Part 12 (1/2)
”Seth, what was that man's object in provoking a quarrel?”
”I am at a loss to understand.”
”He was a Yorker.”
”Think so?”
”Sure of it.”
”Then it was mere curiosity to see you, and when he saw you he could not restrain his temper? He wanted to fight?”
”I don't think so.”
”What is your idea then, colonel?”
”He wanted to embroil us in a quarrel so that the watch could be called out and we should be placed in the wrong.”
”Perhaps you are right. Anyway, we are rid of him.”
”Are we?”
”Yes, of course.”
”Do not be too sure. The Yorkers will be mad enough to follow us, and, if a chance offers, we shall have to fight.”
”What do you think of the dispute with the king?”
”For my part, I think the colonies should have the right to make their own laws.”
”The king will give that right.”
”No. George has all the pig-headedness of his ancestors. If the colonies get the right they will have to fight for it.”
”You do not think there will be war between England and the colonies?”
”I do not know, but if there should be I shall ask that our mountain lands shall be independent.”
”With you as first governor.”
”I care not for that. I only want to see the people get all they deserve. Look, Seth! What do you see over there?”
”It looks to me like a number of hors.e.m.e.n.”
”Yes, and they are trying to head us off.”
”Think so?”
”Why, look! Baker, come here. What are those men doing over there?”
Remember Baker shaded his eyes with his hand and looked for several minutes before speaking.