When Peter Walker heard Phil’s story he lost no time in informing the Committee of Safety. It was too late that evening to call a public meeting, but there was a crowded attendance at Crosby’s tavern and Phil the Fifer was eagerly questioned regarding his interview with Hoppy.
“I reckon Hoppy felt rather miserable, Phil? How did he like the idea of acting as pilot?” asked Obed Sparrow.
“To tell you the truth, Master Sparrow,” replied Phil, “Captain Mayo didn’t like the position; but as to bein’ miserable, well, I don’t think it’s his nature to feel so at any time.”
“It’s a wonder that British officer did not suspect something.”
“Oh, Lieutenant Jameson is a rale gintleman, an’ he knows, besides, that old Phil wouldn’t desave him!”
The old man’s innocent expression as he said this caused general laughter.
“If he should hear the result of your visit, Phil, he won’t be so confiding the next time,” said Squire Knowles.
“Faith, an’ I’m sure he won’t, squire. But I’m thinkin’ it will be a long time before the lieutenant will see me agin. This war will soon be over, plaze God, an’ the foreigners will sail away an’ lave the people o’ Cape Cod in paice wance more.”
“What makes you think so, Phil?”
“Well, squire, I heard some talk in Yarmouth about the work o’ the American privateers among the British ships, an’ Master Cook o’ Provincetown told me the same story. ’Tis said that John Bull is grumbling about the loss he’s sufferin’ an’ that the big merchants o’ London won’t stand it much longer. Our frind John is like the rest of us, he hates to get touched in the pocket.”