"
"If I had only been there!" Walter exclaimed, when Stephen ceased speaking
from sheer lack of breath.
"You would not have seen much of the bravery, I fear. The Sons of Liberty
could not attempt to prevent your being made a prisoner on the charge of
stealing, however well they understand the case; or that would, as Master
McCleary says, be too much like trying to overthrow all law and order,
whereas they profess only to battle against injustice."
"What is injustice, if not. imprisoning me on such a charge? "
"You understand what I mean, Walter. Haines does not think for a moment
that you would be declared guilty; but by making the arrest he can have
revenge, since you must lay in jail some time before being brought to
trial."
"Yes, yes; I understand it all. But there are times when I feel bitterly
the necessity of remaining in hiding, as if I was in fact a criminal. Have
you any more news?"
"A messenger from Boston told of effigies of certain persons being burned,
or hung on the gallows, and from the reports I think it safe to say there
has been quite as much excitement in that city over the Stamp Act as in
Portsmouth. People who a few weeks ago denounced the Sons of Liberty as
seditious persons, now speak of them with respect, saving as in the case
of Haines and his following.
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