Not only Robert, but all of them, hastened to meet the newcomer, Betty and Lettice fairly outstripping the others. It was young Birket Dean. He looked tired and travel-worn, but he cried triumphantly: “All safe, Mrs. Hopkins! Our men had to beat a retreat, but not before they had made the enemy taste of their shot. We didn’t lose a man, but there were several killed and wounded on the other side, and more than one deserted. Every one thinks that St. Michael’s is threatened, and Talbot County is up in arms. I must ride on and tell them at home of what has happened. I promised William I would stop by and tell you all how matters stood. He says you’d better stay here for the present, for he took it for granted I would find you all here together.” And he galloped off, leaving them all with a great weight removed. The next news that came was that the little town of St. Michael’s was in danger of an attack. It was the place where nearly all the famous “Baltimore Clippers” were built, and because of this it attracted the attention of Cockburn, who intended destroying the shipyards and the vessels then in course of construction. But he met so valiant a resistance that he finally withdrew, and although the houses in the little town showed the effects of the shot, which flew like hail, not one of the militia was hurt. The next day Lettice and Betty returned to their own home. “You’d better not be too hasty in getting back,” warned Aunt Martha. “I believe Aunt Martha is disappointed in not having had a visit from Admiral Cockburn,” said Lettice, laughing. “Indeed, then, I am not!” returned the lady with some asperity; “but I’ve an older head than yours, miss, and I think I may consider that I have more discretion.” “Maybe,” Lettice nodded; then said saucily, “If you should receive a call, send us word, and we’ll come over and help you entertain your Britishers.” “And you’d do it well,” said Mr. Clinton in a low tone. Lettice gave a toss of the head and sprang into her saddle. For some reason she was not pleased with this young gentleman this morning; he had been far too cautious in showing her attentions, and had been too evidently anxious that no one should discern any difference in his manner toward the two girls; and besides, Lettice resented his saying that it would be as well that they should not take Rhoda into their confidence, and yet she had several times come upon the two in close conference, and once had overheard Rhoda say, “I will see that the matter is kept a secret, but we must be very cautious.” So Lettice, with a feeling that she could not quite trust him, and that he might be playing a double part, was most cool toward him, and eagerly seconded her sister Betty’s proposition to go. It was a few days later that William and James returned. They came galloping in one evening full of accounts of their skirmishes.