packet went up last week, the day before you came
back, and is due coming down the river now, while this boat is coming
up," said Katharine.

"Oh, well, I think we are safe enough now; but, to relieve your unusual
anxiety, I will send Blodgett down to the wharf to examine and
report.--Blodgett, do you go down to the boat-landing and keep watch
for an hour or two. Take your musket, man; there is no knowing what
you might need it for."

The old soldier, who had stationed himself behind the colonel's chair,
saluted with military precision, and left the room, saying, "Very good,
sir; I shall let nothing escape my notice, sir."

"Now, Katharine, I hope you are satisfied."

"Yes, father; but if it is the raiders, Blodgett won't be able to stop
them."

"The raiders," laughed the colonel; and pinching his daughter's ear, he
said, "I suspect the only raiders we shall see here will be those who
have designs upon your heart, my bonny Kate,--eh, Seymour?"

"They would never dare to wear a British uniform in that case, father,"
she retorted proudly.

"Well, Seymour, I hear, through an express from Congress to-day, that
Captain Jones has been ordered to command the Ranger, and that the new
flag--we will drink to it, if you please; yes, you too, Katharine; God
bless every star and stripe in it--will soon be seen on the ocean."

"It will be a rare sight there, sir," said Seymour; "but it will not be
long before the exploits of the Ranger will make it known on the high
seas, if rumor does not belie her captain."

"I trust so; but do you know this Captain Jones?"

"Not at all, sir, save by reputation; but I am told he has one
requisite for a successful officer."

"And what is that?"

"He will fight anything, at any time, or at any place, no matter what
the odds."

Colonel Wilton smiled. "Ah, well, if it were not for men of that kind,
our little navy would never have a chance."

"No, father, nor the army, either; if we waited for equality before
fighting, I am afraid we should wait forever."

"True, Katharine. By the way, have you seen Talbot to-day?"

"No, father."

"I wish that we might enlist his services in the cause. I don't think
there is much doubt about Talbot himself, is there?"

"No. It is his mother, you know; she is a loyalist to the core. As
were her ancestors, so is she."

The colonel nodded gently; he had a soft spot in his heart for the
subject of their discussion. "With her teaching and tra