RICHARD (going back to seat by fire, and speaking to himself as he sits by it).  A king’s ransom!  What have we to do with kings, who cannot even thwart the tyrant who would rule us!  If there was but some way——­

[Sits, lost in thought.

RIGBY (putting trophies back in chest, looking at them fondly, and singing softly for the sheer joy of touching them).  “Oh, a seaman’s life is a jolly life—­Trol de rol, de rol!” Wampum.  A woven blanket.  A peace-pipe. (Sings.)

  I had a goodly old sea-chest,
   Twas filled with—­India dyes. 
  Oh, wide the harbor, deep the sea,
   Five fathoms down it lies! 
   Five fathoms down it lies!

RICHARD (half-hearing Tom’s voice, and repeating to himself).  “Five fathoms deep it lies——­” (In a suddenly electrified voice.) Tom!  Tom Rigby!  I have the way!  Your song has given it to me!  I have the way!

[He has rushed to Rigby.

RIGBY (as sounds of approaching footsteps are heard without).  Hush!  Here come the Sons of Freedom! (Door is flung open.  Rigby’s professional manner asserts itself.) Welcome, my lads.  Come in!  Come in!

WINWOOD (to Richard).  Are we on time?  What have you planned for us, Dick?  My hands and heart are ready for a night’s work! (Offering his portion of cider in loving-cup fashion.) Some cider?

RICHARD. 
No.  I’ve supped on revolution!

WINWOOD. 
Would there were something stirring!

RICHARD
(throughout with growing excitement). 
Are folk still in the Old South Meeting-house?

WINWOOD (impatiently).  Aye, still talking of what’s to be done.  Hancock and Paul Revere are at a coffee-house.

COREY (as the lads gather about table).  Come, Dick, you’ve heard the governor’s reply.  How would you deal with the taxers?

RICHARD (at table, center, one foot on table and one on chair).  I’d set their tea to brew!

ALL (amazed).  What!

RICHARD. 
In a monstrous teapot!

PEABODY
(jesting). 
As big as Rigby’s bowl.

RICHARD
(flaming with excitement). 
Oh, larger!  Larger!

AMESBURY
(indicating large cockade). 
Or as Frank Wharton’s hat.

RICHARD
(inspired). 
Larger by far!

AMESBURY. 
You mean——­

RICHARD
(impassioned). 
I’d take the ocean!

ALL. 
The ocean! 
Zounds! 
The harbor! 
Does he mean it?

RICHARD.  Overboard—­all of it!  Listen.  The ships are deserted:  the sailors on shore drinking at different taverns.  If we can go disguised, we can slip to the water front unnoticed.  You know how many Indians roam our streets, and no one ever heeds them.  We’ll all be braves and chieftains.

AMESBURY. 
But where are our disguises?

RIGBY
(opening his chests, tossing out his treasures, wild with delight). 
Here!  Here and here!