“That means imprisonment,” he thought. “If I don’t join with the British, I’ll be clapped in irons.”
But he concealed his feelings. His face was unruffled as he made reply.
“I thank you, General Burgoyne, for the hint. You may rely upon me to act for the best.”
The officer shot Ezra a penetrating glance. But he said nothing, and with a little shrug, he turned to his book.
“And now,” said the merchant, “that is all. I feel that I have done my duty toward you. It remains for you to do the rest. Harrison,” as the servant answered his pull at the bell-cord, “show this young gentleman out.”
Once in the street, Ezra made all haste to the “Jolly Rover.”
“Something must be done at once,” he muttered. “I’ll have to contrive to leave Boston within twenty-four hours, or I’m done for.”
The first persons he saw at the inn were Scarlett and the landlord in close converse in a far corner of the long room. Scarlett beckoned him at once, and the boy approached them.
“Sit down,” said the soldier of fortune, “and as there are two of our shadows keeping us under observation, I would suggest that you do not allow anything that we might say to make you change countenance.”
“You have news then?” questioned Ezra.