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."

"But not by a few people against so mighty a king. I am afraid we shall
all be made to suffer because of what has already been done against his
majesty's commands."

"If the people can prevent the use of stamps they can do very much
more; but we won't talk of such matters now. It is enough that I have
with me a friend with whom I can speak, and I must make the most of
your company while you are here."

"Then suppose you begin by telling me where you found the Indian?"

Walter gave his friend a detailed account of all that had happened
since the two parted in the woods ten days previous, and concluded by
showing him what progress had been made toward the erection of the mill.

Stephen was astonished because of the amount of work which had been
performed, and said, laughingly,--

"Indeed, I begin to think Samuel Haines did you a favour when he made
it necessary for you to hide in this place. At the rate you have been
labouring, the mill will be in working order within a month."

"It would, for a certainty, if I had the necessary materials, which can
only be procured with money. I truly believe Sewatis and I could do
very nearly the whole of the task."

"There's no question about it. Shall you try to frame the building?"

"Yes, so far as to get the timbers hewn but we could not make shift to
raise it without assistance, and what lumber we have in shape will not
be hurt by seasoning, although I do not use it for two years. Now let