y to land
A storm is at hand.'"

"But look at Malty," responded Anna quickly, pointing to the fat Maltese
cat who was industriously washing her face:

"'If the cat washes her face over the ear
'Tis a sign the weather'll be fine and clear,'"

quoted the little girl; "and you told me 'twas a sure sign, Father; and
'tis what Matty is doing this minute."

"To be sure," laughed Mr. Weston, "both are sure signs, and so we will
hope for fair weather."

Rebecca was very silent at dinner, and as the sisters began to clear
away the dishes Anna watched her with troubled eyes.

"Perhaps it's because I called her 'Rebby,'" thought the little girl
regretfully. "I'll tell her I am sorry," and when their mother left the
kitchen Anna whispered:

"Flora, I forgot when I called you 'Rebby.' But I will now surely
remember. You are not vexed at me, are you?" and Anna leaned her head
against her sister's arm and looked up at her pleadingly.

Rebecca sniffed a little, as if trying to keep back the tears. She
wished she could talk over her worries with Anna; but of course that
would never do.

"I believe I'd rather be called 'Rebby,'" she managed to say, to the
surprise of her younger sister. "Do you suppose they really mean to put
up a liberty pole?"

"Of course," responded Anna. "I heard the minister say that it must be
done."

Rebby sighed dolefully. She was old enough to understand the talk she
heard constantly of His Majesty's ships of war capturing the American
fishing sloops, and of the many troubles caused to peaceable Americans
all along the coast; and she, like all the American children, knew that
their rights must be defended; but Lucia Horton's talk had frightened
and confused Rebecca's thoughts. To set up a liberty pole now seemed to
her a most dangerous thing to do, and something that would bring only
trouble.

She wished with all her heart that she could tell her father all that
Lucia had told her. But that she could not do because of her promise.
Rebecca knew that a promise was a sacred thing, not to be broken.

"Rebby, will you not go to the bluff with me? 'Twill be pleasant there
this afternoon, and we could see the _Polly_ if she chances to come into
harbor to-day," said Anna.

"You had best ask Luretta Foster, Danna," she answered quickly. "I am
sure Mother will want my help with her quilting this afternoon."

Rebby so often played at being "grown up" that this reply did not
surprise Anna, a