"It can make but little difference to you, so long as you see Master
Revere by daylight, and I must not neglect my own interests. No one has
seen you, and you may be able to get out of town secretly."

Walter could not afford to waste any more time in what seemed very like
quibbling, and without further parley he turned to act upon his friend's
suggestion.

"It is not well that you remain in Boston any longer than may be
absolutely necessary for your business," the worthy Master Cotton called
after him, warningly. "There is that being done which you need not be
identified with."

Walter made no reply; but when he was out of the building on his way to
the stable, he muttered to himself, -

"If I was as timorous as you, Master Cotton, I should now be in the
company of Sam Haines, with a rope tied tightly about me."

Five minutes later he was riding out of Salem at full speed on the
fleetest horse to be found in the stable, and there was every reason for
him to believe that he would, in due season, deliver the message with
which he had been charged.

CHAPTER 3 IN BOSTON

THE light of the coming day had not yet appeared in the eastern sky when
the young messenger drew rein at the edge of Charlestown harbour, and sat
in the saddle, gazing curiously around, as he speculated upon the chances