“This meeting stands adjourned to three o’clock,” said the moderator, and the great crowd thereupon surged into the streets. Some went to the Cromwell’s Head; others to the Bunch of Grapes, White Lamb, Tun and Bacchus, drank mugs of flip, and warmed themselves by the bright wood-fires blazing on the hearths. The meeting had adjourned to give Mr. Rotch time to jump into his chaise and ride out to Milton to see Governor Hutchinson.
Tom and Abraham walked towards the Cromwell’s Head. They were surprised and delighted to meet Roger Stanley.
“I didn’t hear of the meeting till last evening,” said Roger, “and I have come in to see what is going on.”
The rain had drenched his clothes.
“See here, Roger, you are wet to the skin; you must have some toddy. Come along, I’ll stand treat,” said Tom.
They entered the Cromwell’s Head, and each took a glass of flip, then made their way to the Long Room in Queen Street. Climbing the stairs, Tom rapped on a door. A moment later a panel opened, and a nose, mouth, and eyes appeared. Tom gave another rap which the nose, mouth, and eyes seemed to understand, for the door opened, and they passed in and it closed behind them.
Several of the Sons of Liberty were already there. Some were smoking pipes, others sipping mugs of hot punch. Edward Preston was sitting at a table writing.
“The sachem has just finished his proclamation, and is going to read it,” said Henry Purkett.
The room became still, and Preston read what he had written.