, more concerned
regarding his friend than for himself.

"I am afraid the wound is a serious one," Amos replied, sadly. "The
blood was coming from his mouth, and I am told that is a bad sign."

"If it's signs you're looking for, see there!" and Hardy pointed up
the street, where the crowd was marching as if in procession behind
those who carried the dying boy. "If that doesn't look like a funeral,
what should you say it was?"

Amos gave one quick glance and turned his head away.

It seemed as if he was in a certain degree responsible for this death;
but the barber's apprentice, who was equally culpable, had no such
misgivings.

One would have said Hardy Baker found a certain degree of pleasure in
dwelling upon the fact that he had been instrumental in this day's
work, since it would bring his name into greater prominence than he
could ever have hoped for otherwise, however conscientiously he might
discharge his duties as Master Piemont's apprentice.

[Footnote B: In 1809 this same Christopher Gore became Governor of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.]

[Footnote C: Now Boylston Street.]

CHAPTER III.

LIBERTY HALL.

Not until nightfall, on this day of the tragical ending to the lesson
given Master Lillie and the other faithless merchants, did Amos
Richardson meet those who had aided him in the work of erecting the
symbol in front of the shop on Hanover Street.

He and Hardy Baker had assisted Chris Gore to his home, and the injured
boy's father had sent the barber's apprentice in search of a surgeon.

There was nothing Amos could do to aid this family, and having no
desire to listen to Hardy's foolish threats, as he would probably be
forced to do in case he waited for that young gentleman's return, he
walked slowly toward Frog Lane, repeating again and again to himself
that, if little Chris Snyder's death should follow as a result of his
wound, those who had erected the symbol of warning would at least be
morally responsible.

He had arrived at the Liberty Tree, where was a great throng of people
waiting, as if believing that here in the so-called Liberty Hall they
would the sooner receive tidings of the injured lad's condition, when
he met Master Revere, returning to his place of business.

"I think, Amos," the goldsmith said, as he attracted the boy's
attention by tapping him on the shoulder, "that it would be well if
you were to go to the Widow Snyder's home. She may need assistance in
cari