s the river, but returned to Philadelphia, much disappointed
that the Marquis de Lafayette was not their prisoner.

Lafayette likewise marched back to Valley Forge, where he was received
with great joy.

The soldier who had taken Ruth's message found an opportunity to tell
Lafayette that the news that had saved his army had been brought by a
little girl.

"She came running up the hill calling your name, sir. A little girl with
yellow hair and blue eyes," said the soldier.

"Would you know her if you saw her again?" questioned the young
Frenchman.

"I should indeed, sir," was the quick reply.

Aunt Deborah had not questioned Ruth when, flushed and tired, she came
running back to the house on the morning when the Americans had so
easily made their escape, thanks to Ruth's message, from the
overwhelming armies of the English. For a number of days Ruth did not
venture beyond the garden, and when, a week later, her father opened the
gate and called "Ruth!" she ran to meet him, feeling sure that now
everything was sure to come right, and that she and her father could
soon return to Philadelphia.

But Mr. Pennell was not alone; there was a tall smiling soldier just
behind him, and near the gate a graceful figure on horseback that Ruth
recognized as Lafayette.

Aunt Deborah came hurrying to welcome Mr. Pennell; the soldier had
turned back, and was standing beside the mounted officer, who soon
dismounted and came slowly up the path.

"Lieutenant Pennell, I have to thank your little maid for a very great
service," he said, as he took Ruth's hand, and smiled down on the
little girl; and then he told first of Ruth's warning that his capture
was planned by General Howe, and then of her warning of an advancing
army against his troops.

"I came this morning that I might thank her for her loyal service to
America and to me," he said, bending low to kiss the warm little hand
that rested in his own.

It was indeed a wonderful day for Ruth Pennell.

After Lafayette rode away she told the story to her surprised and
astonished father, while Aunt Deborah listened as if she could hardly
believe her own ears.

Lieutenant Pennell had been given a week's furlough, and was quite sure
that it would be possible for him to visit his home in Philadelphia,
taking Ruth with him, for the English were leaving the city as rapidly
as possible.

Later in the day Aunt Deborah told Ruth's father of his little
daughter's visit to General Ho