The younger people, however, could hardly be kept within such prudent limits. They reddened with wrath at the very sight of a soldier, and would have been willing to come to blows with them at any moment. For it was their opinion that every tap of a British drum within the peninsula of Boston was an insult to the brave old town. “It was sometimes the case,” continued Grandfather, “that affrays happened between such wild young men as these and small parties of the soldiers. No weapons had hitherto been used except fists or cudgels. But when men have loaded muskets in their hands, it is easy to foretell that they will soon be turned against the bosoms of those who provoke their anger.” “Grandfather,” said little Alice, looking fearfully into his face, “your voice sounds as though you were going to tell us something awful.” NOTES AND QUESTIONS =Discussion.= 1. What act did Parliament pass after the repeal of the Stamp Act? 2. What did England do to compel the colonists to submit to this new act? 3. Why was it a good thing for the chair to be in the British Coffee House? 4. Describe the British soldiers in Boston, on the Common, in Faneuil Hall, and in the Old State House. 5. How was the Sabbath spent? 6. What did the chair experience during these days? 7. What happened at the custom-house? 8. What was the difference in behavior between the older townspeople and the younger ones? 9. What was the King’s purpose in stationing the British soldiers in Boston? 10. Pronounce the following: inclemency; aged; edifice; frequented. =Phrases= exposed to the inclemency, 359, 5 under cover of the night, 359, 12 committed to the care, 359, 13 skillful joiner, 359, 13 craftily contrived, 359, 33 the Common, 360, 9 pomp and parade, 360, 10 venerable councilors, 360, 22 arbitrary disposition, 362, 2 divine right of kings, 362, 4 court of guard, 362, 20 within such prudent limits, 363, 3 THE BOSTON MASSACRE Little Alice, by her last remark, proved herself a good judge of what was expressed by the tones of Grandfather’s voice. He had given the above description of the enmity between the townspeople and the soldiers in order to prepare the minds of his auditors for a very terrible event. It was one that did more to heighten the quarrel between England and America than anything that had yet occurred. Without further preface Grandfather began the story of the Boston Massacre.