Ominous, black clouds quickly rolled in from the east, blotting out the sailors' only

source of light. The two figures aboard the deck gazed helplessly at the sky. Darkness loomed
over Narragansett Bay.
"Looks like a storm brewing, Clem," Samuel Lawton warned his nine-year-old daughter
beside him, "You'd better get inside the hold."
Clemency noted the urgency in her father's voice. She looked up into his usually cheery
face and saw weariness and concern sketched all over his handsome features. He did not attempt
a smile, but the two shining stars she had always loved still glistened in his dark eyes.
"Yes, Papa!" she called back as she hastened to obey. She was never known to question
her father's decisions.
From inside the hold, Clemency heard the far away sound of her father, shouting orders
to his crew.
"Come on, men! Set the sails! We have to reach the harbor before the storm sets in! No,
Reuben! You're too young for this! Get in the hold with your sister!"
"But Papa! I'm nearly thirteen!" she heard her brother argue.
"No 'buts'! Just do as you're told!"
Clemency also heard her own thoughts: Why is Papa so worried? He has never acted so
hastily nor have storms at sea ever bothered him much before. We surely have plenty of time to
get back. The storm is still distant and we are not far off from the coast of Providence.
Suddenly, the whole ship began to tilt and lurch violently, and Clemency was thrown against the
side of the hold. Stunned, she lay where she was, holding on for dear life and listening. The ever
increasing roar of the wind and waves drowned out the voices of the men. Angry waves tossed
the powerless vessel as it desperately made its way towards shore. For once, her heart was
suddenly flooded with fear as she recognized the impending danger.
No sooner was Reuben in the hold that the ship was hurdled with full force against jagged
rocks, inflicting a deep gash in the side of the forlorn vessel. Water poured into the hold as the
two children made a desperate dash for the exit.
Once on deck, Clemency and Reuben searched franticly for their father. Although salty
water blinded them, they were aware of the panic-stricken men scattering all around them like
ants when a stone disturbs their nest.
"Papa! Papa!" the frightened girl shouted, barely audible against the howling wind.
"Where's Papa?"
"He's over there!" She thought she heard her brother yell as another horrible wave
crashed on the deck, throwing her headlong into the raging waters below.
Clemency's mind raced as she struggled to the surface of the stormy sea. During that brief
instant, all the events of her life flashed through her mind. She thought of her mother waiting for
them with supper in their cozy kitchen and her sister Abby who was only five. Would she or her
father or Reuben survive this horrible nightmare?
Grabbing onto a floating crate, Clemency's heart sank as she beheld the wretched scene
before her. The mast of the ship was snapped in two, the sides shattered, and the sails in tatters.
The worst sight of all was the emptiness of the ship being tossed mercilessly amidst the cruel
waves. Where was Papa? Where was Reuben? Were they still alive?
Suddenly her eyes caught sight of a figure just up ahead. She struggled to maintain her
grip on her raft as she shielded her eyes from the spray.
"It's, it's... it's Reuben!" She thought aloud. "Reuben! Reuben! Over here!" she cried, with
only a dim ray of hope that he might hear her voice above the tumult.
Just as she was about to give up hope, she spotted not only one but two distinct figures
slowly coming closer to where she waited helplessly. Her last thought was it must be Papa and
Reuben before she was plunged into an abyss of blackness.



When Clemency opened her eyes, she found herself in a strange boat with a strange man
and Reuben. The same storm still raged around her. She wished she had awakened in her own
bed, but this was no dream; this was real.
The young girl sat up with a start. Where was Papa? She felt sick at the thought that he
was lost and dreaded saying it. Did he drown?
"Be still, Clem. Everything will be fine," Reuben soothed as gently as he could in this
present state of concern.
"But where's Papa?" Clemency managed to ask in alarm, tears welling up in her dark
eyes. "We must save him!"
No response.
The strange man had not yet said a word. She was certain that he had not been a member
of her father's crew. Who was he and where was he from? Why had he come to rescue them?
Clemency was too exhausted to care to ask. She quickly glanced back at the wreckage, now quite
a distance away. Her father was nowhere in view. The discouraged, heartbroken girl fell back
against her seat and shut her eyes tight.
