, fol- 
 lowed by his friend, David Wilmot. 
 
 At first no one appeared to observe that the informer 
 was armed, and then, as some one noted the fact that he 
 carried a musket, the cry was raised : 
 
 " Down with the informer ! Down with the informer ! 
 Hang him to the pole ! Bring out the tar and feathers I 
 Give him an informer's uniform ! "
 
 FIRST FRUITS. 43 
 
 That portion of the mob farthest from the building, un- 
 able to see clearly what was going on, pressed forward, 
 forcing those in front yet nearer the shop, and for an in- 
 stant it appeared as if the entire assemblage was bent on 
 making a prisoner of Richardson. 
 
 Raising his musket quickly, and, without taking aim, he 
 fired, and as the report rang out, even above the shrill cries 
 of the infuriated multitude, it was as if the sharp crack 
 of the weapon had alarmed him who discharged it, for, turn- 
 ing precipitately, driving Wilmot before him, the informer 
 rushed into the building, closing the door behind him. 
 
 Those in the immediate vicinity of the warning symbol, 
 and nearest the informer, were unharmed, and, believing 
 no injury had been done by the discharge of the musket, 
 they set up a howl of derision, which was checked an 
 instant later as a wailing cry came from the walk opposite. 
 
 " Chris Snyder 's killed ! Chris Snyder 's killed ! " 
 
 "Chris Gore's killed!" another cried. "Help! 
 Stand back ; you are trampling him to death ! " 
 
 Turning as one man, the startled assemblage rushed 
 frantically toward that quarter from which the ominous 
 words had come, pressing down upon the little group that 
 had gathered around something on the ground, until 
 there was every danger these few would be trampled 
 under foot. 
 
 During several moments no one outside the awe- 
 stricken circle on the walk knew really what had occurred, 
 and then it was whispered not spoken among the 
 gathering :
 
 44 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " Two boys have been killed ! " 
 
 A silence that was profound, intense a silence which 
 was at the same time a menace, ensued, and, involuntarily, 
 every head was bared. 
 
 Amos, who had been standing beside the two Chris- 
 tophers, was one of the few who knew exactly what 
 followed the discharge of the weapon. 
 
 Little Chris Snyder, the smallest and perhaps the 
 youngest of the throng, had fallen with an ominous- 
 looking wound in the vicinity of his lungs, and Chris 
 Gore was leaning against the palings, big crimson drops 
 falling from his shoulder to the frozen earth. 
 
 Amos, at once recognising the fact that Snyder was 
 the most grievously wounded, raised the little German 
 lad's head tenderly on his arm as he implored those near- 
 est to keep the crowd back, and when the excited ones in 
 the rear finally understood what was required, every order 
 given by Amos, boy though he was, received implicit 
 obedience. 
 
 Rough men lifted the little lad as gently as his widowed 
 mother could have done, and one asked : 
 
 " Where does he live ? " 
 
 " On Frog Lane.* Chris Gore must be attended to 
 also." 
 
 " I can take care of myself. It is n't much of a hurt, 
 this on my shoulder." 
 
 "But it ought to be dressed at once, and I am not 
 certain you should be allowed to walk," Amos said, 
 hurriedly. 
 
 * Now Boylston Street.
 
 FIRST FRUITS. 47 
 
 "There will be no danger; you can go with me. 
 There are plenty who will see that poor little Chris is 
 cared for. Some one should go ahead to tell his mother 
 he is hurt, and to call a surgeon." 
 
 " I '11 take care of that part of it," Hardy Baker cried, 
 quickly. " Leave it to me." 
 
 Amos seized the excited barber before he could move, 
 for he knew how Hardy would break the sad news to the 
 poor mother, and did not intend she should suffer more 
 than was absolutely necessary. 
 
 " Here is Master Revere ! " he said, with a sigh of 
 relief, as he struggled to prevent the apprentice from 
 leaving him. " He is the one who should speak to Mrs. 
 Snyder, not you, Hardy. Take hold of Chris a moment 
 while I speak with him." 
 
 Master Piemont's assistant was not pleased at thus 
 being prevented from appearing as one of the principal 
 characters in this terrible drama ; but Chris Gore, under- 
 standing as well as did Amos, why Hardy should not be 
 allowed to go to the widow's home, forced him to remain 
 by saying : 
 
 "You must stay with me until I can get home." 
 
 " Are you hurt very much ? " 
 
 " It may be that I am," Gore replied, knowing that if he 
 made light of his wounds Hardy would consider himself 
 at liberty to act upon his own suggestion. 
 
 Hurriedly Amos explained to the goldsmith what had 
 occurred, and what he desired the latter to do, after 
 which he came back to his two friends.
 
 48 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 "Master Revere will go to poor Chris's mother, and 
 since there are more than enough to give him all the care 
 he needs, we can attend to you." 
 
 " Do you think the little fellow will die ? " Gore asked, 
 more concerned regarding his friend than for himself. 
 
 " I am afraid the wound is a serious one," Amos 
 replied, sadly. " The blood was coming from his mouth, 
 and I am told that is a bad sign." 
 
 " If it 's signs you 're looking for, see there ! " and 
 Hardy pointed up the street, where the crowd was march- 
 ing as if in procession behind those who carried the 
 dying boy. " If that does n't look like a funeral, what 
 should you say it was?" 
 
 Amos gave one quick glance and turned his head away. 
 
 It seemed as if he was in a certain degree responsible 
 for this death ; but the barber's apprentice, who was 
 equally culpable, had no such misgivings. 
 
 One would have said Hardy Baker found a certain 
 degree of pleasure in dwelling upon the fact that he had 
 been instrumental in this day's work, since it would bring 
 his name into greater prominence than he could ever have 
 hoped for otherwise, however conscientiously he might 
 discharge his duties as Master Piemont's apprentice.
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 LIBERTY HALL. 
 
 X TOT until nightfall, on this day of the tragical ending 
 ** ^ to the lesson given Master Lillie and the other faith- 
 less merchants, did Amos Richardson meet those who had 
 aided him in the work of erecting the symbol in front of 
 the shop on Hanover Street. 
 
 He and Hardy Baker had assisted Chris Gore to his 
 home, and the injured boy's father had sent the barber's 
 apprentice in search of a surgeon. 
 
 There was nothing Amos could do to aid this family, 
 and having no desire to listen to Hardy's foolish threats, 
 as he would probably be forced to do in case he waited for 
 that young gentleman's return, he walked slowly toward 
 Frog Lane, repeating again and again to himself that, if 
 little Chris Snyder's death should follow as a result of his 
 wound, those who had erected the symbol of warning 
 would at least be morally responsible. 
 
 He had arrived at the Liberty Tree, where was a great 
 throng of people waiting, as if believing that here in the 
 so - called Liberty Hall they would the sooner receive 
 tidings of the injured lad's condition, when he met Master 
 Revere, returning to his place of business. 
 
 " I think, Amos," the goldsmith said, as he attracted 
 the boy's attention by tapping him on the shoulder, " that
 
 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 it would be well if you were to go to the Widow Snyder's 
 
 home. She may need assistance in caring for her son, 
 
 and you are more to be relied upon than any lad of your 
 
 age whom I know." 
 
 "Is she alone, sir ? " 
 " Yes, so far as the interior of the 
 dwelling is concerned ; but her home 
 is surrounded by a troop of people 
 who think, mayhap, they show 
 sympathy by evincing curi- 
 osity. The little dwelling 
 was absolutely choked by 
 those who followed Chris ; 
 but when the surgeon ar- 
 rived he very rightly and 
 promptly ordered the house 
 to be cleared. I promised 
 to send some person who 
 was sufficiently clear- 
 headed to be of service to 
 the sorrowing widow." 
 " How is Chris, sir ? " 
 
 " His life, probably, cannot be saved. The surgeon 
 declares that he has but a few hours, at the most, to live ; 
 that the wound is necessarily mortal." 
 
 "Master Revere," and Amos spoke in a most sorrowful 
 tone, " think you that those who placed the head in front 
 of Master Lillie's shop can be blamed for the death of 
 poor Chris ? "
 
 LIBERTY HALL. 51 
 
 The goldsmith looked at Amos, searchingly, a few sec- 
 onds, and then turned his eyes away. 
 
 " I think I understand why you ask that question, Amos 
 Richardson, and sorry I am there should be the necessity 
 for such thoughts in your mind. But he who would say 
 those who thus attracted attention to Master Lillie's short- 
 comings could be held in any way as contributing to the 
 poor boy's death, would, perforce, twist his arguments 
 sadly. That which was done last night was not begun 
 with any idea the ending could, by any possibility, be what 
 it is. Therefore, while it is a most deplorable affair, one 
 which, perhaps, may mean more than the killing of a 
 human being, you must not let your heart be troubled. 
 God works in wondrous ways, and who shall say that He 
 has not shaped this for some wise purpose ? Go, now, to 
 the house of mourning, my boy, and aid that bereaved 
 mother as best you can. Before nightfall I will send some 
 one to relieve you of your sad duty." 
 
 Thus it was that Amos had spent the day at Frog 
 Lane, and not until Master Revere had fulfilled his prom- 
 ise relative to sending another did he leave the dying lad, 
 who was already being spoken of in the city as " the first 
 martyr to the noble cause" and the "first victim to the 
 cruelty and rage of oppressors." 
 
 Little Chris had not been conscious from the moment 
 he was brought into the house, nor could any word, save 
 that he was sinking slowly, be given to those who called 
 at short intervals to inquire regarding his condition. 
 
 When Amos arrived at the Liberty Tree once more,
 
 52 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 several hundred people were there, eager to learn the 
 latest intelligence regarding Chris ; but he could only 
 make the same reply he had made so often during the 
 day, and when it was learned that he really had no other 
 information than this to impart, the sympathetic or the 
 curious ones fell back, gathering in little groups to discuss 
 the terrible events of the day, as they had been discussing 
 them since early morning. 
 
 When he was thus left comparatively alone, Amos ob- 
 served, for the first time, that Jim Gray was present at 
 this open-air meeting ; that Jim's eyes were red, as with 
 much weeping, and that he paced to and fro, speaking to 
 no one, even refusing to reply when accosted. 
 
 Amos understood what was in his friend's mind, and he 
 hastened to apply the same balm with which Master Re- 
 vere had cheered him. 
 
 "That's the way I have tried to figure it," Jim replied, 
 after listening patiently to a repetition of the goldsmith's 
 remarks on the subject. "Yet, at the same time, Amos, 
 it is a fact that poor little Chris would not be dying this 
 evening if we had n't taken it into our heads to give 
 Master Lillie a warning; and whether or no it be that 
 there is more in this than we can see now, as Master 
 Revere proposes, we shall be forced to remember that 
 through us, and no one else, was Chris drawn into the 
 matter." 
 
