An hour saw them mounted, and bidding Mr. Sabine a subdued good-by in the stable yard, so they would not disturb the sleepers in the house. In an hour they were some miles on their route. At two o'clock in the morning they passed a settlement. It was then, traversing a rutty, snow-crusted road, that Andy made the remark about the unreality of the situation, and now Phil discussed its merits and their plans freely. "It's a nice state of things, when respectable citizens like Dr. Warren have to hide for their lives and keep away from their friends," he remarked indignantly. "I should say so," replied Andy. "Oh, this thing is going to end in a fight, and soon, too. Everybody is ready for it." Daybreak brought them to a second little settlement, where they found a farmer milking his cows. They arranged for breakfast here, and slept two hours in a hay mow while the horses were fed and rested. They resumed the journey, had another rest at Nashua, and here learned that Dr. Warren and his friends had been there three days before and could probably be found at Lowell. It was dark the next afternoon when the tired-out horses and the tired-out boy-messengers reached that town. Both Phil and Andy were glad to stretch their limbs, and it gave them a feeling of comfort to watch their wearied steeds enjoying their fodder, housed in comfortable stalls in the stable of the town tavern. A good meal for themselves was the next thing in order. After supper Phil spoke to the landlord of the inn, first in a general way, and then began questioning him as to the whereabouts of Dr. Warren and his friends. "Dr. Warren is in town," said the landlord. "He has been here two days. Adams and Hancock were here too, but they left this morning. Dr. Warren is staying with one of the selectmen, but he has been holding a secret meeting with some of our townsmen down at the village hall. I think you'll find him there." "Where is the village hall?" inquired Andy, and the landlord directed them. The place was a rudely-built two-story structure. The boys halted in front of it, to find it dark and locked up. They decided that the meeting must have adjourned, and started out to locate Dr. Warren elsewhere. Phil remarked, however:-- "Being a secret meeting, it may be held at the rear of the place. Wait for a minute, Andy, and I will make a tour around the building." Andy stayed in front of the structure, whistling to himself. He saw Phil pass along the side of the hall. At the extreme end of the building, Phil halted suddenly and started back. A man had appeared from a sheltered doorway, as if he had been lurking there. He seemed to question Phil. Andy saw his companion draw back. The man seized his arm, and Phil was pulled violently around the corner of the building, and entirely beyond the view of the startled Andy. "Hello!" exclaimed Andy in mingled stupefaction and wonder. "Now what is the meaning of that, I wonder?"