pefulness. The mother not
only loved but respected him as much as she could have done had he been
several years older. He had been her mainstay for the two years past,
during which the father was absent with the patriot army; and she came
to lean upon him more and more, though her heart sank when Ben began to
talk of following his father into the ranks, to help in the struggle for
independence.

She found herself looking upon the situation as Ben did. If so great
danger threatened Wyoming, it would be cowardly for them to leave their
friends to their fate. It was clear all could not find safety by going,
and she would feel she was doing wrong if she gave no heed to the
others.

Ben was tall and strong for his years, and the fact that he had taken
the gun from Colonel Butler to be used in taking care of the settlement
bound the youth in honor to do so.

"It shall be as you say," said the mother; "I cannot be as hopeful as
you, but it is our duty to stay. We will not talk about it before the
children."

"I want to see how a little Indian girl looks," muttered Ben with a
laugh, following his mother into the house.

Alice caught sight of him, and was in his arms the next instant, while
Linna rose to her feet, and stood with her forefinger between her teeth,
shyly studying the newcomer.

"Helloa, Linna! how are you?" he called, setting down his young sister
and catching up the little Indian. Not only that, but he gave her a
resounding smack on her dusky cheek.

"I always like pretty little girls, and I'm going to be your beau: what
do you say? Is it a bargain?"

It is not to be supposed that the Delaware miss caught the whole meaning
of this momentous question. She was a little overwhelmed by the rush of
the big boy's manner, and nodded her head about a dozen times.

"There, Alice; do you understand that?" he asked, making the room ring
with his merry laughter; "I'm to be Linna's beau. How do you like it?"

"I'm glad for you, but I--guess--I oughter be sorry for Linna."

CHAPTER THREE: JULY THIRD, 1778

While Ben Ripley was frolicking with little Alice and her Indian friend
Linna, the mother prepared the evening meal.

The candles were lighted, and they took their places at the table.

All this was new and strange to Linna. In her own home, she was
accustomed to sit on the ground, and use only her fingers for knife and
fork when taking food; but she was observant and quick, and knowing how
it had been w