 " But think of this, Jim : he did not receive the wound 
 while we were putting the pole into position, but after- 
 wards, when he was only a spectator, and he might have
 
 LIBERTY HALL. 53 
 
 been there, even though knowing nothing of what was 
 done last night." 
 
 " Yet if the pole had n't been put up he would not have 
 been there, even as a spectator," Jim persisted. 
 
 " That is true, and I wish from the bottom of my heart 
 that we had had no hand in it ; but it has been done now, 
 and repentance is of no avail, so far as poor little Chris is 
 concerned. The whole city is aroused, and I have heard 
 those say, who should know, that most likely this will 
 lead to the soldiers being driven out of town." 
 
 "Think you that could be done without bloodshed? 
 General Gage, as an officer in the King's army, has no 
 right to leave this city unless obliged to by force of arms." 
 
 " Whatever may come of it, I know not ; but 
 
 " Well, I can tell you," and Hardy Baker, who had 
 approached unobserved, stepped in front of his two 
 friends with the air of one whose shoulders are weighted 
 heavily with burden of state. " Of course I am in a 
 way to hear a good deal more than you fellows because 
 so many of Master Piemont's patrons are Britishers. 
 The ' bloody backs ' themselves say this is really the 
 beginning of insubordination in the Colonies, and before 
 many months have passed the King will find it necessary 
 to punish us severely. It may be learned that we won't 
 submit as readily as they seem to fancy." 
 
 " But how could it be avoided ? " Amos asked, impa- 
 tiently ; for the tone in which the barber's apprentice 
 spoke, and the swagger he had assumed, grated harshly 
 upon the boy's nerves.
 
 54 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 "We'll arouse the people to action," Hardy replied, 
 loftily. 
 
 "Yes, and in the meanwhile the King will have sent 
 over more soldiers to whip us into submission. If such 
 men as Master Adams are unable to remedy this state of 
 affairs, I don't believe the yoke of oppression, which 
 bears so heavily upon the Colonies, will be removed by 
 any effort at Master Piemont's hair -dressing shop." 
 
 "It is all very well for you to sneer when you don't 
 understand the situation ; but your harsh words won't 
 alter the facts, and I tell you, Amos Richardson, you 
 will see yet more blood spilled." 
 
 " And you propose to take a hand in the spilling, I 
 suppose ? " 
 
 " I shall be wherever anything of the kind is going on, 
 of that you may rest assured. Do you know where your 
 uncle is at this moment ? " 
 
 "No." 
 
 "The people made prisoners of Wilmot and him, and 
 carried them both to Faneuil Hall, where they have been 
 examined and committed for trial. He will be hanged for 
 murder." 
 
 " As he should be, even though he is my uncle ! But 
 when that has been done, what then ? " 
 
 " You shall see," the barber's apprentice replied, in a 
 prophetic tone. " I am not through with this matter 
 yet." 
 
 Then Master Baker walked slowly away, as if the fate 
 of the Colony of Massachusetts was in his keeping.
 
 LIBERTY HALL. 55 
 
 The interview with Master Piemont's assistant did not 
 serve to cheer either Amos or Jim, but rather further 
 distressed them in mind, and, after trying in vain each to 
 give some comfort to the other, the two went to Chris 
 Gore's home, where they learned that he was resting 
 comfortably, in no danger of death. 
 
 On the following morning the tolling of the bell on 
 New Brick Church told that little Chris Snyder was dead, 
 and the city was in more of a ferment, if possible, than 
 before. 
 
 Liberty Hall was crowded with people who had gathered 
 to discuss the situation of affairs, which now seemed dan- 
 gerous in the extreme, and threats against the " bloody 
 backs" were openly indulged in. 
 
 Amos and Jim were together the greater portion of 
 the time which intervened between Chris's death and his 
 funeral ; but saw nothing of the barber's apprentice. 
 
 They had been selected, together with four others of 
 the dead boy's friends, to act as pall - bearers, and on 
 Monday forenoon performed their part in the impressive 
 ceremonies, which were held under the Liberty Tree, 
 when beneath it was placed for a brief time the coffin 
 bearing on its head the inscription, "Innocentia nusquam 
 tuta;" on the foot, "Latat anguis in herba;" and on 
 either side, "Hceret lateri lethalis anmdo" 
 
 Four hundred schoolboys marched in couples behind 
 the casket containing all that was mortal of Chris Snyder ; 
 thirteen hundred citizens followed, and the procession 
 was closed by thirty chariots and chaises.
 
 56 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 The bells of Boston and the neighbouring towns were 
 tolled as the procession marched from Frog Lane to the 
 Liberty Tree, and from thence to the bury ing -ground, 
 and on every hand the little fellow was spoken of as the 
 "first martyr in the cause of American liberty." 
 
 During the week which followed the funeral ceremonies, 
 Amos and Jim were much together in the home of Chris 
 Gore, whose wound was rapidly healing. They had little 
 or no intercourse with the barber's apprentice, whom, it 
 was rumoured, had made friends among a certain set of 
 men frequenting the resorts on the water-front of the 
 city. 
 
 Neither had succeeded in convincing himself he was 
 wholly blameless for the tragedy on Hanover Street, and 
 both shunned Hardy Baker as much as possible because 
 of the ridiculous threats he made as to what he intended 
 to do, and cause others to do, against the soldiers. 
 
 It was on the Friday succeeding the funeral, when 
 Amos and Jim were together in the yard of the latter's 
 home, where the symbol of warning to Master Lillie had 
 been prepared, that the barber's apprentice burst in upon 
 them like a whirlwind. 
 
 Excitement was written on every feature of his face, 
 and several seconds elapsed before he could speak coher- 
 ently. Then he exclaimed : 
 
 " It has come at last ! It has come at last ! " 
 
 "What has come?" Amos asked, impatiently. 
 
 " The ' bloody backs ' are to be driven out of town. 
 They have done so much this time that the people will
 
 LIBERTY HALL. 57 
 
 soon put an end to them ! It seems that Chris Snyder's 
 murder was n't enough 
 
 " But the soldiers had nothing to do with that," Jim 
 said, quickly. " We three are the guilty ones." 
 
 " Now you are talking foolishly," Hardy cried, angrily. 
 " If I did n't know you two fellows as well as I do, I 'd 
 say you were ready to make friends with the oppressors." 
 
 " We have no desire to be friendly with the soldiers," 
 Amos replied, thoughtfully, "nor can I understand why 
 we should announce ourselves as their enemies. They 
 have done nothing to us personally ; but are simply sta- 
 tioned here in obedience to the King's commands." 
 
 " Oh, they have done nothing to us, eh ?" the barber's 
 apprentice cried, as if in a fury. " You stand here and 
 say that, after what has happened this afternoon ? " 
 
 " Well, what has happened ? " and Jim caught the ex- 
 cited barber by the coat collar, shaking him vigorously, as 
 if he believed by such energetic measures he might be 
 restored to his scanty senses. 
 
 " Come down under the Liberty Tree and you '11 find 
 out all about it. I tell you that this sort of thing can't 
 go on much longer. We '11 rise in our might, as Attucks 
 says ; that 's what we '11 do, and I '11 help in the rising ! " 
 
 " Instead of continuing such ridiculous threats as you 
 have been making since the funeral, suppose you tell us 
 what happened this afternoon to put you in such a state 
 of excitement. Has some other Britisher refused to pay 
 your master's bill ? " 
 
 " This is a matter which the people of Boston must take
 
 58 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 up, and that's exactly what they will do?" Hardy cried, 
 stammering in his eagerness to relate the exciting news. 
 " This forenoon one of the ' bloody backs ' was down by 
 your father's ropewalk,* and got into a little trouble with 
 one of the workmen. Nothing would do but that they 
 must fight it out, and the redcoat got a beating." 
 
 "Well?" Amos asked, placidly, as Hardy paused for 
 breath. 
 
 " Well, and what does the Britisher do, but walk straight 
 up to Murray's Barracks,f get a crowd of his chums, and 
 go back to Gray's place, where they pounded five or six 
 of the rope-makers almost to death. While you fellows 
 have been sitting here idle, people who have more love for 
 their country are gathering under the Liberty Tree, and if 
 you go there now you '11 hear what is to be done." 
 
 Jim looked at Amos as if to ask whether he believed 
 all the barber's apprentice had told them, and the latter 
 replied by an incredulous shake of the head, as he said : 
 
 " We '11 go down to Liberty Hall ; but I don't think the 
 inhabitants of Boston are nearly as much excited as Hardy 
 believes. He and that mulatto friend of his, I reckon, are 
 the only ones representing the people in this case." 
 
 " Come with me, and you will soon see who is doing the 
 representing," Hardy cried, angrily. " You fellows don't 
 know everything, even though you think you do." 
 
 " We have never made claim to such distinction, nor do 
 
 * John Gray's ropewalk was situated near the present Post Office 
 Square. 
 
 t Near the former site of Brattle Street Church.
 
 LIBERTY HALL. 59 
 
 we believe we are expected to drive the redcoats out of 
 Boston. But if the city is in such a turmoil as you would 
 have us think, why are you here, instead of at Liberty 
 Hall ? " 
 
 " I have been there since an hour before noon, and only 
 left when I had to go for something to eat. Now I am on 
 my way back." 
 
 " We '11 go with you," and Amos began to believe that 
 perhaps there was more truth in Hardy's story than he 
 had previously been willing to admit. " Have you aban- 
 doned Master Piemont entirely? " he asked, as the three 
 went into the street. 
 
 " I may go back there when the Britishers are driven 
 away ; but it ain't likely I shall much before then. When 
 there 's work like this to be done, you '11 find me with those 
 who love their country." 
 
 " And that is brawling on the waterside, I suppose ? " 
 
 Hardy was about to make an angry reply, when a throng 
 of men and boys were seen marching in something ap- 
 proaching military precision up Corn Hill, shouting from 
 time to time : 
 
 " Drive the rascals out ! Down with the ' bloody 
 backs ! ' ' 
 
 Now there could no longer be any question in the minds 
 of Jim and Amos but that Hardy's story was more nearly 
 true than was at first believed, and immediately they began 
 to share his excitement. 
 
 " Perhaps you think now that I 'm the only one who is 
 stirred up, eh?" the barber's apprentice asked, trium-
 
 60 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 phantly. "This crowd is going to Liberty Hall. When 
 you get there you '11 find more than a thousand, all shout- 
 ing the same thing." 
 
 That which caused Amos and Jim more surprise than 
 anything else, was the fact that not a soldier could be seen 
 upon the streets. Ordinarily one could not walk through 
 Corn Hill without meeting many privates, as well as offi- 
 cers, lounging on the sidewalk. 
 
