Ben nodded.
“Yes,” he replied, “a great many. And it’s the same way in the city. With a very few exceptions, it is only those who actually suffer by the heavy taxes who are aroused and speak against the government.”
“The people of consequence, as you might call them, are then mostly Tories?”
Again Ben nodded.
“And they are proud of it,” said he. “Though I must say I can’t understand what they have to pride themselves on.” He pointed across some prosperous grain fields; behind a clump of heavy, thick-growing trees could be seen the outlines of a rather fine looking house. “That’s Cliveden, where the Chews live,” he continued. “The Tories meet there now and then and protest about the growing disloyalty to the king.”
For a long time Nat Brewster sat gazing straight ahead and pondering. Ben watched him curiously for awhile, then as his cousin said nothing more, remarked:
“I think after Molly’s rested I’ll ride into town and see Ezra. He must be a regular mail-bag for news. Will you come along, Nat?”
“I think not,” replied the other.
“I’ve often spoken to him about you,” persisted Ben. “He’ll be glad to see you.”
“Another time will do just as well. I hardly feel like going in to town to-day.”