further orders.'--This," remarks
Lieutenant Barker of the King's Own, "I suppose is by way of a blind. I
dare say they have something for them to do."

This "something" was either one or both of two objectives: the stores at
Concord, and the persons of Adams and Hancock, then known to be staying
at the house of the Reverend Jonas Clark in Lexington. That this latter
objective was seriously considered, at least by the Americans, we shall
see from Revere's narrative. There never has been proof that Gage
endeavored to seize either them or Warren. But in any case the stores
were in danger, and strict watch was kept.

There was evidence enough of a coming expedition. As before the
Massacre, there were soldiers' rumors that something was to happen, and
the name of Concord was whispered about. On the night of the 18th word
came in from the country that parties of officers were riding here and
there. This same notice was sent by vigilant patriots to Hancock at
Lexington. In Boston itself different persons noticed that the troops
were astir. Word of all this came from various sources to Warren who,
relinquishing for a while his sittings with the Committee of Safety, had
for some days been working for it at the post of responsibility and
danger. Warren finally decided that he must act. He sent for the men
who had pledged themselves for this service, and gave them his
directions.

One of these men was William Dawes, of whom, except for his actions on
this night, we know little. Obeying his instructions, he took horse, and
rode across the Neck to go to Lexington by way of Roxbury and Watertown.

"About ten o'clock," writes Revere, "Dr. Warren sent in great haste for
me, and begged that I would immediately set off for Lexington, where
Messrs. Hancock and Adams were, and acquaint them of the movement, and
that it was thought they were the objects." Revere was ready. In
returning on the 15th he had arranged signals to his friends in
Charlestown to inform them what route the British would take; he knew,
also, how he should cross--for the ferry was closed at nine o'clock--and
where he should get his horse. From Warren's Revere went home, got his
"boots and surtout," and started. Two of his friends rowed him to
Charlestown in a boat which was kept ready for the purpose, another was
already despatched to make certain of the route the British would take.

[Illustration: THE OLD NORTH CHURCH

(From which Paul Revere's signals were di