The Committee of Safety held an all-day session, open to all the voters, but there seemed no prospect of reaching an agreement between the opposing factions. It was apparent, however, that the fighting element was weakening. The stern logic of the situation was calmly put before the meeting by Squire Harding Knowles and his weighty words were listened to with the respect which all the utterances of this worthy citizen commanded from his fellow-townsmen.
“It seems to me, sirs,” said the squire, “that it is, as yet, somewhat early to cast a final vote on the question. The frigate has left Provincetown and sailed northward, which course will take her from our immediate neighborhood. Though we are convinced that Captain Raggett means to harry us, it is strange that he should postpone taking action when everything appears to favor him in attacking us just at present.”
“The schooner is cruising off Brewster, squire,” remarked Timothy Cole, “and as Hoppy Mayo is supposed to be on board of her, it is very likely Raggett will wait until Hoppy has been forced to make known the dangerous places off the bars.”
“The schooner doesn’t appear to be making much headway; perhaps Hoppy has already made them acquainted with one of the dangerous places by running the craft aground,” suggested Peter Walker.
Master Walker’s suggestion caused a laugh. “The wind has not been favorable for her eastward voyage, Master Walker,” replied Squire Knowles.
“Well, anyhow,” broke in Obed Sparrow, “Raggett is evidently afraid of the bars and flats or he wouldn’t take so much trouble to safeguard his ship.”
“He doesn’t trust his charts and I don’t blame him,” said Captain Jared. “The British didn’t have much use for Cape Cod bay since the Revolution, and there’s many a change in the coastline since then.”
A chuckle from Peter Walker caused all eyes to turn in his direction. The meeting was sadly in want of a cheerful note amid the general gloom, but the members of the Committee of Safety viewed with disfavor what they considered ill-timed merriment on the part of the town wit.
“If you will excuse me for saying so, Master Walker,” said the chairman severely, “I think this is no time for jesting.” Then to the meeting: “We have serious work before us, sirs, and I trust you will give us the benefit of your undivided attention in the solution of our difficulties.”
“I am, indeed, very sorry, Mr. Chairman,” answered Master Walker in a tone of deep respect, “but it is not because of want of sympathy with you and your colleagues on the Committee of Safety that I smiled. We cannot all view the situation from the same standpoint, and while I believe every man present has a desire to do his best for the town and people, still, I don’t think we should make arrangements for a funeral until we have the corpse laid out. I decline to believe that God Almighty has entirely deserted us. We are at present bothering ourselves with a matter which may never grow to anything more serious than it now is. Who can tell how this schooner’s cruise will end? I have an idea that with one of our bravest citizens aboard, this little schooner is destined to go through some stirring experiences before Hoppy Mayo is finished with her. I apologize for smiling, but I couldn’t help it when I thought of the British ignorance of the bars and dependence on Hoppy Mayo for knowledge of them! Take my word for it, they will know all about them to their cost before Hoppy resigns his present job!”