Page:Letters of Life.djvu/195

Rh little ones. Ye shall buy it with money, and pay unto me a tax, over and above the price thereof."

Then said they: "Must we pay this tax unto thee, whether we consent or not?" So, the great motherland, wearing upon her head a crown, and having fast by her throne men of wealth, bearing the name of the East India Company, did answer and say: "Yea, verily, without your consent."

Now the dwellers in the new western world waxed wroth, and their countenances were changed. And they lifted up a loud voice, saying: "Nay; we will pay no taxes without our consent. See ye to that."

Now, behold, there came unto the haven, and cast anchor therein, vessels full of tea belonging unto the East India Company. And the men of Boston took counsel together, saying: "What shall we do? If this entereth within our borders, then will the shekels be demanded, which it is hateful unto our souls to pay, because we have not consented thereunto."

But certain of the boldest ones, when they had conferred together in secret, said unto their brethren: "Keep ye silence. Go unto your homes, and we will manage this matter." So they went every one to his own home.

And when the darkness of night had come, lo! there entered into those vessels men who did appear like unto the wild natives of the land, inasmuch as they were clad in their raiment. And they spake no word,