 That the citizens were deeply excited over what had 
 occurred, both the boys understood as they continued on 
 toward the common meeting-place ; but they had no idea 
 how deeply the populace were moved, until arriving within 
 sight of the Liberty Tree, where they saw the ground 
 immediately beneath its broad limbs literally packed with 
 human beings. 
 
 The gathering in front of Master Theophilus Lillie's 
 shop had been as nothing compared with this. 
 
 There the throng had been composed chiefly of boys, 
 but here men were gathered, and Amos had a better idea 
 of the gravity of the situation when he recognised on the 
 outskirts of the crowd reputable merchants, whom he knew 
 could not be easily induced to lend countenance to any- 
 thing which did not really affect the welfare of the Colony. 
 
 Forcing their way here and there among the excited 
 multitude, where were a dozen speakers, each haranguing 
 those nearest him, the boys learned that the determination 
 of the citizens was that the soldiers should be forced to 
 leave the city, and that the affray between the military 
 and the rope -makers was but an incident which had
 
 $$m : -'StMi^<m 
 
 % 
 
 v& \ll1tY \ : :;-'.VAYV
 
 LIBERTY HALL. 63 
 
 brought about the uprising at this particular time, rather 
 than something to be avenged. 
 
 They also heard that the mob had assembled near the 
 barracks early in the afternoon for the evident purpose of 
 taking up the quarrel of the workmen, but had been 
 dispersed by the troops. 
 
 It was also reported that the commanding officer of 
 the Twenty-ninth Regiment had made formal complaint 
 to Lieutenant -Governor Hutchinson, not only of the 
 insults which his men had received at the rope -walk, 
 but from the citizens at different times. 
 
 " They take possession of the city against our ex- 
 pressed will, and now complain because they are not 
 treated politely ! " one of the speakers cried. " Their 
 ideas of gentle breeding are so different from ours that 
 the only amends we can make for our rudeness is to give 
 them an emphatic invitation to go elsewhere in search of 
 people who love redcoats." 
 
 " Down with the ' bloody backs ' ! Drive them out ! 
 They have no business here ! " the crowd shouted, and 
 for a moment Amos and Jim believed a desperate conflict 
 was near at hand. 
 
 The more violent of the speakers were followed by 
 merchants who deprecated any hasty movement, and in a 
 short time that which had been almost an ungovernable 
 mob was rapidly becoming an assemblage of earnest, 
 thinking citizens, desirous of doing in a crisis that which 
 would best and most effectually right the wrongs under , 
 which they were suffering.
 
 64 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 "This is a work which cannot be done in a day," a 
 venerable looking gentleman said, when some on the out- 
 skirts of the crowd demanded to be led to the barracks. 
 "What is begun now must be finished. To make the 
 demand that the British soldiers leave the city, and not 
 enforce it, would be far worse than to remain silent. 
 Much time may be needed." 
 
 " We have all there is. No other work shall be done 
 until this job is finished ! " one of the company cried. 
 
 "Then set about it methodically," the orator continued. 
 " To-day is Friday, and in an hour it will be ended. If 
 we begin on Saturday, we may be tempted to desecrate 
 the Sabbath ; therefore, as good citizens, I pray that you 
 will first consider your duty to your God, and not forget 
 to keep holy His day. The soldiers will be here on 
 Monday. Let us begin our work then, and finish it 
 before the following Saturday night." 
 
 There was something in this suggestion which pleased 
 the throng wonderfully well. The idea of remaining in- 
 active forty-eight hours rather than take the chances of 
 desecrating the Sabbath pleased them, because it savoured 
 of more serious purpose than if they had begun hurriedly, 
 without preparation, like an unreasoning mob, to open 
 the struggle. 
 
 There were a few, however, who raised their voices 
 against this delay, and Amos whispered to Jim, as a par- 
 ticularly shrill cry was heard now and then demanding 
 that something be done immediately : 
 
 " That is Hardy Baker ! He believes that he has brought
 
 LIBERTY HALL. 65 
 
 all this about, and if it should be that the soldiers are 
 driven from the city, he will claim the whole credit." 
 
 " This will be more serious than warning Master Lillie, 
 terrible as was the result there. What shall we do, Amos ? " 
 
 " Follow these gentlemen, of course," and Amos 
 pointed to several well-known citizens, who were stand- 
 ing near by. " We cannot do anything wrong by acting 
 with them ; but I question much if the morrow will pass 
 without serious brawls, for Hardy Baker and those with 
 whom he is associated are ripe for mischief, regardless of 
 the justice of their cause." 
 
 "But can we, unarmed, drive the soldiers out of the city?" 
 
 " When such a man as Master Samuel Adams declares 
 they must go, and is backed by these good citizens here, 
 Governor Hutchinson and General Gage must listen to 
 the voice of the people. Come over this way; Hardy 
 and Attucks are moving toward us, and I don't care to 
 be seen in their company." 
 
 Amos had not observed the barber's apprentice soon 
 enough to escape him, for, before he and Jim had taken a 
 dozen steps toward hiding themselves among the throng, 
 Hardy Baker shouted, shrilly : 
 
 " Hold on, boys ! We want to talk with you ! " 
 
 Jim would have continued on, regardless of the com- 
 mand, but that his companion said, in a whisper : 
 
 "We may as well wait and hear what he has to say, 
 otherwise he will follow wherever we go." 
 
 " I want you fellows to come with Attucks and me," 
 the barber's apprentice said, in a peremptory tone.
 
 66 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 "Why should we?" Amos asked, sharply. 
 
 '' Because there is work for all hands, and you must do 
 your share." 
 
 " And since when has Master Piemont's apprentice had 
 the right to command us to come here or go there ? " 
 
 " Your high and mighty airs don't count for much with 
 me, Amos Richardson. If my uncle had been the one 
 who murdered Chris Snyder, I should try to do every- 
 thing in my power to show I did n't side with informers 
 and those who are ready to kiss the feet of the ' bloody 
 backs ' ! " 
 
 Amos's face was almost livid in its paleness, as he 
 stepped quickly forward and seized by the collar the 
 apprentice, who, in his alarm, attempted to seek refuge 
 behind the mulatto. 
 
 "If you ever so much as mention my uncle to me 
 again, Hardy Baker, there will be serious trouble for you, 
 and neither the ' bloody backs ' nor those who love liberty 
 will interfere between us." 
 
 Then Amos, shaking Master Piemont's assistant much 
 as a terrier shakes a rat, released his hold, and, as he 
 walked away with his arm in Jim's, he heard Hardy cry, 
 threateningly : 
 
 " Before this trouble is ended, you shall see what I 
 can do ! " 
 
 " It is such fellows as he who will bring discredit on 
 the cause of liberty," Jim whispered. "You must be 
 careful from this out, Amos, or that braggart will make 
 good his threat."
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A DISCOMFITED CREDITOR. 
 
 Saturday morning the city of Boston was in an 
 ominous state of quietude. 
 
 That the citizens were restless and uneasy, even the 
 most casual observer would have noted, as he walked 
 through the streets where knots of men and boys were 
 congregated at different points, discussing some subject 
 with bated breath, and moving away whenever a stranger 
 approached. 
 
 That the troops were defiant and suspicious was also 
 evident. The soldiers did not walk through the streets 
 singly, as had been their custom ; but in groups squads 
 would be a more appropriate term, for they preserved 
 some semblance of formation, even while lounging, as if 
 prepared for an expected attack. 
 
 It had not been Amos's purpose to venture out on this 
 morning, and he had very good reasons for remaining at 
 home. 
 
 That which Hardy Baker had taunted him with on the 
 evening previous still rankled in his mind, and he under- 
 stood better now than before the encounter at Liberty 
 Hall, that there were many who would not hesitate to 
 remind him of the fact that it was his uncle who had de-
 
 68 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 prived little Chris Snyder of life his uncle, the informer, 
 who had been the first to resist, with deadly weapons, the 
 citizens in a demand for justice. 
 
 Amos was not a quarrelsome lad ; although the acknowl- 
 edged leader in his particular circle of friends, he had 
 never been a bully, neither had he submitted tamely to an 
 imposition. 
 
 He was fully determined to give Hardy Baker such a 
 lesson on the evils of using his tongue ill -advisedly and 
 without precaution, as he would not soon forget, although 
 he did not intend to seek an interview with the appren- 
 tice, who fancied himself rapidly becoming a leader of men ; 
 but proposed to wait until he met the barber by chance 
 rather than intention, and then he was resolved that Hardy 
 should receive a very clear idea as to the necessity of 
 curbing his speech. 
 
 The forenoon was well advanced when Jim Gray entered 
 the house with an exclamation of surprise and satisfaction. 
 
 " I never counted on finding you at home on this day of 
 all others ; but just dropped in on the chance you might 
 be here, since I have looked everywhere else. Why are 
 you keeping so snug when there is so much going on ? " 
 
 "What is being done? I heard no noise, and thought 
 everything was quiet." 
 
 " It is not what is being done, as what may happen at 
 any time," Jim replied, thoughtfully. " There is mischief 
 in the air, and Liberty Hall is packed as full as it was last 
 night." 
 
 "Surely the people will do nothing to-day, for it was
 
 A DISCOMFITED CREDITOR. 69 
 
 understood yesterday that no demonstration was to be 
 made until Monday." 
 
 " According to my way of thinking only a word is neces- 
 sary to bring about considerable trouble. It is said that 
 the citizens have demanded the removal of the troops, but 
 Master Hutchinson will not listen to their complaints." 
 
 " And if he does not, how can anything be effected ? 
 Surely the people of Boston will not try conclusions 
 against a regiment of soldiers." 
 
 " Some of the crowd are in the humour for anything des- 
 perate, and they are the ones with whom Hardy Baker has 
 made friends. He is talking very fiercely now, and show- 
 ing his blackened eye freely as a reason why there should 
 be no delay in forcing the soldiers to leave the city." 
 
 " A blackened eye ? Has he been fighting already ? " 
 
 " I don't think he had much chance to do anything of 
 that sort ; but this is the story he told Chris Gore, from 
 whose home I have just come : After the meeting last 
 night, and when it had been fully decided that nothing 
 should be done until Monday, Hardy, having an idea the 
 Britishers would be frightened, thought it a good time to 
 demand payment from Lieutenant Draper. Without heed- 
 ing the warning which the officer gave him on the morn- 
 ing poor little Chris Snyder was killed, Hardy went to the 
 Custom House again this forenoon, and says he simply 
 asked to see the lieutenant ; but most likely he was as 
 insulting as when he met that officer on Hanover Street. 
 The sentry knocked him down, and now Hardy shows the^ 
 wound as his claim to be considered a living martyr. It
 
 70 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 may be exactly as he says, that the soldier had no provo- 
 cation, other than the demand to see the lieutenant ; but 
 I don't believe that portion of the story, for after yester- 
 day's troubles it is n't reasonable to suppose the troops 
 would invite another conflict with the citizens. It is said 
 they have been ordered to hold no communication what- 
 ever with the people, and it is positive that the sentry at 
 the Custom House struck Hardy." 
 
