The union of the four New England colonies was believed to have had its origin in the express "purpose of throwing off dependence on England." Friends of the colonies denied the reports and assured the king that New England was loyal; but despite the fact of their assertions, Whalley and Goffe were still at large.
Even when their pursuers were close on their trail, Goffe, with a daring that was reckless, frequently appeared in Boston, usually in disguise.
Long sojourn in rocks and caves had given him a natural disguise, in the long, snowy hair and beard.
It was on one of his daring visits to Boston, that he met and conquered the fencing-master as narrated in the opening of this chapter.

Having humbled the boaster, the man with the cheese and mop descended from the platform, threw away his weapons and advanced toward the youth who had been an amazed spectator of the scene.
"Good morrow, friend.

Do you belong here ?" he asked, taking his hand.
"No, sir, I just came in on the vessel." "Whom do you wish to see ?" "Some relatives named Stevens." "Is your name Stevens ?" "It is, sir." "And you are from Virginia ?" the old man asked.
"Verily, you have guessed it, sir.

Who may you be ?" Without answering him, the strange swordsman seized his arm, saying: "Come with me; I am going to the house of Mathew Stevens.

What is your father's name ?" "John Stevens was his name; but he is dead.