right here, and they were driven away by the
French. And then, some forty years ago, Governor Belcher of
Massachusetts came cruising along this coast, and there was no one at
all here. And, Rebby, Mr. Lyon says there are no such pine forests in
all the colonies as stretch along behind this settlement. But, Rebby,
you are not listening!" and Anna looked reproachfully at her sister.

"Oh, yes, indeed, Danna, I heard every word. And I heard Father say that
very soon there would be a regular school here, with a master, as soon
as America conquers her enemies. But, Danna, do you suppose anyone will
dare touch the liberty pole?" For Rebby's thoughts could not long stray
from Lucia Horton's prediction that it might be cut down.

"What's that?" exclaimed Mr. Weston from the doorway behind them. "Cut
down the liberty pole? Why, there is not a man in Machias who would do
such a traitorous deed."

Rebby's face flushed scarlet at his words, but before she could speak,
her father continued: "Well, Danna, are you ready for a day's tramp with
me to-morrow? I must go up to the mill at Kwapskitchwock Falls, and we
will start early."

"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Danna, jumping up and clasping her father's hand.
"And perhaps we shall catch a salmon above the falls, and broil it over
a fire for our dinner."

"That is what we will hope to do," replied Mr. Weston. "And, Rebby, why
do you not come with us? 'Tis but a few miles, and a day in the woods
will do you good."

"Why, perhaps I shall, if Mother does not need me," Rebby answered. She
so seldom cared for woodland tramps that Anna gave a little exclamation
of surprised delight.

"I'll make a corn-cake to take with us," Rebby added, "and since we
start early I had best bake it to-night," and she went into the kitchen
followed by Anna singing:

"We'll go to the forest of liberty trees,
Where there are rabbits and birds and bees."

Mrs. Weston smiled as she listened. "'Twould indeed be fine if you could
find a store of wild honey in the woods; 'twould be a great help," she
said, measuring out the golden meal for Rebby to use for her corn-cake.
There was no butter or eggs to use in its making, for all food was
getting scarce in most of the loyal households. Rebby scalded the meal
and stirred it carefully, then added milk, and turned the batter into an
iron pan which she set over the fire. When it was cooked it would be a
thin crispy cake that would be appetizing and nourishing. R