king's boat, no matter of how many oars, that can
overhaul us this night if we get well away from the ship-yard," the dear
lad interrupted sharply. "Give us three minutes the start, and I'll
agree that the whole boiling of his majesty's navy may come full cry
after us."

It would have pleased me better if he had allowed that there was much of
danger in the enterprise; but I would not speak further of such
possibility lest he believe I had grown faint hearted with thinking of
what might be, and in silence we continued on our way, arriving at the
appointed meeting place only to find Silas there awaiting us. He had
been even more eager than we, if that could be possible, and was
returned a full five minutes in advance, despite all our efforts to move
swiftly.

Doctor Warren did not show himself until after what seemed like a very
long time of waiting, and we had grown impatient, fearing lest he had
found some other who might be more to his liking, to carry the message.
Had we been shut out from the enterprise just then, I know for my part
it would have seemed as if all the world had gone wrong, therefore it
was that I could have cried aloud with joy when he came toward us as if
having walked down Union street.

"Are you lads ready for the journey?" he asked, speaking softly and
looking around cautiously like one who fears his words may be overheard.

"We will set off in one minute after receiving your directions, sir," I
made haste to say, speaking hurriedly because I was in haste to have him
commit the message to us at once so we might know none other could get
in ahead of us.

"It is only that you deliver this into the hands of Colonel James
Barrett, who may be found 'twixt now and sunrise at the home of Samuel
Hadley, near Lexington," he said, taking a folded paper from the inner
pocket of his coat. "In case you arrive at whatsoever point you have
decided upon, in safety, it will be well for one to procure a horse and
rush on in advance, otherwise you may arrive too late--"

"We can trust our legs for getting us there as quickly as any farmer's
nag could carry us," Archie interrupted with a laugh, and I was puffed
up with pride when the doctor gave the paper into my keeping as he said
gravely:

"It would work ill to the Cause if this was read by our enemies,
therefore it must be destroyed in case you are like to be taken by any
of the king's mercenaries."

"We won't be taken, sir," Archie said, speaking as if