The next thing Clemency knew, she was in a warm house, in front of a real fire with
steaming food before her. She was ravenous, but watched her manners all the same. She didnt
want to be rude in a stranger's house, much less a stranger who had saved her life. She was only
half conscious of her surroundings, for she could not keep her dear father out of her thoughts.
She just could not bear to make herself believe that he was really gone.
Shaking off her gloomy thoughts, she took notice of her brother who sat across from her
on the floor, wearing an oversized shirt and pair of trousers. His miserable form sat motionless
against the wall, slumped forward with his arms hugging his knees. His dark head was bowed
down and resting on his arms.
The strange man sat silently at the table reading a newspaper. A pleasant and somewhat
plump woman, apparently the man's wife, bustled briskly about the kitchen. Presently, she
entered the room, setting a hot cup of tea before Clemency.
"Come child, drink this," she persuaded. " T'will warm your bones. Then come and
change into these dry clothes."
Clemency politely refused the tea.
"Patriots, eh?" The woman gave her a suspicious glance. "No matter. I'll bring you some
nice coffee then."
Who were these people and was she right to accept so much kindness from them? It made
her feel guilty. They were perfect strangers. The man risked his life saving her and Reuben. Now
his wife made every effort to make them feel comfortable in their own home. Why should they
be alive anyway when Papa was dead?
When Clemency had put on the large gown and combed out her two long, wet braids, she
returned to her place by the fire. The man had put down his paper and now had his gaze on her.
Unlike her father, the man was short and heavy-set. He had, however, dark hair and eyes like
him, although his hair was streaked with gray and no twinkle shone in his eyes. A short, graying
beard and stout figure rendered a look of ruggedness. Somehow, Clemency found the courage to
speak.
"Why did you do it?" the girl demanded. "Why did you bother to save us? It's not worth
living if Papa is dead!"
Instead of the shocked reaction she expected, the man nodded understandingly and
replied, "Because it was worth it. I would never have been able to face my conscience again if I
hadn't done what I did."
Just then, the woman came in and announced, "The storm is still fierce. You children
must stay overnight. We'll take you home in the morning as soon as the storm has subsided."
Immediately, she began making preparations.
Tired as Clemency was, sleep would not come to her. She sat up, listening intently to the
words being conversed in low tones in the next room.
"What are we going to tell their mother?" a woman's voice inquired with concern.
"The truth," was the dull reply. "You know, my dear," continued the man, changing the
subject," it says in the paper that last month merchants in Boston have agreed to boycott most
British goods until the Townshend Acts are repealed."
Oh, those obstinate people; how foolish they are. I can bet they would even starve to
death before they eat the king's food," she commented.
"Also, at a town meeting in Boston, the residents were strongly urged to arm themselves
against the British. Now King George's troops have landed in Boston to keep order among the
Rebels."
Do ye suppose a fight might break out?"
Its highly likely, especially when George has subjects as unruly as those colonists."
So these are Loyalists, or Torries as Father calls them, Clemency thought. And to think
that they saved my life.
She knew that her father would never have approved of her being received under the roof
of those loyal to the tyrannical English king. However, she reasoned that it was fine under the
present circumstances. She glanced toward her brother beside her to see if he had been listening,
but she could not tell, as he was lying on his side, facing away from her.
Soon, all was silence. Clemency never knew if she slept at all that night.
They all arose at the crack of dawn. The children were each given a delicious slice of
corn bread and hurriedly dressed into some sizeable clothes. Clemency and Reuben stepped out
into the cool morning with the strange man.
Where do you and your sister live, lad?" the man inquired.
Down a few blocks, sir." Reuben replied sullenly." On Bradly Street."
The two distraught children walked side by side as the man lead the way to their
dwelling.
"Oh, Reuben," Clemency wailed." What are we to tell Mother? She must be worried
sick."
Well think of something," he assured his younger sister, not sounding too certain
himself.
Their old home suddenly loomed up before them. For once, they felt no pleasure at the
sight of their family cottage. Only despondency and anxiety.
To their knock, a woman with eyes red from weeping unbarred the door. The children
flung themselves into their mothers arms.
I thought you were dead!" she cried, choking with sobs." I never should have let you go!
But where's your father?"
I... I'm terribly sorry ma'am," the man said. He... he could not be saved. If there's
anything I can do"
Clemie! Reuby!" the voice of a little girl sounded." You're back!
Abby ran to Clemency and threw her arms around her affectionately.
