tongue; and as late as sundown on that day of the Great Awakening he was
pouring treachery and treason into the ears of a neighbor who happened to
pass his house. Half an hour later in the day, there was a great gathering
of men and boys at the bridge on the outskirts of the village. They were
singing Hail Columbia and the Star-spangled Banner. Thomas and John Somers
were there.

Presently the assemblage began to move up the road which led to Squire
Pemberton's house, singing patriotic songs as they marched. It was a
multitude of persons for Pinchbrook; and no doubt the obnoxious oracle
thought so when he saw the sea of heads that surrounded his dwelling. If
this was a mob, it was certainly a very orderly mob, for the crowd thus
far had done nothing worse than to sing the national airs.

The arrangements had all been made before the multitude started from the
place of rendezvous. Three gentlemen, the principal of whom was Captain
Barney, had been appointed a committee to wait upon the squire, and
politely request him to display the American flag on his premises.

In the road, in front of the house, a large fire had been kindled, which
threw a broad, bright glare on the house and the surrounding grounds. It
was as light as day in the vicinity when the committee walked up to the
front door of the house and rang the bell. The squire answered the summons
himself.

"Squire Pemberton," said Captain Barney, "your fellow-citizens, about two
hundred in number, have called upon you with a simple and reasonable
request."

"What is it?" demanded the squire.