This program was carried out, and they found the great patriot still at his supper.
“I had been called out, and am but now returned,” he said. “But I am delighted to see you both.”
Nothing would do but that they should draw up their chairs and join him.
“Here is an excellent joint,” smiled he, “and a capon pie that will please you if you admire cookery. And then we can talk more comfortably, you see.”
And though they had just supped, they again sat down with the doctor. After some little gossip of a general nature, Revere said:
“I have been talking to Master Brewster, doctor, as you suggested. And as he seems anxious to help in the work, I brought him to see you.”
The doctor looked at Nat good-naturedly.
“Mr. Revere is an ardent admirer of yours,” said he, “and has been telling me some of the misadventures of your journey north. And I may say that your own part in them has taken my fancy.”
“Travelers,” replied Nat, “come upon unexpected things, and must somehow overcome them. That’s all I tried to do.”
“All!” cried Revere. “All! Well, perhaps so; but it was enough to save all our lives from the hulking thieves gathered in that ruin. And again, it required courage to do what you did to save Mr. Adams’ letter, even though you failed.”