It was from William. It beseeched him to stand by the side of the "loyal men and true, who uphold the crown." It expressed sorrow at hearing through Mr. Wyeth that he had been seen at least on friendly terms with "traitors and arch conspirators." His brother prayed him to remember all their early talks, and exhorted that his first thought be of the King.
"If you cannot answer me," went on the letter, "in a way I hope you will, I shall understand your silence; but remember it is for the—"
George glanced at the last word, crumpled the letter in his hands, and then tore it into small pieces that floated out into the rainy gutter.
"My country has no King now," he said, and looking out through the rain and through his tears it seemed to him that the world was turned upside down. He drew his hand across his forehead wearily, and drawing his cloak about him like an old man, strode down the street.
Suddenly the idea of the "Redcoats" running before the farmers at Lexington came into his mind's eye. He quickened his steps and threw back his shoulders once again, and as he turned about the corner he ran into some one hastening in the opposite direction. He looked closely at the thick-set, muscular figure.
"Carter Hewes!" he exclaimed.
"Well met, indeed," replied the other, "What think you of the news?"
"Glorious!" said George.
"We will have it all about here soon," said Carter. "You are with us?"
"I am, with all my heart," replied young Frothingham, "to the very end." The two lads shook hands for full a minute.