eager to get home. She meant to ask her mother if she
might not go to Barren Hill very soon, perhaps to-morrow. It seemed to
her she could hardly wait that long; for who could tell what the English
soldiers might do before warning could reach Lafayette?

For Ruth had made a great resolve: she would try to let Lafayette know
that the English General meant to do his best to take him a prisoner to
England. Once at Barren Hill Ruth was sure that she could find some way
to reach Washington's camp and warn the young Frenchman.

CHAPTER XIX

THE VISIT

Ruth's mother and aunt listened to her account of her afternoon's
adventure with interest, but when she had finished her mother said:

"I do not blame you, my dear, for accepting Betty's invitation, but I am
surprised that Mrs. Hastings should permit an enemy of America's rights
to become a friend, as it is evident she so regards the young English
officer who lodges there."

In her heart Ruth agreed with her mother. It seemed disloyal even to
have accepted Betty's invitation. Nevertheless Ruth was glad that she
had gone to Southwark; for the conversation she had overheard in regard
to Lafayette seemed of great importance to the little girl. She did not
speak to any one of what she had heard the English officers say, but she
could not explain even to herself why she had not at once told Winnie,
or why she did not now tell her mother. It seemed to Ruth that it was a
secret which she could confide only to one person: to Lafayette
himself.

"May I go to Barren Hill to-morrow, Mother, dear?" she asked earnestly,
as she bade her mother good-night.

"Why, Ruthie! Of course not! Your things are not ready, and we have not
sent Aunt Deborah word to have Farmer Withely call for you," replied her
mother in surprise. "Why are you so anxious to go to-morrow?"

"Oh, Mother! Never mind about my things. And I am sure Farmer Withely
will take me," urged Ruth.

"But do you think it will be quite fair to Aunt Clara?" said Mrs.
Pennell gravely. "You know there are many things you can do to help her
until I am on my feet again. Be patient, Ruthie. You shall go to Barren
Hill as soon as it is possible."

Ruth was ready to cry with disappointment as she went up-stairs to bed.
For a moment she had been tempted to tell her mother her reason for
wanting to go at once to Barren Hill, but she realized that her mother
might say that a little girl could do nothing to protect a great
sold