ed
the room, followed by moments of animated discussion. Neighbor spoke to
neighbor in terms of approval or plied him with questions menacing and
entreating. Anderson maintained his composure to allow them to settle
again into a period of quietude before the administration of the oath.
At length Stephen arose as if to question, and was given permission to
speak by the chairman, Mr. Anderson.

"What immunity does His Majesty's Government guarantee to us after the
war?"

"The usual guarantee will of course be made," Anderson replied.

"Does that mean that we shall be reestablished in the good-will of our
fellow-citizens?" Stephen again inquired.

"Unquestionably. When the colonists see the immense benefits which they
have acquired, they will readily condone all wrongs."

Intense interest was already manifest throughout the room. Faces were
eagerly bent forward lest a word be lost.

"Such considerations, however, are irrelevant to our purpose," dismissed
Anderson with a wave of the hand.

"But it is of vital consequence to us. We must return to our people to
live with them, and we cannot live in an atmosphere of hatred. Who
knows that our lives may not be placed in jeopardy! My question deals
with this. Will any provision be made against such a contingency?"

"It is too early to discuss the final settlement, but you have my
assurance that suitable protection will be given."

"Your assurance?" repeated Stephen. "What amount of assurance may you
offer to us, you who admittedly are one of ourselves?"

"I consider that an impertinent question, sir, and in no way connected
with the business before us."

"It is of vital concern to us, I should say; and I for one am desirous
of knowing more about this affair before yielding my consent."

"You have signed your papers of enlistment already, I believe. There is
no further course then for you to pursue."

There was a rustle among the seats. Some had begun to realize their
fate; some had realized it from the start but were powerless to prevent
it. Two or three faces turned a shade paler, and they became profoundly
silent. The others, too, held their tongues to await the result of the
controversy. For here was a matter of vital concern to all. Up to now
very few deserters, especially among the Catholics, had been discovered
among the American forces. They had heard of an individual or two
surrendering himself to the enemy, or of whole families going over to
the other si