s 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 immediate 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 control. 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 regiments, 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. 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 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 ne