returned home.

It was broad daylight when Rebecca and Anna awoke. Mrs. Getchell had
breakfast ready for them, and they enjoyed the hot batter cakes and
maple syrup and the rich milk. They had not finished eating when a
murmur of voices outside the door made them look up in surprise.

"'Tis the women and children," explained Mrs. Getchell smilingly. "They
have come to wish you good fortune."

Rebecca and Anna hardly knew what to say as the women of the settlement
entered the big kitchen, and with friendly smiles praised the two girls
for their courage and loyalty. Boys and girls of their own age gathered
about the doorway and looked at them admiringly; and when Mrs. Getchell
said it was time to start, and with Rebby and Anna led the way toward
the river, young and old followed them. One of the older women slipped a
slender gold chain around Anna's neck, saying: "Wear it, dear little
maid, to remind you that there is no sacrifice too great to make for
America's freedom." And a little girl of about Rebecca's age shyly
pressed a little purse into her hand. "'Tis a golden sovereign that my
mother bade me give you," she said, "and my mother says that always the
children of Maine will remember what you have done for America's cause."

Rebby hardly knew what to reply. "If they knew that I set the liberty
tree afloat they would not praise me," she thought unhappily.

A short distance beyond the settlement the women and children bade the
girls good-bye, with many good wishes for their safe return to Machias.
But Mrs. Getchell was to go on with them for a part of their journey.

As Rebby and Anna turned to wave their hands to these new friends a loud
cheer went up, the boys waving their caps and the girls calling: "Good
luck to the brave little maids from Machias."

Mrs. Getchell went on with them for several miles, carrying the powder
and shot, and a flat package containing food for their journey. She told
them to follow the river down, as that trail was more traveled and over
smoother ground, although farther to travel than the forest trail; and
kissing the girls good-bye, after they had promised to visit her "as
soon as the English had been sent home," she turned back toward the
settlement.

Rebby and Danna watched Mrs. Getchell's stout figure until it was hidden
by the forest, and then, more serious and anxious than at any time
during their perilous undertaking, they picked up the heavy packages
that Mrs. Getchell had