“Yes, they have gone; but I am not sure what Betty will consent to do. The negroes, to be sure, are scattering off toward the woods, and our being here will scarcely keep them together. The older and more faithful ones will stay anyhow, and we could take Lutie, and Mammy, and Speery with us. Jubal has been stirring them all up with his fearsome tales, and I shouldn’t be surprised if he coaxed off a lot of the field hands. I never did trust Jubal,” she said meditatively. “Then I will escort you over, if your sister consents.” Lettice agreed, and they started for the house. “Do you know if it is simply a foraging party of British on the way here, or is it really a large force?” Lettice asked. “I believe it is quite a large force; at least I was told so by some one who brought the news. A company of scouts under Captain Massey made the discovery that the British were advancing, and there has been a skirmish. Major Nicholson and his troops are at Queenstown, which I believe is expected to be the point of attack.” “Has it come to that? Then we may look for anything. I am sure Brother William would want to have us go to Uncle Tom’s.” They found Betty quite willing to follow Mr. Clinton’s advice; therefore, taking the baby and three of the servants, they hastened over to Sylvia’s Ramble, to find Mrs. Hopkins somewhat nervous, but outwardly determined, while Rhoda was quietly alert, and not the least discomposed, to all appearances. Lettice, eager and anxious, was at times so preoccupied that she scarcely heeded what Robert said to her. Once she turned on him fiercely. “If we are raided upon here, shall you fight for or against us?” she asked. “Let us know what to expect.” “Lettice!” he exclaimed. “How can you ask such a question? I will defend you to the last drop of blood, but I hope there will arise no such emergency.” Lettice gave him a lovely smile. “I almost wish there would,” she said. “Why such a wish?” “Because you would then have an opportunity of proving yourself a true American.” He bit his lip and made no reply for a moment; then he said, “I think there is no one, whatever his views, who would not be ready to defend those he loves, should they be in danger, but I think we have no cause for alarm; non-combatants will be shown every courtesy, I am sure.” “By whom? That pirate, that thief, that marauder, Cockburn?” “Sh!” exclaimed Mrs. Tom Hopkins, hearing the words. “Even walls have ears. We must be discreet, Lettice.” “Discreet!” began Lettice, passionately, but the distant sound of great guns came upon their ears, and the words died upon her lips. It was a day of dread and great gloom which no effort could dispel. They sat waiting, they knew not for what, till at last Rhoda cried: “Here comes a messenger riding hard. Go out, Robert, and see if he brings news.”