"Dear me! there's mother calling again," cried Peggy in dismay. "We have been talking in very truth instead of working. There is so much that I should like to hear about Betty. I think she might have told me. What a belle she hath become, and how pretty she is! So all thy plans for her and Fairfax would have gone awry, had the poor fellow lived!" "Peggy, does thee think that he really cared for her?" Peggy's brows contracted into a thoughtful look. "I don't know," she responded. "He was of a truth much interested when he saw her. She was very sweet that day. It was when Clifford was here, thee remembers?" "I remember, Peggy. If thee sees thy cousin will thee tell him all about how I came to show Sheriff Will the closet?" "Yes, Sally. I will." "And if thee gets into trouble, and can't get home, if thee will let me know I'll come for thee," said Sally impressively. Peggy laughed. "There won't be any trouble about it this time, Sally. Father and mother are with me, and they will arrange everything." "Thy mother is calling again, Peggy. We will have to go down. Be sure to write, and I will keep a journal for thee of Betty's doings. She is to have so many things from France. Would thee were to be here!" "I should like to be," answered Peggy opening the door. "We are coming at last, mother." Quite a caravan awaited Peggy's coming. There were a number of wagons, some containing Continental stores for the military at Lancaster; others filled with private property belonging to citizens, and still others which contained household articles which Mrs. Owen was taking for her use. All were under a strong guard. A roomy and comfortable calash had been provided for the lady, in which Peggy was to ride also when she should become tired of the saddle. Robert Dale, with the reins of his own horse thrown over his arm, stood waiting by Star's side to help Peggy mount. "We were thinking that we should have to become brigands and carry you off, Peggy," he remarked as the girls joined them. "Thee will not wonder that I was delayed when I tell thee the news, Robert," answered Peggy as, with the youth's assistance, she vaulted lightly into the saddle. "Oh, Sally, I do wish thee was going!" "And so do I, Sally," spoke Robert. "I should like to be with both of you, but I am glad to be in Philadelphia for a time," replied Sally. "Tell him about Betty, Peggy." They were off at length, going by way of High Street across the Middle Ferry into the Great Lancaster Road. The distance was something more than sixty-five miles, and it was the intention to make it by brief stages. The road had formerly been known as the King's Highway, and was famed for the number of its taverns, which were jestingly said to be as many as its mile-stones. There was, therefore, no difficulty in making each day's journey as long or short as might be desired.