 " I suppose he is now more violent than ever ? " 
 
 " Yes, and has a stronger belief that his countrymen 
 depend upon him to avenge their wrongs. Come down to 
 Liberty Hall, and see him make a spectacle of himself." 
 
 " I think it is wiser for me to stay here." 
 
 "Why?" Jim asked, in surprise. 
 
 " Because, if I should meet Hardy now, while he is so 
 puffed up with pride because he has been attacked by one 
 of the enemy, he might say something which would lead 
 to an encounter between us ; and I don't think it would 
 be well to raise any disturbance on the street at this 
 time." 
 
 " Perhaps you are right ; but yet 
 
 Jim was interrupted by the noise as of a heavy blow 
 against the side of the house, which was repeated half a 
 dozen times before either of the boys could step to the 
 window. 
 
 Then came threatening cries : 
 
 " We have got one Richardson in jail ; now bring out 
 the others ! " 
 
 " Drive out the informers ! "
 
 A DISCOMFITED CREDITOR. 73 
 
 " Boston is no place for assassins ! " 
 
 By this time Amos and Jim were where they could 
 look into the street ; but a view of what was taking place 
 there was not necessary to explain to them the cause of 
 this sudden attack. 
 
 They knew that Master Piemont's assistant was making 
 good his threat of the previous evening. 
 
 Ten or a dozen half -grown boys, with the barber's 
 apprentice at their head, were pelting the house with 
 missiles of every kind, and Amos's mother cried frantic- 
 ally, as her son was on the point of rushing out to put 
 an end to the disturbance : 
 
 " Don't show yourself, my boy, don't show yourself \ 
 After what has happened, we must expect that the sins 
 of your uncle will in some degree be visited upon us, and 
 you must do nothing rash, particularly while your father 
 is away from home." 
 
 " But, mother, this is only some of Hardy Baker's 
 doings, and I can soon put an end to it, once I get that 
 precious little villain by the throat." 
 
 "You would add to the disgrace by fighting on the 
 street ? " 
 
 " I would show the barber's apprentice that he can't 
 insult honest people without bearing the consequences." 
 
 "Come on!" Jim cried, impatiently. "Two of us can 
 handle that crowd ! " 
 
 Mrs. Richardson clung to her son imploringly, crying 
 that he would be killed if he ventured into the street, and" 
 there seemed good reason for her fears, since if any one
 
 74 
 
 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE 
 
 of the missiles, which were being hurled so freely against 
 the building, should strike him, it would inflict serious 
 injury. 
 
 As the moments passed and no reply was made by the 
 inmates of the house to the epithets, Harry's squad grew 
 bolder. Instead of contenting themselves with defacing 
 
 the building, they pro- 
 ceeded to do all the 
 damage possible. 
 
 The more serious 
 mischief was begun 
 by the barber's ap- 
 prentice himself, as he 
 threw a lump of frozen 
 earth directly through the 
 window, causing the splintered 
 glass to fly in every direction, and 
 one of the fragments struck Mrs. Richard- 
 son on the cheek with sufficient force to draw blood. 
 Amos could no longer control his temper ; shaking off 
 his mother's detaining grasp, he flung open the outer 
 door, and, followed closely by Jim, leaped directly into 
 the midst of the throng. 
 
 More than one of the missiles struck him ; but he was 
 not conscious of the fact. He only saw Hardy Baker, 
 and had no other thought than that by administering 
 swift punishment to him the attack would be brought 
 to an end. 
 
 Master Piemont's assistant saw his late friends making
 
 A DISCOMFITED CREDITOR. 75 
 
 their way directly toward him, regardless of every one 
 else, and understood their purpose. 
 
 It had not been his intention to have a personal 
 encounter with Amos. 
 
 He had recruited his squad from the more turbulent 
 and violent spirits gathered under the Liberty Tree, and 
 believed it was sufficiently large to protect him. Being 
 their leader, he supposed every member of the party 
 would be on the alert to defend him ; but in this he was 
 mistaken. 
 
 As soon as Amos and Jim showed themselves, the 
 shower of missiles ceased, and the mischief - makers 
 stepped aside to give them free passage. 
 
 "Close up here!" Hardy shouted, frantically. "Why 
 are you fellows backing down now ? There are enough 
 of us to flog the life out of this portion of the murderer's 
 family ! Stand by me ! Are you going to allow both 
 these boys to do as they please, without your lifting a 
 hand?" 
 
 " Only one of us will deal with you, Hardy Baker," 
 Amos cried angrily, as he seized him by the collar. 
 " Stand back, Jim, and see that I have fair play. There 's 
 no need of your doing anything, unless this barber's gang 
 do as he asks them." 
 
 " Help ! Help ! Come here, some of you fellows ! 
 What did you promise before we left Liberty Hall ? " 
 Hardy shouted frantically, as he writhed in Amos's 
 clutch. 
 
 One or two of the party made a movement, as if they
 
 76 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE 
 
 would answer this appeal ; but Jim Gray, although he 
 had no appearance of an athlete, looked particularly 
 dangerous as he said, sharply : 
 
 " If you are wise, you '11 keep your distance. Hardy 
 Baker brought you here to insult honest people who 
 would scorn to have dealings with informers, even though 
 they do chance to be of the same family. He lied to 
 you, and you should let him attend to his own affairs. It 
 is an even-handed battle, and both shall have fair play so 
 far as I am concerned." 
 
 "That is all any fellow could ask for," one of the party 
 cried, forgetting, in his desire to witness the encounter, 
 that he had come on an alleged public mission. " If 
 you '11 agree not to touch our man, we will see to it that 
 yours has his rights." 
 
 "That's all I want," Jim replied, grimly, and added to 
 Amos, who, still holding Hardy firmly by the collar, had 
 stopped to learn what part the barber's followers proposed 
 to take : " Now is your time ; the rest of these fellows 
 agree to fair play, and I reckon no one will disturb you." 
 Hardy Baker was terrified, as could be told by the 
 expression on his face, and he cried, shrilly : 
 
 " Why don't some of you cowards do as you agreed, 
 and stand by me ? " 
 
 "That's what we're going to do," the boy who had 
 spoken with Jim replied. "No one shall interfere, and 
 you said it wouldn't take you five minutes to disable 
 Amos Richardson for life. Now go ahead and do it. If 
 any one attempts to help him, we '11 pitch in."
 
 A DISCOMFITED CREDITOR. JJ 
 
 There was no further opportunity for the barber's 
 apprentice to appeal to his followers. 
 
 Shaking him vigorously, as if with the idea that after 
 such treatment he could better understand the words, 
 Amos said, in a tone sufficiently loud for all to hear : 
 
 " I came out here simply to give you a flogging, Hardy 
 Baker, and did not intend to waste any time about it ; but 
 so long as your friends are willing to stand by honestly, 
 you shall have a chance to prove you can do what you 
 boasted of being able to do." 
 
 Then Amos released his hold of the barber's collar, in 
 order that the latter might be in a position to defend 
 himself. 
 
 Hardy could do no less than strike out in his own 
 defence, for it was not possible to beat a retreat ; but his 
 efforts were as feeble as they were vain. Before five min- 
 utes had passed Master Piemont's assistant was the most 
 thoroughly whipped boy in the Colony of Massachusetts, 
 and perfectly willing to acknowledge himself such, if by so 
 doing he could prevent a continuation of the punishment. 
 
 " I can't strike a fellow when he will no longer defend 
 himself," Amos said, as if in apology, after Hardy was so 
 cowed as to remain passive under the blows. " I don't 
 reckon you other fellows really knew what you were about 
 when you came here to raise a row, so we '11 let the mat- 
 ter end here. Until last night this barber and I were 
 good friends, and would have been this moment, but for 
 the fact that I refused to make a street brawler of myself, 
 as he demanded. It is true Ebenezer Richardson is my
 
 7 8 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 uncle ; but neither my father nor myself are of his way of 
 thinking, as this whipped cur knows thoroughly well. I 
 have been as ready to cry down an informer as any of you, 
 therefore why should my father's house be attacked ? " 
 
 " He told us you were hand in glove with the ' bloody 
 backs,' " one of the party said, as he motioned toward the 
 prostrate barber. 
 
 " And he was lying. Ask any of the boys who know 
 me whether that is true. You can believe Chris Gore, 
 who was wounded the same day Chris Snyder was killed ; 
 ask him ! " 
 
 "And why not ask me?" Jim Gray cried. "It was 
 Amos Richardson who had charge of putting the warning 
 in front of Master Lillie's store." 
 
 " Hardy Baker said he and Chris Snyder did that alone," 
 one of the barber's followers shouted, and Jim replied : 
 
 " All the part he took was to help carry the pole from 
 my house over to Hanover Street. Amos had charge of 
 the whole matter, and yet you believe he is friendly with 
 the 'bloody backs,' just because he happens to have an 
 uncle who is no honour to the family." 
 
 " We should n't have known anything about it, but for 
 the barber, and if you think he has n't had enough, we '11 
 finish flogging him." 
 
 Hardy, who had not dared to move from the moment 
 Amos ceased punishing him, now looked even more terri- 
 fied than before, until the latter replied : 
 
 " No good will come of abusing him. Let him alone, 
 and in the future I reckon he '11 tell the truth."
 
 A DISCOMFITED CREDITOR. 79 
 
 " He will never tell us anything again that we shall 
 believe," one of the attacking party said. " I 'm sorry we 
 let a liar like him lead us on to what we 've done against 
 you, and I '11 agree we won't make such a mistake again, 
 if you '11 call it settled. Come down to the Liberty Tree 
 with us, you two fellows, and let 's see what 's going on 
 there." 
 
 Amos, eager to get the throng away from his father's 
 house, accepted the invitation at once, and he and Jim 
 marched in the midst of their late enemies, while Master 
 Piemont's assistant was left alone to nurse, at the same 
 time, his wounds and his anger. 
 
 The throng at Liberty Hall was as great as Amos had 
 ever seen it at any time ; but decidedly more quiet and 
 orderly than on the previous evening. 
 
 It was as if, having decided upon a definite plan, the 
 people were willing to wait quietly until the hour set for 
 action should arrive. 
 
 It was rumoured that the Sons of Liberty, as an organi- 
 sation, had agreed to head the populace in a peremptory 
 demand for the removal of the troops, which was to be 
 made on the following Monday ; but Amos failed to learn 
 that there was any good foundation for this rumour. It 
 was known positively that the Sons of Liberty had laid 
 the grievances of the people before the Governor and 
 Council, but there were many at Liberty Hall who doubted 
 if the members of the Society would countenance the 
 actions of the mob. 
 
