in the foreground as she was. Too many curious eyes were upon her to make her aught but self-conscious and afraid to speak.
Master Hedden first read the proclamation known as the Amnesty Act, which had been passed by the Legislature on June 5, 1777. This act, as has been explained, provided forgiveness to all those who would swear allegiance to the patriot cause before it expired.
"And now," Joseph Hedden looked slowly around him, "ye have been advised by public notice that this land, belonging to one Nathaniel Williams, hath been forfeit to the State, inasmuch as the owner thereof did not swear to the prescribed oath, did, instead, flee this State o' New Jersey and take refuge wi' the enemy i' New York Town. Therefore, I declare this man's property be confiscated and open now to bids i' course o' vendue!"
Silence. Throughout that throng of at least five hundred people it might be said that almost one could have heard a leaf dropping to the earth. Involuntarily, eyes rolled toward those muskets displayed here and there, and no one spoke a word. Mistress Williams stood with tense mouth, and eyes burning in her white face. At last Master Hedden looked toward her inquiringly.
"As president o' the Appraisement Committee, I do stand here ready to receive bids," he suggested.
Zenas nudged his mother. "Speak, Ma!" he whis-
