and to do," and
Aunt Deborah got up and went to her own room to put on her long gray
cape and the gray bonnet that she always wore on the street.

She was waiting in the front hall when Ruth came slowly down the stairs.
She had put on her brown straw hat, whose ribbons tied beneath her
chin, and the pretty cape of blue cloth; for there was a sharp little
March wind, although the sun shone brightly. Ruth's face was very sober;
there were traces of tears on her cheeks. She wished that she had said
she would rather play with Winifred; but it was too late now.

"We need many things, but I fear 'twill not be easy to purchase either
good cotton cloth or a package of pepper," Aunt Deborah said as they
turned on to Second Street. "There was but little in the shops when the
British came, and of that little they have taken for themselves so there
is not much left for the people."

"They have taken Hero, I know they have!" Ruth replied. "I wish
Washington would come and drive the English out."

"Oh! Ho! So here is a small rebel declaring treason right to the face of
an officer of the King!" and Ruth, surprised and frightened, felt a hand
on her shoulder, and looked up to find a tall soldier in a red coat with
shining buttons and bands of gilt looking at her with evident amusement.

"You had best whisper such words as those, young lady," he added
sternly, and passed on, leaving Ruth and Aunt Deborah standing
surprised and half-frightened.

"This is an American city," Aunt Deborah announced calmly, as they
walked on. "These intruders can stay but a time. But they have sharp
ears, indeed. Does thee know why thy father named thy dog 'Hero'?" she
continued, looking down at Ruth.

"Oh, yes! Father said 'hero' meant courage and honor; and so it was the
right name for such a fine dog," Ruth answered quickly. "Aunt Deborah!
What was that?" she added, stopping short. For she had heard a familiar
bark.

But Aunt Deborah had heard nothing. They were passing a house where a
number of soldiers were sitting on the porch smoking.

"I heard Hero bark. He is in that house," Ruth declared, and before Aunt
Deborah could say a word to prevent such a rash act Ruth had run up the
steps.

"Have you found a lost dog, if you please?" she asked, half-frightened,
when she found herself facing two red-faced soldiers who looked at her
as if she were some wild bird that had flown to the porch. Before they
could reply Aunt Deborah's hand was on Ruth'