 " It seems as if poor little Chris was forgotten already,"
 
 80 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 Jim Gray said, after he and Amos had listened to several 
 hot-headed speakers urging the people to rise in their 
 might " Now they talk only of the attack upon the rope- 
 makers, and hardly mention his name." 
 
 "That is because the trouble at your father's ropewalk 
 was brought about by the soldiers, while Chris was mur- 
 dered by one of our own people, if we are willing to 
 acknowledge that Ebenezer Richardson was one of us." 
 
 " Does he never visit at your house ? " 
 
 " He has n't since the day Master John Hancock was 
 arrested in regard to the seizure of his sloop. That was 
 the first time he showed himself an enemy to the Colonies, 
 and father declared he was no longer a brother of his. 
 Don't talk about him any longer. It 's a subject that 
 makes me sick at heart. Suppose we go down to see 
 Chris Gore ? It will be better than standing here listen- 
 ing to these men, who have but little idea of the subject 
 they are pretending to discuss. 
 
 The wound on Chris's shoulder was healing rapidly ; 
 but it was not deemed safe for him to venture out-of- 
 doors yet, and his comrades felt it their duty to give him 
 a detailed account of all that had occurred during the day. 
 
 The snow was beginning to fall when Amos and Jim 
 left Mr. Gore's home, and before the next morning it 
 had covered the earth with a mantle of dazzling 
 whiteness.
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 A NIGHT OF TERROR. 
 
 A MOS and Jim were early astir on Monday morning, 
 ** the fifth of March, but before noon came both were 
 convinced that the threatened trouble would blow over 
 without the slightest semblance of a conflict between the 
 soldiers and the citizens. 
 
 During the forenoon they had not so much as heard of 
 Hardy Baker, or that faction to which he had allied him- 
 self, and Jim said, with a quiet chuckle of satisfaction : 
 
 " I reckon the barber got as much of a lesson as he 
 needed Saturday afternoon, and has given over trying to 
 set right the wrongs of the people." 
 
 " He must be at work, or we should have heard some- 
 thing regarding him," Amos replied, and then ceased even 
 to think of the apprentice. 
 
 Shortly after noon those assembled under the Liberty 
 Tree, and there were quite as many as had gathered on 
 Friday and Saturday, were told that the Council had dis- 
 cussed with Governor Hutchinson the question of remov- 
 ing the troops from the city, and assured him the people 
 would be satisfied with nothing else. 
 
 It was also said the Governor had refused to do any- 
 thing regarding the matter ; but that Samuel Adams had
 
 82 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 publicly declared the troops should be sent away, and 
 that without loss of time. 
 
 At about three o'clock in the afternoon, Amos and Jim 
 heard once more from Master Piemont's assistant. 
 
 It was told under the Liberty Tree that he had been 
 seen in company with Attacks, the mulatto, and half a 
 dozen others, near Wentworth's Wharf, and that Hardy 
 had distinguished himself by taunting with cowardice, a 
 squad of soldiers, until the redcoats avenged the insults 
 with blows ; but nothing more serious than a street brawl 
 was the result. 
 
 " Perhaps I made a mistake, and Hardy did n't get as 
 severe a lesson as he needed," Jim whispered to his 
 friend. 
 
 "If he didn't, he's likely to receive it before this day 
 is ended, in case he continues as they claim he has begun. 
 It seems evident that the citizens do not intend to carry 
 this matter any further, and the only trouble may be from 
 such as Hardy. Let us go home and stay there quietly. 
 If the Sons of Liberty were to make any demonstration, 
 we would want to be with them ; but if there is to be 
 nothing more than street brawls, we had better keep out 
 of sight." 
 
 Jim was perfectly willing to act upon this suggestion, 
 and particularly because his father had warned him not to 
 go in the vicinity of the ropewalk, fearing lest the trouble, 
 having originated there, it would be a favourite rendezvous 
 for those ripe for mischief. 
 
 The boys had hardly reached Amos's home, thoroughly
 
 A NIGHT OF TERROR. 83 
 
 confident there would be no serious disturbance, when the 
 alarm-bells began to ring, and, as in the twinkling of an 
 eye, the city, which had apparently been so peaceful, was 
 the scene of tumult and confusion. 
 
 Men and boys rushed from their homes into the streets. 
 Those who were already there ran to and fro in the wild- 
 est excitement, not understanding the cause of the alarm, 
 and prudent housewives barred windows and doors as if 
 each thought her home was about to be attacked. 
 
 As a matter of course, Amos and Jim went directly to 
 the Liberty Tree ; but failed to find there the throng 
 which had occupied Liberty Hall almost constantly, with 
 the exception of the Sabbath hours, since Friday morning. 
 
 "The soldiers have attacked the citizens ! " a man cried, 
 as he ran up Newbury Street at full speed. 
 
 "Where? Where?" Amos shouted. 
 
 "At the head of King Street." 
 
 The few who were waiting at Liberty Hall started 
 immediately for the scene of the supposed conflict, and 
 Amos and Jim followed their example. 
 
 The boys had no idea of mingling in street brawls ; 
 but if unoffending citizens were attacked by the soldiers, 
 it was their intention to aid the former to the best of 
 their abilities. 
 
 Before they could traverse the distance between Essex 
 and King Streets, the alarm-bells had ceased ringing, and 
 they met a throng of citizens returning from the supposed 
 scene of violence with information that no outrage had ' 
 been committed.
 
 84 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 Samuel Gray, Jim's elder brother, was standing at the 
 corner of Summer and Marlborough Streets when the 
 two boys arrived at that point, and he explained the 
 cause of the commotion by saying : 
 
 " A party of citizens, not over - gentle in their ways, 
 attempted to pass the sentinel near the barracks, and 
 were received by him at the point of his bayonet. One 
 of our people was scratched slightly on the arm, and at 
 the sight of the blood some one more timid than wise 
 alarmed the city. You can go back, boys, for your 
 services are not needed. Take my advice, Jim, and 
 keep off the streets." 
 
 " But I intend to be on hand if there is any serious 
 trouble." 
 
 " I should hope so, for you are old enough, if not large 
 enough, to do your full share. What I meant was, don't get 
 mixed up in street fights between the soldiers and disrepu- 
 table citizens whose proper place is in the watch-house." 
 
 " I don't count on doing anything of that kind. Where 
 are you going ? " 
 
 " Up to Liberty Hall." 
 
 Amos and Jim followed, and, arriving at this common 
 rendezvous, they found that the people were once more 
 assembled; but this time in not as placid a humour as 
 before. 
 
 The news of the encounter, and the needless alarm, had 
 so excited the people that the more impetuous ones were 
 in such a frame of mind that prudence would not be their 
 first counsellor.
 
 A NIGHT OF TERROR. 8/ 
 
 The city, which had been in an apparent state of quie- 
 tude an hour previous, was now in a tumult, and when a 
 squad of eight soldiers marched past the Liberty Tree, as 
 if defying the people, they were received with epithets of 
 derision and a shower of missiles thrown by the angry 
 members of the party. 
 
 The cooler -headed men and boys did their best to 
 restrain their companions, and the result was that the 
 soldiers passed on, after indulging in a few threats. 
 
 " One can see how easily a fight may be brought about 
 just now," Samuel Gray said to Amos. "The people are 
 ripe for almost any kind of trouble, and if the authorities 
 were wise the soldiers would not be allowed to show them- 
 selves on the streets." 
 
 " It seems as if those fellows passed this way simply to 
 provoke us." 
 
 " Very likely they did ; but it is n't because of such 
 provocation that we should resort to bloodshed. Our part 
 is to preserve the peace, if possible, while men like Master 
 Samuel Adams redress our wrongs in a proper fashion. I 
 doubt not but that through his influence the soldiers will 
 be forced to leave the city ; but nothing of the kind can 
 be brought about by street brawls and foolish threats. 
 
 The excitement among those gathered at Liberty Hall, 
 and there were now very many reputable citizens pres- 
 ent, was most intense, and continued to increase each 
 instant. 
 
 Word was brought of collisions between soldiers and 
 citizens at different points, and although very much of the
 
 88 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 information was afterwards ascertained to be untrue, no 
 one questioned it at the moment. 
 
 It seemed apparent to all that the time had arrived 
 when the question as to whether the soldiery should be 
 allowed to occupy Boston must be settled by force of 
 arms, despite the odds which must necessarily be against 
 the inhabitants in such an encounter. 
 
 Before sunset on this day the situation seemed to have 
 changed greatly, for the brawlers of Hardy Baker's class 
 were now in the minority, and it was sober, well-meaning 
 citizens who occupied the space under the Liberty Tree. 
 
 Rumours came thick and fast. Some claimed that the 
 Sons of Liberty, as an association, had that afternoon 
 demanded of Governor Hutchinson that the troops be 
 withdrawn ; others declared the demand had been made 
 and positively rejected, while the more timid insisted that 
 the soldiers were making ready to awe the citizens by such 
 a display of power, regardless as to whether bloodshed 
 might ensue, and that within the next twenty-four hours 
 there would be found no one bold enough to demand that 
 they be sent away. 
 
 Amos and Jim, believing themselves in good company 
 so long as they remained with Samuel Gray, kept close at 
 his heels, and he was not loth to have them, for, like 
 many another in the city of Boston on this night, he was 
 firmly convinced that the strength of boys, as well as 
 men, would be necessary before morning to preserve the 
 slight semblance of freedom which was left to the Colonies. 
 John Gray's fears that there would be trouble in the
 
 A NIGHT OF TERROR. 
 
 vicinity of the rope-walk had been proven by this time to 
 be groundless, for soldiers as well as citizens had, as if by 
 common impulse, avoided the scene of the first serious 
 outbreak, and at seven o 'clock in the evening, when the 
 city was more nearly in a state of repose than it had been 
 
 moned the inhabitants, 
 his brother and Amos 
 tory. 
 would look around there 
 
 since the alarm-bells sum- 
 Samuel Gray proposed to 
 that they go to the fac- 
 
 " I promised father I 
 now and then, and if you 
 boys are not counting on 
 going home to supper, I 
 can give you something in 
 the way of a lunch from 
 the store of provisions I carried 
 there this morning." 
 
 " We are certainly not going home 
 while there seems to be so much afoot," Amos replied. 
 
 " Then come with me, and we '11 hope that the inten- 
 tions of those who are abroad this night are as peaceable 
 as ours." 
 
 It was destined, however, that they should not partake 
 of the provisions which Jim's brother had stored for such 
 an occasion as this. 
 
 On arriving at John Gray's place of business, a party 
 numbering twenty or thirty, led by Attucks, with Master 
 Piemont's assistant by his side, was seen marching toward 
 the Custom House, shouting and hooting, as if to prove 
 their courage by much noise.
 
 go UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " It is by such as them that mischief may be done," 
 Amos said, in a low tone. " Hardy Baker cares not what 
 statements he makes, so long as he appears to be consid- 
 ered a leader," and he concluded by telling Sam the story 
 of the attack made the previous Saturday afternoon. 
 
