Free The Legends of Lake on the Mountain by Roderick Benns Page A

things we’re reading in the news, Donald, but you have to admit the Reformers have come up with a big win in the election earlier this year. There’s a clear majority of them in the Assembly now in York – including Mackenzie.”
    The colonel bristled. “Poppycock. That fool won’t last, mark my words. What sort of man wants the chaos of American-style democracy?”
    â€œThe same sort who are tired of being treated unfairly, I suppose Donald,” said Hugh.
    John cleared his throat. “Mrs. Pringle...er, Miss Pringle says that if the Family Compact doesn’t like a decision made by the elected Assembly, they can just overrule it. She said that’s why some people want a change. Is that true, Colonel?”
    The colonel wiped his moustache. “Miss Pringle... isn’t she the widow at the general store?” John nodded.
    â€œWell, that’s true my boy. But those rules are there for a reason. It’s a dangerous thing to let just any common man have enough power to make decisions without a sober, educated voice of reason. Sometimes the common man doesn’t always know what’s good for him.”
    The colonel chewed more aggressively. “Let me be clear about William Lyon Mackenzie,” he continued. “This is the greatest fool Scotland has ever produced. In fact, I’m even sorry that he is a Scot.”
    John exchanged glances with Moll. Mackenzie was considered a huge thorn in the ruling party’s side. There wasn’t a Tory alive who didn’t wish he would just disappear. Some people believed he might one day incite a rebellion if he didn’t stop.
    Three years ago, Mackenzie published a newspaper called the Colonial Advocate which talked openly about changing the way government worked and breaking up the monopoly of power the Tories held. Mackenzie even wanted to unite the British colonies, which John thought was unlikely.
    John remembered hearing that Mackenzie once attacked the Tories so strongly in his newspaper that two years ago, young members of the Tories smashed his printing press. Since then, it seemed as if he was more famous than ever.
    Hugh devoured another boiled potato and smiled in edgy amusement at the table talk. He allowed a brief grin at John before he looked at the colonel again.
    â€œYou know what Mackenzie says – “every free government must have two parties, a governing party and a party in check. What do you think of that Donald?”
    The colonel wiped his mouth with his napkin. “You can call me Colonel.”
    A shout outside caught everyone’s attention. Hugh cocked his head and partially stood. More hollering from other voices could be heard.
    â€œWhat the devil…?” said Hugh. Wiping his mouth with his handkerchief, he strode to the front window and looked outside. He was followed by the colonel and Helen. John, Moll and Lou filled the viewing crevices left between the leaning, grown-ups’ bodies.
    John could see Peter and Charlotte Goslin, a farming couple from the top of Lake on the Mountain. They were both speaking loudly and other men and women from the village were gathering around them.
    The Macdonald’s and the colonel all rushed outside into the dusk. Nearly half the village was already there. Big Solomon Brook’s red hair and beard could be seen standing high amongst the crowd. The smiling farmer, Darius Marshall, was just walking up to the crowd and stood near Hannah Pringle. John also noticed five or six farmers he recognized from both below and above the mountain.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Hugh demanded. A chorus of voices continued to talk at once.
    â€œSilence!” yelled the colonel. The retired officer stepped forward. The round smudge of evening sun set his uniform’s gold buttons alight. Within seconds the crowd had hushed.
    â€œNow,” said the colonel. “What is this about?” Peter Goslin cleared his throat.