All public and important events were announced in that manner, and it would not do to miss an announcement. "Wonder what is in the wind now, eh, master?" "Cannot say, but it's likely to be important, for Faithful Quincy has on his best coat." Faithful Quincy was the official crier, or announcer of events, and was a most important character. He never spoke one word, though everyone asked him what he had to announce, but he stood as silent as a statue, and as rigid until he thought the people had time to assemble. Then he rang his bell once more, and followed the last sound of the brass with a most solemn appeal for attention: "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!" Three times the phrase had to be repeated. Faithful would not have done his duty if he had only repeated it twice. "This is to give notice, in the name of his majesty and of his excellency, the governor, that all true and faithful residents of the Green Mountain district must assemble at the courthouse at two hours after noon, on this second day of January. So let it be!" That was all, but it was enough to set all the people wondering what was to be heard at the courthouse. They returned to their homes, and finished their dinners, scarcely noticing that the dumplings were cold or that the boiled carrots had got soggy through long standing. At two a large crowd had assembled at the courthouse, and all were in great excitement. It was just three minutes after the hour, as shown by the sundial, which stood in front of the courthouse, that the sheriff appeared. Not a murmur was heard. Even the children were silent. The sheriff was trembling. He held in his hand a piece of parchment, bearing a big red seal at the bottom, and he tried to read it, but his voice failed him. After several attempts he succeeded, and the people learned that he had received a proclamation from Gov. Tryon, of the Colony of New York, in which he claimed all the territory west of the Connecticut River, and ordering him to send a list of all persons holding land under grants from the Colony of New Hampshire. The country west of the Connecticut, now known as Vermont, was then only known as "New Hampshire grants." When the sheriff had finished he asked what he should do. "Why did you receive it?" asked one of the oldest residents. "It was sent to me as sheriff." "Even so, but you are the sheriff of the district which holds its lands from the Colony of New Hampshire." The sheriff trembled, fearing he had done some wrong. "It is in the name of his majesty, the king," he muttered; "and I was bound to receive it." Through the crowd a young man pushed his way. He reached the side of the sheriff, and in a mild but firm voice asked to be allowed to look at the proclamation. It was no ordinary man who made the demand. He would have attracted attention anywhere, and among those who knew him best he was esteemed, though the devout believed there was something uncanny about him and his family.