Mr. Norton was surprised, but said very calmly—
"Can you inform me, sir, what the charge is!"
"It is a charge for having preached in the Province of Brunswick, without a license".
"Can you tell me by whom the charge was brought?"
"By the reverend Francis Dinsmoor, a clergyman of the Established Church, of the parish of ——".
"Yes, sir. I understand. He is your neighbor on the other side of the river, Mr. Dubois. Well, sir", continued Mr. Norton, "I suppose you have just arrived and stand in need of refreshment. I will confer with you, by and by".
The messenger retraced his steps towards the house.
In the mean time, a few rough-looking men had overheard the conversation, taken in its import, and now came about Mr. Dubois and Mr. Norton, making inquiries.
Tom Hunkins, more noted for profanity, hard drinking, and gambling, than any man in the settlement, and whom Mr. Norton at the risk of making him a violent enemy, had on one occasion severely reprehended for the pernicious influence he exerted in the community,—here interposed a word of counsel. He was just speaking, when Adèle, Mr. Somers, and John, joined the group.