“No, I will go too. How good of you to get this,” she added gratefully. They arrived before the little group waiting by the wagon, to find that Simon persisted that he could not carry the load, for the vehicle was weak anyhow, and might break down any minute, even if partly unloaded. “It would be perfectly safe for any one to stay here, don’t you think so?” Lettice asked Mr. Baldwin. “Yes, I think it would; at least for the present,” was the answer. “Then I will be the one to stay. I can go to some friend’s here, or I could even go back to the house. I heard that ever so many families were simply going to lock and bar themselves in, and would not leave. Brother William will be there, and he would look out for me. Please go on without me, Patsey. I am sure the Ingles will take me in. I heard little Mary say that they were not going to leave.” And after much protesting against all this, by Patsey and Mrs. Gittings, it was decided that they would go on, and that Lettice should seek such shelter as she could find. “You are very brave,” Mr. Baldwin remarked, as they stood watching the wagon slowly creaking along over the bridge. “But I remember it is not the first time I have seen evidences of your courage. Now, we must find you quarters,” he added. “I should best like to return to Mrs. Gittings’s house.” “I think you are safer here.” “And you? To be sure you have not your uniform, but you will not expose yourself to danger, will you?” “Not unnecessarily. I am _hors de combat_, as you see, though I still have a right arm I shall put to such service as I can. We must decide upon the safest spot for you, Miss Lettice. Where shall it be?” “I will return to Mrs. Gittings’s, if you will be so good as to take me.” “Please let me persuade you to remain here.” “No, I feel worried about my brother. He was well-nigh crazed by reason of his disappointment and fatigue, and I may be needed. I am not afraid; truly I am not. If he is not there, I can take refuge with neighbors.” “I am very loath to agree to such a decree.” “But if I so greatly desire it.” “Even then I cannot feel that it is a wise thing to do.” “But I assure you that others have remained who have quite as much at stake. Mr. Henry Ingle’s home is close by the Gittings’; take me there, and I shall be quite safe.” And at last overruled by her persuasions he consented, and, after much trouble, a conveyance was found which returned them to the city of Washington, into which the triumphant British were already entering. The silent house, bolted and closed, showed no signs of life when Lettice and her companion appeared before it. “Do you think your brother is here?” Mr. Baldwin asked.