He indicated a frigate beautifully decorated with a variety of streamers anchored just off the quay. “The ‘Ariel,’” read Harriet, at which Peggy opened her eyes wide. “If that is thy ship then thee must be that John Paul Jones who fought that wonderful battle with the ‘Serapis’ two years ago,” ejaculated she. For the “Ariel” was the vessel which was given that gallant officer in place of the “Bon Homme Richard” which had been so battered in that memorable engagement that it had sunk two days after the fight. [Illustration: “THEE MUST BE JOHN PAUL JONES”] “The very same,” he answered with a profound courtesy. “The very same, at your service, ladies.” “And thou hast stopped to give us information just as though thee was an ordinary man,” she said in so awed a tone that he burst out laughing. “Well, and why not? Could I not give it as correctly as another? I am honored to be of service.” He swept them another courtesy, and a little confused by the meeting the two girls thanked him, and rode on. On every hand the citizens demonstrated the importance of the happy occasion. At two o’clock in the afternoon, the President of Congress received congratulations. At night the evening was ushered in by an elegant display of fireworks while the gentlemen of Congress, the civil and military officers, and many of the principal citizens partook of a collation spread for them at the City Tavern. The first great step toward making the union permanent was taken. There were many pitfalls awaiting the young nation ere one republic could be moulded out of thirteen sovereign states. There were concessions to be made, mistakes corrected, in later years a baptism of blood, before E Pluribus Unum could be properly the motto of the new United States. But the first step toward becoming a nation among the nations was taken when the states entered into a firm league of friendship on this day for their common defense, the security of their liberties and their mutual general welfare. A people struggling for liberty always become the favorites of heaven, and how far-reaching the links forged between the states was to become was known alone to the Ruler of all. CHAPTER VI—A MESSAGE OF INDIGNATION “Thou art a traitor: False to thy gods, thy brother, and thy father; Conspirant ’gainst this high illustrous prince; And from the extremest upward of thy head, To the descent and dust beneath thy feet, A most toad-spotted traitor.” —“King Lear,” Shakespeare. “Mother, did thee know about the celebration?” asked Peggy, as the two girls entered the sitting-room where Mrs. Owen sat sewing. “Yes. Friend Deering was here but now, and told me the cause of it. A post-rider hath come from the South, Harriet; there is a letter.” “From Lieutenant Drayton?” cried Harriet, taking the missive eagerly. “Oh, I wonder if he hath found Clifford?”