iled.

Andrew Henry drew a long breath.

"But it hardly seems possible they can win. England can put such armies
in the field."

"Yet I think we have shown that patriotism can make good soldiers. There
will be much suffering and Heaven only can foresee the end. Still it is
a glorious thing, and we shall strive hard for freedom."

"Thou art a patriot surely. The little girl must inherit some of thy
blood, for she boldly declared herself a rebel."

"She is an odd, spirited child, with a good deal of her mother's
charming manner. I have grown very fond of her, though I thought myself
too old to take up new loves. Thou must come down to the farm sometime
and see her."

"That I will gladly," was the quick reply.

"And thou must study this matter thou hast heard to-day. It is a great
thing to make a country, and a trust above all others to keep it intact.
And, though thy people are averse to fighting, I see some of them have
ranged themselves already on the side of liberty and the colonies."

"I have a great interest----" Then he paused and flushed. "But it grows
late, and I must bid thee farewell. Give my respects to the little girl
and say I do not forget her."

Every effort was now made to strengthen the defenses, and a bounty was
issued for volunteers. Gun-boats were ordered for the river front and
the manufacture of gunpowder was hurried along. There was much
watchfulness over those suspected of Toryism, or caught carrying away
stores. Occasionally one saw a cart packed with Tories, seated backward
and being driven along to the tune of the Rogue's March, and jeered by
the populace.

Late in the autumn they buried Lois Henry's mother. James Henry gave up
more of the severe work and going about to the young men. Penn Morgan
was large and strong, and grown very fond of his uncle in an admiring
fashion. Andrew puzzled him oftentimes.

Pinches were beginning to be felt and a great part of the commerce
languished. Salt, one of the importations, became very scarce. Stores
and shops were dull enough, and men hung about the streets with nothing
to do.

In November came the news of Howe's successful march and the taking of
Fort Washington. Then he swept onward, dismaying the towns, and when he
reached Trenton he issued a proclamation that won over many who still
hoped in their hearts that by some miracle the colonists would win.

But Philadelphia celebrated the anniversary of her heroic Declaration of
Independence