You never came home and read me a bedtime story and you promised!" she scolded.
Then, noticing the stranger in their doorway, the startled girl said," Hey, you're not Papa! Where
is he?"
Upon hearing this, the mother and older children shed torrents of tears.
A good neighbor of the Lawtons, Mrs. Wiggins, who had been in the house, quickly
pulled the bewildered child aside.
Now listen to me, darling." she whispered. "You want your papa to be happy, don't
you?"
Abby replied, "Yes, of course. But when is he coming back and why is Mama crying?"
Mrs. Wiggins gulped. How was she going to explain to a child this young and lively that
her father was dead?
He...he won't be coming back, dear. You see he he is kind of well, where he is, he
is perfectly happy. He is with God and all the shinning angels in heaven."
But...but why? Doesn't he want to be with us anymore?"
Well now, Abby, of course he does, but he could not choose; God chose for him. It's
only by God's merciful providence that your brother and sister are alive. Besides, your father is
still with us, only we can't see him."
But I want to see him!" Abby wailed, stamping her foot indignantly." I want to
seeeeeeeeeeeeeee him!" The little girl began to bawl uncontrollably.
Clemency was sorry that her younger sister already had to know of such terrible things.
At least Mrs. Wiggins had explained in a delicate way. Just then, Clemency realized that she had
been so foolish as to have never shown any sign of gratitude to her rescuer. She turned to thank
him but the man had vanished.



Seven years later...

Boston, Massachusetts
April, 1775

Give me liberty or give me death!"
The voice of Patrick Henry's fiery spirit resounded throughout the colonies.
His cry also reached the ears of William Bosworth, a newcomer in the residence of
Boston.
If death is what that foolish rebel wants, then that's what he'll get!" William threw down
the morning paper in disgust.
Now, Willie, settle down. You know very well what I told you about not reading about
politics until you've had your tea and breakfast," his wife admonished him. You always work
yourself into a tizzy."
William grinned at his wife. I know."
Now, what will it be this morning? Ham and eggs? Bread Pudding?"
Ham and eggs, Hannah, thank you."
When Hannah went out to gather eggs, William picked up the newspaper again and read:
Massachusettss Governor Gage has been ordered to enforce the Coercive 'Intolerable'
Acts passed by the English parliament in the March of 1774. He makes a meritorious effort to
suppress 'open rebellion' among the colonists by all necessary force.
He threw the paper down with a sigh as Hannah entered and slammed the door behind
her.
British soldiers everywhere!" she fussed. Why don't those rebels just abide by their
king's wishes? Then their towns wouldn't be infested by rough-looking men in red coats!"
William chuckled. You're afraid of 'em too, are ya? And you're on their side! If anyone harms
us it would be those blasted English rebels."
Well, maybe," she admitted, frying a savory slice of ham over the fire. "Anyhow, why'd
you make us travel all the way here to this filthy, noisy town when we were perfectly glad in our
peaceful, little dwelling in Providence?"
You know why as well as I do, dear. I just thought it would be a good change. After all,
my profits were not that great in Providence. It's true the prices of tea and other supplies are
high, but at least I have a steady job now."
Huh! Whatever you say, dear! Here's your hearty breakfast"
That evening, as Hannah cooked up one of her scrumptious suppers, she began hearing
distant shouts from outside her house. As the clamor continued and grew louder, Hannah became
alarmed and rushed to the window to peer out. What she saw made her exclaim," William! Come
quickly! An angry mob is right outside our house!"
Just then, a loud pounding on the door made both people jump in alarm.
Ill see what they want." William announced, bravely.
No!" cried his wife in dismay. They're a bunch of rebels! They'll kill you!"
How should they know I'm not a Patriot?!"
"They'll see the British flag you hung on our house! I told you it was dangerous!"
Im going out there!" he insisted. They'll break into our house anyway!"
"No!" Hannah shouted, her eyes flashing with anger. You'll do no such thing!"
The woman stood obstinately in front of the barred door. She was no match, however, to
the swarm of Patriots outside. The door crashed open, revealing about twenty infuriated men.
Hes a Tory! He's a Tory!" the mob shouted, as they tore down the British flag and
stamped on it. "Down with the English king! Tyranny!"
A black and gray haired man with dark, flashing eyes stamped into the house.
