There were a few scattered cheers to show that the people realized the force of this reasoning. But at the same time was heard the quick tramp of a body of Continental infantry, one of the many sent to patrol the city; and Ezra never knew but what their arrival had more to do with the mob’s change of front than anything he had said. At any rate, they were instantly seized with a huge admiration at this display of their national force, and burst into loud huzzas. The officer in command of the troop bid them disperse, as it was against the general’s orders for any crowds to collect until the city had come under control; and as both townfolk and troop passed out of Sun Court, Nat Brewster said:
“It was a fortunate circumstance that brought this finish about. I had thought to have harder work of it.”
“And I,” said a voice behind them.
All turned. The door of the mansion had opened and Seth Prentiss stood before them. He was dressed in gown and slippers; and large silver-rimmed spectacles seemed to add to the harshness of his face.
Regarding both Ezra and George for a moment in silence, he said:
“I had not expected to ever bid either of you welcome to my house. But if I were to say that I did not silently welcome you when those good friends of mine came hammering at my door, I would not be speaking the truth.”
He ran his eyes over them with an expression upon his face that neither of his grandsons had ever seen there before; then he continued:
“Neither did I ever think that you would make a better selection of government than myself.”
“Grandfather!” both boys flung themselves from their steeds and approached him, joy in their faces.
“I mean it,” cried the old merchant. “None has kept faith with the King more loyally than I have done. But he has deserted me—he has deserted his city. And now I desert him!”