nced to come upon this
Master Lord, and repeated what had been said concerning his loyalty to
the Cause, thereby giving her to believe we were in perfect security
while remaining at his dwelling, all of which went far toward calming
her fears. It was what you might call deceiving one's mother, and yet I
believed that under the circumstances was I fully warranted in so doing,
otherwise had I left her as I must, she would have eaten her heart out
with anxiety and forebodings.

To her mind it was not possible we could do anything whatsoever in aid
of Silas. She had heard from our friends that the prisoners taken at
Breed's hill were closely guarded; that none save those who were known
to be of the king's side could even so much as have a glimpse of them,
and knowing I could not remain in town very long without being taken
into custody, instead of pleading that I remain with her, she begged me
to go with all speed to Cambridge.

Explaining that I would have speech with some man who was devoted to the
Cause and yet remained in Boston, she proposed that I go to Master
William Mansfield, who lived in Mackrell lane, for he was one who had
proven himself a true son of the colony, having staid in town because of
lameness in the leg which prevented him from serving as a soldier.

I remained with my mother not more than half an hour, although it would
have pleased me right well could I have staid there until break of day;
but time was exceedingly precious if I would save my own skin as well as
that of my comrades, and I hastened away, counting to do no more than
have a plain talk with Master Mansfield before going back to the
hiding-place which was a prison, knowing full well that the lads there
must be filled with apprehension and fear as the moments went by, lest I
might have been taken into custody, thus bringing about discovery of the
secret passage.

Now, because of having succeeded so well thus far in my mission it may
be I grew careless, although even to this day it seems as if I exercised
every caution while on the way from my home to Mackrell lane.

Certain it was, however, that on going up Ann street to the town dock I
failed to hear the sound of footsteps behind me, until a hand was laid
on my shoulder, and a disagreeably familiar voice cried in a tone as of
triumph:

"After what was done at Hog island, and then at Breed's hill, have you
the courage to come into this town, Luke Wright?"

I wheeled suddenly as you