"It is necessary for me to start tonight for Boston, where I have some
important cases. I regret it, because I would rather be at home just
now. The spirit among the people is unruly, and while I do not
anticipate serious trouble, I think it is a time when gentlemen should
make their influence felt in their communities. I have no doubt,
however, that the interests of Stockbridge and of the government are
entirely safe in your hands as selectman and magistrate."

"I hope, sir, that I am equal to the duties of my position," replied
Woodbridge, stiffly.

"Allow me again to assure you that I have not the smallest doubt of
it," said Sedgwick, affably, "but I thought it well to notify you of
my own necessary departure, and to put you on your guard. The bearing
of the people on the green last evening, of which I saw more than you
did, was unmistakably sullen, and their disappointment at the refusal
of the convention to lend itself to their seditious and impracticable
desires, is very bitter."

"Undoubtedly the result of the convention has been to increase the
popular agitation. I had the honor to represent to you before it was
held that such would be its effect, at which time, I believe you held
a different view. Nevertheless, I opine that you exaggerate the degree
of the popular agitation. It would be natural, that being a
comparatively recent resident, you should be less apt to judge the
temper of the Stockbridge people, than we who are longer here."

A half humorous, half impatient expression on Sedgwick's face, was the
only indication he gave that he had recognized the other's huffy and