The Devil’s Disciple

After his father's death, Dick discovers the British have hanged him as a rebel. He goes to the Springtown gallows, retrieves his father's body, and arranges for its burial in the Websterbridge parish graveyard.

Dick returns home to hear his father's will read aloud. The will leaves the bulk of the estate to Dick, leaving his mother with nothing and surprising the family.

Dick's mother curses him for his apostasy and mocked wealth. He declares himself a rebel against the British and condemns his family for appeasing colonial authority.

The British discover the father's grave, sparking fear of arrest. Reverend Anderson warns Dick of the danger and prepares to shelter him, though trouble looms.

British soldiers arrest Dick, mistaking him for the minister. Dick submits to arrest without revealing his true identity and asks Judith to keep quiet to protect Anderson.

Judith breaks her promise and reveals that it was Dick who took the place of Anderson during the arrest. The confession stuns Anderson and changes his view of the two men involved.

Before a military tribunal, Dick pretends to be Anderson during questioning. Judith tries to save him by exposing the deception, but Burgoyne notes that the prisoner has become guilty despite the mistaken identity.

Anderson abandons his ministry and leads a rebel assault in Springtown, setting fire to a British ammunition dump. He then disguises himself as a Loyalist courier to deliver an urgent message to Burgoyne.

Anderson arrives with a safe conduct from General Phillips, enabling negotiations. Burgoyne agrees to withdraw British troops and release Richard Dudgeon as a result.

The successful terms elevate Anderson's standing with his wife, who chooses to stay with him. Judith, who earlier admired Dick, kisses him farewell as the situation resolves.

Dick is released under the negotiated terms, avoiding execution. The tense confrontation ends with a fragile peace and the rebels gaining favor with the British command.

With the crisis resolved, families in Websterbridge and Springtown regroup, reassessing loyalties and leadership. The narrative closes on a balance between colonial authorities and rebel efforts.