 " I grant you the barber's apprentice is a dangerous 
 sort of a lad to be loose at a time like this. Nevertheless, 
 there are reputable citizens who believe the moment has 
 come when we should stand for our rights, and what such 
 as Hardy Baker may succeed in bringing about, through 
 their folly, will perchance aid the righteous cause. We 
 will follow them." 
 
 " To what purpose ? " 
 
 " In order to learn if there is any preconcerted action 
 among them. It was whispered at Liberty Hall late this 
 afternoon that arrangements had been made for a demon- 
 stration in front of the barracks, and I would be there if 
 such is made." 
 
 " But do you believe in anything of that kind ? " Amos 
 asked, in surprise. 
 
 "Certainly I do, my lad. If Governor Hutchinson 
 insists it is not the desire of reputable citizens that the 
 soldiers be sent away, it seems necessary he should be 
 convinced of his mistake, and " 
 
 " Surely Hardy Baker and Attucks, and their following, 
 would not be taken for reputable citizens ? " 
 
 " True, lad, but at the same time they echo the senti- 
 ments of even such men as Master Samuel Adams. Do 
 you observe that in all this excitement no one in authority
 
 A NIGHT OF TERROR. 91 
 
 among us has advised that we remain quiet ? It appears 
 to me they are willing matters should take their course, 
 and will not attempt to prevent the hotheads, hoping that 
 through unreasoning violence good shall come." 
 
 Amos, remembering all he had heard since the murder 
 of little Chris, began to believe Jim's brother was correct 
 in his statement. He knew full well that if Master 
 Samuel Adams or Master John Hancock requested 
 the citizens to desist from gathering on the street, 
 or from making any demonstration against the soldiers, 
 their wishes would have been respected, and such 
 brawlers as Hardy Baker been forced to remain quiet. 
 
 It was a revelation to him that a noble purpose might 
 be attained through ignoble means, and immediately he 
 ceased to regard the barber's apprentice as a menace to 
 the public peace. 
 
 The party, headed by Attucks, continued straight on 
 toward Dock Square, and at nearly the same time a like 
 party came down from King Street, while yet another 
 could be seen at the head of Union Street. 
 
 No less than six hundred men were now approaching a 
 common centre with cries of : 
 
 " Let us drive out these rascals ! They have no 
 business here ! Drive them out ! " 
 
 " It is as was rumoured," Sam Gray said, quietly. 
 " There is concerted action here, and before morning 
 Governor Hutchinson will understand that it is the citi- 
 zens of Boston, not a rabble, who demand the removal of 
 the troops. If the better class of people wish the red-
 
 92 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 coats to remain, why do not some of them stand here to 
 prevent mischief ? " 
 
 Jim made no reply, He already realised that this was 
 a movement of the populace, and not an ordinary street 
 brawl. 
 
 Each moment the crowd that had assembled in the 
 square increased in numbers ; but it remained as orderly 
 a gathering as ever assembled at Liberty Hall until a 
 squad of soldiers, evidently for no other purpose than to 
 show their contempt of the people, strode into the square, 
 forcing a passage through the crowd in an offensive and 
 insolent manner. 
 
 Then came that cry which aroused those who heard it 
 more quickly than had the pealing of the alarm-bell. 
 
 " Town-born, turn out ! Down with the 'bloody backs ' ! " 
 
 The soldiers lost their air of security and defiance as 
 these words were passed from one side of the square to the 
 other like the waves of the sea, and caught up in every 
 direction by those on the adjacent streets, until it seemed 
 as if the very air was tremulous with the cry : 
 
 " Town-born, turn out ! " 
 
 The soldiers disappeared ; but the summons for those 
 who would defend their city's rights had so excited even 
 the cooler-headed ones that action was an absolute neces- 
 sity, and yet no leader had at that moment arisen to map 
 out a course of action. 
 
 If their movements were concerted up to the time of 
 meeting in Dock Square, it was evident the plan of oper- 
 ations had not been carried further than that, and the
 
 A NIGHT OF TERROR. 93 
 
 excited ones looked about eagerly for the enemy, but, 
 seeing none, began to vent their fury on inanimate 
 objects. 
 
 The market stalls were torn down that the timbers 
 might be used as weapons; the fire -bells rang out their 
 brazen peals ; here and there men excited almost to the 
 verge of frenzy discharged a musket or pistol in the air, 
 and constantly were the numbers of the throng increased, 
 until Amos and Jim thought it was as if all the male inhab- 
 itants of the city had gathered in one place to defend the 
 town. 
 
 The pealing of the bells brought to the tumultuous 
 scene those who did not sympathise with the movement, 
 as well as those that approved of it, and among the former 
 class were several well-known citizens, who, believing the 
 greatest danger was to be apprehended from such an 
 uprising, endeavoured, by all their powers of persuasion, to 
 induce the people to return to their homes, leaving to 
 such as Adams and Hancock the task of ridding the 
 city of the redcoats. 
 
 So earnestly did these peacemakers labour that the 
 respectful attention of the greater portion of the gather- 
 ing was soon secured, and even those who brandished 
 weapons, calling frantically to their comrades to follow 
 them to the barracks, listened, half persuaded, to the 
 words of these temperate men. 
 
 In half an hour the shouting, yelling throng had so 
 far been reduced to silence that Amos believed all danger 
 of violence was over, when suddenly there sprang up, as
 
 94 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 if from the very ground beneath them, a tall man dressed 
 in a scarlet cloak, his head covered with a white, flowing- 
 wig, and, mounting the wreck of the market stalls, he 
 stood, a commanding figure, illumined by the rays of the 
 moon. 
 
 " You have come here as men determined to obtain 
 your rights," he cried, in a ringing voice, which could be 
 heard distinctly by all, " and will you depart as children ? 
 Will you listen to those who counsel soft words when you 
 are confronted by the muskets of your enemies ? Will 
 you, town-born, be thrust aside by the Britishers at every 
 corner of the streets ? Have you come here simply to- 
 shriek for your rights, and then to disperse quietly, lest 
 you displease the hirelings of the King ? Are you afraid 
 of punishment which may follow, that you would slink- 
 away now? It is the town-born who must defend the 
 town. It is the town-born who shall relieve the town from 
 the burden under which it groans, and it is the town-born 
 who this night should appear before the main guard as. 
 their masters, not as their servants." 
 
 " To the main guard ! To the main guard ! " 
 
 The multitude caught up the cry, and as if in a twink- 
 ling the throng was in motion, each pressing forward by 
 the nearest way toward the barracks. 
 
 The streets were choked with people, and as the vast 
 throng spread itself out toward the nearest approach to 
 the quarters of the guard, they were, by force of circum- 
 stances, divided into three divisions. 
 
 Samuel Gray and his two companions were, carried,..
 
 A NIGHT OF TERROR. 97 
 
 without effort on their part, with one of these bodies, and, 
 by a singular chance, pressed into close companionship 
 with the barber's apprentice and his comrades. 
 
 The direction taken by this last division led them 
 directly past the Custom House, and as they approached 
 it Amos heard the shrill voice of Hardy, high above the 
 cries and shouts of his companions : 
 
 " There 's the scoundrel who knocked me down ! That 
 sentinel in the doorway blackened my eye because I dared 
 ask to see Lieutenant Draper ! " 
 
 The attention of the throng was thus directed to the 
 single soldier who stood on duty at the Custom House. 
 
 " Knock him down as well ! Give him a dose of his 
 own medicine ! " 
 
 " Death to the < bloody backs ' ! " 
 
 "Kill him! Kill him !" 
 
 Now the excited ones no longer thought of the main 
 guard. They saw before them an armed enemy, and he 
 it was who had abused one of the town-born. 
 
 Some continued to utter threats ; but many flung bits 
 of ice, frozen dirt, and even such harmless missiles as snow- 
 balls, while not a few pressed toward the soldier, as if to 
 make him prisoner. 
 
 The man looked down upon his assailants defiantly, and, 
 as if to show more clearly what punishment it was possible 
 for him to inflict upon them, began deliberately to load his 
 musket. 
 
 This action intensified the anger of the younger people, 
 and they pressed yet closer.
 
 98 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " Advance one step further, and I kill the man near- 
 est ! " the sentinel cried. 
 
 " If you fire you must die for it ! " Henry Knox * shouted 
 from among the throng. 
 
 " I shall shoot if they come nearer ! " 
 
 As he said this the soldier levelled his weapon, evidently 
 determined to execute the threat, and at the same time he 
 shouted lustily for the main guard. 
 
 " That 's right ! Bring on your main guard ! But we '11 
 kill you first," Attucks cried, fiercely, as he made a dash 
 forward, forcing his way through the press, owing to his 
 great strength. 
 
 Before he could reach the sentinel, Captain Preston, the 
 officer of the day, with a guard of eight men, came on the 
 double quick from the Town House, and forced his way, 
 at the point of the bayonet, to the sentinel's side. Once 
 there, the newcomers provoked the throng to yet greater 
 fury, as they repeated the action of the sentinel, by loading 
 their muskets deliberately. 
 
 There were but few among that gathering who were not 
 carried away by the excitement of the moment ; yet some 
 retained their presence of mind, and among these last was 
 Henry Knox, who, calling several nearest him to his assist- 
 ance, succeeded in gaining Captain Preston's side. 
 
 There, seizing the officer's arm, to attract his attention, 
 he cried, imploringly : 
 
 " For God's sake, take your men back, Captain ! Your 
 life and theirs will pay the penalty of an encounter now ! 
 
 * Afterwards Washington's Secretary of War.
 
 A NIGHT OF TERROR. 99 
 
 The mob are beside themselves with rage, and this small 
 squad could do nothing against them, once they were let 
 loose." 
 
 The officer shook off his well-meaning adviser as he 
 ordered his men to stand firm and defend themselves with 
 their bayonets. 
 
 How it happened Amos never really understood ; it was 
 as if, while he was yet calm and collected, a sudden flare 
 had come across his eyes, and he realised nothing more 
 until he was in the foremost of the throng, pressing eagerly 
 forward toward the red-coated enemy, without regard to 
 possible danger, as he joined those around him in yelling 
 and hooting. 
 
 Men and boys in the rear were firing whatever missiles 
 came to hand, and friends were struck as often as foes. 
 
 Amos heard some one cry, and he thought it was 
 Attucks : 
 
 " Let us fall upon the guards ! The main guard ! The 
 main guard ! " 
 
 He saw, as if in a dream, the mulatto beat down the 
 musket of a soldier with a club ; he heard those directly 
 behind him cheering wildly, and he added his voice to 
 theirs. 
 
 Somewhere from the rear came the cries : 
 
 " Don't be afraid of them ! " 
 
 "They daren't fire! " 
 
 "Kill them! Kill them !" 
 
