“Asked him particularly to get you, if he could. What does that mean, I wonder?”
“I don’t know,” replied Nat, slowly, “and I’m not going to think about it. In the frame of mind I’m in now, I’m likely to see evil in everything that has to do with Ezra Prentiss. But I’m going back to Boston with him, no matter what it means. And the future will tell what it will tell!”
CHAPTER XII
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE NORTH ROAD
It was high noon next day when Ezra Prentiss slipped Mr. Adams’ private despatch to Dr. Warren into his saddle-bag. Mr. Revere already had the resolutions passed by Congress, and the two, together with Nat Brewster and Ben Cooper, climbed into their saddles. Then they waved their hands to those gathered in front of the City Tavern to see them off.
“Remember what I’ve told you about my letter and make all speed,” said Mr. Adams, as a last word. “It is to be given to Dr. Warren alone, as it is of great importance.”
This was said in a low tone as the statesman stood at Ezra’s stirrup; but Nat Brewster, who sat his horse next to Ezra’s, caught the words; and likewise he heard the boy’s reply.
“I understand its urgency and its importance as well,” said Ezra, gravely. “There shall be no delay on the way north, and Dr. Warren alone shall receive the message.”
They took their way northward at a fairly easy pace, as Paul Revere cautioned them not to press their horses too hard.
“Since I’ve taken to riding from city to city for the various committees,” said that gentleman, “I’ve had much experience. And it has shown me that a soft pace in a long journey is the swiftest in the end. Also, it is the least laborious and anxious, for you haven’t a broken nag to help along toward the finish.”
The sun shone wonderfully and the breeze blew in their faces with delightful freshness. Ben Cooper longed to put Molly at her best, for her dancing along the road showed that her spirit was as high as his own.