Beadle's Dime Novels No. 115: The Sons of Liberty — page 9: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

‘THR STAMP-ACT. jl that blood and not debase it. But I will never submit, nor will you, my brethren, to the extortion of the stamp-act. Let them speak as they will, my hand and my voice are against this foul attempt to override our wishes, our rights, our Self-respect.” “ And we will stand by you,” said the deep voice of Dick Connor, as he raised his strong brown hand on high. “ Listen, all who claim the name of Sons of Liberty. We will pledge - ourselves before this stranger that none of the stamps shall he used here with our consent. .For my part, I would as soon cut off this right hand, and with the other fling it.in the fire, as to write upon a stamp with it; ay, sooner. Let this stranger hear your voices, Sens of Liberty.” A. cheer arose which startled the echoes in the hills. When it subsided a shrill voice was heard demanding the meaning of all this clamor, and a yo@g man in the uniform of John- son’s regiment sacha his way through the crowd and stood in front of the speaker, who had mounted the steps of the tayern known as the Royal George. The intruder was small in stature, but with a light, active body, which spoke of great muscular power. His face was dark, and tanned by exposure to the elements almost to the hue of a mulatto. From this he had gained among his comrades the sobriquet of ‘ Black Dave,” for it was the brother of Dick and John who stood be- fore them. Many of the crowd shrunk back a little, awed by the weapons which hung in his belt, and left clear for him a free path to the’stranger, who stood regarding the new-comer With a fixed smile. ‘ “What does this mean ?” demanded Black Dave, senagine a threatening look at the immovable form. of the stranger. ~ “Who dares stir up sedition against the king in this good - town ?” “Get you hence, David,” cried Dick, thrusting himself through the crowd. ‘ Meddle not here. You have said that you and I are to be strangers, and, by my life; I would not, be friends with a. man who would sell himself to Sir John. This is no place for you, man. Go back to the Hall, and tell the stout knight that a set. of rascals, with your brother Dick at their head, are leagued against the stamps. If you look for rn whole hide take yourself out of this.” ve ; Commiclhooks. conn