G. Not so easily; when the moment of resistance came, you would be deprived of all arms; and those who should furnish you with them, or exhort you to take them up, would be called traitors, and probably put to death.
F. We ought always, therefore, to be ready; and keep each of us a strong firelock in the corner of his bed-room.
G. That would be legal as well as rational. Are you, my honest friend, provided with a musket?
F. I will contribute no more to the club, and purchase a firelock with my savings.
G. It is not necessary. I have two, and will make you a present of one, with complete accoutrements.
F. I accept it thankfully; and will converse with you at your leisure on other subjects of this kind.
G. In the meanwhile, spend an hour every morning in the next fortnight, in learning to prime and load expeditiously, and to fire and charge with bayonet firmly and regularly. I say every morning, because, if you exercise too late in the evening, you may fall into some of the legal snares, which
have
