d they are going
to take Ruth too," Winifred finished nearly in tears.

"I will go and speak with these officers," said Aunt Deborah calmly.
"Thee need not be troubled, Winifred. Thee and Ruth had best come with
me so they can see how dangerous an enemy they have to arrest," and Aunt
Deborah smiled so reassuringly that Winifred took courage, and followed
Aunt Deborah to the door. They were soon in the Merrill's' garden, just
in time to meet two English soldiers with Gilbert between them coming
down the steps.

Aunt Deborah went forward smilingly.

"Thee does not mean to take this lad from his home," she said, speaking
to the elder of the two men. "He has done nothing worthy of thy notice,
and his mother can ill spare him."

"That may be, madam. But we must obey orders. We have to take G. Merrill
and R. Pernell to General Howe," the man answered civilly.

"Here is R. Pernell," said Aunt Deborah, her hand resting protestingly
on Ruth's shoulder. "Surely thee does not mean to take this little
girl?"

The soldiers seemed somewhat surprised at this, but repeated that they
must obey orders. Gilbert did not seem at all afraid; he took Ruth by
the hand, and told her that it was nothing to be alarmed about. Mrs.
Merrill, Aunt Deborah, Ruth's mother and Winifred kept close to the
"prisoners" as the little party made its way down the street toward the
headquarters of the English General.

CHAPTER XI

A LONG ROAD

"What is this?" called a pleasant voice, and the two soldiers halted
instantly and saluted a young officer who blocked their way.

"If thee please, sir, there has been a mistake made," said Aunt Deborah,
and proceeded to tell the story of the birthday entertainment that the
children had given for Mrs. Merrill.

The young officer listened gravely.

"As you say, madam, they are but children; but such games find little
favor among loyal English people," he responded.

"But thee must remember we are Americans," said Aunt Deborah fearlessly.
The young officer turned and walked beside them. Now and then he smiled
as if amused by his own thoughts, but he said nothing more until they
reached the headquarters of the General.

"Wait here a moment," he said, and ran up the steps.

"I shall tell them that Ruth had nothing to do with it, and that I am
the only one to blame," Gilbert said to Mrs. Pernell. "Of course they
won't punish any one but me."

Before Mrs. Pernell could reply the young officer appear