“They are the same men that I met at the inn on the ferry road,” Nat told him. “And, while I’m not sure, I think they were waiting for Ezra.”
“For Ezra!” Ben stared, open-eyed.
“To relieve him of the message he’s carrying to Dr. Warren.”
“I see,” said Ben, soberly. Then they rode forward in silence until they overtook their companions.
“The ruffians,” exclaimed Revere, warmly. “I had not thought that thieves were so bold in these parts.”
“Common thieves are not, I suppose,” said Nat, quietly.
Revere continued to fume and mutter as they rode along toward Bristol, the housetops of which were gradually coming into view. Ben was now riding with him and Ezra had fallen back until his mount was abreast of Nat’s.
“You think, then,” said Ezra, and his tone was low, “that those men were not common thieves.”
“I do,” replied Nat. “A man’s purse would be safe with them, I feel sure. Something of greater value was in their minds, I feel sure.”
“So do I,” replied Ezra. He looked at Nat steadily for a moment and then said with a faint smile, “You’ve met those men before?”