t of humility which a moment since
contented itself with metaphorically kissing the ground she walked upon.

"By the way, father, where is Philip?" asked Katharine.

"He went up the branch fishing, with Bentley, I believe."

"But is n't it time they returned? Do you know, I feel nervous about
them; suppose those raiders--"

"Pshaw, child! Still harping on the raiders? and nervous too! What
ails you, daughter? I thought you never were nervous. We Wiltons are
not accustomed to nervousness, you know, and what must our guest think?"

"Nothing but what is altogether agreeable," replied Seymour, a little
too promptly; and then, to cover his confusion, he continued: "But I
think Miss Wilton need feel under no apprehension. Master Philip is
with Bentley, and I would trust the prudence and courage and skill of
that man in any situation. You know my father, who was a shipmaster,
when he died aboard his ship in the China seas, gave me, a little boy
taking a cruise with him, into Bentley's charge, and told him to make a
sailor and a man of me, and from that day he has never left me. At my
house, in Philadelphia, he is a privileged character. There never was
a truer, better, braver man; and as for patriotism, love of country is
a passion with him, colonel. He might set an example to many in higher
station in that particular."

"Yes, I have noticed that peculiarity about the man. I think Philip is
safe enough with him, Katharine, even if those-- Ha! what is that?"
The colonel sprang to his feet, as the sound of a musket-shot rang out
in the night air, followed by one or two pistol-shots and then a
muffled cry.

CHAPTER IV

_Lord Dunmore's Men Pay an Evening Call_

"Oh, father, it must be the raiders! That was Blodgett's voice," cried
Katharine, looking very pale and clasping her hands.

"Let me go and investigate, colonel," said Seymour, leaping to his feet
and seizing his sword.

"Do so, Seymour," cried the colonel, as the sailor hastily left the
room. "Phoebus," to the butler, "go tell Caesar to call the slaves to
the house. You, Scipio," to one of the footmen, "go open the
arm-chest. Katharine, reach me my sword. See that the doors are
closed, Billy," said the colonel to the other servant, rapidly and with
perfect coolness. "I think, Katharine, that perhaps you would better
retire to your room;" but even as he spoke the sound of hurried
footsteps and excited voices outside was heard. After a f