"No; I am to go to Lancaster. This trade seems to be flourishing among the British prisoners stationed there. Congress had granted permission to England to keep them in supplies, and it seems that advantage is taken of this fact to include a great many contraband goods. These the prisoners, or their wives, are selling to the citizens of Lancaster and surrounding country. To such an extent hath the trade grown that it threatens to ruin the merchants of the place, who cannot compete with the prices asked. I am to look into the matter, and to stop the importation of such goods, if possible." "'Tis openly talked that England will defer coming to terms of peace because she hopes to conquer us by this same trade," observed Robert Dale gravely. "And is like to succeed if it cannot be put down," commented David Owen shaking his head. "All along the coast the British cruisers patrol to capture our merchantmen, and to obstruct our commerce. The Delaware is watched, our coasts are watched that we may not get goods elsewhere, or have any market for our produce. Unable to get what they want, our own people buy where they can without realizing the harm. 'Tis estimated from forty to fifty thousand pounds have been drawn by this means into New York in the past few months. If this continues the enemy will soon be possessed of all the hard money that hath come into the country through the French, and without money we can do naught. Our resources and industries have been ruined by the long war, and this latest scheme of England bids fair to undo what hath been accomplished by force of arms." "And after Yorktown every one thought that of course peace was just a matter of a few months. That it would be declared at once," sighed Sally. "Oh, dear! It makes me sad to think the war is not over yet!" "And I have been the marplot to spoil this merry company," said Mr. Owen contritely. "Let's declare a truce to the matter for the time being, and discuss that pepper-pot. Is't ready, lass?" "Yes, father," answered Peggy rising. "And there is a good dinner beside. We will enjoy it the more for having thee with us." "Thee must be hungry, David," observed Mistress Owen rising also. "The dinner is ready to put on the table, so thee is just in time. I----" She stopped abruptly as high above the noise of the wind the brass knocker sounded. "More company," exclaimed Betty gleefully as Peggy started for the hall. "Peggy, thy small dinner bids fair to become a party." CHAPTER II PEGGY IS SURPRISED "The state that strives for liberty, though foiled And forced to abandon what she bravely sought, Deserves at least applause for her attempt, And pity for her loss. But that's a cause Not often unsuccessful." --"_The Task," Cowper._ Peggy was nearly blinded by the sudden rush of snow and wind that followed the opening of the great front door, and so for the moment did not recognize the two, a man and a woman, who stood there on the steps.