truth, 'There is
not one house burned by my orders or by any of my people. It is what I
detest, to distress poor women and children.'"

"I am proud of him as one of my countrymen," said Grace. "He was
sometimes called 'The swamp Fox,' was he not, papa?"

"Yes; the swamps were his usual place of refuge and camping ground."

"I admire him very much and like to hear about him and all he did for
our country," said little Elsie; "but I am glad and thankful that I
didn't live in those dreadful war times."

"As you well may be, my dear child," said her father. "We cannot be
too thankful for the liberty we enjoy in these days and which was
largely won for us by Marion and other brave and gallant patriots of
those darker days. They, and our debt of gratitude to them, should
never be forgotten or ignored."

CHAPTER XVII.

The _Dolphin's_ passengers greatly enjoyed their voyage up the
Atlantic coast, yet were not sorry when they reached their desired
haven--the city within a few miles of their homes.

Dr. Percival had gained strength every day and now could go about very
well with the help of a friend's arm or a cane, and spent but a part
of his time lounging in an easy-chair or resting upon a couch.

A telegram had carried to their home friends the information that they
expected to reach port on that day, and carriages were there in
waiting to convey them to their several places of abode.

Dr. Conly had come for Dr. and Mrs. Percival, as had also Mr. Dinsmore
from the Oaks; the one claiming that Roselands was Dick's old home,
therefore undoubtedly the proper place for him at present--the other
that Maud belonged at the Oaks and of course her husband with her.
Grandma Elsie had already given them a warm invitation to Ion, and
Captain Raymond and Violet the same to Woodburn. It seemed a little
difficult to decide which had the prior claim. Dr. Harold said it
should be Ion first in order that he might still have his patient
where he could keep continued and careful watch over him; and as he
grew better and stronger the others could have their turns at
entertaining him and Maud.

To that Dick laughingly replied that he was now tolerably used to
obeying Harold's orders, so should submit to his decision, still
hoping that in time he and Maud might have the pleasure of accepting
the other invitations in turn.

That seemed to give tolerable satisfaction as about as good an
arrangement a