This whole thing is infuriating.
http://www.masshist.org/database/img-viewer.php?item_id=99&img_step=1&tpc&pid&mode=transcript#page1
This is a letter from Revere descring the events of the day.
The incident with the British is on page 4. Palin was indeed correct.
Another source on the shots and bell ringing:
“Paul Revere somewhat in advance, the group of British officers of whom he had been told suddenly appeared in the road before him. Before he could make a movement to escape they were around him, and strong hands were upon his shoulders. The gallant scout was a prisoner in British hands.
Revere at first gave evasive answers to their questions. But at length, with a show of exultation, he said,—
“Gentlemen, you have missed your aim.”
“What aim?” they asked.
“I came from Boston an hour after your troops left it,” answered Revere. “And if I had not known that messengers were out in time enough to carry the news for fifty miles, you would not have stopped me without a shot.”
The officers, startled by this confident assertion, continued their questions; but now, from a distance, the clang of a bell was heard. The Lexington men cried out at this,—
“The bells are ringing! The towns are alarmed! You are all dead men!”
This assertion, which the sound of the bells appeared to confirm, alarmed the officers. If the people should rise, their position would be a dangerous one. They must make their way back. But, as a measure of precaution, they took Revere’s horse and cut the girths and bridles of the others. This done, they rode away at full speed, leaving their late captives on foot in the road. But this the two messengers little heeded, as they knew that their tidings had gone on in safe hands.
While all this was taking place, indeed, Prescott had regained the road, and was pressing onward at speed. He reached Concord about two o’clock in the morning, and immediately gave the alarm. As quickly as possible the bells were set ringing, and from all sides people, roused by the midnight alarum, thronged towards the centre square. As soon as the startling news was heard active measures were taken to remove the stores. All the men, and a fair share of the women, gave their aid, carrying ammunition, muskets, cartridges, and other munitions hastily to the nearest woods.”