d settlers and
farmers had served in the army with the leaders of the expedition. And
often, on thinking it over since, I have felt how wise a selection of
men there was; for, as you have yet to learn, it was highly necessary to
have folk who could turn their swords and spears into ploughshares and
sickles; but who, when it was necessary, could turn them back and use
them in the defence of their new homes.

"Have the Indians come back, father?" I asked, eagerly.

He looked round quickly, starting slightly, for he had not seen me
approach, and he was deep in thought.

"No, boy," he said, sighing, "but it seems we are not to enjoy our homes
in peace; a new enemy is in the field."

I looked at him, waiting to hear more, but he was silent, and began
walking slowly to and fro till breakfast was ready.

During the meal he said suddenly--

"Put on the best things you have, my boy. I am going up to the
settlement this morning. I thought you would like to go."

I was not long in getting ready as soon as the meal was ended, and, to
my surprise, I found my father in uniform, and with his sword by his
side; but he looked so quiet and stern that I did not like to question
him, and walked on steadily by his side, as he drew himself up and
marched forward, just as if his clothes had brought back old days, and
made him the stern, firm soldier once more.

It was a glorious walk. The sun was scorchingly hot, but our whole way
was between the great sweet-scented pines, whose needle-like leaves
glistened like silver as they reflected back the sun's beams, and shaded
our way. After a time we began to have glimpses of the big river, and
at last as we approached an opening I caught sight of a large ship, and
uttered an exclamation.

"Yes," said my father, as he saw what had taken my attention; "it is a
fine ship, but unfortunately she is not a friend."

I looked up at him inquiringly.

"Spaniard," he said, laconically. "The Spaniards have a settlement down
in the south, and they have taken it into their heads that we are
trespassers. I am going to be one of those who meet the officers this
morning."

Our walk was soon at an end, and my eyes were busy noting the way in
which houses had sprung up in large patches of land, spread along at a
short distance from the bank of the broad river into which our stream
ran, and evidently marked out regularly and running for some distance
back.

It was the beginning of a town, but