Nat Brewster settled his stalwart frame back against the coach house wall and, wrinkling his brows, regarded his cousin attentively.

Nat Brewster

“It’s very likely you’re right,” said he at length. “The expectation of such a thing would act just about that way upon every one—even to children and others who did not understand.” Then he stretched out his long legs and snapped the lock of his rifle with his strong brown fingers. “If war does come,” he went on, “I hope it comes quickly, while the colonies are aroused to answer the call. The whole of the north country is ready; and from reports, the south and coast colonies are also.”

There was a silence for a moment; then Ben asked:

[21]“Do you think, if it came to blows, the colonies would dare defy the king?”

[21]

“They’ve done it before now,” replied Nat. “Charles II tried oppression and his commissioners were soundly beaten and shipped back to England to him. James II patterned by his brother in this, and his governor was first imprisoned and then banished. If the colonies were bold enough to do these things when they were weak, they’ll do others like them, now that they’re stronger.”

As Nat finished speaking there came a clattering of hoofs and the rumble of wheels upon a side road. Then a strong voice called:

“Who-o-e-e!”

The boys looked in the direction of the sound and saw a light spring cart drawn by four wiry little horses. A pockmarked man with fiery red hair sat upon the seat; and in his hands he held a sealed letter.

“Hello,” called he, in his loud voice. “Come get this, some one. I can’t leave these critters. If I did, they’d try to climb over the barn.”

Ben arose and hurried to the fence.

“Something for us, Tom?” he asked.

[22]“Something for you,” replied the pockmarked man. “Was given to me at the City Tavern last night.”

[22]

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