 He half turned his head, believing it was Jim who had 
 raised the last cry, and just at that instant he saw the
 
 100 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 mulatto aim a blow at Captain Preston's head with the 
 club ; he understood that it was parried by the officer's 
 arms, and then noted with satisfaction the fact that as the 
 weapon descended it knocked a musket from the hands 
 of a soldier. 
 
 It was to him more like a dream than a reality when 
 he saw the mulatto raise the musket quickly, as if to use 
 it upon the officer, and at that moment some one, Amos 
 never knew who, shouted : 
 
 " Why don't you fire ? Why don't you fire ? " 
 Instantly, above the shouts and yells of the multitude, 
 was heard the sharp, ominous crack of a musket, then 
 another and another, until six reports seemed literally to 
 cleave the air, while before him, and on either side of 
 him, Amos saw men fall ; saw the crimson blood gushing 
 from gaping wounds, and then it was as if consciousness 
 deserted him.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 AFTER THE MASSACRE. 
 
 A MOS was brought to a consciousness of his sur- 
 ^^- roundings by the wailings of Jim, who, regardless 
 of everything save his own sore affliction, was kneeling 
 by the side of his brother, trying to staunch a sluggish flow 
 of blood, which was issuing from Sam's forehead. 
 
 Near him lay James Caldwell and Crispus Attucks, 
 both of whom had been killed instantly, and a short dis- 
 tance away Samuel Maverick and Patrick Carr were 
 writhing in the agony of mortal wounds, while here and 
 there within the narrow space were six others who had 
 been brought to the ground by the leaden hail. 
 
 Amos dimly understood that the crowd had fallen 
 back at the discharge of the weapons, but he thought 
 only of his friend's great grief, and tried in vain to 
 assuage it. 
 
 Sitting upon the snow-covered ice, Jim held the head 
 of his dead brother, moaning and sobbing, until Amos 
 began to fear he also had been wounded. 
 
 "Did any of the bullets hit you, Jim?" he asked, 
 solicitously. 
 
 " No, no, I only wish they had ! 7 don't amount to 
 anything. Poor Sam ! " And, in the frenzy of his grief,
 
 102 
 
 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 Jim swayed to and fro, still holding in tender clasp the 
 lifeless head, while above him, grim and menacing, stood 
 the soldiers with levelled muskets. 
 
 While one might have counted twenty, the square, 
 lately the scene of such an uproar, was silent, save for 
 the moans of the wounded, and then the tramp of the 
 soldiers rang out horribly dis- 
 tinct as Captain Preston 
 marched them away to 
 the main guard. 
 
 The people recovered 
 sufficiently from their ter- 
 ror and bewilderment to 
 advance, in order to suc- 
 cour those who were suf- 
 fering, and hardly had 
 they done so when the 
 sound of drums beating 
 the call to arms was heard, 
 and a few moments later it was 
 whispered from one to another that the Twenty -ninth 
 Regiment was forming in ranks near the Town House. 
 Then from far up the street came the dreadful cry, 
 shrill and menacing : 
 
 " The soldiers are rising ! To arms ! ' To arms ! Turn 
 out with your guns ! " 
 
 While the drums continued to beat, this terrible sum- 
 mons resounded through first one street and then another, 
 striking terror to the hearts of those who heard it ; but
 
 AFTER THE MASSACRE, 103 
 
 causing the courageous to hasten to the scene of the 
 murder in order to aid their townsmen, and the cowardly 
 to seek refuge in flight. 
 
 Five minutes later, amid the rattle of drums and the 
 menacing cries, came the pealing of bells summoning 
 the inhabitants to defend their city. 
 
 In Dock Square men stood shoulder to shoulder, the 
 \vell-to-do citizen by the side of the labourer or sailor, each 
 armed after his own fashion, and each ready to defend 
 the lives of those nearest and dearest to him. 
 
 During half an hour or more there was probably no 
 person in the vicinity of the tragedy who did not firmly 
 believe that the soldiers were rising with the intent to 
 massacre, and then Governor Hutchinson appeared upon 
 the .scene, ordering the people to disperse, and declaring 
 the "law should have its course." 
 
 " Has the captain who ordered the soldiers to fire been 
 arrested?" some one cried, and instantly there went up 
 a great shout. 
 
 "Arrest the murderers! Bring them to justice before 
 you call upon us to go quietly to our homes ! Murder 
 has been done this night, and the blood must be 
 avenged ! " 
 
 The Governor hesitated, as if uncertain what reply 
 should be made, and then said : 
 
 "Justice shall be meted out to all. You who have 
 gathered here have done so in defiance of the law, 
 and 
 
 "We have come here that the law shall not be broken,"
 
 104 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 a voice cried. " Arrest those who have committed the 
 murder ! Do your own duty before you call upon us to 
 do ours." 
 
 The Governor attempted once more to speak, but the 
 cries of the more ignorant ones drowned his voice, and 
 he disappeared from view. 
 
 Shortly after, while the citizens remained in an attitude 
 of defiance, it was reported that Governor Hutchinson had 
 ordered Captain Preston to be brought before him, and 
 that an investigation of the officer's conduct would be 
 made. 
 
 Then a portion of the people returned to their homes ; 
 but yet more remained to make certain the report regard- 
 ing the investigation was not a falsehood, devised for the 
 purpose of inducing them to disperse. 
 
 Of all these things Amos knew nothing. His thoughts 
 were confined entirely to his grief-stricken friend, and as 
 he assisted in carrying Sam to his brother's house on 
 Royal Exchange Lane, he moved and acted like one in a 
 dream, for the terror of the scene was still upon him. 
 
 He left Jim by the side of the lifeless body, while kindly 
 friends hastened to break the sad news with some degree 
 of gentleness to the parents of the murdered man, and 
 then went to his own home ; but not to sleep. 
 
 It was not yet daylight, on the following morning, when 
 Christopher Gore, his arm bandaged and in a sling, 
 appeared at Amos's home. 
 
 " I was afraid you might have come to some harm when 
 I heard that Sam Gray was killed, for I knew you and Jim
 
 AFTER THE MASSACRE. 105 
 
 were most likely near him," he said, as if apologising for 
 his early visit. " How did you escape ? " 
 
 " I don't know, Chris. It does n't seem to me that I 
 can remember anything of that awful moment, except that 
 I saw Sam Gray fall dead, and heard Jim weeping over 
 him." 
 
 " Do you know what became of Hardy Baker ? " 
 
 " I did n't see him after the shots were fired. I only 
 know it was he who called attention to the sentinel, and 
 but for him it is almost certain no disturbance would have 
 taken place at the Custom House. Have you heard from 
 him ? " 
 
 " No. I wanted to go out as soon as we heard that 
 murder had been done ; but mother would n't listen to me. 
 It was only by promising to come directly here, and have 
 you walk home with me, that she was willing I should 
 venture out now. The streets are filled with people, and 
 the excitement is as great as at noonday." 
 
 " Have you heard whether the British captain has been 
 arrested?" 
 
 " Father said, and he was among those who waited to 
 be certain Governor Hutchinson would n't play us false, 
 that the investigation was not finished until three o'clock 
 this morning. The captain has been held for trial, and the 
 squad of soldiers who did the firing are all in jail." 
 
 " Do you know what is to be done now ? " 
 
 "There is to be a town meeting at Faneuil Hall at 
 eleven o 'clock, and it is said that Master Samuel Adams 
 will address the people."
 
 106 UA T DER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " Are you to be there ? " 
 
 " I would n't dare go in a crowd while the wound on 
 my arm is yet unhealed. What have you to do this 
 morning ? " 
 
 " Why do you ask ? " 
 
 " I wanted you to come to my home with me ; but I 
 suppose that is too much to ask, for of course you intend 
 to be on the street, in order to know what is going on." 
 
 " I '11 go with you willingly, Chris. I have seen enough 
 of the work which may be done on the street, until the 
 time comes when I can be of some assistance." 
 
 An hour later the boys were at Chris Gore's home, and 
 there they remained until noon, when it was learned that 
 a formal town meeting was appointed for three o'clock 
 in the afternoon. During the informal meeting Master 
 Samuel Adams had made an address to the people, in 
 which he recommended that a committee be sent to the 
 Governor, to tell him once more that peace could not be 
 maintained while the British soldiers virtually held posses- 
 sion of the city, and of this committee was Master Samuel 
 Adams. 
 
 At night, when Chris Gore's father came home, he 
 reported all the general public knew regarding the condi- 
 tion of affairs. 
 
 Faneuil Hall had proven too small for the throng of 
 citizens assembled at the hour set, and it became necessary 
 to adjourn to the Old South Meeting-house. 
 
 There it was said by some one who claimed to have 
 talked with one of the committee appointed to wait upon
 
 AFTER THE MASSACRE. 
 
 107 
 
 the Governor, that while the throng were passing from 
 Faneuil Hall to the church a member of the Council said 
 to Hutchinson : 
 
 " This multitude are not such as pulled down your 
 house ; but they are men of the best character, men of 
 estates, men of religion, and men who pray over what they 
 do." 
 
 "When Master Adams came into the meeting-house at 
 
 the head of the committee," Mr. Gore said to the boys, in 
 continuing his story, " he whispered to those who were 
 nearest as he passed, and I was one of them, ' Both regi- 
 ments or none ! Both regiments or none ! ' I did not at 
 the moment understand his meaning ; but a few moments 
 later, when the report had been read, all was clear. Lieu- 
 tenant-Governor Hutchinson had decided that both regi- 
 ments could not be removed ; one must remain. The 
 Twenty-ninth, because it was members of that body who 
 committed the murder, was to be sent to the Castle ; but
 
 108 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 the Fourteenth, so the Lieutenant-Governor declared, was 
 to remain in the city. Then we knew what Master Adams 
 meant by his whispered communication, and the cry went 
 up in such volume as seemed to shake the building, ' Both 
 regiments or none.' 
 
 " With this as the sentiment of the people, little busi- 
 ness was done, save that of making plain to Governor 
 Hutchinson that our will, not his, must prevail. A new 
 committee, of which were Master Samuel Adams, John 
 Hancock, and Dr. Joseph Warren, was chosen, and sent 
 to the Council-chamber to report. I was so fortunate as 
 to be able to speak with Dr. Warren shortly after they 
 returned, and am, therefore, able to tell you exactly what 
 occurred. Master Adams, in presenting the case for the 
 second time to Governor Hutchinson, argued as he always 
 has, that it is illegal to quarter troops upon the city in 
 time of peace, and that this, if there was no other reason, 
 would be sufficient cause for our demanding their im- 
 mediate removal. The Lieutenant-Governor insisted it 
 was not only legal, but absolutely necessary, and he lamely 
 concluded by saying the soldiers were not under his con- 
 trol. Then it was Master Adams took advantage of this 
 weak point in His Excellency's remarks, to say that if he 
 had the power to remove one, he could remove both regi- 
 ments, and he added I can well fancy with what power 
 - ' A multitude, highly incensed, now awaits the result 
 of this application. The voice of ten thousand freemen 
 demands that both regiments be forthwith removed. 
 Their voice must be respected their demand obeyed.
 
