This well-pointed censure, in connection with the many flings and attacks that had preceded it, aroused the General Court to act in their defence without delay.
The club under whose auspices the Courant was conducted, assembled at the office as soon as they knew the decision of the Court, to consider what should be done.
"It is certain," said one, "that you cannot continue to issue the paper against the action of the Court."
"Not in his own name," suggested another. "It may still be published in the name of another person, and thus the legislative order will be evaded."
"How will it do to issue it in Benjamin's name?" inquired James.
"That cannot be done, for he is only an apprentice, as could be very readily proved," was the reply.
"I can easily meet that difficulty," answered James, who was usually ready for a shrewd evasion in such a case.
"Pray, tell us how," asked one of the number, who was disposed to think that the days of the Courant were numbered. "By changing the name?"
"No, I would not change the name. I will return his indenture, with his discharge upon the back of it, and he can show it in case of necessity. We can understand the matter between us, while he will be his own man whenever any trouble may arise about his apprenticeship."
All agreed that this plan would work well, and it was accordingly adopted.