try to do them harm. For this reason they had bought some powder and
stored it at Concord,[Footnote: Concord (_pro_. kong'krd).] nearly
twenty miles away.

When the king's soldiers heard about this powder, they made up their
minds to go out and get it for themselves.

Among the watchers at Charlestown was a brave young man named Paul
Revere. He was ready to serve his country in any way that he could.

One day a friend of his who lived in Boston came to see him. He came
very quietly and secretly, to escape the soldiers.

"I have something to tell you," he said. "Some of the king's soldiers
are going to Concord to get the powder that is there. They are getting
ready to start this very night."

"Indeed!" said Paul Revere. "They shall get no powder, if I can help
it. I will stir up all the farmers between here and Concord, and those
fellows will have a hot time of it. But you must help me."

"I will do all that I can," said his friend.

"Well, then," said Paul Revere, "you must go back to Boston and watch.
Watch, and as soon as the soldiers are ready to start, hang a lantern
in the tower of the old North Church. If they are to cross the river,
hang two. I will be here, ready. As soon as I see the light, I will
mount my horse and ride out to give the alarm."

And so it was done.