Not until McCleary was at a point where no one could approach him without
being seen did he halt, and then Neal was by his side.

"A messenger must be sent to Boston at once," the elder man said, in a low
tone. "It is not generally known that you have been admitted to our
association, therefore you are the one to go."

"When shall I start?"

"At once; there is no time to be lost. Will you ride my horse? "

"My Own will serve me better; suspicions might be aroused if I should be
seen on yours."

"Very true; I had not thought of that. You are to make all speed, and go
direct to Master Revere's. Say to him that George Messerve, who has been
appointed distributor of the tax stamps for New Hampshire, will arrive in
Boston shortly, if, indeed, he is not already there. Tell Master Revere
that the feeling in our section grows stronger against this last
imposition every day, until there is danger lest the excesses which marked
the 26th of August in Boston may be repeated here. He will understand what
it is we want him to do."

"Shall I have time -"

"You will not have time for delay. Start at once, and as you perform this
mission, so will you be benefiting yourself in the project of the mill."

"It does not require I should know that in order to be faithful to the
trust imposed upon me. I was about to ask if I should have time to attend