“Do you think the Colonies will be independent, Aunt Martha? Do you really want them to be?”
“Yes. I think it, and I hope it.” Aunt Martha’s lips were set in a straight line, as they had been when she had told her husband that she would not leave her home for the sake of a Redcoat.
Don was about to make some reply when he spied Jud outside the window; he was hurrying up the street, and there was an eager look in his eyes.
“Hello, Jud,” Don greeted him as he opened the door. “What’s the news?”
“Good news,” Jud replied breathlessly. “I’ve heard that old Gage is going back to England. How glad I am!”
“Say, where did you hear that?” asked Don.
“Over near Faneuil Hall. I was listening again.” Jud grinned.
“Who’s to take his place?” asked Aunt Martha.
“Don’t know yet. But won’t it be fine to see old Gage go? He’s caused enough trouble for half a dozen men.”
The news proved to be true enough. On the tenth of October, General Gage sailed for England, never to return. Lord Howe, who had commanded the British in the assault at Charlestown, took Gage’s place. He was popular with the troops, but with the suffering townsfolk he was a poor substitute for the unpopular Gage. The proclamations that he issued were irritating at best; he seemed to think only of the safety and comfort of his soldiers.