Only those who have nothing to lose can afford to resist lawful
authority--back into the fold they went, penitent and under their breath
cursing the bull-headed men who insisted on plunging the country into red
war.

Out in the cold world stood John Hancock, alone, save for Bowdoin, among
the aristocrats of New England. The British would confiscate his property,
his splendid house--all would be gone!

"It will all be gone, anyway," calmly suggested Samuel Adams. "You know
those suits against you in the Admiralty Court?"

"Yes, yes!"

"And if we can unite these thirteen Colonies an army can be raised, and we
can separate ourselves entire, in which case there will be glory for
somebody."

John Hancock, the rich, the ambitious, the pleasure-loving, had burned his
bridges. He was in the hands of Samuel Adams, and his infamy was one with
this man who was a professional agitator, and who had nothing to lose.

General Gage had made an offer of pardon to all--all, save two men: Samuel
Adams and John Hancock. Back into the fold tumbled the Tories, but against
John Hancock the gates were barred. John Adams, Attorney of the Hancock
estate, rubbed his chin, and decided to stand by the ship--sink or swim,
survive or perish.

Down in his heart Samuel Adams grimly smiled, but on his cold, pale face