"Papa," asked Lulu, "what became of that very star-spangled banner Mr. Key was looking for when he wrote the song?" "I presume it is still in existence," replied her father. "Lossing says it was shown him in Baltimore, during the Civil War, by Christopher Hughes Armistead, the son of the gallant defender of the fort, and that it had in it eleven holes made by the shot of the British during the bombardment." "Had not the British made very sure beforehand of being able to take Baltimore, Captain?" asked Evelyn. "Yes; and their intention was to make it the base for future operations. As early as the 17th of June a London paper said, 'In the diplomatic circles it is rumored that our naval and military commanders on the American station have no power to conclude any armistice or suspension of arms. They carry with them certain terms which will be offered to the American government at the point of the bayonet. There is reason to believe that America will be left in a much worse situation, as a naval and commercial power, than she was at the commencement of the war." "Ah, but they crowed too soon--before they were out of the woods," laughed Walter. "They needed the lesson they got at Baltimore, and the one Jackson gave them some months later at New Orleans." CHAPTER VIII. "CAPTAIN, I fear we have been imposing sadly upon good nature in asking so much history of you in one evening," remarked Grandma Elsie; "and you have been extremely kind in complying with the request." "It has been a pleasure to me, mother," he returned. "There is hardly a subject more interesting to me than the history of my dear native land, and it is my ardent desire to train and teach my children to be earnestly, intelligently patriotic." "Including your pupils in the list, I presume, sir?" supplemented Rosie, with a saucy smile up into his face. "Of course, little sister, and as many others as I can influence," was his pleasant toned rejoinder. "But I am happy to believe that there are few Americans who are not ardent lovers of their own country, considering it the best the sun shines upon." "As it certainly is, sir!" exclaimed Walter. "I'm more thankful than words can express that God gave me my birth in the United States of America." "As I have no doubt we all are, little brother," said Violet. "But to change the subject: when shall we take that delightful trip to New Orleans? I suppose the sooner the better, that we may not be too much hurried with the necessary dressmaking?" "I think so," said her mother, "for both the reason you have given and because the weather will soon become unpleasantly warm for shopping in the city." "You are going with us, mamma?" queried Rosie. "I really have not thought of it, and probably it would be more prudent for me to stay quietly where I am, Rosie dear," she replied. "Oh, mamma, we must have you along if you are able to go!" exclaimed Walter. "Please do say that you will."