The next morning early she and James started down the bay on one of the packets running from Baltimore to Queenstown. It did not seem possible to those whose plantations lay along the inland creeks that the enemy could have any object in penetrating into their part of the country; yet at that very time the British were ravaging the southern shores of the Chesapeake, plundering plantations, and carrying off not only slaves and household valuables, but even robbing women and children of their clothing. In spite of their straits but little protection was given them by the government--this partly because it was not able--and the unfortunate inhabitants had to protect themselves as best they could. On the morning that Lettice and her brother departed there were lively preparations going on in the city of Baltimore. Lookout boats were established far down the river; troops were stationed along the shores, for the news had come that the enemy was approaching, and that Baltimore was to be the object of attack. Mrs. Hopkins and the newly arrived visitors absolutely refused to venture down the bay. “We will escape in another direction, if need be,” they said. “You mean you will stay to welcome your friends, the British,” Lettice said saucily. “That’s not what I will do. If we are to meet them, let it be in our own home.” “Pray, Miss Lettice,” Mr. Clinton said, “remain with us. We will have the means to protect you and your brother--a means which may be lacking when you pass beyond our influence.” Lettice shot him a withering glance. “Your protection, indeed! I’d rather die than be indebted to your complaisance for my safety!” And those ever ready and passionate tears began to gather in her eyes. Rhoda made a slight movement toward her, but her father laid his hand on her arm and she passed, pressing her lips tightly together. Lettice gave a toss of her head, and said, “Come, Brother James, it is time we were off; the packet will be starting without us.” “I most devoutly wish it would!” Mr. Clinton exclaimed. “Well, it won’t!” Lettice retorted, moving toward the door. “Come, James, cut short your adieux. Good-by, all of you. I leave you to the tender mercies of Admiral Cockburn.” And without a turn of her head she hastened down the street. James followed and overtook her at the corner. “You are a spoiled little minx, Letty,” he said. “Why do you speak so disrespectfully to your elders?” “Do you perchance mean Robert Clinton? Am I to have such an inordinate amount of consideration for him because of his advantage of a few years?” “Oh, Robert Clinton, was it? But you included Mr. Kendall and Aunt Martha in your remarks.” “Well, if I did, I am glad; I’d not have had the temerity to attack them but that I was so hot against that weathercock.” “Weathercock, is it? Humph!” James was silent a moment, and then he added, “Weathercocks seem to be a product of New England.”