ng for her son, and you are more to be relied upon than any lad of
your age whom I know."

[Illustration]

"Is she alone, sir?"

"Yes, so far as the interior of the dwelling is concerned; but her
home is surrounded by a troop of people who think, mayhap, they show
sympathy by evincing curiosity. The little dwelling was absolutely
choked by those who followed Chris; but when the surgeon arrived he
very rightly and promptly ordered the house to be cleared. I promised
to send some person who was sufficiently clear-headed to be of service
to the sorrowing widow."

"How is Chris, sir?"

"His life, probably, cannot be saved. The surgeon declares that he has
but a few hours, at the most, to live; that the wound is necessarily
mortal."

"Master Revere," and Amos spoke in a most sorrowful tone, "think you
that those who placed the head in front of Master Lillie's shop can be
blamed for the death of poor Chris?"

The goldsmith looked at Amos, searchingly, a few seconds, and then
turned his eyes away.

"I think I understand why you ask that question, Amos Richardson, and
sorry I am there should be the necessity for such thoughts in your
mind. But he who would say those who thus attracted attention to
Master Lillie's shortcomings could be held in any way as contributing
to the poor boy's death, would, perforce, twist his arguments sadly.
That which was done last night was not begun with any idea the ending
could, by any possibility, be what it is. Therefore, while it is a
most deplorable affair, one which, perhaps, may mean more than the
killing of a human being, you must not let your heart be troubled. God
works in wondrous ways, and who shall say that He has not shaped this
for some wise purpose? Go, now, to the house of mourning, my boy, and
aid that bereaved mother as best you can. Before nightfall I will send
some one to relieve you of your sad duty."

Thus it was that Amos had spent the day at Frog Lane, and not until
Master Revere had fulfilled his promise relative to sending another
did he leave the dying lad, who was already being spoken of in the
city as "the first martyr to the noble cause" and the "first victim to
the cruelty and rage of oppressors."

Little Chris had not been conscious from the moment he was brought
into the house, nor could any word, save that he was sinking slowly,
be given to those who called at short intervals to inquire regarding
his condition.

When Amos arrived at the Liberty Tre