en as had been left behind, were
now hurrying toward the wharves. Cheer after cheer rang out across the
harbor as the _Unity_ and the captured gunboat came slowly to their
anchorage.

Mrs. Weston and Anna came hurrying down the path and Rebby ran to meet
them.

"I saw the battle, Mother!" she exclaimed eagerly. "I was on the bluff
and saw it all." But before Mrs. Weston could respond to this
astonishing statement a boat-load of men from the _Unity_ had landed.

"Your father is safe," whispered Mrs. Weston, "and now let me see of
what use I can be to the wounded men. Rebby, take Anna back to the house
and stay there until I come."

The two little girls walked silently back to the house. The battle that
had been so feared was over; the enemy was conquered, and Rebecca and
Anna knew that by their bringing the powder from Chandler's River they
had helped to win the conflict. But just then they did not think of
that. They could think only of the wounded men, who had been so
carefully brought on shore by their companions.

On the following day the inhabitants, such as were not caring for the
wounded English and American soldiers, gathered at the liberty pole. It
was a quiet and reverent gathering. Several men of the settlement had
been wounded, and two had given their lives for America's cause. Parson
Lyon gave loving tribute to these heroes, as he offered thanks for the
triumph of loyalty.

And then, before all the people, he praised Rebecca and Anna Weston for
their courage in undertaking the difficult and dangerous journey through
the wilderness to bring aid to the settlement.

"Step forward, Rebecca and Anna Weston," he said smilingly; and, a
little fearfully, the sisters, hand in hand, left their mother's side
and approached the liberty pole. Taking each by the hand Parson Lyon
smiled down upon them.

There was a little murmur of approval among the people, and one by one
the older members of the congregation came forward and praised the
little girls.

"It is Rebby who should be praised, not me," Anna insisted. "It is not
fair for me to be praised." While Rebecca, in her turn, declared eagerly
that she could never have brought home the powder without Anna's help.

There were many hard and troublous days ahead for the little settlement,
but their courage did not falter. The valor of the Machias men was
speedily recognized by the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, who, on
June 26, 1775, passed a resolution e