tchie" would upset the
sled; so her cousin gave up the project.

"We can go on the lake just below Mrs. Tuttle's house, and skate along
the shore home; can't we, Cousin Faith?" asked Donald, after they had
stopped at Mrs. Willis' house and that of the clergyman.

"Let's call and get Louise," suggested Faith.

"Oh, there won't be time. Look, there goes an English soldier into the
shoemaker's now. The boys all say that the shoemaker is an English
spy," answered Donald.

They were nearly in front of Mr. Trent's shop now, and Faith noticed
that the soldier was the one who had been on the lake the previous
day, and who had called her "a little rebel."

"Come to the back door, Donald. Just a moment, while I speak to
Louise. And make 'Scotchie' keep still," said Faith, turning into the
path leading to the back door.

"Scotchie" was barking fiercely as if he resented the sight of the
redcoat.

The soldier turned quickly. "Stop that dog before I put a bullet into
him," he called.

"He's afraid," Donald whispered to Faith, with a word to "Scotchie,"
and Faith ran up the path and entered the house.

Donald and "Scotchie" stood waiting, the dog growling now and then,
whenever the soldier moved about on the door-step. It was evident that
the shoemaker was not at home, for no answer came to the raps. In a
moment Louise appeared at the door and told the man that her father
was not at home.

"Send that boy with the dog about his business," said the soldier.

"'Tis the public road, sir; and 'tis not likely he'd mind what I might
say," responded Louise smilingly, as she closed the door.

Donald rested his mittened hand on "Scotchie's" head.

"You needn't be afraid. I won't let him hurt you," Donald called.

The soldier came down the path scowling.

"I've a great mind to kick the beast," he said.

"You'd better not," said Donald.

Evidently the man agreed, for he went past as quickly as possible.
Donald watched him with a little scornful smile. The boy was not old
enough to realize, as Faith did, the difference between these hired
soldiers of England, and the brave Americans who were ready to
undertake any sacrifice to secure the freedom of their country, but he
was a brave boy, and thought poorly of this soldier's courage.

Louise listened to Faith's hurried account of the proposed quilting
party.

"And you must come too, Louise," she concluded, "and come early."

Louise promised. She had never been to a quiltin