this place in half an
hour."

We could hardly have moved more quickly if each had been provided with
wings. In a twinkling the three of us were off, every lad headed toward
his own home, and for my part, I know that it seemed as if I hardly gave
myself time to breathe, so eager was I to return to the rendezvous in
the shortest possible space of time.

As I look at the matter now, I can understand why my mother cried out
against the venture, declaring it was work that should be undertaken by
men, when I repeated to her what the doctor had said, and the tears came
very near my eyelids as I pleaded with her, for it seemed just then as
if I should never again have such an opportunity of serving the Cause. I
urged that we had given our word to Doctor Warren; that we would be
shamed, and he have reason to set us down as cowards, if we failed to do
as had been promised, winding up my entreaties with the assertion that
if father was at home he would insist most strongly upon my doing
whatsoever little I might in behalf of that effort to teach the king a
lesson which seemed so near at hand.

I believe it was this last part of my argument which had most weight,
for no sooner had I spoken of what my father would have me do, than she
gave way, setting about making ready for me a small parcel of food
before having said that she gave her permission.

Wild with delight, I gave little heed to the loving kiss she bestowed
upon me, hardly returning it so eager was I to be again at the
rendezvous, and taking the parcel without a word of thanks for her
loving thoughtfulness, I hurried away at full speed, coming up with
Archie in Salem street.

He also carried a parcel under his arm, and without slackening speed I
ranged alongside him, asking, with difficulty because of my heavy
breathing, if his mother had made any protest against his acting the
part of messenger.

"At first she cried out that I should not risk my neck in a tom-fool
matter; but when I made her understand that it was no less a man than
Doctor Warren who required our services, she held her peace; yet I took
note that the tears came into her eyes, as if she believed the business
might be of danger."

"And so it is until we are ashore beyond Charlestown," I said with no
little of satisfaction, for it pleased me to believe we were staking our
lives, perhaps, on this venture which had to do with the Cause. "If our
skiff is overhauled by the guards--"

"There isn't a