 AFTER THE MASSACRE. 1 09 
 
 Fail not, then, at your peril, to comply with this request. 
 On you alone rests the responsibility of this decision ; 
 but if the just expectations of the people are disappointed, 
 you must be answerable to God and your country for the 
 fatal consequences that must ensue.' " 
 
 " And then he could do no less than comply with the 
 demands of the people," Chris said, excitedly. 
 
 " He did nothing of the kind, my son ; but declared 
 that he would not allow himself to be intimidated ; that he 
 should not send both regiments away. What the result 
 might have been had the committee returned with this 
 decision, I tremble to contemplate ; but Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Dalrymple, who, it seems, has a better idea of 
 the condition of affairs in this city than the men who rule 
 over us, gave his word of honour as a soldier that the 
 troops should be removed at once, and such was the 
 report with which the committee returned to us." 
 
 " And does the matter rest there, sir ? " Amos asked. 
 
 " Yes, to a certain extent. The people, determined 
 there should be no opportunity of breaking faith, either 
 on the part of the Lieutenant - Governor or the military 
 officer, appointed the same gentlemen who had waited on 
 His Excellency, as a Committee of Safety, and from this 
 time out our most reputable citizens will act as night- 
 watch, each doing his share of the duty fully armed, until 
 every soldier shall have left this city. There is to be no 
 unnecessary delay." 
 
 " But what about those who committed the murder ? " 
 
 " They will be tried in due form, and I hope, as must
 
 HO UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 every good citizen, that it will be an impartial trial. 
 Already it is claimed for Captain Preston that he did not 
 give the order for his men to fire ; but that some one 
 near him perhaps one of our own people seeing the 
 soldiers were threatened with bodily harm, and that there 
 was every danger of their receiving severe injuries, cried : 
 ' Why don't you fire ? ' " 
 
 "And that is exactly what I heard," Amos said, 
 quickly. " I was looking at the captain at that fatal 
 moment, and, although it had n't occurred to me from 
 that time until this, I am certain he never gave the com- 
 mand to fire. Nevertheless, the soldiers all shot to kill." 
 
 "True, lad," Mr. Gore said, sorrowfully, "and if the 
 military remain in the city, it will be impossible for the 
 authorities to prevent further conflicts, more especially 
 now that the people are fully aroused by the bloodshed." 
 
 When Amos set out for home at a late hour that even- 
 ing, he saw the members of the citizens' watch parading 
 the streets, and there came to him a sense of deepest 
 relief after the terrible events of the past week, with the 
 knowledge that for a certain time, at least, the good city 
 of Boston would be properly guarded by her own people. 
 
 Despite this new feeling of safety, he started with 
 apprehension, almost alarm, when a dark figure crept 
 cautiously toward him as he was passing the head of 
 Water Street, and an instant later he stood with his 
 back against the palings in an attitude of self-defence, 
 for he who had approached so stealthily was Hardy Baker. 
 
 " Don't act as if you was going to fight me," the
 
 AFTER THE MASSACRE. Ill 
 
 barber's apprentice said, piteously. " Don't do that, 
 Amos ! I know I tried to make trouble for you yester- 
 day afternoon ; but you served me out for it, and I 
 haven't said a word against you since then." 
 
 " I don't know whether you have or not." 
 
 " What I tell you is true, Amos," and the listener was 
 thoroughly surprised by the change in the bearing of 
 Master Piemont's apprentice. 
 
 "What do you want of me?" he asked, sharply. 
 
 " I don't know," Hardy replied, in a tone of despair. 
 " It seems as if everybody was my enemy. I went down 
 to Jim Gray's house this afternoon, and he would n't so 
 much as look at me." 
 
 " Do you think he has good reason to be friendly with 
 you ? " 
 
 " You say that because his brother was killed at the Cus- 
 tom House. Amos, I did n't think anything like murder 
 could happen when I told the crowd the soldier on the 
 steps was the one who had knocked me down. If you 
 had been treated as I was, and saw the man standing 
 there when you believed the soldiers were going to rise 
 against us, you might have done the same thing." 
 
 "Well, and if I might, what then, Hardy Baker? 
 What do you want of me ? " 
 
 "I want you to talk with me, Amos. It seems as if 
 everybody believed I was as much of a murderer as the 
 'bloody backs,' and Master Piemont told me this after- 
 noon never to show my face near his shop again that 
 I was n't wholesome even for Britishers to look at."
 
 112 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 "I don't think, Hardy," and now Amos' s tone was less 
 sharp than before, "that you should expect either the 
 people or the soldiers would be very friendly toward you." 
 
 "But I didn't do this thing. I didn't have any more 
 hand in it than you, or Jim Gray, or Chris Snyder." 
 
 " But how can you charge us with any concern in it ? " 
 
 " Was n't it all a piece of work beginning with what we 
 did to Master Lillie ? Has n't it grown out of that ? " 
 
 " Of course not. Ebenezer Richardson's bloody deed 
 had nothing to do with the soldiers," Amos cried, quickly, 
 but at the same time a terrible fear took possession of him 
 that possibly the tragedy on Hanover Street might have 
 had some connection with that at the Custom House. 
 
 "But, Amos," Hardy continued, imploringly, "when 
 poor little Chris Snyder was killed through what we did 
 to Master Lillie, and you were as much concerned in the 
 matter as I, you didn't accuse me then of being at fault." 
 
 "No," Amos said, slowly and thoughtfully, "because 
 that which we did, so Master Revere said, was not done 
 with any idea or possibility in our minds that bloodshed 
 might follow." 
 
 " Nor was there in my mind any idea that bloodshed 
 might follow when I told the crowd the soldier at the 
 Custom House was the one who had knocked me down." 
 
 During several moments Amos stood silent and motion- 
 less. 
 
 Hardy's offending seemed less heinous in his eyes than 
 it had a few moments previous, and he said, in a milder 
 tone ;
 
 AFTER THE MASSACRE. 113 
 
 " I won't be one to accuse you, Hardy ; but let me 
 advise you to leave the affairs of the city to those who 
 are older and have better judgment. Don't go about any 
 more with such companions as have been yours during the 
 past few days." 
 
 " Will you forgive me, Amos, for what I did yester- 
 day ? " 
 
 " I surely ought to, after we settled it with our fists." 
 
 " May I walk home with you ? " Hardy asked, meekly, 
 after a brief pause. 
 
 " To what end ? " 
 
 " I want to be with some one who is friendly," and Mas- 
 ter Piemont's assistant spoke in a tone of such dejection 
 that Amos' s heart was touched. 
 
 " Where do you live ? " 
 
 " Nowhere now. Master Piemont declares I shall not 
 stay in the house another hour you know the terms of 
 my apprenticeship were that he should give me a home." 
 
 " Then what do you intend to do, Hardy?" and now 
 Amos began to display some concern. 
 
 " I shall walk to Salem, where my parents live, if I can- 
 not find other work here. I am afraid when people know 
 it was through me that the trouble began at the Custom 
 House, they will feel as Master Piemont does, and refuse 
 to hire me." 
 
 " You can't walk to Salem to-night. Where will you 
 sleep ? " 
 
 " That makes no difference. If you will only be friendly 
 with me, Amos, I can get along somehow."
 
 II4 UNDER THE LIBERTY TREE. 
 
 " You shall go home with me, Hardy, and after the 
 excitement has died away people will begin to realise that 
 you are not as much to blame as now appears. Even Jim 
 Gray will see the matter in another light, as soon as his 
 grief has subsided." 
 
 With this reconciliation it is necessary, because the 
 purpose of this book is finished, to bid adieu to the boys 
 whom we have met under the Liberty Tree, for in nowise 
 would the incidents of their lives interest the reader, until 
 after the lapse of many months, when we may, perchance, 
 meet them again, while relating certain events connected 
 with the Siege of Boston. 
 
 The following is taken from Arthur Oilman's " Story of 
 Boston." 
 
 " Before the troops could be removed, on the following 
 Thursday, March 8th, the funerals of the slain were celebrated 
 with all the pomp that Boston was capable of displaying at the 
 time. The assemblage was the ' largest ever known ' ; the bells 
 were tolled in Boston, Cambridge, Roxbury, Charlestown ; the 
 bodies of Caldwell and Attucks, the friendless ones among the 
 victims, were taken to Faneuil Hall, Maverick's was borne from 
 his mother's home, on Union Street, and that of Gray from his 
 brother's on Royal Exchange Lane. The four hearses formed 
 a junction on the fatal King Street, and thence the procession 
 continued, six deep, to the Middle, or Granary Burying-ground, 
 where the bodies were solemnly laid in a single grave. Thus, 
 the last view that the retreating soldiers had of King Street 
 was marked by the passage of thousands of Bostonians, doing 
 honour to the men whose taunts and insults had goaded them
 
 AFTER THE MASSACRE. 11$ 
 
 beyond endurance, and they felt the humiliation of their situa- 
 tion as they gave way before the successful ' bullies ' of the 
 little town, who had put them to flight. It was not ' ignomini- 
 ous ' in Dalrymple, however, to take his men away from an 
 infuriated populace ; there were then thousands of sturdy New 
 Englanders in the towns about, ready to crowd into Boston at 
 the proper signal ; and what were two single regiments to do if 
 they had come ? It was foolhardy in Hutchinson to resist the 
 demand of the determined gathering at the Old South. He had 
 been wise the evening before, but on that clay his sagacity 
 deserted him. When Lord North, the unwise minister of King 
 George, heard of the circumstances, he was interested in every 
 detail, and the picture of Adams before Hutchinson impressed 
 him so deeply that he afterwards called the Fourteenth and the 
 Twenty-ninth ' the Sam Adams regiments.' " 
 
 "In August, 1775, the name of Liberty having become 
 offensive to the tories and their British allies, the tree was cut 
 down by a party led by one Job Williams. ' Armed with axes 
 they made a furious attack upon it. After a long spell of 
 laughing and grinning, sweating, swearing, and foaming, with 
 malice diabolical, they cut down the tree, because it bore the 
 name of Liberty.' (Essex Gazette, 1775.) Some idea of the 
 size of the tree may be formed from the fact that it made four- 
 teen cords of wood. The jesting at the expense of the Sons of 
 Liberty had a sorry conclusion ; one of the soldiers, in attempt- 
 ing to remove a limb, fell to the pavement and was killed." 
 Drake's " Old Landmarks of Boston}'' 
 
 THE END.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
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