“Let us be just,” said Doctor Young. “Let no one utter a word against our fellow-citizen. He is doing all it is possible for him to do to have the detested tea sent back.”
The murmuring ceased as Samuel Adams addressed him:—
“Will you, Mr. Rotch, send the Dartmouth back to London with the tea on board?”
“Were I to make the attempt in compliance with the request of the people it would be my ruin.”
Roger and all around him saw what they had not seen before, that were he to make the effort his ship would be seized and himself arrested, and in all probability sent to England to be tried for treason.
“Who knows how tea will mix with salt water?” shouted John Rowe.
“Let us treat the fishes to a cup of tea,” shouted another, and the windows rattled with their stamping.
“Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!”
It was a yell from the street.