"You will do well to take charge, Anthony Lamb," the silversmith replied in a low tone. "It is well known that your judgment is better than mine, although, argue as you may with those wolves outside, I question if anything of benefit to ourselves will be effected. They have come to destroy all save our lives, and soft words will not turn them from such a purpose."
This arrangement had hardly more than been made when there came a vigorous pounding on the door, and a voice familiar to the two merchants cried peremptorily:
"Open here, and be quick about it, for we cannot remain at this job overly long!"
"Is it Master Newcomb who speaks?" Master Lamb asked, without making any effort to open the door.
"Ay, Anthony Lamb, it is Newcomb the Tory, as you would have spoken of me a month ago—Newcomb the traitor to his country, who has come to square accounts with you and the owner of this dwelling."
"How mean you? Is there an open account between us?"
"Indeed there is, and one wherein you show to be a heavy debtor. I have come to demand payment for all the harsh words, the insults and the contemptuous looks given by you since the
