"Yes. There is a proclamation signed by Gage, offering pardon to all who will surrender and acknowledge that they have done wrong, except Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and these are said to be guilty of treason and must die; that is, when Gage catches them."
"Well, what say the people?"
"That we will fight it out."
"Good!"
"And that if Adams and Hancock are traitors, so are they all."
"Well?"
"Gage heard of the defiance, and at once gave notice that he should sally out of Boston and burn all the neighboring towns and devastate the country."
"He did, eh?"
"Yes, and the people say they will give him a warm reception."
"Warner, shall we join the men at Boston?"