The arrangements had all been made before the multitude started from the place of rendezvous. Three gentlemen, the principal of whom was Captain Barney, had been appointed a committee to wait upon the squire, and politely request him to display the American flag on his premises.
In the road, in front of the house, a large fire had been kindled, which threw a broad, bright glare on the house and the surrounding grounds. It was as light as day in the vicinity when the committee walked up to the front door of the house and rang the bell. The squire answered the summons himself.
“Squire Pemberton,” said Captain Barney, “your fellow-citizens, about two hundred in number, have called upon you with a simple and reasonable request.”
“What is it?” demanded the squire.
“That you hoist the Stars and Stripes on your house.”
“I won’t do it!” roared the victim, as he slammed the door in the faces of the committee.
“That is insolence,” said Captain Barney, quietly. “We will go in.”
The captain led the way; but the door had been locked upon them. The shoulders of three stout men pressed against it, and the bolt yielded.
“What do you mean, you villains?” thundered the squire, as he confronted the committee in the entry.
“You were so impolite as to close the door in our faces before we had finished our story,” replied the immovable old sea captain.