Free Revolution by Edward Cline

that Mr. Barret printed the resolves?” he insisted.
    Walthoe sighed. “The proof was provided by a patriotic subject of this very county, sir, and has been authenticated by an authority whose veracity can hardly be questioned, Mr. Royle of the
Gazette
.” Walthoe paused. “Mr. Barret’s property will be returned to him at the leave of his honor the Governor. He will be officially charged in the General Court in November, but no further action will be taken against him, providing he does not repeat the offense. His honor judged that removal of the means of repeating that offense will secure that particular end. In the meantime, Mr. Barret is permitted his liberty. He may continue to receive mail and conduct such business as he may.”
    “How generous of his honor. Have you a warrant for Mr. Barret’s arrest?”
    “No, sir. It was the prerogative of his honor to order one drawn up, but his honor has decided it would serve no purpose. A writ for the seizure of the press was deemed sufficient penalty.”
    “And Mr. Barret was found guilty by the Council?”
    “The Council presented its evidence, sir, and it was his honor’s decision to take this action. All the legal niceties were observed.”
    “I am sure they were,” replied Hugh. He put on a challenging grin. “I paid for the printing of those resolves, Mr. Walthoe,” he said. “Perhaps his honor might wish to serve me with a legal nicety, as well. I, too, violated a House rule by effecting the promulgation of the resolves.”
    Walthoe looked genuinely surprised, but said, “It was assumed that someone paid to have the offence committed, sir, but that is not the matter at hand.”
    “And when will his honor see his way to returning Mr. Barret’s property?”
    “When he sees fit,” replied Walthoe.
    “When he permits the
Gazette
to resume publication, perhaps?” asked Hugh in mock speculation. “We here in Caxton did not place much importance on the
Gazette
’s suspension, given that it is so much influenced by his honor the Governor. We had the
Courier
. And now we are to be denied it, as well.”
    Walthoe fiddled with his reins and sat straight in his saddle. “That is not my affair, sir. Now, we wish to return to Williamsburg before dusk, if you please, and must be on our way.”
    Hugh said, “I shall speak with the Governor myself, sir, and you and Mr. Chiswell may find yourselves sued for damages.”
    “No, you will not speak to anyone — regicide!!” bellowed John Chiswell, who drew his sword in time with his words.
    Walthoe’s jaw dropped and he glanced in panic at his deputy bailiff. But Hugh, having sensed Chiswell’s intent, had already reined his mount around and galloped a few strides away from the men, but heard Walthoe demand that Chiswell sheathe his sword and turn about.
    Without stopping, Hugh tugged on one rein and brought his mount around smartly as he drew out his own sword. Chiswell hurtled directly at him, cursing wildly, digging his heels repeatedly into the flanks of his horse.
    Hugh urged his mount into a gallop.
    Chiswell’s sword was raised to strike at Hugh’s head. As it came down, Hugh deftly parried it with a clang of steel as he sped past the ex-burgess.
    Hugh quickly reined about and charged again. Chiswell had barely enough time to urge his horse to recover and move to meet Hugh. With a flick of his blade, Hugh connected with the guard of Chiswell’s raised weapon, wrested it from the man’s grip, and sent it wheeling through the air over Chiswell’s head. In the same deft, liquid movement, he whipped the flat of the blade down and struck the rump of his opponent’s passing horse.
    Chiswell’s horse screamed in surprise, bucked once in mid-stride, causing the man to lose hold of his reins, then bolted off, throwing its unbalanced rider to the ground with a thud and a cloud of dust.
    Cheers, laughter, and applause burst from the watching crowd. It was the first time anyone in it had ever seen such