“I regret to say it is so, and I regret it the more that I am from Boston, myself. I think, sir, that it would be a wise thing if you would all get nearer the city, for I hear that an order has been issued by the British commander, Cockburn, to lay waste all districts along the coast, and to spare only the lives of the unarmed inhabitants; this, I believe, in revenge for a small raid made by a party of Americans who crossed Lake Erie and destroyed some buildings at Long Point.” “Humph! what of the outrages committed along our coast?” “We don’t forget them, sir. We will also retaliate when we get a chance.” “By Jove, sir, I wish I had my good right arm, I’d join you. As it is, they’ll not find this inhabitant unarmed, despite his empty sleeve.” He laughed at his joke, and clenched his fist with a frown a moment after. “Now, father,” Mrs. Weeks protested, “you wouldn’t offer fight. You’ve given enough for your country. No one could expect more.” “It isn’t what is expected; it is what I want to do. I suppose the old graybeards up your way, Mr. Baldwin, would call me a terribly hot-headed fellow.” “A certain number might, but we young men honor you, Mr. Weeks. I pray you, don’t censure all New England for the attitude of a few. To be sure they are leading men, and the Peace party is strong up there, but we furnish some good fighters when all is told.” “I believe that. I hear Providence has voted money for fortifications in Rhode Island, and that the shipmasters in Portland have formed themselves into a company of sea-fencibles, and that even your own state has caught the fever and is preparing for defence.” “Yes, I am glad to say she is touched at last, even though the Federalists still urge their militia to stay at home.” “What a contrast to Kentucky and her gallant governor, leading his men to the front.” “There, father, there,” came Mrs. Weeks’s soft voice. “You always get excited over that. Mr. Baldwin is a Boston man, remember.” “But not a Federalist,” replied the young man, smiling. “You surely will consider this question of getting farther away from the coast, Mrs. Weeks. It is really not safe for you here.” “We can ill leave our place just now,” said the intrepid Mr. Weeks. “I am determined to stand by my home till the last. Yet, in the main, I agree with you. Betty and her mother would better take Lettice and the boy and go up to the city.” “Not I,” Mrs. Weeks objected decidedly. “If you stay, so do I; but I insist that Betty and Lettice shall leave. It is what your husband would wish, Betty.”