Alpena argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1893-1909, 1894-11-07
ALpENA ARGUS
MISCELLANEOUS.
WHIa OR TORY.

WHI9 Or TORY.
1T has just come to this, Ezekiel
Barnes, you must say flat-footed
whether you are Wing or Tory
If your the former, it's your duty
to join us and help drive the Red
coats and the numbering Indians
out of the New Hampshire grants.
"If you are the latter" chimed
in another, "We'll request you to
give up your arms, and suggest that
a trip to Canada would be beneficial
to your health, unless you're hank
ering for coat of tar and feathers"
This speech was addressed to a
young man of about twenty-five
years of age, as he stood in the midst
of an excited group in the bar-room
of large rambling tavern, built on
the banks of the Connecticut, not
far from the present site OF Charles
town, Vermont.
Friend Nathan, replied Ezekiel,
after slight pause, during which
he had scrutinized the faces of those
about him, II fail to see what right
you have to question me so arro-
gantly regarding my political faith.
| scarcely think have given cause
to any one to suppose that | would
prove traitor to those among whom
| have lived from childhood. But
l will say that consider it no ones
business whether am for the king
or the colonies"
"And ! say" exclaimed the offici-
Gus Nathan Perkins, shat those
who are not with us are ag'in us,
so you may look to yourself, Ezekiel.
As Ezekiel was about to answer,
the door of the tavern opened, and
an elderly gentleman, whose appear
ance denoted him to be of some i'm
portance, entered.
swell, we'll, neighbors, what is
the matter here?" asked the new
conner. "Your voices can be heard
a good ten-rod distant. trust you
are not brawling among yourselves,
for if you are anxious to fight,
you'll have plenty of opportunities
ere long, I'll warrant, when you are
called upon to protect your homes"
"That's just what were we consid-
ering, Squire, when you Joined u.s."
quickly answered Perkins, excitedly.
1--WE want to ascertain the sentiment
Of the people about us. Those that
we found leaning toward the king
we've treated according to orders;
disarmed them, and sent them off
for Canada"
"But, here's our friend Ezekiel,
claims to be neutral. Ill leave it
to yourself, Squire Holbrook, if
that amt something that's impos-
sible."
81 can scarcely blame you, Ma
than," slowly replied the magnate
of the settlement. for wishing to
ascertain who may be considered
friends, and who enemies, but, as |
am free citizen and u magistrate,
! should us soon think of my right
hand shifting my left, as that Eze-
kiel Barnes should espouse the side
of the crown"
THANK you, Squire, thank you"
said Ezekiel, warmly. "And now,
neighbours" turning to the aston
ished group, ''as can leave such
a strong defender of my character
behind me, will bid you good day,
for | have much to do"
With this the young American
pushed his way gently through the
throng and left the tavern.
When Ezekiel had gone, Nathan
Perkins turned to the aged gentle
man with the remark; Squire,
don't suppose it behooves me to
question your opinions.
"Then, why in the name Of the
continental congress, do you do it,
sir?" demanded the official, as he
brought the end of his heavy walk
ing stick down upon the floor to
emphasize his speech. III am will
ing to forfeit FIVE hundred pounds
if that young Barnes proves trait
or"
Ezekiel Barnes walked quickly
toward his home, reaching which,
he found his mother and sister
standing in the doorway awaiting
his return. AS he greeted them,
he said in voice scarcely above a
whisper: