nd
just then Boston had the good news that the colonial forces under
General Pepperell had captured Louisburg. Well, every bell in Boston was
ringing with triumph, and it did not take long to start a subscription
and get money enough to put those fine bells where they could be heard.
They were made by good English bell-makers, and there are none better,"
concluded Mr. Freeman. Anne thought to herself that she would be sure to
remember about these wonderful bells so that she could tell Amanda.

On the morning of the 18th of July people began to gather in King Street
and the vicinity of the State House, so that long before one o'clock,
the time advertised when the Declaration of Independence was to be
read, there was a crowd. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman with Millicent, Frederick,
Rose and Anne had a very good place where they could see the little
balcony where Colonel Crafts was to stand.

"Look, father! There are some of the British officers!" said Frederick.

The crowd near where the Freemans were standing stood courteously back
to make way for several British officers in full military dress. They
secured a place where they could hear well, and Mr. Freeman and several
gentlemen exchanged smiles of satisfaction to see these officers
present. When the clock struck one, Colonel Crafts, surrounded by a
number of gentlemen, appeared on the balcony, and in a clear voice read
the declaration announcing to the world that the American colonies were
no longer subject to Britain.

What a chorus of shouts and huzzas filled the air! Frederick's cap went
so high that it lodged on the State House balcony, but no one seemed to
notice it, and Frederick could not recover his property until late that
afternoon. There sounded the measured boom of cannon, and thirteen
volleys of musketry. A military band played, and the people dispersed,
quietly, and as if they had taken part in a great ceremony, as indeed
they had.

"Now you girls will have to settle down; dresses do not make
themselves," said Mrs. Freeman; "nor do stockings grow on trees. Your
father's ship will be coming into harbor before you know it, Anne; and
you must have your clothing in order, and Rose has agreed to help you.
So to-morrow we must begin in earnest."

"I have a chance to send the black colt to Mr. Pierce to-morrow," said
Mr. Freeman, "and I have bought a good side-saddle for Mrs. Pierce, that
they may know we do not forget their great kindness."

"That is the very t