Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. A LOVER'S QUARREL. John Hancock, Samuel Adams and the two ladies drove over to Woburn Precinct, Burlington, which they reached early in the morning. They were cordially received by Mrs. Joaes at the Precinct parsonage, and breakfast was served soon after. At the conclusion of the meal, Mrs. Jones left them in the parlor, while she sent a servant to a neighboring inn, to order the hostler to harness horses to the post-chaise which was to convey them beyond the enemy's reach. The room was plainly furnished with high-backed chairs and sofa. When we consider the uncomfortable furniture used in colonial days, we cannot wonder that our ancestors had such stiff backs, and were such a stiff-necked race. The ceiling of the room was verjr low, and the only attempt at adornment was a worsted sampler, and a few coarse prints on the wall. Becoming impatient at the delay, Mr. Adams went out to superintend the hostler's task, which he was clumsily executing, rubbing his eyes with his red hands, as he was still halfasleep. "Aunt," John Hancock said to Mrs. Hancock, "Mr. Adams will conduct you and Dorothy to a place of safety, but I shall join our brave men at Lexington. You may well surmise what the result will be. The British troops will soon reach this place, and there will be bloodshed. I want to be on the spot when the first blow is struck in the cause of freedom. My whole soul is on fire when I invoke the sacred name of Liberty, and no sacrifice is too great to attain it.' On hearing these words, Mrs. Hancock and Dorothy both threw themselves into his arms and clung to him, while the tears ran down their cheeks. "Do not leave us, John!" Dorothy exclaimed. "It would break my heart if anything should happen to you." "John," his aunt...