“I will not do it on compulsion.”
“Then, sir, we shall be obliged to resort to disagreeable measures.”
“What do you mean by that, sir?” asked the squire, who was evidently alarmed by the threat. “Do you mean to proceed to violence?”
“We do, Squire Pemberton,” answered Captain Barney, decidedly.
“O my country!” sighed the victim, “has it come to this? The laws will no longer protect her citizens.”
“That’s very fine, sir. Do you expect the laws to protect you while you are aiding and abetting those who are trying to destroy them? Is there any law to protect a traitor in his treason? But we waste time, Squire Pemberton. Will you display the American flag?”
“Suppose I refuse?”
“We will pull your house down over your head. We will give you a coat of tar and feathers, and remove you beyond the limits of the town. If you ever come back, we will hang you to the nearest tree.”
“Good Heaven! Is it possible that my fellow-citizens are assassins—incendiaries!”
“Your answer, squire.”