"And as the shell upon the mountain height Sings of the sea, So do I ever, leagues and leagues away, So do I ever, wandering where I may, Sing, O my home! sing, O my home, of thee." --_Eugene Field._ "Peggy, does thee know that Fifth Month is upon us, and that we have been here nearly two months?" Sally turned from the open window by which she was standing, and looked at Peggy with eyes full of longing. "Shall we ever go home, I wonder!" "I hope so, Sally." Peggy was making the bed in their little room, and she smoothed the wrinkles out of the coverlid as she continued: "Friend Ashley hath no horses, and he hath been busy, as thee knows. I make no doubt but that a way will soon be opened for us. I think both he and Friend Nurse would be glad to find one for us." "So long as we could be of use I did not mind it so much," went on Sally. "But matters are beginning to move in their accustomed groove, and I cannot but wherrit anent what thy mother and mine are thinking." "Yes, I know. I hardly dare think of it, but I am hoping as I said, Sally, that a way will soon be opened. Thee must not dwell too much upon it, but be as brave as thee can be." "Friend Nurse hath another visitor," announced Sally, turning again to the window. "This seems to be some one of great importance, for he hath a fine coach. I wonder who it is?" Peggy came to Sally's side, and leaned out of the window. "That is Governor Livingston," she cried. "Does thee not remember I told thee how the enemy tried to capture him when I was at Middlebrook? I knew him quite well there. He and father are friends." "Friend Nurse would wish thee to see him if she knew that, Peggy. Does thee not think thee should go down?" "I'll wait a little," said Peggy. "No doubt he wishes to see her about something concerning Fairfax, and therefore he would rather speak alone with her. Thee knows that Sir Henry Clinton refused to give up the leader, Lippencott, but ordered a court-martial. 'Tis reported that His Excellency just waits the finding of the investigation before he acts." It was two weeks after the burial of Fairfax, and the farmhouse had become a veritable Mecca to travelers. From all over the state they came to learn the full particulars of the affair, and to offer sympathy to the bereaved mother. The storm of protest which the lad's death raised had so startled the British general that the Honorable Board of Associated Loyalists had been dissolved, and there were no more incursions into New Jersey from that source. Even the pine robbers, as though appalled by the deed, ceased their depredations for the time being, and the highways were comparatively safe. As visitors reported this improved condition of things, Peggy and Sally grew anxious to take advantage of it to return home, but no good opportunity had as yet presented itself.