"We could better spare him just now than the cattle, because of the work
yet to be done."

Neal was not at that moment thinking of the farm duties, nor yet of the
mill, which was more distant in the future than before, but only of the
fact that it was necessary he should be in Boston on the following
morning.

Hurriedly he explained to his mother why it was he must leave home, and
added in conclusion,-

"Master McCleary has promised that I shall not suffer because of the delay
in paying the tax, and I am certain he will keep faith with me."

"And do you intend to leave home now?"

"I must; there are those who depend upon me, and they shall not be
disappointed."

"I am afraid, Walter, you are pursuing the wrong course. It is best that
wiser and older heads than yours should be concerned in the struggle which
must come, if the people resist this new tax."

"Father would have done as I am doing; and, since I am to fill his place,
it is fit I should do what I can."

"But how will you reach Boston without a horse or money?"

Walter hesitated. By returning to Portsmouth he could get the animal which