Many things contributed to dispel whatever of misgiving Peggy might have had. The people resumed their daily vocations, and while on every hand could be heard encomiums upon the ardor with which the young captain discharged his duties, the presence of the company seemed no longer to be regarded as a strict essential to safety. So the maiden's fears were lulled to rest, and she gave herself up to the enjoyment of the seaside life. The bay daily beheld the arrival and departure of privateers, which sometimes brought prizes with them. There were boats from the different mills, and teams always loading at the wharves with lumber, salt, oysters and fish for the interior. Whenever there were prizes with the privateers, the town became a busy and lively place from the influx of visitors who were mostly business men from various parts of the state come to purchase captured vessels, or their cargoes. Sometimes Fairfax joined them in their walks along the bay, for this was the favorite with the girls, and they could not but comment upon his increased manliness of bearing. He had found his position no sinecure. There were many farmers along the river who, while undeniably patriotic, saw no reason why they should not take the hard money of the British in New York in exchange for supplies, and this contraband trade had to be kept in check. An unceasing watch was in consequence kept on the river and coasts to prevent such persons from running the blockade; the salt works had to be guarded, and a strict patrol maintained to report any advance of English or refugees. "Thee is getting thin, Friend Fairfax," commented Peggy one evening as the two maidens and the youth stood watching the boats on the bay. "Thee takes thy duties too seriously. Does he not, Sally?" "Indeed he does," agreed Sally, her blue eyes scanning the young man's countenance with solicitude. "What hath gone amiss, friend? Something is troubling thee." "There is activity on Sandy Hook that denotes action of some sort by the enemy," he answered gravely. "It hath been impossible so far to find just what the movement portends, but I fear that an attack of some kind is intended. Would that ye were at home, though I know not how to get you there." "And does thee fear that this is the place to be attacked?" queried Sally. "Is it the salt works?" "Yes," he replied. "That is one of the things that would invite assault. The works have always been a bone of contention between the two armies, and the British need of the article is pressing just at this time. Were it not that the highway from Freehold to Trenton is infested by those miscreants of the pines, I should say go with one of the shore wagons to Trenton. As it is there is naught for you to do but to stay here." "Where there is a garrison for protection," spoke Peggy with more lightness than she felt.