“All the people on the streets, myself among the number, followed the procession to where a grave had been dug, and when the image was about to be buried, Jotham Lewis called out that he thought he perceived some signs of 1ife in Liberty.  With that the statue was carried back to Master Leavitt’s store, and Master McCleary addressed the assembled throng, saying that if the Goddess could be restored to health her Sons were the ones to do it.  He was greeted with mighty cheers, such as must have been heard even at the Governor’s house; and when the tumult had died away, Master George Messerve declared that he did not intend to accept the office the king had bestowed upon him.  He then delivered his commission and instructions to the Sons of Liberty, and next morning all who are known as belonging to that association marched around the town, carrying the parchments like a banner, on the point of a sword.

“Master Messerve then took his oath before Justice Claget that he would not attempt to issue stamps, and the commission was given to the captain of the ‘Saucy Mary,’ who is sworn to deliver it up to the Commissioners of the Stamp Office in London immediately upon his arrival in England.  You see, matters have changed considerably since the day you started out to deliver a message to Master Revere.”

“If I had only been there!” Walter exclaimed, when Stephen ceased speaking from sheer lack of breath.

“You would not have seen much of the bravery, I fear.  The Sons of Liberty could not attempt to prevent your being made a prisoner on the charge of stealing, however well they understand the case; or that would, as Master McCleary says, be too much like trying to overthrow all law and order, whereas they profess only to battle against injustice.”

“What is injustice, if not. imprisoning me on such a charge? "

“You understand what I mean, Walter.  Haines does not think for a moment that you would be declared guilty; but by making the arrest he can have revenge, since you must lay in jail some time before being brought to trial.”

“Yes, yes; I understand it all.  But there are times when I feel bitterly the necessity of remaining in hiding, as if I was in fact a criminal.  Have you any more news?”

“A messenger from Boston told of effigies of certain persons being burned, or hung on the gallows, and from the reports I think it safe to say there has been quite as much excitement in that city over the Stamp Act as in Portsmouth.  People who a few weeks ago denounced the Sons of Liberty as seditious persons, now speak of them with respect, saving as in the case of Haines and his following.  Master Leavitt declares the time has arrived when the Province of New Hampshire shall rule herself, and that unless the king shows a more friendly disposition, he will lose his possessions in America; but of course anything of that kind cannot happen.”

“Greater deeds have been done.”