Are you loyal to the tyranny of King George?" he stormed. The greedy king who does
nothing but sit in his royal throne getting rich off of our sweat and blood? We will not tolerate
any fellow American who supports the taxation and suppression of a free and individual
country!"
He is a representative of God and therefore must be obeyed. I remain loyal," William
stated boldly.
God surely doesnt expect us to obey a king all the way across the Atlantic Ocean,
especially one as unjust as he!" the Patriot retorted.
Tar and feathers! Tar and feather him!" cried the crowd.
The enraged rebels roughly threw the man out of his house.
No! No!" his wife implored as the mob dragged him away.
Just as all seemed hopeless to the doomed man, a young, shrill voice screamed, Please
don't! I know he's a Loyalist but I beg you leave him!"
The entire crowd froze in astonishment. A girl of about sixteen suddenly appeared amidst
the turmoil. Her pretty face was tightened with indignation and her two dark braids were done up
in a womanly fashion.
Irritated, the man with grayish hair roughly shoved her aside.
Stay out of our way, girl! Go back to your mother where you belong!"
Leave me, child! It's not worth it! I don't even know you!" William said.
"It is worth it! I will never be able to face my conscience again if I don't do this!"
The mob started on again, ignoring the girl's earnest supplication.
No! You can't kill him! He isn't even a soldier or part of a war," she insisted
stubbornly." You are just plain barbarians to torture a man that way!"
You insolent child! Go home! Doesn't your father ever teach you to be respectful and
know where your place is?" the enraged man shouted.
I don't have a father! Besides you are not being very respectful to this poor man
yourselves!" the persistent girl pointed out. I beg you, do not harm him. My father was lost at
sea. The only reason my brother and I are alive is because of the kindness this man who rescued
us and the merciful providence of God!"
Both the rebel's and the tory's eye's lit up in astonishment and sudden recognition.
Clemency!" the Patriot exclaimed. But...but I...I thought you were dead!"
What? You mean you are...are...my father? I thought you were dead for sure and..."
There was no room for words. After seven lost years, the Father and daughter themselves
in each others arms.
Meanwhile, William was thunderstruck. This was the girl he had saved from the storm
long ago. Now she rescued him. He hardly knew her she had changed so much. Neither he nor
she had known one another's name. How had she known him?
Father!" Clemency said. You have changed so much since I last saw you. Where have
you been all this time and how on earth did you survive?"
"Oh, Clem," Samuel Lawton replied, his dark eyes glistening with tears and the familiar
stars Clemency had always loved, "I didnt think I would make it, but I did. Holding on to a
floating board, I was pushed by the waves onto the shores of Prudence Island. As soon as I
could, I boarded a ship back to Providence. I came home but I found you all gone and the house
empty."
You did? Oh I knew we shouldn't have moved away in case you came back. But no one
believed that you could have survived. We moved here to Boston and have been living with
Auntie and Uncle ever since because we didn't have you to support us. Then what, Papa? What
did you do after you went home?"
Well, I asked the neighbors where you had gone, but it was just as much a mystery to
them as it was to me. I thought for certain Mrs. Wiggins would know, but it turned out she had
gone to live with her brother. I stayed at our old house alone. Then one day in 1772, a British
schooner called the Gaspee ran aground in Narragansett Bay. I and many other colonists from
Providence set the British crew ashore and burned the ship to ashes. Later, a five hundred pound
reward was offered for turning in the colonists who had committed the destruction so that they
could be sent to England for trial. Luckily, I wasn't caught, but I spent most of my time in hiding.
Now that everyone is focused on starting a war, I supposed that it was safe to go about freely
again because no one would notice or remember me. I came here only last week and have been
helping the Patriots. I thought you and Reuben were dead and I had pretty much given up the
idea of ever finding your mother or sister."
Oh, Papa! God's providence has surely kept both of us alive! Reuben and...and...the man
who rescued me too, right Papa? Surely you are not going to harm him still are you? He saved
my life and Reubens!"
Tears of remorse and gratitude rolled down the grown man's cheeks as he answered, "Oh,
Clem, of course not! Even if he had not saved you, I should never have been so cruel."
Her father turned to William and said," Mr...um...Mr...."
Bosworth, William Bosworth," the strange man told him.
So that's your name!" Clemency interrupted I never even asked."
Please forgive me," Samuel begged. God's has truly shown us through you and
Clemency that 'One good deed renders another'."