you fellows to come with Attucks and me," the barber's
apprentice said, in a peremptory tone.

"Why should we?" Amos asked, sharply.

"Because there is work for all hands, and you must do your share."

"And since when has Master Piemont's apprentice had the right to
command us to come here or go there?"

"Your high and mighty airs don't count for much with me, Amos
Richardson. If my uncle had been the one who murdered Chris Snyder, I
should try to do everything in my power to show I didn't side with
informers and those who are ready to kiss the feet of the 'bloody
backs'!"

Amos's face was almost livid in its paleness, as he stepped quickly
forward and seized by the collar the apprentice, who, in his alarm,
attempted to seek refuge behind the mulatto.

"If you ever so much as mention my uncle to me again, Hardy Baker,
there will be serious trouble for you, and neither the 'bloody backs'
nor those who love liberty will interfere between us."

Then Amos, shaking Master Piemont's assistant much as a terrier shakes
a rat, released his hold, and, as he walked away with his arm in
Jim's, he heard Hardy cry, threateningly:

"Before this trouble is ended, you shall see what I can do!"

"It is such fellows as he who will bring discredit on the cause of
liberty," Jim whispered. "You must be careful from this out, Amos, or
that braggart will make good his threat."

[Footnote D: John Gray's ropewalk was situated near the present Post
Office Square.]

[Footnote E: Near the former site of Brattle Street Church.]

CHAPTER IV.

A DISCOMFITED CREDITOR.

On Saturday morning the city of Boston was in an ominous state of
quietude.

That the citizens were restless and uneasy, even the most casual
observer would have noted, as he walked through the streets where
knots of men and boys were congregated at different points, discussing
some subject with bated breath, and moving away whenever a stranger
approached.

That the troops were defiant and suspicious was also evident. The
soldiers did not walk through the streets singly, as had been their
custom; but in groups--squads would be a more appropriate term, for
they preserved some semblance of formation, even while lounging, as if
prepared for an expected attack.

It had not been Amos's purpose to venture out on this morning, and he
had very good reasons for remaining at home.

That which Hardy Baker had taunted him with on the evening previous
still rankled in