The Color of Freedom by Michelle Isenhoff Read Free Book Online

have chosen no surer path to incite the people to rebellion."
    "The rebels in Boston are preoccupied with survival."
    John pointed his fork, "Even so, the issue won't rest. Outspoken Whigs like James Otis, Samuel Adams, Joseph Warren and Patrick Henry will keep the people incensed with ideas of freedom. There's even talk of breaking with England altogether."
    Meadow gaped at the words. The idea was so audacious as to be laughable.
    "I fail to discover the wisdom in that," Salizar hesitated. "All the colonies benefit from British trade and protection."
    "As in Boston, you mean?" John scoffed.
    "Well spoken," Salizar admitted, "yet without their strong military backing, our fledgling colonies would be vulnerable to the French and Spanish, and our unprotected ports would suffer raids by lawless buccaneers. Without their factories as markets for what we produce, our economy would crumble within months."
    "You underestimate the strength and genius of the American people. Together, these colonies could grow strong even without British support."
    "You talk treason," Salizar cautioned.
    "I talk sense," John countered. "As much as any other man, I wish to see us reconciled with England, but if the king continues his acts of tyranny, I will throw my lot in with the colonies should it ever come to blows."
    "It will not come to that," Meadow interjected softly. "The British have redoubled their efforts to spy out your powder and shot so they can move to confiscate them. They have already discovered the stores in Salem and Concord."
    John looked up at her sharply. "How do you know this?"
    She shrugged. "The British don't think a child can hear."
    He stared at her intently. "Two weeks ago the British attempted a raid on a forge in Salem. It failed. The citizens held them off long enough to move the cannon housed there. And you say they also know about Concord? Who told you these things?"
    "I overheard the words of Lord Percival, an officer in his majesty's royal marines."
    John stood abruptly. "Many ears listen in Boston, but on the chance these whispers have not been heard, our leaders must know immediately."
    Patience objected. "Surely you don't intend to ride out tonight, John?"
    "The need is urgent. If the British gain our supplies, we stand no chance against them."
    Patience grew grave, but she began gathering food for his journey.
    "How will you find the leaders?" Meadow asked. "They've gone into hiding."
    "You know more than you let on," John stated frankly.
    "I listen, sir," she replied, eyes dropping to the table.
    "So it seems. Perhaps I was unwise to voice my opinions so strongly tonight."
    She raised her chin and her flashing eyes met his. "Your words will not leave this room, sir. Though I think your cause is lost, I would never aid the British after what they did to my family. I hate them!"
    Her gaze did not waver. At last, he nodded. "I believe you. And to answer your question, I do not intend to find the rebel leaders, but I do have connections that can get the word where it needs to go. I will leave tonight."
    "How far is the city, sir?" Meadow asked.
    "Riding steadily, a man can reach Boston in two days. To make it in less time would kill the horse."
    He accepted the package his wife handed him and turned to Salizar . "I'm sorry to miss your wares, but Patience is more than qualified to choose for me." With a wink, he kissed his wife. "Don't let that old pirate exact one extra farthing from you, my dear."
    Patience compressed her lips. "Be careful."
    "Godspeed to you, John," Salizar said. "We'll be along in a few weeks. There's money to be made in route."
    "If God wills, I'll be home long before you reach the city." Then with a kiss for each of his silent, wide-eyed children, he departed.
    ∗ ∗ ∗
    After dinner, Meadow brought armloads of merchandise into the humble sitting room for the family to look through. She watched the excited children from the corner and listened to Salizar's familiar sales pitch. He haggled